Oh my God I'm so sorry. Yes, it hasn't been a torturous amount of time since the last update, but I have had such little motivation to do ANYTHING. Especially with the Avengers coming out next week. My mom says we're watching it over and over again.

LianaDare8: I will actually. But in the next installment. It will mainly focus around him.

Arrows the Wolf: WOOHOO!

Phantom-Demon: Hahaha totally understand. I'm glad you like Natasha/Matt.

Itsgoose2u: Thank you! I always feel so bad for Bruce. And I torture him too much haha.

LiebenMadchan: Goodness, thank you so much! That really made my day, thank you thank you thank you!

The Red Dove: yay for spiderman! That movie is so good. Hahaha I didn't even notice that. I bet there's some in this one too. But that one was funny.

Justasmalltowngirl2713: I was going to refer to Namor as the rapist but I was afraid of what people might think if they read that out of context hahaha.


Chapter Nine

"Brother! Father must speak with us! I suggest you finally get out of bed!"

Loki was rudely awakened by Thor's booming voice. He groaned as he stirred in his bed, feeling a warm body beside him. It seemed that Sigyn had once again woken up in the middle of the night, snuck into his chambers and crawled into his bed. Every time he asked her why she was doing this every night since they got back to Asgard she simply said that it was too warm in her own chambers and his body cooled her down. Of course, he didn't mind waking up to her beside him. Though he'd never admit it, he secretly loved it. But he was too concerned about Sigyn to really think about that. He knew she was lying. He was the god of lies after all. But he didn't push it as she obviously didn't want to talk about it.

"Sigyn, love," he mumbled seeing as Thor didn't wake her, "are you alright?"

Sigyn's eyes fluttered open and Loki pushed a stray lock of golden hair behind her ear. She closed her eyes again.

"Mmhmm," she replied contently.

"Sigyn, you came in here again."

"I know."

"Dear, what is wrong?"

"Nothing."

Loki scoffed, beginning to feel irritated. "Stop lying."

Sigyn didn't answer and Loki wondered if he had sounded too harsh and he upset her. Panicking and cursing himself, Loki sat up quickly and looked down at Sigyn.

"Did I upset you?" he asked.

Sigyn furrowed her brow as she looked up at the young prince.

"Why would I be upset?" she replied.

Loki ran a hand over his face and felt Sigyn's arms wrap around his middle. She placed the side of her face on his back and he sighed.

"I promise you I am fine," Sigyn muttered. "You should not worry."

Loki didn't feel any less concerned with the situation and it seemed the golden haired Vanir wasn't going to tell. Loki took a deep breath to calm himself. He didn't want to lose his temper with Sigyn. He had done that before and still couldn't forgive himself for it even with Sigyn reassuring him that everything was okay.

However, Loki gave her a smile as he turned to look at her. He kissed her before swinging his legs off of the bed.

"You should hurry back to your chambers," he stated as Sigyn also got up. "Use that invisibility spell I taught you."

"I've already been using it, dear Prince," mocked Sigyn with an eye roll. "How do you think I have not been caught?"

Loki smiled cheekily at her. If there was anyone who made Loki happy, it was definitely Sigyn.

After Sigyn had snuck back to her chambers with only a nightgown and an invisibility spell, Loki got dressed into his his usual black and green before setting out to find Thor and Odin. He found them, of course, in Odin's hall. But they weren't alone.

In front of the All-father and the thunder god was an old woman. She was sort and wore a long black cloak. Her hood was up and it slightly covered her pale, wrinkly face.

"What is she doing here?" asked Loki, unimpressed by the presence of a prophetess.

"Take care of how you speak, Prince," sneered the old woman in a scratchy voice.

Loki rolled his eyes. "Forgive me, I am merely curious as to why you are here."

He then looked to Odin and Thor, neither looking too happy. Loki now noticed that Thor held Mjolnir in his hand and was gripping it tightly.

"Volla has given us a prophecy," stated Odin.

"And I am telling you I did no such thing!" exclaimed Volla. "I have no memory of giving you anything."

Odin nodded. "You are free to leave the palace."

"It is about time! I am due to eat dinner with my sister and I am very late, thank you very much."

Loki watched the old woman pivot on her heel and waddle away whispering to herself, her cloak sweeping across the floor.

