Trust In Me (Loki)

[Loki]

Loki couldn't help but smile at how stubborn and determined the boy was. He chuckled softly, being reminded of himself when he was little. It was so familiar it was almost scary. Loki ruffled the boy's hair and replied calmly "I understand your frustrations and I concur with you. You do need to learn to protect yourself. It is more likely for you to be safe when you're prepared to fight back. Especially when you're young, people will immediately assume you aren't prepared. It is best I train you in a specific environment good for your needs"

Loki then smiled as Pinnochio confirmed his trust. The god then nodded as he was thanked. It wasn't a problem. Loki wasn't a overprotective parent like most of these adults seemed to be. He was caring and protective, but Loki was a tad more realistic than the rest. He then patted the boy's shoulder as he expressed more fear for his life "Enough, now. You do not need to worry about my life. It is impossible. No one can kill a god, no matter what world we're in. I will not be stupid but just believe me when I say, nothing can really kill me. I can get hurt but nothing will stop me from helping your parents get what they need" Loki was being determined and brutally stubborn. If only to prevent his own fear and paranoia from getting to him. Unbeknownst to the boy, Pinnochio's words were slowly getting to him.

"Nothing will, young one. I promise" Loki assured as he noticed the boy genuinely get concerned. It was touching and flattering for Loki to have a young boy worry for him. Loki was mutually in concern for pinnochio. He was really starting to enjoy and love the kid. Like a little nephew he never got to have yet. He couldn't help it, Loki liked kids more than adults. Then they were outside and Loki finished his trick, he was shocked to get praise and applause. No one since thor or his mother did that. Loki was shocked for the longest time, mostly due to having people react more with fear than awe. The god eventually gave a smile replying "Thank you" He then had a small idea "Would you like to learn magic, my young one?"

[Pinocchio Black]

Pinocchio grinned as Loki ruffled his hair and smiled at him.

"You're the first person to actually listen to me. Sometimes I think my parents just try to protect me and don't care. I was kidnapped in a fight but I could easily get kidnapped here. I mean they've broken here to rescue captives before. And then Facilier's army tried to capture me when they failed to take over. I'm in danger no matter where I am. At least if I can fight I can protect myself." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio sighed in relief.

"I wish I could be a god and make everyone in this army one. Or at least immortal. I don't want anyone else to die. I didn't know that blonde woman well but she died a few weeks ago. I think her name was Molly or was it Polly?" said Pinocchio.

He felt bad he couldn't remember her name right but someone would know it.

"They'd better not. Or they'll regret it." said Pinocchio.

He grinned at him.

"Your welcome." said Pinocchio.

He froze in shock at Loki's question and grinned.

"YES! I'd love to! Thank you!" said Pinocchio.

He then leapt forward and hugged Loki almost knocking the god over the processr but Pinocchio was just too excited to notice.

"Can we start now?" asked Pinocchio, unable to hide his excitement.

Loki

[Loki]

Loki smiled, realizing this boy had a very strong argument. Loki was a man who did believe children were entitled to stand up for themselves. He was no pacifist. Pinnochio wasn't wrong either. They captured him once, they would be more than happy to try again. Especially when they were under the impression that he was weak. Loki, still, did want the boy to be safe in a way. So he nodded to the boy and replied, gently "You cannot fight every battle and I doubt you'll fight big ones. But there is always the chance you will be forced into a corner. So you will train, I will give you private lessons if I have to. But I'll talk to your parents. And bring your arguments" He was willing to vouch for the boy. Plus it'd get him in tune with his parents faster. Also, he did like the boy's determination and spirit.

Loki gave a soft, amused laugh, ruffling the boy's hair more "Oh my dear boy, you have much to learn. There is no escape from injury, harm or even death. We gods are immortal but we are not invincible. We have weaknesses also that can easily sap our immortality" Realizing he was being a bit too amused with the boy's genuine concern, Loki held him close, growing much gentler "You have heart. That is very good. Do not lose your heart, young one. Many will try to steal it from you"

Loki's gentle mood grew to genuine flattery and amusement as Pinnochio threatened to make Loki's enemies pay. He laughed gently, affectionately patting the young boy's shoulder "You have such spirit! You will be a leader in no time!" He then saw the boy run and give him a hug. Surprised and unaware, Loki nearly tripped but caught his footing. He smiled, feeling more relief and happiness than he did in a long time and hugged back just before Pinnochio excitedly demanded they started. Loki laughed picking the boy up to sit and replying "Of course we can" He then replied calmly with a wry smirk "Alright. First we will learn to make a apple. Simple" He then replied, holding pinnochio's hands "Now put your hands out for me then we will start the spell"

[Pinocchio Black]

Pinocchio sighed.

