Okay, next chapter. Looks like Loki is going to be in trouble no matter who finds him.

Thank you for all of the reviews and follows! :)

"Get away from me!" Loki yelled at the screeching bird.

Muninn fluttered around Loki's face, cawing at him, insistently.

"No!" Loki swatted at him.

His hand connected and the raven fell to the ground. He hopped to his feet, shaking his head and refluffing his feathers. Then shied away, feelings hurt.

"I'm not going back! I'm never going back! You can tell Thor's father that he can give up this search!"

He picked up a rock and threw it. Muninn escaped to a nearby tree.

"Now, stay away! All of you! I want you to leave me alone!"

Muninn hesitated. Loki speedily walked away, hoping to leave any thought of Asgard behind.

But he wouldn't be so lucky. Muninn was still following him. Keeping a distance and staying in the trees.

"What will it take to get this through to you?"

"Loki!"

He paused. So Tony had decided to follow him, after all.

"Stark?" he called back.

"Loki!"

That time, it wasn't Tony.

And he wasn't about to let Thor take him.

He took a deep breath. Okay, he might regret this.

Loki ran forward and with all his might, threw himself into teleportation. The darkness enveloped him. There was the sensation of moving at the speed of light, but also standing still.

Disorienting, yes.

Then, there was light.

And he landed on a road, stumbling forward. But he was able to catch himself.

Until there was the explosion of pain. He bared his teeth, keeping from crying out.

Loki sank to his knees.

A car was coming toward him, in the distance. He grabbed his bag and crawled to the grass. He forced himself to his feet, feeling as though someone had punched him in the head. It took everything to keep from tottering over. But, he made sure to turn away, when the car passed. When he was sure it was gone, he went back down to the ground.

And then, regret.

But, at least he could rest. Figure out what he was going to do next.

He felt something wet on his lip. He reached up to wipe it off.

Blood.

He pinched the end of his nose. More blood.

Loki rolled his eyes and let himself fall onto his back. The grass tucked around him.

Slightly comforting.

The one good thing was that he could heal up. On the ever growing list of bad things, he still had plenty of magic.

So, why was this happening?

Why was his body seemingly tearing itself apart from the inside out?

He crossed his arms, staring at the sky. There were a few things he loved about this world. The sky being one of them. He could lose himself in the vivid blue, the abstract clouds.

What he wanted to do, was get a small house in the middle of open land. Miles away from Asgardians, Midgardians, and anyone else. He would have a glass ceiling in his bedroom. There, he would lie in his bed and watch the stars dance above him. Maybe with a small animal as a friend of sorts. It seemed commonplace in this world for people to take in a pet. Good company. They couldn't talk.

He chuckled. How could his dreams change so quickly? It wasn't long ago that he still had some hope of ruling this world.

No, it wasn't long ago at all.

He rolled onto his side. And eventually, he sat up.

Okay, new plan.

He couldn't depend on Tony. Though, he was thinking that maybe he should have listened to him about using his magic, so much. He realized that Tony had been holding the bag of squirrels. No food. The car was the first sign of other human life he'd seen, since they escaped.

Humans had food.

Humans had water and shelter and warm showers.

Loki forced himself to stand. The pain was only a flare. Not long lasting, like before. His nose stopped bleeding. Yet, he was still weak.

No matter.

He would be fine.

He had to be fine.

Because, he still had something to take care of.

ooooooooooooooooooo

"He must have vanished," Thor muttered. "I just felt a surge of magic."

"Huh. You can do that?"

"Yes."

Muninn flew to the group and landed on Thor's shoulder. The other crowded by Huginn.

"Did you see where he went?" he asked Muninn.

Tony stared at him, incredulously.

"Uh...explaination?"

"Hmm?"

"What's with the birds?"

"They belong to my father. They roam the realms, keeping an eye on things."

"You think they were sent here to find Loki?"

"It's likely. Though, they may have just stumbled upon him."

"So, we can just follow Lassie one and two. Hope they pick up a scent."

"Who?"

"Nevermind. Can you tell if he's close?"

"No. I've lost track. I'm sure I could pick it up again, soon."

