A/N I wanna thank all of you people for actually reading this book! I thought it was a bad idea and no one would really like it, but I'm super happy that i am wrong. To answer a question about how old Loki is in this story, I like to think he's around 9 years old. I'm super sorry for not posting in a while… writer's block. The curse of artists. Hopefully this was worth the wait. I made it long for you guys! Reviews, follows, comments, are a great motivator for writers! Love you guys so much!
-Cluelessreader
Chapter 5
"What do you mean they left?" Tony asked rather annoyed as the pair lead Loki to the bathroom. Apparently the group had left when he passed out and went to "fight Thanos" because it went so well the first time. Tony couldn't help it, it was just a thought but he still rolled his eyes.
Pepper nodded as she walked beside him. "They had brought you here and then they left. I know they had a meeting before going so maybe you can find where they went from history." Pepper helped. "Hvað ertu að tala um?" Loki questioned. "He's asking what your talking about." F.R.I.D.A.Y chimed in. "Did you see anyone else besides me and Pepper, Loki?" Tony questioned.
Loki stopped walking, looking at the pair. Thinking for a moment then looked… ashamed? "Loki?" He urged. "ég sá fólk ... " Loki said. "He saw people boss."
Okay… so he saw them, but how did they not see him?
"Loki, were you hiding in here?" He asked kneeling down to Loki's level. Keeping his face and tone light, as far as he knows Loki hasn't done anything wrong so why make him think that. "Tony I found him outside the room when everyone left…" Pepper said quietly. "He was coming back here."
"Ég var að fela mig… Bara ekki hérna inni …" Loki muttered eyes lowering to the ground. "He hid boss, just not in here." Okay, so he saw them but they didn't see him. That's not as good as he would like but its fine. Unless… "Did you recognize anyone?"
Loki nodded.
Shit.
"Bl-blue meanie." Loki quietly answered.
Tony breathed in relief. He only recognized Nebula. Heh… blue meanie. So it did stick. Tony made a mental note, gotta rub that in her face later.
"Loki you're not in trouble, just wanted to make sure no one saw you yet," Awake anyway, no questions just yet… "Let's get you clean and make us some food." Tony said happily. Loki looked up instantly, relief in his eyes. He really thought he was in trouble. The kid nodded and started walking once more toward the bathroom door.
Tony could hear Peppers small feet patter next to him. "You want me to go get food, he looks way to thin…" Pepper asked as they started following the small boy again. "Yea, that would be awesome Pep, get any and everything, not sure what he's gonna like." Tony joked lightly.
In reality, he really didn't want to go out. He didn't see anything of the public. The lives ruined by his failure. He wasn't ready for that. He didn't think he would ever be ready for it.
"Mr. s- áþreifanleg?"
He had failed and this was all his fault. He lost everyone. Ruined everything. What was he gonna do? Apparently nothing. The team have already left to 'fight Thanos'.
"áþreifanleg?"
First off, rude, that they wouldn't even tell him themselves. They could have at least given him that courtesy. But no. They left. To fight Thanos, and just like last time, they weren't going to win.
"áþreifanleg."
A sudden rush of calm it him. Like a splash of cold water but not so much shock attached it. It stopped his running thoughts. Took away the unwanted feelings. Just left him, as him. He felt… normal. He could feel a small, kind of cold, hand holding his. When had his eyes closed?
He opened is closed eyes seeing the kid holding his hand. His eyes no longer emerald green but glowing white. But that didn't last long. It was quick. A flash? No, like lightning. A strike he was lucky enough to see.
"Betri?" Loki asked as he looked back up at Tony with those striking green eyes. "Better boss?"
"Ye- Loki!" The kids knees gave way. He quickly collapsed to the ground. Tony quickly nealt down to him. Pepper following suit. "You okay kid?" He asked putting a hand on his shoulder. Loki swayed dangerously. His face looked flushed. Tony reached up and could already feel the heat radiating off of Loki. "Ég notaði mikinn töfra …" Loki panted out.
"He used to much magic boss."
Magic? He completely forgot that existed now. It made Loki sick if he used too much of it? Gotta write that down later. Snap out of it Tony! His sick now and needed help now. Now… how does he do that?
"ég er í lagi. Vantar bara smá mat og hvíld." Loki reassured. Trying to get up only to fall back down disoriented. "He says hes okay, just needs food and rest."
"Loki… what did you just do to me?" Tony hated that he asked that question. He sounded a little scared. The kid didn't do anything wrong, it had helped him even, but how was he sure. "Þetta var friðsamur álög. Þú varst örvæntingarfullur aftur svo ég notaði síðasta töfrabragðið til að róa þig. Ég hefði átt að spyrja fyrst ..." Loki answered once more getting up, with more success then last time. "He said it's a tranquil spell. He used his last bit of magic to help calm you down."
