"So, it's all gone.. Everything. Ka-blooey, ka-boom, fireball the size of Texas kinda gone?" Tony asked as he dished up an omelet on his little Yes!Chef griddle the next morning.
That thing was freaking awesome. Pepper had gotten it for him as a gift to improve his egg making skills. Now he could dish out a five star breakfast in less than five minutes.
"Yes, Anthony. Asgard has fallen. Though I do believe a small ounce of it's magic remains. I still feel it. That tells me not all is lost, and I will not rest until I find a way to restore it." Thor took an unusually long gulp of his coffee as Tony placed a plate of what he was calling panegcakes in front of him. Like a pancake but, you know, eggs! Whoever invented the Yes!Chef is a genius.
"So that's why you've enlisted the help of Dr. Weirdo?"
"I am certain his name is Strange, not Weirdo. And yes, he yields one of the Infinity Stones. He also has harnessed the ability to walk into entirely different dimensions. I hope in one of those I shall find what I seek." Thor began devouring the stack of eggs whole heartedly.
"And what exactly is it you seek?"
Thor merely shrugged, "I shall know it when I see it. I did not know you knew Stephen."
"Mmhmm, we always ran in the same circles. At least til his accident then he disappeared. Strange is a medical genius himself. Now he's apparently Mr Wizard. He's always been a good friend of mine, so I'll call him weirdo if I want. After all this shit's over I'm going to ask if wants to come work with me. I want to make SI a future in medical tech and he's just who I need."
"I have no clue what that means but I wish you well in your endeavor. I shall try to keep him alive for you!"
Tony finished his own breakfast and leaned against the counter, tapping his fingers together nervously. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather just, I don't know, maybe stay here and let Loki be the one universe hopping?" Tony pasted on an overly fake smile.
Thor cocked a brow over his missing eye, "I thought we had come to an understanding after your screaming fest this past night."
Last night when Tony had seen Loki on his balcony he may have had a minor freakout where he was screaming at Friday to deploy the suit while Thor tried to calm him down. Barnes and T'Challa sleeping on, oblivious thanks to his soundproofing.
Friday, in all the earlier chaos must have crossed a few wires, instead of his suit he ended up with a wild eyed Happy Hogan trying to save the day with, of all the things, a fire extinguisher. Technically Happy was wearing a suit, it just wasn't the one Tony had asked for.
Dum-E must have been giving him lessons in fire extinguishing.
It ended with all of them covered in foam and an irate God of Mischief stalking off to find Banner, who had Hulked out in joy at seeing Loki again.
Well at least the tower was in one piece this time.
"In my defense, he threw me out my own window."
"He apologized to you."
"I don't feel like 'it wasn't that high of a window' is a true apology.. Squishy human here!" Tony groaned, "I don't know Thor, are you sure he won't try to kill us all? There aren't many left of us as it is.."
"I assure you Man of Iron he will not harm you. He may play some harmless pranks on you but he is here to help you. Banner told me last night about all that has transpired. I cannot believe the good Captain capable of such heinous acts. I cannot fathom what has happened to him. He was never so callous in the past."
"I know Thor, it's like he's slowly been inching toward the dark side. Maybe he always had one, he just never let it out til Barnes came back.."
Plop!
"Youch! What the...?" he turned, rubbing his head, to find a half eaten furry muffin on the floor, the rest was still stuck to his face, and an innocent looking Barnes and T'Challa at the kitchen entrance.
He scowled at Bucky, "Did you just hit me with your spit covered cake?"
"Yes, I did. And it's not mine, I found it on the floor by your massive couch."
Tony grimaced, "Friday, stop letting Peter bring food in this house." he told the ceiling.
Bucky gave him a level stare, "I refuse to be blamed for Steve's stupidity. I am tired of being everyone's reason for why he does the thing's he does. I think there's something else going on with him, he was never like this at all before Rebirth. Sure he was a fighter but he never..."
Bucky paused, contemplating his next words, "I think there's something wrong with him.." He tapped his temple, "Up here. Somethn's not right up there anymore.. He's different. Has been since the War."
Thor looked up from where he was eying the soggy muffin on the floor with glee, "Different how, if I may ask. My apologies, you must be James, I am Tho-"
"Yea yea, Thor thunder God, I know. Please don't try to eat that muffin, I know that look in your eye, so just.. No. It has mold on it."
A sleepy eyed T'Challa made his way to the table, hand extended "It is nice to meet you Thor, I am T'Challa, former King of Wakanda."
"A pleasure, Your Highness." Thor stood to give a small bow.
