AN: Thank you everyone for the support/reviews/favorites and follows! You guys are awesome, and hearing from all of you seriously makes my life!

As a side note: I promise, fluff is coming! Loki is not a romantic, especially not in his current state, but rest assured-it will come!

As always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy! Please review! :)

Chapter 14: Interrogation

Loki cursed under his breath as he pulled his Asgardian companion roughly through the winding streets. Back in the crowd of mortals, he could see the unmistakable image of a SHIELD agent—radio already calling out their location. It would only be a matter of hours—days at most—before the wretched organization had him in their hands once again. This time, he didn't think they would be as forgiving as they were last time…

Casting a fleeting glance behind him, a wave of relief came over his face as he realized they were not being followed. Looking at the guilty eyes behind him, he pulled the woman around the corner of a building and slammed her against the wall harder than he intended.

"Are you daft, Eir?" he growled, "Do you have any idea what torture you have condemned us to!?"

To his frustration, defiant eyes challenged his.

"I couldn't let him die."

Loki grabbed her arm tighter, taking pleasure in watching pain wash over her features. There was so much he wanted to make her hurt for—for getting them caught, for slowing them down…for saving his wretched life. Some part of him told him he should just kill her right there. Some part of him desperately wanted to watch that defiant spark leave her beautiful eyes. The monster within him wanted to watch the woman in front of him truly suffer.

But as he looked at her hard glare, there was something else inside him silencing all those voices. A shadow of his former self, perhaps, was keeping those homicidal tendencies at bay. Gritting his teeth, he tightened his grip on the Asgardian.

"I hate you." He spat, looking into her insolent expression, "I hate you."

Igniting his rage further, the woman just narrowed her eyes at him.

"I know." She whispered, jaw tensing, "You've made that painfully cle-"

Before she could finish, Eir's eyes widened as she watched Loki drop to the ground. In his side, there was a strange arrow that had caused the Prince to succumb to unconsciousness. Looking down the alley, the woman stepped back in fear as she saw a number of suited men with guns. At the forefront, a woman with fiery red hair and a man with a bow stood challengingly.

"Step away, Miss." The man ordered, arrow pointing at her, "This doesn't need to escalate."

Putting her hands up, the woman watched as time seemingly slowed. Casting a gaze down at Loki, she could feel her heart start to race as she was handcuffed and pulled away in the opposite direction. All around her, she could hear the chorus of loud sirens, radios and questions. Swallowing hard, she watched as a number of suited men pulled Loki's lifeless body into an unmarked van—a spark of fear radiating through her as they slammed the door loudly.

She was alone.

Frey watched with interest as a curious figure walked up the elegant steps of Alfheim's royal court. Narrowing his hazel eyes, Frey watched as a bicolored man came into view—his platinum hair stark against his blue and black face. He had heard of this being from others, and the words he had heard were not kind. When Malekith of the Dark Elves came looking for help, it usually meant that trouble was not far behind. Putting on a forced welcoming smile, the leader from Vanaheim greeted Malekith.

"Lord Malekith, welcome!" Frey smiled, his golden locks glittering in Alfheim's sunlight, "Tis not often the Dark Elves and Light Elves meet."

The King of the Light Elves watched as Malekith sent him a mischievous smile. Frey could tell that there was something very unsettling about this visit, and a quick look to his guards urged them to keep caution. Sitting back down on his throne, the Vanir watched as the dark elf took a bow.

"Good Frey, I come seeking assistance in a pesky matter." Malekith explained, eyes surveying his surroundings, "It seems I am in the search for a small band of Asgardians. Having such close ties to Asgard, I hoped you would be of help."

Narrowing his eyes at the man, Frey realized why he had sensed malice upon Malekith's arrival. Surely, this man was not working alone…such rats hardly did. Taking a deep breath, Frey sent a warm smile towards the dark figure before him.

"I fear there are no Asgardians on Alfheim." Frey explained, "Our borders are secure, I assure you. If we become aware of any, I will be sure to send a messenger to fetch you. May I try Niffleheim? There were whispers of Asgardians there."

Frey smiled as the man gave him a deep bow—his probing eyes looking deep into his.

"Lord Thanos thanks you for your cooperation." Malekith added, a smile on his face, "I will trek to Niffleheim. Till another time, Lord Frey."

The Vanir watched as Malekith disappeared in a mist faster than he appeared. Looking down towards one of his servants, the leader of the Light Elves gave them a somber sigh. Looking towards the spot where Malekith once was again, the man rubbed his forehead in frustration. Sending a glance back towards his eager servant, he spoke in barely a whisper.

