As promised the fourth installment of the series.
Copy and Paste Copyright statement here. Don't own anyone or anything in the Marvel Universe.
Earth, SHIELD Helicarrier
Far above the ground invisible to all those below flies the impressive SHIELD fortress known as the Helicarrier its recently repaired turbines keeping hundreds of tonnes of steel from plummeting to Earth. Deep within this metal construct all situated on one side of a conference table are the Earths newest guests Sif and The Warriors Three and on the other side sits Nick Fury and the Avengers.
"I hope you have a good explanation for this Thor because I don't know how I'm going to explain four Asgardians and a recently escaped Loki to the council." Fury's voice was ice cold as his one good eye drilled a hole in a very apologetic Thunder God.
"You will address Thor with proper respect mortal." Sif's voice snapped across the conference table directing her own glare at the SHIELD director.
"I apologise Son of Fury I was not aware of my brothers escape nor did I know that my allies would come here in an attempt to apprehend him." Thor responded attempting to diffuse the most likely fatal glaring match between Sif and Fury.
"Sorry to interrupt this well staring contest do you know how Loki escaped from his confinement." Banners nervous question caught everyone's attention all eyes turning to their new arrivals for the answer.
"Heimdall was not able to tell us how he escaped all we do know is that he stole into Idunn's garden then the palace vault before assaulting us and escaping through the Bifröst." As Sif answered Banners question many of the warrior's eyes shifted towards the floor their inability to stop Loki shaming them.
"Sorry but we are talking about the same Loki right a stick thin man with greasy hair overpowering what I can only guess as five gods, come on." As Stark spoke Thor's face darkened and his brow furrowed.
"Loki is capable of many things Son of Stark and we all know from experience that he rarely attacks from the front." Any false cheer Tony had quickly dried up after Thor's comment memories of the invasion still fresh in everyone's mind.
Pinching the bridge of his nose Fury rose from his seat and with a few taps on a holographic keyboard images began to rise from the conference table detailing a map of the entire planet. Soon various countries changed from blue to red many of these countries lay in Europe and with this Fury began to speak.
"What you are looking at are areas in the world that have had recent magical disturbances this information is being relayed to us from various individuals that monitor these fields of study." Before Fury could continue Tony quickly put his hand up before speaking.
"So a bunche of Houdini's are helping SHIELD now?" Tony's sarcastic question earned him a reproachful glare from both Hill and Fury and with a shrug Tony relaxed back in his seat.
"As I was saying most of these disturbances were small but a report from a Dr Strange informed us that he noticed a large flash of magic somewhere in Norway." With this Fury zoomed in on an image of the country bright red illuminating its boundaries.
"You have till the end of the week to find Loki and bring him in Dr Strange will meet you there and guide you." Fury stared directly at Steve and the Avengers as he spoke now knowing their orders each individual nodded.
"I know you have family ties to him but can you bring him in Thor?" Fury asked his good eye focusing on the god.
"Yes in this case, I am the best suited to the task but I will bring my allies with me." The grim way Thor stated his words implied he would not take no for an answer which earned a grudging nod from Fury.
"If I may ask sir where will you be during all of this?" Barton's question drew attention to Fury with a nod changed the holographic image to a bunker before he began to respond.
"A new agency is being created to monitor and combat extra-terrestrial threats such as the Chitauri this group will not have any council oversight and as you can imagine they didn't take that well." Fury could only shake his head at the idiocy of bureaucrats a sentiment that many in the room shared.
"If you do catch Loki you are under orders to bring him to the facility it has the best chance of holding him." As the others began to protest Fury merely raised a hand in surrender silencing the group.
"We are under orders from the council to bring him and with the loss of the Tesseract they will be less forgiving if we ignore this one so follow it for now." Still frowning many members including Barton held their tongues knowing that pushing the council to far could be dangerous.
"I'm coming with you." Thor's eyes bulged at this declaration his head whipping around to face Jane, Thor's mind racing to find a way to rebuke her but he could find no such excuse.
"I don't know Jane Loki might be less understanding than Thor if you run him over with a van." Darcy said smirk dancing on her lips as she spoke earning herself a glare for the comment.
"I'll be fine I'll stay at the back away from danger." Jane's tone and smile quickly won over and after some internal debate Thor nodded before linking his arms with hers and made their way to the jet.