"Former?" Barnes questioned.
T'Challa hummed and nodded then went to lean against Tony at the counter, "Yes, as of yesterday because of my undeniably stupid choices lately, I have been stripped of the crown. Oh, and exiled from my home." T'Challa sighed softly, his only sign of irritation at his situation.
Thor looked pained, no doubt remembering his exile from Asgard years ago.
Tony gave T'Challa a friendly hip bump, "Good to see you walking upright this morning." He had showered too, and was dressed in some of Tony's clothes. They were a little tight but he managed to make it work.
What is it with muscled, enhanced men and tight shirts? Barnes must have rummaged through his closet as well. He was wearing one of Tony's tees, a joke from Rhodey that had a dinosaur on it. And stretched to the max. It must have been made for a child because it said 'Roar, I'm 4' but Rhodes, God love him, had painted a big white zero making it 40.
The ass..
"Mmmm, I am feeling much better today. I still feel weak but at least I am able to stand on my own feet. I also feel a bit hungry but I am still rather nauseaous. I pray to Bast that it passes, Dr Banner has commented that he has some more drinks I can try. I'd rather not, as the last one tasted like bad cheese."
Bucky and Tony grimaced.
Thor perked up, squinting at T'Challa, "You have an aquaintance with Bast? You must be truly blessed my friend! It has been ages since I have been grace by her beauty, though I do believe Loki has seen her quite recently. Maybe a few hundred years ago. Our last meet did not fair well I am afraid. I unknowingly insulted her in her cat form and she tried ripping out my throat."
Thor smiled at the memory, "I thought she was Loki as he has a fondness for turning into a feline. Ah but she was a gorgeous creature, long raven hair, her overly rounded bosom." He frowned slightly, "Her male form was not nearly as attractive, far to much hair. It was always sticking to your lips and in your mouth. T'was like choking on a hairball.."
T'Challa was looking at Thor in amazement, "You know of Bast...?"
Thor was sliding closer to the nasty muffin with each passing second, "Why yes, my friend. For many moons. Bast has many forms, but mostly stays in her feminine or cat form. She and Loki have been friends for many centuries. Last I saw her she was in what I believe you call Egypt but when the Gods began to fall she disappeared. I know not where. Loki finds her delightful!"
T'Challa was in awe. "Bast truly walks among us.." he said to himself.
Thor looked amused, "Why yes, my friend! All Gods exist in one form or another. You mortals are so simple minded sometimes. Just because you can not see it, you assume it is not real. I assure you they are as real as I. Most still walk amongst you. Bast, Ra, Zeus, Jesus, Allah, Krishna, Kuan-Ti, Mider, Vulcan.. I could name hundreds of them that I, myself, have met. They all exist, but they no longer mingle with mortals. They blend in. Now you only believe they exist in your books, which are quite incorrect may I say! I never wore that dress!"
Tony really wasn't suprised by Thor's admission. He was curious as to how many so called Gods he might pass on the street every day. He just hoped he didn't have any working for him.
Please don't let the mail guy down on 22 be Hades or some shit! He had a creepy smile and was obsessed with bones.
He told Pepper once the guy might be an evil villan but she gave him that look (her trademark Tony you can be such an idiot look) and said to stop being judgy. That he was harmless and lived with his Grandma in Hell's Kitchen.
Hades would go for Hell's Kitchen. Maybe he should have Matt keep an eye out.
Oops! Not an eye! Ear! He totally meant ear!
While T'Challa was grilling Thor on the land of the Gods, Tony was pondereing on what Barnes had said.
Was it possible that something could be wrong with Steve? Some hidden ailment no one had picked up on. Steve often flat out refused to see a Doctor, the only reason he had been treated after the fall of SHIELD was because he was unconscious when they drug him in. Then he left soon after waking up. Tony had seen him dig a bullet out of his side by himself before, and stitch up his own stab wounds.
He wasn't judging, no one hated the doctors more than him. He had done the same thing many times, but now he wondered if in avoiding the regular routine health checks Steve may have some hidden harm making him slowly change his behavior.
A chemical embalance, mental illness, a tumor. Maybe it was more than Steve just being a dick. Maybe Barnes was on to something. But unless they could bring him in they'd never know.
He went to the fridge and pulled out a fruit tray that Pepper kept stocked, no doubt hoping he'd one day actually eat it, and turned around to smack into Loki who was hovering close to his back. The fruit nearly flew from his hands.
Tony sucked in a breath, "You son of a.. Don't freaking do that! Where the hell did you even come from?"
