Chapter 11
Uninvited and unexpected
Couple of things to clear up before we begin. 1 - It has come to my attention that the name Elrond is also a character in Lord of The Rings. I did watch the films as a child but have since forgotten virtually everything. I used a randomiser and that name sounded good. I suppose I might have chosen it because it sounded familiar.
B or 2 - Directed at SnapesGirl59. The casket wasn't in Asgard, it was on Jotunheim. Odin gave it back to the giants and Malekith found out about it from their informant. It's mentioned after Malekith returns to Svartalfheim.
Ok Malekith can do two mind related tricks. The first can influence someones actions and words, for instance move them around and talk like normal; with the other he can read their mind but he has to physically touch them. At the moment he has only used he first to influence Banner.
Trying to follow AU logic, especially mine is no easy task.
Tony walked down the corridor towards Furys' office. He'd agreed with Banners' idea of bringing Fury up to date first; show they guy some respect, he was the director of S.H.I.E.L.D after all. Just as he was about to knock on Furys' door, Thor rounded the corner looking rather flustered, cape billowing behind him as he half sprinted towards Tony.
"Stark, I must speak with Loki." When Tony just gave him a blank stare Thor stopped hurtling towards him and raised his eyebrows. "My brother did arrive here did he not? I sent him here, he should have arrived."
Tony looked at Furys' door then pulled Thor round the corner by the arm; he couldn't actually pull Thor because the guy was twice his size but Thor followed him round and stared at Stark.
"Yeah don't worry point break. He dropped in on me last night. What did you do to him? He's different; in a good way but weird." He shook his head and caught Thors' attention with his hand. Thor just looked like a confused child.
"Look never mind; hard to explain now, but Lokis' kind of helping us. One catch is that things would go smoother is Fury knew he was here."
Thor raised his voice and almost shook the building as it boomed. "You kept my brothers' arrival from Fury? I thought you followed orders."
Stark tutted and rolled his eyes. "Listen we do usually but with something like this you have to have all the facts before you gamble. I didn't trust your brother for a second until the guy started dribbling all of my kitchen, but now we have to take a chance and tell Fury." Stark poked his head round the corner in case anybody was listening and walked back up the corridor towards Furys' office.
"Look, under ordinary circumstances, I would explain but just follow me and don't speak. You'll catch on." He grabbed Thors' arm and attempted to pull him towards Furys' office; about as effective as trying to drag a truck. Thor just followed him round the corner and entered Furys' office.
"Most people knock before entering Stark." Fury looked up from his desk as Tony ignored him and ushered Thor inside.
"When did you arrive? I've had no reports of portal activity."
"Just now. I need to speak with you about..."
Tony waved his hands in front of Thor and turned towards Nick.
"Look, trivial matters can wait. Nick I need you to come up to my apartment now."
"Is this about the plans?"
"Sort of, by the way, we're dubbing it project A, but yeah, come on. We need your expert," he hesitated, "eye." He opened the door and let Thor and Fury pass through before closing it.
Fury walked behind Thor as he turned to Tony and said, "Are you close to finishing? Why am I always the last to know around here?"
Tony just rolled his eyes as they made their way to the apartment.
"Banner, Stark is on his way up with Fury... and Thor." Jarvis' voice rang out across the apartment as Loki, Banner and Elrond were scattered around the room tidying the place up. They hadn't been untidy but now that they were panicking, everything looked a mess.
"Look just stand behind this, then when we give you the signal, slowly, and I mean slowly, walk out and introduce yourself. Don't make any sudden movements; you can guarantee that he's gonna have some sort of weapon on him. And did you say Thor? Oh my we are not prepared for this." Elronds' voice wavered as Bruce was putting his papers in order.
Adrian was pushing Loki behind a decorative pillar in the room while he glanced nervously at the front door.
"Yes sir. He appears to be coming with them."
Loki snuck behind the pillar as Elrond proceeded to kick the boxes of clothes and books under the table. "Great timing Thor, just really great."
Bruce turned towards Loki; he couldn't see him, so it seemed like he was talking to thin air.
"This could help. All Fury had to go on was your word that you have changed. Now we have Thor, a king and an avenger no less, so I think he'll listen."
Loki went to say something before Elrond shushed him and jogged over to stand next to Bruce who just finished arranging his files when the door opened and Thor, Fury and Tony walked in.
