"Well I guess, it's worth a look…"
An Avengers Fan Fiction
Seven: Macbeth
LOKI
There is a soft but distant breeze that encapsulates my lungs. To breathe at a harmonious pace was lost to my senses. There was no melancholy at that moment. Only fear. Necessary fear.
Truth.
There was no holding back now. If we wanted to settle things in the shortest and most cost-effective way, she had to know about my Chitauri situation. She was involved, gravely and it was my entire fault. The least I could do was give her a forewarning. If only I could bring myself to think of the most suitable way to break it down to her. There was none.
"Loki? What is it?" She looked at me expectantly as I struggled for words. She waited patiently for my reply though I could sense that she had already readied herself for the worse.
"There are more complications to your bounty than precedented and I am afraid that I am at fault,"
She took a step in, "What are you talking about?" her brows weaved together.
I exhaled and drew courage before I spoke, "When I was-"
"Hey guys, have you see-" before I could finish speaking, Stark conveniently strolled inside the lab and gave the both of us thieving looks. I frowned. I have not thought of relaying my information to anyone else before the doctor. To make matters worse, my brother stood at his back, mirroring the same expression. Do the men here have no courtesy at all?
The doctor copied my look of annoyance and then shifted her attention to the two.
"Are we intruding brother?"
My lip jerked sidewards, "As a matter of fact you were," my tone was condescending.
Stark grinned as he folded his arms, "Ooh, interesting!"
Dylan sighed and shook her head at Stark's statement as Thor eyed me with much curiosity, "Your imagination is astounding Tony but that's not what he meant. I was just explaining the nature of the—"
What exactly had they thought I meant? Did they not understand proper civility?
Stark shrugged as he continued to beam at us and picked up something on the table, "You don't have to explain to me, I just came here for my phone," He readied himself to leave and pointed his finger at the three of us, "I'll leave you two and your future in law to catch up-eth or whatever," and then he left. I could never take that man seriously. His kind never seemed of the sophisticated sort. He may display a humorous wit of appeal but I could never distinguish his bounds of mockery.
"Excuse Stark and his wordplay gentlemen," she cleared her throat and made way for my brother, "Can I help you with anything Thor?"
"Fury has asked me to call on you to discuss our tactics regarding the scryer. Also, I would like a moment to talk with my brother if, as you say, I am not interrupting your conversation?" The doctor had eyed me with a quiet reservation and I knew instantly that it was a signal for me to keep our conversation on hold, regrettably.
I bit on my tongue to keep from cursing, we were losing time but I could not simply cause an extravagant panic.
"No, not all. If you will me excuse me then,"
"Of course," we both had said in chorus as we watched her leave.
My brother upon seeing apt distance from her treading grabbed my arm and led me inside, "What is this gesture for?" I said, appalled but unsurprised.
Thor's eyes narrowed, "I had cautioned you to keep an acceptable distance from the doctor. They do not fully trust you; do not give them the opportunity to place more restrictions on you!"
I nudged my arm free, "Why do you give me such petty lectures about my relationship with the doctor? Have I not earned enough trust during the course of my saving her?"
"That's not what I meant! She does trust you…"
I looked at him icily, I couldn't believe that of all people he would be giving me such a speech, "And you see this as a problem?" His gallivanting about our past musings grew less important to me as time passed.
He growled, "Do not toy with us brother. You are given a great burden to obtain the scryer and the magic that will be placed in your hands could give us all great reason to become wary!"
I raised my voice, "I do not intend to betray her!"
Thor's face began slumped, "I trust that you don't. It is us, who remain at uncertainty. Be warned brother, I will not tolerate insolence!" And with that he stormed out of the room.
He had every right to say those words to me. I didn't trust myself completely either. If only, I would see much clarity in things and on people. If only reason would aid my senses to see nothing but the truth of peace.
I eye the scepter now with imbalanced emotions. At some angles I view it in disgust and self-hate but on vantage point, I see it as none other than a rare opportunity.
Again, I am given power.
It was all up to me to yield its control.
For better or for worse.
"You wanted to see me director?" the doctor's tone was consenting as she approached the S.H.I.E.L.D agents in the control room. Fury nodded at Hill and Romanov and permitted their leave.
Fury rubbed his chin, "Doc, I'm afraid I have to ask you to stay behind. Your presence could attract more of those things and the square is full of civilians. Mephistophiles could easily set it up as a trap,"
Dylan merely blinked, "You seem to have it all figured out. I don't seem like I have a choice," her voice had an edge to it.
