Babysat by Uncle Tony: Chapter Four


Summary: You permitted your parents to have a two-week vacation in L.A; even though you're seventeen, they want you babysat, and there's no one else to take care of you, but, your least favourite uncle. What silly or maybe even risky adventures will await you at his grand, mahogany doors?


Thor watches the citizens of Asgard do their usual duties from the balcony of his quarters. He's been thinking a lot, ever since he has left Midgard; he's missed the planet greatly. He's been dying to go back, but, that damn rainbow bridge, the Bifrost, hasn't regenerated completely yet – even after two long years. Although he knows he can still go there via his father's dark magic, it takes a lot of Odin's energy to do it, and he only has limited time to stay on Midgard, besides, his father won't allow it unless extremely necessary.

But, there's something that has been going on around Asgard that bothers Thor so much. Someone – or maybe even, something – has stolen the special, Asgardian staff, which was being displayed publicly in a famous museum, as it's a historical artefact, with its magic and function gone. It was very useful and valuable – the staff can channel any (and only) Asgardian's magic or power exceedingly better than most magical tools; it was used by great and powerful gods and demigods – however that was two millenniums and a century ago, not now. Its power is most likely gone. So, who would steal such a worthless instrument?

He's been investigating this for several months now, although his father told him to let the professional, Asgardian investigators handle it – but, well, haven't you met Thor? He's not a man to obey someone's (especially one whose position is higher than his) commands or orders.

He's trying to think of possible suspects, but, there are just none that comes to his mind. There aren't any witnesses either – it happened late in the evening – and it makes the job a lot more difficult.

It can't be his adopted brother, Loki, although he hasn't changed as, he's still the same mischievous, manipulating, pensive and farseeing brother Thor's known when he betrayed him. The misshapen Frost Giant is still in his prison deep below the palace, locked and secure from any possible mischief and escape. He's surprisingly quiet if not spoken to and if verbal sentence is worthless to be responded, but he still has his usual witty and sarcastic comments. Thor knows because he occasionally visits him, of course.

Still, it just seems . . . unlikely.

BAM!

Thor turns to the source of the sound, which is just behind him, to see that the large mahogany entrance of his quarters has been slammed open by one of his close friends, Lady Sif.

Strands of her long, black ponytail whips her face, although, she doesn't flinch, and her hair is a mess, as though she has been running thousands of flights of stairs, The usual determined and proud expression of her eyes is gone, replaced by panic and fear, which is strange for her.

Thor approaches his panicking comrade in concern, "Lady Sif, what is wro–"

"Thor," she breathes, "Loki has escaped."


"How did this happen, Lady Sif?" Thor inquires, hurrying down the circling stairs with his comrade behind him.

"He has managed to manipulate the guards–"

"Manipulate the sentries? How?"

"I do not know, Thor, perhaps by his own words? You should know your brother – he's devious!"

"How many sentries did he manage to control?"

"Only two."

"Alright – continue."

"–his manipulation succeeded, and they allowed him to get away."

Thor stops unexpectedly that Sif nearly knocks onto his back. "As uncomplicated as that?" he frowns, turning around to face his friend.

Sif shrugs, "I did not witness the occurrence, Thor, but, Hogun the Grim has."

His eyes widen, "Hogun was there?"

"Yes, he was passing by while it's happening."

"Are both sentries being questioned now?"

Sif nods, "By Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg."

"What do they know?"

"Nothing."

Thor stares at her in disbelief, "Nothing?"

She shakes her head, "None at all – both could not recall anything."

Thor frowns in discontent – there must be more of this.

"Yes, but, what of Loki's powers? Was it not stripped off by the All-father?"

"Can you not recall, Thor? We had a ceremony of it; we were spectators. Fandral even spoke a joke about your brother not being literally stripped off."

"Yes, yes, I remember," that memory is pretty clear in his mind. "But . . . how did he manage that?"

"I can only think of nothing, Thor. We are both acquainted of these ceremonies – his powers or magic can only return when he is . . . ," then, it hits them, "when he is out of Odin's reach!" both exclaim simultaneously.

Thor instantly turns back around and begins rushing down the stairs again, "Are all at the Hall of Asgard?"

