oOo

Chapter 2 – Prince of Fools

(Asgard: Past)

The sky was crying.

Sif gloomily watched as heavy rain poured all over Asgard. The dark, ominous clouds blanketed the once brilliant sky, and Sif wondered whether it was Thor's doing. Had something horrendous happened?

"Remember our time in Nidavellir?" Volstagg bellowed.

Snapping from her musings, Sif turned her attention back to her friends. They were walking down the palace halls and regaled old and recent misadventures.

"The dwarf?" Fandral provided.

"Indeed!" Volstagg's belly rumbled as he chuckled. "That good for nothing, arrogant dwarf openly insulted Thor among his own kin! And look what good that did him! I am glad Loki used his tricks to embarrass the wrinkled, old fellow."

"Serves the fellow right."

"He apologized." Hogun added.

"That does not excuse his actions." Sif joined. "That dwarf was out of line."

"My dear friends!" Fandral cheerfully announced. "There is a better tale I wish to tell. Remember the kitchen incident last moon where the beautiful maidens, under Lady Runa, ran off from a rat infestation?"

"If I recall correctly," She rolled her eyes. "They ran to you?"

"They did."

"Dear Volstagg enjoyed raiding the kitchens afterwards."

Her lips curved into a smile as the large warrior wrapped his arms around Hogun and Fandral's shoulders. The mighty warrior bellowed in delight, thrusting his large stomach forward without shame.

"That was the best few minutes of my life!"

The four warriors erupted with laughter, but their mirth died quickly when they saw several guards running to the other end of the hall. Suddenly, the whole palace shook and thunder roared in the sky.

They turned to one another and with a single nod, they followed the men.

"What do you think is wrong?" Fandral asked.

"I have a guess." Sif scowled.

They walked up to the head guard, who was yelling orders to secure the surrounding halls and to contain and possibly evacuate panicked household members. The tall, handsome, and hard-edged warrior noticed Sif and the Warriors Three and quickly paid his respects.

"My lords," He declared. "My lady."

"Why is everyone in an uproar, Raszar?" Sif asked. "Are we under attack?"

"There was an incident in Prince Loki's chambers."

"Incident?"

"We are not sure," Raszar rasped, gesturing to the other warriors to head to their posts. "It was the gatekeeper who sounded the alarm. He said he could not see beyond the door, and the warriors say the Princes are trapped within the chamber."

Hogun paled, "What of the king and queen?"

"They are already there with some of Tyr's men. The rest of us were ordered to secure the palace entrances while they contain the situation."

"Thank you, Raszar."

"Go with haste, my lords and lady."

The man bowed and left to command his men. Sif turned to her friends, who looked equally disturbed by the news. They knew who was to blame for this. With one single look, they came to an agreement and went to the royal quarters.


oOo

The palace shook again.

Frigga and Odin were at their wits end when Tyr's men failed to pry the door open. The bright light seeping from the nooks of the door grew stronger. After a few moments, the light dimmed and slowly died.

"It is quiet." Frigga voiced.

"It is done." Odin wearily voiced. "They are no longer here."

"All-Father?" Tyr voiced.

"A powerful barrier is in effect and I know you sense it. Even with our combined efforts, it would take long for us to open this door. There is dark energy here and we must wait until it fades."

"My men?"

"Have them secure this hallway."

Odin watched as Tyr took one good look at door before he bowed to his king and queen and left. Odin knew what complications would ensue should the Council hear of this, but he trusted Tyr to keep everything under control.

"Our sons," Frigga declared. "Should we follow?"

"No."

"What do you mean?"

"Patience, love." He pulled his worried wife close. "We need only wait until the barrier fades and this door will easily open."

"With Gungnir, you mean?" She teased, and sobered. "This is dark magic, Odin, one of old and terrifying tales that should no longer see light. This was buried long ago… A serpent so treacherous—" She stopped herself from continuing. "How did it reach the palace walls?"

"I have an idea how."

"No."

"Frigga."

"You cannot say it was him."

Before Odin could answer, Sif and the Warriors Three bounded across the hall despite Tyr's warning. Odin shook his head and allowed them passage. The four paid their respects, making Frigga smile with delight.

