A/N

Guess who is on holidays :) ME! So of course, I have time to update this story in a span of 24 hours. Yeay! I felt the last chapter was uneventful, and I wanted to get this one out as soon as possible.

Hope you enjoy, don't forget to review :)

Chapter 10: According to Plan

Loki lavished the blissful silence that now was his only companion in the bedroom. Well, Thor was still there, ever the golden guard dog at his side. The thunder god appeared to be sleeping, but Loki knew if he even tried to move Thor would be conscious in a second, mainly because Thor was not snoring, and when Thor didn't snore, he was in that half-sleep half-awake state the Asgard warriors put themselves in when they were out on dangerous assignments and needed to rest.

So Loki stayed still, focusing on letting the healing stones do their work on his body. He could feel himself getting stronger by the hour, but it was frustrating that he couldn't use his Aesir magic to speed up the process. He was a skillful healer, but cut off by the runes on his wrists, he only had access to the residue magic linked to his Jotun heritage which he could only use in his Jotun form. He could form ice weapons and utilise the elements for offensive means, but not heal. It was curious how magic worked. Once Loki knew he had another form, even without the Casket of Ancient Winter presence, he learnt how to transform himself between his two forms. He knew now that his Aesir appearance was a facade, a very powerful and permanent glamour spell that masked his true monstrous form. Perhaps that is why, Loki contemplated, Odin so strongly resisted Loki as an adolescent learning to be a mage and the skills of magic. The King feared that Loki would uncover Odin's greatest deception.

Although he had utilised his Jotun form, twice so far, to his advantage, he detested doing so. The Jotuns were a species below him, possibly even lower than that of the mortal coil. While Loki wanted to rule the mortals, he wanted to wipe the Jotuns from existence like the plague upon the Nine Realms they were. Thor was a fool to destroy the bifrost to save that miserable race, the imbecile future King of Asgard blinded by misplaced sentiment to see the benefit in Loki's plan. He protects the mortals as their guardian, yet allows the race that once wanted to wipe them from existence and conquer their world to endure, only to remain as a future threat to the mortals. Preposterous.

But the Jotuns were Thor's problem now, and Loki would leave him to deal with the repercussions of his decision. He had his own concerns to deal with. It came as a surprise when the mortals questioned him about being absent for two weeks. Loki didn't lie when he said he did not remember. The last thing he could recall was the unbearable agony from the Chitauri beast ripping into his flesh, eventually he blacked out from the pain. It made him worry to no end why such a time had elapsed between the assault and being transported back to earth. He may be aligned with the Mad Titan for mutual benefits, but he did not trust the Lord of the Chitauri. Loki was sure the feeling was mutual. He had done something, that much Loki was sure. But what he did he did not know. He would need to proceed with caution in the days to come.

It was only fifteen hours later and Loki was on his feet. The god still looked like a cat had gone on a rampage across his face, scratches scattered across his once flawless pale features, but the wounds would continue to heal until there remained no evidence of the severe injuries. The benefits of the healing capabilities of the Aesir.

While Loki showered, Thor took the moment to call out to Heimdell requesting confirmation whether the alchemist was replenished enough to transport both Thor and Loki home. Loki wasn't the only mage in Asgard who could teleport their consciousness across the realms, even the humans grasped the general concept of astral projection, although most did not have the ability to perform the act. There were some rare cases when some more magically inclined humans could do so, but Asgard had not been in contact with a human who could, at least across the Nine Realms, for a very very long time. Modern technology for the humans became their barrier to the metaphysical world, humans choosing to only believe what their eyes could see.

A familiar mage made herself present before Thor and the god recognised her instantly as a member of Odin's court. She took only a moment to inform him that the alchemist was indeed strong enough to transport the princes home, and that they would await Thor's command to Heimdell to do so. Thor thanked the mage and bid her farewell. Unlike Loki, who was well known as the most powerful sorcerer in Asgard, the woman had to keep her projection short as the spell was extremely draining and staying away from her body too long could be perilous. Projecting across the realms was no easy feat, and one could easily get lost in the Between should their magic deplete to the point that they no longer had the power to return their projection back to their body.

With his bodily wounds no longer a risk of reopening and bleeding all over his garments, Loki was thrilled he would be able to dress in clothing that were not those ridiculous lime green rags. Humans were pathetically stupid, dressing themselves in such a degrading manner when they were ill, rubbing salt in the proverbial wound. To his discontent apparently his normal attire was shredded beyond repair, and he instead was provided dark blue jeans and a black shirt that had been acquired specifically for him by one of the mortals. He didn't recall who, possibly Pepper, since it seemed unlikely any of the Avengers would be willing to grant him any favours. They all probably would not care if he remained in the bloodied green attire.