"I know I can't. No one here fights in every battle. But we're smaller than when we started with our army splitting in two. Critic's army is bigger than ever. We should have every person fighting who can." said Pinocchio.

He was surprised Loki said he'd vouch for him.

"Maybe if they agree to it you could mention that you are gonna train me. I know you'd teach me how to protect myself but you wouldn't go too easy on me as the others would. The rest are my friends or afraid of what my family might do to them." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio frowned.

"I wish there was a way to keep you safe. I don't want anything to happen to you." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio grinned at Loki ruffled his hair and spoke to him.

"You really think I could be a leader one day?" asked Pinocchio, pleased with Loki's confidence in him.

Pinocchio was surprised as Loki picked him up but he was still grinning.

"Okay." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio held out his gloved hands to Loki while sitting in his lap.

[Loki]

Loki was shocked to see how observant the child was. Despite himself he couldn't help but wonder how the child was so wise. Sure it may have to do with being with so many distrustful people so quickly but it couldn't have been just that. Loki himself wasn't this observant growing up. He nodded "I understand your concerns, my young one. But size is not always a issue. It is how you use the size of your army. I am sure your parents will work things out" At least he hoped so. Sure, Loki was risking a lot depending on other people but betraying the only allies he had was a stupid thing even for him.

Loki listened to Pinnochio's advice and nodded. It was true. Although Loki had a soft spot for the boy, he was by no means a pushover. Loki started training at the same age pinnochio did and was pushed to be a warrior himself. Sure he learned more sorcery and tricks but he still had to train with weaponry and battle just like every boy in asgard did. So he saw no harm in children learning to fight. If anything, he felt the adults were going soft on the children. He nodded "I'm sure I can convince your parents that I am training you. After all, I am a silvertongue for a reason" He winked at the boy, grinning slyly

"Believe me child, nothing will. And if something did, that would mean no one would need me anymore" That last sentence had a slight hint of sadness. But Loki smiled at the boy and affectionately patted his head "But I have many tricks to pull so I will not be gone any time soon" He wanted to be playful with the boy. Something about this child made him feel less restricted. Made him feel more or less able to be himself. Still, pinnochio himself didn't understand what gods could do to protect themselves if the worst thing happened. So Loki couldn't understand why Pinnochio cared so much.

"Of course. Leaders need a attitude of ferocity, of courage. A wise king does not always seek out war..." He paled at what he realized what he was saying but finished so he could not leave the boy confused "But.. he must always be ready for it" He coughed awkwardly "What I mean my boy is that with this spirit of yours, you will be even better than your father" He then winked "But don't tell him I told you that. It'll be our little secret" He felt a connection to the boy. Almost just like a father to pinnochio but the thing was Ask Thatguy was his father, not him. But loki couldn't help but feel disappointed all the same.

He then looked at Pinnochio as he obeyed his instructions. He then whispered to Pinnochio "Now imagine a apple in your hands. Imagining it is the first step. Then I want you to repeat the words after me, understand?"

[Pinocchio Black]

Pinocchio nodded.

"I'm sure they'll figure it out sooner or later. At least I hope so." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio grinned.

"That's great. I'd love to learn how to fight more. Although I guess it's just an excuse to spend time with my favorite uncle." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio paused seeing him sad and he wrapped Loki into a hug.

"Then it will never happen. Because you will always be needed. By this army, by Queen La, and by me. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." said Pinocchio.

He pulled out of the hug reluctantly as Loki spoke again.

"I'm sure you have several tricks to use. And probably wouldn't use them all." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio grinned as Loki spoke again.

"If that day ever came I hoped I'd make you proud. And Mom, Dad and the others." said Pinocchio.

He giggled as Loki said he might be one day better than his father.

