Part Four: Chapter Forty-One - We are Jotun

Phil Coulson was the best wedding gift Clint could have imagined. The senior agent proved cool under pressure, demanding of excellence, and had the finesse needed to collaborate with Odin and his spymaster, which helped alleviate some of the stress on Clint so he could focus more on the team and their mission.

As promised, Director Fury delivered them a small legion of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s best soldiers with the Avengers included. When Clint went out to the bifrost to meet them, he took Coulson with him for added dramatic effect, trumping the thrill of the space trip with an unexpected reunion.

Thor strode forward, placing his hand on Coulson's shoulder and expressed his great pleasure at seeing him again. Pepper took a moment to recover from the shock and started to cry before rushing to embrace her friend. Then Tony stepped up, his look angry and conflicted. "Stupid spooks and their secrets," he complained, then gave Phil a quick, awkward hug that was as uncomfortably comical as it was touching.

"You must tell us the tale of your triumphant victory over death," Thor insisted once the group had been introduced to Heimdall.

Phil looked unnerved. "That is a story for another time. Right now we have work to do."

Two days later, after another uneventful trip to the Jotunheim, Clint complained to Phil and Rosner, "I think we're going about this wrong. The sentries won't let us near the capital, let alone speak to Queen Farbauti."

"This isn't our call," Coulson said. "We've told the Frost Giants everything we know and what we want."

"They aren't listening," Clint insisted.

"Lack of response doesn't mean they're not listening."

"They don't trust us. We need Montoya."

"Have faith, Agent Barton," Rosner said from the back seat. "Farbauti is no fool."

As they approached the palace, Clint spotted Mike Hopper and Sif walking along the line of various transport and assault vehicles parked at the edge of the palace gardens. It cheered him to see them together.

A large group of people stood around the workstations when Clint, Phil and Rosner entered the command center. Wrapping his arms around Natasha as he peeked over the top of her head, Clint asked, "What are we looking at?"

Skye directed the group's attention to the computer terminals and responded, "We scanned the pages of Loki's spellbook into the computers because it's kind of like his playbook, and we thought it would be good for everyone to know his tricks. Well, not only did we convert all the script into text files, but we made digital copies of the pages themselves." She gestured to the image on the screen. "This page has a weird shadow on it."

"Scanning error?" Maria Hill suggested.

"No," Dr. Fitz said. "We scanned that particular page three times. A similar effect appeared each time."

Skye brought up all three images on the screens, pointing out a faint, grayish blur at the bottom of each page.

"The grimoire is imbued with raw shadow essence," Odin said. "Perhaps it is simply interfering with the machinery."

"If that was true," Tony said, perking up from his own terminal beside them, "all or most of the scanned images would be distorted."

"Where's the book?" Clint said, not seeing it anywhere.

"Bruce and Jane have it in the workshop taking readings," Tony said. "We're trying to set the detection device to Bad Loki's distinct signature."

Natasha asked, "How are you doing that exactly?"

"We took samples of those marks left on the floor from the dark fiends. Also, Dr. Simmons pulled some DNA off the arrow that Bad Loki broke and matched it with Loki's medical file and the skin traces Dr. Lloyd collected from under Brandon Shale's fingernails."

Fitz said, jumping in, "We're interfacing the magic detection device to the new security sensors. Essentially, if Bad Loki dares show up again, the system will activate specialized force fields around him."

Clint clarified, "He'll be trapped."

"Yes and no. He won't be able to move through the force fields, but we can't stop him from leaving."

"So, the detection device is here?"

Tony nodded. "One of them is here. We have three now—this one, another on the helicarrier and the third at Stark Tower."

Clint was astounded. "You've been busy."

"Cami's insights helped a lot and Fury pulled together an impressive crew of engineers to assist us. Now if we can just finish programming and installing them."

The group followed as Tony headed across the hall past the posted guards and into the workshop where Thor watched Jane and Bruce tinker with a tall, yet compact machine with blinking readouts, touch-screen interfaces and surprisingly few cables running to and from it.

Hill asked, "How long until it's ready?"

JARVIS's precise response was, "At the current rate, this device will be operational in two hours twenty-five minutes."