The director took a few steps forward and gave the doctor a look of concern, "Take the time to recover. Once they get hold of the scryer, they'll go directly to you,"
She took a moment to assess Fury who clearly wouldn't budge. She sighed in defeat, "Don't let them take too long,"
He gave her a confident grimace, "Copy that,"
It was strange of Fury to proclaim their shift to guard John Dee when the doctor found no one on watch. She didn't intend to pay him a visit, if anything, the croatoan connection between the scientist and Mephistophiles posed as a danger to her, still, she had to know what else John Dee could have told the S.H.I.E.L.D agents which lead to their doubts.
She didn't mean to use her innate ability to see through one's words. Prying wasn't something she had wanted to be known for, however, the situation was very delicate and any distorted matriculation about her could cause chaos.
Fury was lying to her and possibly giving orders to the others to keep her on watch and the only way to confirm this was to confront the seed of this mess.
"Ohohohohohoho, come to decipher more secrets dearie?" John's voice was sickening. Despite his youthful exterior, the age and rasp of his voice lay evident. John was tied to a metallic chair where electric cables wound around his limbs. Enochian sealing enchantments were etched on the ropes as well as the whole interior of his cell just as the doctor had instructed. This had prevented Mephistophiles and other demons from entering. John held vital knowledge. He was of the few who were able to read from the pages of the prophecy. Should more secrets about her powers get exposed, things could go more out of balance.
The doctor closed the entryway, "I've come for more truths. What did you tell Fury about me?" She spoke with much authority. She was a feet away from the man when she had stopped approaching. Her eyes never blinked, "Don't let me force the truth out of you,"
John snarled, "Why everything important of course!"
"Meaning?"
He didn't answer and merely looked adaze at the half-angel.
The doctor's eyes luminated into an eerie shade of blue and white light. She began to move closer to him with a straightened face. This made John churn in a grotesque enthrallment, "Good, you are beginning to feel comfortable in your true form!"
"Enough!" Dylan wound her hand around Dee's neck and forced his eyes to make contact with hers, still ablaze. Dee turned white and silent and yet the doctor remained without much kindness and soon enough her thoughts began to echo John Dee's voice.
"She will flee and leave you to the care of those dark forces.
Possessing the scryer is her freedom.
It is her own escape from condemnation!
She will turn on you, with or without a fight.
Pity…
With her blood, no one need be stricken with any plague.
The afterlife would be a thing of the past!
I see it in your eyes…your calculations……your desires...
Your will to use her for your own inclinations.
It is possible. Follow my instructions and she will be yours to control!"
She pulled away as soon as she sensed someone draw near Dee's prison. There was more to his lecture that she needed to know. Soon enough, the truth about the prophecy would surface but doubt still filtered her thoughts. There were a number of details she could not reveal, it was too dangerous. Not just for her but to the people who know her. And she was running out of time…and options.
For six hundred years, the gothic structure has stood as a literal symbol of man's victory against the rage of time and nature. Beholding the masterpiece was of no chore. I stare mindlessly at the Astrological Clock.
I had arrived in Prague with the Captain and Romanov and as instructed, we were all dressed in civilian clothing. Stark and Thor had taken to the outskirts to secure our perimeter and keep civilians from our location. A number of them still lingered near however; it did not matter much if anyone does witness our actions. We didn't really have time to do some preparations. We were just there to keep disruptions at minimum.
It had bothered me that the doctor did not come with us. I would understand Fury's sentiment and caution however, I do not deem it wise for him to keep her out of familiar ground. Was he trusting me with this endeavor? Or testing me?
The captain motioned for us to follow him at the center of the square. I walked in between the two Avengers. Romanov kept a keen eye on my movement and even readied her gun if I were to act out of proportion. It amused me. She is not one to forget grievances so easily.
"I think this is close enough," I nodded at Rogers' statement, "Stick to the plan-grab and go," he placed a hand to my shoulders and gave me space. Typical soldier. Rigid follower of those at high command, putting at least priority their own decisiveness. A pathetic misuse of power and authority. Still, if I have learned anything from the man lost in time, it was to not take him lightly.
I stood lateral to the ancient structure now as I summoned the scepter to appear.
"Remember the doctor's instructions," Romanov quipped.
"How could I forget?" I didn't look at her as I replied. I didn't see it as a necessary gesture, "Let us begin,"
The moving craft parked at a nearby isolated plantation just outside Prague. Fury had ordered Romanov and Stark to use a jet to transport them to avoid attention. Splitting the Avengers was a risky but necessary choice. They had to hold their front and but stay concealed at the same time. A number of eyes were upon them-watching and waiting. Some of them, more familiar than they know snd one false move could mean a great disadvantage.
