So this is an idea that wouldn't let me go. It's been in progress for a while now, but I wanted to post it to see if there is enough interest to continue. There will be angst and I will try to keep humor, but this isn't crack or parody fic. Rated T for now since some themes of abuse/torture, ect. may eventually crop up, but I will update the ratings and warnings then. This is roughly edited, so any mistakes I missed I apologize, its 4am. Please feel free to review/comment any constructive criticism (I welcome it, just please be kind)

I do not own X-Men, Thor or the Avengers or any characters herein, only the story is mine. I couldn't add all the characters in the summary box, but eventually all of the Avengers and most of the X-Men will have their parts.


Thor walked away from another fruitless mission in search of Loki's scepter; his head hung low in defeat. The victory over yet another criminal enterprise did little to ease his growing sense of hopelessness. Loki, in his bitter stubbornness, had made it clear that he would never give them the location of the scepter. Thor has not been home or spoken to him since. So they continue the search, following even the slightest leads. In finding the scepter, he hoped he would have answers to all his questions – to learn that Loki had been as much a victim as Barton and Selvig. But at this rate, he may have to accept the loss of his brother forever.

"Thor," Steve called, and Thor turned to see the Captain jogging towards him. "Listen, I know you don't like talking about Loki…"

"Even in the dungeons Loki refuses to cooperate…" Thor interrupted.

"That's not what I was gonna say…" Steve sighed, coming to stand before him, "I think I might have found a way to help."

"Help Loki?" Thor clarified, confused, "Why would you want to help him?"

Silence fell between them as the Captain looked to the rest of their team, jovial and joking despite the failure amidst the victory. The battle hadn't even been a difficult one, Banner hadn't needed to become the Hulk. Thor wanted to revel with them, but he just hadn't felt joyful of late.

"They don't know what it's like – to have your best friend and brother turned against you." Thor knew exactly of whom Captain Rogers spoke.

"I will hear what you have to say then, my friend."

"I'm not sure how much you know of how SHIELD got started, but there was a woman, Peggy Carter, who was very special to me – and still is." Steve began, walking toward the jet, and Thor fell in step beside him. "About twenty or so years after my crash, Peggy heard of an up and coming CIA agent, Moira MacTaggert, who worked closely with a team of people who had…unusual talents."

"What does this have to do with Loki?"

"The leader of the team is called Charles Xavier, he can read minds, and it's rumored that he can even control them. He's an incredibly powerful man, but he's also kind and compassionate. He runs a school for troubled youngsters who have similar powers and are also mentally scarred and damaged – the outcasts of society."

"You're saying he could control Loki's mind?"

"No, I mean, yea he could, but that's not what I'm suggesting. Bring Loki to this man as a kind of therapist, maybe Xavier could not only help heal Loki's mind, but help him to use his powers for good – get him to tell us where the scepter is."

His words were everything Thor wanted to hear: healing for Loki, his brother once again fighting by his side, the scepter taken care of. Thor dropped his head, knowing it would be futile, knowing Loki would happily hurt himself to spite the ones who loved him.

"It is a fascinating idea, Captain, but I cannot risk bringing Loki to earth."

"Then bring Xavier to him." Steve handed him a folded piece of paper as they stopped, "If it were my brother, there's nothing I wouldn't try to break through to him."

As the Captain walked away, Thor didn't even take the time to say goodbye to everyone else. He went home to Jane, expressed his regret that he couldn't stay and that he'd see her soon.

"Heimdall!" Thor called. The bifrost opened and Thor returned to Asgard for the first time in a year.

"It is good to see you, my Prince."

"You as well, Heimdall."

Thor wasted no time, going straight to his brother's cell. There was no point in in meeting this man and ensuring his help if Loki was going to deny it. Nor did he want to give their mother hope only to have it snatched away by Loki's stubborn nature. Odin wouldn't appreciate him going behind his back like this, but just as the Captain said, Thor was willing to risk just about anything. The guards came to attention as Thor approached.

"Thor, I didn't expect to see you ever again." Came Loki's mocking voice from the cell.

Thor didn't reply, never taking his eyes off Loki as he said, "Let down the shields, I would have words with my brother."

"But my Prince…"

"I said, lower the shields…" The guard complied, and though Loki looked amused and curious, he also looked frightened. Once Thor was inside the shields were turned back on. Loki was backed against the wall, but not because Thor cornered him there. "Cast an illusion, what I have to say is for your ears alone."

"Or you plan to kill me."

"If that was my wish I would have done it already…" Thor stated flatly. Loki looked to the guards as if asking for aid, but knowing he would receive none.

"Does Odin know you're here?"

"No one does. As I said, what I have to say is for your ears only." His words didn't seem to ease the tension that now radiated off him in waves. There was distance between them, Thor hadn't threatened him, and he only wished to understand why Loki seemed so frightened of him.

In spite of that, Loki closed his eyes and the magic surrounded them. "The cell appears empty, and no sound will escape it."

Thor relaxed only slightly, concerned at his brothers fear of him. "I will come straight to the point – I don't want to leave you down here to rot, but nor will I allow you to roam free and wreak your havoc or kill us all. I have met an exceptionally powerful man on earth who is willing to help you should you agree to it."

It would be easier to lie to Loki now and learn the truth, than to enlist this man's help only to be let down.

