Happy Fourth of July. (Even though I don't celebrate it) I hope you enjoy these two chapters. 19 and 20, coming out back to back. I'm already working on chapter 21 for you amazing people. It makes me so happy that my dumb little idea would gain such traction. This fanfic I plan to see to the end! I must finish this for all of you out there! I'm sorry for the crazy update schedule… but do know that I always have different ideas running around for this book. I need to finish it and with all of your support, I know I will. At this moment of writing this (Which I write at the end of writing chapter 19 and 20) I am watching Hamiltion for the first time. (Seeing some resemblance of Loki when Alexander has his hair slicked back and wore green… just saying) I love the play and can sing Burn like a boss. Just saying. I hope you guys enjoyed chapter 19 and enjoy this chapter! Look forward to chapter 21! Enjoy the fireworks as much as these chapters I hope! I wanted to thank you guys. Seeing the reactions I get, makes this worth it. I hold each of my readers close to my heart because of how much you all drive me to finish and write. So thank you! Please enjoy chapter 20!
-cluelessreader
Chapter 20
The space was dark. Loki kneeled in front of the throne of his new father. His gaze trained on the ground with the scepter in his hand.
"The Tesseract has awakened. It is on a little world. A human world. They would wield its power." The familiar voice of the other came. He stood beside father as they stepped away from him.
The power of the stone building with his magic.
"But our ally knows its workings as they never will. He is ready to lead. And our force, our Chitauri, will follow."
Loki knew his father wouldn't want him to mess up this mission, so it made sense that the Chitauri would be at his beck and call.
"The world will be his. The universe yours. And the humans, what can they do but burn?"
He didn't know when he wanted the Midgardian world. But apparently, he did want it. If his father was giving it to him then his mission would give him a kingdom. It's what he wanted right? If Father was telling him so, then it must be true.
The energy sparked and soon he was at the door of the mortals. He felt the tesseract building its power since he found it a few hours ago, now all he had to do was channel the energy and have it teleport him. He could have teleported himself but his own magic was still weak from his… conditioning. The collar the Other gifted him with blocked his magic for too long, he would need to wait for it to replenish.
The familiar feeling of a pull took over him. Instead of the familiar travel of rainbow lights like that cursed Bifrost, this time was bright blue and blinding. He was quickly transported to Midgard, a new feeling of metal under him.
He hated his weakness from his conditioning but the violent teleport tired him out. The normal control of his breathing was gone, he huffed raggedly as he gained his bearings. Where on Midgard was he exactly…
Smoke burned off of him, clearly his landing and teleporting wasn't as smooth this round but whatever got the job done. Something felt off when he landed, however… he felt more tired and hurt then he had when he was on the sanctuary. Something was wrong but he had to focus on the mission.
Loki smiled having made it at all really, he knew father would be proud. Raising his head he looked over the room. Many mortals were around him. Some with crude armor and weak weapons. The eye of the one-eyed man, the scientist, and man in different armor then the rest caught his attention.
He was finally able to stand again, so he did. scepter still in hand.
"Sir, please put down the spear." The dark man orders. He resembles a mix of Heimbel and Odin if Loki thought about it. Why was he thinking about those people? He needed to focus. His eyes went down to the scepter, before suddenly pointing it and forcing a burst of energy out.
How he did it, he didn't know. But know that he can… he knew he would win and gain the tesseract quickly.
The second he shot the Midgardians weapons started firing but just as he thought, they did nothing to him. They bounced off him easily so he attacked. Using his knives and newly learned energy blasts to take down several guards at once. He stayed still, waiting to see who would attack next.
The one different armor had gotten the one-eyed man out of the way of his first attack was now getting up. Loki quickly stalked up to him, the man pulled a gun out from somewhere, Loki didn't know where, but he quickly grabbed it.
"You have heart." Loki spoke. A sudden wish to test a theory pulled at him. He pressed the head of the scepter to the man's chest. The gem grew bright and the man's eyes went black before returning to a familiar bright blue. Why did it look so familiar?
The man lowered his gun and holstered it again, standing straight in front of Loki.
Loki couldn't help but be fascinated by the power he seemed to have. He looked over more people and gained more under control. It seemed familiar but he didn't know why… He couldn't see the one-eyed man behind him but he felt the prize his father was after being packed away.
"Please don't. I still need that."
He couldn't have someone taking the tesseract. Father needed it and father had demanded to have it, choosing him for this mission. He could not fail… right?
The dark man turned around, facing Loki. "This doesn't have to get any messier."
"Of course it does. I've come too far for anything else." He had been through too much conditioning to fail. "I am Loki of Asgard, and I am burdened with glorious purpose." Why burdened? How did that come out?
The scientist he saw before looked up at him. "Loki? Brother of Thor?"
Thor. That fucking name. Thanos made him hate that name with a burning passion, the memory of Thor throwing him into the void fresh in his mind. Loki's head snapped to him, anger radiating off of him.
"We have no quarrel with your people."
His attention returned to the man holding the tesseract. "An ant has no quarrel with a boot." Boot? He's the boot so who's the one stepping in it.
"You planning to step on us?"
"I come with glad tidings, of a world made free."
"Free from what?"
"Freedom. Freedom is life's great lie. Once you accept that, in your heart," he quickly turned to the scientist placing the spear on his chest as well. "You will know peace." Thanos taught him peace after all, right?
"Yea you say 'peace' I kind of think you mean the other thing."
Clint, the spear revealed his name, walked up to Loki. "Sir, Director Fury is stalling. This place is about to blow. Drop a hundred feet of rock on us. He means to bury us."
His own green- no blue gaze turned to the ceiling.
"Like The Pharaohs of Odin." The man spoke.
"He's right. The portal is collapsing in on itself. You got maybe two minutes before this goes critical." Dr. Selvig confirmed.
"Well then," He looks to Clint, a clear command in his mind. Without hesitation, Barton shot. The man fell and the case with him. Loki walked ahead while Clint grabbed the case, the other people under control following.
He tried to stay upright as long as he could but for some reason he felt so much pain, it wasn't like this back at the sanctuary. Something was wrong but he couldn't figure out what. One of the men under him helped him up.
They walked to a tunnel, some sort of transportation there waiting. Some women walked by, instantly looking oddly at him. Clint would deal with it.
"Need these vehicles"
"Who's that?" The women asked.
"He didn't tell me."
The group loaded the cars, loading weapons and whatever else they would need. He already had the tesseract so why did he need to do anything else? He… he could just return already but something made him stay. Something pulled him not to return to the sanctuary.
Barton and another helped him into the back of the car, his weakness getting on his nerves.
In a second the women from before pulled out her gun and shot. Barton quickly hopped into the car and started driving, lurching Loki to his side before he gripped the edge to keep balance. The women kept on shooting, but they got too far. She jumped into her own car, quickly catching up to him.
Loki stood up, blasting the cars that followed them. He didn't need anyone getting in the way of his plan. Wait… what plan.
"Loki no… No!" A face in pure agony filled his vision as he slipped further and further away. Falling down into dark space.
The light of something overhead catching his attention and shaking him out of whatever he'd just seen. It's the one-eyed man, flying overhead in something. Fury, if he remembered correctly, started shooting at the car. He fired back at him with the scepter, the flying thing instantly caught fire and spiraled to the ground.
Fury tried shooting at them but Loki knew they were too far away. He had gotten the tesseract and was out.
He didn't know where Barton was taking him but if the man had an idea, it was good enough for him. The drive was long and gave him some time to think that he didn't really think he would have.
"Nervous brother?" brother he remembers something about that.
The man Thanos showed him to hate laughed. "Have you ever known me to be nervous?"
"There was that time in Nordheim."
"That was not nerves brother! That was the rage of battle."
