Chapter 2
He could feel him way before he could see him; an all-encompassing presence that made breathing suddenly very difficult. Loki didn't have to be one of the greatest magic users on Asgard to know who it was that had finally found him.
His instinctual reaction was fear because despite the new powers that had been bestowed upon him by his benefactor, Loki doubted he could ever stand a chance against Hadrian if the man ever decides to fight seriously. After all, Hadrian was on an entirely new plane than he or Thor; he had once been the lonely orphan Odin had brought to their realm and given the power of the Gods, but had quickly rose in their ranks, gaining a reputation that could make even the strongest warrior quiver in their boots. Loki wasn't an exception. He could still remember a few years back when one of the All-father's enemies decided it would be a good idea to kidnap him. After Hadrian had found the perpetrator, his wrath had been so devastating that when he was finished, there wasn't a speck to be found of his kidnapper. And now, that wrath was going to be turned on to him. Loki just hoped Hadrian would be merciful.
When Loki had started this plan to take over Midgard, he had thought about the possibility of Hadrian being tasked to bring him back and was relieved beyond reason when Thor had been the one to appear. Loki can deal with Thor; he was like a big teddy bear and wasn't all that much more intelligent. Thor was warm-hearted and trusting; Loki was good at manipulating him. Hadrian however was another question. In all the time Loki had known him, Hadrian had never smiled at him nor had he shown him any affection. He was a closed book and even Loki tried, he could never read Hadrian's emotions. Manipulating Hadrian would be suicide and Loki knew that the chances of him ever being able to finish what he had started with the other Prince here was next to none. All he can hope now is ask for Hadrian's protection when his benefactor would turn against him for failing his task.
Loki was torn out of his thoughts when the door of the empty warehouse he had been hiding – resting – in opened with a dramatic bang and Hadrian appeared at the entrance, looking as regal and forbidding as Loki had remembered him. He looked furious; his magic barely restrained around his figure, making his cape bellow.
"Loki," Hadrian said, walking forward towards him, and it took everything for Loki not to kneel as he would in the presence of the All-father.
"Hadrian," he replied, glad that his voice didn't sound the least terrified, "So Odin finally decided to send you to finish his dirty work. I have to say, he must be desperate."
A part of Loki's mind knew that it was a terrible idea to goad someone like Hadrian, whose temper was almost as famous as his fighting prowess. But Loki was an idiot when it came to dealing with stress and he tends to babble way too much. It always landed him in trouble ever since he was young.
He should have expected the attack but that didn't do anything to make it any less painful.
"As violent as ever," Loki coughed, struggling for breath from where he was effortlessly pined to the ground. Hadrian hadn't even moved, "You should see someone about that."
"Tell me Loki," Hadrian continued, ignoring Loki's comment, "What do you hope to accomplish with this little stunt of yours? Did you truly expect to succeed?"
"If you hadn't interfered; I would have," Loki said confidently, "I changed brother; I am 10 times more powerful than before. Thor will never stand a chance against me."
"Oh yes," Hadrian looked amused, or as amused the emotionless prince could get, "Your new staff; the source of your new power. Where ever did you get it Loki?"
"My benefactor gave it to me," Loki admitted, still struggling to get up.
"Mmm," Hadrian's gaze left his form to land on the staff propped against the wall. "This is an interesting artifact. You are right; I can feel its power. Thor would have had great difficulty battling you with this by your side."
Loki's eyes widened at the unexpected praise but the confusion turned to horror when Hadrian continued: "Let's see what you can do without it then."
With a snap of his fingers, the staff exploded in to million pieces and Loki didn't even have time to cry out before he was plunged in to unconsciousness.
.
.
.
Fury wanted Thor to bring Hadrian back, not wanting someone so powerful to run around on his own. Tony was amused by the whole situation; Fury really didn't seem to understand his tactics won't work with someone even Thor admired for his strength and power. From what he could see from the brief moment Hadrian was here, the prince would never come back unless it's of his own volition.
"My brother is not one to be controlled," Thor repeated for the thousandth time, his good cheer all but gone, "He's strong and powerful and he will never listen to you unless you have something for him. Your authority means nothing compared to the army he commands with ease. The sooner you start understanding that, the sooner we will all get along."
"What is the difference between him and the rest of you?" Tony asked, trying to distract Thor from attacking the Director. He may not like the man but he figured that would be the best if they want to recover the Tesseract and save this planet.
"Hadrian is the All-father's heir," Thor explained, "He has more responsibilities than us. He has already been given a part of the All-father's empire to rule as his own."
"But why is he so much more powerful than you?" Tony insisted, eyes gleaming with scientific curiosity.
Thor shrugged a little, looking thoughtful.
"I do not know," he admitted, "My brother was not born on Asgard. He had been brought to our world by the All-father and given the power of the Gods. Perhaps that made the difference?"
"Wait," Clint spoke up from where he had been perched on the sofa, "Where was he born if not on Asgard?"
"Hadrian was a Midgardian," Thor admitted, much to the shock of everyone in the room, "But he wasn't a normal Midgardian. He had processed magic even back before he was taken in by the All-father. No one knew his identity from before and the All-father guards the secret close to his heart."
"Wow," Tony mumbled, mind still reeling, "Talk about unexpected developments."
"So in other words," Fury spoke up, ignoring the rest of the Avengers and concentrating on Thor, "This Hadrian must have a record on Earth if he was born here."
Thor's face closed up, understanding what Fury was driving at.
"That would not be a good idea Director," he said, voice thunderous, "Hadrian is a very private person. He would not appreciate such an intrusion to his privacy."
Before Fury could reply however, agent Coulson ran in to the room, panting and looking way too stressed. His hair was a mess; he was out of breath and was obviously dying to relay his message.
And what a message it was…
"Loki just appeared out of nowhere! But he's unconscious and he doesn't have his staff with him. I think something's wrong. He doesn't look good at all."
TBC.
