Chapter 5: Surprises
"We do not require sustenance my Friend." Thor said as he and Loki was lead into one of the many, many rooms in Stark Tower.
Tony had just finished giving the gods the routine tour of tower, well, a tour of the places they were allowed to go anyway.
"You may not, but I do. And I was raised that when one has guests one does not only feed thou owns face." Tony replied sarcastically waving his hand to the dining table signally the gods to sit. They obliged, squishing themselves into the leather chairs which they found were much less accommodating than those of Asgard. Thor's armour did not interact with the furniture well at all and Loki's own leather made all the wrong noises with the seat when he moved.
Tony left the room to the adjourning kitchen area where Pepper was preparing a meal she hoped would be to their visitors tastes. Bruce had decided that it would be best if he wasn't around Loki unless he needed to be - for safety's sake considering past events lest he be a pawn again in any of Loki's secret schemes, if he had one.
"Almost done? Anything I can do?" Tony asked his assistant turned business partner turned lover. Initially, Tony had demanded Pepper take a vacation away from Stark Tower after the arrival of the Norse gods - for her own safety. All expenses paidwas his attempted bribery. Pepper did not agree and that was basically the end of that argument. JARVIS had informed her of the situation and Loki's inability to harm others, so she decided she would stay and see this through with Tony.
Pepper smiled warmly. "Almost. You can take the bread in if you want. I'll just bring it in when it's done."
Pepper could see through Tony's facade at trying to avoid their guests by offering to help.
Tony nodded, grabbing the basket of sliced bread and giving Pepper a peck on the cheek before shuffling off to the dining room, reluctantly. Thor and Loki had been whispering to each other during Tony's absence, ceasing immediately when they saw him approaching. Tony suspected by Thor's smile and Loki's crunched up nose that whatever they were discussing, it was not to Loki's liking.
Taking a seat across from his godly guests, Tony was about to learn what had made Loki so disgruntled. Not that he wasn't curious, he just didn't care since it was Loki.
"Gracious host Anthony Stark, may I please be honoured with a slice of bread to which you have bought to this table." Loki sneered eyeing Thor through slits as he spoke to Tony.
Tony turned his nose up at the god. "What the hell are you on?"
Loki sneered, "Just behaving in a manner fit as a guest in the house of Stark. Ironic since the permanent resident of this house conducts himself most of the time in a drunken stupor disgracing himself and those around him. "
"Enough Loki." Thor ordered which garnered a direct look from Loki so he could stare defiantly at his brother. Tony took advantage of Loki's blind spot and hurled a piece of bread at the raven haired god's head. The slice bounced off leaving crumbs in Loki's hair. Angry green eyes redirected glaring at Tony dangerously.
"Bon appetite jackass." Tony spat. Loki had had enough and rose to his feet; his chair squealing against the floor tiles. Turning to leave Thor rose to his feet grabbing his brother's shoulder.
"Loki sit!" the thunder god commanded. Loki tried to resist, but Thor being the stronger of the two forced him back into his seat. The elder joined his brother at the table when it was clear Loki wasn't going to resist; instead he decided to pout and stare absently scrunching his face in disgust at being forced to remain at the table against his will.
The whole scene was starting to becoming awkwardly surreal to Tony. Wasn't it just a few months back it took the mightiest of Earth to stop this powerful manic from conquering Earth? Now he was being castrated like a child attempting to throw a tantrum. This was becoming way too ridiculous for Tony to stomach. Where was Pepper with the damn food?
"Evening everyone." Pepper quirked as Tony breathed a sigh of relief. She must be a mind reading angel from heaven.
Bringing in a large round plate bearing a roasted chicken dinner with all the trimmings she placed the feast in the middle of the table and took a seat next to Tony. Thor immediately thanked Pepper and served himself as well as Loki; Loki remaining silent and stubborn not acknowledging his food or the people around him.
Thor ate like he always did, like he was racing to the finish line. Tony and Pepper ate casually, the silence being broken by Pepper striking communication with Thor during the meal; filler chit chat about life on Asgard. Loki picked at his food, barely touching it.
Only five minutes had lapsed when Thor had finished and once Loki noticed his brother had had his full, snapped to his feet and bowed to his hosts declaring, "Many thanks for your offerings but we must retire to rest." Thankfully Thor did not protest and rose to join his brother in thanks before both walked to return to their room.
Pepper and Tony who still had not finished their meals eyed each other in silence. "Interesting," Pepper uttered. Tony just shook his head in disbelief. Why does weird shit always have to happen to him?