"Ah. I see."
"How else could I have fought my way through 100 warriors and pulled us out alive!"
"Um. As I recall, I was the one that vailed us in smoke to ease our escape." The blonde man only laughed at him. A servant who Thor had called for another drink, laughing along with him.
He always hated being made fun of. Laughed at for his natural gift. Loki twisted his hand, wordlessly making snakes appear in the cup the servant was holding. They looked at the cup, eyes growing in fear of the scaly animal in the drink, he yelped before dropping the whole tray. The snakes slithering out and about.
Then Loki laughed. That was funny.
"Loki… now that was just a waste of good wine."
"Oh, just a bit of fun. Right my friend?" A wave of his hand and the snakes disappeared. The servant laughed nervously before grabbing the dropped items. Bowing to Thor and in turn Loki as well before rushing out.
A guard appeared, carrying that Norn awful helmet that Thor wore. Loki's eyes traveled to it, it wasn't the best thing to wear but it was Thors so…
"Oh. nice feathers."
Brother laughed at the jest. "You don't really want to start this again, do you? Cow?"
"I was being sincere!"
"You are incapable of sincerity."
"Am I?"
"Yes."
"I've looked forward to this day as long as you have. You're my brother and my friend. And sometimes I am envious… but never doubt that I love you." Loki smiled. He may be the god of lies but that didn't mean he always lied. His brother gripped the back of his neck, a common show of affection that Thor always did.
"Thank you." Thor smiled.
"Now give us a kiss." Thor rolled his eyes, hitting his chest.
"Stop it." Thor laughed on.
Loki didn't know why that came to his mind. He hadn't thought about his brother- no not his brother since he became a child of Thanos. He had new brothers… but being away from the sanctuary made those thoughts that he thought gone return with full strength.
"It is unwise to be in my company right, brother."
"Who said I was wise."
"This was to be my day of triumph." Thor brewed.
"It will come… in time." Loki tried to comfort. "If it's any constellation, I think you're right. About the frost giants, about Laufey, about everything. If they found a way to penetrate Asgards defenses once, who's to say they won't try again, next time with an army."
"Exactly."
"There's nothing you can do without denying father."
Thor thought for a moment. An idea materializing into his mind, making a plan that Thor knew would do something. "Yes, there is."
"No no no no no. I know that look." Loki tried to dissuade him.
Sure the whole plot of the Jotuns getting into the castle during the coronation had been his plan, but that was only to postpone the coronation. As much as he loved his big brother, he knew he wasn't ready to lead and rule. He just wasn't caring or wise enough for it. But he didn't need Thor thinking of revenge plots.
"It's the only way to ensure the safety of our borders!" Thor stood, his mind working a hundred miles an hour.
"Thor it's madness…"
"Madness? What sort of madness?" One of Thor's friends, Volstagg chimed in. Not helping. He isn't helping!
"Um… it's nothing. Thor was merely making a jest." Loki tried to avoid. He didn't need them encouraging whatever was running around in Thor's mind.
"The safety of our realms is no jest. We're going to Jotunheim."
Loki had to facepalm, this wasn't what he needed happening.
Thinking back on it now… maybe he could have handled the situation differently. He did tell the guard Thor's plan. Yet he didn't tell Odin in time. That wasn't his fault. That was the fault of the disrespect the palace had for him.
The memories were interrupted. A sharp pain on the side of his head calling his attention. The land around him changed to the dark and desolate area that belonged to the Other. "Lord Thanos asks for your progress." The rough voice asked, the Other walking around behind stones.
"I- I have acquired the Tesseract."
"Then why have you not returned."
He… he couldn't. He didn't remember why he couldn't. But he wouldn't. "Because I have a plan for the Midgardians." He finally said. That was lying. He knew that was lying. Why was he lying?
"Your Chitauri will bring battle to the mortals. Make them understand the truth that Than- that father has." Loki corrected.
The Other walked around him, like a wolf circling a rabbit.
"Then continue with this mission to tell his truth. Thanos gives you his blessing. But remember, I will be watching."
The dark space snapped away, leaving an aching pain in his head.
"Sir, we have arrived." Barton alerted as they parked in some underground cavern.
Loki only nodded.
The many people under the scepter's control got to work immediately. Setting up computers, laying out weapons, other cars of people driving in while Loki watched. He didn't know what they were doing, but they seemed to act without him telling them anything. Maybe they already knew the plan Loki was formulating… Whatever the case may be, Loki was only watching the many people work.
"Sir, everything is set up. Dr. Selvig is awaiting orders, sir."
"Awaiting orders?" Didn't they already know what to do?
"Yes Sir, your direction is unclear, we need more specifics."
Specifics. Right… He knew something was wrong when it came to Thanos… he was after the tesseract, so clearly he couldn't have it. The Other was watching, meaning he had to lose. But he had to look like he fought hard. Like he was close to winning. But against who.
"Barton. Is there anyone on Midgard that protects it?" His brother sure, but Thor wasn't here right now.
"There is a group of people that Director Fury has assembled, Sir. They could prove an issue."
A group to protect Midgard. They would work… Now for a show of power and villainy.
"The Tesseract is a portal…" He thought out loud.
"Yes, sir."
It clicked. "If we open a portal to the Other, he could send his army." That would be showy enough.
"I'll talk to Dr. Selvig. You should sit down sir. We have everything handled."
Loki nodded as Barton walked away. Loki needed to be careful, he knew something was off about Thanos since he was thrown here. When he was away from the sanctuary… maybe it correlated. He would have to look into what happened.
He sat down, where he could watch all the people work. The bright light of the blue gem sent a painful surge in his head called his attention. It had only been so long since his last chat with the Other. What could he want now?
He was once more in the dark space that screamed something horrible, yet Loki still couldn't place it.
"The Chitauri grow restless."
"Let them gird themselves. I will lead them into glorious battle" So what he says out loud the Other can hear… already prepping the army for a battle that Loki hadn't even finished planning yet.
"Battle. Against the meager might of Earth?"
"Glorious. Not lengthy." Had to sound like he was going to win. The Other can mess up the preparations Loki is putting into motion. "If your force is as… formidable… as you claim." Put in some doubts on the third party. If he fails, it's the Chitauri's weakness that is to blame.
"You question us!? You question him? He who put the scepter in your hand. Who gave you ancient knowledge and new purpose when you were cast out. Defeated."
"I was a king!" He hadn't meant to snap… but something about that ticked him off. He was a king. He was much better in the position then Thor ever would be. "The rightful king of Asgard." The similar hate that Thanos instilled in him stirred. "Betrayed."
The Other only growled. "Your ambition is little. And one of childish need. We look beyond the earth. To the greater worlds the tesseract will unveil."
"You don't have the tesseract yet." Loki pointed out. It clearly angered the Other. He rushed to him, only a blur for a moment before appearing in front of Loki. But Loki didn't flinch. "I don't threaten." Not out loud anyway. "But until I open the doors, until your force is mine to command, you are but words."
"You will have your war, Asgardian." The Other crept close. "If you fail, if the Tesseract is kept from us," He circled around, it taunted and scared Loki, but he couldn't show it. "there will be no realm, no barren moon," He hated it, but he felt tears brim. "No crevice where he cannot find you." Loki didn't need to be reminded of that. Thanos could find him anywhere, of that he was sure. "You think you know pain? He will make you long for something as sweet as pain." The Other placed his hand on the side of Loki's head. Sending the same pain surging through him that returned him to Midgard.
The people worked all around him. Loki had his own work to do, he had some research to do. Who better to go to then a smart doctor. Loki walked the cavern that the mortals worked so quickly on. It was astonishing how fast they worked, not even Asgardians worked so fast. He had magic and that made things easier.
His brow furrowed, his walking stopping abruptly.