"I find that hard to believe. My parents are so incredible. But maybe it will be true." said Pinocchio.

He paused as Loki gave him instructions. Pinocchio kept doing them as Loki told him to imagine an apple into his hands.

"Alright. I'll try." said Pinocchio.

He focused on a nice red apple in his imagination.

"Repeat the words? Ok." said Pinocchio.

(ooc: And now I'm tempted forLoki to become Pinocchio's godfather. xd)

[Loki]

(OCC: Oh dear god I'm so open for that. Loki as his godfather and/or uncle is like such a sweet idea. Also the language used is icelandic thought it'd be cool to actually use different words)

"Worry not about that, leave it to your parents to figure out. I assure you they are fine people and have a good way of leading this army" Although Loki mostly said this to boost pinnochio's confidence, he did have a respect for Dark Nella and her fiance. The two were good planners and definitely had intimidation factors about them, they did demand respect and usually got it by any means necessary. He then smirked amusedly, and warmly, as Pinnochio referred to him as his favorite uncle. It felt surprisingly appropriate. Pinnochio was not his son yet felt like one so nephew was the next best thing. He then replied with a warm, but firm, tone "Now although you flatter me, if you want to fight that is what you're going to do when you're training with me. I may care about you deeply but I must push you to be prepared, because you are correct, a time will come where you will need to be ready"

"My young one, do not worry about that day. Because it will never come. I am experienced and can fully take care of myself" Loki wanted to assure the boy some more, seeing how caring the boy was for him in his sadness. He felt a bit guilty of showing sadness to the boy, he was just a child and didn't deserve to feel such pressure. Being a leader's son should not have to be difficult but it was. Loki hugged him back, gently rubbing his back, feeling some love for the boy "I assure you. You will not lose me my nephew"

"The fact you are willing to fight for your army and have such courage already makes me proud, my young one" Loki assured, smiling warmly as the child desired for his approval. But that was the thing, loki did not feel the boy needed it, he already had it. He wanted the child to be clear that loki was his number one supporter. Did loki love his parents? Not exactly. He was friendly and loyal for army benefit, but if there was one thing he enjoyed is that they had such a loving, wonderful son. Loki did adore the boy, that was for sure. Loki laughed at the boy's lack of confidence "Come now, have pride in yourself. Do not be so modest, you are a fine boy and you can become a great man with the right mindset"

"Alright. Here it is" He took a deep breath, remembering the spell, then he told the words out for pinnochio to repeat "færðu mér ávöxt"

[Pinocchio Black]

(ooc: awesome. i think both ask that guy and dark nella would approve of it. especially with loki teaching him magic and being already overprotective of him. not many could overpower/get past loki. so they couldn't ask for a better uncle/godfather/bodyguard xD)

Pinocchio grinned.

"I guess you're right." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio nodded, excitedly.

"Thank you. And I understand. You'll push me but not too far. Maybe we'll take breaks or short sessions at first. But in time I'll be good. As much as I wish it could be done quickly that's not realistic." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio smiled.

"Good. Although if anyone ever did I'd find a way to bring you back. You're my friend, my teacher, and like family to me. No one hurts people I care about and gets away with it." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio was more shocked as he grinned sheepishly.

"I make you proud?" asked Pinocchio.

Pinocchio grinned.

"Thank you." said Pinocchio.

He paused as he spoke some words and Pinocchio repeated them.

""færðumérávöxt" said Pinocchio, a little too fast.

A red apple did appear in his hands but it began to glow as it was unstable. Pinocchio gasped as it felt hot he dropped it and it exploded in energy as it hadn't been fully formed as apple pieces went everywhere on the tree, on Pinocchio and on Loki.

Pinocchio blushed as his face turned red. He then saw the mess was on Loki and he frowned.

"I'm sorry. I'll get some towels or something." said Pinocchio.

He turned running inside grabbing towels but stopping to wipe away tears from his face. It was only a minor setback but he still felt like a failure.

"What did I do wrong?" whispered Pinocchio.

He began looking for the towels.