Their effortless loyalty was something to applaud of.

"Lady Sif and the Warriors Three," Odin announced. "It is good you are here, but unfortunately, there is nothing you can offer that we have not already tried. We need only wait and hope they are well."

"They are beyond our reach," Frigga added.

"Truly?" Sif mourned.

"Only time is our enemy here."


oOo

(Avengers Tower: Present)

Out of instincts, Thor pushed Loki behind him and raised Mjolnir. He grinned menacingly as the mortals took a step back when Mjolnir crackled with lightning. It made him feel giddy, having power over them.

"Stay close, Brother." Thor ordered. "This will be messy."

"Why are they hostile towards us?"

"I know not."

"There must be a reason."

Loki peeked from his brother's shoulder and observed the six mortals as quickly as possible. There was a blonde-haired man, aching to Thor, who held a star designed shield. He doesn't look as threatening as the others did, but Loki had learned from a young age that looks were very deceiving.

The man was at the front lines, meaning he packed more than just a punch.

"He could possibly rival Thor." He assessed.

Loki turned to the archer.

If he wasn't mistaken, the arrow was pointed directly at him, despite Thor's huge frame blocking the archer's line of sight. He wondered why the man was more hostile towards him than Thor, who brandished Mjolnir like a trophy.

Oh well, the man looked easy to disarm.

"Who else?"

The red-haired woman next to the archer looked far more intimidating than any of the others did, despite the simple hand gun she held. And after knowing Sif for so many centuries and taught by his mother, who was just as much a warrior as any, in the act of defense— Loki knew not to trample with women so recklessly.

But knowing Thor, this dance would not end so well.

Then there was the man with an eye-patch, vaguely reminding Loki of Heimdall and Odin put together. He deduced the man as their leader; given how outspoken he was. Again, the man was holding a hand gun, just like the woman.

Did they not know those bullets won't work on them?

He eyed the other two, who watched from the sidelines. They didn't look like warriors, nor did they have any weapon on them. Bystanders? No… They looked… well, strangely enough, ordinary.

"Thor," Fury called.

"Huh," Loki dryly said. "He clearly knows you."

"I heard," Thor hissed. "How do you know my name, mortal?"

"We know you," Fury explained and pointed. "We don't want any trouble, Thor. Drop the hammer, step away from your mischievous brother, and allow us time to help you through this— whatever it is you're going through."

"Help me?"

"Yes, Thor, you need help."

"Did you hear him, Brother?" He turned in disbelief. "Did he just say I needed help?"

"Honestly," Loki shrugged. "I think you might need it."

Thor wasn't sure whether his brother was joking or not, but he knew when he was being insulted. He turned back to the mortals and let his rage feed his power. The sky continued to darken as lightning blazed all over.

"A SON OF ODIN NEVER SURRENDERS!"

"This is humiliating," Loki whispered.

He felt his face flush in embarrassment as Thor continued to yell about his titles. These mortals looked more scared and territorial than hostile, now that Loki finished observing them. He sighed and tugged Thor's cloak.

"Brother?"

"Quiet, Loki."

"Thor, let us discuss this like civilized men instead of attacking like an angered Vargr."

"That is cowardly."

"It is not."

"Don't listen to him, Thor!" Clint yelled, pulling the bow string tighter. "You're better than that, man. He's trying to get in your head. Just spit him back out and step aside so we can shoot him properly."

"Beg your pardon?" Loki blinked.

"Walk away, Thor!"

How dare the archer suggest that to his own brother?! Loki glared, his hand rising to pull off a complicated hex. The mortal was clueless to who he was insulting. He took a step forward, but Thor blocked his path.

"Brother?" Loki scowled. "Step aside."

"Let me do this."

Lightning hit the gap between them and the Avengers, making the mortals increase their hostility and caution. Loki blinked in shock, wanting to strangle his brother for his stupidity. He wanted to stay in good terms with these people and learn what they knew, but Thor just had to attack head on.

"Lower your weapons!" Thor yelled.