He used his last bit of magic that he could have used on anything, himself even, but used it on Tony. He really needed to be a better gardien to this kid. To start off, a bath. Get him clean and get him some real medical attention. Easy enough to start.
"Thanks kid. Come on, let's get you clean. No more side tracking." Tony joked getting his head back to this task. Pepper placed her hand on Loki's shoulder, a soft smile on her face. "I'm going to go get us some food, okay?" She told. He nodded, though very happy, Tony could see how much energy it took just to do that much. So no magic no energy? Mental note number two.
Pepper said her goodbyes as the two finally walked into the bathroom. Why did the trip across the infirmary seem so long? It was a little bit ridiculous. The lights came on the second the pair opened the bathroom. Like every other bathroom he has, it was pretty big. Especially the infirmary one.
White subway tile lined the walls, a light blue glass as the counters. A rather big stand in shower was in the corner. A white and glass blue tile on the floor. A sliding door leading into said shower. It had nice lighting as well as a waterfall type shower. Three different setting Tony really enjoyed. Man he really missed showers. A large tub next to the shower, a wall of mixed glass and white tile separating the two. A few light tiles inside the wall itself really made it nice if you just wanted low lighting. Which often happens with hangovers. The tub was a rectangular luxury tub. With massage jets, once more he really really missed showers and baths.
"Okay, I'll take the shower and you'll take the tub?" Tony suggested, he just really wanted a shower. Just a nice hot shower. "Ég er í lagi með það." Loki replied. Tony could see him eyeing the bath as well. It was gross being gross when you really didn't want to be. When it was intentional, it was awesome, but no showers? Tony will never take showers for granted again.
Tony sat Loki on the toilet. He realized how small he really was. "Let's get you out of those 'bandages' kid." Tony said as he walked to the vanity. "allt í lagi." He heard Loki mindlessly reply. Tony dug around in the cabinet under the sink, finally seeing the white box with a red cross on the top. He carefully took out the metal box and went back to the seated child.
He laughed a little bit, Loki eyeing the box with curiosity. "It's a first aid kit, to help hurt people at home." Tony voiced, answering the question written on Loki's face. The kid nodded slowly. "Okay kid, gotta take off the shirt." He said kneeling down opening the kit.
"Ég held að þú meinar 'kjóll' …" Loki muttered with a little eye roll. "F.R.I.D.A.Y?"
"He said, don't you mean dress."
Ha ha. The kids got jokes. "I know you don't like it, so let's get you clean and i'll get you something better." Tony promised. He helped Loki slide out of his shirt (dress according to Loki) and he really wished he had prepared himself. He could see the bandages on his lower legs and arms but he forgot about everything under the shirt. Loki was covered in dry blood, cuts, bruises. And while Loki wasn't voicing any complaints, he could assume the kid was in pain.
Tony used the siccors the cut and peel away the dried and dirty cloth he used as bandages. The cloth was originally gray but now looked a reddish brown. Gross. Tony really felt guilty for not getting Loki clean before. Tony had gotten him in the black shorts Tony had seen before. The wounds are closed but still not clean. He thanked god nothing got infected. Carefully he cleaned the worst wounds with disinfectant. Loki wincing every now and then. He always hated when Pepper cleaned him up, that stuff really burned. It hurt like hell and he was an adult, he couldn't imagine for a child. But then again he was a Asgardian, maybe it didn't hurt as much… he seriously doubted it though with Loki wincing how he was.
"Alright your all done. You think you can handle the bath?" He asked. Loki nodded sliding off the toilet cover. Thank god, he really just wanted to be clean. As much as he wanted to help Loki, he needed to help himself a bit.
Tony walked into the shower, hearing the tub faucet turn on, he shed off the robe he was put in, kicking off the pants. He turned on the water and once more, he fucking missed showers. The shower and bath went by pretty quick. The two eventually walking back into the infurry. Tony with a white towel wrapped around his waist. Loki covered wearing it like a hoodie.
Lucky Pepper was already waiting on the infirmary bed with a few bags of food and two piles of folded clothes. "Thank you Pepper!" Tony exclaimed taking his pile. It wasn't very hard figuring out which was which. Seeing as how his clothes were about two times the size of the other pile. Tony walked back into the bathroom to change into the clothes Pepper picked. A simple black shirt and jeans. He felt the clothes bag a little on him, he looked at himself in the mirror. He looked skinny and sickly. His normal tan looking more gray then brown. He really needed to eat. The second he thought that his stomach basically commanded him back into the infirmary.