"What did she say?" asked Loki, slightly concerned. Volla's prophecy's were always vague so they always came true, except for the ones she didn't know she told. Those were the ones that meant something more.

Odin took a deep breath before reciting what he had heard.

"It will happen at a feast for one.

The light will shine like the sun.

Cries will be heard and tears will be shed,

As the warrior falls down to be dead.

A trick will be played; it's believed

They will think their goal is achieved.

But he will still fall

Making Earth feel so small."

The three men stood in silence for a moment. Loki tried to figure out what this prophecy meant. All he could tell was that someone important to Earth was going to die, but a trick is involved somehow. Perhaps that person won't really die? Loki wasn't sure. But why was he called to talk to Odin? This didn't have to do with him.

"I do not understand," said Loki, "why did you summon us?"

"You are to travel to Midgard and provide watch over the Avengers," stated Odin.

"Why?"

"I have spoken with Heimdall. He says that there will be a party to soon to celebrate the birth of one of the mortals."

It will happen at a feast for one.

"But I can't go," said Loki. "Sigyn-"

"You are to do as I ask."

Loki furrowed his brow. "Father, please, Sigyn is in constant danger! Unless you have forgotten what Amora said."

"Amora will not enter Asgard."

"But she can and she will!"

"Sigyn will be protected at all times, I promise you."

"They are no match for her magic!"

"Brother," cut in Thor, "I am sure Sif and the Warriors Three will be happy to assist. There are other warriors around here as well, like Balder, Hod-"

"I don't need a list of warriors, Thor. I want to protect Sigyn. It is my duty and my wish."

Odin put a hand on Loki's shoulder. "Son, I will personally make sure that no harm will come to her. You are to travel to Midgard with Thor and that is final."


It was only a few days until Gwen's party and she certainly hadn't expected two Asgardians to randomly show up.

"Did Pepper actually invite Thor?" Gwen asked Tony as Thor and Loki were led into the Tower lobby by Fury who was looking rather stressed.

"Point Break!" exclaimed Tony.

Thor turned at the yell and spotted Gwen and Tony standing by the elevator where they had been waiting. Loki also looked over at them and Gwen could easily tell that he seriously didn't want to be there. Actually, he looked rather angry. An angry Loki in New York was not a good thing

Once Fury spotted Gwen and Tony, he strode over to them, his trench coat billowing behind him.

"I am not a god babysitter," he stated. "Someone find me one."

"Aw man," said Tony, "I'd love to but I have to make all of these repairs-"

"Stark, if you don't help me I will personally throw you off of this Tower without any chance of survival. Do you understand?"

"Well, I-"

"I said do you understand?"

Tony furrowed his brow. "Jeez, what's got your patch in a knot?"

"I'll help look after them," cut in Gwen.

Fury nodded which basically meant "thank you." He then turned in his heel and left the lobby. Where he was going, Gwen didn't know. All she knew was that Fury must've been poisoned or something. He could be mean, but he had never threatened to throw Tony off the Tower. Sure, he probably had thought about it, but he never said it out loud.

"What a ball of sunshine," Tony muttered as the elevator opened. "I call blondie, you get Rudolph."

"Wait, what?" asked Gwen.

"Hey I thought you and Loki were the best of friends."

"We're more like acquaintances. According to Natasha we owed each other a debt by saving each others lives but now we paid that debt."

"Well now you can be buddies." Tony turned his attention to Thor. "Hey big guy! Wanna see something cool?"

It was only moments later that Tony and Thor had disappeared in the elevator with the promise of pop tarts. Gwen wasn't quite sure what to do and Loki awkwardly examined his hands. With a deep breath, Gwen went up to Loki with a smile on her face.

"Hi," she greeted.

Loki took a regal stance, his hands clasped behind his back. "Hello."

"So...why are you guys here?"

"Father sent us."

Gwen quirked an eyebrow at his vague answer. "And why did he send you."

"A prophetess told him to."

"I see."

There was a slightly awkward silence as Gwen turned back to the elevator. She then returned her gaze to Loki.

"Come with me," she ordered.

Surprisingly, Loki followed her into the elevator. Gwen selected a floor and the box began to move.

"So...are you courting Sigyn yet?" asked Gwen.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the corners of Loki's lips twitch upward slightly.

"Yes," he answered happily.

"That's good. Does she make you happy?"

Loki didn't even hesitate. "Yes."