With the drama over the rest of the Avengers began to exit the room Tony quickly clapping Bruce on the shoulder while trying to coerce the doctor to into signing his action figure contract. Clint and Natasha could only shake their heads still angry he had sold action figures of them to the masses as their Asgardian visitors followed behind. Darcy chose to remain on the ship opting to remain both warm and safe from a potentially psychotic god.
Piling into the jet the Avengers took off leaving behind the Helicarrier all the while ignorant of the true danger that threatened their home.
Norway, Several Kilometres away from Anarjohka
"We had to pick the one time of the year when it snows."
Tony's voice carried to all of his companions as they stood in a pine forest snow crunching beneath their heels with each step they took. Decked out in coats and in the Asgardians case fur the group made their way forward their meeting place not too far ahead. Unlike the others Tony was not wrapped in wool but steel his suit clunking with each step the others smiling as Tony struggled to clear the optics of his mask in vain.
"It's your own fault for suiting up before we even know where Loki is Stark." An amused Banner said all the while struggling not to laugh at his friends clumsy movements.
"Knowing Reindeer Games he probably knows were here." Tony's voice lost all cheer as he spoke everyone began gripping their weapons tightly knowing Tony might not be wrong.
As Tony continued to complain loudly to both Steve and Bruce, at the back Clint was matching stride with Thor both speaking in whispers as to what Loki was planning the Warriors Three chipping in every so often.
"So you're saying that Loki did not remove the Tesseract when he infiltrated the vault?" Clint asked eyes roaming the various trees around them.
"That is correct Son of Barton he did take certain items but not the Tesseract." Fandral's voice held a note of uncertainty over Clint's line of questioning.
"How did Loki manage to get into the vault surely it had protections?" Barton continued pressing for information.
"Ever since the Destroyer vanished on Midgard we have been forced to rely on guards." Thor's voice was neutral but Clint knew there was an accusation hidden in his answer.
As Barton and Thor continued to speak and plan Jane, Sif and Natasha trailed behind, Natasha serving as a rear guard while Jane spoke excitedly with Sif. While knowledgeable of battle and weapons Sif held less knowledge on the workings of Asgardian technology leading to a very flustered warrior with a glaive. Noticing Sif's growing agitation Thor excused himself and made his way to Jane's side quickly gaining her attention and relieving Sif from incessant questions earing a grateful nod from his friend.
"Were at the meeting spot everybody group up." Steve's voiced carried between the trees and across the snow everyone quickly increasing their pace to match his.
The Avengers and co soon found themselves in a clearing devoid of both animals and people knowing they were in for a wait each individual began to get comfortable. Clint positioned himself high in a tree while many of the others remained close almost back to back, nothing would be left to chance. Noticing this defensive formation the Avengers contact decided it best to appear far enough away that they would not decide he was a threat and blast him to small pieces. Slowly smoke of various colours began to swirl in front of the Avengers gathering and shaping into a human form.
Weapons aimed and ready all pointed at one man in his late forties sides of his hair greyed with age, a well-trimmed Van dyke gave the man a suave feeling complimented by a well-made Italian suit. What was truly strange about the man was the blood red cloak wrapped across his shoulders held by a golden emblem of a gazing eye. Smiling the man brought his hands up in surrender smiling dancing on his lips as he did so before carefully addressing the very wary individuals before him.
"Greetings my name is Stephen Strange I believe you have been waiting for me." Weapons lowered as Strange declared himself, Steve soon made his way across the clearing to shake his hand.
"Pleasure to meet you Dr Strange we were informed you could help us locate a certain individual." Steve's voice held nothing but warmth as he spoke the others quickly following his lead.
"It was not easy but I believe I have found him." Strange said his attention focused to the south and with a flash of colour snaked its way across his hands.
"You didn't approach the location did you?" Alarmed Steve turned to Dr Strange concern clear on his face.
"Spirits no whoever you are searching for is far more powerful than me I wouldn't stand a chance." Dr Strange scoffed in response.
Nodding to the team behind him Dr Strange cane in hand began to lead the way slowly walking his way through the forest untouched by the snow or cold. At the edge of the clearing Strange stopped before bringing his together in a great clap magic leaped from his fingertips wisps of coloured smoke and lightning hung in the air. Soon a rainbow of colours appeared slowly twisting and turning before forming a door that with a wink Dr Strange strode through the others hesitantly following.
What struck first was the vertigo quickly followed by an almost overpowering nausea but as soon as these struck they passed the Avengers felt snow beneath their feet which soon mixed with Tony's stomach contents.