"How about no?" Tony shouted. "Why don't you put the hammer down?!"

"You think I jest?"

"Don't make us hurt you, Thor." Steve threatened "Lower the hammer."

"I will not be mocked by mortals!"

Loki felt a wave of fear when the sky erupted in blazes of lightning. Thor wasn't joking around. He needed to find a quick exit before everything falls into chaos. Looking around, Loki could find nothing but buildings and innocent people.

"Thor," He tugged again.

"Stand aside, Brother." Thor grinned. "I will show these mortals what fear is."

"Listen—"

"Later, Loki."

Thor stepped forward and spun his hammer. A chuckle escaped his lips when the Avengers took a defensive stance, hoping to avoid his vicious fury. What were they thinking, challenging him, the god of Thunder?

"You're outnumbered, Thor." Natasha declared.

He laughed, "That will not stop me."

"Thor," Loki whined.

His brother was out of control, and Loki could do nothing but step back and watch the fireworks. He sighed and watched as the mortals spoke with one another throughout the storm Thor was creating.

"Thor's not going to listen." Steve announced. "We need another plan."

"Should we shoot?" Clint suggested.

"No." Fury grimaced. "Just keep your aim steady."

"I have an idea." Natasha said.

"What?" Clint gasped.

"Cover me."

"Nat, no."

"Thor," Natasha carefully approached. She had a feeling he might take it easier on her than with everyone else. "It's me, Natasha…" She took another daring step forward. "It doesn't have to be this way. Let's calm down and talk this through."

"Why should I?" Thor asked.

"Trust me," She stared. "You don't want to harm innocent people."

"Do not appeal to my sympathy, Lady Natasha."

"Sympathy?" Clint laughed.

"Clint," Natasha scolded. "Let me handle this."

"He clearly doesn't get it, Nat." He scoffed, aiming his bow at Thor. "He needs a good knock on the head to think clearly— Just look at his brother standing there as if he doesn't care what kind of shit happens."

"Do not speak of my brother in that manner, mortal!" The wind immediately picked up. "We are the sons of Odin and you would do well to respect that!"

Loki scowled and tried to piece it all together.

Then it clicked.

"Thor," He breathed, feeling himself shake as it dawned on him. "Thor, stop! Listen, Brother." He walked up to him and tugged his sleeve, but Thor pushed him aside. "This is not the time for your pride to take over, Thor. This is not our realm, nor is it our timeline. The spell worked! You must cease this!"

"Quiet, Loki."

"You are not listening!"

"This will be over soon and we will deal with it later."

Loki swallowed and took a step back as another lightning hit the ground, making the Avengers back away even further. Thor was stubborn to a fault and would stop at nothing until he got his way. He looked at the poor mortals who tempted his brother's wrath.

Sadly enough, there was little he could do to stop Thor.


oOo

Jarvis secretly recorded everything upon Tony's orders.

If Tony was honest with himself, he found the entire thing amusing and terrifying at the same time. He was a fickle man, just unable to control himself. He liked the chaos, but at the same time, rued it.

"Can't believe Thor called Natasha a lady."

He got sidetracked when he saw Bruce back away to the wall, holding himself. The guy looked a little too green for his liking, and that was a bad thing. Slowly, Tony backed up to the scientist and gave him a tap on the shoulder.

"How you holding up, Bruce?"

"I'm fine." He answered. "I just… need a moment."

"If you want to let loose, don't let us stop you. I'm pretty sure it's better than having an apocalypse caused by Thor's godly powers."

"Funny." He rasped.

"Can't blame me for suggesting."

Tony tapped the comm in his ears and told Jarvis to ready his suit. Bruce was more important than subduing two Norse gods. If the big guy comes out and starts destroying Manhattan in a rage, Tony felt it would be on him.

"Hang in there, Bruce."

Thor's attitude became increasingly unbearable that Fury had enough. The big boss had his walkie-talkie in hand— how terrifying— probably to start ordering Shield Agents around. Tony shook his head, unsure whether to laugh or cry when Fury started yelling.

"Lower the hammer or we'll be forced to fire!"

"Try me!" Thor yelled.

