So, anybody remember me rambling about trying to fit a certain movie into the timeline in a way that made any kind of sense? This is how I resolved it.

I hope everyone is having a safe evening full of darkness and magic!

The song for tonight is "Strange Fire" by the Indigo Girls.

Enjoy!


Story 4: Refuge From The Wrath: Be Wary of Wizards


Rhodey's grandfather had always talked about feeling the weather in his joints. Young, healthy Rhodey had thought he was exaggerating. But now, as the drippy cold of December stole over the whole of New York, he was experiencing some karmic revenge for ever doubting the man.

At least the common room at the Compound had a nice, supportive couch to ease some of the ache in his back.

"Sorry it's kinda crazy here today, Rhodey," Peter said, smiling ruefully. "I promise we didn't forget about you."

"Nah, it's fine," Rhodey said. "I'll just sit here with frost on my braces while y'all have better things to do." But he winked at the kid to show he was kidding.

On paper, Rhodey was at the Compound this weekend to test the updates to the newest Iron Patriot (War Machine) armor. Tony was excited and barely verbalizing about it, which told Rhodey there was a good chance he was going to be able to fly again. Secretary Ross had made a lot of noises about the future of the Iron Patriot program and whether a disabled soldier deserved his spot, but with all the clout Rhodey had on Capitol Hill, he wasn't too worried yet.

And, with how things were progressing with the Asgardians, by the time he did need to worry, it would be a moot point.

But it would certainly help cement his position if Tony could get the armor to work flawlessly again, legs or no legs. So Rhodey was here. Apparently, so was everybody else.

Bruce was back in the city, possibly because of the crowd, more likely because he was working on something for the year's Secret Santa exchange. Steve and Nat were off visiting Fury on official business and maybe continuing their non-subtle attempt to either recruit Sharon Carter or, in Nat's case, hook her up with Steve. Rhodey didn't see that going anywhere, but he hadn't had a girlfriend since he was a First Lieutenant so maybe he shouldn't throw stones. May and Pepper were off with Happy, shopping probably. And Clint had gone home to Missouri for a while, not to be disturbed on pain of arrow-to-the-butt except if the world was literally ending.

But everyone else was milling around the Compound on a random December Saturday. Rhodey really, really didn't want to think they were all here for him because being a spectacle sucked normally and being a falling-out-of-the-sky spectacle was worse. If he was going to make a fool of himself, he'd rather do it alone or in front of Tony and maybe Peter or Sam. Not a plurality of the planet's superheroes, thank you very much.

"Seriously, I just need fifteen minutes, platypus," Tony practically yelled as he darted through the common room while typing furiously on his tablet. "The armor's ready, but something happened with one of the factories turning out the new StarkPhone and with Christmas sales being kind of a thing, it's all hands on deck and Pepper says it's my turn."

Rhodey mentally tacked on about an hour to that fifteen minute estimate given the years of experience he had waiting on Tony when Tony was actually doing company business, and sighed.

"Should we watch a movie?" Peter asked. He had already made two rounds of hot chocolate for everyone in the vicinity and had since been working on piling himself under blankets.

"We could do that," Rhodey said, resigning himself to the delay. "Got something in mind?"

"Something festive?" Vision suggested, drifting over from who knew where.

"Nothing too sappy, okay?" Pietro wandered in with Wanda at his side. "This holiday season rots teeth as it is."

"What do you have against a wholesome seasonal favorite?" Sam asked from where he had already claimed the big recliner and refused to move — even for hot chocolate. Only because Peter was a good kid did he end up getting a mug. If it were up to Rhodey, he'd have let Sam go thirsty.

Wanda shrugged. "Our holidays were not very joyous for too long."

"You know what cures that kind of cynicism?" Rhodey found himself asking. "Something heart-warming. Melt the cold right out of you, figuratively speaking, anyway."

Peter, having just gotten settled under his pile of blankets, immediately bounced up and grabbed one off his pile to drape it over Rhodey's knees where he sat perched on the other end of the couch.

"Thanks, kid," Rhodey made sure to tell him.

Peter grinned and went back to his nest. "What about something funny?" he asked. "Scrooged is always good even if it's pretty old."

The twins exchanged glances.

"Haven't seen it," Pietro said.

Bucky had been so quiet in a far corner that even Rhodey almost forgot he was there. But he spoke up. "Neither have I, I don't think."

Sam nodded. "Works for me."

"I would be willing to watch that as well," Vision added.

Rhodey shrugged. "Sure, start it up. If Tony gets back, he can either join us or I'll drag him to the lab so he doesn't ruin it for the rest of you."