Magic.
He had the gift- no not gift- the collar that the Other placed on him who knows how long ago… his magic was locked. And now that it's back… the illusion Thanos made is braking. Maybe his magic was the reason why everything Thanos had done, that he could remember right now, seemed so off and wrong. Magic and distance.
"Sir, are you alright?" A voice asked, shaking him out of his thoughts.
Clearing his mind as best he could he nodded. "Yes. Where is Dr. Selvig?"
Clint motioned behind him. "He's in the lab. Right this way sir."
The two walked, Barton leading him to a plastic tented area. Dr. Selvig was inside, calibrating Norns knows what, but Loki did see the tesseract inside. The doctor seemed to tell he was being watched. He turned and once he saw Loki he smiled.
"This is wonderful! The tesseract has shown me show much. It's… it's more than knowledge. Its truth!"
"I know." What was he supposed to say to that? It was lunacy. "It uh… it touches everyone differently." was all he could muster. Touches, something felt wrong about that. He wanted to think further, but he couldn't right now. "What did it show you, Agent Barton?"
"Take this," Clint spoke to another person, they took some sort of laptop from him. He turned back and faced Loki. "My next target"
Dr. Selvig laughed. "Stick in the mud. He's got no soul. No wonder you chose this tomb to work in."
Clint turned his head to Dr. Selvig. "Well the ratisin doesn't have three levels of lead-lined flooring between S.H.I.E.L.D and that cube." he snipped back. Selvig only nodded as he turned back to his work.
"I see why Fury chose you to guard it." Loki said.
"You're gonna have to contend with him, sir." The two started walking off. "As long as he's in the air. I can't pin him down. He's going to be putting together a team."
"Are they a threat?" He sincerely hoped so.
"To each other more than likely. But if Fury can get em on track, and he might, they can throw some noise our way."
"You admire Fury."
"He's got a clear line of sight."
"Is that why you failed to kill him?" If the memory of someone was enough to make them defy orders, then Loki would have to throw every person these people loved to snap them out of it. He still has no way of knowing how to get the scepters hold on them out.
"It might be. I was disoriented. And I'm not at my best with a gun."
"I want to know everything you can tell me about this team of his." They would have to be who stopped him. "I would… test… their metal. I'm weary of scuttling in shadow. I mean to rule this world. Not burrow in it." If the Other was listening, which Loki was sure he was, then hopefully that performance was decent.
"It's a risk." Clint countered.
Loki only smiled. "Oh yes."
"If you're set on making yourself known, it could be useful."
Loki stepped up to barton. "Tell me what you need."
Clint looked in thought for a moment before he stepped to a case. He popped it open and took out his lethal weapon. "I need a distraction. And an eyeball."
Loki walked away from Barton since he would be preparing for this mission. Loki had to make a stop by Dr. Selvig.
"Bartons not with you?" Selvig jokingly pointed out. "I see his mood got on your nerves as well. It was bound to happen."
"Is there a fail-safe in the portal you're making?" Loki asked out of nowhere.
The doctor eyed Loki confused. "Why-why would there need to be a fail-safe?"
"Because Barton told me about a group of heroes that could hurt our mission." Loki lied easily. "If they affect us when we make our debut, then we'll need to be able to turn off the portal and go back into hiding. We wouldn't want to lose the tesseract, would we?" Loki explained.
Dr. Selvig seemed to consider it. "Y-yea. Yes. I suppose you are right. We will need to protect this. What fail-safe did you have in mind?"
Loki only lifted the spear.
Loki knew the people at this S.H.I.E.L.D would see him on the cameras. They had to be looking for him if what Barton is assuming is correct. Clint needed an eye of a specific man and Loki was going to get it.
He was dressed in black pants, dress shoes, a white dress shirt, and a black-tie. Pulling it all together with a long black coat and a golden cane. It was nice enough that the people at the party wouldn't be too concerned with him there… until he wanted them concerned.
The party looked wonderful, seeing Midgard in night lights in a party setting was always his favorite thing. It's a shame he wouldn't be here to party or even crash it like he normally did. He had to make himself known. And make himself known he would.
The music was fairly pleasant. A nice string quartet. If Loki's ear was correct, and he knew it was then this was Franz Schubert no 13 Rosamunde. He always did appreciate Midgards music.
Wait… didn't he say something like that to someone recently? Shaking his head he walked to the balcony that overlooked everyone. Barton should be at Schafer Sicherheitsdienst by now. He needed to time this right. The cameras picked up his face so these Avengers must be on their way as well.
He looked through the crowd, trying to spot the man Barton needed. He easily spotted him and headed down the stairs. With a bit of flair, he flipped the cane, smacking who he assumed was security. Instantly catching everyone's attention.
He grabbed the man by the neck, walking him to some sort of table thing. Must be an artifact to the Midgardians. Using his newly returning strength he flipped the man over onto his back, laying his arm across him so he wouldn't run away.
From the coat pocket, Loki pulled out a device Selvig made for the task. Turning it on a blue light told him Barton was exactly where he needed to be. Loki was always good with timing. The device whirled as he stabbed into the man's eye.
He twitched and pulsed as he tried to move away from Loki, the other party-goers running out of the building once the man started screaming. Each clamoring about trying to escape the terrifying scene.
Loki couldn't help but look around and smile. He was the god of mischief after all. He was finally letting out some anger from the pain the Other caused. Being timed perfectly with Barton he got the retina scan he needed. Thank you, Dr. Heinrich Schafer.
Loki pulled out the device, looking over the now almost empty room. While the mortals ran he slowly and calmly walked. Magic shifting around him into the armor Thanos had put him in. The Other was watching, so this was going to be a good show.
The people ran in the streets, their screaming annoying him, another sound he had heard before grating his nerves. The cop car rushing down the street made an easy target. He shot a blast of blue energy, flipped the car to a stop. Effectively shutting it up.
Now for the show of villainy to those Avengers.
He formed one allusion behind them, scaring the crowd back to the street. "Kneel before me." he demanded. After all, he was a petty king. Act the part. The crowd tried running away once more, so he made another illusion of him. The three illusions corralling the sacred mortals in front of him.
"I said," He bagged the bud of the spear on the ground, lighting up the gem on his as well as the illusion spears gems. Causing the crowd to scream again. "Kneel!" Loki yelled over the people. Many flinched but started to get down on one knee. Everyone's attention glued to him as he walked through the crowd.
"Is not this simpler?" He asked. Arms open wide to the crowd. "Is this not your natural state?" He pointed the staff. "It's the unspoken truth of humanity, That you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life's joy in a mad scramble for power. For identity."
The illusions flickered behind the Midgardians. Loki seeing the flickering scowled. His magic was still replenishing. But whatever made the image of him being a powerful scary villain right?
"You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel."
Something Loki didn't expect was someone standing up. Why did someone stand up? That wasn't supposed to happen!
"Not to men like you." Was all the old gentlemen said.
Loki huffed a laugh, trying to keep his composure. "There are no men like me." Just get back down. Nothing worse will happen.
"There are always men like you."
Shit. He couldn't leave him. If one could talk back they would all and that would destroy the whole illusion he is working for. Loki smiled. "Look to your elder, people." He pointed the staff, the gem glowing brightly. "Let him be an example. I'm sorry. He shot and expected the scream but it was he who was hit.
He looked up and saw someone standing there. Protecting the man with a gleaming shield. He wore blue, red and white. The shield matched. It was still smoking when he started walking toward Loki.
"You know, the last time I was in Germany, and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing." With every step and every word, the people around the man started standing. Gaining the confidence to defy his word.
Red, white, and blue. Clint had told him about every one of the avengers under the initiative. Red, white, and blue meant Steve Rogers. "The soldier." Using the staff, he stood back up. "The man out of time."