Tony pulled the shadow grimoire out of the scanner beside Jane and walked it over to them.

Noting an encouraging look from Odin, Clint reached out and took the spellbook, placing it on the worktable in front of him. He flipped through the pages as people crowded around. He found the page in question, which described the self-duplication spell. Clint activated his magic and blinked through the resulting pressure in his head. When his vision cleared and settled on the grimoire, he saw in large script at the bottom of the right-side page four simple words: Remember the master's rule.

Clint read the words aloud to the group.

"The Rules," Rosner said with worry. "There are so many."

Odin nodded distractedly. "As far as I recall, no one has ever collected them all in one place. We'll have to search."

"What are the Rules?" Clint asked.

"Exactly what you might think. There are rules to the workings of life, death, magic, science, knowledge… every aspect of creation and destruction. For instance, when Loki invoked the undoing of the shadow serpent, the Destroyer's Rule went into effect."

"To bring about the end of another is to lose part of yourself," Thor quoted. "That is the Destroyer's Rule."

"I do not know the Master's Rule," Odin confessed, "but if it's noted on that spell and obscured by powerful shadow magic, we must assume Loki's double does not want us to discover its meaning."

"Then we must search it out," Rosner said. "Can I have access to Loki's library?"

Odin agreed, admitting that he and the queen hadn't had as much time to look through Loki's books as they'd hoped.

"We can help," Hill said.

The group returned to the command center in time to intercept a call from Heimdall over the team line. "I regret to report that the hunters' village on the outskirts of the Jotunheim is no more."

Clint asked, "What do you mean 'no more'?"

"There appears to have been a large explosion. Nothing stands or stirs within the village boundaries."

Rosner asked with care, "Could Midgardian weaponry have played a part in this tragedy?"

"Bad Loki has Marcus Rodriguez," Natasha said, "and explosives are his specialty."

Clint insisted, "We should have Dr. Montoya explain our side to the Jotun before Queen Farbauti finds out first."

Rosner drew Odin away for a private deliberation. The king gave a slow and pensive nod and ordered the guards to fetch the psychologist from the dungeons.

Coulson sent his techs across the hall to assist Dr. Foster when Montoya arrived so Thor, Bruce and Tony could be present. Drawing over two chairs, Coulson offered the nervous Montoya one then sat so they were facing each other at the center of the collective.

"We've been colleagues for almost ten years," he said to her. "I never would have guessed you weren't who you claimed."

"I've lived on Midgard for over a thousand years," the doctor told them. "I learned to blend in."

Hill picked up a tablet from the workstation beside her. "Your file says you were abandoned on the streets of Mexico City at the age of five."

"Every fifty to sixty years, I start over with a new identity in a new location. I've had plenty of time to travel your realm, learn your cultures and position myself where I wanted."

"You've been spying on us," Hill accused.

Phil added more delicately, "That sort of thing can be hard to forgive."

"Spying for whom?" Montoya asked. "I took refuge in the agency, hopeful that I would find a way home some day. What would Frost Giants do with intelligence reports or classified codes? The Jotun would never attempt an attack on a technologically-advanced Midgard."

Mindful of the casual tone Coulson was trying to establish with her, Clint approached and crouched down beside them. "The hunters' village has been destroyed in an explosion. We assume Bad Loki did it."

She nodded, continuing to look perplexed.

Clint said, "I know you're not a bad person. In my vision, Farbauti asked you to take her baby to Midgard to save him from being killed."

Montoya studied Clint's features, fending off emotion. "Yes, but I failed her."

"Tell us," Thor prompted.

"We were at war with Asgard. The first of Odin's men had reached the temple when I arrived with the baby. They chased me as I ran to the portal. I suffered a head wound and fell. Only when I awoke in Midgard did I find that the baby wasn't with me."

"You dropped him," Odin muttered, his gaze low and staring off into memory.

Montoya countered just as softly, "And you took him."

Hill stepped up behind Coulson's chair. "You're talking about Loki, right?"

Clint noticed Rosner's surprise.

"Is this true?" the Royal Inquisitor asked. "Loki is Farbauti's son?"

"Yes," Odin said.

Rosner's brow furrowed and his tone hardened. "You never entrusted this important information to me, and yet, these agents of Midgard appear to know the story."