Loki huffed in annoyance. The jeans were too loose and required a belt and the shirt was made of inferior quality mortal materials, nothing like the woven silk and leathers of Asgard. He cared little that the shirt had a written label affirming the garment was 'Hugo Boss', and apparently that meant it was high end quality. Perhaps for a mortal it was, but it was peasant gear for Loki.

Downstairs Loki could hear the noise of the other housemates rummaging about in the main living room penthouse. The racket was quite detestable, like the sound of the warriors three when they went to the armoury to gear up for a mission. He could detect the clanging of metal and a distinct sound of drilling against the resistance of wood and stone. Loki knew it was necessary for Stark's plan he had proposed yesterday, but it was still an irrigating sound to listen to.

Once Loki was sufficiently ready the two Norse gods joined the others in the living room. As expected, Tony was rummaging about with mortal equipment setting up the necessary cameras, computers and screens. Steve was helping with the heavy lifting, Bruce was rummaging through the wires and connections, Natasha and Pepper were in the kitchen preparing food and Clint, well, Clint sat on the couch watching everyone else work since he refused to lend a hand for anything that remotely involved assisting Loki. Except, of course, if said assistance required killing Loki. He would happily aid with that venture.

Thor greeted his team in that loud booming voice that was Thor, "Morning friends!"

Clint rolled his eyes, "Thor, it's noon. It's not morning anymore."

"Hey, twelve is still morning" Tony shot back, "Pepper, don't listen to him" he shouted loudly across the room.

Pepper smiled, "Tony I've given up on arguing with you why sleeping past nine in the morning is normal."

"Goodie." Tony replied childishly before turning back to his work.

The middle of the living room now contained an array of computers, screens and cameras. The exit leading to Tony's Iron Man landing pad was decorated with new video cameras which were drilled into the building archway. Tony never had need of video surveillance before, JARVIS was all he needed to alert him to anything happening in the Tower, but Tony knew they would need more than just JARVIS' affirmation to convince Fury.

"Friend Stark" Thor greeted joining the billionaire in the centre of the room. Loki decided to take a seat at the counter with Natasha and Pepper, remaining silent, but earning a vicious glare from Clint. Loki shrugged it off. No matter where he sat he knew the archer would glare so at least sitting near his Black Widow would cause the Avenger discomfort, to Loki's delight.

"Stop calling me Friend Stark Thor, just Tony is fine." Tony remarked.

Bruce and Steve lifted their heads to add, "Same as Friend Banner, Bruce is good", "And Steve is fine too."

Thor smiled, "Ok my friends. I have news from Asgard." At that even Clint, Natasha and Pepper were listening in. "Loki and I are able to return to Asgard when required."

"Excellent!" Tony responded clapping his hands together, "Once we get this stuff all up and running then Loki can do his thing and it's click your heels three times and back to Oz."

Thor looked confused but Steve perked at the reference, "I got that!" He remarked in delight. Tony smirked, "I know, wanted to include you." Steve gave Tony an appreciative smile.

"How long?" Clint yelled from the couch, not taking his eyes off Loki.

"An hour maybe?" Bruce answered eyeing Tony for confirmation."Yeah about that."

"Too long." Clint huffed turning his nose up.

"Well, you could get off your ass and help us bird boy."

"Make Loki do it." Clint retorted.

"You would trust me with your tools and equipment?" Loki pointed out crossing his arms.

Tony sneered, "Not in a million years Rudolph."

Loki glared in return, "Then I remain unable to assist."

Tony snorted, "Just stay in the kitchen there princess and make the men the sandwiches." Tony didn't realise before the words left his mouth that his mocking would've riled more than just the god of mischief.

"What was that Tony!" Natasha growled across at the billionaire, whose eyes were suddenly wide.

Tony flinched nervously, "Nothing Nat. You are an amazing woman, strong, smart, beautiful, a force to be reckoned with... please don't kill me."

Natasha let a wicked half smile spread on her face, "Good. Remember that."

Everyone in the room smiled at the interaction, Steve even clipped Tony on the shoulder and chuckled. Loki cursed considering that his exposure to the mortals was having a such negative influence on him, because he too let a small genuine smile break across, which he quickly dropped once he realised what he was doing. Pepper noticed, but said nothing. No one else seemed to be aware that Loki's frown had momentarily changed.

