Chapter 12
The Avengers finally found a way to shut down and close the portal, along with killing all the chitauri. They brought in Loki who still hadn't found a way out of his bindings, to SHIELD's prison cells. Thor was left to watch over him. Though all were grateful, they wondered who bound Loki. When asked, the Asgardian bit out "That sorcerer of yours!" Any further questioning bore nothing.
Back at Stark Tower the Avengers minus Thor were on one of the livable floors. They sat around a coffee table celebrating their victory over Loki with campaigns. "You know, I really thought those shawarmas would taste good." Tony lamented. Natasha made a face. "All that meat and fat…Not for me." Steve added ít definitely wasn't your best choice." As they laughed and drank Bruce heard something. "Wait. Shh!" Everyone went silent. Bruce continued to listen. "Do you hear that?" The group was confused. "I don't hear anything." Clint said. Bruce stood up and the others followed. They went to the corner where there was a computer station. As they got closer they started noticing it was the clicking of keyboard keys. Those with guns drew them.
Lo and behold, the keyboard keys were moving on their own. On the screen numbers and symbols were flashing past. Tony scowled. "Show yourself Hollow Man." The supposedly invisible man snorted. "That's original Stark. Hollow Man can't do half the things I can." It said. Moments later a man materialized before them, just straightening up as he entered the few last keys. He grinned at Natasha. "Hey Tasha. I was passing by and thought I should say hi." The redhead glared and clicked off the safety. "What are you doing? Talk or I'll paint the walls with your non-existent brain." She stated. Tony looked at her, baffled. "Not my walls." The man, now recognized as Liam, waved his hands placatingly. "Now, now. You wouldn't do that. You can't get your answers if I'm dead." He pulled out the flash from the computer.
Their eyes zeroed in on it. "What are you doing with that?" Steve questioned. Natasha moved away to call SHIELD agents. Liam raised an eyebrow. "Putting it in my pocket." He said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. He was pushed into the chair behind him roughly. "Do not patronize me." Steve snarled. Tony was now working on the computer but did not find anything. He rounded onto Liam. "What did you take?" "I didn't take anything." Tony quickly connected the dots. "What did you do?" Liam just grinned. Natasha came back. "Some agents will be coming to take him. What have you found?" "The magician here just tempered with Tony's system." Clint quipped. Tony elaborated. "Something, a program or virus, has been uploaded into the system but I can't figure out what it is just yet. Jarvis, can you do a sweep."
The disembodied voice said "Sir, I don't feel so well." It was distant and cracked. Worry settled on Tony's features. "What is it?" "Something is disturbing my software sir, I…" then it was cut off. "Jarvis? Jarvis!" Tony whipped around to Liam, fury bright in his eyes. "What did you do?!" The brunette shrugged. "Honestly, I have no idea. My job was to upload the damn thing." He didn't get a chance to continue as Tony socked him in the jaw, sending him toppling to the ground. He laughed. "What's so funny?" Steve asked, disgust in every syllable. He didn't get an answer as a contingent of SHIELD agents came in. before they could take the offender away Tony hauled him up by the collar. "You will pay for this, you hear me?" he threatened, then threw him at the agents who carted him away.
Tony went back to the computer, typing furiously ad completely focused. Moments later he sighed. "What is it?" Steve asked. "Jarvis is still in there, just blocked by something." "Why would they do that?" "Maybe to get some filed without being stopped. With Jarvis down they can get in easier." "Can you get Jarvis back up?" Natasha asked. The billionaire nodded. "Most likely. It would take some time though." She nodded. "I'm going to SHIELD base." "I'm coming." Clint said.
'As soon as I'm out of here, boss will get an earful from me.' Liam thought, bound to a steel chair in an empty ten by ten foot room. There was a door behind him, his captors had taken his wand, gun and three daggers he had on him. For extra measure his coat was taken too. Tied up as he was he couldn't even scratch his palms.
