Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel characters, heroes, baddies, weapons, locations ETC. Any character, weapon or location not recognizable is mine. I also do not own the Eternal Prison.

Rating and Warning: T for Angst and violence in upcoming chapters. Mentioning of torture. Swearing. OOCness that is hopefully kept to a minimum and OCs that are kept to a minimum. Some Spelling and/or Grammar mistakes. Rating may go up and warning may expand. Currently no pairings.

A/N: Guess what everyone? I hit 120 alerts with this story! I have never written a story where I got over 100 alerts. It is so awesome. So, so uber exited so many people love the story! I wonder what will happen if I'll nicely ask all of you to review? (Absolutely nothing happens) Ha saw that coming!... but I digress. Why are you still reading this note? Read teh stowrey! Noaw! Aaah! :O

…- Chapter Four -…

It was a tiring thing to do, but the result has been very much worth it.

With a careful hand Odin begins to peel the metal away, pulling it free from skin. The metal armlet around his son's wrist is digging into the flesh as if it possesses a set of hungry teeth. Loki, seated across from him, merely lets his eyes fall on his father's working hands as Odin pulls the bracelet free, drawing blood and skin no matter how careful he is. The All-Father lets the bloody bracelet fall on the table next to him and pushes the bleeding appendage towards the healer who begins treating the wounds immediately. The injury is not fatal, but it looks like it hurts gravely and must be stitched and patched.

Weary as he is, Odin doesn't stop there. He still has one bracelet to go and he would prefer it gone sooner then later. As he has discovered only this morning, the guardians of the Eternal Prison use a combined language that descends from three different worlds. The hybrid language is difficult to decipher, and so far Odin has only been able to crack the seals on Loki's armlets but with his discovery he is confident. It will be a matter of weeks before he can remove the others on his son's body. Sooner if the commotion around Loki's release wears off.

"I will begin with the other one." The elder God decides, already grabbing his son's other arm. "Are you certain?" The healer uses a tone that adds a silent 'you look weary and should rest' but he speaks none of that. Which is why Odin is so fond of this man. "I am." He replies softly and runs his thumb over the black seal burned into the white metal. The youngest God has resorted to staring ahead of him again, which is actually at his father's beard.

The hybrid seal, actually four different seals wrapped into one symbol, begins to glow when Odin brushes his thumb over it. In a last ditch effort of defiance. The old man places his thumb in the middle of the seal and adds a slight pressure. He then moves his thumb upwards over a line, then draws a small circle while pushing his magic through the lines of the seal. It breaks as easily as the first one. The armlet comes off, or rather, is peeled off and once more the healer begins to attend to the injury.

With a deep sigh Odin sits back, feeling absolutely drained. The healer works quickly and efficiently under the All-Father's eye. Odin averts his gaze from his fallen son and lets it glide to the door. It is cracked open, and he knows exactly who has been eavesdropping. That brings a small smile to his lips. Such devotion is admirable. "Thor." He calls out, and he feels the disturbance on the other side of the door. But his oldest still enters the room, averting his guilty gaze when Odin meets his blue eyes.

Still, the All-Father smiles softly.

Thor is on his brother immediately, inspecting the bandages around his wrists with a critical eye. Not that he could hope to do any better. "We have received word from the dwarves. They have found the corrandru and will have a blade forged by the next moon." To that good news Odin smiles softly. It has taken the dwarves a long time to find the rare metal in the mountains of Skra but once more they have pulled through. It will be a matter of time before the craftsmen forge a dagger with a blade powerful enough to withstand the enchantments Odin needs to bestow upon it. The All-Father has tried other knives. Has tried to charm many a type but they all shatter under the force of the enchantment. So now, they have no means of cutting through Loki's stitches. Not the ones sealing his lips or the ones upholding the seals on his body.

Not yet at least.

The Demigod continues. "I have already sent our gratitude and hopes for the quick delivery." Like a true politician.

Sometimes Odin forgets how much his eldest has matured.

"I feel the sleep approaching." He has, for a few days now. Too much stress and too little rest are the cause, but he could not bring himself to take the respite he needed. The healer has collected his belongings and bows to both king and prince. With a soft word goodbye he leaves without another sound. "I will send word out to Alfheim. Mother will want to be here with you when you sleep."