"I'm not the one who's out of time."
A silent jet flew into view. A gun opened from the bottom of it, pointed right at Loki.
"Loki, drop the weapon and stand down" A woman's voice commanded.
Villain Loki, can't just give up now. Show them you're a force to reckon with. As Barton said, contend with them. He looked up and shot. The jet however flew out of the way just in time.
The captain threw the shield, hitting him square in the chest and bouncing back to Rogers. Loki could take a hit and still stood, feet planted to not fall. The soldier punched him hard, but Loki only snapped his head back, swinging the scepter as retaliation. Once to force the man to block, again to open the arm his shield was on. Leaving Captain America defenseless. And the last hit to send the man flying. He rolled but gained his footing rather quickly.
Clearly angry, the captain threw his shield which Loki easily blocked and smacked away. The two extended blows but once more Captain was on the ground. Placing the bud of the staff against the soldier's head, he made it look like he was in the lead. The Other would think so Loki hoped.
"Kneel." One added flourish to sell it.
"Not today!" The costumed man twisted and jumped, kicking him in the head.
It hurt, Loki would admit that, his metal helmet getting kicked and essentially knocking his head around wasn't a pleasant thing to go through. He grabbed the captain and threw him back.
Suddenly some loud music blasted from who knows where. Loki looked, deducing the music was coming from the ship. "AC/DC?" He whispered to himself. Something flew out from behind the building, fire leaving a trail leading to the… flying metal man?
A laser of some kind was shot, hitting him hard, sending him flying to the stone steps. His back certainly didn't like that, nor did his head. What was with him getting his head hit?
Loki looked at the red and gold suit. Tony Stark came to mind. Barton said he would be rather flashy. Turns out he was right.
The man's suit wrapped fists were directed at him, small compartments opening from pretty much everywhere. "Make your move Reindeer Games."
He dissolved the big showy pieces of armor, his cape, helmet, and extra shoulder guards and raised his hands. With two of the Avengers in front of him, that should be enough to convince the Other that he lost.
"Good move." Iron man said, lowering his weapons.
"Mr. Stark."
"Captain."
They arrested him and loaded him onto the jet. Strapping him into a seat and taking off. It was funny that they thought their weak metal could help him, but he stayed regardless. He needed to see each avenger.
He kept his mouth shut, he wouldn't be slipping anything to the mortals before it was time. Which they seemed okay with. Iron man, Tony Stark seemed to keep a watchful eye on him. Didn't he have a big tower now?
The two, Steve and Tony seemed not to like each other. They bickered as they flew to… wherever they were taking him.
A storm forming out of nowhere got there and his attention. Storms don't form out of nowhere for no reason on Midgard. He knew what this storm meant. Who the storm meant. He couldn't see the storm but he could sense that this was the power of a certain hammer. He didn't know why part of him felt dread while another felt a rush of happiness. He was supposed to hate that stupid blonde oaf. Not… not miss him.
"What's the matter? Are you scared of a little lightning?" the captain called, noticing his behavior.
"I'm not overly fond of what follows." Rogers and Stark looked curiously at each other.
A loud bang on the top of the jet made everyone lookup. Loki wasn't supposed to be hopeful that it was him. He wasn't. Thor was his enemy. But part of him knew what wasn't true. His feelings and what Thanos showed him are contradicting.
Why Iron Man opened the back hatch, Loki didn't know. If they were intent on keeping him, he figured they would try to lock Thor out.
"What are you doing?" Captain yelled over the wind.
It was almost comical when Iron Man tried to blast Thor. Only for him to shove him back with the top of Mjolnir. Causing Captain to fall as well. It was like avenger bowling really.
Thor yanked him out of the seat, caring not for the seat belts that strapped Loki in. Gripping him from the throat, he lifted Loki. No words being shared before Thor swang Mjolnir to fly, taking Loki with him.
They landed on some mountainous terrain. Loki landed hard on his back, his replenishing magic already had a lot of work to do healing all the crap under his armor, he didn't need more wounds. He couldn't help but laugh though. After what Thanos showed him, why would his brother be looking for him? He thought they were happy without him.
"Where is the tesseract?"
"I missed you too," Loki said, his tone spoke of insincerity but that resistant part of him really meant it.
"Do I look to be in a gaming mood?"
"You should thank me. With the Bifrost gone, how much dark energy did the Allfather have to muster to conjure you here? To your precious Earth?" Loki asked, slowly getting up from the ground.
Thor only growled. He dropped Mjolnir and pulled Loki up. "I thought you dead."
The image Thanos showed him told Loki otherwise. Yet that stubborn part of him still held hope for Thor. "Did you mourn?"
"We all did. Our father-"
"Your father." Loki smacked Thor's arms away from him. "He did tell you my true parentage, did he not?" His back ached as he walked down the hill. His magic wasn't working like it was supposed to… Why wasn't it healing him?
"We were raised together. We played together, we fought together. Do you remember none of that?"
"I remember a shadow." Loki turned, the words Thor spoke in the feast hall rang out in his mind.
"He looked nothing like an Asgardian and now that he is dead, he no longer stains this family. So today we celebrate the death of the god of mischief, lies, and evil!"
"Living in the shade of your greatness. I remember you tossing me into an abyss. I, who was, and should be king!"
"So youtube the world I love as a recompense for your imagined slights?"
Imagined. How was that imagined? It is exactly how Loki remembers it! After defeating him, to rid Asgard of the horrible stain, he threw him off!
"Loki no… No!" The voice rang out once more in his mind.
"No. The Earth is under my protection, Loki."
No. The voice was Thors. But that couldn't be right. Loki's resentment built, the confusion in his mind not helping.
He laughed. "And you're doing a marvelous job with that. The humans slaughter each other in droves while you idly fret. I mean to rule them, as why should I not?"
"You think yourself above them?"
"Well, yes." Thor cared more for the mortals then he did himself. He may be playing the part but Thor was making it much easier.
"Then you miss the truth of ruling, brother. A throne would suit you ill."
Loki didn't need ruling advice from a spoiled, arrogant, hard-headed brother. Fuck. Not brother. He growled, hitting Thor out of the way. "I've seen worlds you've never known about! I have grown, Odinson, in my exile. I have seen the true power of the tesseract, and when I wield it…
"Show showed you this power? Who controls the would-be king?"
"I am a king!" How did he even- Thor never cared before! How could he tell the difference now!? He-
"Not here!" Thor gripped his arms "You give up the tesseract! You give up this poisonous dream!"
Loki hated the tug of war happening in his head. His brother threw him into the void but if he did why was he yelling for him? The familiar hold on the back of his neck made his heart hurt. How many times had Thor done that before?
"You come home."
He could feel the tears in his eyes. He wouldn't cry… he couldn't. Not in front of Thor. He searched his face, Thor had to be lying. But his gift didn't find anything and that destroyed him. The images Thanos showed him and how Thor is acting right now contradict each other. He couldn't clear his mind. It was getting clearer but at such a slow pace.
He laughed a humorless laugh, one that he knew was full of pain. "I don't have it."
Thor let go, he was done trying it seemed. Thor held his hand out for Mjolnir, ready to swing.
"You need the cube to bring me home." Home? Why'd that slip? "But I've sent it off, I know not where."
"You listen well, brother."
And off he went. Loki would bet it was Iron Man that ran into him.
"I'm listening." He looked over the edge of the cliff, and there was the red and gold metal man. So he guessed right. The two seemed to speak for a moment before, surprise surprise, Thor lost his cool.
"Run back home little princess."
"Damn."
Thor looked up, calling Mjolnir again, making sure Loki was still on the cliff. Which he was. His plan would get ruined if he left. He found a comfortable spot to watch the show. A slight smile on his face.