Loki was already dressed, wearing black pants, a white shirt, and a green sweater. Pepper remembered his colors huh. He would admit it, he looked better in black and green then dark gray. Tony watched on a bit as Loki sat himself in front of pepper on the end of the bed. Talking happily pointing at each bag. F.R.I.D.A.Y translating everything he was saying.
"Yep, you can eat all of this. Well… you and Tony. He needs food too. But thats why I got so much. Gotta help your magic right?" Pepper said as Tony made it to the beds. "Hvað viltu borða?" "What are you going to eat boss?"
Loki really waited for him to get there? At least he's no like Thor when it comes to hogging the food. Back with shawarma, Thor ate almost everything, you wanted something you better get it before Thor saw it. With Loki he actually waited and is letting him get first dibs. Pretty kind kid.
Tony looked over the different colored bags. One was from mcdonalds, another burger king, one taco bell, wendys, chick fil a. Literally anything and everything Pepper could get a hold of. Tony wasn't surprised when he saw the white and red bag full of chicken, it was Peppers favorite place. He wasn't going to lie, hearing how they made the chicken in pickle juice was gross, but he liked the taste of it.
"I'll have a little bit of everything kid." He said as he opened the bags. He laid the bags on the bed setting all the wrapped food on the ripped bags, have to be clean and all. He thought he was going mad just smelling all the food. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, and amazing fries. The savory aroma wafted around. Alright enough of making sure he didn't get anything dirty. FOOD!
Tony went for exactly what he said, one of everything. He was gonna admit it, he was acting like a pig, but he hadn't had warm, good, tasty food in a long while. He watched as Loki carefully picked up some burger king. Loki unwrapped the whopper Jr, curiously sniffing it. "Good choice kid, burger king rules!" Tony said encouragingly. Loki smiled a little bit. Win for Tony! He took a small bite and quickly went for another, and another, and another! He happily ate as much as Tony. Pepper and Tony making conversation as Loki kept eating. So he does have a monster appetite, just more polite about it.
Soon the food was all done. Pepper and Tony cleaning it up while Loki was… was doing something. Tony didn't know what. He noticed Loki sitting on the bed looking at his hands. Every now and then closing is eyes and muttering. What was he doing? Slowly, he walked up to the bed. Loki not noticing. "Hjálpaðu mér að skilja öll tungumál. Hjálpaðu mér að skilja samferðafólk mitt. Hjálpaðu mér að hafa samskipti." He quickly muttered. Repeating the words over and over again.
"Loki..."
"AH! Oh it's only you, sorry sir, didn't hear you coming!" Loki spoke. His voice clear and fluent. The reqongziable accent ever present now. He spoke english. Perfect pronunciation. No stutter or thinking. "Ho-how did you?" Tony stuttered, ironic isn't it?
"Magic sir, once I ate I had the energy to make a spell again. So I cast all-speak so I can talk with people normally in their language. Sorry… I probably should have given some warning uh?" Loki asked a small nervous smile on his face. He was apologizing for making it easier to communicate. Tony couldn't believe that he thought Loki was doing something evil. This kid was just that. A kid. A smart and polite kid, but a kid nonetheless.
"Loki! I can understand you!" Tony heard Pepper exclaim happily. Must have gotten tired of having to get Loki's words translated. "That's wonderful!" She said supportively.
"Thank you Lady Pepper. I do hope this will make communication easier." Loki replied respectfully.
The kid has a way with words. Not surprising. Silvertongue and all. "Loki you don't have to call me that." Pepper said abashedly a small pink flush on her face. She totally liked it! "Oh… do you prefer something else?" Loki asked fully focusing on the red head in front of him.
Tony watched as she smiled a bit. "Pepper is just fine, Loki."
Once everything was cleaned up, Tony and Pepper easily saw someone was getting tired.
"Loki, I think it's time for bed. In a real bed might I add." Tony said looking at the tired child. The two adults had kept picking up the food and wrappers while Loki sat quietly and watched the pair. It was a little creepy in Tony's opinion but the kid had nothing to do. So watching them was okay.
"Yea Loki, let's get you into bed." Pepper agreed. Loki nodded jumping off Tony's hospital bed. "Where am I supposed to go?" He asked, sleepiness filling his voice. "Tony? Would you want him to stay here with you?" Pepper looked to him.
Was he really gonna have to stay here? Knowing Bruce, yes, he was going to have to be here when they got back. Could he risk Loki being here- well, technically some of the group already saw Loki, just didn't know it was him. "I think he can stay here with me." Tony answered.