"What difference would it have made?" Odin asked.

Thor said in a sad, telling tone, "If anyone deserved to know, it was Loki."

After a respectful silence, Montoya stood to address Odin. "The team will need safe passage into the Jotunheim. Let me speak to Farbauti."

The king stepped closer. "I assume you will not return once you have reunited with your sister."

"There is no reason to return if only a prison cell awaits me."

Odin looked to Maria. "Should I release her, Commander Hill? Her knowledge is more dangerous to S.H.I.E.L.D. and Earth than Asgard."

Hill took the time to shift her gaze between the Avengers, offering them each an opportunity to voice their opinion. Bruce put it best when he said, "She's really only guilty of hiding her identity. Under similar circumstances, I'm sure most of us would have done the same."

"I want to go home," Montoya admitted, "but I won't put the lives of these people at risk to do it."

With some consideration, Hill said, "Let her go."

There was a delay while some clothes were found to accommodate Montoya's Jotun form. Then Rosner was sidetracked with some inquisitor business and asked that his daughters be allowed to go in his place. So, finally a small group headed out, leaving the SUV outside the bifrost and Montoya waiting until the last moment to change her appearance and attire.

This time when they landed at the bifrost site outside the Frost Giant capital, the guards were visibly shaken to see a Jotun. Montoya/Ashaunti told them who she was and requested an audience with Queen Farbauti. One of the guards hurried away and returned within a half hour to escort them.

Clint used his magical sight to scan their surroundings as they moved through the cold, desolate landscape and into the elaborate caverns these Jotun had carved out of the cliffs and mountains. He took particular interest in the decorative stonework as they entered the throne chamber.

Seeing her now for the second time, Clint decided that Queen Farbauti was quite stunning for a Jotun. Her thick, black hair hung easily to her waist and was adorned with long chains of polished rocks and gemstones. She wore a dress of dark gray fur and black hides, but no footwear.

The guards flanking the throne gripped large clubs of rock and ice and fidgeted uneasily as the queen stood and moved forward to get a closer look at the group and the charm necklaces they wore.

Ashaunti bowed. So, everyone followed her example.

"You do have the look of my sister," Farbauti said, reaching out to touch the side of her face.

"I have no secrets from you."

The queen's expression brightened. "I will speak with my sister alone," she said and ushered Ashaunti away before any of them could get a word in edgewise.

It was at least two hours, likely longer, before the sisters returned. "Clint Barton, approach," Farbauti commanded as she retook her throne.

Clint moved closer, stopping at the midway point.

"You attacked one of my settlements."

Clint wished that Coulson or Diani was handling this. Trying to keep sincere and dignified, Clint said, "We rescued our man and left. This new attack wasn't our doing."

"I have the gift to read minds, Clint Barton. Did my sister tell you?"

"No, I didn't know that."

"Does that concern you?"

Mindful of the many secrets S.H.I.E.L.D. had entrusted him with over the years, he answered, "A little bit."

"Ashaunti tells me that you are a seer, and…" her tone softened, "a friend of my son."

"Yes."

"Will you submit to my examination?"

Clint turned to look at his companions.

"Queen Farbauti," Coulson said with respect, "Agent Barton possesses knowledge that is important to the safety of our people."

"Do you fear for him or the knowledge he holds?"

"Both. He is a friend."

Ashaunti leaned close to the queen, whispering in her ear.

"You wish permission to pursue this Bad Loki in my kingdom," the queen said. "That will not be granted unless I am allowed to view these visions you've had, Clint Barton."

Clint wasn't a big talker. Her ultimatum gave him just the excuse he needed to take action. Coulson called out with caution and the Jotun guards lifted their clubs as Clint approached Farbauti.

"We need your help to stop Bad Loki's plans," he said. "Go ahead. Read my mind."

Clint had been shivering since they arrived in the Jotunheim. When the queen slipped off the stone throne to sit on the floor beside him, a more intense cold radiated from her that bit at his face and made him flinch.

She said in a smooth, apologetic tone, "I forget how delicate some races are to our chill. I will warm my touch." There was a noticeable change in the severity of the cold around them when she reached out and rested the heel of her large palm against Clint's forehead. The sensation was comparable to applying ice to an injury. "Show me the visions," she prompted.