"Help me with what, exactly."

"Your mind."

"What is wrong with my mind?" Loki challenged, his ire rising. Thor paused, treading more carefully now that Loki hadn't refused outright.

"Perhaps nothing, perhaps everything, or maybe just some things." He didn't know how to tell the truth without incurring Loki's wrath.

"How vague." Loki was incredulous, his fingers scratching at the palm of his hand, just the way their mother does. "You're willing to grant my freedom if I just talk to this man?"

"There are conditions he's asked for…"

"Of course there are…" Loki rolled his eyes, and for a moment Thor thought he might burst into laughter.

Thor quickly replied, "Would you think about it, or at least consent to meet him?" Thor pleaded. Loki inhaled a slow, deep breath, squaring his shoulders and looking as regal as Thor remembered.

"I have questions and reservations, but I will meet him."

"Thank you, Loki."

With that the illusion fell, the guards lowered the walls, and Thor left his brother alone. He couldn't risk showing emotion, be it joy or sadness, lest Loki use it against him. While his brother might have agreed, Thor didn't trust that Loki wouldn't run the first chance he got, especially since he agreed so easily. Now he had to return, and he prayed that Charles Xavier would be willing to help him. He'd never be able to face Loki again if Xavier denied him now.

"Heimdall, open the Bifrost." Thor commanded, practically running into the chamber. "Also, I will need you to have two horses waiting here for when I return."

"As you wish…" The Gate was opened and Thor lingered at the side of his old friend. He clutched the address in his hand like the last shred of hope it was.

"Are you aware of Captain Rogers' friend, Sergeant Barnes?" Thor asked.

"I am,"

"Find him for me…before I return?"

"I shall, my Prince." Heimdall promised with a slight bow.

Thor smiled with a grateful nod. Even if Xavier didn't pan out, Thor could help his friend in this, just as Steve helped him. He stepped into the open bifrost, confused when he landed at Jane's apartment.

"Thor, you're back so soon." Jane said, joining him on the balcony of her apartment.

"Yes, but again, I can't stay long." He said quickly, hoping to get away before she asked too many questions.

"SHIELD just called, they wanted to know why so many Bifrosts have been opening and closing today." He was going to tell her, but imagining her reaction to finding out that he was trying to help Loki get out of prison made him think twice. He hated to lie, but it was just this once.

"I'm trying to take care of a few things, Heimdall is helping me and I need to go to Asgard to get the updates."

"Is everything alright?" she asked, worried.

"Yes, everything is fine. You can call them back and tell them a few more may open between tonight and tomorrow."

"Thor…"

"I'm sorry Jane, I must go." He kissed her temple affectionately, and then raising Mjolnir, he took to the sky.

Thor hadn't been sure what to expect, but it certainly hadn't been this. A huge castle like structure stood in the midst of a wide open landscape. It was isolated and well hidden, more appropriate for a fortress than a school. There was no one outside that he could see as he approached the front door. His knock on the door was answered by a young boy who didn't say a word to him.

"I'm looking for Charles Xavier." Thor said. Again, the young boy said nothing, just turned away and started walking. Thor quickly entered and shut the door behind him, catching up to the boy at the end of the long hall.

"Come in," a voice called through the door, despite that neither of them had knocked. The boy walked away and Thor cautiously opened the door.

"Ah, you must be Thor…Professor Charles Xavier," The man moved his wheelchair toward him and extended his hand, "Captain Rogers told me to expect you."

"I am honored to make your acquaintance," Thor shook his hand, startled that such a powerful man was not only so much older, but also confined to a wheelchair. He knew that neither of those things truly mattered, it just wasn't what he expected.

"Please, have a seat. Tea?" the man offered.

"No, thank you." Thor said as he sat down, "They say you can read minds, even control them."

"I can do that, and much more…" came the voice in his head. Thor was on his feet at the intrusion in his mind, Mjolnir at the ready. The man chuckled softly raising his hand, "My apologies, it was just a demonstration. So, tell me, what brings a Norse god to my school?"

The man had a gentle smile and an even gentler demeanor, leaving Thor to wonder how he'd gained such a reputation. Once again he sat down, taking a deep breath as he prepared to be rejected, or possibly turned in as a traitor.

"My brother, Loki."

"The one who tried to take over New York?" Thor looked up in fear, "We watched it on TV…" The man didn't seem angry or surprised, and so Thor continued.

"I know I have no right to ask, and you will likely deny me anyway. I just wondered if you'd be willing to help in any way. I'd be forever in your debt."

"Well, I'm not exactly in the business of harboring war criminals. But you've come all this way, and I must admit you've piqued my interest, so tell me what you had in mind…"

"Loki is currently in the dungeons of Asgard where he is set to remain until the end of his life – a few thousand years yet, at least." This seemed to trouble Xavier greatly.

"Is he alone?"

Thor nodded, "In his cell, he is. But there are other cells, and guards, and my mother sneaks visits when she thinks we do not notice."

"And have you seen him?"

"I just saw him earlier asking if he'd agree to meet you. But before that, no; I was not even present for his sentencing."

"That was near a year ago, yes?" Thor could only nod in response. "The bond between brothers can be a complicated and fragile thing…"

"He tried to kill me – twice."

