EDIT 4/24: Again, another edit to fix repetition issues as I chastise myself for not proofreading. Read on. I am back. This story will be back on Wednesday, April 30.
Hey you guys! I'm going to do a not-so-quick Author's Note before the chapter starts because I read your reviews and found that wow I'll need to rewrite that last chapter and probably the rest of this story at some point.
As pointed out by theFGnat, I wasn't very clear on the whole deal as to Jack attacking the Tower in the first place. No dear, it's not a stupid question, don't worry! I have a tendency to assume everyone knows how I want a story to go in my head, when of course nobody knows what I'm thinking. So thank you for pointing it out.
On Lisa escaping, I think the idea in my head was that her and Jack can use their powers, but as far as control goes, it does base around their emotions. At the time I was thinking that she'd have enough pent-up rage so that at that moment, she was able to use her powers enough to escape. But yeah, it was awfully easy for her to escape. If I do rewrite the story, how she was able to escape would change. And my whole (stupid) idea was that when Jack and Lisa were trying to escape, Natasha and Clint would try to...herd them to the Tower, if you will. I feel like Natasha and Clint wouldn't want them to escape, so they would try to get the rest of the Avengers involved with the little time that they had to fight Jack and Lisa. By the time they got to the Tower, Jack and Lisa (especially Jack, considering the little stint he had with Loki a chapter or so ago) would have enough pent-up-rage and adrenaline coursing through that they wouldn't think about running. Once again, thank you for the critique because it really does help me when I know I've done something unclear. I'm glad you think this story is still good, considering!
Anyway, that's it for now, I'll have another note at the end addressing other reviews and such.
Tony Stark did not typically get concerned. Especially not when fighting. But by the fifth time that the stupid wind-kid had dodged his attacks, the whole thing was becoming a bit worrisome (if not vexing). Not that everyone wasn't trying, but they were all becoming tired of the fight-although Thor seemed to find it a welcome challenge, and he did manage to knock the two kids off their feet.
"Hey, Point Break! Any chance you could bring on an actual thunderstorm?"
"Is that not what I am doing now, Man of Iron?" Thor asked, thrusting Mjolnir at the ground, lightning striking near the two siblings, who were blasted back from the impact.
"I mean with some rain."
"I am afraid that I am unable to," Thor boomed. Tony sighed and sent even more repulsor blasts. Burn marks scorched the floor.
Every damn time I clean this place up, it always managed to get screwed over again. Tony dodged and weaved, avoiding Lisa's attacks as Steve managed to engage Jack in hand-to-hand combat. It was a good thing Steve was a supersoldier-Jack wasn't a great fistfighter.
"Stark!" Steve called.
Tony fired blasts at Jack, who stumbled, and suddenly sent a blast of wind out from under him, sending Steve crashing into a sofa.
"Next time, how about we take the fight out of your house?" he harrumphed.
"Man of Iron!" Thor yelled. "I have realized something!"
Tony was uncertain as to how this realization would help. "What, exactly, is your realization?"
"My brother, he would be of assistance-"
Tony rolled his eyes. "Point Break, he's as useful as any other civilian right now! How the hell would Loki help us?!"
Thor remained persistent. "I am certain that Heimdall has seen this conflict and understands exactly what must be done. I will need to retrieve my brother from downstairs, and we will away to Asgard. Certainly, we will be back in a short time."
"Are you insane?! You're going to leave with your part-crazy baby brother?"
"I swear to you, we will be absent for only a brief amount of time."
"I don't know if we can handle two mutant-kids without you for a short time!" Tony shouted. "And if by a short time you mean anything close to days, you won't be going anywhere!"
He decided for the time being that he was going to ignore how much he sounded like a nagging mother, but when his life could be in danger, there wasn't exactly time to maintain a levelheaded persona.
"Friend Stark, I beseech you. We will be gone for likely an hour in your time. That is time where I am certain you and the others may wear down the strange mortal's endurance. I must go now, if you expect any help."
Tony, against what must have been all his better judgement, quickly nodded. "You better finish whatever the hell you're going to do double-time."
Thor nodded and rushed to the elevator doors, Jack and Lisa too preoccupied to notice him.
Pepper, Loki, Bruce, and Kiersten found themselves quite concerned. They could hear the commotion upstairs, and JARVIS had offered to show them a visual, but Kiersten and Pepper had declined until a particularly large banging noise was heard.
They had proceeded to watch the action, both in silent concern. Bruce had turned away, deciding to relocate himself as far away from the group as possible. Loki watched him cautiously every so often, trying to gauge his level of distress. His attention, though, was divided-he additionally kept a close eye on the monitor and the two women nearby him.
He growled internally. Had he still possessed his magic, the two mortals would have been quickly defeated.
There was another banging on the door. Startled, the women turned. Loki tensed. He'd not seen the two mortal children move from the monitor, so who-
"Brother! Open the door!"