Tony couldn't sleep. How could he when a mass murderer was bunking in his place? Instead he confined himself to one of his various labs in the Tower, busying himself with repairing and tinkering his Iron Man suit.
Every hour or so, he would pull himself away from his contraptions and ask JARVIS, "Where are they now?"
Having being asked about seven times already, JARVIS simply answered, "Still in their quarters Sir."
Relieved, Tony took another swig of his scotch.
It was about five in the morning when Tony felt his phone vibrating in his back pocket. He knew it was a message and not a phone call, since the phone stopped moving by the time he had pulled it out to take a look.
Seeing the sender as 'Ice-Cap', he eagerly read the message.
Fury wnts u, Thor n Loki SHIELD Central 10am
Tony snorted. Steve had picked up bad texting grammar way too quickly.
Do I have anythin to worry about? Tony replied.
After a minute the phone buzzed.
He said he would arrange the council so Loki culd get the fuck off earth - His words
Tony's mouth curved at the side.
Ok
Putting his phone down on the work bench Tony had not expected the phone to vibrate once more.
And Tony, don't be late
Two hours of distracting himself later, Tony thought it was time to emerge from his hole and inform the others of the arrangements. He was uncharacteristically nervous. Something just seemed off.
First order of business was to call Bruce. He had no idea where jolly green was lodging, but just in case it was outside the main districts of New York, he should give him the heads up if the travel to SHIELD's New York Central headquarters was a trek.
Then Pepper. Who, again against his preference, requested being present. Tony rolled his eyes at her saying it was most likely, considering national security and all, she wouldn't even be granted clearance. She shrugged, "Cross that bridge if we come to it."
Then the odd couple. Tony knocked on the door to their room a little too loudly than he wanted. He was met by a "You may enter" and the sight of Thor and Loki sitting in distant and separate couches slouching back into the cushion in silence. Tony wondered if they just sat in silence the whole night eyeing each other.
"Good morning Anthony Stark" Thor greeted. Loki directed his eyes to the floor. Tony could really care less if Loki was being a rude asshole as he explained to Thor the plan for the day.
"Director Pirat..." Tony caught himself, "Fury, has arranged for the council to hear your brother's apology."
Thor welcomed the intel with a deep smile, "Good news!" he cheered rising to his feet.
Loki just kept a blank face while Tony continued, glancing at his watch, "We have to be there 10am sharp. So if we leave at 9.30 that means we have about 2 hours to get ready? That suitable for you?"
"Yes," Thor answered, "We are ready now if need be."
Tony turned his nose up slightly at the thought that Thor was ready now, since neither of the gods looked as if they had showered. Did one even shower on Asgard? Wait did gods even sweat? He was sure he had seen them sweat. Maybe gods sweat rainbows?
"No need to arrive early," Tony replied, "10am is booked in and it's much more comfortable waiting around here than at SHIELD."
"So we are to go to SHIELD then?" Loki finally joined in, looking up with a curious expression and a dark smirk. The way Loki stared learning forward, head bowed and eyes glaring up, it made Tony feel uncomfortable.
Does an ant have a quarrel with a boot?
"Problem with that Sabrina?"
Loki snorted. He didn't know the denotation of the reference, but it was obviously a dig at him none the less and he wouldn't dignify it by requesting an explanation.
"None." Loki replied crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair.
"Good. Meet in the living room in an hour then?" And before Tony could hear an agreement, he practically bolted out of the room and down the hallway. Less time with Loki the better. Then it occurred to Tony his avoidance strategy was about to reach a major speed bump. Pulling out his phone he selected a quick contact on his contact list.
"Happy, I'm gonna need the big limo today." Perfect. Small quarters with Loki.
A shower, toast and coffee on the run (Thor helping himself to three cups before leaving the kitchen - and did Tony see him almost smash a cup to the ground before catching himself and politely asking Pepper for another?) and the four of them shuffled into the generously sized limousine headed for SHIELD Central.
Tony and Pepper sat side by side in the back, Thor and Loki took the side seats facing the door. Loki sat the furthest away, his choice, but Tony preferred it that way.
If they noticed, no one made a comment about the metal suitcase Tony was carrying which sat on the floor next to him.
Pepper again was the only one game enough to talk, trying to ease the tension with conversation. Thor obliged her with the details of the transport in Asgard, horses mostly. Some having the ability to teleport themselves to various places. Tony let his eyes dart across to Loki at that, watching him. Loki kept his gaze forward, looking intensely through the dark tinted windows. Tony knew Loki must of felt his eyes piercing him, but the god didn't respond.
