Now, how long until they get called to help with "little bro"? How about now?!

Differences mentioned in this chapter: The battle with Ultron is different.

"I can't believe this place," Pepper said as she, Frigga, and Ariana walked around the market. "Some advanced technology mixing with an old-world lifestyle. Simple and complex. Tony's going to have a field day."

Ariana smiled and said, "I love it here. There's enough sound to let you know you're in a city but it's not overbearing. And since Loki shared his magic with me, I'm not being attacked by people's thoughts."

"How did he fly under the radar?"

Ariana looked down sheepishly. "I may have built him a whole life around Lucas Mansfield. He didn't want anyone else to know his real name besides me."

"Well, it fooled Tony until Germany."

"No, dad wanted to believe it, so he did. My skills aren't enough to fool him completely."

"Well, I think I've bought enough outfits to fill a house here in Asgard. I think we are all set."

"Where's Loki?" Ariana looked around, worried.

Frigga smiled and said, "Slithering about, dear. He said he had some things to get himself and to not wait."

Ariana gave a soft smile, one mimicked by Frigga. "Loki, you think about scaring my mother, and you will see a mad Midgardian woman. Not to mention an upset fiancée."

"It was a harmless joke," said Loki, shifting from a snake back to himself as Ariana and Frigga turned towards Pepper.

"Except that for even trying it, you get to carry everything," Ariana said with her hands on her hips.

"I'm the God of Mischief, Ariana," he retorted as their mothers loaded his arms with packages. "How is this fair?"

"Because I don't like snakes," Pepper replied. "I thought you knew all about her life and her bringing a snake home when she was eleven."

"I did," he said, swallowing.

"Yet, you still chose a snake," Ariana said. "And while I'm sure you are a very charming snake, there are some people you shouldn't use that trick on."

"Okay, love."

She kissed his cheek before whispering, "Mom prefers rabbits and kittens, but the green will give that away."

He kissed her as deeply as he could before he whispered back, "I'll find a way to welcome her then."

Ariana chuckled before kissing him again. Pepper and Frigga looked at them, smiling at their children.

"They are good together," said Pepper.

"Two mischief-makers, but they keep each other in check," agreed Frigga. "He spent many mornings carrying her from parties carrying her from her pranks and helping clean up before there were too many problems."

"I'm still finding glitter around my house."

The two women laughed before Frigga said, "She has brought light to his heart and I sure he has hers as well."

"She didn't smile so much due to her past," Pepper agreed. "She has moved past much of it because of him. I worry about water, though."

"We have talked about it. And I'm afraid it will take more than just us talking to move past that particular fear."

"Erika really had an affected her."

Frigga's face fell. "Her true name is Sigyn. While young, Loki had the misfortune of gaining her attention. Odin and I felt we had a way of protecting him but…"

"Does he know?"

"He asked us to do it after he found out she was going to pull a trick that would have endangered me."

"Can't beat a mother's love."

"No, you can't… unless you are a soulmate."

Pepper felt something on her shoulder and lifted up a beetle. She dropped it and squealed before it disappeared in a puff of smoke. Frigga gently picked her own beetle and dissipated the illusion. Both of them looked at Loki and Ariana, who were trying to keep from smiling.

"You two!" Pepper scolded.

"Loki, run!" Ariana said, grabbing his hand and dragging him through the streets before Loki teleported them away.

Frigga chuckled and kept Pepper with her, saying, "Let them enjoy this. It was harmless and not as scary as a snake, Lady Pepper. When we get back to the palace, we can scold them for what they did to you. But it is Loki's way of welcoming those he cares for."

"He cares for me?" Pepper asked, confused as they began walking back.

"You loved his Ariana before he could find her," Frigga explained. "You saved her from the orphanage. He has heard about you from her and the love she holds for you. In his way, he cares for Sir Tony as well."

"Do not let him hear you call him Sir Tony. He'll insist we all call him that."

"Still, Loki is much like Ariana. If you don't get a trick, they don't trust you."

"She also used them to get back at others and to hide her hurt."

"Yes, but only on those she trusted enough to understand what they meant. Just as my son does."

Pepper smiled. She knew very well what Frigga was saying. "So, tell me about Loki's ex."

Ariana and Loki laughed as they entered the grand hall, him saying, "I must admit, that was better than a terrified scream."

"See?" Ariana said. "The right prank for the right job."

"A fitting welcome from Asgard's favorite mischief-makers."

"So, should mischief be added to my title?"

"I suppose it's a good way to proclaim you as mine."