"Is it weird that Loki's just standing there?" Tony assessed, watching the younger god look at his brother with worry. "Is Thor really under his brother's control?"

"Not sure." Bruce panted. "Maybe it's a little weird."

"Any idea?"

"None."

A knock on the head would've done the trick, but they weren't sure how to do that without the big guy helping out. Tony sighed and looked at the other Avengers. He could've sworn he saw a hand signal from Fury to prepare the team.

Tony had an odd feeling that he wouldn't be able to contribute much given his… fear… of the unknown. But he was more than willing to lend a hand.

"We're your friends, Thor." Steve declared.

"Friends?" Thor repeated. "I am no friend to mortals."

After his statement, chaos reigned.

Natasha started firing as a distraction while Steve made a run for it to tackle Thor. They didn't expect the god of Thunder to be so quick. Thor ran forward with blind courage and slammed his hammer on Steve's shield.

"Shit," Tony cursed.

The attack backfired and caused a shockwave that sent everyone flying.

"There's a major déjà vu vibe that I'm getting here." Tony groaned as he picked himself up off the ground and dusted his business suit. "This is the worst possible way to start the day."

Everyone quickly recovered.

Clint set aside his anger for Loki, who just stood there, and started firing at Thor, who was completely hostile. He sent arrows flying at the god one by one, but they were either deflected or poorly attempted despite Clint's impressive marksmanship.

Loki wasn't sure he understood these mortals.

"What could we have done to earn this kind of future?"

Finally annoyed, Thor threw his hammer at Clint, who barely dodged the attack. Natasha and Fury continued firing, knowing full well that bullets were useless against him. Mjolnir magnetized itself back to its owner and the god of Thunder threw it back at Steve.

"This isn't you, Thor." Steve dodged. "This is wrong!"

"I know who I am!"

"Apparently we don't know you that well."

When Steve recovered, he threw his shield at Thor's face, but it bounced back into his arms, leaving only a small cut on the god's lip. Thor laughed it off and charged the hammer, only to fling the energy directly at Steve.

Luckily, the shield took most of the attack.

"Oh man," Tony groaned as he eyed the spectacle. "Never thought I'd say this, but we're getting hammered over here."

"SURRENDER!" Thor cried.

"Jarvis, now is a good time to get my suit."

"Of course, Sir."

"Any time now."

Finally, the Iron man suit flew out the window under Jarvis' control. When Tony got in, he eyed everyone and watched their 'life line' so to speak, in his helmet. Everyone was holding up alright, but it was still weird that Loki was just… standing there.

"Creepy guy," Tony huffed. "Power up, Jarv."

"The suit is at its maximum."

"Go time."

Tony charged up and tackled Thor, sending them flying into the air. Thor started punching and wriggling out of Tony's headlock. An elbow jab to Tony's face was what did the trick, sending Thor falling back to the sky roof of the new Avengers tower.

"Are you shitting me?!" He cursed. "I just had that finished!"

Thor jumped out of a window and back to the Quinjet pad, trying to hit Tony to make them even. Tony dodged easily and shot small missiles at Thor, hoping it would be enough to not destroy his newly renovated tower.

"He's distracted." Natasha reloaded.

"Not for long," Clint groaned. "What now?"

"This isn't Thor." Steve stretched his body and looked up at the ominous sky. "We have to find a way to knock him out. This storm might be a danger to the public."

"I know how."

"Yeah?"

"We hit that one over there." Clint subtly gestured to Loki, who had his eyes trailed at the sky where Thor had flown to attack Tony. "From the looks of it, the bastard has some kind of green force field around him. Any blast that's thrown at Thor and hits near him doesn't affect him at all."

"Think he has one of our tech?" Fury asked.

"Not that I know of."

"Guys!" Tony shouted from the comms. "I don't know about you, but I can't keep Thor distracted forever. And I seriously don't want the tower to get trashed like last time."

"I have an idea." Natasha confidently said.

"We're all ears!"

"Steve, you and Tony can hold your ground against Thor. A few minutes of distraction would buy us enough time to take Loki down. I want to confirm something."