It was the early afternoon before all the preparations were done. The equipment was set up and Tony had already taken the liberty to call Fury and schedule a video conference. Fury, at first a little surprised that Tony Stark had contacted him at all since to Fury's knowledge the billionaire was still furious about the incident with Loki which lead to Pepper's abduction, pressed Tony to inform him what was so important he needed a conference involving SHIELD's director and members of the Counsel being present. Tony explained he made a breakthrough in finding Pepper and Loki, and he didn't want to explain himself twice. Fury agreed, albeit grudgingly.

Tony positioned himself in front of the screens and cameras in the living room. The computer monitors informed the inventor that the encrypted satellite connection was established and the conference was pending awaiting SHIELD to dial in. Behind him stood Steve, Clint, Natasha and Bruce. To the side out of the view of the cameras were Pepper, Loki and Thor, the latter with his hammer in hand.

Tony loved theatrics, and a devilish smile spread across his face when the computer notified him of an incoming call.

"Accept the call JARVIS."

"Yes, sir."

Tony was greeted with the stern face of Fury. "This better be good Stark." Behind Fury he could see the lower half of several screens which had been strategically positioned so Tony couldn't see the faces of the people on the footage. Obviously the members of the Counsel wanted to retain animosity to the billionaire.

"Afternoon everyone. I have called this conference because honestly, due to past events, the amount of trust I have for any of you to take what is about to be said sensibly if in person would be amount as much trust that I have for Nick here when he tells me that SHIELD is not trying to replicate Chitauri weapons."

Fury frowned viciously at Tony. "Stark, if you have called this - "

"No, this is not about weapons," Tony interrupted, "just thought I'd point out that you're not fooling anyone. " At his side Tony could hear Steve and Bruce sigh.

"As I said, this is about the persons who went missing from New York's SHEILD headquarters eighteen days ago." Tony looked to his side and signalled to Pepper, who complied and walked to Tony's side in front of the cameras.

Tony had hoped for gasps of shock, being the theatrical diva he was, but he got none of that from Fury, just a questioning glare.

"Ms Potts, I am relieved that you are safe. Stark, care to give us an explanation." Fury waited patiently for the details.

"Honestly, I cannot give you one. But let me make this perfectly clear. There will be no questioning of Pepper by SHIELD, there will be no interrogation, no examination, no debriefing, nothing. She is here and she is safe, no thanks to SHIELD, and from now on if I am ever left in the dark about anything SHIELD plans involving me or mine you will all find out why people used to call me the Merchant of Death."

Loki cocked an eyebrow at that. Merchant of Death. He liked the ring to the name. Quite fearsome. Now he understood why Tony Stark had propositioned this conference call. It wasn't just for Loki's benefit, he had something that needed to be said as well.

Fury remained silent but Tony could see the lack of disagreement in the man's face. The director wouldn't try anything like he did eighteen days ago anytime soon.

Tony had made his point and looked across to Loki and Thor. It was their turn.

Turning back at the monitors Tony said, "Well, I've said what I wanted, now I hand you over to someone else who would like to say a few words."

Tony gripped Pepper's hand and walked out of the view of the cameras, where in his stead he was replaced by Thor shortly followed by Loki. No shocked gasps from Fury, but everyone could see in his facial expression how he earned his name.

"What is this!" Fury spat furiously. Thor stood to his brother's side, who straightened his posture and put his hands behind his back, that familiar pose he struck when the director had been threatening the god from the other side of a glass cell.

"Greetings director." Loki said with a smile.

"You do realise that my agents are now preparing and will shortly be on route to the Tower Stark." Fury stated knowing that Tony would be in hearing distance of the speakers.

Loki's smile widened, "Oh I wouldn't bother director. This won't take long then I will be far away from your reach."

Fury glared by did not end the transmission of the conference call. Loki took that as a sign that he could proceed.

"I attempted to have this formal address before you in person director, and members of your court which I assume are still listening in, however as your Iron Man has already made clear, your reaction to such an assembly was unreasonably handle."

Fury's eyed narrowed into vicious slits, "Oh I had perfect reason Loki."

"Previously, yes. But I had presented no basis upon which to distrust my intentions now. Nevertheless, I am here to offer my repentance for my past transgressions. Though my intentions were to bring rule and order to your planet, I can see now that it appeared that I was attempting to enslave you. I believed mortals weak and rightfully mine to control. I was wrong." About the former Loki thought to himself. "I brought hostilities to your people and pray you accept my apology."