[Loki]

(OCC: Oh for sure they'll approve. It's official. Loki is now officially Pinnochio's uncle. No take backs. Loki is his uncle and loki will fight to the death for him. Loki is definitely gonna back pinnochio up because he genuinely loves the kid. I love it)

Loki nodded in satisfaction as Pinnochio trusted his words and let the worry go. He wanted pinnochio to not worry about so much, he was still young to have some things rely on his parents. Too much pressure was on the boy already, Loki wanted to relieve some parts of it. Loki then grinned approvedly as pinnochio found it fair that loki was going to push him but not to the point of exhaustion. Loki nodded "Of course. We will start with short sessions and it will get longer as we go along. But even then you'll still have breaks. It is not realistic and puts too much pressure on yourself. With time, as you rightfully said, you will do wonderfully" He was quite refreshed to have such a bright, kind child and felt more comfortable around this boy than with anyone ever. Damn, what was it with this kid that was so special? Maybe loki was just growing soft? Or maybe this boy was genuine and sincere unlike the rest of the world?

Loki then smiled warmly, before chuckling gently, ruffling the boy's hair one more time "Ah such spirit and heart you have, young one. Such spirit is rare to see these days. The world could use more people like you, pinnochio" He meant that too. It was true. The boy was a rare sight and it was even more important to loki that he cherish it. He then nodded firmly with a big smile as pinnochio asked if he really meant it when he said he was proud. He then was paying attention as pinnochio did the spell but with too much power. Suddenly the apple exploded on them both, making a massive mess. Loki felt hot apple pieces on him but was about to express that it was relatively harmless when he saw the child race to the house with tears in his eyes. It was natural for the child to feel defeated, especially when the boy clearly took this seriously. But Loki didn't like that the boy was crying over it. Not because it was bad to cry, but Pinnochio took things to heart so much and it broke his heart. Loki went up, snapped his fingers to clean himself up and went after the boy.

He saw the boy clearly upset and trying to find towels. The sight of how messy and sad pinnochio was so saddening to Loki himself. Loki went over to the boy and stopped him from looking around before sitting him on a chair and snapping his fingers for both a hankerchief to wipe tears and a towel to wipe him clean. Loki assured gently, smiling kindly "You did nothing wrong, young one. It is perfectly normal to not get it right the first time. It was simply you speaking too fast but that's nothing wrong, accidents happen" Loki cleaned the boy's clothes and face before seeing the boy's tears. Loki frowned sadly at that, feeling very sorry for the boy "You're too hard on yourself. You're such a sweet boy" He took the hankerchief and wiped the boy's tears gently "Please stop crying, you did not do anything wrong. If anything that was a excellent first try. Mistakes are what make you stronger, not weaker" Loki held the boy's chin and replied to him "Do not ever think of this as a reflection of who you are. You are not your mistakes"

[Pinocchio Black]

(ooc: Awesome. godfather or uncle whichever you want is fine by me. xd)

Pinocchio grinned.

"Thank you." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio nodded.

"I understand. Things take practice. Will be fun to try though." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio blushed at Loki's praise.

"Thanks." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio was still upset as Loki cleaned up the mess. He sat down sniffling a little as he nodded.

""So I said it too fast?" asked Pinocchio, curiously.

Pinocchio sighed.

"I have to be. Because everyone else is too easy. I can't just let my parents and brothers shove me in a room when there's a battle. We've been attacked here too. I have to at least prtoect myself, and my friends." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio sighed.

"Sometimes it feels like it. But I'll try." said Pinocchio.

[Loki]

(OCC: Uncle fits him better. It's like a second father without actually saying it)

Loki smiled as the boy thanked him and then beamed a bit as pinnochio enthusiastically replied that practice was good, and that it would be fun. Loki replied gently "Ah, that's the spirit. You'll make a fine student" Loki then cleaned up the rest of pinnochio's mess, not thinking too much on the mistake as much as his little student did. But he could tell the boy took this seriously. It was better to take it seriously than not. But the boy's sensitive heart tended to make this a bit more personal than it needed to be. Hence why loki was trying to calm him down. He nodded "Yes. When you recite too slowly or too fast, it results in the whole spell being compromised. Again, it takes practice"

He then frowned a bit as Pinnochio said he had to be hard on himself. If he wasn't he would not improve and not get stronger. He shook his head "Taking responsibility and wanting to achieve well is one thing. Getting upset over minor mistakes is another. There's nothing wrong with expecting yourself to do well, but there is in pushing yourself down when bad things happen. Bad things will happen regardless, you will get better with patience and time" He then nodded a bit as pinnochio admitted it was easier said than done. That it sometimes just felt like mistakes defined you. Loki understood all too well. He then put the boy down and replied "Come. Let us try again" He then took pinnochio outside.