Frigga has left Asgard two days ago for a meeting with the elves of Alfheim. Although Loki has been out of prison for almost three weeks and has proven to be a changed man, the elves are still weary and inconsolable. Thankfully their mother is a wise and well loved woman, always welcome in the kingdom of the elves. "They cannot deny me." She had promised upon leaving. True, they cannot. The elves wouldn't dare.

"Keep an eye on your brother for me."

"Of course father." The God of thunder murmurs, cupping the cheeks of his brother in his large hands. Loki is cold. He's always so cold. When Thor stands he is pleased to see Loki follow his movements. "You will have nothing to worry about." He promises his father, already walking towards the door to give the All-Father some privacy. The Golden man leaves the room without looking back, a shadow hot on his trail. "Shall we go outside brother?"

Unfortunately for them, that party is cancelled when one of the many servants runs into them. She bows deep before the both of them, carefully keeps her eyes averted from Loki. She is one of the rare few that doesn't gape at the fallen God. "Heimdall has requested your presence my liege."

If this is about what Thor thinks it is about, this might become a problem.

But as he walks along the broken bridge with his brother in tow, those doubts lessen to make place for other, more worrisome thoughts. Three weeks have passed so far. Three long weeks and still nothing has changed.

Loki has healed physically. As much as it was possible. The deep cuts and harsh bruises have vanished save for a few minor blemishes in his skin that will disappear in days. The seals on his body are still wrathfully red, green and purple, colours of wounds that want to heal but cannot. Since Loki has rarely displayed any form of discomfort, it is hard to guess if he is still suffering from them.

Nothing else has changed. His brother can sit and stare at nothing for hours on end without so much as a twitch. He doesn't care where they are, as long as Thor is around Loki seems to be at peace.

"Come. We are making Heimdall wait." Not that the guardian would mind in the slightest. The God with the golden gaze is a very patient man, more so then Thor has ever given him credit for.

That is proven when Thor stands shoulder to shoulder with the guardian. "The Avengers are assembling." With his all seeing gaze Heimdall slides his gaze to Midgard and the Avengers often. Now he stands next to Thor, both staring into the vast emptiness of the Asgardian space beyond the bridge. "Can you see what the problem is?"

"A Summoner's Stone. It is active, but it has yet to summon anything." The blond man nods and chews on his lower lip, pondering on what he should do now.

"Maybe seeing your friends will uncover some part of your brother." The slightly larger man suddenly advises, turning his head to look at Loki. "Have you expanded your gaze to minds as well Heimdall?" Thor asks jokingly. The guardian has guessed his thoughts spot on. A small smile breaks out on Heimdall's lips, but he doesn't elaborate any further.

Just like the first time he set foot on the fortress, the Helicarrier is floating in the vastness of the Pacific. The sultry scent of the sea does the thunderer some good, and his brother seems to enjoy it as well. So Thor allows his brother to look around for a bit, empty gaze not really searching for anything or falling anywhere.

Enter the Director then.

Now Fury's face, when he noticed Loki's presence following the God of thunder, was priceless. That single eye is trained onto the smaller God with an intensity that could kill a mortal man. Thor decides to smother this in the bud before the dark man explodes. "Director…" But Fury raises a hand to silence him, a notion that would usually infuriate the blonde man. "You can tell us inside." And then he turns away to lead. Thor can hear him mumble something along the lines of 'this better be good' but he is more preoccupied with Loki.

The God of mischief has turned away from them both and is staring at one of those flying machines being rolled along the deck. Thor recognises it as the plane they moved Loki in when the Captain and Iron Man had first captured the wayward God. The larger man steps towards him and places a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Do you remember that mechanism?" Both brothers stand in silence, watching human soldiers fuss about the plane.

"Do you remember when I found you in that plane? You looked so… scared. I don't know for what reason." The large man turns his eyes to his brother, who has remained motionless. "I don't think I could have brought myself to truly hurt you. We fought but…" He quickly adds, stopping short once more.

Really now. Who is he kidding?

Loki isn't listening to a word he says.

And once they are inside, in a large meeting room, things don't turn up for the better.

Thor had hoped, against all better judgement, that maybe by seeing any of the other Avengers that Loki would react. That he would look at them like he would look at Thor. With glints of life shifting through his pale green eyes. With recognition filtering through the veil. Any emotion at all would have done wonders.

Once again, he has asked for too much it seems.

