Okay guys, here's part two of the big will they be saved or killed section of the story. :) Let's hope for the best for our two babies...or not (insert evil laughter here). Okay, that was mean. What will happen? I guess you'll just have to read on to find out.
Thank you once more for all of your wonderful reviews.
Now, here we go.
So, that was the plan. Sit there and wait. Not exactly the easiest thing in the world.
They wanted him dead, now, huh?
Tony knew the end game wouldn't be good if they stayed on their terms. But still, a few more days was all he and Loki needed. Could they not even have that?
But, hey, they were getting out today.
He would be ecstatic, if he wasn't so sure that something was going to go wrong.
Loki still had a little magic left. Enough to get out of his room and get to Tony without being seen.
That was it.
Oh, this was going to be fun.
Tony's nerves were already a little rattled, due to the vivid nightmares. He had to keep an eye out for Loki, when he finally decided to appear. He said he was going to try to tell him when he was going to leave, but there were no promises.
Was there going to be a fight? Maybe. He hoped not. But if there was, he was glad for the healing he'd gotten. He was in better health than Loki was, so he may have to do the bulk of the work in that department.
The biggest worry he had at the moment was the fact that Innokenti didn't need him anymore. Surely they hadn't given him the file. Surely not.
Unless he found it.
Tony rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands.
This was turning into such a mess.
But, one step at a time. First, was to survive this escape plan.
Lokes, you're killing me here.
Be patient, Stark.
Be patient, he says.
Kind of hard to be patient when your life is on the line.
When Innokenti said he wanted me dead, did he give you any details? Like, where did he get the file?
No. He just said he would get the file, then come back to have me kill you.
You realize that we're going to have to keep him from getting it.
We? You can do what you wish, but I am not going to help.
If he gets it, this will effect you too.
You and your Avengers will do just fine without me.
I think it would be in your best interest to help out, but we'll get there when we get there. At this point, we just need to make sure we don't get killed trying to get out of here.
My best interest?
They'll see me disappear with you on camera. So, unless you somehow find enough energy to make two copies of us, we're going to have to find a place to hide.
What is that supposed to mean, my best interest?
You know that bathroom they let us use a few times? The air duct looked just big enough to fit into.
Are you still planning to hand me over to your team?
Loki, let's focus on this plan, okay?
Not unless we discuss what will happen when we're free.
We already discussed it. Behave. That's the solution to what you think I'm planning. So, air duct.
Right. So we hide there until I get enough magic to teleport us out of here.
Give me a time frame. A few days ago, you said it would take days. Can you speed up the process?
Yes. But we won't get as far away.
How far?
A few miles, I think.
We're going to have to make a run for it.
Are you up to it?
I'm more than up to it. Are you?
A pause.
Yes.
Okay then. We're not forgetting anything, right?
Nothing I can think of.
Good.
Good.
Scared?
No. And you?
No.
Okay. Good luck.
You too.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
It was a few hours after dawn. Steve took a short walk around their perimeter. He was tired and needed something to wake him up. He also needed to make sure they were clear. No one wandering around, ready to report a S.H.I.E.L.D. car driving oddly close to their headquarters.
The woods were quiet, save for the birds' morning songs. It was peaceful. A good time to think. A good time to enjoy the moment before the prestorm calm was interrupted.
This was going to be a good day.
There was no way he expected Tony to recognize him. But when he saw his friend, alive and seemingly well, he felt such relief.
At the end of the day, they were going to be on a plane, going back home.
Just had to get through this one last thing.
All was clear.
He went back to the car, stepping softly on the dirt and brush. Thor was still asleep in the back seat.
"Hey, Thor."
He mumbled, barely opening his eyes.
"It is morning already?"
"Yeah. We're going back to base. Might want to sit up and help me get this thing back on the road."
Thor groggily got up and stepped outside. Steve turned the cloak off. The two lifted the car and carried it back to the empty road. After they sat it down, they got inside, Steve in the driver's seat, Thor next to him. Steve started the car and drove away.
When they got back to base, they called for a meeting with the agents. They showed them the map, plotted out everyone's position, told them what they had learned. Code words were mentioned for emergencies.
Questions. Answers. Ideas. They went over everything once, then twice. Making sure they didn't forget anything or anyone.