Soon enough Loki was back in the bed Nebula had put him in. Pepper had lead him back hand in hand. Tony asked F.R.I.D.A.Y to dim the lights a bit, he figured him and Pepper were going to stay up a bit longer. Pepper carefully tucked Loki into the white bed. "Do you think i'll be able to go home tomorrow?" Loki tiredly asked, already nodding off. Tony winced a bit. Pepper nor him could answer that question. "Hopefully Loki." Pepper finally said. Loki nodded and was quickly out like a light. Quietly Tony walked up behind Pepper. She was still sitting next to the bed.
"His kind of cute… don't you think?" Pepper whispered. A small sad smile on her face. She wasn't wrong, he was a cute kid. And he wasn't one of those stuck up kids either. Which was odd. Tony had assumed he had a little brother complex when he first came to earth. That Loki was a rich prince who had everything done for him. But Tony had a nagging feeling that wasn't true. "Yea, he's a good kid." Tony replied.
The two moved to Tony's own 'assigned' bed. Tony and Pepper setting themselves on it. "You know, if he's sleeping maybe we should get some sleep too…" Pepper voiced after a couple beats of silence. Tony wanted to sleep, but now, Loki was asleep… wait. He was asleep! Where's the drive!? Tony easily startled Pepper the moment he jumped off the bed, looking around frantically. "What what? Tony?" She asked following him off the bed. Moving behind Tony as he continued to raid the bed. "I'm looking for a silver drive, it's small. I had it one me when I landed but I don't know where I put it." Tony said, he was really trying to be quiet, not wanting to wake up the sleeping boy.
"The silver… oh! It's with your clothes. Before you changed. Hold on." Pepper told him. He watched as she walked to the bathroom. Door sliding shut behind her. The sounds of cloth could be heard, until "Ah ha!". The door opened again, a proud looking Pepper holding a silver drive.
"Come on." Tony said as he walked out of the infirmary. Not turning around as he heard Peppers footsteps quickly following behind him. "What is it Tony?" "You know the blue women I came here with?" Pepper nodded slowly. She was very nervous, it showed in her body language.
"She knew Loki before… before we found him like this. She knew what he did before he came to Earth in 2012. I asked her to show me and she only showed me a little bit. But she did give me this," He lifted his hand showing the drive off. "Saying it has everything. I need to watch this." Tony finished, walking into the main room again.
Turning on the projector again, the faces were still there. Tony quickly erased the screen. Careful to avoid seeing anyone's photo. He was ready to watch the rest of Loki's story but…
"Pepper it's gonna be bad. At least that's what I think… you don't have to watch with me." Tony warned. He only got the beginning, but he had a gut feeling it was only going to get worse. He didn't want Pepper seeing whatever was going to go down. "I don't want you seeing something bad alone Tony." Pepper comforted. Slowly walking up to him, wrapping her hands around his arms. As skinny as they were. He couldn't help it. He smiled a bit, even now she didn't want him to be alone. "Are you sure?" Tony asked once more. He needed to be sure.
She smiled and firmly nodded.
No going back now.
Tony gripped the small silver drive. Stalking over to the ports in his system. He didn't like it but he was shaking. Who knows what he was going to see. But whatever it was he needed to see what it was. It would tell him why Loki invaded earth. Why earth was his target and nowhere else.
He slipped the drive into the port. "F.R.I.D.A.Y, turn out the lights." Tony said as he sat down on the couch. Pepper setting herself next to him. The lights went out. A blue screen flickering to life. More colors slowly coming into view.
Nebula had first dibs with Loki. And she loved it. He was easy prey, and she really wanted to make herself known with her Father. She was just as important as Gamora and she would prove it.
"Good morning Little Brother." She said tonteignly as he woke up. He was left in the dark for a few days since being taken to the chamber. Nebula motioned for the light stones to shine. They did and Loki quickly closed his eyes. Being in the dark for so long made the light hurt. And Nebula knew that. "Do you know what is going to happen?" She asked. Her tone very condescending. He didn't answer.
"Your going to become a member of this family by any means necessary. Your needed for Father's dream."
"Go to hel."
Great. He was going to be difficult. She liked difficult.
Swiftly the tourture started. She walked behind him, Loki struggling to turn his head around. But the chains held him in place. Nebula pulled out a whip. It was long with a nice glossy sheen to it. A deep midnight black to a lighter gray at the hilt. A beautiful whip Nebula would say.
She swiped down hard. Loki tenced and cridgning but did not scream. His eyes were closed and his teeth clenched shut. Only a small hissing came from him. She went down again. Leaving a red angry mark crossing over the first. Once more, only a hiss was heard. She slashed the left, right, down. Again and again and again. Slowly more noises could be heard. It was pained whins, then heavy breathing. She was so close.
Nebula pushed a button on the base of the whip. A blue light flaring to life. Electricity cracking through the weapon. She heard her Little Brother whimper, clearly knowing what was next. She smiled a very satisfied smile. Nebula could see him brace, waiting for the hit. You'll get it. With that she slashed down his back. Loki finally screamed. After 13 slashes and one electrified, she got him to break.