"And yet you are here asking for my help." Charles countered. Thor sighed, rubbing his eyes in exhaustion.

"There is something that has been bothering me for quite some time. Before the Chitauri invaded, Loki allowed me to capture him. We spoke, or rather argued, but he said that he remembered me tossing him into the abyss. At the time I dismissed it since there were more pressing matters, but it has nagged at me since. I didn't toss Loki into an abyss; I was holding onto the same thing he was, and he let go." Thor paused, suppressing the image of his brother falling, "Were I able I would have followed him."

"Perhaps he was just saying it to make you feel guilty?"

Thor shook his head, "There are plenty of other things that Loki could have said that would make me feel guilty – things that were actually true."

"What do you think I can do?"

"Loki's mind is a battlefield, a maze of trickery, mischief, and lies…" Thor paused, swallowing hard his own guilt at his failings, "…And pain. I want to believe that he is still in there somewhere, like a scared child hiding in the dark. I love him and I want to help him, but in Loki's eyes that makes me weak, and he uses it to against me. Before I see him again I want to know – I need to know – how much of Loki's actions were his own and if he was at all under the control of the mind stone he used against Barton and Selvig."

"But may I ask what it is you wish to accomplish by this?"

"Loki's mind was lost as soon as he discovered his true heritage, he has been a stranger to me ever since. Given the state of Loki's mind I believe my father's punishment may do more harm than good in the long run. I miss my brother. If I can find evidence he wasn't entirely at fault, perhaps it will help him."

The professor was silent for several moments, not really looking at Thor, but almost looking through him. It was unnerving. When Xavier met his eyes once more, he was smiling.

"I can tell you a story, if you swear that you will never repeat what I am about to say."

"You have my word." Thor assured him.

"One of my very first students, Jean, is more powerful even then I am. But there is a part of her mind that is a force of nature – when it takes over, it leaves in its wake a trail of chaos and destruction. I built barriers in her mind that suppressed her own knowledge of, and the true potential of, her powers…until she was in full control of them."

"Did it work?" Thor asked.

"Well, it's a work in progress, but she is getting stronger." Xavier leaned closer toward him, "The point is, she is protected from that part of her mind, and so is everyone around her in the meantime."

"Do you believe you could do that with Loki?" Thor asked, praying that the Norns would bestow their favor on him.

"I could try…but he would have to be willing…and I would prefer him to stay here."

"Here…among all these children?"

"These children are much more than they appear to be, I think your brother would fit in perfectly." Thor considered the man's offer, and given that this was his only real option, it wasn't hard to accept.

"Well, Loki has already agreed to meet you, he has questions. I would need you to accompany me to Asgard." Thor said, rising from his feet.

"Go there…to Asgard?" the professor stammered.

"Yes. You wouldn't need to stay any longer than it takes Loki to decide."

"But my chair, how would we travel?"

"I will take us to a different location, then I will hold on to you through the bifrost. There will be horses waiting and I can arrange accommodations for your condition once we arrive."

Xavier smiled with a childlike innocence and excitement, "Well, I may never have an opportunity to travel to space again. Shall we?"

Thor had to take them separately, leaving his chair just out of the way. Once more, he called out to Heimdall.


Frigga sat just outside the chamber, mounted on her horse. Thor's request for two horses, as well as his abrupt return and subsequent exit had piqued her interest. Not to mention he hadn't even bothered to say hello to her after being away so long. A year can feel little more than a day, but as a mother separated from both her sons, time has slowed to a crawl.

"Heimdall…" at the sound of Thor's voice, she dismounted her horse to get a closer look.

"My Prince…"

She peered around the edge, watching Thor carry a much older man and settle him on the saddle of a waiting mare. He was very well dressed by Earth's standards, and by the looks of it, had lost the use of his legs. The man finally straightened his back and took hold of the reigns and Frigga stepped forward.

"Thor…" her son stopped, coming to attention at the sound of her voice.

"Mother?" she graced him with a smile, keeping her authority about her until she knew more.

"A word, please?"

"I'll be right back." Thor said to his companion. The man nodded and Thor made his way toward her.

"Who is this man and why have you brought him?" she asked softly, not wanting to draw attention. Thor released a heavy sigh, taking hold of her hand before meeting her eyes.

"He may have a way to heal Loki's mind, and Loki for his part, has agreed to meet with him."

She blinked. Then in a moment, reminded herself to breath; the words repeating, but still not making sense. Loki had agreed to meet a man – a mortal – who might help him?! Her hands gripped Thor's wrists, exhaling as she struggled to contain her emotion.

"Thor, does Odin know of this?"

"No, I decided it was better not to alarm him if Loki refused, nor did I want to give you hope only to have those hopes crushed once more." She managed a smile, grateful that her son had been so conscious of and considerate of her feelings. Though, none of them could handle any more disappointed hope where Loki was concerned.

"You really believe he can help Loki – heal him?"

"I believe he is our best hope."

At Thor's words, she didn't diminish her smile.

"Then I will meet him…" she mounted her horse once more, entering the chamber side by side with her son, "My apologies for keeping you waiting,"

"Professor Xavier, this is my mother, Queen Frigga. Mother, this is Professor Charles Xavier…"

"Oh Professor Xavier, I cannot thank you enough for coming." She extended her hand toward him.