The explosion at Odin's palace. Clint and his dad at the hospital. Cami in Niflheim. Clint, Natasha and their son. Farbauti's plea to Ashaunti. Bad Loki's prison. And finally Cami and Edie. Clint remembered it all with astounding clarity, passing from one scene to the next with an ease similar to switching channels on a television.

"Few can see so much," Farbauti said, pulling back her hand. "Are you sure you will be able to give up this power?"

Clint clenched his jaws, taking time to choose his words. "I have to. The power hurts me, and I made a promise."

She assessed him and his companions with intuitive eyes that, though they were deep red in color, still made Clint think of Loki. Rising from the floor to retake her throne, Farbauti called for a messenger. To him, she said, "We have a traitor to the realms hiding in our kingdom and scheming against us. Make it known to all our people that the forces of Asgard and Midgard are coming to rid the Jotunheim of this menace. There is to be no quarreling with them."

"As you command, my queen," the messenger said, bowing deeply, but looking troubled as he departed.

"You have our utmost respect and appreciation, your majesty," Diani said. "May we take our leave to deliver this news to the All-Father?"

"You may go." She gestured to Clint. "This one will stay."

"Why?" Clint asked, speaking loud and fast enough to interrupt his group's objections.

"I know where his dungeon is," Farbauti said. "He dares to hold Jotun children in the bowels of my own city, directly under our feet near the same cavern where you saw me and my sister in your vision."

"Let us help," Mitzi said, speaking for the first time since they'd arrived.

"No more may enter the capital without my permission," Farbauti insisted. "I wish Clint Barton to join my warriors in this task. He will watch for the traitor and his tricks."

"We cannot leave you here alone," Mitzi told Clint.

Diani concurred. "Odin and our father will be vexed."

"And Lady Natasha," Mitzi added.

"I'll return to Asgard," Coulson decided, "to let everyone know what is happening."

Mitzi implored Farbauti, "Diani and I wish to accompany in the rescue." She slipped her longsword from its sheath at her side, holding it out so the queen could see the black, archaic designs etched into the polished metal. "Bad Loki is a creation of shadow magic and should be susceptible to damage from our specter blades."

Farbauti looked impressed. "You are descendants of the Wraith Hunters. Very well. I accept your help."

Cami's dreams were strange, disjointed integrations of too many different ideas, sounds and images. She had the distinct feeling that the complicated weaving was more outside her influence than normal. So, when she managed to awaken and realized that her mind wasn't clearing as expected, she had no choice but to take some deep breaths and start sorting through it all.

Television programs, cell phone conversations, radio broadcasts, satellite imagery, security cameras, the Global Positioning System—the range of input brushing up against her brain strained and confused her thought processes. Her mind felt over stimulated and Cami feared what would happen if she couldn't switch it off.

Cami slipped into the bathroom to take some painkillers. Then she left the bedroom, making her way downstairs to find Loki standing at the front room window in the dark, looking out at the world beyond the glass. Cami suspected he mulled over something profound and wondered how long he'd make her wait to reveal it. He turned his head to acknowledge her presence as she sidled up to wrap her arms around him.

"He will follow me," Loki said, as if she should instinctively understand his ponderings.

"Bad Loki?" she guessed.

He nodded. "No matter where I go."

With a low wince, Cami pressed her forehead against his chest. "I can't take this," she said. "My magic won't behave."

He kissed the top of her head. "We should leave."

Cami rubbed at her temples, releasing a disappointed sigh as she thought of the Murphys and the circumstances surrounding the brief visit. "Yeah, I guess."

The couple returned to their room to change, not talking about a plan or anything else. They heard when Joyce and Bobbie stirred in their room and got up. Cami opened her door, stepping back in silent invitation for them to enter.

"Taking off?" Bobbie asked, walking in behind Joyce and filling the doorway with his large frame.

Cami couldn't meet their sad, questioning gazes. "It's complicated."

"We're grateful for everything," Loki said with keen politeness, "and it was nice to meet you both."

When Joyce pulled her into a tight, lasting embrace, Cami's emotions got the better of her. "Don't be mad at me, okay?"