Loki just gave him that cocky little smirk he always wore and plucked the tray from his hands. "Allow me, Anthony. You seem quite nervous. I would hate to have my meal spoiled by your innate clumsiness. I've been here the entire time. You should pay more attention to your surroundings."
Smug little bastard. There was no other person but Thor in here with him the whole morning. He'd make sure Friday kept a better eye on him. Loki sauntered back to the table like he was the king of the world. It was weird to see Loki in jeans and a tee.
T'Challa and Bucky were seated around Thor, listening to his tales. As he put the fruit down T'Challa glanced up at him and blanched. Nearly choking on the piece of toast he was pecking at.
"You are the man in my vision," he whispered, "your throat.. It was cut. You were dead with the rest of them."
Loki was caught off guard a moment, a stunned expression on his face. Thor's smile faded as he took in T'Challa's words and his brothers silence. He went to speak but Loki quickly recovered from his shock. Acting like it had no effect on him.
He sat down by Barnes and primly picked through the fruit tray.
"Well, well. That is interesting," he scooped up some blackberries, "do tell how you came by this dramatic illusion of my demise."
"He is a follower of Bast," Thor cut in, cocking his brow at Loki.
"Oh dear..."
"Oh dear? What do you mean 'oh dear'?" Tony queried.
Loki continued to eat his berries, not acknowledging Tony in the slightest.
Tony threw his hands in irritation and went to get some juices and a few condiments only to turn back into the face of evil once more.
"Aaaahh. Shit! I swear to.. I. Will. Kill. YOU!"
Loki actually smiled, showing off his perfect teeth.
"My death will not come at your hands Stark," he whispered in Tony's ear, "something far darker awaits me."
As he took a bowl of whipped cream from him their hands brushed, causing Tony's body to jolt. Something flashed before his eyes. Loki's eyes narrowed to slits, mouth turned down.
"You know what I speak of.. You've seen him as well. He will come for us eventually, and when he does just know that death isn't the end, merely a new beginning. But there is still time. For now.."
His heart began to beat faster, "Wha..? Did you just look in my head?"
Loki went about his business, "To answer your not really a question, Bast bestowes upon her loyal belivers premonitions, or visions as you call them. A glimpse into their future, of what is coming. It is a rarity for her these days, as her followers are very limited. She only does this when her loyal ones began to stray from her righteous path. Her hope is that her visions will lead them to better their decisions and back onto the path she has destined for them."
He offered T'Challa an apple, "Somewhere along your path you have been led astray. It happens to us all, make no mistake, Bast has given you a glimpse of what is coming."
As T'Challa took the fruit, Loki grabbed his arm, causing him to react similar to Tony had minutes ago. T'Challa swatted him away, but seemed unbothered by Loki's snooping. "It isn't polite to enter another's home without their permission."
"Well, seeing that makes much more sense. Thor, your idiot mortals are going to kill each other and I do not appreciate you dragging me toward death with them." He glared at T'Challa, "Fix your path, mortal, and quickly. I refuse to meet Mistress Death by the hands of such primal creatures." He looked to Tony, "Thor tells me you will be going after them in a few days time?"
Tony nodded, still shaken by Loki's intrusion, "Day after tomorrow."
"Then you all need to make sure the things he has seen do not come to pass. I have no intention of dying among you lot."
"I'm sorry to interupt Boss, but Dr. Strange is on the roof, he says he's here for Thor. Also Miss Potts is ready and waiting in the War Room."
Tony wiped a bead of sweat off his face, "He couldn't come in like a normal person could he?"
"War Room?" T'Challa inquired.
"Don't look at me, Steve named it that. Alright, FRI let everyone know where to go. I'll see Thor off and be down shortly."
"Do you want me to call Spiderman, Boss?"
"Absolutely not. Not if Kittycat's predicted our demise. May would kill me. Leave him be for now."
"Uum," Barnes piped up, "I don't want to be a part of this. I don't have to go do I? I'd rather not know what's about to happen."
Tony gave a huff, "No Bucky, you are not going. There's no way I'm going to take you into another potential war with Steve. I'm not stupid, he's your friend, brother even. I wouldn't make you do something like that. You are staying here in the penthouse til I find a way to remove your programming."
"Oh thank God," he slumped in his chair, relieved.
"Boss, the Doctor is getting impatient."
"Tell him to fuck off, Thor will be up in a minute!"
Friday must have taken him seriously because a split second later one of Strange's weird holes opened up in the kitchen behind Thor and a set of hands pulled him through. The hole closing behind them. Tony just rolled his eyes.