"Came to pay Dee a visit?" agent Barton met the doctor halfway towards the exit of the left wing. He looked at the disgruntled doctor, "Doc?"
She shook her head, "I just needed to clear some things, and you?"
Barton flicked his thumb on his lip and blinked, "Taking my shift. Can't be too sure with security by the likes of him,"
"Of course. Oh, have you seen the director? I need to talk to him,"
The agent ruffled his hair as he gave the doctor an inquisitive look, "Yep, he's by the air dock,"
The doctor had an instant inkling that Fury had already cautioned his agents about Dee's revelation about her. If what he said was true, she would have known. Yet, she didn't know what to make of it either. There was no certainty of her future. There never was.
Afterall, the secret of keeping secrets of fate was to have no knowledge of your own.
"Thank you," she said and left as the agent continued to watch her leave. John Dee's eyes followed her trail. He was filled with delight as he watched.
His plan was working. He had instilled a very tempestuous yet corrupt idea on their minds.
John Dee closed his eyes and let his teeth dangle as he smiled, Mephistophiles was right.
I raised the scepter as I willed it to release energy from its core to the clock. It was overwhelming to feel its power embrace every bit of my bodice. She has told me that the necklace was part of her lifesource and if so, I would not question its majesty. The power from the staff was strong and it had connected to my gauntlets with much ease. At that moment, I felt light and secure. I am connected to her, that's why I feel stronger.
"I believe that the staff could provide you with some sort of enchantment to ward from the poison on your wrists. Use it well."
Her words recoiled in my thoughts as I watched the fluid strings of angelic magic pierce through the astrological clock. A gust of wind sent Romanov and Rogers aback as they watched.
The discs glowed in an eerie radiance as each roman number outlined itself in fire. The roaring of the gears of the clockwork sent a maniacal churning to the people around Old Town, Prague. The mid day sun began to descend and at hindsight, I saw what was to come. This magic was not meant for mortal eyes.
"Argh!" The Captain clutched his head and began to stumble. Romanov went to his side as she too began to fight for balance.
I gave them a wry look but Romanov protested to my hesitance, "Keep going! We're fine!"
One by one, the mortals near our region fell to their knees, left astray and unconscious, the Captain and Romanov included. I had begun to wonder if my brother and Stark were experiencing the same thing but I was too distracted by the overwhelming feeling of familiarity…control…authority…the seduction of power.
The doctor's tear-drop jewel lit the scepter's core creating a visible connection between the unmoving star-hand of the Astrological clock. As if the staff began to dictate unspoken instructions, I positioned myself in a solid stance and began to pull on the gravitic thread. The force was strong and contrasting, clearly, some sort of protective enchantment was sealing the scryer. It felt like breathing underwater- heavy, slow and aggravating and yet there was no stopping.
I had thought that controlling the power of the scepter would not require me much effort. It had remembered my use of it, it had remembered its master but alas, an easy journey was never meant for me. The star dial began to move, but the luminance and the gear turning began to slow and as soon as the star had pointed to one, the clock froze.
The black and silver spherical Luna attached to one of the clock's hands pointed to the Libra zodiac, whilst the hand with the sunburst pointed towards the skeletal figure.
Each spherical layer of the clock began to shake and as I continued to send waves of light to control its pull, all seemed to calm, a blinding light covered the entirety of the square making me loosen my grip on the staff. I heard the shifting of gears stop and as the white began to fade, every clockwork device comprising the astronomical object dispersed and began to mold itself into a miniature trophy made completely out of the glass and metal. The zodiac and numbers of each lining transfigured into similar enochian writings carved in fire. As the flames parched, the scryer's core began to crystallize and formed a crown-like structure at its peak. The scryer began to fall forcing me to speedily ready myself to catch it, containing the scepter within myself as I did with the Tesseract.
The scryer felt weightless as it landed on my palms but upon contact, my gauntlets seared my skin as more writings embedded itself on the metal. I almost let go of the thing but I could not allow its destruction just for some measly pain. It was far too important.
The midday sun collected enough shadows to turn light into sudden darkness and as my comrades began to regain consciousness, it became a clear cue for us to return.
The scryer was in my possession. The key to my freedom and folly.
The very representation of a choice between honor and pride.
"Mephistophiles has hidden the scryer in Prague correct; however, the prophecy tied to it is elsewhere,"
"What are you talking about Dee? What kind of prophetic message could we even get from obtaining the scryer?" the untimely visitor's voice was hoarse and dominating.