"Oh, that had to hurt." Loki said as Thor flew there the trees. Iron Man blasting him back then kicking him threw them.
Loki leaned in, Thor calling on his lighting to shoot at Stark. "You know, that's not the best idea."
When Thor went flying from a much brighter looking laser than normal, Loki smirked. "Told you."
Iron Man launched, taking Thor with him. "Hey! What!? How am I supposed to enjoy now? Come on." Loki yelled to the sky. He huffed and sat back down. Well, this was boring. A little bit later some loud ringing sound reached his ears and well as bright lighting. Since when can Thor do that?
As Loki figured, once the two- wait now three of the men came back, they picked him up and they went on their way.
The jet landed and they walked him down into the cell block. Not before walking by a face that Clint told him to look out for, The green beasts human form. Bruce Banner. Walking right by his lab, Loki obviously smiled. So the next piece of this plan was already on the plane? Perfect.
They walked him into a circle glass cell. The door locking right behind him, the compartment pressurizing. The guards walked off, leaving him, and Nick Fury alone.
"In case it's unclear, if you try to escape," He flipped a clear case up, touching the top, bottom, then top middle. "If you so much as scratch that glass," The chamber below him… opened. Wind rushing out. Loki walked to the edge of the cell, trying to see what was below him. "It's 30,000 feet straight down in a steel trap. You get how that works?" Closing the door he motioned to Loki. "Ant," then back to the controls. "Boot."
Loki mused. The stupid mortal used his own example and still didn't understand it. The controls could only be moved when someone pressed them, yet this Director Fury still didn't understand that Loki wasn't the one who wanted to be here at all.
Oh. That was new… He hadn't thought that before. His magic must be healing and staying away from the sanctuary clearing his mind. But why would it start working so quickly now and not before?
"It's an impressive cage. Not built, I think, for me." Loki pushed.
"Built for something a lot stronger than you."
Ah. So he was right. This was meant for the hulk. "Oh, I've heard." He turned his gaze to the camera, where he knew the avengers were watching. "A mindless beast. Makes play he's still a man. How desperate are you, that you call on such lost creatures to defend you?"
"How desperate am I?" Fury repeated. "You threaten my world with war. You steal a force you can't hope to control. You talk about peace, and you kill because it's fun. You have made me very desperate. You might not be glad that you did."
Cute speech. Sucks that he hoped to piss him off. He never meant to kill for fun however, when he first appeared he was under so much cloudy crap from Thanos. He regretted killing those mortals, truly he did. He knew perfectly well how to control the tesseract as well. But he would rather keep that to himself then tell the mortals that. "Ooh. It burns you to have come so close. To have the Tesseract, to have power, unlimited power. And for what?" He looked to the avengers again, they hadn't stopped watching, Loki could tell when he's being watched. "A warm light for all mankind to share. And then to be reminded what real power is." He knew full well he wasn't the real power. Loki is just a taste for what the mortals need to prepare for. Thanos is the one they need to fear.
Nick only walked away. No response to that. "Let me know if 'real power' wants a magazine or something."
Loki walked over to the camera, watching until he no longer felt the eyes of the camera on him. He let out a breath. "If real power wants a magazine… I wish I was all they had to fear."
He walked back to the center of the cell, sitting in the center cell. He closed his eyes and focused. So far he played the part he needed. He had the heroes that would defeat him. But with their stupid bickering, he needed to do something to make them work together. Luckily that plan was in motion already. So he need not worry about that.
Now it was time to think about why his mind was clearer than before. When he first got to Midgard all he could think about was getting the tesseract to father, then he stood up and felt the pain he hadn't felt since he gave into Thanos. Maybe the distance really did affect Thanos' hold and maybe that affected the perceptions that Thanos wanted him to experience.
Next was his magic. With it returning, it seemed to be forcing out whatever it was Thanos did to him. That was the one part he still couldn't remember.
That night Thanos told him about Asgard, and Thor, about what they were truly doing now that he was gone. Then… he just gave in. There had to be a reason. Loki shook his head. Focus on one thing at a time. Why is the connection braking?
Add in the fights he'd been in. All the pain- no… it wouldn't be pain… he trained with the daughters of Thanos, they hit him plenty of times. But never… never on the head… He'd been hitting his head a bit since he got here! That must be it!
He closed his fist but didn't feel the familiar metal of the scepter. That's right. The mortals took it when they arrested him. And… and there hadn't been any meetings with the Other since he let go of the scepter… no way. Was it that? The gifted weapon was given to him? It was there to keep him complacent, angry, and useful. And now… that weapon was the mortals. If it was making him angry then… most likely the two who liked science had the staff. Well. at least it will speed up with the plan with the hulk. He hadn't known a way to trigger the monster after all. He hoped Agent Barton's attack would do the trick but maybe some magical anger would speed up the transformation.
Loki focused on the energy of the tesseract. It was getting closer to New York. Right on schedule. Meaning soon Barton would be here. He grew bored with sitting. He's not too fond of cells at the moment. Granted this isn't the cell where the Chititari had their way with him, or where those beings beat him for fun. But a cell was a cell.
So he passed time pacing. Walking back and forth like a changed cat in a zoo. Soon his plan would go into phase 2, uniting the heroes, and he would be out. In the middle of his thinking, he felt the tingle of someone's eyes. A sense of being watched. Time for his next act.
He smiled and turned. "There's not many people who can sneak up on me." Not that she did. But best make them feel they have some edge on him.
"But you'd figured I'd come."
"After." A pause. "After whatever tortures Fury can concoct, you would appear as a friend, as a balm. And I would cooperate." Perfect hidden way of speaking. If what Barton said about this woman was true, then she would be able to see the truth. He'd been tortured. They are friends to him. And he would cooperate. He still had the feeling of the Other listening, so speaking in code made sense.
"I want to know what you've done to Agent Barton."
"I would say I've expanded his mind." They put their thoughts in me, see that that's what happened to him.
"And once you've won, once you're king of the mountain, what happens to his mind?" She asked as she stalked closer. Crossing her arms in a play of none caring.
"Ohh. Is this love, Agent Romanoff?" If it is, you might be the person necessary to break the control that is on Barton.
"Love is for children. I owe him a debt."
Not the answer he was looking for, but he could tell it was a lie. A least partly. Not so much a debt then it was a deep friendship. You can't lie to the god of lies. It seems Thor wasn't telling them everything about him.
Loki moved back. "Tell me."
She faked hesitation. Making it seem like she was really giving something up to him. A good trick, if he was stupid. "Before I worked for S.H.I.E.L.D., I, uh…" She seemed uncomfortable, proving to Loki her tactic. She sat down, mirroring Loki himself. "Well, I made a name for myself. I have a very specific skill set. I didn't care who I used it for, or on." She watched Loki as he watched her. Loki kept his head low, showing her he's beneath her, Loki knew it worked seeing her chin tilted just a little bit higher than what people normally did. "I got on S.H.I.E.L.D. 's radar in a bad way. Agent Barton was sent to kill me. He made a different call." She looked him in the eye when saying that. Trying to place the idea in his head. Well, he already wasn't gonna do anything to him, but she didn't need to know that.
"And what will you do if I vow to spare him?"
"Not let you out." well duh. What was he. Thor? He's not that gullible.
"No, but I like this." Loki smiled, showing her as much amusement as he could muster. He wasn't in the jesting mood, and probably wouldn't be for a while. But he was always a good actor. "Your world in the balance, and you bargain for one man."
"Regimes fall every day." Is that what the avengers thought he was? Huh, not what he expected. "I tend not to weep over that. I'm Russian. Or I was." Spilling unnecessary information, tempting him to make his own tongue lose. Wouldn't work.
"And what are you now?" He countered.