Fury snarled, "You must know Loki Laufeyson," at those words Loki grimaced, how did this one-eyed cretin know that name, but he held his tongue that was begging to lash out and let Fury continue, "that no words could possibly make right the wrongs you have done, the damage you have inflicted," Fury's voice became cold and stern, "and the blood you have spilled."

Loki looked at the director with a serious expression, "I am aware of this. All the same, my apologies." With that Loki bowed towards the screens in front of him before straightening himself up and looking to Thor with a definitive nod. Thor in turn bowed before the screens and both brothers began walking away from the cameras towards the Iron Man landing pad.

"JARVIS," Tony yelled out, "Patch through the footage from the outside cameras."

Everyone in the tower could still see Fury on the monitor, watching with suspicion, but Fury could now only see the footage of Thor and Loki walking outside the tower towards the landing pad. There was no audio streaming from the footage, however Fury could deduce that it appeared Thor was saying farewell to the people in the living room before the god yelled up towards the sky and a dark mist surrounded the Norse gods before suddenly, they both disappeared.

Tony walked backed towards the monitors commanding JARVIS to patch the director back through to the living room cameras. Before Fury could utter a word Tony explained , "Well, E.T has gone home."

Fury shook his head, "This isn't over Stark. It doesn't escape my attention that once again you housed a dangerous criminal without my knowledge."

Tony snorted, "No, the Avengers housed a dangerous criminal without your knowledge. Which is perfectly safe considering we are earth's mightiest heroes." And with that Tony disconnected the feed.

Clint sighed, "You know he won't let this drop Tony. He will make your life a living hell."

"Yeah, let him do his worst." Tony snarled, it was then he noticed that Steve, Clint and Natasha were all still standing near the couches of the living room and Steve and Clint were walking to the ends of the biggest couch to move it. Before Tony could question what they were doing, Steve and Clint lifted the couch to reveal Clint's bows and arrows, an assortment of guns and Steve's shield.

"What the hell. When did you all put this stuff here?" Tony asked.

"Last night." Steve answered. "It's not that we didn't trust Loki, well, actually, it was because we didn't trust Loki."

"Good to be prepared and have the element of surprise." Natasha added.

Looks like Tony wasn't the only one with trust issues. In fact, he commanded JARVIS last night to have a Mark VII ready to go in case of anything. All in all, everything went accordingly to plan, and surprisingly, Loki didn't try anything. It was strange really. They all expected some master scheme from Loki, but the god said what he wanted, then left. No one had expected that.

It seemed like everything should just go back to normal now (well as normal as can be living in a building full of people with super human abilities)

So why did Tony have this unsettling feeling in his gut.

Now that Loki thought about it, he could find content in the fact he was returning to Asgard. Being in the presence of mortals really was exasperating. Unconsciously living short mundane worthless lives and acting like they were above the insects that inhabited their planet. They were pathetic creatures indeed. How brainless they were if they believed Loki, a god, actually had remorse for trying to conquer them. They were made to be ruled.

Landing safely on study ground, Loki and Thor found themselves at the end of the rainbow coloured bridge that once lead to the bifrost, now a reminder of the monument that once towered at its end. Before them stood Heimdell, the alchemist with his dark robe and pale face to the guardian's side. Heimdell bowed towards Thor, but did not acknowledge Loki. The alchemist in turn bowed to the princes and stepped to the side, slinking away to make way for the royal son and adoptive borther.

Thor and Loki headed back to the golden kingdom of Asgard in silence. Thor was in deep thought as they walked down the long bridge. He too had not expected Loki's apology to actually be, well, a genuine apology. He would be lying if he said that he had not anticipated some kind of trickery. But here they were, returning to Asgard, not one indication that Loki had a diabolical scheme ready to play out. Thor felt the twinge of guilt rise up in him for distrusting his brother so. Of course, Loki had earned that distrust, but when again who was Thor to be so judgemental. He had been granted a second chance after committing such atrocities towards the frosts giants. Did Loki not deserve the same?

Surprisingly, no one was at the bridge to greet the princes upon their arrival. Thor and Loki at least expected a couple of horses to ride back. But no, the Allfather thought it fit for Loki to walk back into Asgard like a commoner. Alas, his deeds on Midgard had gone unnoticed, how frustrating that more was expected of him to - ... Loki paused on that thought as he lifted his head and realised that Odin, King of Asgard, in all his golden armour glory, was standing at the gates of Asgard awaiting their arrival.

Loki swallowed. This was rare that the King would be waiting, alone, at the gates. Even when Thor and Loki would return from dangerous missions and battles, Odin would await his sons in the throne room.