Fury narrowed his eyes as he saw the worried expression on their faces. He tilted his head to Thor and Stark as they entered and closed the door. Thor looked just as confused as Nick felt and Tony seemed to be smirking slightly.
"Can somebody please tell me what is going on? You're all acting shifty and it's making me feel uneasy." Thor looked Elrond up and down as he walked towards him.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Adrian, temporary adviser on your fathers' project."
"Thor. Same to you." The thunderer kept his look of confusion as Fury circled Bruce and Elrond while looking around the apartment; he didn't go further than the pillar as Loki just held his breath.
"Right, down to business. We have completed all the schematics and tested all the theories and corrected the mistakes. We are ready to go into production." Stark clapped his hands together and broke the silence.
"But I thought you said you needed someone to confirm this. I thought that's why Thor is here. To make sure you translated the information correctly." Fury gestured towards Thor whose expression was akin to a puppy who had been wrongly accused of going toilet on the carpet.
"No, I am here because..."
"Not now Thor." Tony kept his voice hush but Fury still saw Stark turn to him.
"Then how can you be so sure it'll work?"
"Because they have me." Tony buried his head in his hands, Thors' bewildered stare grew more convincing and Elrond just looked down as Loki walked out from behind the pillar. They all stood in silence as Fury stared at Loki and then at the others.
"You knew about him and didn't say anything? You knew about a criminal in our building and didn't tell me? Explain if you so please."
Thor stepped forwards. "It was my decision to send Loki here. After I became king, I noticed he changed and..."
"I don't care what you think. I don't care that you're king, because this is our planet not one of your prisons of choice."
"If I may?" Loki stepped forwards with his hands raised towards Fury. Once Furys' expression had gone back to its' usual emotionless state, Loki continued.
"Your suspicion is understandable but you have no reason to be; I am powerless, without magic, mortal, human."
"Unbelievable." Fury spun round and faced Thor.
"So he's powerless and serving time here. For what purpose? Why not leave him where your father sent him?"
"This is what I've been trying to tell you. Loki was attacked by something. He does not know what but now we are certain who is responsible."
Loki furrowed his eyebrows. "Thor? What has happened?"
"Jotunheim was attacked, by Malekith. Heimdall saw this and has deduced that he is responsible for what happened to you and father. Heimdall, as my adviser, told me to leave Asgard and defend Midgard."
"Defend us? What do we need defending against?"
"Malekith the accursed as he's known." Loki stared at the floor as he nodded his head.
"A dark elf from Svartalfheim. Known for taking whatever he could, and shouldn't." His face turned to confusion as he glanced at Thor. "But he hasn't been heard from in centuries. Why now?"
"After Laufey died, their government collapsed. They had no true heir so they sought help. They just so happened to play in Malekiths' hands. They elected Vasad as their temporary king and he has since been crowned their true monarch. Malekiths' attack on them failed but he managed to steal the casket from them. Heimdall is certain he intends to use it on Midgard since you are... weaker than before."
"Fantastic." Furys' sarcasm made Stark and Banner shiver; Fury never made jokes and meant them, it wasn't his style.
He looked Loki up and down. "You checked Stark, Banner and Elronds' calculations? You are sure they will work?"
"Most certainly. I have made connections between my magic and your science and have deduced that they are compatible. Construct the devices and Earth will have a significant advantage over Malekith."
"How do you mean? Won't he appear like the Chitauri; out of thin air?" Starks' tone sounded almost as if he was mocking Lokis' intelligence but Loki answered calmly.
"Lets suppose he intends to use the casket to freeze the planet. I order to do so, there must be an epicenter; one area will get colder gradually then it'll spread quickly. The casket will have to be where the temperature change starts so that's where we bring the fight to."
"How big is the area that will experience a temperature drop? Where?" Banner pulled out a tablet and started taking notes.
"Quite large. Since I am unfamiliar with your planets' layout, I cannot give you my idea of a good location. But I do know that only five square miles of the planets surface area has to change in order to eventually affect the entire planet. The lager the surface area, the quicker the planet will be enveloped by ice and snow."
Fury stood in front of them, hands behind his back with a determined look on his face.
"Right, orders. Stark you contact the factories and get them to start construction immediately. Tell them to double the speed and estimate when we can have the emitters and receivers in orbit.
Banner and Elrond; start calculating which would be the easiest place for Malekith to hide and use as the centre of his attack. Thor and Loki. Just do whatever."