"Here brother. Sit." He murmurs, gently pushing his brother onto a chair at the round table. Loki complies without a comment, eyes falling on the shiny surface of the table, and ultimately his vague reflection, which seems to be far more fun to stare at then anyone else. Thor takes a seat on his left, blue eyes taking in their surroundings. The Midgardians seated at the table are all wearing a mixture of expressions, some better guarded then others. The God lets them. As long as they keep to stares, he will not berate his friends. He understands how they must feel now.

Natasha, seated on Thor's left, has by far the blankest look on her face. She is sitting with her hands on the table, quietly looking Loki over. On the outside she is calm and reserved, but the assassin is also tense. With an inhale of air Natasha sits back in her chair, loosely crossing her arms. She casually breaks her gaze to stare at the other men at the table, but the fingers of her right hand glide over her upper arm, over a small knick in her suit, over the handle of a thin blade that she can pull out and use should the notion arise.

Clint, seated on her left, isn't hiding behind a mask. Although the man can wear a blank face if he needs to, now he is more then content to glare daggers at the silenced God. He too seems to be lounging in his chair, all relaxed but his muscles are just as tense as his expression. It is no secret he strongly dislikes Loki. Or scratch that, he hates the God with a passion. No one blames him, one does not have his mind taken for a ride and then becomes great friends with the rider. The Hawk leans forward and rests his arms on the cool surface of the table, his right arm resting over his left arm. Should the need arise he can jump up and draw his arrows before Loki is on his feet.

There is an empty chair between him and Steve. The Captain is glancing between Thor and Fury, just so he won't have to look at Loki. Or his stitched lips to be more precise. Now Steve is handling his expression the best. He feigns calm interest, but his mind is running a thousand miles an hour. It is very clear he is worried, normally he would smile and ask gentle questions and just be polite but now he sits rooted to his chair, struck with silence. His shoulders are squared and his hands balled into fists, ready to jump and defend.

Director Fury has had his portion of crazies already, so he just mentally prepares himself for the argument that is about to commence. Because a certain genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist hasn't shown up yet. Oh how he would love to wring the man's neck right now.

Or maybe sick Bruce on him. The guy has been scooting closer to Fury ever since Loki had been pushed into his seat by Thor. There might be a chair between them, reserved for a certain latecomer, but that is not enough to keep the doctor cool. He fidgets in his chair, changes his position, sits like that for a few seconds before deciding he is not comfortable, and then he changes position again. His hands continuously adjust the glasses on his nose and he throws his eyes at everyone and everything but Loki, a nervous habit that rears up in the most tense of situations.

Deciding not to wait on the man of Iron any longer Thor speaks up. "Upon our return to Asgard eighteen months ago Loki had been sentenced to prison, for a century." He begins, gaining the attention of his comrades. A pang of relief washes through him. At least now they aren't so fixated on his brother, who is still staring at the table. Whether Loki is looking at his own reflection or at simply nothing is left to be guessed. "I know that one hundred years sounds ever so short for we speak of an eternal life here…" The God continues, adding surprise into the mixture of emotions. "…but I assure you all that it has been more then enough." Now, everyone's eyes dart between Thor and Loki. "A century?" Steve pipes up, some of the stress leaving him now that they got a conversation started.

Alright. Odin had explained this to him. Three times, and then the All-Father had given up. But if Thor gets the idea through to his friends, then things will fall into place. "The Eternal Prison is a timeless place. Behind its walls time literally stops, and only moves forward or backwards when the guardians of the prison will it so. That is how a hundred years have passed for my brother, yet he has been away for eighteen months. And he has not changed by age, even though one would think that were to happen as well." So… that made sense.

He hopes.

"Three weeks have passed since my brother's return. Not much has changed yet but we remain hopeful."

"We?" Natasha is the first to ask.

"Well… me. And our mother and father." He tells his friends about what the last three weeks were like. Of how the other realms still fear retaliation from the God of mischief. Of Thor herding his brother along day in and day out. Of Sif and the Warriors Three coming up with new things by the day to entertain the fallen God. Of Frigga telling Loki stories like when he was still small while they sit in the garden. Of Odin spitting through many magical tomes and books and learning two entirely new languages just so he can find a way to break the seals. The Avengers listen in total silence, emotions shift and faces speak for themselves, but no one comments. They know Thor well enough to see when he struggles with something.

Like he is now.

And, just as the God finishes his story, as if he had been waiting by the door, Tony comes barging in. Everyone turns to him at the somewhat clumsy entrance.

Fury is not amused.

"Took you long enough."