"No, only the All-Father and your mother," Sif replies, running behind him, slightly exhausted.

There's silence, before it dawns on her on what Thor is planning.

She halts him by grabbing his shoulder and forcing him to face her, "You are not daring to–"

"There is no other alternative," he looks up and stares at her in the most resolute face Sif could have ever seen him wear; his voice is filled with certainty that she knows, whatever she is to say, to do, nothing would stop him.

Thor could clearly see that Sif is desperately trying to prevent him on what he is about to do; he knows his friend cares for him deeply. However, they both know that they have no choice, but this one. Both know where Loki is going – and what he's probably up to. They know it is up to Thor to end it.

Sif notices her dry throat and gulps. She nods, "If so, but, at least, bring me along with you–"

Thor instantly shakes his head, "No, you must stay."

"But–"

"Sif, protect and guard Asgard, along with the Three Warriors . . . ," Thor says, and when he sees her opening her mouth to protest, he adds immediately, "For me?"

This shut her mouth completely.

Sif takes a moment of consideration, as there is silence. She stares at Thor's electric azure eyes – they are unexpectedly solemn, and more confident than usual. It has no doubt, and filled with faith. She really has never seen Thor like this.

She sighs in exasperation, before finally nodding agreement, "Alright then."


"Father!"

Thor enters the Hall of Asgard, with Sif closely behind him, running towards Odin, who was sitting on his throne, but, due to his son's entrance and call, he is standing.

As Thor nears him, he takes a second to decide whether he should kneel first in respect or not, as he is very much in a hurry. But when he looks up to face his father, expecting to see stern and calm cerulean eyes, he sees dread, apprehension and . . . unbelievably, terror. He subconsciously decides to just stand and stare in shock.

"F-father . . ." Thor is speechless. He hasn't seen that expression before. Weirdly, it scares him much more than Odin's fuming gaze.

"Kneeling is not necessary in this matter, Thor," his voice is surprisingly calm, with the tiniest hint of panic. "Let us begin immediately." He stares walking down the stairs.

Thor's mother instantly appears beside her husband's throne.

"Mother . . ." the usual serene face Frigga wears is not there, replaced by a similar one with Odin's, yet, she stands with poise and tranquillity. The fact that his mother is carrying that expression frightens Thor more. This is getting very dangerous.

She nods at him, and, Thor, in shock, watches as her lips form a smile, "Do what must be done, my son."

Thor nods, before following his father.

Frigga's gaze falls onto Sif, who's walking towards Thor. "Lady Sif," she calls.

Sif instantly stops and looks at Frigga, kneeling in the process, "Your majesty?"

"Stay."

Sif opens her mouth to speak, and say that she will stay, but, Frigga has mistaken it for a protest, which is why she cuts her off.

"Please."

That drops Sif's guard – Frigga, with her status, isn't much of a woman who adds 'please' in her sentences. But, the fact that she did now, it must mean she really is frantic – especially with her expression: frowning in anxiety, her eyes glittering in panic and fright. She is letting her vulnerable side show.

Sif nods, "Yes, your highness."

All she could do now is to stand and watch Odin preparing to dismiss Thor as Thor readies himself. Just as Odin finishes speaking the enchantment, their eyes meet and lock in a second, both carrying worry and apprehension, before Thor finally disappears.

Sif really wishes she's there by Thor's side.


A/N: Yeah, sorry guys that you aren't included here, and that it's short but, like I told you before, this one has a story, and the problem is just beginning. :)) I am so excited. I enjoyed this. But, you'll be here in the next chapter, no worries!

Also, about you and meeting the Avengers . . . I'm not sure yet if you are going to meet them. Maybe, maybe not? If I will, it might take a superbly looooong time. (:

Sorry if Thor or Sif or Frigga or Odin is OOC. Speaking of these extra characters, do you think I should change it into an Avengers-Thor crossover?

Also, I let Sif show her side of having feelings for Thor – but only a little. I don't really support Thor x Sif much. I'm a Jane x Thor person. (: Speaking of them though, do you think I should add Jane Foster too? I don't know how to put her in though.

Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed it!

Read, enjoy and review.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. Just the story.