It was ten minutes to ten when they arrived at SHIELD Central. Stepping out of the car first, briefcase in hand, Tony noticed Bruce waiting outside at the corner of the building. Considering past events, Tony was not surprised that he had no amount trust for any government agency, even SHIELD, to enter the building alone.
Tony gave Bruce a welcoming nod and he wandered over to join the four of them. Tony was so used to the design of Stark Tower, wall to wall glass floors, it seemed peculiar to observe a building that had the bare minimum of windows. The bottom floor had no windows at all. It was so obvious that those inside had something to hide.
Making their way across to the street-front glass revolving doors, Tony let Loki and Thor enter first. Not that he didn't trust Thor, only Loki, and Thor seemed adamant to not leave his brother's side. He held back a scoff as Thor hesitantly entered, his armour upon his shoulders finding it uncomfortable to be in the confined space.
Like any other government building, the foyer of SHIELD was artificial, plain and boring. White tiled floors and large white pillars to the front of the building, in the centre a long counter with a two receptionists in plain black clothing, a multitude of corridors in the distance behind them leading to the elevators after passing through the metal detectors. Couple of armed guards at the detectors, but nothing too intimidating.
The artificial air and lighting did little to aid the decor.
It did seem oddly quiet though.
Approaching the reception, Tony hoped that he would not have to explain why two in his company were dressed like they just came from a medieval theatre show.
Giving the two female receptionists a subtle wink, mentally slapping himself after when he remembered Pepper was behind his, he greeted, "Morning" casually putting his briefcase on the floor.
"Morning Mr Stark." One replied removing her eyes from the computer screen in front of her. Of course they knew him, he was Tony Stark. Who didn't know Tony Stark.
Before Tony could utter the words on his lips, "We have an appointment with the Director" the foyer was flooded with a swarm of armed forces clothed in dark blue fitted uniforms. They emerged from outside the building covering the only door out and from around the back corridors in a single file, some even emerged from behind the pillars.
Behind him Tony could see a circle closing in around Thor, Loki, Bruce and Pepper. Thor had already brought Mjölnir to the air ready to strike in defence; Loki was glaring dangerously at everyone surrounding them; Bruce looked petrified and Pepper just stayed still in shock.
"What is this!" Tony yelled at no one in particular.
"Calm down Stark." Finally a familiar face as Nick Fury entered the room from behind his team arriving from the corridors. It was then Tony had noticed that that team consisted of SHIELD agents, Steve, Natasha and Clint. Strangely, Steve was the only one in casual clothing.
Tony was peeved. He hated being blindsided, even if it was not directed at him.
"What are you doing Fury?" Tony accused.
"What you should have done Stark." He replied coldly. "Taking the war criminal into custody."
Loki stiffened. Thor backed up closer to his brother, standing back to back with him.
"I will not allow this." Thor declared, looking confused and offended, but mostly defiant.
Pepper definitely knew she was not standing in the right place, so she slowly started to motion away towards Tony.
Loki could feel her movements and reacted instantly to seize the woman's wrist. Yelping in shock, multiple clicks rang out around the foyer as the armed agents pointed all their guns steadily at Loki. Even Clint now took an arrow from his quiver and was pointing it at Loki.
Panic and the taste of bile rose in Tony's throat.
"You dare threaten me and my kin!" Thor bellowed. The action made the group around the god flinch backwards keeping a few metres between themselves and Thor, more accurately, Thor's hammer.
Tony was now ignoring Fury and easing towards the gods surrounded in the centre of the foyer, "Thor tell Loki to let Pepper go."
"Not before you explain this treachery!" Thor yelled.
Tony had had enough. Moving to his briefcase he pressed a few buttons near the handle. Instantly, the metal started twisting and turning and Tony moved to stand before it. The parts lifted and twisted around his body until Tony Stark was now the gold and red armoured Iron Man.
Raising his hands to Thor, a bright light intensifying its glow in his palm, Tony threatened, "Don't make me do it buddy."
Thor never took well to threats. Bellowing a war cry he charged at Iron Man, swinging his hammer violently, missing his target by inches as the metal Avenger leaped backwards out of the path of the weapon. Iron Man retaliated by shooting a blast from his hand at Thor, which impacted his chest, the shot seeming to only infuriate the god further.
Nick Fury ordered his team to stand back, wary that one of them may get caught in the crossfire of Iron Man's blasts or Thor's hammer.