"Dickhead!"
Tony had known Strange for quite a few years, they used to travel the same social circles. Strange always was a dick, but Tony secretly adored him. His accident hadn't mellowed him at all. If anything he was even more arrogant than ever thanks to his newly found magic power. Tony had asked if he would help them with their Maximoff problem but Strange had declined, apparently he and Thor had already made plans to go galavanting around the universe.
Bucky had been halfway through a plum when Thor vanished, "What the hell was that!?"
Before Tony could answer the hole opened back and Strange stuck his head through. Ever since he turned in to Houdini, Tony thought he resembled Vincent Price. Theater of Blood came to mind. Must be the cape.
Or the grey hair at his temples.
"I heard that Anthony!" Strange said. He turned his head to Loki, "If you do anything while I'm gone you'll be falling alot longer than thirty minutes!" Loki choked on his berry.
Thor poked his head out beside Strange, "Bye Loki!"
He sucked his head back in and they disappeared. Then a smaller hole opened and Stephen stuck his middle finger out at Tony, "I'll call you when I get back, we'll do brunch! You're paying! I still have no job."
With that he finally vanished, leaving the rest of them speechless.
Tony clapped his hands, breaking the silence. He slapped Loki on the back, knocking the hazard loose, "Alright then! Shall we?"
Tony and T'Challa were the first to arrive in the conference room (he refused to call it the war room anymore and sent a mental reminder to Friday to stop calling it that) where a perfectly put together Pepper Potts was waiting for them.
Barnes had taken the rest of the plums and retreated to his rooms.
She enveloped Tony in a big hug and began checking him over for any signs of injury. Tony was unsuccessful in his attempt at swatting her away so he just gave in to Momma Bear's poking and prodding.
Finally she seemed satisfied and took his face in her hands, "You weren't lying.. You really did fix it."
He just gave her his sweet smile, "Told you I would. I'm fine Pep. I promise I'm healthier than I've ever been." He decided he wouldn't tell her about his tiny new special effect he was carrying just yet.
"I believe you this time. You even look younger."
T'Challa took a seat at the massive table, still weak he couldn't stand up for long periods yet.
"Good morning Miss Potts. It is a pleasure to meet you in person."
Pepper turned, offering up a tight smile, "Good morning to you, Prince T'Challa. I would say the same but I find no pleasure in meeting someone who hides terrorists! But your sister is delightful. Now she would be a pleasure!"
T'Challa looked properly scolded.
"Pep.."
"No, Tony! I don't care! He has no idea what he's caused! They all should be in jail, him included! He's just as guilty as the rest of them."
He sighed, "We'll talk later."
The door slid open and the others started piling in, Tony was suprised to see Laura walk in with them.
"Whatcha doin here? Shouldn't you be mommying?"
Laura poked a finger at him, "I will be a part of this Tony, you cant keep me in the dark about anything involving Clint. I know you're leaving in two days to get them, and I'm going to be with you. I'll go after the son of a bitch myself if I have to! And the kids are still sleeping, Matt and his friend Karen are keeping an eye on them while I'm here. He dropped off a copy of the divorce papers this morning."
"Umm, Matt's bl-"
"If you make a blind joke I'll punch you in the throat!" Laura promised.
"Oookay."
He looked around the room. Hope and Rhodey were talking in the corner, Bruce looked to be meditating by the door, Loki must have teleported into the room unnoticed and was kicked back in the chair by T'Challa, who was watching Tony's every move and avoiding Pepper who had seated herself at the far side of the table with her tablet.
To his shock, Vision floated majestically down from the ceiling.
"Where the hell have you been!? I haven't seen you in weeks!"
"I have enrolled in the local college to keep myself occupied. I do not like being idle."
"You have access to everything! What could you even be studying?" Tony wondered.
"Gourmet cooking."
"You have to be kidding..."
Vision looked offended, "I thought it best after the spaghetti I made gave Colonel Rhodes the trots for four days."
Loki snorted loudly from his seat.
Rhodey hobbled over between them, "Thank you for that Viz. Nice of you to share with the class here."
"You're most welcome Colonel!"
Why was he surrounded by forever five year olds? Tony rolled his eyes and walked to the big chair at the middle of the glass table. The one usually occupied by Captain America but now it was his turn to lead them into battle.
"Enough! Fri, call up Shuri, see if she's ready."
"She's ready when you are Boss!"
The room went silent, all eyes turning to him. He gestured at the empty seats.
"Alright, my fellow Knights. Come join me at the round table. We have a lot of planning to do."