Gwen tried her best not to smile. It was hard to believe this was the man that was responsible for hundreds of deaths and had attempted to subjugate the human race. But it was a nice change.

"May I ask where you are taking me?" asked the god as the elevator doors slid open on the requested floor.

"Just a nice place to blow off some steam," Gwen answered.

The Avengers Tower gym sat before them. Even there, Gwen could hear strong punches being thrown at a punching bag and was wondering if brining Loki in here was a bad idea.

Despite second thoughts, Gwen stepped out and was followed by Loki. In front of them was cardio equipment that faced large televisions which were currently off. Gwen turned to the right where a boxing ring sat along with punching bags and weights. Steve stood within the punching bags sporting sweats and a damp face. He looked up at the sound of Gwen walking in and smiled at her. However, his face turned to shock when he saw Loki trail in behind her.

"Loki?" asked Steve with raised eyebrows. "What's he doing here?"

"He and Thor were sent here," answered Gwen, looking between the two men.

It seemed that her thought was not correct. Gwen had the idea that maybe Steve and Loki could at least be friendly with each other. If it weren't for Loki bringing Sigyn to Earth, Gwen would be dead. However, it seemed that Steve had forgotten that and was staring at Loki with a glare of hatred. When was he going to learn?

"I brought Loki here because I thought you two could try to get along," said Gwen a bit loudly as though this might sound like a good idea with more volume.

She looked at Loki who had his chin jutted out defiantly and then back at Steve who was standing stiff with a frown. It seemed the two would much rather have a staring contest than civil conversation. Or perhaps they were trying to see who was more manlier between them. Gwen shook her head at the last thought, but didn't think it was impossible.

"Mrs. Rogers? I - oh my."

Gwen turned at the sound of the voice and saw Amanda approaching. Actually, she seemed to had been approaching, but had suddenly stopped at the sight of Loki. Gwen was worried that Amanda would be afraid of Loki which was something he didn't need. However, the assistant cleared her throat and turned her attention to Gwen.

"Um, Mr. Stark would like to speak with you. He sent me because apparently JARVIS is giving him the silent treatment. I don't know why..."

"Thank you, Amanda," said Gwen, thankful she could escape the battle of testosterone that was taking place in the gym.

Gwen quickly walked over to the redhead without another look at either Steve or Loki and was followed by her. The two women entered the elevator and Amanda selected the proper floor.

"Was that Loki?" Amanda asked in a quiet voice as if Loki could possibly be listening.

"Yes, that was."

Amanda let out a low whistle. "That guy has fabulous cheek bones."

"Oh...I never really noticed."

"They're like razors for crying out loud! And I thought my cheekbones were prominent."

Gwen wasn't quite sure how one was supposed to respond to this.

"Uh, he has a girlfriend in case you're wondering."

Amanda nodded. "Figured. Anyone that attractive would. He reminds me of this actor I'm hopelessly in love with."

Once again, Gwen didn't know how to respond.

The rest of the elevator ride was silent. The doors eventually slid open to reveal Tony's main lab which was, as always, a mess. Tools laid around on white countertops and garbage littered the floor.

Sitting behind one counter was Tony, in his favorite Black Sabbath t-shirt, and Bruce, whose glasses were perched upon his nose. Gwen was happy to see that Bruce hadn't taken off, something she knew he wouldn't get away with. She was curious what happened after he walked away from her and Betty and the latter went after him, but didn't feel right asking about it. That was none of her business.

"Thanks, Ginger," said Tony as he looked up.

"Will that be all Mr. Stark?" asked Amanda.

"That will be all Miss Bartels."

And then Amanda nodded before retreating back into the elevator.

"So why's JARVIS giving you the silent treatment?" asked Gwen.

Bruce snorted in amusement. That was a good sign.

"I...may have tried programming some emotions into him and he took offense to something I said and now he's not talking."

"Well that was smart."

"I don't need your sass, Gwenie. Besides, I just wanted to tell you you're meeting with Xavier on Saturday."

"What? But that's the day before the party! Pepper will have me running around everywhere."

"It wasn't a question."

"What is he gonna talk about anyway?"

Tony shrugged as he looked down at a microscope. "Mutants, society, all that jazz."

"Fine, but be there with me."

"He won't hurt you," said Bruce, "he's in a wheelchair."

"And he's bald," added Tony.

"Or shaved."