Joyce's voice muddled with emotion too. "Of course not. Do what you have to do. We'll be here, honey." She then handed Cami off to Bobbie and went to Loki, who curbed his own discomfort to allow a quick hug.

"You need a few bags so you can pack some things?" Bobbie asked.

"We're going back to S.H.I.E.L.D.," Loki said. "We'll be fine."

Cami broke out of Bobbie's hug to wipe at her face. "We should call in then," she said to Loki. "You happen to know the number?"

When Loki said that he did, Bobbie rushed to retrieve his cell phone and brought it to him.

Cami sat on the bed, staring at the floor and wringing her hands while Loki made the call. Joyce settled beside Cami to fluff her hair and straighten her outfit as if making her presentable for an important meeting. Cami almost mentioned that S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't care about her appearance, but didn't because Joyce meant well.

"This is Trainee Thomas Murphy," Loki informed the agency operator. "My new authentication code is eight, bravo, one, romeo, two. I'm requesting extraction for myself and Trainee Barton from nine fifty-seven Eagle Ridge Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa."

Cami heard the operator's response amid the other noises in her head. "Your code is verified," the woman said. "Is this a secure line, Trainee Murphy?"

"No."

"State the priority level of your request."

"Four with high probability of escalation."

"Noted. Please hold."

Loki stepped close to caress Cami's cheek. "Stop biting your lip," he requested, his tone soft.

Cami hadn't realized she was doing that. She rubbed at the soreness there, feeling the indents from her teeth.

"You look so tired," Joyce said to her.

Between her tears, worry and the continuous strain to manage her magic, Cami felt sapped.

"If this is going to take a while," Bobbie said, "I'll start a pot of coffee."

They went downstairs, once again gathering around the kitchen table, but Loki paced with the phone.

In time, Director Fury came on the line. "We've requested that Cedar Falls P.D. transport you to the regional airport in Waterloo. We're still working on what happens after that, and your police escort is ten minutes out."

Loki stepped clear of the kitchen, speaking low. "I'd like to get moving, Sir. Is there somewhere we can meet them?"

"Just hold tight. We'll get you to a secure facility as soon as we can."

"I don't believe any location is going to be secure enough. We should rejoin the team."

"Understood. I'll inform your family." After a brief pause, Nick asked, "How is Cami?"

Cami shook her head as Loki turned back to look at her, his eyes questioning. "She's managing—for now."

"Catch your ride. We'll work through the details and be in touch."

Loki had just hung up and handed the phone back to Bobbie when the doorbell rang.

"That was fast," Cami said.

The group moved to the front room where Joyce opened the door to reveal Dalton Peck dressed in black attire and aiming a handgun. "Move back," he ordered the stunned and paling Joyce before pushing into the house.

Cami grabbed Joyce, pulling her behind her. About the same moment, Loki sidestepped in front of Bobbie.

The burn in Cami's chest intensified. She focused on the energy, trying to keep it contained. She considered the option of unleashing it and hope for an effect that would work to their advantage, but decided not to take the chance with the others so close to her.

"What is this?" Bobbie asked. His tone hardened. "How dare you!"

Loki silenced him with a stare and cautious shake of his head.

A figure stood on the dark porch behind Dalton. As the man moved to enter, Cami recognized the balding head, round features and thin, wire glasses of Arlo Vahdati, manager of the Vermilion Blaze and business associate of Victor Drago. He wore a satisfied smile as he took in the group, but settled his gaze on Loki.

"So, now you're British, Mr. Lukin?"

Loki offered him a coy, yet temporary smile. "I didn't recognize your security man before."

"Our options were limited. Truthfully, I didn't expect surveillance on the Murphys to pan out, but we've caught you both."

"To what end?"

It impressed Cami that Loki seemed so calm. Both she and Joyce were trembling.

Vahdati narrowed his eyes and stroked his chin, showing the ugly purple scar Loki had given him on his right hand. "I haven't decided."

Through the open door, Cami saw lights then a dark, unmarked van pull in front of the house.

Dalton noted the arrival and asked, "Are we taking all of them?"

"We have no further use for the parents."

Dalton's gun was pointed at Cami. "Sorry Joyce," he said, and then ordered Cami to move.