Loki raised his eyebrows at Thor and he nodded slightly as he called to Fury.
"Director. There is a way we could speed things up."
Nick turned round and saw Thor and Loki staring at him, both with puppy dog eyes.
He gave Loki a quick glance as he wrestled with his mind.
"Do whatever you deem necessary to get our defenses up. I trust Loki enough, but I trust my avengers more." With that he left, his leather trench coat billowing behind him as he went.
Loki immediately strode over to Thor and held both his arms out as Thor grabbed Lokis' wrists. They were engulfed by blue, red and green light, which blinded the others. When it dissipated, Loki wasn't wearing his v-neck jumper and black jeans. Instead he wore something akin to Thor. Not his complete battle amour but just enough to look powerful. He wore the exact same thing when he had surrendered in Stuttgart. Dark leather with small pieces of gold metal protecting his forearms and shoulder. His jacket was pleated at the sides and a bright luminous green fabric peaked out giving the god of mischief his usual smug look. He let go of Thor while he rolled his shoulders.
"Oh I have so missed this."
Tony, and Bruce were staring at Thor in disbelief while Adrian just gazed in wonder at Lokis' outfit. He hadn't seen it before in person, only on tv. Up close it was very impressive, giving him a real royal vibe of importance and power. Thor and Loki both turned towards the three of them and smiled.
"My friends, I have restored Lokis' abilities. Under normal circumstances, I would have waited but since we are in imminent danger and without defenses, I think we can risk where my brothers' loyalty lies."
Thor and Loki smiled at each other and the others continued drooling at the sight of them.
Thor and Loki headed towards the door, but Loki turned to look at Stark.
"Thank you for believing me." Stark nodded as Loki continued. "Where is this factory you spoke of? We can assemble your devices and have them in orbit within the next 20 hours."
Tony walked over to the projector and typed furiously on the screen as the others just stood there in silence.
"About 20 miles south of the old S.H.I.E.L.D ground base. Its' got a large S.H.I.E.L.D logo on the top so you can't miss it."
Loki looked at Thor, Bruce and Tony then turned his gaze to Adrian.
"After I have done this, it would be a honour to meet David."
Adrians' lip curled slightly. "I'll go tell him now."
Loki closed the door behind him and an awkward silence grew between them.
"Should we even ask?" Tony held his head low but looked at Elrond over his eyebrows.
"My son, David. We were talking about him when you were at your meeting. We decided for Loki to understand how what he did affected us, that he needs to meet someone other than a fighter or a scientist. He needs to meet an ordinary human being."
Odin had woken up after Thor left for Midgard. He was still weak since his sleep cycle had been broken again but this time round he was fitter since his rest had been longer. He sat upon his throne as Heimdall filled him in on the actions throughout the other realms.
"What news have we heard from the Jotuns recently?"
"Nothing. Vasad has kept quiet. They were usually very private and secretive but now I fear they are even more cautious of everyone, even us..." Heimdall stumbled slightly and squinted his eyes as his head started to hurt.
"What is it gatekeeper?" Odin leaned forwards as his guards standing either side of him looked concerned as Heimdall doubled over then straightened up again and looked directly at Odin.
"Vasad has arrived."
The doors to the throne room flung open with such a force that they banged against the wall. Vasad, his adviser and his guard followed close behind him as he bellowed at the top of his voice.
"Allfather, did you know? Were you aware of the treachery?"
"Calm yourself Vasad. I have only just taken my throne again. Heimdall has informed me of Malekiths' attempt on your world."
Vasad glanced at Heimdall as he further approached Odin.
"Mmmm. So I'm guessing you also know that he has the casket now?"
Odin quickly turned his head to look at Heimdall. He shifted his feet to address Vasad.
"I was just getting to that bit."
Odin cut him off as he pieced it together. "That is why you sent Thor to protect Midgard. You suspect he intends to use the casket against Earth."
Heimdall nodded as Vasad moved his gaze from Odin to Heimdall and back again.
"You do not believe our realm to be in danger from another attack?"
Odin shook his head. "Malekith is very consumed by pride and vanity. He would not humiliate himself with another attempt. It would only remind him that he failed. Your realm is safe. Of that I am sure."
Vasad curled his lips. "If he does attack again..."
"We will be here to assist should you require our help."