"It's really not that complicated." She answered as she stood up, a physical show of her thinking she was winning. Loki wanted that. "I got red in my ledger, I'd like to wipe it out."
"Can you? Can you wipe out that much red?" It wasn't a question for her really. He'd killed and he didn't mean too. Could he be forgiven for killing so many innocent lives? Even if it was to prepare the mortals for the danger that was worse than him. "Dreykov's daughter," Jotinhim devastation. "Sao Paulo," His time at the sanctuary. "the hospital fire?" What he's doing here on Midgard. "Barton told me everything." Now it was his turn, he stood up, not breaking eye contact from the women who faked being scared in front of him.
"Your ledger is dripping. It's gushing red, and you think saving a man, no more virtuous than yourself, will change anything?" If she could be forgiven, or find some road to redemption, that should give him hope, right?
"This is the basest sentimentality. This is a child at prayer. Pathetic! You lie and kill, in the service of liars and killers. You pretend to be separate, to have your own code, something that makes up for the horrors. But they are part of you. And they will never go away."
He pried, to the Norns that his crimes could be forgiven and forgotten. He knows he's pathetic. He lies and kills, in the service of Thanos. He pretends that he is free, that he's able to follow his own code, that it will make up the horrors he's committed. But that part of his life is a part of him. It scars his physical body as much as his mind. And he knows they will never go away. As much as he hopes it will.
Villainy Loki. Gotta sound vileness. "He slammed his fist on the glass. She flinched, now that he couldn't tell her faking. "I won't touch Barton, not until I make him kill you. Slowly, intimately, in every way he knows you fear. And then he'll wake just long enough to see his good work, and when he screams, I'll split his skull." That should stick with her. Maybe the 'splitting his skull' will give her an idea. He only had a small theory that hitting the head worked, so hopefully she could test it for him.
Natasha turned away a gasp of horror escaping her. Again. It seemed sincere. "This is my bargain, you mewling quim."
He heard her… crying? Interesting trick, but that was false. He easily saw it as a lie. "You're a monster."
He laughed. This was what he was waiting for. The perfect opportunity. "Oh no. You brought the monster." If she learns anything from his words he hoped it would be what he made the easiest to understand.
She stood up straight. Her 'crying' over. "So, Banner." Thank the Norns she got that. "That's your play."
Now the 'you've fallen into the trap' routine. "What?" He looked confused.
"Loki means to unleash the Hulk." She spoke into her earpiece. Quickly walking away. "Keep Banner in the lab. I'm on my way. Send Thor as well." Loki followed, seeming confused. She stopped abruptly. "Thank you. For your cooperation." With that, she left.
Loki sighed a breath of relief. Phase two was now officially underway. Now to wait for the Hulk to run amok. The scepter must be affecting Banner and Tony by now. And whoever else was around it… best not think about that.
It was only minutes later he felt the power of the scepter acting up. It was a much larger signal then he had expected, must be feeding on more than just Banner then. But with the signal being sent, Barton would be coming even sooner than Loki planned. He braced the imminent explosion. Only a matter of time after all.
The rounding boom echoed throughout the ship, telling Loki to get out now. Many people ran by the door that led to the room with him in it.
Engine three, just as Loki asked.
A roar echoed next. So… Banner had transformed as well. That was definitely good. He smiled as he sat in the cell, waiting.
Give the heroes an enemy to fight and win against, boost their morale and all. They can't beat a crazy god without seeing they can beat his goons and their own monster.
He could hear fighting going on, running and codes being spoken about. He just needed Barton to get him out and… where was the roaring? Did they defeat Hulk that quickly?
The fight must be going on, he could still hear gunfire and yelling. So… where was hulk?
The tipping of the ship told him Barton just took out engine one. Next was freeing him.
Yet, of course, Thor would come running in… a simple illusion should trick him easily enough. Duck and brace, and watch him fall on his face. His favorite little rhyme for messing with Thor.
While it wasn't Barton who got him out, one of the soldiers did, so now he had Thor caged and out of the way. Exactly what he needed really.
"Are you ever not going to fall for that?" Loki couldn't help but ask.
"Where is Barton and the Hulk?" He turned away from Thor.
"I don't know sir, he was coming down here, and we haven't heard back from him. The hulk is already off the ship, crashed somewhere."
Loki nodded, turned away but a loud bang had him facing Thor again. The oaf went and hit the glass. It was involuntary really, but his hands went out. He really needed to stop that. If Thor caught on his whole plan would be ruined. When the cage didn't go falling, he smiled.
The soldier waited by the door for him to follow, but he wanted some fun first.
"The humans think us immortal. should we test that?" He had just gotten his hand on the clear cover when the sound of a body hitting the ground got not only his but Thor's attention too.
"Move away, please." Time to disappear. Loki placed a perfect copy in perfect sync so not even Thor's trained eye to some of his spells would notice. The clone moved away, putting his hands slightly up."You like this?" The man motioned to the gun. "We started working on the prototype after you sent the Destroyer." the man continued to walk forward, the clone acting as if he was being cornered while the real Loki slipped behind the gun-wielding man. "Even I don't know what it does. The man clicked on the gun. "Do you want to find out?"
No. Not particularly… Loki stabbed him with a laced sleeping agent knife in a non-lethal area. To Thor, the man would look dead. Can't be evil if he wasn't really killing people. Since his time away from the scepter, he vowed he would try to lessen the amounts of deaths caused by this plan of his.
Thor reacted loudly. Hitting his fist on the glass, as Loki did earlier Loki mused, his blue gaze glued on him and the dying man. His illusion fading away, no longer being needed. The man slipped to the ground. The poison quickly took effect.
His brother had a look of hate for him. That didn't surprise Loki. He knew Thor did already. No surprise there. Loki walked to the control panel again. Flipping over the clear cover. Remembering the button sequence that Fury had put in earlier. The air was once more sucked out of the room, wind loudly whooshing. He hesitated for a moment… but knew Thor would somehow get out of the cage. He pressed the button and down the cage went.
He was just walking off, ready for stage three, when the man started speaking. "You're going to lose."
Great. More conversation. "Am I?"
"It's in your nature."
"Your heroes are scattered. Your floating fortress falls from the sky. Where is my disadvantage?"
"You lack conviction."
That certainly wasn't what Loki wanted to hear. If one mortal was able to see through him… then surely more are able to, right? He had to salvage the villain's role. "I don't think I'm-" he couldn't finish his sentence as he was sent through the wall.
Alright… maybe the mortal didn't see through him but just needed him close enough to shoot. Smart. He'd give that mortal that.
While the ship was in chaos, Loki took his leave. Barton was freed, how, he didn't know. He just felt the connection from the scepter to Barton snap away. Before leaving, he did take said scepter. As much as he would rather not have its effects on him… it would be too suspicious for him to leave it, and since it's the fail-safe, he was sure no one would figure that out unless he practically handed the spear to the avengers.
He hoped the attack was enough to make them fight. They need to be ready for everything. And Loki was going to prepare them.
Once on the ship and in the scepter back in his hands, a familiar surge of pain raced through his mind. The plane's metal interior crumbled away to deep space.
"We lost communications. Though we did see everything. You were very clever with the mortals. We almost thought you were going to lose. But you destroyed them one by one. Nothing left in our way."
Loki only listened on.
"Thanos is proud of your work. He will award you greatly once you return his prize."
"And I will honor Than- my father's wishes. The battle will be over quickly." He just never said he would win.
"Then go. Win and return what belongs to Lord Thanos."
When the land of space faded away the pain was different. Instead of a burst of pain, his mind burned.
"This time, we will not lose contact."
The interior of the plane returned, but now he knows the Other can speak to him and is in his head even if he lets go of the spear.
That… that's not what he planned for.