She kept on hitting, each time shooking the hanging man. He kept on screaming. She reveled in it. Nebula would be the one to break him. She would get attention. She would finally get to go on important missions for her father's dream. Maybe even make her little brother admire her the way she admires Gameroa. He would follow her around and listen to her. It was perfect.
She stopped her assault a few hours later. It was dinner time and she wasn't going to miss out. Once it's over, it's over.
"Have you considered Father's dream, little brother?"
Loki sucked in a breath. "N-no."
What a shame.
Father had assigned Cull Obsidian to take care of the rest of Loki's clothes. Sure, during Nebulas session she had torn all of his back, taking his shirt, cape, and the top part of his armour with it, but there was still some silver armor on him that father wanted gone. Someway to make him lose another part of himself Nebula guesses.
She decided to tag along, Ebony Maw following as well. Great. She really hated him. He was annoying and always thinking himself better than anyone just because of his powers. Hopefully soon, Loki can put him in his place once he's her little brother.
The walk wasn't long. Once they reached the chamber Cull swung open the door. The noise itself was greeting, Loki quickly looked up from where he was. Someone had let him down… probably father, but he was tucked in the corner.
"Good day." Ebony said walking in front of her and Cull. She swears if he wasn't a family member she would have killed him years ago. "I do hope you have changed your mind about the great titan." He continued. Loki's eyes narrowed in response. His breathing was silent to Nebula, if he was panicking, she would never be able to tell. She really wanted to change that.
"I know you want somewhere better to sleep. Somewhere warm," Warm? Now he was just lying. "Somewhere you can call home after being abandoned." He finished, his arms opening.
"I wasn't 'abandoned'. I let go." Was all Loki answered.
Cull growled behind Nebula. Already taking a step forward. Maws motioned for him to stay. Always assuming people listen to him.
"I understand Loki, I really do. You were left to die and you have given up. But now your here! Ready to be of service to his excellency. We need you Loki. Lord Thanos need you. He will give your purpose. A reason to live!"
Loki only shook his head. A small laugh escaping with a roll of his eyes. "Of Course that what you think. I'll never help. Better to just kill me now." He said. His head resting back on his knees.
Maw snapped his fingers, Cull cracked his shoulders. Happy to do what Maw singled apparently.
Loki pressed himself further into the corner. Looking ready to run.
"You heard Thanos, get rid of his armour." Maw ordered. Head tilting up, a smirk on his dumb face. Hands clasped together behind him. Cull grunted as response.
Culls hands reached out and before he could get anything, Loki jumped. His own hands landing on Culls bulky arms. Loki swung his right leg into Culls head. A loud pop reached Nebulas ears. The giant man quickly came crashing down. Loki landing in front of him. Eyes ablaze of hate and planning.
Nebula saw Maw ready to use his powers but he didn't use them. "This is the kind of power Lord Thanos expects out of you little one. You just took down Obsidian, you are very useful. Why keep fighting." Maw said still standing in front of the door. Nebula behind him readying herself for a fight.
Loki didn't even give Maw an answer. He was fast Nebula had to admit. He ran forward and but stopping before Maw, dropping down, Arms holding his body up. Before Nebula knew it, Maw was falling to the ground, Loki having kicked his feet out from under him. It took everything for her not to laugh out loud.
"Your only causing more problems for yourself!" Maw yelled throwing his hands out, he was gonna use his powers but once more Loki was quicker. Arms wrapped around Maws throat, causing Maw to lose focus. "Wh-why are yo-you not helping!?" Maw yelled to Nebula. A small roll of her eyes and she was off. She moved behind her little brother, taking her sword intending to hit his back. But she was met with Maw shoved in front of her.
"Not to smart are you people." Loki voiced running out the unguarded door. Where does he think he's gonna go? She pushed Maw away from herself, he fell to the ground huffing for breath. She could hear Cull getting up, took him long enough. "I'm gonna go get him." Nebula yelled running out the door. She wasn't going to wait for the Black Order to take her chance of attention.
The pursuit of Loki didn't last very long. She had expected to see Loki running… but he was simply still. His fists clenched at his sides. Her father in front of him.
"What are you doing." Her father asked, his voice laced with death. So much for having a little brother… "I'm leaving. I'm going home." Her soon to be dead brother answered. The strength in his voice was commendable.
"Your home is here child." Her father answered. He wasn't going to kill him? "Your family. Your friends. Your people all left you. There are not waiting for you. So why try to return." Thanos asked.