Tony found his anger growing with each step. He could be home at this very second with Pepper. Why would Loki do this to him?

Who was he kidding? Probably some plot of his. He said he didn't want to be caught by the Avengers.

Fine.

But he could have let them find him and run away on his own. Instead of dragging him around, having him think that Innokenti's group was still after them.

"I've told the Captain that I would get you back to the safe house as soon as I could. I'm sure S.H.I.E.L.D. knows that you've been found."

"I want to be here when you find Loki."

"Anthony, you need to see a healer. Or a doctor. Is that not what they call healers here?"

"I've gone this long without a doctor."

"You shouldn't go much longer. We saw the conditions you were kept in. We saw the tapes."

Tony stopped.

"With the trauma you've suffered, you should not be out here."

"I'm fine."

Thor went around him to block his path.

"Will you stop it? I'm fine. Really."

"I don't want to have to force you."

"I'm not scared of you, Thor. I probably should be, but I'm not."

Tony pushed past him and continued on his way.

Until he was yanked back by the tail of his shirt.

"Look, Loki made it very clear that he wants nothing to do with any of you guys. Trust me, if you want him to do anything, you're going to have to let me come with you."

"You're saying he trusts you."

"Well, more than most."

Thor thought about it.

"Hey, just remember, this is still my case, big guy."

"Perhaps, if you truly believe you can influence Loki."

"See, now you're going in the right direction. I would think you'd be proud of me. You crazy viking types."

"Well, alright, then. Go ahead, like a true warrior, Anthony."

"Right. Hey, uh, let me ask you something. How is Natasha doing?"

"Not particularly well, I'm afraid. She was shot in the back and now, she has paralysis in her legs."

Tony's mouth dropped.

"I knew she'd been shot, but, are you serious? She can't walk?"

"I'm afraid not. How did you know?"

"They had the warehouse rigged with cameras. Forced me to watch."

"That sounds terrible."

"Can't be as bad as being there. How is she taking it? Is she okay besides that? No complications?"

"None that I know of. She's on the mend, though there's a long way to go. I've talked to her once, on the phone. She seemed depressed. I've wanted to see her in person, but with everything that is going on, I haven't been able to."

"I feel so awful. I know they sent in an imposter as me. And she was shot because of it."

"It wasn't your fault."

"I know, but I still feel bad for what happened."

Thor put his hand on Tony's shoulder.

"Those who are responsible will pay. Don't worry about that."

"Speaking of, what's the deal with Mia, right now?"

"Dr. Banner is keeping her at the safe house, along with a personal body guard. She has been well. Though, I have suspicions that we may be protecting two Adessi's, instead of one."

"Two? Wait, you don't mean a baby, do you?"

"Yes. I believe she is with child."

"That complicates things. Because Loki told me that they were working together before Innokenti imprisoned him."

"Ms. Adessi was working with Loki? Are you sure?"

"He said it was her machinery Innokenti was using to suck his magic out. That Innokenti forced her to give it to him. Loki blamed her for getting him kidnapped."

"I believe I know what machine you're speaking of. Captain searched the base floor of her company and found one. The workers were acting quite suspicious."

"That's got to be it."

Thor worked his ear piece.

"Dr. Banner."

"Yes? Any news?"

"I'm uncertain if it's true or not, but Anthony has informed me that Loki said that he has worked with Mia. It was her technology that Innokenti was using."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Take her to S.H.I.E.L.D. have someone question her again. Do not let her get away from you."

"This is insanity. But don't worry. I've got it."

"All this time, we were protecting a possible enemy," Thor said, now to Tony.

"She could be a victim, like Loki and I."

"You said she and Loki were working together before Innokenti did this. Why? What were they working on? She knew who he was and what he has done. They couldn't have been up to anything good."

"Clean energy."

"Huh?"

"The same thing I'm doing. Sorta. Clean energy. That's what he said. Though, he admitted his plans were different."

Thor scoffed.

"Clean energy. Yes, I'll believe that when I see it. Would you work with Loki for such things before you two were imprisoned together?"

"No. Definitely, no."

"My point, exactly."