They were as ready as they were ever going to be.
ooooooooooooooooooooo
She had been rising to the surface of the darkness. It was becoming more painful and uncomfortable. Her throat burned and she was struggling to breathe. Air was being forced in, then sucked out of her lungs. She nearly panicked.
It was a terrible thing. Being paralysed in her sleep. She was aware of what was going on around her, but couldn't open her eyes. Couldn't move. The sleep wasn't so deep anymore. She was right there, so close, it was frustrating. She wanted to scream.
Natasha heard the doctor next to her. He had been coming in more often than usual. Or maybe she was just more aware of it.
Clint wasn't there, though. Neither were the others. They were busy. They had to get Tony and the other prisoners. She was safe enough in a hospital.
She was used to being in a hospital room by herself.
She would be fine if that doctor would give her something to wake her up.
Okay. It was okay. She didn't need anything. She was almost there. Just a few more minutes and some strong determination.
"How is she?" the nurse asked.
"Vitals are improving. Her bandages need to be changed and she needs another dose of antibiotics. Can you take care of that for me?"
"Yes."
Natasha tried to open her eyes, move a finger, or something. Something while the nurse was still in there. She could feel the bandages being changed. Sort of. There was this numbness across her lower back. Her lower back and her legs.
She tried not to worry about it. It might not be what she thought it was.
It was when the nurse was nearly finished putting the antibiotics in her I.V. bag that she was able to make a sound. It hurt her throat, but she was able to get it out.
The nurse paused. She looked closer at her patient. Natasha opened her eyes, slightly. The light flooded in. She squeezed them shut. Gosh, that was painful.
The nurse ran to get the doctor.
oooooooooooooooooooooo
Everything was ready. It was dark outside and the agents were in position. They had ear pieces in. Thor and Steve were dressed in their uniforms.
They went inside like nothing had happened. Checked in with their I.D.s. Went to their spots. Talked to James and George.
"We're going to have a lot of fun tonight," George said.
"What's going on?" Steve asked.
"Innokenti is going on a trip. You know what that means? Card games, snacks, and going to the bathroom whenever we want. That way, we won't get in trouble for certain people."
"Are you never going to let that go?" Thor said dryly.
"I will if I beat you at poker."
Thor rolled his eyes. These humans could be so annoying sometimes.
Steve caught his attention. Looks like they weren't getting Innokenti tonight. But then, there was one thing out of the way. It would be easier to free everyone with him and some others out of the way.
ooooooooooooooooo
Tony wasn't exactly expecting to be fed that day. Especially not the betterish food they had been giving him. But then again, he heard of his planned murder from Loki, not any of the guards or Innokenti himself. Apparently, this was supposed to be a secret.
He ate every bit of his dinner. Needing all the strength he could get.
He was so ready to go. All the joys of life were just within his reach. Just the thought of a big, juicy cheeseburger made him happy.
Coke.
Anything alcoholic.
TV.
Computers.
His lab.
His family.
It was like his birthday, but better.
Still, he didn't know what he was going to do with Loki. The man saved his life. He owed him something, but letting him run free was a bad idea. He didn't really think Loki was going to behave and leave the people of the world alone. His promises didn't seem sincere and he was pretty determined to take over the planet the last time. Maybe he could get through to him somehow? It was his understanding that he wasn't always crazy. But could he even afford to risk that? He didn't completely trust him. More so than Innokenti, but not enough to let him do whatever he wanted.
This was a real problem.
A problem he couldn't keep putting off.
Too bad he didn't have a leash to put him on. They made leashes for dogs and toddlers, why not certain adults too? Or that might be something that would come back to bite him. Pepper would probably have him on a leash half the time.
He tapped his chin with the spoon.
Oh, what to do, what to do.
Stark.
He didn't answer right away.
Staaark.
What is it? Are you ready to go?
Yes. In a minute.
It's going to have to be more than a minute. They fed me, so they'll be back to get everything.
Great.
Calm down. I'll tell you when they're gone, okay?
ooooooooooooooooooooo
Loki was getting more nervous by the minute.
He wasn't ready.
Not by a long shot.
He sat still in the floor, taking deep breaths. He tried to ignore the rancid air.
His body wasn't cooperating with him. It took so much concentration to keep the magic from healing anything.
He had stretched the truth just a tad when he spoke to Tony. If he waited until he was ready, they would be killed.
Loki just had to work through the pain. That was all. Not the hardest thing in the world, he'd done things while injured before. Nothing so extensive, but he was confident in himself.