"JARVIS?" Peter asked. "Can you please play Scrooged for us?"

The others started to gather around the big communal TV, and Peter ended up squashed close to Rhodey when Pietro took over the arm of the couch and not-so-subtly invaded what had been the kid's space. But Rhodey didn't mind. Peter had an electric blanket hidden in his pile, and his achy muscles and tendons and joints — especially around his lower back — appreciated all the warmth he could get. And Peter, being Peter, instinctively shared his nest with his seat-mates until all three of them were bundled up head-to-foot.

Rhodey watched the movie passively; he'd seen it before, and even if he hadn't, he knew the major beats were the same in every retelling of A Christmas Carol. But it was sobering to think about the path Tony might have gone down if not for a few chance encounters. Could Tony have turned out more like Obediah Stane — or a version of Ebenezer Scrooge — in the end? Tony had never been obsessed with wealth exactly, but he had the callous and uncaring thing down, at least on the outside.

On the inside, Rhodey had always known that Tony did care, more than he ever let others see. But Tony hadn't known how to care, and he would rarely have invested in something that might not care back, so he'd played it off with all his strength. However, he'd always given to charity, usually more than Stane thought was a good idea. He'd always thrown money at hospitals and food shelters. He just did it in such a backhanded way that almost felt like an insult when it was meant to be his idiotic way of trying to be good.

But after Afghanistan, after Stane, after Iron Man, things changed rapidly. The Tony who crawled out of that desert wanted people to live in peace and was willing to do more than throw a random million at a non-profit for it. He was willing to fight, bleed, and possibly die for peace. Peace for whoever needed it, not just the US. And once he got the toxic palladium out of the arc reactor, he turned his focus to becoming the clean energy king of the world on top of everything else. And these days, that 'everything else' was a lot.

Rhodey watched the movie's Scrooge character stumble up against his own failings, and smiled. Because Tony had been lost in his head, lost in the scars of old grief and lack of support, but he had never been cold. He had never forgotten how to love.

About the time the Ghost of Christmas Present showed up and started slapping her target around, Tony meandered back into the room.

"JARVIS, pause a minute, will you?"

The movie froze on the image of the Ghost lining up a punch.

"Sorry to interrupt this shockingly violent retelling of a classic," Tony said, grinning, "but I thought you might want to know a couple of things. First, Rhodey, we got work to do. Second, we, the collective 'we' this time, have a couple of visitors."

"Greetings, friends!" Thor came swanning into the room, cape flaring after him. In his wake was Loki, already rolling his eyes.

"Hi Thor! Hi Loki!" Peter extracted one arm from the blankets to wave.

"Something that needs the attention of both of you at the same time?" Rhodey asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Thor has no business here," Loki said. "I, on the other hand…"

"I do indeed have business, brother!" Thor objected. "Soon will be the celebration of the season, and my friends exchange gifts. I have come to seek council regarding my own contribution to the festivities."

"And also to see Jane?" Sam asked.

Thor smiled. "And also to see Jane."

"Are we ever going to meet your supposed girlfriend?" Pietro asked. "Or is she imaginary?"

"The Lady Jane is brave and wise, but she prefers what she calls a 'quiet life,' and I think fears to have her peace shattered by so many of us at once."

"Which is a polite way of saying we're an annoying bunch of loud problems and she doesn't want anything to do with us," Tony said.

"Not wrong on that count," Bucky put in, smirking.

Peter tipped his head. "Loki, you didn't say why you came."

"Indeed, because I was interrupted." He shot a mild glare at Thor, who ignored it. "There have been disturbances in other realms requiring my full attention or I would have come more promptly. But I wish to investigate a report by Heimdall regarding a form of energy which clouds his vision."

The room immediately went a little more tense. "Anything we need to worry about?" Tony asked.

"I do not believe so." Loki stepped further into the room, taking center stage as it were. "Heimdall is well used to forms of energy and magic which impact his sight. The curiosity in this case is that it is one he has not seen for some hundreds or perhaps thousands of your years. And when he last recalls it, it was not upon Midgard."

"Is it dangerous?" Vision asked.

"No, I have no suspicion of such."

Rhodey wasn't as good at reading Loki as he was most other people. Loki had an unmoving, practiced poker face like a glacier or a piece of slate — if frozen in a haughty expression. But he could read Peter well enough, and Rhodey knew Peter was not so easily tricked by Loki's faces.

And Peter was frowning, clearly dubious.

Peter opened his mouth and Rhodey could see the objection already coming. And then he stopped.

If Rhodey hadn't been sitting so close to the kid, he wouldn't have noticed. But he was, and he did. The kid had stripped off his sweatshirt to burrow under the blankets in his t-shirt, and his bare arm was still exposed.

