It had been five years since the battle in New York, with Loki going insane with the Tesseract's power, and trying to take over Earth; during the long period of time the god of mischief was locked away on Asgard. With some convincing from Thor as well as Lady Frigg, and good behavior on Loki's part, Odin allowed the Avengers to take the god under their watch; basically, like parole. Director Fury was hesitant to take the man in; after all, he did destroy over half the city. After a personal meeting with the All-Father, Fury found it okay to move Loki into his old cell at the Avengers tower. As long as Loki followed the guide lines of his parole, he would be able to move about more comfortably outside of his cell.
"Stay in sight of one of the Avengers at all times." Director Fury removed the mask from Loki's face as well as the handcuffs that bound his hands together. He held his hands out obediently as Tony slapped two metal bracelets onto his wrists. They were cold as ice and fitted tightly against his skin, the red light in the shape of an 'A' blinked three times before dying down.
"Alright, Reindeer games. These are monitored by Jarvis every three seconds on destination, they will send out an alert to every S.H.E.I.L.D. agent member if they are tampered with; Possibly self-destruct. But you won't find out unless you try, right?" Tony's eyebrows raised in question as he smirked at the god who only rolled his eyes.
"No leaving the building, no magic, and no hot Senoritas, ci?"
Loki fought the urge to shrug the mortals hands off of him, it felt degrading to even be placed in the Avengers tower in the first place. But he had to look on the bright side of the situation, he wasn't being left to rot away in the dungeons of Asgard where everyone spit his name with venom. He didn't know how long he would be watched like a hawk, but he hoped he gained his freedom of privacy soon.
Odin had placed a specially designed spell on the god of lies and mischief so he couldn't use his magic without it severely draining of him of his energy; it brought back memories of him as a child, training with his magic. It took him three years to be able to cast one of the simplest of spells without feeling exhausted. His mother was what kept him motivated through the times he doubted himself. He used to be excited to show Thor of what spells he learned, but his older brother slowly started shunning him when the Warriors Three came into the picture. Then, the wedge seemed to be driven further when rumors was started by his elder brother and his friends. At first, the rumors were small minor things like who forgot to unsaddle their horse, or sneaking food.
As they all grew into teenagers, the rumors escalated to where he was forced to stay in his room in the attempt to lower his embarrassment. Loki was made out to be a fool as people started believing he had half anthropomorphic children, such as Iormungand (his 'snake son'), Fenris (his 'wolf son'), Sleipner (his 'horse son'), and even Hela (his 'half-skeleton and half-god daughter'). He failed to see how anyone would believe such ridiculous stories that sounded, as they were, made by children. It only proved peoples idiocy and naivety to believe anything they were told.
"It's okay, Man of Iron. I'm certain my brother shall behave greatly, he has been quite well on Asgard." Thor's voice boomed loudly in Loki's ear causing him to send a sharp glare. His brother's loudness wasn't something he ever liked, even when he did get along with Thor.
"Shall I bow before my king for such praise?" Loki smirked as his brothers smile seem to falter, he liked seeing Thor frown.
"Let us keep the peace." He muttered surprisingly lowly for being the thunder god.
"So what do you plan on doing now that you have a fair slice of freedom?" Bruce asked from the couch as he watched Clint and Natasha play Halo on the Xbox; Clint pulling just barely into first place due to his experience with electronics. Steve and Tony had already placed their bets earlier; Steve with Natasha, Tony with Clint.
Loki thought of what the scientist asked, he would usually read in his free time, do magic, or travel. He rather not read unless completely necessary, as that's all he has been able to do for the past few years. It grew tiring, especially when he ran out of educational books. Magic, of course, was out of the question; he was very limited on what could do. Traveling violated his parole, he had to stay in the building and within sight of one of the mortal heroes. He blinked, attempting to think of something to do; other than the one thing that was eating away at his mind. It was not safe to do, even though it was quite simple, since Odin had probably planted Thor by his side as a monitor and messenger. Heimdall was a upright man, so he had no worries with the Guardian.
Loki scowled, it had far too long since he was free of Odin's grasp. A call couldn't hurt, right?
"May I borrow a cellular device?" Loki asked causing Bruce's eyebrows to shoot up in surprise. Director Fury narrowed his eyes at the god, why would a god need a phone?
"Wow, I didn't think you would know what that is." Tony said scratching his head. Loki chose not to comment on the billionaire's input; the calmer he was, the more likely he was able to get what he wanted. Thor frowned at his younger brother.
"What shall you do with such a tiny thing?" He questioned in confusion. Such technologies were never needed in Asgard.
"I need to make a... 'call' I believe that what you mortals named it." Loki thought back hard, it had been quite a while since he brushed up on his cultures and technologies of Midgard.
With a nod of permission from Fury, Tony was slow to pull out the small touch screen phone and hand it to the green-eyed god. Everyone seemed to turn back to their spots, continuing on with their activities; however, they stared at Loki from the corners of their eyes as he made his way to the bar and seated himself quite a distance from the others.