Huginn, who was close to dozing, at that point, suddenly perked up. Muninn followed suit. Whatever had interested them, caused them to fly away.

"I think they've found him."

ooooooooooooooooooooooo

"Are you ready?"

Innokenti had everything packed together.

"Yes."

Norr closed his eyes and concentrated.

"I see him."

"How far away?"

"A few miles. He's weak."

"I'm glad to hear it."

"Afraid to take him on full force?" he smirked.

"No. I'd like to take my time punishing him. It would take too much time to fight him beforehand. Maybe bring too much attention."

"Excuses."

"It is not an excuse."

"So you say."

"Mr. Stark is with him?"

"No. He's alone. But, I do see Stark. It seems as though Thor has found him."

Innokenti cursed.

"I'll worry about him later."

"Better to worry about him now, considering they are after Loki as well."

"Do you think we will get to him first?"

"If we leave right now."

"Then, let's go."

ooooooooooooooooooooo

A breath of fresh air.

Finally.

Loki visibly relaxed. The center of this small town was, well, small. But the smell of a hearty meal wafted to his nose. His stomach growled in anticipation. He couldn't help but walk faster, despite his health.

It was a restaurant, warm and cozy. When Loki walked inside, he found how out of place he was. All who were there turned and looked him over.

Yes, he was dirty. His hair was a mess, having not been brushed in so many days. His already thin frame was sunken in. He was sure he was pale, with seemingly permanent dark circles under his eyes.

So what?

He ignored their stares, standing straighter and sitting himself at a table. Some lost interest. The ones that didn't soon did when faced with his fierce eyes.

Loki dropped his bag on the floor, next to his feet. He was soon approached by a waitress, who talked to him as though he were anyone else. However, he didn't miss the wary look from the person he assumed was the owner.

He chose coffee and the first thing he saw on the menu. Conveniently ignoring the price of his meal.

A few minutes and the comfort of being in a somewhat normal situation became awkward due to being so out of place by himself. If Tony was there, he would probably outwardly express his disdain at the surrounding customers. Loki, of course, would join in on the fun. But Loki felt different when he was by himself. With no one to impress, he would keep quiet, for the most part. He had been more on the introverted side throughout most of his life. Not shy, just not wanting to be bothered. He was happy to receive his drink, if only to have something to do with his hands.

It was nice to have the warmth inside of him. The sweet, earthy taste was possibly the best thing he'd ever had, beverage-wise. Or maybe it was just so much better, due to not having such indulgences for so long.

There was a spark of something inside of him. Something so strangely close to joy, yet not quite there.

Oh, well.

It drew closer when he was served his food. It took all of his power not to devour the meal like a wild animal.

He was able to keep himself collected. Remembering his upbringing, he ate like a gentleman.

Yet, his upbringing didn't keep him from eavesdropping on the couple closest to him.

They were talking about what they had seen on the news. The feared Ghosts were caught. Found along with the poor prisoners who were shockingly trapped in the middle of nowhere. It was all over the news, the story of the century.

The woman expressed her sympathy for the people entrapped there. There was word that a child had been found dead, there.

Loki shuddered. Suddenly it was too warm. The hot, putrid air floating from his memory, into reality.

He shoved the thought away, wanting to eat his soup without it coming back up.

Her boyfriend, maybe husband, wondered aloud what had happened to the world.

If only they knew.

He went on about the false sense of security the media had sold. That terrorist groups were not usually dispersed and never heard from again. That there may have been some that slipped through the cracks.

Loki tuned him out. He didn't want to hear that.

Happy thoughts.

Yeah, right.

Once finished, Loki quietly slipped into the bathroom. A single stall with no window. Great. He didn't want to have to use magic to escape again.

So, he waited, peeking out a few times, until he could tell that no one was looking in his direction. None of the staff, anyway.

He quickly and quietly slipped away. It was only when he reached the door, that he was noticed.

A yell from the owner was all it took, for him to run.

ooooooooooooooooooooooo

Natasha was thankful for one thing and that was reruns.

Being so busy had kept her from seeing most of the shows she had wanted to see. Okay, so it was in a language she wasn't necessarily fluent in, but she could get the jist of it.