Loki was confused, but cautiously complied, pressing a button to open the door. "Thor, what in the Norns do you think that you are doing here, when-"
Thor grabbed Loki by the forearm. "Loki, I require you. Now."
"What are you-"
"Heimdall!" Thor roared. "I know you are watching!"
Kiersten, Pepper, and Bruce looked over at the commotion.
In a brief moment, the two gods were gone.
The speed at which they traveled was nothing new to Loki, though he couldn't believe that they were returning to Asgard. Of course, he knew that at some point they would return to Midgard- Thor was no coward, he would not leave the battlefield without reason-but whatever Thor was planning, it seemed foolish.
"Thor-"
"We must get to Father, immediately, if we are to have your magic restored."
"You left your comrades for this? How foolish are you? Do you even expect the Allfather to consider the possibility of returning my sorcery?"
"He restored Mjolnir to my care."
"Yes, after a mere matter of-what, days? My magic has been taken for upwards of nine months, I have been punished in other ways for at least a year! I doubt that it will ever be restored," Loki spat. He wondered when it would be that the Asgardians would begin to realize he was there. Usually he felt their burning glares trained on him.
Thor shook his head vehemently. "In this situation, and given your cooperation with your punishment, Father must return it to you."
Loki couldn't believe Thor's ignorance. He would have thought that time and aging would have made him smarter, but he was still the oaf Loki knew him to be. He supposed that would never change.
"FATHER!" Thor thundered as the two burst into the throne room. Frigga's eyes widened in surprise. Odin turned. "Thor, what business have you here? And for what reason have you brought Loki with you?"
"Father, you must restore Loki's magic!"
Loki fought the urge to roll his eyes. As if the Allfather would ever be swayed. His way was cruel, and unjust, and always favored his son. Of course, he internally jumped at the chance of his magic being restored, but he was sure that Odin would not be fond of this prospect.
"He serves time on Midgard stripped of his immortality for a valid reason."
Thor persisted. "Father, Midgard is in danger, it is my duty to protect it. I fear that I may be unable to without the assistance of Loki's abilities."
"What danger to Midgard is there that the mighty Thor cannot defeat it himself?" questioned Odin, a slight quirk to his brow. He was unused to seeing Thor admitting that he needed help.
"Mutant children. They harness the winds, and flames. I have not seen such manipulation of the elements since witnessing the fire jotnar, or Njord. I believe that the addition of Loki's magic would be quite useful."
"They are mortals, are they not? You are a god, Thor. Loki has not yet-"
"Then when, Father?" Thor yelled, angered. "When? You found me worthy in a matter of days. Loki has served months, and he is still not worthy? Heimdall has observed his behavior, I personally have observed it! He has proven himself in my eyes. Forgiving I may be, but not without cause. You have told me that as the son of Odin and a supposed future king, I must exact wise decisions upon others. This," he gestured to Loki- "this is my wise decision. After all this time, I deem him worthy and beseech you to see this. Mother-"he looked desperately to Frigga, "you must know this."
Frigga nodded, placing a gentle hand on Odin's shoulder. "My love, you know that Thor is right. Our sons need you to trust them. Loki is your son. He has proven himself-I may not have observed him personally, but I can see. His eyes hold no malice. He is not as he was before. You know what is right."
Loki remained silent, giving Odin a pointed look. He was touched, frankly, and more than appreciative, that his brother and mother had advocated for him. It reminded him of childhood. Before all of the madness when he discovered his Jotunn heritage. Such a simpler time.
Odin was silent for moments, expression stoic. After long last, he gave a single nod.
"If it be necessary, I will oblige." Odin closed his eye, quietly uttering spells under his breath, voice no louder than a whisper. Energies swirled around Loki, and he stumbled and fell to the ground, clutching at his throat. This was by no means a painless process. Thor and Frigga looked on in deep concern as he writhed and choked on the air. As Odin's spellcasting died down, Loki shuddered, breathing deeply.
"Brother? Are you well?"
Loki closed his eyes, steeling himself and concentrating. His senses sharpened, he felt revitalized. He could feel the energies surging into him, making his skin tingle with the power surging through his veins. This was what he had been deprived of for so long. This was the part of him he missed, and by the Norns, it was good that it had come so soon. Any longer, and he might have forgotten the feel of immortality, the fresh light of godhood.
The mischief god's eyes opened, shining with almost childlike delight. A low chuckle emerged from his throat. "I suppose that thanks are in order, Allfather. Mother, a pleasure to see you after so long. Now, Thor, have we not a fight to finish?"
Thor smiled. "We have. Father, Mother, I will return in better times. Farewell."
You've got to be shitting me, thought Tony Stark with exasperation. Thor said he would be back soon...where the hell was Point Break when you needed him? He wanted the fight to be over, right then and there.