He turned the black rectangle slowly in his hands, feeling his stomach turn about in what he could only identify as nerves. Tapping a random button on the side of the cellular device, he watched the screen come to life to show a picture of Tony on the front in a pair of glasses with a arrogant smile on his unshaven face. Loki scowled at the picture as he attempted to get the man's face to disappear from view. He had seen many people bury their faces in these small devices, they couldn't be that hard to manage, correct?
He pushed his finger against the glass screen and looked at the various circles that held little images; one was a yellow flower, a pen, an envolope, and... a phone? Hesitantly clicking the circle, he felt a little bit of relief when a pad of numbers appeared beneath his fingertips. Without much thought, he typed in the number that had been sketched into his mind for several years. He paused over the button titled 'send'. Glancing back at the group of mortals and his brother, he quickly muttered a silent spell.
He felt his shoulders droop dramatically as his energy dissipated into thin air, leaving him weary. Even though he was warned, it still caught him off guard by the large amount of electricity that jolted his body, his muscles stiffening painfully as it ran its course throughout his body. It wasn't the simplest of spells to preform; the whole purpose was to disguise the phone number as well as the location of the people on either side of the phone. The signal would bounce between every tower and electronic device; making it hard to pinpoint an exact location. Such caution was deemed necessary in Loki's eyes. After all, it wasn't no one else's business besides his own of whom he contacted.
He took a deep breath to compose himself as he pressed send quickly and held the phone carefully against his ear. The air seemed suffocating as he waited for someone to pick up the phone, anyone at all.
"Hello?" A familiar elderly voice spoke causing Loki to clench his jaw. He despised the woman more than any other mortal, she had no respect towards her superiors. Loki kept silent as he mulled over hanging up, but he really didn't know when he would have the chance to call again. Why must it have been the old lady to answer?
The woman must have felt his aura through the phone; dominate, intimidating, and ... silent.
"So the 'mighty god' decides to call, am I right?" She asked sounding like she would rather be anywhere but on the phone. Loki kept silent once more, the mortal knew what her job was.
"Cut to the point, mortal." Loki hissed under his breath, making sure he made it to where none of the Avengers could eves drop.
"Do I sound like a servant to you?" She snapped, "If your calling about what you left here, it left a long time ago! Maybe if you checked-in at some point in time, I wouldn't have had to struggle! Do you realize what horrors I went through? Do you?!" She practically screamed.
Loki felt like his chest had been stuffed with cotton.
"What do you mean 'it left'? Where?!" He asked deathly low as he grounded his teeth. The lady had one job, one she was getting a very pretty penny for.
"Exactly what I said, boy! I haven't seen it for six years now, it's not my job to trail it like some bloody hound."
Loki glared at the table as he hit the red 'end' button harshly with his anger boiling hotly in his chest. Getting up from his chair, he walked briskly down the hallway, past the Avengers.
Entering his cell, he punched the thick glass wall as hard as he could to vent out some of his building anger and frustration. He tried his best to ignore the presence behind him, hoping it would get a hint and disappear. When it didn't, Loki pressed his anger down as he sat heavily on the floor.
"Have you come for a laugh, Thor?" Loki snapped at the broad-shouldered god whom only frowned.
"I believe we have already been through this, brother. What ails you?" Thor asked concerned.
Loki scoffed. The whole 'big brother being concerned' act grounded his nerves, it was all for show. The fool didn't care for what mentally ate away at his adopted brother, they didn't even share the same race.
"Whatever presents you with the thought of me being ail?" Loki questioned as he placed his hands into his lap.
"Your hand is bleeding." Thor retorted quickly. Loki didn't need to look to see if he was correct, he could feel the crimson liquid running between his fingers.
"I fail to see your point." Loki replied calmly as he was able to push all of his thoughts to the back of his mind. As long as he kept up a calm mask in front of the Avengers, he could probably pull some strings in his direction. But could he trust Thor with his personal goal? The thunder god was always saying how he was still his brother, even though they were different species. If Loki remembered correctly, it was Thor whom tried to reason with his madness over New York; he had told Thor he didn't wish for the crown, but only to be seen as equal among the people of Asgard. The issue seemed to be that he didn't know whom Thor's loyalty was strongest to: the All-Father, or Loki. He knew asking would only raise more suspicion towards himself. He could test his luck, and see when he would be able to have his own independence and privacy, then he could go out himself without bringing anyone into the matter. But with Odin still reining over Asgard, he doubted he would have his freedom within the next fifty years. That would be far too late.
"Why do you shun me?" His brother asked causing him to bite his tongue. The Dalcop honestly believed he had done no wrong towards him; besides, he only replied to what the blonde haired god said, how is that shunning?
"Where does your loyalty lie?"
Thor paused, his eyebrows drawing together in confusion. "What do you speak of?"
"Exactly what I have said, there is no trickery." Loki made sure not to smile, he wanted Thor to see he was being serious.