"Your plan, Romanov?" Fury asked.

"Just a hunch," She shrugged. "I don't think Bruce can hold the big guy much longer. I want to try this before that happens. Is everyone ready?"

"Just a few minutes?" Steve asked.

Natasha nodded.

"Alright," He nodded back. "Stark, bring Thor down."

Tony dived and landed on the Quinjet pad.

Thor did the same thing, making the entire roof quiver. Steve ran for it and threw his shield at Thor's head. Thor quickly recovered and swiped Mjolnir to the right. Steve ducked, sending punches, kicks, and used his shield as a battering ram.

Thor was pushed back, clearly enjoying the challenge.

Tony suddenly tag-teamed with Steve and they sent Thor flying.

"You're up." Fury said.

Clint and Natasha nodded to each other and made their way to Loki.

"Boss," A voice from the comms spoke. "This crisis is firing up the media and it's all over the news. The World Security Council has been informed. I already have a Shield team on standby to neutralize the threat. Should we deploy the Quinjets?"

"Not yet, Hill." Fury answered. "I want to see where this goes."


oOo

Loki was impressed with the firepower these mortals have. Their determination to protect was outstanding. He also had to admit; it was amusing to watch Thor get riled up and knocked aside by mere mortals.

"Hey, green eyes!" Clint called. "Over here!"

Loki blinked, "Beg your pardon?"

"You have it."

For some strange reason, Loki felt tremendously offended by the archer's words. His eyes were emerald, not green. Uncultured swine. The archer raised his bow and arrow, but the woman did nothing.

Loki scolded himself for his inattentiveness.

Carefully, he schooled his expression and raised his hands in mock surrender. Even if they tried to hit him, they won't be able to. He had cast a strong enough barrier to deflect any and possibly all of their attacks.

"Loki?"

The red-haired woman took a step forward and raised her own hands in the same manner as he had done. Her weapon was safely holstered on her leg.

That confused him.

Natasha paused, "We just want to talk."

"Go on," Loki said.

She narrowed her eyes and looked into Loki's. While the others fought with blind courage and rage, or possibly even justice, she had a clear head. She looked for familiar signs she had seen in him before, but oddly enough, there were none.

"Nat?" Clint asked.

She ignored her partner and continued.

"Loki," Natasha began. "My name is Natasha."

The young god tilted his head in confusion and lowered his hands. His expression gave it away, but she knew better than to fall for his tricks. She had to probe; otherwise, Thor would create another war that they do not want.

"Do you remember me?"

"No." Loki truthfully answered. "Thor and I are not what you think."

"I think you're lying." Clint voiced.

"You think."

The archer, slightly pissed, aimed an electric arrow at him and fired it. Loki's hand shot forward and the barrier disintegrated the arrow. Clint and Natasha were shocked to see Loki's hand and eyes glow green.

"I told you he had a force field."

Natasha glared at her partner and slapped his hand.

"Put that away," She scolded and took a step forward to the clearly confused Loki. "Sorry about that. Clint likes to prove he's right." That earned her a protest, but she ignored it. "He was just… testing you."

Liar.

"Your archer looked ready to kill."

"A misunderstanding."

"It is your observation against mine."

"Point taken," Natasha surrendered. "Where did you learn that trick?"

"Trick?" Loki blinked. "You are mistaken."

A loud noise interrupted them and they all turned to see Steve on the ground, clutching his stomach. Thor had Tony hanging by the neck. The god was choking the life out of him and crushing his suit.

Tony powered the reactor and sent a huge blast that sent Thor crashing to the very edge of the Quinjet pad.

Loki cried, "Thor, that's enough!"

"I will not be mocked by mortals, Brother! You know this!"

"Thor, please!"

His brother ignored him and went after Steve again, who had recovered far quicker than the god of Thunder would have liked. Loki didn't want any bloodshed. Not now, of all places. He dared a step forward, but Clint and Natasha were blocking his path.

"You really don't know us," Natasha said.

"No." Loki shook his head.

"Thor's not under your control?"

"No one can control my brother," He confidently said. "Not unless our mother tells him to do something or our father enforces it— there are rare cases when he does bend, but that is unlikely in this situation."