Liam grumbled under his breath, wishing he could relieve the pressure in his back a little. The door opened slowly and footsteps echoed in the tiny room. Liam just listened as hard as he could but only silence met him. He was never the patient type so not even thirty seconds later he blurted "How long will you keep me here?" "For as long as it takes to get the information I want." The other in the room said. "And that is?" The man walked to Liam's front. It was Fury. 'Should have known.' His one good eye stared piercingly at Liam. "For one, tell me who you work for." "I work for Hadrian Salazar Potter." "Why? What are your plans?" Fury dashed off. The hostage made himself comfortable. "he is a decent man. He also taught me a lot of the things I know. Saved my life a couple of times. I owe him. Our plans were not very detailed in general meetings because Hadrian knows I have a loose tongue. God knows if he told me everything we would lose millions. What I do know is that Hadrian is trying to prevent power from playing into the wrong hands."
"How do we know his are not the wrong hands?" Fury asked. Liam shrugged. "You don't." Fury's eyebrow twitched. This man was infuriating! After a firm glare that awarded him with a sheepish smile he left the room. Liam sighed in relief at the closed door. It's a good thing he was so annoying. Now, to figure out a way out of here. Just as he thought this the cell door opened. He tensed, expecting Fury to come back, but no one came through. Thinking it better not to look a gift horse in the mouth, he used the little wandless magic he knew to unravel his bonds. Now free he bolted through the door and down the way Fury went. Hearing voices down the corridor he slowed down to a jog. A quick disillusionment later a group of agents ran towards and past him. The spell, though wandless and weak, luckily did its job.
As he walked around he checked room after room, hoping to find his wand. Ten minutes later and nothing he started to get frantic. 'Where could that Cyclops have hidden it? He thought. Another ten minutes found him in the control room. He peeked inside. The room was full of agents. Fury himself stood in front of a large screen in the standard military pose. The prick was shouting orders to the agents running around, apparently looking for him. 'There it is!' he screamed in his head. The oakwood wand was encased in a glass case right on Fury's desk. The man kept glancing at it every now and then. Liam cursed. Making a quick reckless decision Liam summoned the wand.
It loudly crashed through the glass case on its way to its master, alerting everyone in the room. Guns were drawn and Liam almost had a bullet buried in his skull as he snatched the wand from the air. Disillusionment now broken he sprinted away, only instincts helping him stay alive in his dash for freedom. Just as he turned a corner pain ripped through his leg. His eyes widened when he realized it wasn't a bullet. "Who the fuck uses arrows these days?!" indeed, an arrow was buried in his calf. Thinking quickly he vanished the arrow. "Ferula." He whispered. Bandages were conjured from his wand to wrap securely around the weeping wound. Heavy footsteps shook him out of his pain. He stumbled to his feet. A twirl of his wand then "Bombarda." The ceiling collapsed, separating him from the approaching agents. Gunshots rang in his ears and only experience told him to raise a shield. Bullets bounced off the golden apparition. Thoughts raced through his mind, wondering how he would escape. He was surrounded on both ends of the narrow passageway, rubble behind him and hostiles ahead. Apparition was out of the question. With the speed the helicarrier was moving at plus his injury, he would be splinched horribly and most likely get himself killed. Damn Hadrian Salazar Potter to all nine levels of hell.
The ship shuddered, sending everyone tumbling to the floor. All power cut off and the only sound Laim heard was that of agents scrambling to their feet and the voices all over the helicarrier. This was his chance! "Lumos!' A bright white light erupted from his wand. The agents screamed, momentarily blinded. His wand shot Liam above and past them, dumping him in a heap on the opposite side. He quickly collected himself, thankful that his plan worked. To his credit the next door he opened led outside. Cool hair hit his skin and ruffled his hair. A gust of wind almost threw him back as a small aircraft landed on the open space. It looked similar to the SHIELD quinjets but it had a dark phoenix where the SHIELD logo should have been. Liam almost slumped in relief when he saw a head of blonde hair. He has never been so happy to see the idiot Naruto.