"The honor is mine, your highness." He pressed his lips to Frigga's hand. She could sense his anxiety, and bowed her head with a gracious smile.

"I shall ride ahead," Thor said, not waiting for permission.

"Thor didn't have much time to tell me about you. What are you a professor of exactly?" she asked as they began the long walk down the rainbow bridge.

"At my school I teach physics and much of the sciences to my students. I graduated with honors at the age of 16 from Harvard University and I have a Ph.D. in Genetics, Biophysics, Psychology, and Anthropology and I also received a Master's degree in Psychiatry."

The titles themselves didn't mean much to her, but she could tell he was an accomplished and dignified man. With all that accomplishment, he made himself a teacher.

"You run a school?"

"Yes, I have quite an eclectic group of students. They are all very gifted, but many are also very troubled and lost. I provide them a safe place to embrace their identity and gifts and teach them how to work as a team."

"It sounds like a wonderful place." She said softly. The students all sound just like her Loki: gifted, and so very lost.

"It can be."

"So you're going to help Loki…at this school?" she asked, uncertain she wanted the answer.

"Well, I haven't quite decided yet. Thor said Loki had some questions and before I allow him to stay there, I needed to see for myself what I'd be dealing with."

Frigga nodded in understanding. Of course he did. While Frigga knew Loki would never harm a child, that didn't mean her son wouldn't exploit his first opportunity and pick up where he left off in his quest for vengeance and a crown.

When they reach their destination, Thor is waiting with a special chair for their own wounded warriors. Dismounting her horse, she watched Thor help Charles from the saddle into the chair.

"Ah, thank you," Charles said, studying intently the contraption he found himself in, "It floats…"

"Yes, right this way." She said urgently, leading them to her chambers where she meets with her son.

Thor had fallen in step behind them, silent and stoic, but she knew when her son was frightened. Loki hadn't held back when he unleashed his venom, and no one was more injured than Thor. She knew Loki was lying when he said she wasn't his mother, but it still hurt to hear it. Beyond the physical pain, it was his own brother that landed the blow. But he's never given up hope, and now that their hopes may be realized; she, too, fears that this will all be for nothing.

"How does it float?" came Charles' voice, cutting into her thoughts.

"I'm not sure of the exact science but something to do with air propulsion and the forces of gravity…" Frigga said quickly, obviously distracted as they reached the roaring fire. "Here we are…"

The Professor suddenly looked nervous.

"Will I be going down to the dungeons?"

"No, I will send a projection of you to Loki's cell. It will be safer for you, and no one else will see it." Frigga explained.

"A projection, like a hologram – that can interact in real time?" the professor asked incredulously.

"I suppose so…" Frigga answered hesitantly. "Now you just sit there, and I will send you to my son."


It was strange the way it felt, to have his conscious mind in one place, but to feel his body in another. A man jumped from his bed when Charles appeared in his cell. Though, the man before him was a far cry from the one who invaded New York only last year. His hair was longer and unkempt, he looked haunted and downright weary.

"You must be Loki."

The man nodded tersely with wide eyes, "And you are?"

"Professor Charles Xavier, I believe Thor told you about me." He was about to extend his hand, but then remembered that this body wasn't physical.

"He did." Loki replied, his eyes squinting with suspicion, "You're not…how I pictured you."

"Oh, and how's that?"

"Another well-muscled brute who would subdue me if needed," came the immediate reply. Charles was quite certain that Loki was only surprised at his handicap, but hearing those words confirmed that Loki was frightened, perhaps even of his brother.

"The only subduing I will do will be of the mind…" Charles replied. His words didn't seem to help Loki relax at all. If anything, they set him more on edge. "Thor also said you had some questions for me…" he prodded, hoping to get an answer.

When he was met with only silence, he tried his third option, "Your mother is fine, by the way, she's the one who sent me here…well, kind of."

"Why do you think I care about her?" Loki snapped, suddenly alive with anger.

"Your thoughts center on her, quite intensely."

"You're reading my mind?" Loki began to pace, the blood flushing the pale skin of his face.

"You weren't answering my questions."

"Thor didn't tell me you could read minds. What else are you snooping around for? The scepter? Go back and tell my brother–"

"I am sorry to have upset you." Charles interrupted, quite loudly. Loki stared at him, either shocked by the force of his voice, or shocked at his arrogance to interrupt a god. "I sought only what was on your mind. Your mother was it. I know nothing of a scepter. When Thor and I spoke, he asked only for help for you…whatever help I was willing to give."

At this, Loki seemed to deflate, the wild fire gone from his eyes. Charles exhaled deeply, slightly shaken at seeing how deep the rage was rooted, and just how volatile. Not unlike Erik

"He said you had conditions…" Loki stated in a clipped voice.

"Yes, if you allow it, I would build barriers in your mind, suppress dangerous impulses and isolate certain memories if needed. You would also need to accompany to my school."

"And why would you help me? Why would you want me among your school of children?" his voice had taken on a maniacal tone as he paced the small space. Charles was careful how he answered.

"When a soldier is wounded, do they patch him up and leave him in the midst of battle?" There was a flash in Loki's eyes, something that connected to the words that Charles had spoken.

"I'm not a soldier," Loki stated glibly.

