Ch. 7

Hours later, Coulson's team was all gathered around the debriefing console going over the new information that had been sent to them about the Clairvoyant when Loki appeared behind Coulson.

"So this is where you all hatch your little plans. How very cozy. You know, if you wanted to hide away from me, you might have chosen a plane that didn't have your emblem emblazoned on it," Loki said as they all gave a start in surprise.

"Sir, is that Loki?" Ward asked sharply.

"Oh, you haven't told them about how friendly we've become? I am truly hurt," Loki said to Coulson.

"What are you doing here? We just left Asgard. What could you possibly want from me?" Coulson asked.

"Oh, it's not you I want," Loki said. He turned to Skye. "So, I take it you were born in . . . what was the name of that country? Oh, yes, China? It would be about 22, 23 years ago?"

"You told Loki," May accused, her arms crossed.

"No, I didn't," Coulson said to May. Then, slowly, realization dawned on Coulson. "No, no, no, . . . it can't be," Coulson said, fear seeping into every word as he turned to Loki.

"I never would have known of her existence if you hadn't brought her to Asgard. I really must thank you for that," Loki said as he smiled at Coulson.

"Okay, I'm a bit lost here, what with the coma and all, but why does the evil war criminal know where I was born?" Skye asked flippantly.

"You say evil war criminal; I prefer Daddy," Loki said with his arms outstretched in a sarcastic hug. "Well, I guess we're not that close just yet," he said snarkily as he dropped them.

"No . . . no . . . .no," Coulson said in anguish.

"You're my father?" Skye asked skeptically.

"It appears to be so. When your Agent Coulson brought you to Asgard, the healers ran some tests to determine your best course of treatment and that was when it was discovered that we shared the same lineage," Loki replied.

"Asgard? I thought I was in a S.H.I.E.L.D. hospital. But, but, that makes no sense. I can't be your daughter. I don't have any special powers like the other Asgardians do," Skye protested.

"Let's just say that given your mixed heritage, there's bound to be some difficulty determining exactly what you can and can't do. Most of the magic I can perform I had to learn from my mother. I suppose it will be the same with you," Loki explained.

"Mixed?" Jemma asked.

"Yes, her mother was Midgardian," Loki replied, smiling over at Jemma.

Leo took a step in front of Jemma and narrowed his eyes at Loki. Loki grinned. "Always so protective of your women. Such a noble quality. Useless, but noble, nonetheless."

"I'm not his . . ." Jemma began before clamming up.

Loki cocked an eyebrow. "You aren't? Well, you should inform your little lapdog before he bites my ankle."

"Hey, I'm not a . . . ." Leo began before Skye interrupted him.

"My mother. Tell me. Where is she?"

"Unfortunately, she most likely died in the birthing process. It can be so very difficult with these types of cross-realm romances."

"You left her to die?" Skye asked, her voice breaking.

"My dear, I had no idea that she was pregnant with you. If I had, I would have made sure that she had the best care available."

"And we should believe, why?" May deadpanned.

"I wasn't always the villain you know me as. Before all this unpleasantness began, I was a prince. I understood the value of commitment and responsibility," Loki replied.

"You know, commitment and responsibility don't seem like words I'd use in relation to you," Coulson said acerbically.

"And yet, here I am, ready to take responsibility for my offspring," Loki shot back.

"What do you mean?" Ward asked combatively.

"Just that. This young lady is my daughter. She is my responsibility. I will transport her back to Asgard so that she will have the full benefit of her royal heritage."

A chorus of shouts came from the team. "You're not going anywhere with her," Ward said firmly, his fists clenched.

"Once again, so protective of your women," Loki said to Ward. Then, he turned to Skye, "I can't say that I approve of the match, my dear, but perhaps he'll grow on me."

"Oh, he's not my . . . we're not . . . ," Skye said hastily.

"So much denial on this team, Agent Coulson. How do you all manage to ever get anything accomplished with all of these seething untapped hormones bubbling under the surface?" Loki asked.

"You are not taking Skye," Coulson said, his jaw set.

"Really? That's her name. Her adoptive uncle is known as the god of thunder and she was named Skye. It seems as though the universe has a sense of humor after all," Loki observed.

May nodded to Ward who signaled back. In a flurry of motion, they both launched themselves at Loki. Within seconds, May lay crumpled in a heap in a far corner of the lounge and Loki was lifting Ward by his throat as Ward clawed uselessly at Loki's hand.

"And, I'm considered the violent one? Really? I expected better of you. That's no way to treat your future father-in-law. Just for that, you won't get to take her to the prom," Loki said, chuckling as Ward began to turn purple from lack of oxygen.

"Stop it. Put him down," Jemma said, as she and Leo pointed night-night guns at him.

"My dear, do not test my patience. As your Agent Coulson can attest, I do not appreciate having weapons pointed at me," Loki said as he turned back to the flailing Ward.

"These weapons has been modified. They will take down an Asgardian," Leo lied.

"And what makes you think I'm an Asgardian?" Loki whispered slowly as he turned back to them, his tone low and deadly, a manic grin on his face.

"Please, please, just put him down. I'll go with you. Just don't hurt anyone else," Skye pleaded.

Loki dropped Ward, who landed bonelessly. Jemma ran to him and began to check his pulse.

"Well, it seems as though we should be on our way," Loki said, dusting his hands off.

"You are not taking her," Coulson said as he moved to stand directly in front of Loki.

"Remember the price? The price in exchange for her life? This is it. She will spend, let's say, one month in Asgard, learning all about the other half of her parentage. If, at the end of that time, she desires to return, I'll have Heimdall send her back."

"How do I know that you'll keep your end of the bargain?" Coulson shot back.

"You don't," Loki replied with a smile as both he and Skye vanished.

"She's . . . she's gone. He just took her. Now what are we going to do?" Jemma said as she and Leo helped Ward to stand.

"We're going to find Jane Foster," Coulson said determinedly.

"Why do we need to find Dr. Foster?" Leo asked as Jemma went to check on May.

"Because that's where we'll find Skye's uncle," Coulson replied.


Author's Note- I think Loki's "no prom" snark may be my favorite Loki line to date.