Oh, who was he kidding?
He rubbed his temples, trying to relax. That pain in his stomach wasn't going to take him down. No. He had survived falling into deep space. He had survived wars between worlds. He was Loki.
He was not going to let this be the end of him.
Right.
Okay.
Breathe.
Everything was going to be just fine.
ooooooooooooooooooooooo
The night was practically a free for all. Beers had been passed around. There was always one guard making sure Innokenti didn't come back early for some reason.
"You're really good at this," James said to Steve.
"Yeah, no kidding," one of the others said. "I'm almost out of money over here."
"It's all about technique," Steve said. "And bluffing."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm out."
"Me too."
They threw their cards down. Steve collected all of the chips into his pile.
"How about another game?"
"No, man. Not with you. If I lose another dime, my wife will kill me."
George went up to them, tossing them each a can.
"Are you guys still playing poker?" he asked. "Here, give me the deck. I've got a better game we can play."
Thor poked Steve on the shoulder. He expressed to him that they should probably go, now.
"Are you in, Jordan?"
"Um, no, actually. I'm going to sit this one out."
"Looks like poker is the only thing he can play."
"Nah, I just thought I'd take a break. Let you guys recover financially."
"Ha, ha, whatever you say."
Steve and Thor nonchalantly went down the hall, moving through the herd of off the job guards.
"Hey, Jordan! Donny!" James called out.
They turned.
"Where are you off to?"
"We're going to the kitchen," Thor answered. "We'll be back."
"Okay. Bring us some chips or something."
He nodded.
All clear.
oooooooooooooooooooooooo
Loki.
He flexed his fingers and gritted his teeth.
Yes?
They're gone.
Loki placed his palms against the floor, pushing himself up. He got to his knees before he faltered and nearly fell forward.
Loki?
What, Stark?
Did you disappear or something?
No, I didn't disappear. I heard you.
I can't know that if you don't answer. Why are you being so snappy, anyway?
I'm not. Look, I'm on my way. I'll be there in a moment.
Gotcha. Roger, that. Be careful.
It was a little late for that.
Loki was able to get one foot underneath himself. Then, the other.
The room seemed to lean one side. He stumbled.
Oh, yeah, this wasn't good.
Just a minute and he was going to be fine.
Just.
A.
Minute.
Loki steadied himself, using the wall to his left. He leaned forward until the dizziness passed.
See? Better.
He closed his eyes.
The mental dam for his magic was allowed open.
His physical form shimmered, flickered.
And then, he was gone.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The alarms went off.
They hadn't given the signal to the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents yet.
Did they find them?
Steve and Thor exchanged worried glances.
The guards ran around them. The party was definitely over.
Orders were shouted.
And they weren't being attacked.
That was good, but that didn't mean they were out of the woods.
They hid themselves by running with the same urgency as the rest of the guards.
"Jordan!" James called out. "You and Donny go down the east hall!"
The opposite direction of where Tony was. This was not going according to plan.
"What is going on, here?" Steve muttered.
"Captain," Thor said when they were able to edge away, somewhat, from the group. "We may be able to swing around to get to our destination. These halls seem to be built in squares."
They turned down the next hall, instead of staying east. Only a few other guards were going down the same hall. They were starting to spread out.
The next one was even emptier.
It was when they turned once more that Thor noticed something odd.
A flare of magic. More than what he had felt before.
He slowed down.
"What's wrong?" Steve asked.
"I don't think we have enough time."
"What do you mean?"
"Go to Anthony. Give the signal to the agents and I will meet up with you."
Steve was about to question him, but he knew they had to hurry.
Thor went the opposite direction.
He wasn't going to let Loki get away.
There was that flare again.
Closer.
Closer.
There was a thump against the floor behind him.
Thor spun around.
Loki was on his knees, muttering every curse word in the book.
Without a thought, Thor strode to him, grabbing him by the scruff of his shirt and shoving him against the wall.
Loki ground his teeth at the impact.
After his few second daze, he was kicking and tearing at Thor's hand.
"Let go!"
"I will not! You are lucky I do not kill you!"
"I said, let me go!"
Thor was nearly struggling to keep a grasp on him. Loki was wriggling around like a feral cat.
He put his hand around his throat and held him down.
"Loki, you have one chance to give this up. I am not going to leave here without Anthony. Either you can cooperate or you will face the highest form of punishment."