Clint and Natasha nodded at one another in agreement.

"Nat?"

"I know, Clint."

Loki seemed tame, and without the deranged goal of domination in his mind. It was as if the horror, the anger, and pain were wiped— no, hidden away— in his features. His emerald eyes… were different as well.

Strange.

The young god was far more stable and polite than they had known of him in the short period of time that they had met.

"Loki," Natasha said. "Can you answer a few questions?"

"That depends." He answered.

"How do we know you're not lying?"

"I have no way to prove it." Loki voiced, occasionally glancing at Thor. "You only have my words as your evidence. But I am telling the truth that we are not from here."

"You're from Asgard."

"Yes, my lady, but not of this time."

"You have got to be kidding me." Clint rolled his eyes at the title Loki gave his partner. He decided to try a different tactic to goad the young god into attacking them, just so he could prove their suspicions were wrong. "Why would we listen to you after what happened in New York nearly six months ago?"

"Beg your pardon?"

"The attack."

"I know not what you speak of."

Loki scowled, unsure of how to play this properly.

Time wasn't something he had ever tampered with. He knew the risks. Finally, he decided to end this. He backed away to the edge of the roof and tried to get Thor's attention and hopefully whisk the brute away to let his steam cool down.

The two assassins huddled together.

"Boss," Natasha muttered.

"What is it?" Fury asked from the comms. "What did you get?"

"This isn't Loki either." She stared, looking at Clint in agreement. "Something's wrong with the two of them and we aren't sure how to approach."

"He said something about time." Clint added.

"Well, figure it out." Fury huffed. "Because I think I just lost Banner."

Bruce was on his knees, clutching his head as if he was in pain. Slowly, he turned green and his upper clothes ripped in half. Thankfully, Tony's ingenuity paid off as the pants stayed on. The scientist's bulk grew larger and larger…

Fury cursed and went inside the building, hoping the green guy won't come inside.

Clint sighed, "Great, go team."

"I need backup." Natasha asked. "Cover me?"

"Always, Nat."

She slowly approached Loki again, who had wearily turned to her. Natasha stopped when she only stood a few feet from him. She really hoped this would work; otherwise, she would be so pissed if it didn't— here's to hoping her instincts were sound.

"Loki," She said. "Can you stop Thor?"

"I know not."

"Can you try?"

Loki looked up at his brother, who was getting angrier by the second. He wasn't sure if he would be able to, but he knew he could teleport Thor out of the way. He turned back to the Natasha and recognized the similarities she had with Sif.

"It is possible." He said.

"Then stop him." She urged. "Innocent people will get hurt."

Loki wasn't sure why he felt sympathy for them or why he felt like he had to trust her, but he did. If this woman was part of this group of warriors, it must mean she was worthy of her title. He sighed, and watched as Thor did more damage to the tower.

"This has to end." Clint insisted.

Finally making up his mind, Loki prepared to teleport.

But suddenly…

"RAAAaaaaaaGGgghh!"

A loud bellow of rage made everyone pause and look at Bruce, who had now changed into Hulk. His green eyes were deranged and restless, as if he was searching. When he spotted Loki, Hulk slammed his large hands into the concrete and roared.

Thor roared back in delight.

"FINALLY!"

The excitement got to him.

It was the adventure Loki had promised.

Hulk charged and Thor did the same thing, but it was useless. Thor was swatted to the side of a building like an annoying fly. Loki swallowed and paled as the creature continued to charge with no mercy.

"What is that thing?" Loki gasped.

"Your worst nightmare," Clint swallowed. "Run!"

"Move!" Natasha yelled.

As the two assassins moved out of the way, Loki remained where he was, frozen in spot.

Clint and Natasha could do nothing for him now. Fury started ordering Hill to take precautionary backup over the Code: Green situation, while Tony told Jarvis to prepare the same thing. Steve sighed, preparing himself for the worst.

"Norns help me," Loki breathed.

He knew he had to teleport out of the way, but panic overtook his senses and his magic failed him. Hulk jumped in front of Loki, cornering both his exits. He felt his heart die a little as the creature screamed at him.