Dee's eyes wandered inside the cell, "Let me make things more clear shall we?"
"Upon obtaining the scryer, the clock will reveal a portion of the prophecy through its hands, lucky for you; I have knowledge about the scripture and deciphered the meaning of the said prophecy,"
The man scoffed, "You expect me to believe you were able to read from the forbidden text after it was proclaimed to be hidden by the Angel Raziel?"
John Dee clicked his tongue, "Indeed. The knowledge of the text is not limited through writing. Raziel had rallied his secret to a demon lord that he trusted remember? And well, demons aren't very keen on keeping secrets. I have manipulated and tortured a number of key demons and they have told me that the Nephilim before the birth of Raziel's daughter were taught some secrets," he spoke matter-of-factly.
"What are you implying?"
Dee let out a harsh laughter making the man inside his cell flinch, "Do you know what croatoan are? We are a rare kind of bounded creatures between a mortal and a demon and though parasitic, we are capable to do great many things. It was not very hard for Mephistophiles to gather a number of those holy things and I, in turn found the use of dark magic as torture to be quite of a hobby,"
"You despicable little shi-!"
"Hush-hush now! I am about to narrate the good parts!"
The man in the shadows punched the wall, "And what part is that?"
"The uncrypted truth behind the symbolic prophecy,"
My brother and Stark had arrived just in time to help his comrades to the plane. We had to leave before anyone or anything was to catch sight of us. It was strange that we were not greeted by Mephistophiles or any lesser demons for that matter. Why have they made my endeavor too easy?
Stark had taken command of flying the craft as the Captain and Romanov were still left in much unsettlement. Thor sat across me and eyed me with a disquieted fixture.
I narrowed my eyes, "I had nothing to do with their state if that is what you are implying,"
"I am aware. Forgive my treatment, I am merely trying to be fair," his expression softened.
I didn't bother to respond. His attempt to create some brotherly truce was always so juvenile.
"How are your wrists?" he continued,
"Does your idea of passing time include this small talk?"
He shrugged, "I'm just concerned,"
I sighed, "The doctor has been very helpful. They do not bother me as much. You should know, you helped father choose my shackles. Surely, you know of its nature,"
Thor frowned and looked down, "I do not. Which is why I am concerned. I do not think the material was smithed from Asgardian steel nor any dying star,"
I lifted my chin as I blindly traced the writings on my gauntlets, "Then you and I have more things alike than I expected,"
"I am beginning to lose patience with you Dee!"
John Dee etched a smug look, "Remember my descriptions of the placements? Well here are its meanings. Listen well for I will not repeat my words,"
He nodded stiffly.
"The roman number one signifies the black book of Enoch or the lost text of universal secrets. The Libra is a symbol for balance and justice and as the Astronomical clock depicted death; its sister must create an equal to its prophecy. It must speak of origin and I can tell you now that for years we've been blind to it,"
The man's eyes furrowed, "Another clock? Origin-?"
John Dee smiled, "The second clock is seated near what they call the pillar of angels. Two of these angels surround the clock holding two important symbols- a bell and an hourglass. Bells according to some religious folklore are considered as signs of entrance or welcoming. They say that an angel gets its wings whenever you hear it ring while some would say that the sound is simply the opening of gates. And who do we know as an angel without wings? Who do we know is an angel who is bound in a prophetic hour glass eh?"
"So, the second clock is literally at the place of her birth?"
"Ohohoho! Very good! From her name, Sean Cleaurxe as in English Sinclair, you can find the second clock in France. Sadly, as Prague's prophetic clock turned, so did its twin and not a single one of you was there to witness it. Pity, destroying the bell could have given you more time but alas, it has already wrung,"
The man interrogating the mad scientist was left mute. A chance to stop the chaos had passed them so easily and vastly that it made him sick to think that they were all capable of fulfilling it. He trusted the doctor but, if she knew about the clock's twin in her birthplace, then why would she conceal it?
"It is very interesting to point out how these manmade things were structured from the book of prophecies as both a warning and a chance," Dee continued.
"So what you're saying is, those people were—"
"Nephilim of course!"
The man cleared his throat and looked cold-heartedly at Dee, "And as last of the Nephilim, what does fate say for her?"
Dee's eyes closed as he grimaced, "We must never forget though that to balance hope, chaos must persist."
"Enough of your riddles!"
"Don't you see? The star in the prophecy is Bellatrix. The sun points to a significant event. Death,"
Fury's mind was haunted by Dee's revelation during the interrogation. If his interpretation was accurate then the doctor might really be just trying to escape her fate at their expense. But why should he believe in that wretched fool? He had more reason to trust the doctor than him.