"Tell the Asgardians to leave Alfheim quickly."

"Xavier says he is certain she is not a mutant, Sir." Maria Hill explained, "All evidence points to another Asgardian."

Nick Fury sent a frustrated look towards his second in command as he continued to walk down the hall towards the interrogation room.

"Has she said anything?" he asked, "Do we have any indication that she's dangerous?"

"Not that we know of, Sir." Maria answered, "Though she is gaining some unnecessary attention. Dr. Curt Connors has been on the phone all day."

"Tell him to keep his…hand out of our business." Fury growled, opening the door to the interrogation room, "Contact Selvig, see what he knows about her and escort Thor to the detention bay. Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."

Nick Fury watched as the woman nodded to him before continuing down the hallway. Taking a deep breath, he opened the silver door and entered the bright room. Inside, he was shocked to see a particularly nonthreatening woman sitting at the table. Her eyes were downcast, staring at her hands. Acknowledging his arrival, Fury was shocked as a pair of gold eyes came to meet his own. An unsettling feeling overcame him as he was reminded of Heimdall and his great abilities. Cleaning his throat, he approached the woman.

"So…a couple of our agents saw your little stunt in Moscow." He started, watching her avoid his gaze, "That was a pretty impressive feat for a doctor. Eye-witnesses swear the boy was dead."

To his disappointment, she remained quiet.

"I know a few doctors, and more often than not they like to play God." Fury explained, finally stopping in front of her, "I happen to think you're not just playing."

Fury looked down at the woman seated in the interrogation chair. Her long, dark hair was a shocking contrast from her pale skin, and her eyes were spectacular. Still, the Director remained unsettled as he wondered just what this Asgardian was capable of doing. From his experience, he knew he couldn't underestimate someone from Asgard. After all, if Loki wanted her she was probably dangerous.

"You're not going to talk?" Fury asked with an amused smile, "I promise, it will be easier if you cooperate."

To his satisfaction, the woman sent him a challenging glare.

"How do you know Loki?" he continued, "Did he kidnap you? Did he hurt you?"

Though silent, the woman gave a small shake of her head. Blinking a few times, Fury looked back at the woman in front of him. A number of questions rang through his head—most importantly, if she wasn't kidnapped why was Loki there? He knew the man was capable of great evil, so if he kept her alive…

"Who is he to you?" Nick asked slowly, "Did he threaten you? Was this an order?"

The Goddess looked at him sternly, a defiance beaming from her exhausted alien eyes.

"Is he a friend?" Nick offered, "A lover?"

This time, though silent, the interrogator could see the faintest of movements on the woman's face. It was brief, and the man wasn't entirely sure it was real, but it was enough of an answer for the time being. Giving the woman a small smile, Nick Fury stood up from his chair—the screech of metal on metal harsh in the silence.

"You'll talk soon enough." He concluded, "We have ways of breaking you. Soon, we will know everything."

As he placed his hand on the doorway to leave, a grin found its way to his face as an impossibly weak whisper broke through the sea of silence.

"Don't hurt him."

Nick smiled again.

Progress.

Loki hissed as he opened his green eyes to a bright light—the pain in his head reeling. Slowly adjusting to the bright surrounding, he clenched his jaw as a sharp pain radiated from his side-an artifact from the strange Midgardian weapon used on him. Taking controlled breaths, the Prince finally managed to sit up from the cold floor—only to find himself, once again, encapsulated by a strange glass prison.

Feeling a panic, his eyes fell down towards the clothes he was wearing. No longer was his body clad with the thick jacket of his Midgardian victim—no. He now found himself dressed in the very basic of attire…without the Soul Gem. Cursing under his breath, he realized that these Midgardian fools must have taken the gem for their own uses. For now, he could only hope that these humans would succumb to its powers.

Sitting in the silence, Loki could feel a cold rush flush through his spine as an unsettling realization came over him. Closing his eyes, the man gripped his fists as he turned towards the other side of the cell. There, sitting with disappointment etched across his features was the last person he wanted to see.

"Brother, why?" Thor whispered, his blue eyes filled with a sorrow, "Has Midgard not suffered enough from your villainy?"

Clenching his jaw, Loki avoided his brothers judging gaze. Nothing he told Thor was going to make him believe his innocence. Nothing he could say to these Midgardians, either, would spare him the torture he was sure to endure. Looking back at his brother, Loki gave a sigh.