"No, but I dare say, you have been wounded. Asgard is your battlefield, how can one expect you to heal in such conditions."

"Some would argue I do not deserve to heal." There was such venom in his voice as he said the words with a calm disassociation. Charles doesn't have to read his mind to know that on some level, Loki believed it to be true.

So you admit you need healing… he wanted to say, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

"Loki, let's just say that I'm in the business of helping and providing safety for exceptional people."

"Exceptional?"

"Currently, I have a young girl who can walk through walls, a young man who can control fire, another who can control ice, a woman who can command the weather, and another man who has metal built into his bones who cannot die due to his ability to heal…among many others."

This seemed to spark Loki's curiosity as he finally turned back to face him, like a child drawn to a bright new toy.

"Is it magic?"

"No. We are mutants. By this I mean that while we are human, we are the next step of human evolution and we have special gifts that accompany this."

He considered this, and after several long moments of contemplation lifted his eyes to meet his. "Would I be able to keep my magic?"

While Charles did have more than his fair share of reservations, none of his students lost their power while they were in his care. Nor would he ever ask them to. Jean was the rarest of exceptions. But Loki wasn't quite in the same boat as Jean, and Charles saw no reason to deprive him of it.

"So long as you don't intend to harm anyone with it."

"Will you…will you stay out of my head, and swear never to control my mind…"

"I swear I will never read your mind without your permission, and I will never control it unless you are about to harm yourself or someone else. Nor will I tell anyone what we discuss in private." Loki nodded, seeming to expect and even accept the stipulation.

"Will I be in a cell?"

"No, you will have a room of your own,"

"And how long will you keep me there?"

Charles sighed and lifted his hand, "Loki, you will not be my prisoner. It will take as long as it takes for you to trust me, for me to figure out what damage has been done and how best to help you. But I would need to build the barriers in your mind before we left here, and that would require me to enter your mind."

The hope that had been in his eyes for the briefest of moments began to fade, and eventually died.

"I don't know why we are even discussing this. Odin will never let me leave."

"Let me worry about that." Charles replied. Loki stopped pacing, standing right before him.

"These barriers…will they remove my memories?" he asked, looking truly terrified as he stared at him.

"No, I will simply alter what your conscious mind is aware of. The memories will still be there when their time has come to be dealt with."

"Then tell my brother I will accept your terms…"

"I shall…" Charles smiled, unable to explain why he was so elated that Loki agreed to his help. He looked down for a button to press to turn it off, but found none. "Now, how do I…beam back up…?"

Loki scoffed, reached out his hand and passed it through his arm. Charles was back in his body, alone by the fireplace to watch Loki's illusion fade.

"Oh, this has been an experience I shall never forget." He said excitedly. Thor and Frigga came rushing in from the balcony.

"Did Loki give you his answer?" Thor asked, breathless and guarded.

"Yes, he has agreed to your terms."

"Oh, thank the Norns." Frigga threw her arms around her son, laughing and crying as she clutched him. Thor hugged her in return, but there was little joy on his face.

"Do not celebrate yet, Mother. We must tell Father of our plan." Frigga pulled away with a deep breath, steeling herself with hard determination.

"Let me deal with Odin."

The screaming echoed in his mind, and Charles was unsure if it was just him that could hear them, or if they really were just that loud. Thor stood silent beside him, far and away in his own thoughts. If he heard his parents at all he gave no indication, or perhaps it was so normal he didn't even notice anymore. Charles considered reading his mind, but decided against it.

Frigga returned with her head held high; the man he assumed to be Odin at her side. He didn't even look at them as he stormed by, wearing a permanent scowl.

"Thor, to the throne room." Odin said, without slowing down, "And bring the mortal!" Thor heaved a heavy sigh, and Charles followed just behind him to throne room.

"What is the meaning of this?!" the King's voice echoed in the hall. Thor had kept his head down as they walked, but here, Thor lifted his head and his entire demeanor changed. No longer the scolded son, but a true prince and heir to the throne.

"Father, I understand Loki needs to be punished for his crimes, but not like this. Leaving him in the dungeons will make things worse long before they make them better."

"It doesn't matter; Loki will never be free to exact his vengeance." Odin snapped.

"If I may…" Charles interjected.

"You may not." came the sharp reply.

"Odin, this man has travelled a long way to help our son." Frigga interjected.

"On earth, we have doctors who study the effects that social and solitary isolation have on the brain." Charles continued despite the king's order, "The lack of physical activity, the lack of interaction with the natural world and with other people; the lack of visual stimulation and the lack of touch, have all been proven – by themselves – sufficient to dramatically alter the brain. The severity of the damage depends on whether the isolation was a brief or extended period of time, and by extended, I mean days. So if that is the case with just one of those conditions, imagine the damage that will be done after decades and centuries with all of them combined."

"Our minds are not as weak as yours…" Odin huffed.

Charles sighed and sat back in his chair, "I'm beginning to realize where your son gets his superiority complex from."

"You met Loki for all of two minutes; you cannot tell me you know my son or what he needs."

"That is true, but the only genuine emotion Loki showed was fear, and it was most visible when he asked if I was going to control his mind, lock him in a cell, or remove his power from him."

"That's because he uses his power to exploit people to get his way and I will not give in, not now!"

"Loki will die long before his time if you keep him here." Charles stated solemnly.