"Nick?" the doctor's voice cascaded from behind. Fury's turn was filled with hesitation. The doctor was no fool; it was obvious that she was already aware of their doubts.
"I was expecting that you would come to see me," his tone had no alarm to it.
The doctor went to his side now, "You were?"
Fury truly did. He had made up his mind about the doctor. He was mistaken. He was right to trust her after all and narrating her intended future was the right thing to do.
If only he could do such thing.
Fury would. Without hesitation.
However, he couldn't. It wasn't because he had anymore doubts. It was because he too was tricked and trapped. He was physically present in the doctor's eyes but he did not think in the manner that he willed.
"Of course, in fact, I have discovered something very vital to our premise,"
Fury's mouth continued to utter words but it did not come from him. He was trapped inside his own thoughts. Screaming out warnings that the doctor could not hear.
Fury's hand went to his pocket as he continued to converse with the doctor but he wasn't truly placing much attention on her.
"You're not really making much sense,"
The possessed Fury fiddled with the object in his hand and concealed it as he turned to face the doctor, "Then perhaps, this will help make things clearer!"
Fury lunged an open syringe at the side of the doctor's neck, quickly drawing blood. The doctor, caught off guard fell to her knees and reflexively soothed the side of her neck where the needle pricked her skin.
"Thank you for your kind cooperation doctor!" Mephistophiles' voice escaped Fury's lips as he spoke and dangled the now blood-filled vial.
The doctor kicked herself off the ground and sped towards the escaping Fury. She quickly drew her blade on the side of her hilt as the demon in the director's body jumped towards the field.
"Te solvere daemonium!" she hissed.
As soon as we had entered the air-base, Thor had instructed me to bring the scryer directly to the doctor. He didn't offer to accompany me. I take it that it was his way of showing me some trust in the least however, I could still sense skepticism within him even as he went to assist Romanov and the captain to the infirmary.
"I'll be off to report to Fury, you think you could manage your way towards the lab?" Barton asked, in a half-humorous manner.
I began to walk away, "Your mockery is amusing,"
I heard the Hawkeye smirk as he went on his way. I paid little mind to him as for the rest of the agents parading around the ship. Having a former enemy stroll around them so casually caused them such a stir but they all knew that if it weren't for me, they wouldn't even have a chance at surviving this mess.
The scryer was secure inside my coat pocket. I had not thought of holding it since it burned more enochian writings on my skin. However, I was certain that the occurrence was unusual.
I walked with much haste. There was still the matter of the Chitauri that the doctor should be made known.
The door of the lab slid open, "I have the-" my temple creased at the sight of no one to greet my entrance. She had specifically told me that she would wait for our arrival here. I would not think of her as someone who lost track of appointments.
"Change of plans," it was Barton's voice that made me shift my position. He had slung his bow across his chest and looked at me with a devilish glare, "I'll deliver the scryer,"
I cocked a brow, "Why the sudden change? Your talk with Fury must have been brief,"
He snarled as he let out his opened palm, "The scryer, please,"
I scoffed and took a step forward, "I was ordered to hand the scryer to the doctor, not you,"
"Then I guess you leave me with no choice," Barton's skin began to transform into tin silver.
"You think of me as a fool? I've seen through you!" I drew the scepter and lept to attack the silver Barton. As soon as he deflected my first blow to the side of his face, the replicated Barton's true form began to surface. Chitauri!
The Chitauri grabbed my collar and dragged me towards an open portal. I didn't get a chance to free myself from him; I was too preoccupied with keeping the scryer, "Let us gauge the real fool among us as I let you face your fate!"
Mephistophiles' laughter echoed throughout the field and the chase became more and more difficult for the doctor since hurting him would mean hurting Fury as well.
The doctor swung her blade at the tall weeds and grains and looked from side to side for any sign of the demon, "Come out you coward!"
"Oh, I'm here!" Mephistophiles struck the doctor from behind sending her plummetting a few feet away from where he stood. The doctor quickly used her hands as leverage as she kicked herself off the ground and glided towards him, dagger in hand. Dylan quickly shifted her hold on the blade so that the blunt edge would be ready for her use. She slashed at the demon who continued to dance to her movement, "What's with the hesitation Nephilim? You could end this once and for all!"