The unwanted hate and rage slowly filled him again. The need to do Thanos's bidding started placing itself in his mind.
But this time, Loki knew that it was happening. And he would do everything to avoid the effects as long as he could.
He just needed to lose.
Loki knew Stark was smart enough to figure out Stark tower would be used. It was the only source of renewable energy that Dr. Selvig needed.
And luck would be his side. The man of iron flew to the doctor. Learning quickly attacking the device itself was a bad idea.
The glowing blue eyes of the damaged helmet turned to face him, Stark finally realizing he was there. He landed on a circular path away from him, some mechanical process started. Taking off the less than useful iron man suit.
The helmet came off and neither broke eye contact, a small competition of its own, Loki supposes. Tony and Loki entered the living room area at the same time.
"Please tell me you're going to appeal to my humanity."
"Um actually, I'm planning to threaten you."
"You should have left your armor on for that." Loki pointed out.
"Yeah. It's seen a bit of mileage, and you've got the, uh, glow stick of destiny." That was an odd saying… Loki looked at the scepter but did smile at the joke. Tony walked down the stairs, heading for the bar. Loki only stalked closer. The part that needed to win, pulling him to just kill the unarmed man now. While the part that still tried for freedom, just kept on talking.
"Would you like a drink?"
He wanted to say yes. Midgard's alcohol was always better than Asgards ale. "Stalling me won't change anything." He answered as he shifted the staff to the other hand.
"No no no. Threatening." Tony reminded. "No drink? You sure? I'm having one." Stark turned his back, the sounds of glass clinking reaching Loki's ears.
Loki turned to the view of the city out the window. "The Chitauri are coming. Nothing will change that." he looked back. "What have I to fear?" Aside from the avengers somehow losing. Thanos winning and Loki never being free again.
"The Avengers." Came Stark's quick answer.
So… he thought he already didn't know their name? The confusion showed on his face. Tony took it for the wrong reason.
"That's what we call ourselves. We're sort of like a team. 'Earth's mightiest heroes' -type thing."
"Yes. I've met them." Loki said, hoping to change the conversation.
"Yea." Tony faked smiled. "It takes us a while to get any traction, I'll give you that one. But let's do a headcount here. Your brother," The servant half raged in Loki while the freedom-seeking side smiled at the mention of him. But still, the clouded hatred made him roll his eyes and scowl a bit. "The demigod, A super soldier, living legends. Who kind of lives up to the legend. A man with breathtaking anger-management issues. A couple of master assassins, and you, big fella, you've managed to piss off every single one of them."
"That was the plan." he hadn't meant for it to slip but it did.
"Not a great plan." Tony replied as he took a sip of his drink. "When they come, and they will, they'll come for you." Stark said as he walked passed the bar, closer to where Loki stood.
"I have an army."
"We have a Hulk."
"I thought the beast had wandered off."
"Yea, you're missing the point. There is no throne. There is no version of this where you come out on top. Maybe your army comes. And maybe it's too much for us, but it's all on you. Because if we can't protect the Earth, you can be damn well sure we'll avenge it." he took the last sip of his drink.
The scepter called. Loki stalked up to Stark, covering the last bit of distance. "How will your friends have time for me. When they are so busy fighting you?" The gen grew bright, ready to take another person under its control. The anger seemingly winning the battle. But… but it didn't work.
"This usually works."
"Well, performance issues, it's not uncommon. One out of five-"
Shut up! Loki grabbed Stark, throwing him to the ground. The man muttered something, but he didn't care what. Tony had gotten up again, and Loki was right there to grab him. "You will all fall before me."
"Deploy!"
He raised Stark, making it harder for Stark to breathe.
"Deploy!" He said a little more desperately. The anger was winning. Loki pushed with hard force, so the man would even fly through the windows at all. But he had just thrown Tony Stark out of his own tower.
Something buzzed to life behind him, Loki turned only to be hit by something red, knocking him to the ground. The hit dizzying the effect of the scepter but also his own normal thinking.
Forcing himself up, a voice caught his attention.
"And there's one other person you pissed off. His name was Phil." Before Loki could use the scepter, a laser from Iron Man's hand shot out. Blasting him back and causing him to lose hold of the spear.
Loki couldn't see it, but he heard the sound of the portal opening. Iron Man flew off, leaving him to gain his bearings again. The familiar sound of the Chitauri echoed around the building. They got to work quickly. Screaming and explosions ringing out already.
He walked out to the place the Iron Man had landed, taking in the view of the city. Small fires and rising smoke already viable. Chitauri ships pass by him as they race down to the scared mortals.
While the surroundings didn't change this time, the burning pain returned. The Other wished to speak.
"My time has come."
"Resistance?" The other asked.
"From a few. We'll pick them apart."
"And the rest? Come now."
Loki sucked in a breath. "I'll mow them down." He could almost hear the smile on the other's face.
A thud sent the Others voice out of his mind. "Loki!" He turned and saw Thor. He knew he could survive a falling cage.
"Turn off the Tesseract, or I'll destroy it." Thor threatened.
"You can't! There is no stopping it. There is only the war." Loki pointed the sharp staff at his brother, not-brother.
"So be it."
Loki jumped, stabbed the spear straight down. Thor dodged easily, swinging back instantly. Loki's sharp reflexes lifted the scepter in time to block the blow. Swinging the long staff around, he obviously missed Thor, but he swung the spear along his shoulders, pointing the stone at Thor and firing. Somehow Thor deflected the blast with Mjolnir. They traded blow after blow. Damaging the tower that Stark was so fond of. Loki would not lose again to Thor. They fought, stuck in a cycle of delivering and blocking. A squad of Chitauri ships passing by, following the unmistakable trail that belonged to Iron Man.
A stupid jet flew close, ready to fire its gun at him. He wasn't going to let anyone interrupt him! Tossing Thor, he focused fire on the jet. Landing the blast, it crashed who cared where.
While focusing on the jet, Thor gained the upper hand. Using his famous brute strength to try and beat Loki into submission. But he could handle a little pain now. His brother's punches didn't come close to Obsidian.
The loud roar of a whale ship rang in his ears. More troops had just arrived. A lot more troops. But he couldn't focus on that right now, he had to focus on Thor. The spear was caught between them, the blue gem glowing brightly for a reason Loki didn't remember anymore. He tried forcing Thor away but the blonde's strength still seemed to outmatch him.
"Look at this!" Thor ordered. "Look around you!" being so focused on Thor, he… he didn't see how much destruction the Chitiari caused so quickly. "You think this madness will end with your rule?"
He'd lost focus. He lost the battle with the weapon he knew was affecting him. "It's too late." Loki looked Thor in the eye. "It's too late to stop it…" He resigned. His grand plan of giving humanity a fighting chance was blowing up in his face. The hate and rage so easy a path to take. Looking sweeter and sweeter by the second. Why did he think he out of all the people in the universe would be able to give it a way to win.
"No. We can, together." Look at what all his trying had done. Death upon death. Familiar upon familiar. The only absolute was Thanos in the end. Loki would never escape, the scepter would always have its control. A smile flashed on his face. It was full of despair and self-hatred. His body acted on its own. Stabbing the man that he was so confused about.
Thor collapsed to the ground. "Sentiment" The last session he had ever had to go through going to his mind.
"I know you won't believe me. Your… sentiment blinds you from the truth."
Perhaps it was time Loki trusted him fully. A single tear fell down his face, Thor roaring in anger as he lunged back at him. Busting him into a window, lifting him up then slamming him back down. The force rang around in his skull. He looked to the scepter, before only rolling away. Something screamed at him to leave it. Leave it where it lay. It will be better off! Just go!