As much as Bruce wanted to help Pepper, he started to feel a rising force inside his stomach and chest. He knew was what coming. He feared what might happen in this enclosed space to everyone around him. He had to get out of there so he ran forward rushing into the group of SHIELD in front of him who were diverting all their attention to the fight, past Fury, past Steve who looked naked without his shield, and around the bend of one of the corridors.
The two Avengers fought throughout the foyer, crashing into the walls and floors, chips of cement and glazed tiles flinging everywhere. Neither was getting the upper hand. Iron Man took a few hits, Thor fairing no better. Clint and Steve focused their attentions on the fight, trying to coax the two to stop.
At one point Steve had gripped Thor's arm after he had thrown Iron Man across the room, the god just tossed him aside like a rag doll. Taking advantage of the distraction Iron Man propelled himself into Thor, both skimming bonded together across the floor cracking the tiles beneath them as they went.
Loki was still in the centre of the room clutching onto Pepper. Behind him, several of the SHIELD soldiers blocked the exit, their guns still aimed at Loki. None of them moved to apprehend him, fearing any repercussions to his hostage. If they knew Loki had been rendered unable to harm humans, they obviously did not believe it.
Natasha saw an opportunity to make her way from the corridors across the foyer to Loki, guns drawn in her haste.
"Let her go Loki!" She ordered, every ounce of threat of what she wouldn't hesitate to do in her voice.
"Hello again Agent Romanoff" Loki mocked. Natasha only glared deeper at him, clicking her handguns simultaneously.
While a gunshot wound would hardly be fatal, it was immensely painful, even for an Aesir. Loki looked to see Thor still engrossed in swinging and bellowing at Iron Man, behind him SHIELD soldiers began to close in on his position. He really did not want to play his hand, but it seemed he had little choice. Unlike his last capture at the hands of SHIELD, this time he did want to be in their custody.
Natasha's eyes widen at what was rapidly transpiring before her. The white pale skin of Loki was starting to turn blue, like a dye was spreading throughout his skin. She could see curves and grooves appearing in patterns across his face and his eyes had now turned a bloodshot red.
Gripping Pepper tightly, who was now screaming at the monster holding her, he rose his free hand and heaved it forward. An invisible force burst out from Loki's palm, knocking the redhead backwards into the air and hurtling her metres across the foyer into the far wall. Loki then turned and dealt the same blow to the assailants behind him, two being thrown through and shattering the frame and glass of the revolving door, the others crashing ungracefully into the stone walls and falling motionless to the ground.
Everything suddenly stopped. The sound of metal and cement clashing violently had ceased. All eyes were now drawn to the blue creature wearing Loki's clothes.
Loki scowled at everyone staring at him and began stepping backwards towards the exit, Pepper in hand.
Thor was no longer interested in his feud with Iron Man.
"Loki!" Thor bellowed, but Loki did heed him.
Tony suddenly realised that he was holding his breath as his lungs screamed at him for release. Regaining his composure, his thrusters powered beneath his feet and he directed himself at Loki to attack. Clint, Thor, Fury and several other SHIELD members aimed themselves at Loki's position to follow suit.
Loki swallowed, "Stop!" then a shard of ice appeared out of nothing in his free hand. Taking Pepper into his chest, arm around her throat in a choke hold as she was forced to lean back into him, he threatened raising the ice to just below her chest, "Or else." The words were cold and emotionless.
Everyone remained still as Loki slowly backed towards the exit that was littered with shattered glass, the lack of a door allowing the wind to gush inward causing Loki's black leather coat to flap around him and his prisoner.
The glass cracked beneath his feet, and Pepper squirmed breathing heavily against him.
"Please let me go." He heard her whisper in desperation.
He whispered back, "I'm sorry but you're the only thing between my freedom and my incarceration."
In that moment of silent tension, fear and suspense a gushing force rippled from behind Loki. Black smoke swirled itself into existence swallowing the blue god, and his capture, whole.
Tony could hear Pepper scream as he shot his thrusters forward towards her, but in the seconds it took to travel the metres to where she once stood, where there once was a black fog blanketing the woman, now there was nothing but small particles dissipating into nothing.
Tony's whole world began to spin.
A/N Hi everyone!
As I promised, a more exciting chapter! I am sorry for the cliffy, I couldn't help myself and I just had to tease. I hope the action scenes were described enough that everyone could follow what was transpiring. It's hard to write the positioning of so many characters but I could not bring myself to leave anyone out. Please let me know if you liked, or didn't, criticism helps me develop. I am working on the next chapter already and hope to not leave you all too long in suspense.