It snorted and eyed him carefully.

Loki swallowed, "I mean no harm, creature—"

"Puny god."

Hulk's right hand swiped left and Loki dodged it and ran to Hulk's right. Hulk was faster as he jumped over Loki and blocked his path yet again. Loki raised his hand in defeat, but it only angered the creature more.

Loki's body shook as he tried to mutter a counter spell, but it was useless.

Fear had taken him.

He was far too unfocused, frightened, and awed at the same time. But of course, he wouldn't let this defeat him. Loki's hands glowed green and sent bolt after bolt of magical energy to try and knock the beast, but it was futile.

It only irritated Hulk.

The Avengers quickly regrouped.

"I'm done, guys." Tony took off his mask and sat down. "My suit is almost totaled and Jarvis is ready to malfunction. I seriously didn't expect Thor to pack that much. I don't remember having a difficult time fighting him before."

Clint snorted, "He went easy on you."

"No shit."

"Does anyone have an idea?" Steve asked. "We really need one right now."

"I'm not volunteering." Clint muttered.

"There's no way to calm Hulk down." Natasha frowned as they still practiced the lullaby. "If Loki survives this again, we may have the explanation we need."

"If he survives." Fury said from the window.

"We can't let that happen." Steve said, looking up at Fury. They need Loki alive or else, Thor would only go on a rampage. "We don't need Shield involved. Not yet. But we do need them evacuate the city again if we have to."

"I'm one call away, Captain."

Steve was about to call out a plan when Hulk suddenly grabbed Loki's waist and pulled him up to his face. Loki felt the slow squeeze of amusement as the creature was about to kill him.

Oh, Norns, he was going to die.

The beast would probably eat him, pulverize him, or morbidly make him explode.

Either way, he would die.

"Okay," Tony paled and looked at the others. "We're too late."

"Want me to shoot him?" Clint asked.

"Which one?" Natasha asked.

Steve was appalled that the two assassins had time to joke around. He wasn't sure if he understood them correctly. It was either to shoot Loki to end his misery or to shoot Hulk to help Loki escape.

Either of that idea was bad.

Loki felt Hulk's warm breath hit his face as the creature grunted.

"This is it." He braced himself. "I am going to die."

Thor pulled himself out of the rubble and pushed aside a probing mortal's hand. He had been thrown into a building. "Stupid creature," He grumbled and wobbled away from the bystanders.

He spun his hammer and shot back to the Quinjet pad.

When he landed, he was in shock.

Loki was literally in the hand of his enemies. Fear consumed him and his heart felt like it was ripped in two when he saw Loki close his eyes in preparation.

"NNOOOooooo!" He cried out.

Then there was silence.

Loki opened his teary eyes to stare at the eerily similar emerald ones.

In annoyance, Hulk exhaled through his nose, jostling Loki's hair. He placed the god on his feet and pushed him. Loki fell back and blinked in confusion when the creature slowly decreased in size and all that was left was the same man he had seen in the corner.

"T-that was you?" He stuttered. "The beast?"

Loki had been too distracted to notice.

"Sorry," Bruce mumbled. "I got a little carried away."

Trembling, Loki sighed in relief as his life nearly flashed before his eyes. He let his teary eyes wander to find his older brother, who ran towards him with worry and guilt. Thor quickly wrapped his arms around Loki and pulled him to his chest.

Loki hesitantly returned the embrace.

"It's over." Fury declared. "Agent Hill, do you copy?"

"Right here, Boss."

"I need a cleanup crew."

"Copy that."

Fury got out the tower and walked to the Avengers. They were all worn out from the fight. Later, he would pat them on the back for a job well done, but for now, he was their leader and he needed to address the current problem.

When he approached, Thor pulled away.

The god protectively moved in front of his brother, and Mjolnir was raised once more in threat, but Fury wasn't fazed.

"We need to talk."


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Fun Fact: In Norse Mythology, a Vargr (singular) or Vargar (plural), are mythological wolves that are mostly evil, deformed creatures of the depths. One could also call them wargs.


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