Loki blinked.
Huh?
"What are you speaking of?"
"I do not have time for this."
Loki squinted. Tony was "Stark" there, not "Anthony".
Wait a minute.
Loki's brain was starting to catch up with him.
That guard's deep voice and accent were so familiar.
As were his intense eyes.
Loki didn't know whether to roll his eyes or find a way to punch the man in the face.
"It certainly took you long enough to get here, Thor. Did you take a vacation while your friend was in here suffering?"
That earned him a punch in the jaw.
"Don't you dare. It's over now. You are coming with us and you will be put back into prison."
Loki spit blood from the broken tooth and busted lip. Thor was holding back. If he wasn't careful, he was going to cause him to use all of his force.
He certainly didn't want that.
"I'm not going anywhere with you."
Thor grabbed his arms and was about to pull him away.
Loki smirked at him.
Thor was surprised to find his hands going right through him.
Loki went to the ground and did the only thing he could think of. He kicked Thor's legs out from under him. As soon as he was on the ground, he pulled the mask off of his face and threw it down the hall.
Then he ran for it.
"Loki!" Thor roared, getting back to his feet.
Loki ran faster. With all of his concentration, he made himself invisible again. Hoping that his sickness wouldn't cause him to make another stupid mistake.
If Thor got his hands on him again, that was it. There would be no more plan, no more freedom, and possibly, no more him.
ooooooooooooooooo
Steve found himself in a more crowded situation again. He had gotten turned around, the thick cluster of shouting guards creating a current of sorts. He was ordered, again, to a place where he didn't want to go.
Another detour.
Another turn around.
This was getting ridiculous.
He wanted to get to Tony before he gave the signal to S.H.I.E.L.D.
Steve went around the block, just like last time.
And he was faced with another hallway.
He tried to memorize which way he'd come from. It wasn't far.
He just had to keep going.
"Captain," he heard through the ear piece. "We're having a problem out here."
Steve couldn't talk freely while being around so many guards.
"Captain?"
He had to think fast.
"Excuse me," he hurridly said to a fellow guard. "What exactly is the problem?"
"A prisoner has escaped. One of our highest threats," he said.
"These people are getting closer to us. I don't think we can stay here much longer," the agent said. "We're either going to move now or retreat."
"We're going to have to move. Faster," Steve said.
The guard nodded, thinking he was talking to him.
"We'll be in as fast as we can," the agent said.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Loki could feel his magic quickly running low. There were too many people around. He saved on time by going straight.
Through walls, through rooms, through anything that got in his way.
It was better than going through their maze.
Even so, he checked his back seemingly every other minute.
He was so paranoid that Thor had found a way to follow him. He didn't know why. He could outsmart him.
Still.
He brushed through the wall of a utility closet. Back into the open.
He nearly fell over again.
Oh, but there it was.
Finally.
But there was one problem.
A guard was also going toward Tony's room.
No, no, no. Not on his watch.
Okay, this was going to be tricky.
Loki took a deep breath.
For a brief second, he materialized.
Then, he tackled him.
The rest was chaos.
Every guard that saw him, which was practically everyone there, was after him. Grabbing him and trying to pull him off.
Then, there were shots fired. Not in the immediate area, but it got their attention.
And in the corner of his eye, Loki saw the giant figure of his wonderful "brother" bounding toward him. Mask back on.
Time to go.
He made himself invisible once more and leaped through them all.
Through the door.
Through the cell.
And he materialized in front of Tony.
"Loki! Good grief, don't scare me like that."
Loki was bent over, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.
"Are you okay? What happened to you? What's going on out there?"
"We have to go, now."
"Then let's go. I was waiting for you. You don't see me complaining."
The guards were at the door. He could hear them.
He hurridly grabbed Tony by the arm.
And as quickly as he'd gotten there, they were gone.
oooooooooooooooooooooo
The door was flung open.
"You've got to be kidding me," one of the guards said.
Steve had both hands on his head, wondering what to do now.
There was no trace of Loki.
Even worse? There was no trace of Tony.
"Innokenti is going to kill us," another said, worridly.
Steve was suddenly snatched away from the group.
"What are you doing?" he hissed.
Thor put a finger to his lips and motioned for him to follow.
The shots were getting closer. They didn't have much time left.
"Who is that?" a guard asked of the shots.