He flinched inside the Iron Man suit a bit at the sound of crashing glass. "Sir, it appears that Mr. Odinson and Mr. Laufeyson have returned," Jarvis sounded.
Tony huffed. "Yeah, I noticed. Point Break! Reindeer Games! You know, I thought gods were supposed to be fast."
Loki scoffed. "Your band of heroes can stand aside, Stark. I'm happy to take the two mortal children off of your capable hands."
"Be my guest, buddy!" Tony rocketed away as the two mutant-kids turned.
Jack's face contorted into a snarl. It was him...that guy dating Kiersten, the one who got in the way when he needed her help. Irrational rage fueled by exhaustion caused him to send a slicing gale of wind in his direction. Loki was forced back, crashing into Tony's bar. Jack chuckled. "Don't seem that capable to me."
"Really? I could say the same of you."
Jack's eyes widened in surprise as he heard Loki's voice behind him. In a second, he turned-and found himself being held up by the neck, a supernaturally strong hand putting intense pressure on it. Loki glared down at him. "Impudent cur, I shall have you crawling with the maggots you associate with," he hissed bitterly. "Do not dare to insult me. You are but a whimpering babe in my presence."
Jack clawed at his arm, desperately trying to release his iron grip, but to no avail. "Y-you..."
A sadistic smirk formed on Loki's face, and he promptly tossed Jack out of a window, sending him plummeting down the side of the tower.
Tony fought back an instinctive wince. He knew that throw. That throw was not a friendly throw.
Lisa turned on Loki, enraged. "How dare you!" she shrieked, bolting forward and aiming a powerful punch at Loki's head, her arms flickering with flames.
The god looked on, unblinking, and grabbed her by the wrist, twisting her hand back painfully. Lisa yelped and shut her eyes in pain. Frost began to shoot up her arm, forming crystal patterns and negating any sort of flames she tried to conquer.
"Do not deign to attack me in a place I am comfortable with," Loki snarled. "Do not threaten that which I may care for, or you will regret the consequences. Whatever abilities you possess are inconsequential to me." His grip tightened, sharp fingernails breaking her skin. Magic pulsed from his fingertips, sending shocks to Lisa's insides. "You still bleed as much as any other mortal I've seen."
Lisa slumped in his grasp.
Suddenly, Jack hurtled toward them, having conjured a blast of wind to propel him upward.
"Loki!" Thor yelled.
Immediately, the mischief god threw Lisa into Jack's path and vanished, causing the two siblings to crash headfirst into each other, rendering them both unconscious. Loki-along with 3 clones-appeared again, pinning down the two mutants in an icy hold.
The other Avengers (sans Hulk) looked on, somewhat dumbfounded. Loki sighed, regarding the heroes with muted amusement.
"I do believe that I deserve a 'thank you'."
Bruce, Pepper, and Kiersten had remained glued to the screen ever since Loki had left them, worriedly watching as they all fought. Once it seemed to be all over, they looked in shock at the aftermath. They couldn't believe how ruined the floor above them was.
"Do you think it's safe to go up there now?" Kiersten asked, rubbing her stomach in worry. Watching the whole experience had stressed her out more than she had anticipated, making her feel sick. Thank god they're all okay, she thought solemnly.
Kiersten bit her lip. Jack had just attacked them...partly because he hadn't been able to find his sister. She should have tried to help him, when she first met him. Maybe they could have avoided all this. Maybe this whole thing was partially her fault...
No, no. That didn't make sense. Even if she'd tried to help, it probably wouldn't have done anything. They would have probably ended up in this same position, regardless.
At least, that's what she told herself.
A.N: CRAP YOU GUYS I'M SORRY IT'S BEEN NEARLY A MONTH SINCE I'VE UPDATED I'M AWFUL FORGIVE ME!
God, school and stuff has been awful, and I've been stressed and depressed and busy but you don't need to hear about my teenage angst. So...conflict resolved, for now. Just a few more chapters left, this story's coming to a close! I'm so proud. I didn't think of this story ever continuing beyond the first chapter, when I first came up with the idea it was mainly not serious and I wasn't thinking about continuing it, but here we have it and it's coming to a close soon! Thank you guys so much for all the faves, follows, and reviews, seriously. As a by the way, I plan on doing a direct sequel to this, maybe something like a set of drabbles where you guys can send me prompts. Pretty much all the antics that Loki, Kiersten, and the rest of the Avengers get into with the baby. Just letting you guys know.
CrazedAuthor17: Apologies for leaving you hanging for so long! Glad you like the story!
Whitelion69: Thank you. Yes, Jack and Lisa have powers.
Shoyzz: Aw, thanks! I'm sorry that I haven't updated!
The Persona: Yeah, if I get the chance I plan on revising this. Thank you for the advice :)
Guest: Thanks!
SheWolf226: Please don't faint! WOW, thank you, I will write more!
I'll try to update soon, I swear. Thank you for putting up with me! If you can, please leave a review when you're done reading!