Dylan's eyes began to glow and her whole body began to outline itself in white flames, "Emundetur vitiis humanae,"
Fury's body began to tighten and shiver, "You won't get rid of me that easily!" Mephistophiles jumped towards her and the doctor without hesitation went to greet him. She was still covered in white smoke as she continued to mouth the words of the rite to relieve Fury from his possession. She was able to pin him down by forcing his head on the ground and using her weight to hold his trunk from moving, "…in nomine Dei tui me discutiam malum!" Mephistophiles fought from her hold but as black smoke withdrew from Fury's bodice, so did his attachment fade.
"Doc! What are you doing?" The doctor's eyes momentarily left Fury however she did not stop mouthing the words. She had no time to explain and this did not work to her favor. Barton drew an arrow and pointed it at her as he hurried towards them.
Being sly and manipulative as any demon could be, Mephistophiles took that as an opportunity to counter, "Barton! Sh-she's possessed! She's summoning them to us!" The doctor spoke louder and sent more white energy to his chest making Mephistophiles as Fury wail in pain.
Barton shot an arrow to disarm the doctor. The impact caused the doctor to loosen her hold on Mephistophiles buying him enough time to break free from her. Barton shot another arrow towards her which she easily deflected.
"Don't listen to him! He's possessed!" The doctor eyed Barton with much authoritative pleading that as soon as Barton cocked another arrow, he was left stunned and confused at who to aim for.
Mephistophiles raised his arms, "Clint, remember what we talked about,"
Dylan took a step forward making Barton flinch, "John Dee is lying! He's making it look like I'll betray you!"
Before Barton could respond, a portal opened sending down Loki and a Chitauri who shifted into the form of agent Hill crashing in the field.
"Maria!" Barton yelled.
The distraction worked for Mephistophiles' advantage as he quickly grabbed the blade and ran towards the other imposter with the vial in hand, "She's working with Loki! We have to get the scryer!"
And without another word, Barton shot the arrow, aiming straight at the doctor's chest.
The rest of the Avengers went to gather around the conference room as planned. The tardiness of some of them caused them to lose patience. Clearly, something had happened.
"I can't find Fury and the doctor anywhere. Clint's already searching outside,"
Thor jumped to his feet, "Agent Hill, I don't suppose my brother is nowhere to be found as well?"
Maria's expression shifted from worry to shock, "I'll have everyone on patrol!" Maria Hill quickly barked orders at the remainder of the agents as the rest of the Avengers mobilized and armed themselves.
Fury's order kept on winding itself over and over again in Romanov's mind. She had feared for things to turn the way as Dee had warned. She knew better than to trust a demon's pet.
If only she could find them in time.
Clint will find them in time.
She trusted him, will all her heart but she knew him well enough to be equipped with the fragilities loyalty. She would not forgive herself if he were to encounter another case of mistaken judgment.
Never again.
A blue spark crashed against the arrow before it could even reach the doctor. The shot came from the scepter in Loki's possession.
The doctor glanced at her savior with widened eyes but quickly shuffled to keep Barton from getting a clean shot.
"Now do you believe me?" Mephistophiles turned to Barton.
"What are you looking at Asgardian? Your enemy is here!"
"You cower behind the skin of a mortal when your words don't impose any threat to me!" I swerved the scepter at the Chitauri. He was not as strong nor as fast as I expected of him. He was only meant to be a distraction.
"The Other would be happy to hear that you have not lost your battle instincts," The extra terrestrial grabbed the hilt of the staff and used its weight against me, knocking me back a few steps. Before I countered, the creature in agent Hill's form fired a shot at me. The bullet grazed my hand, enough to cut my skin. A small amount of blood trickled down my hand but I paid it no mind.
In my peripheral, I could see Barton and Fury corner the doctor. I did not fear human arsenal doing her much harm, however, seeing Fury point the holy blade at her as his eyes changed into the same blackness as that of Mephistophiles, I knew instantly that there was no sure way for the doctor to fight against the demon without harming Fury in the process. She had to get the blade back.
The Chitauri began to turn to its real form as it crashed its whole body at me. I lost balance, making the scryer fall out of my robe. I quickly grabbed the thing with my wounded hand before the silver creature did. The screech of the Chitauri caught Barton's attention and he had witnessed me turn the vile creature into ashes.
Barton was about to disarm Fury but as soon as he turned, Fury grabbed his bow and knocked him unconscious with the doctor's blade. The doctor was about to summon holy flames when a large hooded figure apparrated in front of her. She changed her stance in defense but still eyed Fury with much calculation.
It was him. The Other.
"About time you showed up," Mephistophiles said, grinning. The Other merely looked at Fury.
It didn't take another moment for me to think of my next move, "Stay away from her!" I fired towards my former liege, sending a huge surge of cosmic waves which thrust him away from the doctor. She took that as a cue to charge at Fury.
