Chapter Seven

Tony walked to the cell. Loki, awake but fearful, watched him as he walked around the cell.

Finally Tony stopped at the door, deep in thought.

"What troubles you, mortal?"

"Actually it's Tony, Loki."

"This is your tower?"

"Yes, it is. I thought it was secure."

"Are you afeared as wsell?"

"As well as who? You, Loki?"

"Tony, I am frightened when I open my eyes, but feared to close them," and Loki sadly smiled.

"You can't be frightened of us, surely? You are a God!"

"You have assembled to guard me. You fear for what I might do, what I am capable of. Hello Banner-son," as Bruce enterd the room.

"But here is the puzzle. I do not know what I am capable of. The fact that you are here to guard me makes me wonder what I have done. I dream of terrible things but do not know if they are real. I have been alone, in pain, for all I can remember. But I cannot remember harming any mortal. I do not know Midgard."

A sacrastic chuckle escaped the God, who went on:-

"I used to think myself so wise and clever, long ago. I am thousands of years old, Tony, yet I feel as vulnarable as a newborn. You have your friends, your lover. I am alone, save for bad dreams. That is why I am fearful. I do not know how to stop what is on-going and do not know why it is happening."

Tony put a hand on the door handle and Bruce made to stop him but Tony went on:-

"Loki, I need to test something. It will help you in the long run," If I'm right.

Tony opened the door.

Immediatly Loki arched and Tony strode over.

"Bruce, close the door." Bruce did, having entered the cell.

"What, you came in?"

"Wasn't leaving you alone, Stark."

Tony leaned over Loki as his breathing calmed.

"Tell us who's doing this to you."

"I don't know."

"You need to remember. Whoever hurt you at Asgard is hurting you here. They can reach Midgard. Help us."

"They are in darkness. They exist in shadow. They live in screams."

"Think! You need to remember!"

"Could it be the guys that invaded.." began Bruce.

"Chitauri, Loki. Is it them?"

Loki was exhausted from the torture and was drifting from them.

"Loki,"

"Tony, I don't think he's awake."

"Okay, I might need the other guy."

"No, Tony."

"Chitauri. Thanos. The Bifrost."

And that was all they knew.