"I'm here aren't I? The least you can do is… Hi?" The billionaire trails off when he makes eye contact with Loki.

Something no one other then Thor has been able to do.

"Ok that's pretty creepy. That sewed lips thing really suits you. Brings out your eyes." Tony begins, his tongue fuelled by the attention. He plops down onto the seat next to Loki and leans in close. He looks like he wants to touch the stitches. "Did the snake run out of poison?" He holds Loki's gaze, expecting the Liesmith to return the conversation. Nothing much happens, save for Loki averting his eyes slowly.

"Nothing to say huh?"

"And what exactly happened there? Apart from them sewing his lips together?" Steve leans a little forward, hoping that his question will avert Thor's attention. He knows the God of thunder well enough to recognise the look.

The look that indicates that something will be smashed with Mjolnir very soon.

And it will be very messy.

"You guys can catch up on good 'ol times later. Now that we have everyone here…" Fury throws an annoyed and meaningful glance at Tony, who winks and smiles his most charming of smiles. "…we can discuss our next move." The dark man moves his fingers over a control pad in front of him. The centre of the round table comes to life immediately, flashing in bright colours. The hologram shows a massive stone tablet located in the middle of a canyon. The black stone is covered in dark red symbols that softly glow. There is a forest blooming around the stone. The trees are high and filled with flowers and fruits. How such a massive stone managed to find its way into what appears to be the rainforest is a question that filters through a few of the Avengers' heads.

Bruce speaks up first. "You know what that is?" He looks away from the tablet to steal a glance of Loki, who is waving a hand through the hologram. Fury remains silent for a long second, giving the indication that he doesn't know yet, and wants to give the floor to someone who might know.

Thor takes the stage then. "It is a Summoner's Stone, used to conjure creatures to defend or fight in war. It is active but it has yet to summon its soldiers." Oh yes, he's pretty sure it is active. Thank the Nine Heimdall called him when he did. This could get very ugly very fast. "It is best destroyed before it activates itself and summons its armies. It is harmless until then." The Golden man sits back in his chair, keeping one eye on his brother. Loki however is too busy staring at Tony's hand as the billionaire fiddles with his sunglasses. Tony has yet to notice that his ticking has gotten him some attention, too preoccupied with the tablet to notice.

"I suppose you're not going to throw a bomb on it then?" Bruce takes his glasses from his nose to clean them, staring at Steve and Fury through bleary eyes.

"That is our last resort." Fury admits, eye once again gliding towards Tony.

"Where is the tablet located?"

"It is located in the Sahara. It was discovered three days ago. Back then it only had a few lovely patches of green here and there. Now it is sporting its very own forest. If this keeps up the desert will be overgrown with the forest in a matter of weeks. And no. That is not a good thing." He effectively cuts off three comments.

The Avengers remain silent throughout the rest of the debrief. At one point Natasha and Clint share a glance with each other. When the Hawk nods Natasha smiles, a foreboding smile filled with promises. If there is blood to be spilled, they will have the time of their lives. Bruce is not looking too keen on going. Although he has assisted the others in many fights as the Hulk, the Other Guy is still uncontrollable at best. He has never woken up with a good feeling, always feels the trepidation gnaw at his insides until he sees all of his friends in once piece.

Both the Captain and the Director are eager for this mission to begin. Steve, because no matter how much he denies it sometimes, really enjoys the time he spends with his team. No matter how awkward it can be. And Fury? Well he just wants his men gone and this task taken care off.

They are an unusual family.

"Well. Seems you guys have everything under control. So I'll just be going. You know I'm kinda running a multi-billion dollar company and all." Tony is already on his feet when he finishes speaking. "I thought Pepper did that for you?" Clint casually mentions, getting the finger from the Iron Man.

"Look. If Blondie and Bruce can't break it, then I'll throw a bomb on it. I don't see what I can do to help other then setting the forest on fire as I fly through it." The worst part of this all is that Tony has a point, but Fury is too annoyed to comment on that. The guy's ego is big enough as it is, and even a little boost might make it explode. And then Steve decides to get involved. "I agree."

"What?" He blurts out almost outraged. It isn't like the Captain to agree with Tony like that. "I agree with Tony." The American begins, levelling the glare Fury sends him. "He can't fly through the forest without setting it on fire. The only thing he can do is fly around the premises. And I'd rather have Clint on that."