She just needed something to keep her mind off of things.

"Ms. Romanoff," her nurse said. "You have a visitor."

Oh, good. Visitors were a good thing.

"Agent Romanoff."

She nodded at the dark, eye patched figure at her door.

"Hello, Director Fury."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm not in much pain, if that's what you mean."

"That's good to hear."

"However, I'm not very happy to be out of the loop."

"You need to focus on your rest."

"It's hard to rest when one of my men is still in danger."

"So, it would help to know that Mr. Stark has been found."

"Only if I know that it's true and you're not saying that to make me be quiet and sleep."

"Captain Rogers contacted me a few hours ago. He wanted to tell you, but you were in the middle of your tests."

"My tests could have waited, for news like this."

"You know that they couldn't. Your health is just as important as his."

"Is he okay?"

"As okay as he could expect to be. Healthy enough to refuse to come back until they have Loki."

Natasha smiled.

"He's still stubborn. That's a good sign."

Fury took a seat next to her bed.

"That's not the only reason I came here."

She looked away from him. She knew what this was going to be about.

"You know we have our private medical facility. You will receive top care. It will almost be like a vacation."

She mindlessly played with a loose string on her sheets.

"After therapy, we will give you your severance check. It should be enough to live off of for a while. We have appreciated your services, Agent Romanoff. You were by far, one of the best people we've had. I only hope that your recovery will go well."

Were.

Were.

"So, that's it. I'm done."

"I know this is hard for you, but your injury will keep you from going into the field. Agent Barton will be fitted with a new partner. You don't have to worry about what is going on, here."

"I don't have to be in the field. Yes, I will need time to heal. But, I could do some of the inside work."

She hated the way he was staring at her with that one eye.

"I'm hoping that you will consider it. It's my legs that don't work, not my mind. I know my skill set is fairly specific, but I can adjust."

"Let's get through the healing process first. Then, we can decide what to do from there."

She broke the string from the sheet.

"Is there anything you need?"

"No. I'm fine."

He was about to leave.

"Well, there is one thing."

"And what would that be?"

"Tell Tony that he better visit me as soon as they get back."

"I'll do that."

ooooooooooooooooooooooo

Weariness seeped into his bones. On top of everything else, running around wasn't helping his digestive system. He took to hiding in a park. Sitting on a bench.

The sun was creeping toward the horizon line. The chill didn't bother him so much.

No, that's not what was bothering him.

He leaned his chin in the palm of his hand.

It was too quiet, there.

There was too much time to think.

The kid.

The attacks.

Everything else.

And every time he heard someone, he prepared himself to escape.

Because it could be Innokenti.

But he made sure to study them.

Because Tony might have left Thor behind to rejoin him.

It was never either one.

Before he got away from the restaurant, he briefly saw himself in the mirror. The bruise on his jaw was fading. But it wasn't gone, yet.

Thor.

His mother.

His father.

His real father.

Asgardians.

Jotuns.

Midgardians.

He stared at the ground.

He thought he knew what to do. Only to come to the realization that he was a very lost man.

As the sun sank further, the need to keep going grew. He still needed a place to stay.

But, something kept him there.

Until, he saw the familiar face of a woman strolling uncomfortably close by.

The waitress.

And she was coming straight toward him.

He growled, more annoyed than anything.

"Hi," she said.

"Look, I apologize for not paying for my meal. But I have no money."

He wasn't really sorry, he just wanted her to go away.

"I figured you didn't."

"Then, what exactly is this meeting for? Your employer seemed pretty determined to punish me for my wrong doings. Though, I'm a little surprised he's sent you after me. I could be a crazy man, for all you know."

"He didn't send me here. It was my decision to find you."

"Why is that?"

"You are thin."

"Is that a crime here?"

"I can tell you haven't eaten as much as you should."

"I steal from you, yet you feel sorry for me?"

"You don't look well and it is going to be a cold night."

"As I said, I could be a crazy man."

"I was just wanting to help you. I can let you stay at my house tonight. But, you should maybe help us out some at the restaurant tomorrow."