The possessed director fought her back with her own blade which she willingly avoided. So it was true after all, the weapon that she uses to dispose of those things could be the only object that could cause her end. And a demon in possession of her blade was not a delightful fete.
As soon as the Chitauri lord began to rise, Fury took the vial out of his pocket and threw it towards him. The doctor ran to retrieve the container filled with her blood as did my former acquaintance. I had managed to fling my nemesis aside with my scepter before he could hurt the doctor. The vial landed a few feet away from us, still intact. But when I thought all was close at an end, Mephistophiles transported behind the doctor with enraged eyes. The translucent blade shone as it met the crescent's light, slowly diving and making its way to pierce through the doctor's flesh, "No!" I yelped.
"Ugh!"
Thanos began to fade, as the portal he had summoned created an exit for him. He gave me a look of disdain as he took the vial and watched me stand helpless and fuming. The scepter slipped through my fingers and I began to fall on my knees. Mephistophiles drove the blade deeper into my chest before I could even catch my breath.
The doctor scrambled to her feet and beckoned more of her flames as she ran towards my direction, "Loki!" her voice was frantic. A multitude of demons began to squander around her and she hastily fought her way towards us. But it was all too late.
Was that a tone of concern? Was her pleading of genuine care?
"You're always in our way filthy half-breed and now look where it has brought you!" He looked at me with much spite and I could only wind my hands around the blade to keep it from moving any further in. My vision began to blur and I could taste the copper in my mouth. It was true after all; her blade could kill anything and anyone, "What is this regard you have for the Nephilim that's holding you back eh? You are a fool to be blind to the fact that she will be the death of you!"
I reward his statement by giving him an unenthused but sarcastic expression, "Ehe...he...hehe..." I coughed out blood as I looked at him, unyieldingly, "You...haven't…won…yet…" blood trickled down my chin.
"No. But thank you for giving us a head start," He grabbed the scryer from me and abruptly lifted the blade away from my chest. The blood that fell from my skin quickly blanketed the floor as I fell, limp and losing consciousness.
The pain was excruciating. It felt like the blade had released an acidic solution to melt my insides. I do not regret my actions though. I do not blame her.
A meteoric light encircled the place where Mephistophiles stood and I could hear him curse in pain as he struggled to fight the flames engulfing him. Before I could blink, I saw the doctor literally draw Fury out of the flame leaving Mephistophiles trapped and suffocating in the ward she had built. I couldn't see her clearly but I could've sworn that she looked different. Inhuman.
Fury was unconscious and Mephistophiles drawing what was left of his power, escaped, taking with him the scryer.
A harsh pang drabbled in my chest that I could not help but yell out to relieve my throbbing. The doctor went to my side and quickly pressed on my wound to keep it from bleeding, "I'm not going to let you die! You hear me?" I heard her clearly and perfectly but I knew all things to be good and true. She continued to mouth soothing and encouraging words towards me as she tried to contain the blood from leaving my chest and all I did was stare at her in awe. She did care after all. I had meant something to her in the least.
She was a healer. This was her living but even I knew that no mortal medicine could relinquish my suffering and yet I still felt safe with her by my side. The sight of her was a comfort. A rare one at that and I wouldn't choose anyone else to be with me if this were to be my last terrestrial minutes.
My eyes began to hurdle into a close but she shook me to keep me from losing consciousness, "No! We've come too far for this!"
"There isn't…much time…"
Her face fell and I could see that she was close to tears and yet not one fell from her cheeks. She was determined to fulfill her proclamation. She always was. That's what I most admired about her. Her fearlessness from the truth.
I raised my hand and let it caress her cheek, redding her face with my blood. My gesture made her flinch and her hand went from my chest to my own, "You will live through all of this," her tone had urgency to it. It was almost pleading. This gave me a little serenity. I have never seen her look at me with such a longing tenderness. I wasn't quite sure if it was the illusions that near-death had always equipped itself. If it was all just a ruse then I would have been happy to live out my last moments in lies.
I began to feel the cold hand of death grip my heart but I could not bring myself to close my eyes. She was still very beautiful and pure despite the consequences of my situation. I felt content though. I deserved all of this in fact, it was all too much and at the same time I wasn't worthy.
I was dying…in honor.
And even if there was no one else to witness it, I was satisfied that I have come to this state within good reason-
Her.
End of Part I: Iridescence.
AN: WARNING! LARGE AMOUNT OF TEXT!