He sat pinnochio down in the same place they were in outside. He then went behind pinnochio replying encouragingly "Now try again, repeat the words, a little slower this time" He then said the words "færðu mér ávöxt"

[Pinocchio Black]

Pinocchio grinned.

"I know I will because I've got the best teacher in all the universes." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio nodded.

"Okay. Then I really need to say this right. Maybe I should try saying the spell before I put something that could splat applesauce all over me. If I can't get the words right then magic would only backfire on me." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio sighed.

"I understand. I just want to do the best I can. And make you proud." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio grinned as Loki said to try again.

Pinocchio nodded repeating his words.

""færðu mér ávöxt"

Pinocchio looked up at Loki curiously.

"I said it right this time. I think." said Pinnocchio.

[Loki]

Loki couldn't help but smile as pinnochio continued to praise him. He felt surprisingly flattered with the child's words. But the mature part of him decided to be a bit modest and not soak it all in at once. He then ruffled the boy's hair affectionately as pinnochio promised to practice his words alongside his spells and replied "Oh most certainly. It is best to make sure you say it correctly. I will make sure you learn the words correctly with each spell I teach you"

He then replied "This small spell with the apple is only the first one we will try today. The more you get used to working with magic, you will get even better. It takes time, young one" He then listened as pinnochio explained he wanted to do his best. That he wanted Loki to be proud of him. He smiled softly and patted the boy's shoulder kindly, replying fondly "Pinnochio, you already make me proud by being so willing to try and take this seriously" He then stood beside pinnochio as he rehearsed the spell correctly and suddenly a apple in plain sight appeared before them both and landed on loki's hand. Loki grabbed it and beamed with pride and replied cheerfully "You did! Well done, my boy! Excellent!" He then gave the boy the apple and replied "Keep this up and you might be even better than me someday!" He then gave a questioning look "Let us try another small spell shall we?"

[Pinocchio Black]

Pinocchio grinned.

"Then I'll make sure I say it right." said Pinocchio.

He paused.

"Do you think we could create a place where magic wouldn't work? Like a small bubble or something? That way I could learn how to say things right without making something blow up or set on fire." said Pinocchio.

Something like that might take for Loki to make so he could do it next time. Or whenever Loki was able to create it.

Pinocchio sighed.

"I know. I guess it's not as easy as it looks. But I do want to learn." said Pinocchio.

Pinocchio grinned seeing the apple appeared and it had worked.

"I really did it!" said Pinocchio.

He took the apple from Loki.

"Maybe. But I think that'd be impossible. Because while I'm getting better so are you." said Pinocchio.

He nodded.

"What kind did you have in mind?" asked Pinocchio.

[Loki]

(OCC: Now I'm thinking of either a subboard for magic training or it's own board for the magic users in general lmao)

Loki nodded proudly as pinnochio promised to correctly practice his incantations. He then listened as the boy wisely asked a question. Loki replied "As a matter of fact, your mother and I have discussed this very issue. We have many powerful beings here who use or rely on magic. We have been constructing a small training center that can handle magic. It will take time though I am afraid" He looked down, a bit humbled and embarrassed. If a six week old child could think up of smart decisions why couldn't immortal adults like him? It was a bit ironic.

"It will not be easy. But practice will definitely help you" Loki admitted. He then smiled at pinnochio's joy. He was a bit relieved this child was taking this as seriously as it was. He was also a bit flattered of the child's praise in him once more. He even laughed a bit "Don't sell yourself too short. You never know. With magic, anything is possible" He then ruffled the boy's hair once again. The pride within him increasing as his friend was showing immense potential.

He then smirked amusedly "Well I was thinking of something more fun but a bit challenging" He then disappeared from pinnochio's sight and teleported five to six feet away. He then teleported back again back to pinnochio "I was thinking we can try teleporting next" He then smirked some more "What do you think? Could be fun"