Steve and Thor didn't give them the chance to send them on another wild goose chase. The hurried away, following Loki's magic signature.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
It was strange, running around without being seen. Stranger still, being able to pass through solid structure.
Tony had to admit, he was amazed.
They were in the bathroom rather quickly. Without incident.
Loki let go of him, allowing his magic to wane.
"Okay," Tony said. "I can get to this side."
He went to the panel of sinks and climbed up. The vent was at the very top of the wall.
"The screws are pretty small. Guess there's no way you can run out there and steal a screw driver. I'm gonna need your help to rip this thing out."
He propped his hand against the wall, so he could lean over to see what he was working with.
"Get up here, Lokes. I said I need your help."
"Will you give me a moment?"
Tony turned. He was about to snap back, until he saw Loki bent over, again. Shaking pretty hard, at that.
Tony hopped down.
"Are you okay?" he asked, putting his hand on his shoulder. "Do you think you can do this?"
"I don't believe I have a choice."
He straightened up.
"Help me up."
Tony climbed back to his spot and pulled Loki up with him. Loki tried to pull at the vent cover.
"Wait," Tony said. "Someone is outside the door."
oooooooooooooooooooooooo
Thor and Steve crept toward the door.
Then they got into postion, one on either side.
Thor put his hand on the knob.
One.
Two.
Three.
"Hold on, boys."
They paused.
Someone was standing behind them. It was a guard, but he had a slightly different uniform. Next to him was someone without a mask.
Someone they had never seen before.
"Is something wrong?" Steve asked.
"We're going to have to ask you to come with us."
"In the middle of all this? What did we do?"
"I'm not going to ask you again."
The shots were getting closer.
"We're not going anywhere until you tell us what's going on. We're in the middle of a situation, here."
"You think I don't know that? That's why this is so important. Oh, I should probably introduce you to one of our security camera operators."
Steve glanced at Thor, who had both hands behind his back.
One stretched out.
ooooooooooooooooooooo
"We have to hurry, Stark. Stop fretting about who's outside."
"I'm not fretting."
"You're going to have to pull harder than that if you want it to come off."
"Stop telling me what to do."
The vent cover was edging out. The screws were stripped.
Almost there.
"I think we have it, this time."
They pulled the edges again and it slipped right out.
"Got it."
"Okay, you go in first, Loki. Hurry, hurry, we have to go."
Loki hoisted himself up, with Tony's help. He shuffled into the air duct.
It was smaller than he had hoped. He could hardly turn around.
"Are you out of the way?" Tony asked. "I'm coming up."
"Yeah, I'm out of the way."
Tony was soon up and wriggled his way inside. He pulled the vent cover back in place, the best he could. He just hoped it wouldn't fall out.
"Ready?"
"I feel sick."
"I know, I know. Let's just get this done. You can heal yourself as soon as we get out, okay?"
Loki nodded.
He reached out and put his hand on the arc reactor. Letting a surge of magic become absorbed.
It sparked, just like the first time, making the blue orb into a bright green.
"Ow!" Tony cried out.
Loki yanked his hand back.
"Sorry."
"That hurt!"
"I said I was sorry!"
"Be a little more careful."
"I'm trying."
Loki's hand was shaking.
His vision doubled.
"Lokes?" Tony snapped his fingers in front of him.
"Don't do that...I'm not a dog."
"Focus. You're going to be okay."
Loki steadied himself.
He put his hand back on the arc reactor.
oooooooooooooooooooooo
"We saw everything," the guard said. "Did you know that we are being bombarded by agents?"
"I thought we were dealing with an escaped prisoner?" Steve asked.
"That's not the only thing we're dealing with."
The gunshots were just behind them.
"Sir, we need to move this interrigation somewhere else."
"I saw your face," he said to Thor.
"Did you?"
"I don't know who you are, but you are not Donny and I'm guessing you are not Jordan."
Okay.
That was it.
Thor put his hands up.
"Okay. You've got us."
"Who are you?"
There was a muffled crash.
Then another.
Then another.
And Thor's hammer went through the wall.
ooooooooooooooooooo
"What is that noise?" Tony asked.
"How many times are you going to ask that same question?"
"Seriously, do you not hear that?"
"Yes. Sounds like a war out there."
"Are you almost done?"
Loki's irritated sigh told him that he wasn't.