"No thanks."

"Are you sure?"

"What am I? A charity case?"

He stood up. He towered over the shorter, middle aged woman.

She backed away.

"I'm sorry."

She started to slowly walk away, glancing back at him. He sat back down. She didn't seem to want to leave him, judging by her body language.

Loki clasped his hands together and pretended not to notice her. What was he doing? A place to sleep? That's exactly what he was hoping for.

He threw his pride to the side for a moment. He could leave early. She wasn't getting him back in that restaurant for anything.

"Wait," he said.

He grabbed his bag and followed her.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

He learned that Maria was the name of his caretaker. A somewhat nervous woman who was a few years younger than she looked. She owned a bicycle, which she rolled along with them as they walked to her home. A small house.

He sat on her couch, while she went to the closet to grab some blankets and pillows. He told her that he had some of his own, but she insisted.

Loki felt out of place, again, being in this stranger's house. He couldn't help but wonder why she invited him. He doubted she knew who he was. What kind of ulterior motive could she have?

He honestly couldn't think of any.

Maybe she was just a foolishly, kind hearted person.

There were pictures all over the room. He picked up a frame and studied the people inside.

"My children," she said, hardly able to be seen behind the pile of blankets she was carrying. "Stephania and Milano."

"I see. Where are they?"

"Away, with their grandparents."

Loki sat the picture down and spread the blankets over the couch.

"Is it okay if I take a shower before I settle in?"

"Yes. Let me make you some tea, first."

"I'm really fine in that department."

"It will warm you. It won't take long."

Loki shrugged. He supposed it wouldn't hurt.

"Oh, look," she said from the kitchen. "It's snowing. Don't you just love snow?"

"It's okay," Loki peered out the window.

The white fluffs floated from the now dark sky. They weren't sticking to the ground, yet.

"It's a good thing you came in."

"I'm used to the cold. I don't particularly like it, but I'm used to it."

Loki was wishing she would hurry with that tea. The grime seemed more prominent, now that he was in the presence of a clean house. He curled up in the corner of the couch that wasn't covered with the blankets. There was a small TV in the corner. He was tempted to turn it on, but didn't feel like moving.

"Here you go," she finally came out with the mug in her hands.

Her hands were shaking.

"Thank you," he took the mug and sipped the warm liquid. "Are you cold?"

"Um, no. I tend to be nervous when my children are away. Can't help but worry."

He nodded and took a longer sip.

"I wlll be in the kitchen, if you need me."

As the tea cooled, Loki downed it quicker. He was so tired and sore, he could sleep for days. His eyelids began to droop. It was a little unsettling. The way he was feeling dizzy.

Dizzy.

Just like the wine.

He sat the tea aside, trying not to outwardly show panic. He moved from the couch. There had to be a back door. He felt so stupid. He should have known better. How far could he actually get before passing out?

He didn't have time to think about it. Loki just walked.

"Where are you going?"

He walked faster.

The drug was taking a stronger effect. He was losing his focus. Then, he had no idea where he was.

Did he fall?

Did he lose conciousness?

Because, the next thing he knew, he was on the floor with his hands and feet bound together.

"I'm sorry."

He looked up. Maria had tears on her face and was shaking her head.

"I'm so sorry."

"You did a great job," Innokenti walked up to her.

With the two kids in the picture.

Guns pointed at their backs.

Loki was determined to free himself from the ties.

No. This did not just happen.

"Please, just let them go."

He pushed the kids to their mother. They clung to her, terrified.

"Hello again," Innokenti smiled down at Loki. "Did you miss me?"

Loki tugged at the restraints.

"Stay away from me," Loki snarled.

"Thank you for your services," Innokenti said to Maria.

"Don't hurt him," she said. "I don't want to be responsible for this!"

"He'll be fine."

He rolled up a pillowcase and tied it around Loki's mouth. It cut into the corner of his lips. Then, he hoisted him over his shoulder.

Even with his limbs tied together, Loki tried to hit and kick. Muffled noises of panic and anger rising from him. The cold outside air hit him as soon as they were out of the house. Snow falling at a faster pace, landing on his skin and hair.