"How the hell do you travel like that?" Tony said fully bent over mask plate quickly removed to vomit the rest of the Avengers were also looking a bit on the green side Thor comforting Jane as best he could.
"You get so used to it that after a while you barely notice it." Dr Strange responded patting Tony on the back as he did so.
"Where are we Dr Strange?" Steve asked shield at the ready.
"Your target is just past the trees to the south but-" Dr Strange was soon cut off by Thor.
"Then let us make haste." Thor declared quickly jogging ahead hammer at the ready as his friends also drew weapons and followed.
"Dammit." Steve yelled before quickly running after them leaving the others including Strange behind.
With a curse the others attempted to catch up but were quickly outpaced by the inhuman pace that the Asgardians and Steve had set Tony choosing instead to take to the skies than run. Cursing Bruce tore his coat and mitts off in preparation for what would most likely become a battle blood pounding in his ears. At the front Thor and Steve soon spotted a wooden house with a very familiar form clad in a deep green tunic and brown pants chopping wood from a stack of wood next to the house.
Blood pounding in their ears both men ignored Dr Strange's yell, when within arm's reach Thor yelled out his brother's name. The Trickster god quickly spun axe aimed at Thor's face but was quickly countered by Mjolnir this did little to stop the force of the blow sending Thor backwards through several trees. Steve quickly came to Thor's aid delivering a swift punch to the Loki's side, grimacing Loki backhanded the Captain off his feet but Loki was given no respite as Sif and the Warriors Three attacked. Dodging between blades, hammer and shield Loki struck with precision and force Fandral blinded by a strike to his eyes, Hogun left gasping from a blow to the groin and Volstagg lay in the snow unconscious from a strike to the back of his head.
Sif felt nothing but rage beat within her, all her training and skill no match against a weak individual like Loki armed only with an axe. Speed sword strikes meet only the flat of his blade axe as it spun within the Tricksters hands the deadly edge barely warded off by her shield her arm numb from all the resulting blows. Eventually his axe slipped through Sif's guard slicing the inside of her arm and with a cry Sif dropped her blade just as Loki spun the axe striking Sif in the side of her head darkness invading vision as Sif's legs soon gave way.
Clint was the next person to join the fight snapping his bow open the archer drew a bead on the twisting god as he traded blows with Steve and Thor. Loki struck with a quick punch and kick launching his attackers in opposite directions in the hopes of gaining a small respite but was interrupted by Clint's arrow. With a skill beyond that of any human Loki split the arrow its parts moving around the god and burying in the house behind him.
Before Barton could draw another arrow a small dagger spun past him drawing a small cut along his cheek and burying in the tree behind him. Snorting Clint drew his arrow but soon found he had no way to draw it, the bow string had been cut clean in half turning Barton could only glare at the offending dagger buried within a tree.
With a snarl on his lips Loki spun his body gaining momentum before launching his axe spinning towards Steve a green shimmer passed over the blade as it flew towards its target. Muttering beneath his breath Dr Strange extended his hand a cloud of colours soon enveloped the axe just before it struck burying itself deep with the Captain's shield. Blinking Steve could only stare in shock at the axe buried within shield but snapped out of it as a shot from Tony unbalanced Loki allowing Thor to tackle him. Finally taking in who his enemies were Loki could only gape before letting out one shaky word.
"Thor." Loki's voice was still hoarse but had regained much of its former smoothness.
"Stop this brother." Thor implored staring into his Loki's emerald eyes.
With a nod the God of Mischief conceded and as Thor stood he held out a hand to the man he called his brother who after a small debate took it. As he hauled Loki to his feet Thor was able to get a better look at him, still thin Loki looked as if he had lost weight his skin looked as if it was drawn tight across his bones. The most prominent feature that drew Thor's attention though was the still fresh scar tissue situated around Loki's eyes barely distinguishable from the pale skin that surrounded it. With a sigh a shimmer of gold light surrounded Loki soon gone were his simple clothes instead replaced by royal clothes and with a nod allowed Thor to clasp rune inscribed chains around his hands.
As the others made their way over to the brothers Jane and Dr Strange began to aid the Warriors Three to their feet Fandral hauled Volstagg to his feet the man semi-conscious as he did so. With help from Jane Hogun was able to revive Sif who hissed in pain at the light wound on her arm using a strip of cloth to bandage the wound. After landing Tony strode forward a unique metal gag clasped in his metal gauntlet, handing it to Thor who with a word of apology placed the device on Loki.