"Father, please…" Thor pleaded, "He is still my brother."

"Enough! I will not be strong-armed to change my decision, nor will I allow you to make me feel guilty for it."

It would be so easy, to just enter his mind and make the king release Loki. He wouldn't, god only knows what hell that could unleash between their realms. But it was tempting and it would be so easy.

"Then why not just murder your son now and be done with it, if it his death you truly wish for?" Charles challenged him.

"I do not wish for his death!"

"Then allow me to help him!"

Odin settled back in the throne as the echoes of their voices died around them.

"If we cannot control him, how do you expect to?" the King asked, almost calmly.

"Before we leave here today, I will put the safeguards in his mind in place."

Odin looked around helpless, pacing like a caged lion.

"Guards!" a small band of guards entered the doorway, "Bring the prisoner Loki to me, and make sure he is chained!"

Not a word was spoken among them as they waited. Odin, like Thor, paced back and forth, neither of them looking at each other – or anyone else. Frigga spared him a reassuring smile now and again, but she remained close to Thor, her eyes filled with a host of emotions ranging from pride to sadness. It had obviously taken a great deal of courage for Thor to go against his father, and she didn't hide how proud she was.

The chains rattling echoed through the marble halls, announcing that Loki was here.

"Well, well, well, here we are again – one big happy family." Loki quipped, voice laced with sarcasm.

"Loki, enough…" Thor said wearily.

"I've only just started."

"You, my son, are being released into the care of this man here. Try to show a little gratitude." Odin interjected with a bitter tone.

Loki actually stopped, confused as he glared at the King. "Y-you…you mean you're actually letting me go?"

"For now. But Loki, if you make one misstep, if you pull another stunt or harm a single life while you are there know that I will make you live to regret the day I saved your life."

In a flash, that steel cold detachment returned, "I already do."

Odin was taken aback by such a bitter statement, but he thankfully said nothing.

"Loki, lay here…" Charles said softly.

"On the banquet table…?"

"It will be easier for me to do what I have to do." Loki sighed, the chains dragging as he sat on the edge of the table.

"Will I remember anything when you are done?"

"Of course, I'm not removing your memories, I'm just blocking the more dangerous impulses from your conscious mind." Charles explained once more.

"Do they have to be here?" Loki asked, motioning to his family.

"Yes."

Loki sighed, lying with difficulty on the table, his chains a heavy weight to lift from the ground.

"Now, I'm going to place my hands on each side of your head. Try to relax your mind; I'm not going to hurt you." Charles said as he set his hands beside Loki's head, "Close your eyes…"

"Do I have to?"

"No, but…" Charles paused, realizing then just how anxious Loki was, "No. Are you ready?"

Loki nodded with a deep intake of breath.

Charles closed his eyes, navigating through the maze of Loki's mind, overcome by the sheer despair within it. Loneliness, betrayal, rage, fear…torture… A luminescent blue light caught his eye, and he followed it to the place that Loki fears, a type of doorway in his mind – a way in for the Chitauri. Closing the door, Charles blocks it from his mind. Loki's body trembled as Charles worked through the year of his exile, before Thanos found him, watching the equivalent of a mentally unstable teenager live on the edge of his wits in the most violent parts of the universe. Charles isolates the memories, but doesn't remove them.

But what he didn't find in the mind of this 'madman' is the desire to kill anyone – least of all his brother. There is plenty of jealousy toward Thor and hatred toward his father, which in his own professional opinion is entirely justified. But after all this, Loki still desires little more than his freedom, his magic, and the love and acceptance of his family.

Opening his eyes, Charles pulled his hands away, "How do you feel?"

"I don't know." Loki whispered, and Charles is sure no one else heard him. Loki sat up, dazed and lost as he looked around. "I feel kind of…empty."

"If they remove your chains, will you hurt anyone?" Charles asked.

"No."

"Guards…" commanded Odin, and the guards rushed forward to remove them. Silence fell over the room as Frigga and Thor stepped closer, the atmosphere heavy with the hope that it might have worked.

"Loki…" Frigga whispered, her eyes brimming with tears as she reached out.

"Mother…" but he couldn't look her in the eyes. She hugged him, pulling him close and tight. He hid his face in the crook of her neck, hugging her more tightly with each second that passed. Charles wondered just how long it's been since he's received comforting, positive touch, fairly certain it's been years.

"Thank you." The words formed on her lips as she smiled at him, but no sound escapes her.

"We will escort you to the rainbow bridge…" Odin said, his voice defeated, or perhaps even sad. Reluctantly, Frigga released her son. Loki kept his face down, his emotions hidden. He didn't release her arm, though, walking in unison beside her.

The horseback ride was quiet, but the ominous feelings of dread had been replaced with a kind of a hope. Odin rode alone in front, Loki and Thor behind him at each other's sides, and Frigga beside him, far behind them.

"There were tears in your eyes, Professor…" she said, staring at her sons, "Did you see what my son experienced…where he was?"

"I did. But I promised Loki I would not betray anything he tells me in confidence. If he tells you anything, it must be his choice, in his time."

She nodded in silent understanding, "I will never be able to repay you if you restore my son to me. We will remain forever in your debt. If you ever have need of anything…"

He stopped her, "Thank you. It won't be necessary, but thank you."