"Your lying! I know you are! No one can lie to the god of lies!" Loki yelled back. Now that shocked her. He had the gulls to yell at father and somehow he was still breathing.
She never even heard when Maw had gotten up. Loki was on the ground in a second. A force keeping him down. "I apologize, my lord, I didn't think after Nebula he would be able enough to escape." Maw said sliding down to one knee.
Thanos only watched as Loki struggled to move. "You know what to do with him. He tried escaping. Leave him to the Chitauri." Was all father said as he turned away. He was still going to try to get Loki? She would never voice it but she thinks Loki's a lost cause. A waste of time and space.
"Yes my lord, right away." Maw answered dragging Loki behind him back to the cell. Loki still struggling in Maws power. Left to the Chitauri, Loki wasn't going last any longer. So Thanos did mean to have Loki die…
Loki was returned to the cell. His armor stripped from him by Cull. "Have your fun with him till the Chitauri arrive." Maw said still holding Loki down while Nebula rechained his arms back above him. Leaving him dangling like when he was first placed in the cell.
Cull's response was simply cracking his first. A fire in his eyes from the embarrassment earlier. Loki had taken him down with a simple kick, that would look bad to father. And Cull knew it by the look on his face.
"Lets go, before they show up. We have other duties to attend to." Maw said walking to the chamber door. Nebula only nodded. As the cell door shut, she could hear Culls fist impact on Lokis tourso. Multiple hits as well as some screams echoing out as the pair continued walking away.
"I heard he tried to escape today…" Gamoura said. The two girls in their shared room. Nebula had just walked in, throwing herself on her bed with a huff. "Yes, he did." Was all Nebula answered with.
"Is he dead?" Her sister asked. A very small amount of concern in her voice. "Once the Chitauri are done with him, he will be." Nebula answered. She really didn't want her little brother dying before he could become a member of this family. But it's what Father wants.
Gamora stood up walking to the door. "Where are you going?" Nebula asked lifting herself up from lying down. "To get food, dinner starts soon and with no Chitauri there it will be easier to get larger portions." Gamora explained. Of course! She made scene like always. Bigger dinner cause of Loki, she would have to thank his grave. "I'm coming too!"
The pair walked down the hallway heading toward the feeding hall. The two weren't speaking as always. They only talk if the mood allows and they were in their rooms. Nebula noticed Gamora slowing. "What's wrong?" She whispered. "I think I forgot something. I need to go get it before it's considered late." Gamora explained turning around. "Oh, but go on without me, get yourself some food." She said as she walked back down the hall. She wasn't going to refuse that offer, Nebula was hungry after all.
She continued walking, passing by 'Loki's hallway' She would hear screaming still. As well as other sounds she didn't like. It was flesh slapping flesh. The clicking and moans of the Chitauri echoing throughout the hall. She involuntarily shuddered. She never got that punishment but she did hear of it. It was only a matter of time before Loki died on them. They are not careful with other creatures after all.
But it wasn't her concern. What she wanted was food. Once more, thank you little brother for the extra food.
"Boss the avengers are returning." F.R.I.D.A.Y's voice chimed in. Tony's eyes moved from the screen, paused by F.R.I.D.A.Y he thinks, looking to the woman next to him. Peppers hands were covering her mouth, tears flowing down her cheeks. "We should stop watching this…" He suggested. She only nodded.
Quickly he got up and elected the drive, pocketing it. Pepper was already up walking back to the infirmary, Tony catching up. Light lit up the room they were leaving. Looks like the Avengers are back. The windows shaking from the ships landing.
Pepper slide open the door and Tony slipped in. Bruce was gonna be pissed if he saw Tony out of bed. Jumping in trying to look as normal as possible. Pepper sliding the door and sitting next to him. Looking like they never moved. Except Tony was in different clothes but that okay. Close to no difference.
They heard no one talking as the door echoed open. So they lost. Figured they would.
The group walked by, Thor the first in view. Everyone else seemed a few paces behind. There was something smerd on Thor's Axe, so he got a hit in. Looking at the group walking by he counted them. So everyone had returned safely. That something.
Bruce broke off, walking into the infirmary. "Hey Brucey." Tony greeted. "Kick some ass I hope." He voiced, his tone changing to a little more annoyed than greeting.
"We killed him."
What? That wasn't what he had expected. Killed him? "You got him?" He heard Pepper ask. Bruce nodded. "Thor got em." He answered.
"Thor?" A small voice asked.
Shit.
"Uh, kid this is bruce, bruce…" Tony introduced quietly sliding off Loki's name. Bruce didn't seem to care.
"What were you saying about my Bro-"
"THOR! What were you saying about thor!" Pepper covered up. Standing up walking to Loki's bed. He gave her an odd look. Well had tony been interrupted that way, he would probably look the same.