And every hair on it began straight up.

A moment later, a golden light bloomed at Loki's feet.

"Brother, it is not polite to work magic in another's home without asking permission," Thor chided.

Loki was looking at his feet, and when his head came up, Rhodey didn't need any special skills to read the alarm in his expression.

"This is not of my doing."

And two things happened at once.

Peter launched himself off the couch towards Loki.

The golden light spread into a hole, and Loki began to fall.

"Peter!" Tony yelled.

Peter caught Loki's arm and made a move as if to shoot a web to catch himself. But he wasn't actually wearing his web shooters.

And so Peter fell after Loki into the light — and vanished.

"Peter!"

Rhodey didn't fully realize he'd gotten up — even though sometimes that was an effort after sitting for a while — until he was stumbling to where the golden hole had been. It winked out as soon as Loki and Peter were out of sight, but a small piece of paper fluttered to the floor in its place.

Tony had already shoved past everyone, his face a mask of panic. "What the hell?"

"Sorcery," Thor said, and his voice was low. "But whose?"

"They'll be okay," Sam said as everyone else gathered around. "Loki won't let anything happen to Peter before we get there."

"It shouldn't have happened!" Tony knelt down to grab the scrap of paper. He looked up at the twins. "Got cement in your shoes, Pietro?" he snapped. "Or did your powers desert you?"

"Hey!" Rhodey interjected himself physically between them. "That's not fair."

"No." Pietro put a hand on Rhodey's arm. "It is fair. What is the purpose of my powers if I do not use them when a friend is in danger just because I am surprised?" He looked at Tony. "It is my fault."

"No, it isn't." That was Bucky, and his face was dark. "It's not your fault that you couldn't stop it. It's the fault of whoever is behind this. Nobody else."

Tony swallowed and nodded. "He's right. I was out of line. Sorry, Speedy."

Rhodey wasn't quite so distracted by worry that he failed to be proud of Tony for that.

"What does the paper say, Tony?" Vision asked.

"Yeah." Pietro closed his hands into fists. "Whose ass do I have to kick?"

"It says '177A Bleecker Street,'" Tony said, holding it up.

"What does that signify?" Thor asked. "A location, I hope?"

"Yeah, it's in the city." Sam frowned. "Greenwich Village. There's going to be a lot of civilians in the area. We can't go in there shooting."

"Technically," Rhodey said, "we shouldn't go in at all. Not with the legal stuff unresolved."

Tony turned on him, furious. "If you think I'm not going after whoever took Peter and Loki…"

"Easy." Rhodey held up his hands. "I'm not saying we won't go. I'm saying we need to be very careful."

Tony took a breath through his nose, visibly bringing himself back under control. Rhodey took the opportunity to squeeze his shoulder. The slight pressure as Tony leaned back was all he needed to know his best friend needed the stabilization of a trusted presence right now.

Maybe someday Tony wouldn't freak out every time Peter was in danger. Maybe.

But definitely not today.

"JARVIS," Sam said. "Inform Steve and Nat. Happy, too?" This was a question he shot to Tony.

Rhodey nodded and answered for him. "Yeah, tell him to keep the girls clear of the area."

"Understood," JARVIS responded. "Additionally, I will say that I cannot currently connect to Master Parker's watch or phone, both of which were on his person when he disappeared. If the signal reemerges, I will inform you at once."

"I'm not waiting for Steve or SHIELD," Tony said. "Whoever sent this," he held up the piece of paper, "invited us to drop by when they stole my kid."

"And my brother," Thor put in.

"If this is sorcery," Vision said, "you may need more help than the weapons of this world can provide. I think it wise for me to accompany you."

"And us," Wanda said. Red flickered in her eyes. "Today is a day to fight fire with fire."

Bucky grimaced. "I would come with you, but…"

"Don't sweat it," Sam said, clapping him on the back. "The whole 'being a wanted fugitive' thing won't last much longer."

"You should stay here with him," Rhodey said. "If this is a trick, somebody needs to keep an eye on the Compound."

Sam grit his teeth, but nodded. "Fine. But only because I hate flying in the cold."

"Rhodey, you — " Tony began.

"Nope, not listening," Rhodey said. "You've got a suit for me to test? Looks like we test on a live run. But if you're going after Peter, I'm going to make sure I'm watching your back. God knows you won't watch your own."

"He has a point," Vision said. "You tend to become distracted and single-minded when Peter is at risk."