Thor couldn't form words that described what he was feeling. But for the first time, it was a good feeling, one that he wanted to hold on to. Loki was beside him, unchained and ungagged, silent, but not trying to kill him. Not trying to escape. It was anyone's guess how this would play out, but Thor couldn't help but smile.

"Thor…" came Loki's quiet voice, "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Do you feel different?"

"Yes and no. It's difficult to explain."

"Then do not try. We will talk, brother, when the time is right for you. I would have you by my side again, and if that is too much to hope for, I would at least have us reconciled."

Loki finally looked at him, "You truly never gave up hope?"

"I could never give up on you Loki, not truly. But there have been times when I was overcome with helplessness."

"Heimdall!" Odin greeted, dismounting his horse. They all followed suit, and Thor again helped Charles down and with the help of Loki, they held him up between them. Heimdall opened the bifrost.

"My Prince, the answer to your question is Bucharest, Romania." The gatekeeper said.

"Thank you, Heimdall." Thor replied. It wasn't exact, but it was a place for the Captain to start.

"Is this what you see everyday?" Charles asked, taking in the view of the cosmos.

"I see that and more." Heimdall replied, smiling to himself as he set his eyes to the horizon.

"Magnificent. Simply magnificent." Charles breathed in wonder.

"Oh my Loki," Frigga said, pulling her son into one last hug. "I love you so much, my son."

"Even now?"

"Especially now." She pulled back, cupping his cheek with her hand, "Use this time wisely, and when you are ready, I will see you again." Loki nodded, gripping her hand against his cheek as if he couldn't bear to lose that connection.

"Take care of my son…" were the only words Odin said. Thor bit his tongue at Odin's sudden use of the word 'son'. Now was not the time.

And with that, they returned to the spot they left from, Charles' chair still waiting for him. Though night had fallen, it was a full moon, and there was just enough starlight for them to see by.

"Where are we?" Loki asked, looking around the clearing.

"New York." Charles replied.

"Really?" he asked, looking to Thor.

"Really…" Thor couldn't help but smile, "Don't worry. We are far from the city. I will have to bring you both back separately."

"Thor, allow me…" Charles pulled out his cell phone, "Scott, yes, I'm here picking up that new student. Send the jet to my coordinates, will you? Thank you."

"Jet?" Thor asked.

"Yes, we have our own jet. I don't trust the government." Charles said, tucking his phone away.

"I like you already." quipped Loki.

It seemed like barely a few moments had passed before the jet appeared over the tree line and landed in the clearing.

"They're here already?" Loki asked, and Thor didn't miss the hint of anxiety in his voice.

"Indeed, we aren't too far from the school. Shall we?" Charles said as the ramp was extended. Thor pushed him aboard as Loki followed close behind. For the first time in too long, Thor didn't fear his brother would plunge a blade into his back.

"Isn't that Thor, and the guy who tried to take over the world?" The female pilot asked.

"That's the new student?!" Scott demanded.

"Everyone relax. Yes it is Thor and this is Loki. This is Jean and Scott," Charles said as he locked his chair in place, "Loki has agreed to allow me to help him. Now, take us home please, Scott." The man turned around, and for several seconds, didn't do anything. Thor began to fear the worst – that Loki would be rejected no matter where he went, and not even Thor would blame them. But the man collected himself, and soon they were in the air.

Thor can't remember the last time he'd seen Loki look so small and frightened. He hadn't even seen his brother do a single act of magic yet. Loki had been uncharacteristically quiet since they left Asgard. There was no malice in eyes, no contempt or even mischief. His head was kept down, perhaps in shame or fear, but Thor couldn't help but grow concerned. The jet landed in the ground, and Loki was slow to get up.

"This is the garage where Scott teaches auto-mechanics, and below is obviously where we keep the jet. If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your room." Charles explained as they walked through. Thor and Loki stood side by side, looking suspiciously at the group.

"It's called an elevator, and it's going to take us upstairs." Jean said, "It's perfectly safe." When they spared each other a glance, still skeptical, Scott scoffed.

"You attacked New York in spaceships, but you've never seen an elevator?"

"Scott…" came Charles' stern voice. Thor stepped on first, and Loki was reluctant to follow. It was a small space, made even smaller by the presence of all them in here. It was fast, much faster than he'd anticipated and it made his stomach turn.

"I think I prefer to use the stairs," Loki said, stepping off as soon as he was able. He clutched his stomach, breathing in deeply as he looked around. "This school looks like a house…"

"That's because it is a house; I grew up here."

"Good night, Professor." Scott said, barely waiting for a response before heading in the opposite direction down the hall.

"Good night, Professor." Jean said, "Loki, welcome to the school." Loki only nodded in thanks and Thor smiled to her as she passed him.

"Good night, Jean," Charles replied, resuming his tour. "The children are all asleep, you can meet them tomorrow. They all have classes, I try to give them as normal an environment as I can, but you won't be needing those. You and I will spend some time getting to know one another, Loki. Ah, here we are…"

Charles stopped his chair outside the door, as Loki switched on the light. He stepped in carefully, as if expected a team of assailants to attack him.

"Well it certainly is a step up from that cell." Loki said, taking in his surroundings.

"Will I be permitted to visit?" Thor asked, still in the hallway with the professor.