"Um… He got Thanos. Chopped off his head." Bruce answered looking back at Tony. Tony could hear Pepper whispering to Loki. The kid looked three shades paler. "Maybe don't say that in front of the kid." Tony said glaring at Bruce halfheartedly.
"Chopped his- his head?" Loki repeated.
"Okay! Let's get you out of here while the adults talk. Maybe there's some cookies or something in the kitchen!" Pepper said lifting Loki up. "Wait but he said Thor! Why would Thor do that!" Loki countered trying to kick and squirm out of her hands. "Thor wouldn't hurt someone! He promised me he wouldn't hurt anyone!" Loki yelled, panic lacing his voice. The child's voice drained out once Pepper closed the door walking away with a very upset Loki in tow.
"Who is he?" Bruce asked. Of Course he asked.
"I found him. Brought him here." Tony answered.
"Found. Weren't you in space and an abandoned planet… plus that doesn't really answer my question…"
Tony huffed. Was he really about to tell Bruce, the guy who used Loki to remodel his floor, that Loki was back. Maybe if he phrased it right.
"If you promise not to tell the others. I'll tell you who he is." Tony offered. His normal snarky demeanor changed to a more serious one. Bruce looked questioningly at him. Because who wouldn't. "Why would you be saying that?" He asked.
Can't tell until he agrees. "Bruce. Do you want to know or not." Tony asked trying to skip over the drama of this. The faster the better. Just take the bait and say yes!
"I mean yea but-"
"So do you promise?"
Just get this over with! He wants to tell Bruce, really he does. But there is always an 'if' when it comes to others knowing. If Tony freaked out, even after hanging out with Loki, whos to say others won't take it worse. They just beat Thanos. Why wouldn't they want to give Loki a lesson as well.
"Okay. Okay, I promise." Bruce relented holding his hands up in surrender.
"Alright. That kid, keep that in mind!" Tony exclaimed "That kid… is Loki." He finally told. Bruce's eyebrows went in, a face of none understanding. "What did you say?" He asked.
"Loki. The one that started this whole mess, yep him. That kid, that Pepper just carried out, is the one and only Loki."
Fear and something else… relief? "Oh my god. Thor was wrong" He heard Bruce mutter.
"Your taking this remarcably well…" Tony said. Because really, he was. Bruce looked up a small smile on his face. Alright that's definitely not what he had expected Bruce to do. Let him correct himself. What he thought the guy holding the Hulk to do! "You need to start explaining right now Brucey boy… your the one that bashed him like a rag doll… why aren't you getting mad?" Tony voiced his concerns.
"I never told you did I…" Bruce replied taking a seat where Pepper had once been sitting. Tony slowly shook his head. What happened with him and Loki? "So you know how Hulk went missing for a while?" "A few years while you mean." Tony couldn't help but sass. Bruce only rolled his eyes. "Yes a few years missing. Well, he went to a planet far from here. Called Sakar. It's a planet ruled by one guy. The grandmaster. He found the Hulk and made him some sort of fighting champion. He fought for years and apparently something went down on earth with Thor and a missing sister-"
"Sister?"
"Yes sister, her name is- was Hela and she was the goddess of death. Odin was holding her back but once he died she was released. Thor and Loki fought her but something happened in that rainbow beam way they take-"
"Einstein- Rosen Bridge." Tony absently answered
"Yes that. Loki crashed to Sakar and Thor fell a few weeks later. Apparently time works however the grandmaster wants. Thor and Loki and this new lady Valkyrie, helped me escape. We fought Hela and believe it or not, Loki came in and saved the people of Asgard. Brought a big ship to help everyone escape."
"Loki? The guy that destroyed New York, Hates Thor and Asgard. Helped Thor and saved Asgard."
"You wouldn't believe it but yes. Thor and him made up, calling each other brother, he even let Thor take title of king. No protests. But then Thanos attacked."
"Of course he did. Sounds like a shitty movie opening."
"He used your dumb line when you fought him, you know."
Now that peeked Tony's interest even more than anything else.
"What did he say?"
Burce had a found smile on his face eyes lowering.
"Thor was in danger. He chose to say 'for one thing, I'm not Asgardian. And for another... we have a Hulk.' Which I thought was very dumb but still it was nice some how."
Tony couldn't believe it. Loki really used his line. And that asshole didn't give him credit. But he supposes he could forgive that. Loki really changed. Well now he really did, hes a kid now. How was he an adult then poof child?
"Then you kicked ass im assuming. Like when I said it." Tony smiled a sly smile, only to be met with a much darker face.
"No. Hulk didn't. He lost. I was teleported before I saw what happened. I know Loki died but Thor still wont say what happened to him. I tried asking Valkyrie but she only told me what happened before the fighting even started."