Vasad gave a deadpan nod as he turned and headed back out through the throne doors; his adviser and guard following close behind.
Stark and Banner had since narrowed down the most likely place for Malekith to start his invasion from. It was far northeast and so Fury had decided to enable the helicarrier. The other avengers still did not know that Thor had returned let alone Loki; they all thought it best if Loki was introduced after everyone had been briefed.
Clint, Natasha and Steve boarded the craft along with Fury, Banner and Stark. Bruce. Elrond and Tony headed down to the lab as Steve sat in his room and read up on modern culture. He had been studying the years he had missed and had only gotten up to 1969. Space travel before the avengers would have boggled his mind, but after seeing a man grow 4 times his natural size and turn green, nothing surprised him.
Clint and Natasha spent their time training against each other. Since they were the only avengers who didn't have a special power or weapon, they had to be in peak physical fitness.
They all spent the next 18 doing their own thing as the helicarrier made its' way towards the Faroe Islands, about 250 miles north of Scotland. Since the helicarrier was not designed for fast flight, it took the best part of a day to arrive there. When morning came, everyone was slightly jet lagged. They meandered towards the conference room and took their places. Steve, Clint and Natasha sat down as Bruce, Elrond and Tony stood back in the corner, whispering to each other.
Fury stepped forwards and a large screen activated on the wall.
"You are probably wondering why you've been called here on such short notice."
Clint put his hands behind his head and leaned back in his seat. "Yeah you could say that."
Fury gave him a plain glance as his eyes found Tony and he began walking towards.
"Right, sorry Clint. If you think you're in the dark now, you may not believe what's actually going on."
Stark walked over to the screen and faced the three clueless avengers in the middle.
"Basically there is a new threat, and a new member to the team. Also this is Professor Adrian Elrond. He has been assisting Stark and Banner for the past 2 weeks. Formal introductions later, but first to the threat. His name is Malekith."
Clint cut him off as he laughed, Natasha giggling beside him.
"Malekith? Seriously, people are naming their children that?"
Tony frowned at him as he continued and spoke louder.
"He's not from round here. Like Thor he's not from earth. He's from..." He tilted his head round to look at his notes. "S-V-A-R-T-L-F-H-E-I-M. I have no idea how to pronounce that so lets go with dark world. So he wants to take over this planet much like Loki tried. Except this guy has done it before and been successful."
Steve shifted his gaze from the screen to Fury. "Please tell me we have a plan; a new form of weapon. Anything."
Fury held his strong stance. "As Stark said we have a new member. He will arrive shortly and he has dealt with similar beings to this Malekith. However something more important is that, yes, we do have a physical weapon against the guy."
He walked next to Tony so he could address the avengers as one. "When Thor took Loki back to Asgard, he was punished. Although Odin could not kill his son he decided to give the realms he had attacked something to compensate them."
"What could he possibly give that could compensate what Loki did to us?" Natashas' was firm and concentrated entirely on Fury.
"If you ask me, we should have asked for Lokis' hide. Only one way to pay back such a debt." He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk as he stared out the window.
"Enough." Fury walked over to the table and slammed his fist down on it. They all leaned back in their seats and paid full attention as Nick carried on.
"He gave us the power to anticipate attacks. To register anomalies ranging from radiation spikes to unusual weather patterns anywhere on the planet. We have managed to adjust them so we can also see beyond the stars in the sky. That is compensation enough." His hard expression faded as he stroked his chin.
"Also, something happened to Loki while he was receiving his punishment. We were unclear what it was, but we now have intelligence that it was Malekith. He intended to use Loki but he no longer matters to him."
Steve and Natasha were about to say something before Bruce said, "Thor has since returned and we have built the devices. For the past 2 days he has been putting them in orbit. He should be with us any minute now, along with our new avenger." He glanced at his watch as his voice got quieter. Loki was helping him; he should have been back by now.
Clint narrowed his eyes as he and Natasha shared confused looks. "Why do I get the feeling they're not telling us everything?" Natasha shrugged her shoulders and bit her lip.
Suddenly a large bang sounded from above them. They all jerked their heads towards the ceiling as the sound dissipated. Instead a creaking sound erupted down the sides of the helicarrier but they soon disappeared after a second.
Tonys' face lit up as he raised his eyebrows in anticipation. "Well that'll be Thor, and the new member."
Sorry that this chapter was a little short. It was either 500 words short of 1500 too long.