Oh and he is so lovingly honest. "Besides. Loki can't come with us. It could be dangerous." Thor is getting more worried by the second. His eyes keep sliding over to Loki, who keeps staring at Tony, who is having a staring contest with the Demigod.

Then, Steve says something that pulls all eyes to him. Save for Loki's that is.

"Tony can watch Loki while you're gone."

Thor looks like he wants to grab his little brother and make a run for it. He is a little too shocked to react. Now even though he trusts his friends, he doesn't trust Tony. Not with his brother. Not even if Loki is responding to the Iron Man. Fury is pretty sure he didn't hear that right. Bruce is staring with wide eyes and mouth agape. Clint has lowered his head and is sniggering uncontrollably. Natasha is just sitting there like a statue with big eyes. Steve, though his face is impassive, has challenge and victory shining through his eyes. Getting even with the billionaire is so much fun it should be illegal.

Thankfully, Tony is so ready to take the challenge.

Two can play that game.

"Yeah ok. Fine." The billionaire begins, lips pressed in a thin line. If that's how they want to play it. Let's play. "What do you say Loki? Sleepover at Uncle Tony's?" The God turns muddy eyes towards him, something shining but he can't really place it. Loki really is scary like this. He prefers the old, witty one. Who wasn't so… quiet… The silenced man is just sitting there, staring at Tony. Iron Man stares into those green eyes for a while, and it's obvious that Loki is checking out again. It's like a blanket is being pulled over the God's eyes. But whenever Tony speaks, or moves, or looks at Loki, then Loki reacts. "Yeah, sleepover at Uncle Tony's."

If it wouldn't somehow upset his brother, Thor would have thrown a fit. Maybe swing his hammer around a bit. He manages to keep calm though, because he would never drag his brother outside when a storm would brew.

It takes all of his self restraint not to run back when the Avengers, minus Iron Man, file into the plane that would fly them to the Sahara. It will be a four hour flight and adding the time it takes to come back, too long a time to leave Loki to his own devices. And hating to regret this as he might, Thor knows he cannot really bring Loki along to see the tablet either. He believes, as he turns back round once more to look at his brother standing next to Tony, that he had this coming for thinking this would be a to and fro trip that he could make with Loki at his side. It was that easy the last three times he was called to earth for some sort of 'disaster' of unmentionable proportions. But not this time.

"Loki is going to be fine. Pepper will be there, remember?"

And since Pepper Potts has enough power to hold the reins of the very volatile Iron Man, surely she can hold the former god of chaos too. She has two hands after all.

Loki turns his head as the plane takes off, ignoring Tony who is starting another argument with Fury. His vacant gaze follows the plane as it sweeps through the sky, turns a sharp circle to the left and soon disappears. Behind the God people are running to and fro, getting ready for the fortress to take off into the air. The water is becoming restless, foretelling a heavy storm.

Is it Thor's doing? Or is it simply the weather of Midgard turning sour?

"Hey. If we want to leave we better go now." Tony, having finished his lengthy argument with the Director, suddenly appears in the God's line of sight. The shorter man's further comments falls from his lips when he makes eye contact with the black haired man. He could have sworn he saw something pass through the God's eyes.

Something weird and awful.

Something mad.

But the blanket falls over Loki's eyes and now the God is staring into the vast emptiness of the ocean. He seems to relax while he listens to the many sounds around them. The people running around, the water becoming wilder and wilder, Director Fury cursing up a storm as he tracks back inside. Then Loki looks back at Tony, seemingly calm. There is nothing left of that horrible thing that just passed through his green eyes.

Seriously, Tony knows he shouldn't drink this early. He's seeing things that aren't there.

…

…

Loki has completely checked out. As Thor had said just before he stepped onto the plane, there is nothing left to be worried about.

Is there?

Naaah…

There's nothing.

Nothing…

It there?

-Word Vervolgd

This chapter got so long at one point that I decided to break it in half. I want to keep the chapters about the same length for as far as that is possible, and I really didn't want to make you guys wait any longer then you already have. But that means that the next chapter is near complete. No seriously. So get ready for an early update. I'll do my best!

I can tell you now that I am loving what is coming. OMFG it is so… so… Oh I love Tony and Thor in my next chapter. Loki too of course. Oh but especially Pepper and Tony. And the others too. OMG I hope you guys will go 'Whoa that is so awesome' when you'll read it.

Now tell me, after reading this final Author's Note, how badly do you want the next chapter? :P Even I want it badly O.o