With their target secure Dr Strange opened another portal to jet this time there was no chatter or jokes instead everyone was on edge hands straying to their weapons every so often. Again the vertigo and nausea struck the team this time Tony managed to prevent himself from vomiting but the journey was still unpleasant. Without a word to each other the team began to ascend the jets ramp only Loki took the time to look out upon the snow and forest before Thor guided him in.
Jet, On route to the SHIELD bunker
High in the clouds flying at an amazing speed is the SHIELD jet crammed with the Avengers, several Asgardians and Jane. For the past few hours the jet has been filled with an awkward silence Steve lamenting his shield, Clint his bow and the Warriors Three clasping ice packs to various parts of their body. Eventually the silence was broken by Steve as he brought his shield before Bruce and Tony staring at the deep gouge in the metal.
"Can you fix it?" Steve asked his voice thick with desperation.
"It will take some time but yes we can fix it." Tony said sighing in relief Steve placed the shield in Tony's hands.
Soon whispers filled the jet as Bruce and Tony discussed methods on how to repair the shield casting his eyes across the hold Steve observed his friends. Clint and Natasha sat in silence both watching Loki out the corner of their eyes who for the past hour had been playing chess with Dr Strange who demanded a rematch each time he lost. Unknown to Loki both Thor and Jane had been watching him Jane whispering a combination of questions and support for the Thor squeezing his hand as she did so. Both Sif and the Warriors Three on the other hand grimaced in pain as they iced their injury's but oddly Steve never saw any of them glare at Loki instead they laughed with each other and comparing as to who lasted longer.
The room soon went silent though as a mobile phone went off, many eyes turned Tony who merely shrugged and patted his pockets to prove he held no phone. Instead it was Rogers who dug a phone out of his pocket giving a sheepish smile as he did so and with phone in hand made his way to the back of the hold pressing the screen erratically.
"Do you need a hand Cap?" Tony's voice called earning him a reproachful look from their leader.
For several minutes a generic tune played as Steve pressed multiple times on the mobile's screen curses carrying across the jet as he failed each time. Eventually Steve's shoulders sagged in defeat before an unfamiliar hand snatched the phone away, turning to tell off Stark Steve instead found himself face to face with Loki. With a few prompt taps of the screen the ringtone stopped and the god handed the phone back returning to the chess game before him.
"Thanks." Steve said shock evident in both his face and voice Steve's only response was a simple wave from Loki.
"When did you get a mobile Steve?" Natasha's question caused the man to blush before he muttered a few words about getting up to date with the times.
Laughter soon erupted from everyone filling the entire hold of the jet and Tony began to badger Steve on who the message was from which only further caused everyone to begin making wild guesses. The remainder of the trip soon changed from a very awkward event to a large guessing game on who was texting the Cap and what about, it was eventually agreed by the end to be a mass shipment of punching bags.
As the jet landed everyone began to get ready to depart but the sound of gears moving and the sudden feeling that they were descending caused many raised eyebrows amongst the team. When the descent ended the back of the jet opened to a semi lit building of steel and concrete. Thor noticed a dark look from his brother Loki as he hesitantly exited the plane and hundreds of weapons pointed in his direction. As further light bathed the room the team could only stare as hundreds of soldiers pointed their weapons at them what was truly disturbing though was that not a single uniform held the SHIELD insignia.
At the far back of the room flanked by four soldiers stood Nick Fury his face seemed to be carved from stone for all the emotion it held. Further behind Fury stood four figures each clad in shadow waiting for the Avengers to stride forward.
Thor felt a tug in his mind a sense of dread that comes to a person on the battlefield when they know they are going to face a deadly foe but all the god could do was signal his brother and friends while taking his loves hand into his.
Loki is now chained and gagged at the mercy of the Council, Thor knows something is wrong and who are these hidden people?
This is a heads up I plan to add several international heroes to the Avengers just make the team seem like its backed more by the UN rather than the US so if there is a hero that you think would defiantly add something to the team say so in your review and no OCs there are a wealth of heroes in Marvel pick one. Two spots are already filled but the others are still open if I get no response I just choose the others no skin off my nose
For those scratching their heads on Loki's prowess and axe fu I will explain that next chapter along with how he damaged Cap's shield and just to screw with everyone I have decided to make Dr Strange British why ... because.
-Final Silence