He quickly limped to the aircraft and jumped in. Just in time too because bullets started peppering the ship. "Hold on!" Naruto said and jerked the aircraft upwards. Soon, they were flying away from the helicarrier and the onslaught of bullets stopped. A chuckle drew Liam's attention to his savior. He glared. "What's so funny?" "You should have seen the look on your face." The blonde replied, still smiling. The brunette rolled his eyes but allowed a smile. "I can't belief Harry sent you." Naruto smirked. "And I can't believe you got yourself caught." Liam balked. "But, wasn't I supposed to get caught?" Naruto raised an eyebrow. 'No." The brunette gaped. "B-but…'Throw them off.' He said that!" "It meant you shouldn't let them know we were even there, idiot!" Naruto rolled his eyes, exasperated. Liam sweat dropped. "Damn shit." Naruto caught on quickly. He smirked childishly. "Oh, you're busted! Harry's gonna be so mad at you!" "You're not helping!" Liam bit out, palms sweating. He mumbled incoherently to himself. Naruto smiled, not feeling sorry in the slightest.
Naruto and Liam descended the stairs from the landing pad on the roof. They were headed to the briefing room. On the way they met Zack. The boy had a Gameboy in his hands and almost bumped into the duo. He blinked up at them and focused back on his game. "Boss is in the study." He mumbled, walking around them to his predetermined destination.
So here they were, in Harry's study. The room was quite spacious but still simple. Harry sat before the duo, hands stippled below his nose and eyes focused on them. He gestured for Liam to talk. The man cleared his throat. "I managed to upload the virus into Stark's computer system. Then, through an act prompted by misunderstanding, I allowed myself to get caught. I was taken to SHIELD HQ, got asked a few questions by the Director himself. I might have let a bit of information slip."
Harry's eyes narrowed a bit. Liam squirmed, sinking further into his seat. The dark haired man rolled his eyes. "I'm in a good mood Liam. For that you should be thankful." Liam sighed in relief. Naruto almost looked disappointed. "I heard the whole conversation so I don't need a report. So unless there is something I need to know You're dismissed." The two nodded and left.
Before Harry could even relax more there was a knock and the door opened. Itachi walked in, a tea set in his hands. He took his time to serve them both, seemingly collecting his thoughts. Harry let him, wondering what Itachi wanted to tell him. He took his teacup, slowly sipping the hot fluid as he watched the older raven take his seat. He waited patiently for Itachi to take a drink from his own cup. Obviously, Itachi had something important to say, considering the fact that he usually sent Sasuke or Suigetsu with the tea. Itachi placed his own cup down and focused on Harry, who sat up a bit straighter.
"Remember the device you enchanted to be able to see through the eyes of Odin's watchful ravens Hugin and Mugin?" Harry nodded once. "I was searching the feedback for anything interesting when I received some…disturbing news." Harry could see the worry in his employee's eyes. He tensed a bit in anticipation, gesturing for Itachi to continue while he took a sip of his tea. "It seems Odin has finally had enough of Loki's troublemaking. He is sending Loki up for execution.
At this Harry almost choked on his tea in his shock, just managing to swallow it. He stared incredulously at Itachi. "What?" This was unbelievable. Of all the punishments Odin could have come up with, the execution of his son did not come to mind.
Loki may be the god of lies and mischief, may not be Odin's biological son as the abandoned child of his enemy; the frost giants, may have caused enough mayhem to drive any parent insane, but a death penalty shouldn't have crossed Odin's mind.