Her heart skipped a beat at being called his. He noticed the slight blush on her cheeks and informed a nearby servant to carry the packages to Pepper's chambers. He pulled her to him, his lips crashing to hers as he backed her into the nearest wall.

He pulled back just enough to ask, "Did you enjoy me saying you were mine?"

"Yes," she admitted. "But how will everyone know you are also mine?"

He smirked. "How would you go about putting your claim on me?"

"Well, I could do this…"

She began to kiss his neck, sucking and nipping just below his ear. He growled, pulling her closer to him so that her body molded to his. She kissed back up his jaw to capture his mouth again, cupping the back of his head so that her fingers tunneled into his hair. His hand moved from her waist to her hair, tangling in the silken strands.

Two people clearing their throats made the two of them pull apart. They turned to see both of their mothers. Frigga smiled while Pepper tried to look stern.

"Ariana Elena Stark-Tonysdottir!" Pepper said. "Is having your fiance put a bug on my shoulder how you are supposed to treat your mother?" Ariana looked down, looking the right amount of guilty for Pepper to shake her head and smile. "Okay, well, you better do better with your father."

She looked up and said, "Hadn't thought of one yet, but we will get on that soon."

An image of Heimdall entered and said, "It will need to wait. The Avengers need aid in Sokovia."

Ariana and Loki became serious. Both hugged their mothers and made their way to the Bifrost, making their horses go as fast as they could. They dismounted.

"Heimdall!" Ariana said at the same time Loki said, "Open the Bifrost!"

Within seconds, they were traveling back to Earth. Robots were everywhere. Ariana brought out her SHIELD-issued staff as Loki changed into his Asgardian armor. They began to attack and work their way to the others.

"Glad to see you!" said Steve.

"Update?" Ariana asked.

"Ultron tried to make a body, we had to rescue Nat, we have help from Wand and Pietro who were experimented on by HYDRA, and now we have to save the city!"

"Where are the others?"

"Closer to the church!"

They nodded. Suddenly, the ground shook as the town rose higher into the sky. They managed to get to the group just as Ultron appeared with his army.

"Is that the best you can do?" Thor yelled.

"Really, Thor?" Loki asked in exasperation.

"Sister," Ultron sneered.

"Wall-E," Ariana replied, mimicking his tone. "You've grown."

"I've improved."

"I wouldn't say that."

"Well, now I have all of you against all of me, just like I wanted. How do you plan to defeat me?"

Ariana looked at Tony and they both said, "Together."

Everyone began fighting. She and Loki stayed close to each other, their bond allowing them to be a formidable team. Loki would throw a dagger to aid Thor. Ariana smiled, seeing them work together as siblings. But it didn't last long before her attention was back on the battle. The sound of three people blasting Ultron played in the background for a moment.

It seemed to come out of nowhere, the firing from a plane. Loki covered Ariana with his own body as she ducked out of the way. They looked up in the seeming quiet. A blond man, bullet holes covering his body, stood over Clint before falling. Ariana turned her face into Loki's chest as he held her to him.

Ariana began to cry. I can hear everyone's shock. That was Pietro. Wanda's twin. I feel her pain.

I know, love, Loki said. Clint, Wanda, and Thor are screaming their thoughts. It makes us react to their emotions.

We have to help her, Loki. She has no one now.

Ariana, this is not a pain we can take away. All we can do is be there for her.

Ariana nodded. She looked up as a piece of a building fell. She blasted it with her ball lightning and Loki directed the debris away from them. He then teleported them to the Helicarrier. Everyone got on board, but no one knew what to say to Wanda.

Ariana took hold of Wanda's hand. Wanda jerked her hand away.

"Sorry," Ariana said.

"You're Stark's daughter," she said. "I'm not trusting you so easily."

"I don't expect you to. But that doesn't mean I can't be sorry for your loss."

"Thank you."

"When you're ready to talk, I'll listen. I know this doesn't make up for your loss, but you can come with the team to Asgard."

Wanda looked at her and nodded her appreciation. Loki said, "I will talk to my father, and see if we can perform an Asgardian funeral for him."

"If he says no, I'll step in. Odin and I argue, but I usually get him to yes."

"Why are you doing this for me?"

Ariana and Loki looked at each other and Ariana said, "A hero deserves to be sent off like one."

Wanda teared up and gave a small smile to them. For the rest of the trip, Ariana and Wanda made small talk and learned about each other. They became friends quickly, even though Wanda held some things back as trust was still just taking root.