"I suggest you point that my way instead." A sudden sweep of ice-blue covered Loki's features. The room filled with a fierce chill as he leveled his intense blood-red eyes on the men, grinning wide.

"My God!" Vahdati cried out and stumbled back.

Loki lunged at Dalton before he could turn his body, tackling the broad man to the floor.

Cami knew what Loki wanted her to do. "Run!" she ordered, herding the terrified Joyce and Bobbie toward the short hall into the kitchen.

Dalton fought with a vengeance as they wrestled for the gun, proving that he was very strong and agile and prompting Loki to not hold back. He blocked an attempted punch, delivered one of his own then got a good grip on Dalton's wrists. He let his body temperature plummet, causing immediate and severe cold damage to the flesh. Dalton howled in pain and panic as ice formed over the blackened, dying skin.

Vahdati screamed, "Shoot him!" to his men as he ran from the porch toward the van.

Loki snatched the gun from Dalton's loosening grip and rolled away from him to avoid gunfire that flew through the open doorway. The large, front window shattered, showering glass on him as he flattened out on the carpet.

Hel will watch over me, he tried to reassure himself.

Mixed in with the loud bangs and destruction were distant sirens and, to his surprise, a rumble of thunder. When the men stopped firing to reload, Loki scurried to the corner, sitting with his back to the wall so he could cover the front door. He eyed the still and silent Dalton as his heart pounded and potent adrenaline coursed through his system.

Moments later, shouts, more gunfire and loud crashes and crunching of metal arose from the front yard and street. This unseen carnage lasted less than a minute then a new, larger form stepped into the house, clad in dark blue and silver armor and a long red cape.

Loki felt quick anger and embarrassment as Thor moved forward to ask if he was injured. "No, I'm fine." He lowered the gun, shifting back to his Human form and begrudgingly accepted Thor's assistance in standing.

Cami rushed in from the kitchen, sharing a quick hug with Thor before easing into Loki's offered embrace. She admitted while holding him tight, "I was so scared for you."

She was soon followed by the Murphys, who were shocked at the sight of their living room. "What…?" Bobbie started to ask, but quieted when his gaze fell on Dalton's body.

The police arrived with bright, flashing lights and blaring sirens.

"I'll handle them," Cami said, dialing the phone as she headed out to meet the officers.

"Thomas, what happened to you?" Joyce asked.

Loki turned toward the wall, shamefully avoiding their stares. He could only guess at the dreadful thoughts Joyce and Bobbie must be having about him and couldn't quite decipher his own, turbulent emotions. "That thing is what I am—a monster." He nearly choked on the admission, feeling an excruciating stab of self-hatred.

Thor's hand rested on his shoulder. "He is a Jotun," he explained. "Born in a land of ice and rock. Magic allows him to take on a Human form."

Joyce considered this information with wet and compassionate eyes. She took Loki's free hand in her own, waiting for him to meet her gaze before thanking him and Thor for saving their lives.

"We brought this trouble to your door," Loki said. He took in the room with rising guilt. "All this damage…"

The uncertainty dissolved from Bobbie's features. "Don't worry about that. Fixing stuff is what I do."

Having calmed some with the Murphys' acceptance, Loki attempted to recover by joking, "You probably recognize this imposing brute. This is Thor."

"You raised Cami," Thor acknowledged with admiration, shifting Mjolnir to shake hands. "She means a great deal to our family as well."

Bobbie indicated Loki, but asked Thor, "He's your adopted brother, isn't he?"

Thor said, "Yes. He is my brother, even when he doesn't want to be."

Tired of being literally cornered by them, Loki dropped Dalton's gun and slipped past Thor to meet up with Cami and a female officer in the doorway.

"She needs a statement from you both before we can go," Cami told the brothers. "S.H.I.E.L.D. will handle the rest."

It took about an hour to answer enough questions to satisfy the police. Dalton proved to be the only fatality and was shot by his own people. Thor had been careful while knocking out the other men, though the van took considerable damage.

There was another round of handshakes and farewell hugs and some promises made before the Murphys left with their police escort to spend a few days at a safe house. Thor, Loki and Cami traveled north to a bifrost site across the Canadian border in Manitoba and then on to Asgard.