His companion sighed. "It is two days away. The whole of Asgard vouched for Loki's death; that leant a hand." "What is Frigga's opinion? Did anyone vouch against it?" "She is resigned. She may love Loki but even she is astounded by his crimes. She first argued against it but doubt had dug too deep. Even if it didn't, she cannot change Odin's mind. No one came forth against the decision either." Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Frigga has always been weak-willed. And Odin…Did he ever really love Loki, or was it the guilt of his actions that gave him patience?" he murmured to himself, forgetting Itachi for a moment. He refocused on him. "We need to take immediate action. The death of Loki will throw things out of balance. No, Loki must live for a bit longer." "So you'll be going to Asgard." Harry nodded in affirmative. "Notify Alex. Explain the situation to him. We will be off tomorrow morning." The Uchiha took the dismissal for what it was and exited after a quick "Yes sir."
Harry stippled his fingers, mulling over the situation. Getting Loki out of prison wouldn't be a problem. The hardest part would be getting into and out of the golden city. Asgard had many protections covering her, warding off intruders or alerting the authorities. Not to mention Heindal, the all-seeing gatekeeper of Asgard whose eyes could see across all nine realms. He may be blocked from Harry and his men as the young Master of Death had set it but that worked out of Asgard. Sneaking past him would prove to be tricky. He can always find a way around the wards, a weak point he could bypass as all wards had, but Heimdal…
The mage scolwed. Though Heimdal's eye was all seeing even he can be gullible. Harry just needed to find a way to outwit the Asgardian. Once they bypassed the protections of Asgard, they would need to prepare a way out. This is where Alex came in. the man had an affinity for runes, an art which Asgardians took lightly, calling it a coward's reprieve. Harry himself was a master of runes, but he would be preoccupied with the actual rescue. Convincing Loki to come with them would be easy. Loki's considerable self-preservation would kick in. Harry sighed, getting to his feet. He had a death god to visit.
Steve watched Tony work on fixing his A.I, the man cursing every so often. According to Stark, that virus had already done a number on Jarvis. It wiped out his memory and shut him down so that to get him back online, Tony had to reboot Jarvis and download his memory from the backups. This would have been easy if not for the virus also blocking Tony's access to the backups. Now he had to go around the blocks.
At least that is what Steve was told. Tony seemed pretty upset about the whole thing so Steve did not press any further. Bruce was also preoccupied with his work SHIELD employed him to do. It was something about the electromagnetic field around Imperius Tower which acted as a shield against cyber-attacks and also, astoundingly, seemed to drive away their agents. Natasha and Clint were up to their old spying tricks. That left Steve and Thor. The brute was in his rooms.
Thor sat on his bed in deep thought. He wondered what fate awaited Loki. When his father sent him to Midgard to retrieve Loki the king was furious. Thor worried for Loki, all the time, but he had complete faith on his father's fair judgment so he never contested what Odin said, great king that he was. The recent revelation that Loki was adopted, a Jotun no less, shook Thor to the core but it made his love for Loki no less. Even so, did this affect Odin's decision? Did he think of Loki as his son? Would he put the fact that he raised Loki into consideration?
He shook his head. No, there was nothing to worry about. Loki would be given a fair trial. His father assured him of this and gave him permission to stay on Midgard for longer. Now that he thought of it, Odin insisted that he stay longer on Midgard, citing that he had to make sure it was really safe before returning in time for the trial in a week's time. He wondered what that was about.
Someone knocked on his door. "Come in." he intoned, standing up. Steve came in. "Do you want to have some pizza? Everyone else is busy." "I am familiar with this pizza. I am inclined to have it." Thor said with a smile and followed Steve to the kitchen. There were boxes of pizza on the table. At first they were silently eating before Steve spoke. "Aren't you supposed to be at home?' Thor nodded. "Yes, but father said I must stay to make sure Midgard is truly safe." Steve nodded distractedly. "Though I am not impressed with the son of Fury." Steve perked up at that. "How so?" "He brings warriors together yet refuses to be one with them. How can we fight together if we cannot trust each other?" he summarized. Steve nodded. "When I first joined this Avengers Initiative I thought I was doing the right thing but now…" the sentence was left hanging in his doubt, still unsure of his decision. Thor understood though, and it was fine.