CHAPTER ONE
Billionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist. Also known as Tony Stark. Most people know me as Iron Man. I make a few special appearances here and there, occasionally save the world, yada yada yada. You could say I'm sort of a big deal. But right now, I need some down time. That whole aliens invading New York escapade really took its toll on me, so S.H.I.E.L.D sent me to this deserted, lovely might I add, island off the Gulf of Mexico. There's one minor problem, though. The nightmares. Well, more like night fucking terrors, really. I haven't had a bad dream since I was a kid, and here I am a grown man and I wake up in the middle of the night screaming. So what's the problem? See, that's just it. I have gone through every ounce of research, every possible scenario and nothing contributes. All I know about these night terrors are the voice that haunts them. It's an unmistakable voice. Hint of an accent, overly seductive, with the slightest touch of arrogance. It belongs to the son of a bitch who tried to demolish Manhattan.
Loki.
0ooo0ooo0ooo0ooo0
Loki scowled at the ground, listening to the Allfather's sentencing. The god of mischief's destruction in Manhattan was not going unpunished, and the Allfather had the perfect solution. Loki was to act as a representative peacekeeper amongst the S.H.I.E.L.D agents. Loki's job was to prove his regret and earn the trust of the agents towards the gods back. Loki was less than thrilled upon his sentencing. But considering he had no alternative options, he clenched his jaw and didn't object.
"I Odin Allfather, cast you Loki Odinson to Midgard to correct your wrongs and learn from it." And with a last glance at his son, Odin cast Loki to earth.
Loki never particularly enjoyed the journey between realms, but this one was by far the worst. Loki was in a absolutely horrid mood. And to make matters worse, he was expected at S.H.I.E.L.D headquarters to be assigned his duties. Before he was cast out, Loki's powers were stripped from him so he posed no real threat to the humans, but trust still needed to be earned back.
Loki rose up from the crater he had created from his fall, and gained his bearings.
"Now," Loki muttered to himself, "how in the name of Odin am I supposed to get to S.H.I.E.L.D?"
0ooo0ooo0ooo0ooo0
Nick Fury stood facing the glass wall overlooking New York, a look of concentration on his face. He was waiting for the arrival of Loki. Fury wasn't fully convinced of the benefits of Loki's visit. And he had no doubt that it would be unwelcome by most. He had to make the executive decision on whom to appoint Loki's host during his stay, and he smirked as the thought entered his head. Stark had antagonized Fury one too many times over the last few months, and well, what better revenge to assign him to watch over Loki? An agent tapping on the door interrupted Fury's scheming.
"Agent Fury? He's here." The agent at the door looked uncomfortable and angry all at once.
"Well Carlton, send him in."
Agent Carlton left briefly and returned, a casually dressed and annoyingly smug Loki trailing behind him. Carlton let Loki enter the room, and shut the door behind him.
"Loki. I can't say it's a pleasure to see you again," Fury started, "but I have no doubt that your stay with us will be more than interesting."
"Agent Nick Fury, I am here not on my own will, however my actions here in New York led to this punishment and under oath to the Allfather I will do my very best to earn your trust back. If not for me, then for Asgardians." Loki's face was completely serious as be continued, "You have my word."
Fury looked faintly amused, if not pleased by Loki's statement. "Very well then. Let me call in your host." Fury opened the door and beckoned Carlton. "Call Mr. Stark and have him fly here immediately. I have a mission for him."
"Yes Sir." Carlton replied, giving a nod before leaving.
Fury walked back towards his office, a smug smile on his face, "Let the fun begin." He said to himself before reentering his office.