To my dear readers, you have read the upper statement right. This is the last chapter for the first part of the story. I understand if you have an urge to flame at me. I really wanted to clear a few things that probably made your mind bleed in the past due to guessing but I also had to restrain myself from giving out too much (actually I DID give out too much). Sorry if it took a while. I scrapped two versions of this chapter and decided to go with this one. Took me a day!
With that said, I am formally announcing that this fic will be in three parts with an indefinite number of chapters per part. (Trust me, I don't think it will be as long as the first). I am in conquest of building up each character in the story, especially the tandem (LokixDylan) and I do hope that Loki's partial confession was enough to keep you rooting for them. It was bitter sweet to write this chapter since George R.R. Martin keeps on popping up in my mind (if you understand my reference, then be warned!) I have already written parts of the first 2 chapters of part 2 and I am contemplating on my next plans for the story. It's practically finished in my head but I can't seem to get satisfied with some parts so it might take quite a while for my next update. As you've read in the previous chapters, I am quite busy with my thesis and OJT and balancing my schoolwork with leisure isn't really easy, so I do hope you will all be patient with me.
I am going to finish this I swear.
Also, check out my profile page here/ my twitter (loligoth_13)/ my tumblr ( blog/tightropesandringsoffire, I usually update during Friday) for some information/updates and mostly random blurbs. I would love to get to know you all! (I posted something on my tumblr account for you guys)
I dedicate this chapter to you all, for your glad tidings! (Shoutout to my real life buddy, sam!)
And of course all gratuitous feeling goes to Tom Hiddleston. For if not the imagination of your voice dictating the story inside my head, none of this would be possible. :))
Hope to hear and read from you! I learn alot from your reviews/PMs. :)
-LVS
Disclaimers:
All Angelic, prophetic and holy reference is purely fiction. I have created my own interpretation of its history and is by no means a way of disrespect or blasphemy against any (church particularly the Christian). I have strong beliefs which lay separate from my world of fictional writing.
The Latin phrase "Te solvere daemonium!" roughly translates to "You will pay demon!" and the rite passage "Emundetur vitiis humanae in nomine Dei tui me discutiam malum" roughly translates to "Be cleansed of unholiness, in the name of God, I dispel thy evil!" correct me if I'm wrong.
John Dee (Faustus), the scryer, croatoan and Mephistophiles is roughly based on Goethe's and other similar literary history. The Orion constellation really does have a star named Bellatrix.
The Astrological Clock in Prague and France is real. I have used the actual symbols and symbolic relics found on each historical figure and researched some interpretations plausible for the story. (I was amazed at the number of coincidences!)
The chapter title is from Shakespeare, why? You'll have to figure this one out for yourself ;)
The Avengers, Thanos, Chitauri ©Marvel
Dylan Sinclair ©LVS
Worth (c) LVS
Cover Photo (c) Kibbitzer via DA
Readers' Corner: Here's a section where I TRY to answer/respond to your queries/PMs/reviews. :)
Hi there! So... I wouldn't be surprised if you'd all go on commenting about Loki's situation right now so, yeah, please do by all means XD
Here are a few things I would like to discuss regarding your feedback.
First of all, thank you for your honesty (Night) and support (yes, especially you MagicalElf and RCB) and just for dropping by. Letting the author know how you feel about her writing is vital for learning and I do appreciate you making for time for that so props for you!
Second, I've contemplated on bringing Bruce in the picture and my answer is...Yes. But not soon. He will be a special case. As for Coulson, he is a definite maybe since I've already considered getting Happy (you probably know him from the Iron Man movies) a cameo along with the OC that I will name after my best reviewer. So watch out for these.
Yes. Thanos, is here. I had to bring the Chitauri back but his appearance is still consequential since I'm trying to fit the story line with Avengers 2 and Thor 2.
If you're all wondering about Dylan's blade, to simply describe it, its the only thing that can kill the Nephilim making it a very powerful weapon to use against the lesser of her kind. Unfortunately, that's not very good for Loki.
Now what? What the heck is gonna happen next?
Let's see the scryer is gone, Thanos has Dylan's blood for some sick reason we still don't know, Fury got possessed and knocked out...again, Barton got tricked...again and the others still can't find them and to top it all of, Loki is dying. What will our little angel do now? Post your guesses!
Watch out for Part II. entitled E...g. (Clue, the movie had the word hanging up somewhere. It's a description of Loki's character and tumblr has a pic of it). I will post a teaser some time this month along with the announcement of the next update. MAJOR FLUFF ON THE FIRST CHAPTER OF PART2!
I've posted something for all of you in my tumblr account :)
In the meantime watch the Hollow Crown and the Amazing Spiderman.
Much love,
Lady-von-Strife