"That's up to Loki." Both men looked to the God of Mischief.

"When I feel up for a visit, I'll get a message to you." Thor nodded, it was better than he dared hope for.

"Well, I'll leave you two alone a moment. Good night, Loki." Charles said.

"Good night, thank you again for this." Loki called, but Xavier was already down the hall. Thor stepped inside as Loki collapsed to the edge of the bed.

"Are you alright, Loki?"

"I'm oddly…nervous." Thor risked stepping closer and sat on the mattress beside his brother, just as they had done in their youth.

"Why?"

"I feel stripped naked – vulnerable, or something. I don't like it."

"Brother, you have been guarded for too long. Perhaps some vulnerability will be good for you. I look forward to when I am permitted a visit."

Loki quirked a smile, "I imagine, if this works, we'll both have some owning up to do."

"I look forward to it." It wasn't lost on Thor that he just called Loki brother, and he hadn't retaliated with venom and hatred. He wondered exactly what memories the professor tampered with. "Will you permit me to hug you?"

Loki nearly laughed, "You never hug me."

Thor chuckled, but his brother's words stung, as if affection had never existed between them. So instead, he brought his hand to cup the back of Loki's neck in that familiar gesture.

"I will see you soon, brother. Never doubt that I love you, and I will be here in a heartbeat if you need me."

"Sentiment…" Loki said in jest, but Thor could hear the emotion that clouded his voice.

"Take care, brother." Thor said, and Loki nodded with a sad smile as Thor left the room. Charles' voice echoed in his mind, leading him back to the study where they first spoke.

"Thor, I already told your mother I wouldn't tell her what Loki confided in me. I just wanted to tell you that I believe you're right, Loki wasn't in full control of his mind. Whether they had full or only partial control, I won't know without further questioning, but I wanted you to know that."

Thor couldn't even begin to express his relief and gratitude, yet still cautious that this may blow up in all their faces. Namely his.

"Is he alright? He's been so quiet." Thor asked.

"It can be a shock to have someone else crawling around your conscious mind. But…you said it yourself; Loki's mind is a battlefield. There is damage I'm not sure can be undone, and his mind goes back over a thousand years and I've barely scratched the surface. This will not be easy, especially for Loki, and it will take considerable time."

"I am confident if any man can accomplish it, it will be you, Professor." Thor smiled, "I will have Jane Foster call you tomorrow with her contact information, should you need to get a hold of me, she knows how."

"Be safe, Thor," Charles said with a kind smile.

"You as well." Thor left him in peace, lifting one more prayer to the Norns as he headed home to Jane to explain his actions.


Loki lay in the comfortable bed, staring up at the ceiling. It wasn't much bigger than his cell, but it was warm and inviting and it lacked the overly bright lights that drove him mad. He wanted to leave the door open as it was, but he knew he should close it for privacy. He feared to close it, that as soon as he did the locks would engage on the outside and he would be as trapped in here as he was there. He couldn't relax.

This was all a dream, a cruel manifestation of his subconscious mind. Odin would never have let him leave. But no, it was real; he knew in his bones that it was real. It was he that felt false, felt unfamiliar in his own skin. His memories were still there, and the emotions weren't gone, they were just beyond his reach. All the anger that drove him – the rage – was silent. He felt numb, detached from his own body.

Restless, he went outside. He can't remember the last time he saw the stars – even if they weren't his own. It wasn't as breathtaking as the view from Asgard, but it was wide open and he was breathing fresh air. He wasn't about to complain.

"So, you must be Loki…" Loki spun on his heel toward the gruff voice in the shadows, ready to fight.

"Who's asking?"

"Name's Logan," the man said, stepping into the light. He exhaled a cloud of smoke, "Professor told me you might be coming."

"Did he?" Loki replied intrigued, stepping closer, "And what else did he tell you?"

"To play nicely." There was a definite threat in his words and Loki smiled. This man seemed to be too old to be a student, but he didn't think he was a teacher, either.

"Are you a student of his?"

"Of sorts…" the man crushed what he was smoking beneath his boot, "Listen bub, I don't beat around the bush, Lord knows I wasn't the nicest guy when I arrived here and while I have done things in my past I ain't proud of, trying to take over New York wasn't one of 'em. These kids are innocent, so whatever shit you'll be working out in your brain, you keep the fallout away from them…" Loki startled as the claws ripped through the skin of his hands, "Or you'll answer to me."

Fascinating, "You must be the man that can't die…"

"That's right…"

"Neither can I…" Loki said, suddenly behind him. Logan turned, bringing the claws to Loki's neck. The illusion faded and Loki laughed behind him as Logan looked back and forth, obviously confused and unappreciative of Loki's illusion.

"Are you a teleporter?"

"No, I just have a vast array of tricks up my sleeve." Loki smiled, clasping his hands behind his back. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Logan, but I think I'll retire now." Perhaps this wouldn't be as dull as he feared.


So that's the end of the beginning. The other chapters won't be this long, and they will usually only be in the POV of Loki, Thor, sometimes Logan or other people. I know there wasn't a lot of prose in this chapter, since it was so dialogue heavy I thought I'd save the prose for the more angst filled chapters. And the deeper emotions. This is just a start, and a long one at that.

Again, feel free to review! I hope you enjoy it enough to stick around!