So he went. Leaving the special weapon Father- no! Thanos gifted- cursed him with. He landed on a Chitiatri speeder, a squad forming behind me that he didn't- no did? Want. His hand just pushed the gun. Firing rays of energy at any and everything in his line of flight.
He was angry, words of truth- there lies! He knows there lies!- echoing in his mind. Thor from the feast to now not adding up either. Thor didn't care! Why was he even here!?
Don't be so stupid! Of course, Thor cares, you felt the lie! Your broken heart just overshadowed your judgment. He wouldn't be here now if he didn't care!
The burning pain returned with a force Loki didn't think it could manage, or that he could deal with any longer.
"This. Is a little resistance?" The Other asked cryptically.
"Your force lakes… finesse!" Loki replayed in annoyance.
"Our warriors are fearless, they welcome a glorious death."
"That may actually be the problem." No! It isn't! The problem is them being here at all!
"Then lead them!" The Other ordered. "King. You wield the scepter. Do you not?"
Loki's eyes widened. "The scepter." The control on those he pressed the gem too… what leads the Chitauri… and what holds him.
Pain retired to his head, not the same burning but more pounding. The fight for control of his own mind makes him hurt. Unfocus on what was going on around him. But like before… his sentiment was losing. The tortured and subserviently trained mind was gaining more footing.
He saw Thor's face. The hate in the cage, and the words he spoke. Those fit perfectly.
And just like that, the pain was gone. An added glow of blue reached his eyes. If Thor wasn't going to believe in him, why should he? Thanos. No. Father already gave him purpose.
The fight was over. And the scepter won.
A loud roar and the death of a whale ship. The hulk having brought it down. Each Avenger had formed a circle, each readying their weapon. Looking like the team Loki had wanted- no. not anymore. That wasn't his goal anymore. Now. He needed to win.
"Send the rest." Knowing the Other heard him, Loki ordered.
The avengers separated, not scattered but organized. Hulk smashing the shoulders on the buildings or anything he sees. Thor near the portal, calling lighting to shoot down those entering the portal. Stark flying the speeders into crashing. Agent Barton skillfully shooting down speeders and climbers. Agent Romanoff and Captain America fighting all foot soldiers they could get their hands on.
Until Romanoff jumped to a speeder. Loki didn't know what they were planning but he didn't like it.
Why didn't they work like this before? When- when he'd. Loki shook his head. He couldn't think about that now. He only needed to focus on winning for Father.
Great. The mortals' military joined. What were they going to do? Loki continued flying around, watching his army fail. He was done. He found Romanoff's stolen ship and followed. Firing and trying to shoot her down by any means necessary.
A sound of something fast and thin came at him. He caught it. An arrow. Really? What would a stupid-
An explosion blew him off the speeder, right into the Stark tower balcony. The hulk jumped to him and slammed him into the interior wall. He got up quickly. Everything running everything.
"Enough! You are, all of you beneath me! I am a god you dull creature. And I will not be bullied by-"
The hulk grabbed his ankle, slamming him back and forth. Effectively bruising every part of him. His head being slammed on the ground countless times. With each hit, he somehow hurt more but his head got less clouded.
He could- again-.
His mem- es cle-r.
The con- ion t- e mind s-ne gone.
Fin-lly f-ee.
The blue dimmed in his eyes. Fading away, relieving the normal green he was known for.
The screen flickered black and blue.
'Loki connection broken. Hold and receival lost. Memory corrupted'
'Suggested: reconnection or termination'
"Turn it off! Now!" Pepper yelled.
Tony jumped to the Tv, taking out the drive before anything happened to it. He stayed there, however, kneeling in front of the Tv. He didn't… he didn't think that's what happened that day.
"He… he tried so hard…" Thor finally spoke. His tone was softer than anyone was used to hearing.
Tony turned around, but sat on the ground, watching the others.
"Clint… you didn't remember him making the fail-safe? Or-" Pepper started.
"The only thing I remembered was being controlled. I don't remember specifics. I suppose… I suppose that's why I hated him so fiercely."
"You said 'hated'." Valkyrie quietly pointed out.
"My brother broke because of me…" Thor said. Guilt heavy in his voice. He held his head. "He lasted so long! He wouldn't betray Asgard! Our parents or me! Till that… that monster destroyed his heart!" Thor wailed. Tony knew the room heard this before. But they just let him. His body shaking as he tried his best to suppress his cries.
"Thor… it's a testament to his love and his strength." Valkyrie tried to comfort. "No torture that thing could create or inflict broke him down. He stayed strong and silent to protect you and Asgard. That says something." She spoke. After everything she had just seen about New York, she knew that statement to be more true then she first thought.
"And because he cried for me, Thanos figured out what to use! He twisted me to break my brother's heart! His heart clouded his mind and that gave him the leverage he'd been after since Loki fell to him!" Thor pained out again. From Loki's perspective, throwing the guilt at him again.
"And what about while New York was happening!" Tony chimed in. "He was steps ahead of us for a while. Using the distance he gained to try and help us. Even when the purple nut shack had control over him. He brought us all together, regretted killing those people, told Selvig to make a fail-safe in the first place! He had to fight through painful meetings and always being listened to while he was under Thanos control, but he still tried. Fought tooth and nail to stay on our side."
Pepper hummed in agreement. "It should show you the power his love for you had. He always doubted what Thanos showed him. Sure, while he was so close to Thanos he followed blindly, but once he was out, the connection starting slipping." She pointed out.
Valkyrie lit up. "The reason Thanos wanted him in the first place is what freed him! His magic! That was a theory of his, and I think his magic had a key part in breaking the control."
Thor looked up, eyes traveling to each person in the room before settling on Tony. "It hurt to see this… but now I can live knowing my brother never wanted to harm Midgard, that he helped us even when fighting his own battles. I thank you, Tony." Thor said sincerely.
"Did you really call your brother cow?" Valkyrie asked out of nowhere.
The room went silent, before erupting in laughter.
"It was the helmet!" Thor defended
"But you still called him cow!" Valkyrie pointed out again, causing more fits of giggles to run through the room.
"At least call him the correct animal." Clint chimed in.
"You don't get to make comments while you're tied to a tree bird brain!" Tony pitched.
Clint glared at him. "Then get me out of this thing!" He said as he tried wiggling out, making each person laugh again. "This isn't funny! I've been here for hours!"
"You're a bird. You should like the tree!" Tony joked.
"Not for almost 2- no 5 hours total!"
"Wait! We've been here for five hours? Where's Loki!?" Pepper yelled not realizing how much time passed watching those god awful videos.
Valkyrie only smirked. "You did say sweets all night. I'm sure he hasn't left the hall yet. Knowing him."
Pepper and Thor laughed a bit, the majority of the room thinking fondly about that.
"I… I won't hurt the kid. Knowing how much he tried to figure out how to free me and all, he wasn't going to hurt me. Or any of us." Clint said. "I'm sorry Thor, for running his birthday or whatever it was you were celebrating."
Thor shook his head. "Don't feel sorry, Barton. None of us knew the truth regarding Loki- past Loki. But I feel at ease knowing. I shouldn't… but I do. Loki never stopped loving our family, his strength carried farther than any, especially under such conditions. He was strong, powerful, and loving. He… he even faced the man who tortured him to save his people. This was hard to watch but it only solidifies how much a hero he really was." Thor looked to the tree. "You may release him now. He poses no threat to Loki."
The tree nodded and lowered Clint. His legs being so numb, he instantly fell.
"Pins and needles!" He yipped and he started running his legs, trying to get blood flow back to them.
Tony couldn't help but laugh, Clint with numb legs was something he never thought he would see.
"It's been almost a whole night-" Valkyrie started.
"It's 5 in the morning." Pepper specified.
"Meaning, we should go get Loki." Valkyrie finished, already walking to the door. "Well. come on."