"Are we really gonna do this again?"

"What does having no hair have to do with anything?" asked Gwen.

"Nothing," answered Tony, "I just wanted to point that out."

"Well, thank you for telling me. Now I have to get back to the gym to make sure Loki and Steve haven't killed each other."

Tony stifled a laugh. "You left those two alone?"

"I had to. Now if you'll excuse me-"

Gwen turned around to go back to the elevator, but stopped herself. She pivoted on her heel and turned back to the geniuses.

"Where's Thor?" she asked.

"Who?" replied Tony.

Gwen rolled her eyes. "Mighty god of thunder?"

Both Tony and Bruce started darting their eyes around the lab.

"Oh for the love of - did you lose him?" asked Gwen.

"No," answered Tony with offense. "How can I lose buff man?"

Gwen rolled her eyes again as the two began searching around the lab for Thor. She then returned to the elevator and went back to the gym.

When the elevator door opened again, Gwen paused before going out as she heard Loki's voice in a tone that was more concerned than menacing.

"-have no idea what it mean, but I thought I ought to warn you."

"Well, thanks. Really."

Confused beyond belief, Gwen stepped out and found both Loki and Steve in the middle of a rational conversation. When Steve spotted Gwen, he straightened up.

"What did Tony want?" he asked as his wife approached.

"I have to meet with someone on Saturday," answered Gwen. She then turned to Loki. "Tony lost Thor. You might wanna go look for him."

Loki nodded and out of nowhere disappeared as though it were teleportation or Apparition.

"How could he lose Thor?" asked Steve as he began unraveling the tape on his hands.

Gwen shrugged. "I have no idea. So what were you two talking about?"

If there was anything Gwen learned about Steve in the time she knew him, it was that he was a horrible liar.

"We - uh - we were talking about - uh - magic."

Gwen raised her eyebrows. "Magic?"

Steve awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "...yeah."

"Do you realize how bad that lie is?"

"I do now."

Gwen sighed. "Why would you lie?"

"It's just...I don't want you to worry."

"If you're hiding something from me then I'm still going to worry."

Steve ran a hand through his hair like he always did when he wasn't quite sure what to do.

"Listen, I know you're stressed out about everything else that's going on, so please just forget about this."

Gwen didn't want to. Everything about this situation just screamed wrong. She knew she shouldn't let it go, but it was obvious Steve seriously wanted her too. But then again, that was unusual in itself.

"Okay," Gwen finally answered reluctantly.

Steve smiled at his triumph and wrapped Gwen up in his arms. After letting go, he leaned down and kissed her sweetly.

Steve backed up. "By the way, have you seen Loki's cheekbones?"


Phil Coulson had seen a lot of strange and unusual things in his life. He had seen his idol unfrozen from ice. He had seen a man in an iron suit and an ARC reactor in his chest. He had seen demi-gods and alien hostiles. He had seen Fury at six in the morning without any coffee. What he had never seen before was a man who had wings at his ankles and gills behind his ears. And that was only the beginning.

"You are Phil Coulson?" asked Namor as Phil walked up to the fish man in the common room of Atlantis.

"Yes," answered Phil, "and as I understand you are the leader of Atlantis."

Namor nodded. "Stephen said that you could help give my kingdom back to my people."

"Can you tell me how this happened?"

Namor took a deep breath, looking rather irritated with the question or perhaps with the answer.

"Many years ago, my people and I were living peacefully under the water. I was born to Princess Fen who is now deceased. My father, Leonard McKenzie was a human and was killed by Atlantean soldiers at their wedding ceremony. I eventually became king. Then we were discovered by some sort of agency. They managed to take over Atlantis with their weapons and brought it above ground. They experimented on us, but we revolted. The city was brought below sea level but we were forced out. Then you all came along."

Phil nodded. "I'll consult with Director Fury. We can assist you and your people with getting your city back."

Namor looked slightly shocked. "You will just give it back?"

"Of course. That is if we can count you as an ally."

Namor put a fist over his heart and bowed. "I agree to be your ally, Agent Coulson. I promise we will mean no harm to the surface world and neither will the Kraken."

Phil raised his eyebrows. "Kraken?"

"Yes. We have him under control."

"Oh...alright then."

Yeah, Phil had never encountered anything stranger than this.


Okay so just out of curiosity, does anyone have any theories as to what that prophecy is about?