Thor was the first to approach the King, "Father" he greeted bowing respectfully. Odin gave his son an appreciative nod and immediately turned his gazing eye across to Loki. Odin gave his adoptive son a stern stare and Loki, as much as he wanted to hiss and glare and remark all kinds of disrespectful words to his father, just looked on with empty detached eyes. He could feel the hatred lingering, the need to lash out, all the hurt, betrayal and anguish at the sight of the man who lied and used him as a pawn for his own selfish end, but right now, he didn't want to act on that feeling. It wasn't like when he was first brought back from Midgard, muzzled and chained like an animal. Back then he was angry, he was volatile and overcome with a burning rage at the ones he blamed for all his misfortune. But now, now it seemed different. Now he looked upon Odin, and he felt like that confused man in the Asgard vault distraught to learn that his whole life was a lie.

Odin approached Loki, his staff clicking against the bridge as he walked.

"Loki, former prince of Asgard..." Odin spoke, and Loki just froze in horror at the words. Former prince. He knew what was coming. Banishment. Odin must know about his arrangement with the Mad Titan.

"I have heard of your deeds on Midgard. I have also heard of your abduction by the Chitauri." Loki was sure he could hear the doubtful tone in Odin's word 'abduction', spoken with disbelief and knowing. "I have seen you suffer by their hands, and despite my doubts, you return to Asgard having kept your word of offering repentance to the mortals to which you have wronged."

There was a awkward silence as Odin lifted himself before Loki.

"Thus, I hereby decree that your offences be forgiven."

Loki's eyes widened. What?

"Your magic shall be returned," Odin tapped his staff against the ground, which instantly made the runes on Loki's wrists disappear, "your detainment as prisoner of the throne be removed, and you shall be restored as prince of Asgard."

Loki, and equally Thor behind his father, were stunned. Loki had not expected this from the King so suddenly. Surely further punishment was warranted. He was a murder, a monster, who took lives without hesitation.

Odin turned away, walking past Thor who had a huge smile spread across his face. Before the King disappeared inside the gates of Asgard he utterned, not turning around to face his son, "Welcome home, Loki Odinson." Then he was gone.

Thor went and embraced his brother, who was distracted at staring at his pale and clear wrists. Restored, forgiven, accepted. Loki had played out this moment in his mind over and over. He would fake remorse, Odin would accept him back in his court, and he would surreptitiously despise the sentimental fools who were so ignorant to the vengeance Loki was planning to exact upon them. Now, when it was done, what was this unexpected feeling... relief?

Thor's muscled arms wrapping around his chest woke Loki from his trace, "Isn't this wonderful brother!" Lifting the smaller god into the air.

"Let go of me you fumbling oaf." Loki scorned, but Thor's joy did not fade. "You never change brother" lowering Loki to the ground.

Clapping his brother on the shoulder Thor offered, "Come brother, let us retire and then tell our friends the great news." Loki nodded and followed Thor into Asgard.

Loki made his way to his room alone. It felt odd now that there were no longer guards escorting him everywhere. He expected to turn around and find them lurking behind him with suspicion and mistrust. Once he arrived at his room, even more unbelievable was the sight that greeted him. All his personal objects of magic and sorcery that had been returned in his absence.

The next few days were so surreal to Loki. He tried to keep to himself, but Thor insisted on a feast, which Loki attended but only briefly since the warriors three and Sif also were in attendance and did not look upon Loki with the hope and joy that Thor did. He roamed around the palace and was surprised when he did not catch any guards watching or following him, allowed to go about his days as he deemed fit without question.

Loki did not visit his father or mother, no his false parents, nor did the King or Queen call an audience with their son. That was peculiar in itself. Why wouldn't they demand Loki's gratitude and pledge of absolute loyalty since he had in the past proven to be cunningly deceitful. If the tables were turned, family or not, he would have made them kneel and beg for his forgiveness, not give it away so frivolously. The sentimental fools.

It was a quiet and still night when Loki decided enough time had passed that he could confidently cast the spell he had patiently delayed while he made himself sure he wasn't being watched. Loki knew Heimdell would turn his all seeing eyes towards him should he not conceal the spell, so he first veiled himself behind an incantation like he once did to sneak into Jotunheim.

Heimdell was no fool, and Loki's prolonged absence from the kingdom would be noticed, so once concealed he swiftly moved about his room gathering the required talisman and whispering the incantation. Loki felt the power of the spell run through him, the feeling of cold and hot energy coursing throughout his body. Then he felt the connection and he knew he could be heard.

"Thanos my Lord," Loki uttered, "everything is ready."

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I know I know, I am so evil!