Disclaimer: I can't even manage to find copies of the manga. What makes you think I own the rights?

Author's Note: So this follows the anime, and the anime only. Since, as those of you who read the disclaimer now know, I can't find the manga anywhere. (Sad panda!) I am aware that, according to the manga, Hel is still alive. YEA! :D But, for the sake of this fic, we're playing with the anime!cannon idea that she died in episode 25. (I also realize the paradox of "death dying." All I can say to that is… well, it's a fanfic. XD;)

Warnings: Spoilers through episode 25 of "Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok." Contains LokixMayura!

XXX

Again

XXX

"While with an eye made quiet by the power of harmony and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things."

He knows it is no coincidence that these words are the first to leap to his mind; these words, accompanied by an overpowering rush of astonishment and thrill. Made numb, made silent—standing stock-still in the sunny linoleum bedroom, filled with peace and pleasure and so much life.

'Isn't that Wordsworth?'

New life.

"Sweet Hel…"

"Loki?"

His wife—breathless and tired and still rosy from childbirth—tilts her dewy head, apprehension in her voice. Her crimson stare darts from his face to his hands, both of which tremble… a bouquet of sunflowers has fallen, scattering across the floor.

'It's over, right? It's kind of a shame that after realizing my dream, it must end.'

He returns the gaze, albeit subconsciously; leaf-green eyes trail down Mayura's body: slipping over the curve of her cheek, the planes of her neck— following the messy braid that traces the round of her shoulder, ending at her elbow. And there, cushioned by the gently bent joint and a plethora of clean blankets, is their baby.

'I'm sorry…'

She is beautiful, pale, and perfect. Perfect in a way that only a newborn can be: all mystery and wonder and newness. And yet, at the same time…

'Do you think…'

His heart thrums faster and faster as he notices—as he realizes—as his quivering fingers touch one of their child's messy pink curls…

And emerald eyes flutter open, meeting his own.

'…I could someday be your daughter again?'

"Loki?"

Mayura's voice reminds him of the present. With effort, the god manages to tear his gaze away from his daughter's, though he continues to hold that lock of hair: delicately, yet desperately— as if afraid of letting go. He looks up, and is surprised by the worried expression that meets him, that has darkened his wife's face. Why does she look so anxious? He wants to ask but—how odd, a lump has formed in his throat…

"Loki," Mayura murmurs, her concern cutting through his thoughts. "Is something wrong? You're crying…"

What?

Startled, the god blinks. That was unexpected—his lashes are heavy and cold. Moist. He is crying… How ironic; the last time he'd cried had been when Hel… But he shake the memory away, his stunned expression melting in the wake of the growing warmth in his heart.

"Of course."

"Nothing's wrong," he whispers, leaning forward to kiss his wife's clammy forehead. She relaxes and grins, reassured; he beams, chuckles, and holds out his arms, gingerly accepting their baby into his embrace. "Nothing is wrong," he quietly repeats, cheeks pinking as the squirming bundle cuddles closer to his chest. He finds himself marveling over her warm, gentle weight: so tiny, so fragile, so alive. "Quite the opposite, in fact…"

Safe in her father's arms, Hel hiccups, yawns, and drifts back to sleep. A contented, peaceful sleep… Loki feels his smile soften, colored by affection and fresh, happy tears.

"Everything is just as it should be."

"You shall forever be my daughter, Hel."

XXX

Ending Note: Because when you mix Loki's eyes and hairstyle with Mayura's physique and hair color, you get Hel. XD