Tony nervously tapped his fingers against his leg.
He was so sure that someone would come through that door any second and find them.
And what exactly was going on out there? Earlier, he assumed the commotion was due to them looking for Loki. Why would they be shooting?
Something else was going on.
ooooooooooooooooooooo
It seemed as though the entire squad was coming at them now.
Thor was picking them off one by on with Mjolnir. Steve was right next to him, dodging their guns and using his.
"We're closing in, Captain," the agent said through the earpiece. "I've got your location."
"Good. We could really use the help. There's so many of them."
"We're dealing with the same problem."
"That's not our only problem. Loki ran off with Tony. We know where he is, but we're a little tied up."
A guard pointed his gun at him. He ducked right before he shot.
Thor spun his hammer, ready to take care of anyone else who dared attack him. The guards were backing off a little, not knowing what to do about him. Their guns didn't hurt him and one blow from that hammer was practically a death sentence.
"Put your hands up," Steve demanded.
They weren't giving up that easily.
"I said, put your hands up and no one gets hurt!"
"It doesn't appear as though they plan to listen, Captain."
He threw his hammer, parting the group down the middle as they dodged out of the way.
Or tried to, in some cases.
"Are they getting closer?" Thor asked.
"Yeah. I think we've got this."
"I can hold them back. Go in there and get Anthony away from Loki."
He caught his hammer and threw it in the oposite direction.
Steve ran back to the door.
oooooooooooooooooooooooo
Loki was getting more frantic as time passed.
Every second and he was faced with the realization that they just might not get out. That Thor and whoever else had come with him were going to take away his only chance at life and throw him into a dark prison somewhere.
Tony kept peering through the vent, keeping watch.
He was equally fearful.
Not of the same people, of course.
And he nearly jumped out of his skin when the door opened and guard was peeking through.
"Loki," Tony hissed. "Someone's in here."
It was Loki's turn to stare wide eyed through the vent.
It wasn't Thor. He was too small. And he had no idea who's side he was on.
He let go of the arc reactor and grabbed Tony's arm.
"Hold on," he said.
"Wait, do you even have enough?"
"It doesn't matter anymore. We're out of time."
"Then what are you doing?"
"I'm trying to do this anyway."
He didn't know if they could get within a few miles of the place. He didn't even know if they would get passed the property line.
But he knew one thing.
He was not going to let them have him.
Any of them.
He took a deep breath.
The golden light from his hand began to spread over them both.
ooooooooooooooooooo
Steve didn't see either of them when he entered.
There were three stalls. Of course, Loki would be hiding. But then, he could be making them both invisible.
He softly closed the door beehind him and edged forward.
With his gun out, he opened one of the stalls.
Nothing.
The next one.
Still nothing.
Then, something caught his eye.
There was a light behind the vent.
Getting brighter and brighter.
He ran and jumped onto the sink.
Grabbing the vent cover and ripping it out of the wall.
"Tony!"
The light had disappeared.
And no one was there.
ooooooooooooooooooooo
If Tony thought becoming invisible was strange, it was nothing compared to teleportation.
Darkness.
The feeling of going a hundred miles per hour.
The feeling of being ripped apart, atom by atom.
And, oh look, they were headed straight for the ground.
He went face first into a field of dry grass.
Tony tumbled for a few feet, before skidding to a stop.
Well, that stunned him for a few seconds.
He spit out a mouthful of dirt and plant matter.
"Ow. Crap, come on."
He slowly pushed himself up. The front of his shirt was filthy and his arms were bloody.
The sky was a soft, light blue.
Pre-dawn.
Birds were singing.
The air was cool and fresh. So unlike the stale cold in the building.
And besides the sounds of nature, it was quiet.
Calm and quiet.
Tony smiled.
Then he laughed.
He was free. He was free and had never felt so good. Even with the scrapes on his arms and legs.
He was able to stand. Shaking and wanting to scream, cry, dance, and maybe even hug that little bastard.
Speaking of.
"Loki!" he called out. "Loki, do you see all of this? Look at how beautiful everything is!"
He didn't get an answer.
"Loki?"
Tony walked around the field, looking for him.
He didn't leave him out there, did he?
"Loki! Where are you?"
He tripped over something, hitting his knee.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me. That's the last thing I need," he grumbled.
And then, he saw what he had tripped over.
Loki was laying on his side, still and bleeding from his nose.