Tony gave a head bow, essentially saying 'go on.' He wanted to know the whole story, maybe the kid would remember something if Tony was to recite this back to him.
"Thanos's ship was close, somehow Loki reqenized it…"
That's not really a somehow to Tony.
"He told Thor that they needed to get everyone to the escape pods immediately. Thor, Valkyrie, and I gave him a questioning look. At the time it was a ship that could help us. We- we didn't know. It took a good 10 minutes of arguing with Loki till Thanos ship started communicating to us. One of his… 'children' started saying how they needed something and someone from the ship. They needed the tesseract and Loki. Once they said that Loki took off. Valkyrie followed. I stayed with Thor. This is what she told me happened. He went to the communication hub. Setting the ship on red alert. Saying the people of Asgard were in danger and needed to go to the escape pods. She had questioned him but he wouldn't answer. She told me there was fear and determination in his eyes. She's seen fear but not at the level she saw in Loki apparently. He had grabbed her by the shoulders, finally looking at her and told her to go with the evacuees. He said they needed someone they could look up to and trust. That he wasnt that person to them but she was. Valkyrie said she didn't know why but once he said that she knew whatever he was doing had to be followed. He set up the pods and their destination to earth, then quickly went back to the main room. Valkyrie went the other way leading the people to the pods. From what I saw once he came back the fighting started. Thanos and his children were boarding the ship."
Tony was too interested in this story to care about the fact that Bruce had taken off his glasses and was cleaning them. A nervous tick when it came to Bruce. "Go on…" Tony pushed.
"If… if it wasn't for Loki, I know that more people would have died. Thanos was able to kill half the Asgardians. I think if Loki didn't act he would have killed them all for 'the greater good' or whatever crap they were spouting. To me- in all honesty, it looked like Loki knew he was going to die. I saw it on his face even before he used your calling line." Bruce finished hands clasped together in his lap.
Well damn. Tony really needed to finish what was on the drive. With this, who knows what it might seem like now.
"Well that was a lot…" Was the only thing that Tony could say. Burce only nodded. After a beat he huffed a laugh.
"You wanna know what he said to me when I saw him with the group?" Bruce asked
Tony nodded.
"He actually said hello to me, can you believe that. What did I say back, something dumb. Last time I saw you, you were trying to kill everybody. Where are you at these days? What did he say? 'It varies from moment to moment.' Who says that! Especially when I was one of those people from the bad moment!" Bruce said laughing a little.
"It sounds like you guys got along." Tony said picturing Loki's voice saying it. Bruce was right, it was dumb, but very funny. "Doesn't sound like something he would say to us." Tony said a small smile still on his face.
"Not the 2012 Loki we knew. But something changed apparently. Whatever it was, I wish we got to see more of it. But he… wait. That child?" Burce remembered, bringing the conversation to the topic on hand.
"Yea… don't know how to explain that to yea Bruce… can't figure out what happened myself." Tony explained.
"You need to tell Thor. He's destroyed about Loki. This could get him back up." Bruce said standing from his chair.
Yes. Yes he did.
"No. I can't yet." Tony answered grabbing Burces wrist.
"Why not?" He questioned. Of course he would be looking at him like a mad man.
"Because what if something bad happ-"
"What if something good happens! Once he's with Thor, he'll be back with his kind again. With his fami-"
"Bruce?"
Tony watched as Bruce's eyes glazed over. A dark expression filling his face. Was… was he missing something?
"Does Loki remember anything…"
Tony gave the other man an odd look. "No? Why?"
Bruce sighed. Head resting in his hands.
"Because of what happened to Asgard." Bruce answered. Tony could only give him a blank look. Didn't Loki save his people, they wouldn't hate him.
"He has no Asgard to return too. If he doesn't remember anything, then he doesn't remember causing Ragnarok on his home. His mother and father are dead. The only one left is Thor. Half his people are dead Tony. He doesn't remember any of this, he thinks home is waiting for him. Who knows, he's probably waiting for his big brother, whos maybe a few years older, to welcome him with open arms surrounded by his family! You need to tell Thor! He might know what to do!" Bruce explained.
Half his people. His mother. His father. His home and planet, all gone. Why hadn't Tony asked about this with Thor? Okay well he was a little hysteric and passed out but still. He never even thought about anything that happened after Loki's childhood. Way to go smart guy…
"Tony, you have to tell Thor. If you don't I will." Bruce threatened.
That is not what he wants happening.
"Alright alright. All tell him…"
"Now Tony." Bruce says standing up. "Before something really does go wrong." He said cryptically walking out.
"I will!" Tony yelled after him. "How the fuck am I gonna do that…"