"Do you think I would turn my back to you? That I would betray my own brother?" Thor asked as if the thought scarred him. I'm not your brother.
"You put words in my mouth. I have only asked a simple question."
"I have never done a thing to show disloyalty, I have been trying to help you. I have even disobeyed the All-Father for you, is that not enough?" Thor took a step forward.
"During times as these, its hard to keep a man upright in his ways. You should know this, as you have fought along side the mortals against such dishonorable men." Loki said with a small smirk as he remembered all the tales that he had heard floating around Asgard of Thor's heroic deeds preformed on Midgard.
"I would never stoop so lowly!" Thor cried out.
"Swear it by the All-Father, and Fates?" Loki questioned, feeling quite smart at his quick thinking.
"I swear it, brother!" Thor basically yelled before he had time to think of what he had just done.
"If I told you information that not even Odin knows, would you keep it secret?" Loki questioned watching his brother closely for any twitch in his stance. Thor frowned, his shoulders seeming to fall.
"Is it dangerous information? No war? No battle?" Thor questioned feeling a little put off by his brothers attitude.
"That's why what I'm going to tell you must stay within this cell; between me and you. I don't wish for bloodshed." Loki spoke honestly. He didn't like all the war and death, but that didn't place him above such actions.
The room stayed in silence for several minutes as Thor seemed to be weighing his options. Little did he know, Loki was doing the same. Once the words slipped his mouth, there was no going back.
Loki watched as his brothers face shifted from doubt to determination as he gave a firm nod. Loki glanced over at the camera in the top corner of his cell before looking back at Thor. Surprisingly, the blonde wasn't so dumb as he caught on quickly. Summoning a small bolt of lightening to strike the tower, the lights flickered out before the generator kicked in. Luckily, the red light on the camera never blinked back to life.
Loki took a breath, and tried to find out a way he could word his next sentence.
"Do you remember when Odin banned me from coming to Midgard?" Loki asked feeling unsure if he could really tell the god without backfire. Thor seemed thoughtful for a moment before a big grin broke across his face.
"Ah, yes. You were quite brave standing up to Father the way you did."
Although Thor was smiling, Loki couldn't bring himself to find any amusement. Not with everything he lost.
"Did you ever know why I was banned?" Loki pressed, this question mostly for curiosity. He knew he had to hurry and get the conversation over with before Tony was able to pull the cameras back up.
"No, he never gave a reason. Mostly, people wondered if it was over mere tricks you used here." Thor informed.
Loki fought his scowl, it was only to be suspected from Asgardians to believe the god of mischief and lies was always the root of chaos.
"Odin made sure I had no relations with humans. I was forced to cut all ties from Midgard; I begged the old fool to allow me to visit!" Loki hissed feeling his anger come back to him once more at the memory. He had been practically groveling at his feet, anything would have been better than nothing! The god was heartless. Loki glared at the ground, unaware of the tears welling in his eyes. Thor stared with concern as the tears slowly made their way down the man's narrow face.
"He took her away from me. How dare he act as though I am the monster when he killed her?" Loki whispered feeling his chest constrict painfully. All the memories he wanted to keep at bay seemed to flood his mind. It had been years since he had last saw her, but he could still remember her face; the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, her kind gestures, her gentle smile.
"I already knew you were going to be king, I was okay with it." Loki continued, not allowing Thor to speak. "I wanted to move on, and I-I had. I came to Midgard for exploring, I found more than I ever wished for."
"I married my wife six months later; I had been courting her for two years. For six years, I was content with my life. I would visit Frigga then come back to my wife. Odin eventually found out about my marriage to a mortal. Banding me from ever visiting Midgard, he killed her while I was away." Loki trailed off as he still remembered getting the news. He hadn't wanted to believe any of it. But with a little convincing from Frigga, he was able to cast a spell that would allow him a night to travel to Midgard without being missed on Asgard. He did just that two days later. The reality of the situation had torn at his insides.
"The day you destroyed your chambers..." Thor realized as it all seemed to fit into place. He had never seen Loki so distressed.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Loki. But what does this have to do with me?" Thor felt a little guilty that he never knew he had a sister-in-law. For Loki to actually marry a mortal woman from Midgard, it shocked him. The dark haired man just didn't seem... like he would be interested in the married life.
"It's what I'm getting to. I need you to do me a favor." Loki said but Thor took several steps foward.
"I can't get revenge for you Loki, I doubt your wife would want you to-..." Loki cut him off with a scoff.
"Jumping to accusions? Once more you fill my mouth with words that are not of my own."
Thor merely blinked.
"I want you to find someone by the name of Dante Argeneau. Have Heimdall help if you must, he is already aware of the situation." Loki informed feeling like a weight was being pressed onto his chest.
Thor frowned. "What does this Dante matter?"
Loki closed his eyes as he looked down as his bloodied hands. He got through his tale of his wife, he could get these words out as well. He had to.
"He's my son."