"I chose not this path." Loki explained carefully, "I would have been content meeting my end on Asgard. Others had a different plan for me."

Loki watched as Thor gave him a look of shock. In his blue eyes, Loki could see Thor's mind swimming through a number of scenarios.

"So it was Lady Eir." Thor settled, "I know not what you did to her, Loki, but I swear to you if you hurt her-"

"Oh please, you slay me." Loki interrupted with a laugh, "Do you truly think I coaxed her into this?"

The God of Mischief looked on as Thor gave him a frustrated glance. It was a great feeling, really, seeing Thor so confused. The man truly wanted to see the good in everyone, and Loki loved to see the doubt written across his face. He loved to see that his brother didn't possess all the answers like he so erroneously thought. In truth, however, Loki couldn't claim to have them either. For now, he was content watching Thor squirm.

"I do, Loki." Thor decided, "To the best of my knowledge, the Lady loathes you. I know not a good reason why she would risk her life to save yours."

To this, the prisoner gave his brother an incredulous look.

"She claims to be making good on her promise to you." Loki explained with satisfaction dripping from his voice, "Though you would be truly daft to believe that."

A wicked smile crept across Loki's face as Thor became visibly more doubtful. During their time on Midgard, Loki had formulated a number of hypotheses as to why the Goddess of Medicine had saved his worthless life—some certainly more preposterous than others, given history. Still, he would never let his brother know.

"I want to believe you, Loki." Thor whispered, sincerity in his words, "I want not to believe this is another play for the throne."

This time, Loki couldn't hold back a hearty laugh. To his satisfaction, a low growl escaped the Thunder God's lips. Letting out a hiss of pain from his side, Loki sent a dark look to his brother.

"Do you truly believe there will be a throne upon our return, Thor?" Loki asked, "If so, you are far denser than once thought. Asgard will be destroyed, if it has not already. You know this well, Brother. Stop lying to yourself!"

Green eyes watched as Thor became visibly upset. Loki thought his brother was truly weak, having such affection for the people of Asgard. In fact, Loki could think of very few people who he would wish to save from Asgard's fate. Most on that surreal plane of existence deserved every ounce of pain coming to them.

Blinking a few times, he watched as Thor started towards the large metal doors out of the detention bay. From his place in captivity, he could see his brother's grasped fists and stern jawline—the stress of their encounter taking their physiological tolls. Smiling to himself, he watched as Thor gave him one last, passing glance.

"I am pleased you were saved, brother."

Eyes widening, Loki watched as Thor's figure left him alone once more—the beeping of the cameras and machines the only company. Closing his eyes in frustration, Loki clenched his jaw as he felt a heaviness fall over him. There was so much he was angry at—Eir for saving him, for these mortals capturing them…and most of all, for Thor still caring for him despite everything.

Slamming his hand against the glass, Loki let out a vicious curse.

He truly wished Thor hated him as much as he hated himself.

"Thor, is everything alright?"

The God of Thunder sent the shorter woman a forced smile, as she waited outside the detention room. In her honey eyes, he could see a worry that pained him. Pulling her close, he was suddenly very thankful that this mortal had found her way into his life. Looking back at her with a reassuring smile, he nodded.

"Of course, Jane." Thor lied, "Tis emotional when I have words with my brother. He claims to have no hand in this, and I believe him…still, in other matters I fear he is not being truthful. I pray, for his sake, something has changed."

Before Jane could answer him, Thor watched as the woman he loved pulled out a strange Midgardian device. Waving her fingers against it, he watched as she gave him a strange look as a familiar photo appeared on the screen.

"It's Darcy." Jane remarked, "Sorry, Thor, this should be quick."

A relived look came over Darcy's features as Jane picked up the phone. She knew that her friend didn't like to be bothered when out with Thor, but the college student knew that this was one time the scientist wouldn't mind being bothered.

"Hey Jane, it's me." Darcy began, an air of nervousness to her voice, "I called to let you know our New Mexico location logged a new event. "

"Are you sure, Darcy?" Jane's voice asked over the phone, "That equipment has been on the fritz lately. Can you confirm with another observatory and get back to me?"

Rolling her eyes, Darcy continued.

"Listen, Jane, I'm positive." The girl asserted, "Absolutely. Hundred percent. Positive. Please get down here."

"How can you be so sure, Darcy?" Jane's voice asked suspiciously.

Laughing nervously to herself, Darcy gulped as she looked out of the laboratory window to see the evidence Jane desired.

"Because," Darcy started, "There are four Asgardians standing outside the lab."

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