Tony opened his mouth and Rhodey knew everything he wanted to say. That Rhodey's suit would probably work, but without a real test, there was no telling if it might fail and risk his safety. That he knew Rhodey was worried, but he could handle this. That magic was dangerous for Rhodey specifically because there was every chance it might screw with the tech that made it possible for him to walk. That Tony didn't want to see Rhodey get hurt again.

"Shut up," Rhodey said, cutting it all off. "Suit me up or I'll have Wanda knock you out and we'll leave you here instead."

He didn't need Tony's reassurances. The only worst case scenario Rhodey thought worth considering was that the suit couldn't fly properly based on Rhodey's movements and he had to turn over the basic piloting to JARVIS — who could already fly the entire Iron Legion flawlessly. Everything else, magic versus tech, the risk of injury, was just as true for Tony in the Iron Man suit as him in his own.

The last time they'd fought magic together, Odin and Loki had brought them both down with a gesture. Rhodey might not be able to walk, but he could still shoot. As long as he had that much, he was going with them.

Rhodey had been sidelined long enough. He had a brother and a nephew — and whatever the hell Loki was, maybe a weird cousin — to protect.

Tony swallowed his objections and nodded. "Right. Quinjet's up in two minutes, people. Rhodey, let's go."

Rhodey fell in beside him, pushing his legs and braces to match Tony's rapid stride to the labs.

It would take more than paralysis to keep Rhodey from fighting for his family.

-==OOO==-

Peter was falling.

"You idiot! You complete and reckless fool!"

And being yelled at.

"Loki…" Peter started. "I'm…"

He couldn't see anything, but he felt Loki's arm shift in his grip, and he was pulled tight against the Asgardian's chest. A buckle on Loki's clothing bit into his rib.

"Do not pretend that you had a plan!" Loki was still yelling, but something was wrong with it. "You threw yourself into this without a thought for anything but your own desire to be a hero!"

"No, I didn't!" Peter managed to shout. "I wanted to save you!"

"And now you've doomed yourself as well as me."

"Oh," Peter realized. "That's it. You're scared."

Loki went silent.

They were still falling, and it was pitch dark; even Peter's enhanced senses couldn't make out anything. And it was so much more eerie now that Loki wasn't shouting. There was no sound of wind rushing by, nothing at all except the sound of their heartbeats racing equally and their breathing. Even as they were still falling through some kind of void.

Peter could only take a few seconds of that empty quiet before his need to chatter broke through.

"Is this what it was like when you fell off the Bifrost? I heard about that during the Mind Stone thing. Thor said you fell into nothingness. Was it this? How is there air but no wind? What was that light? Or, I mean, if even you don't know what it was, then we're in big trouble, I guess. Now I'm never not going to wear my web shooters all the time. Like ever."

Another thought struck him.

"Don't be scared, Loki. We'll be okay."

"Child, my estimation of your intelligence drops with every word. Now kindly shut up."

But Peter, who had nothing else to listen to, heard the tiny tremble in his voice. He tightened his hold on Loki.

"This is how you ended up with Thanos, isn't it?" he asked.

"Yes."

That word sounded like it cost Loki a lot to say.

"Oh. Well." He cast about for something. "At least you're not alone this time?" he tried.

The grip on him tightened almost to the point of pain.

"Peter." Loki's voice had gone soft and very thin. "I would far rather slit your throat here and now than ever allow you to land in his hands. And I would slit my own before I could harm you."

"That doesn't make sense," Peter said, even as he was equal parts touched and horrified. "Maybe let's not do that, though."

"I cannot protect you," Loki said. "None of my powers can pull us from here, Heimdall cannot see us, and even Odin's magic may not find us in time."

"In time for what?" Peter asked, even if he was scared of the answer.

"This void, this space between all that is, serves as a passageway. Whatever being or force opened it may be waiting to extract us at a point of their choosing. But if they do not do so rather quickly, some other may sense our passage and intervene instead."

"You're saying…" Peter swallowed. "If the elevator doesn't get off on the floor somebody picked for us, someone could hit the button on another floor and we'd end up there instead?"

"Essentially, yes."

Peter leaned his forehead on Loki's chest, counting his breaths in his head for a moment to try to keep the building sense of panic at bay.

If he'd been alone, he might have found himself spiralling back to that room in middle school with the weighted bags, or the collapsed warehouse. But Loki was here, so he couldn't get lost.

Even though this was not just a shade of his own worst nightmares, but the introduction to Loki's as well.

And the only thing worse than being here, Peter realized, would have been if Loki was here without him.

"I'm not sorry," he said, even though he was scared enough to hear his breath stutter in his chest. "I'm not sorry I grabbed you. I'd rather face whatever happens with you than let you do it alone."

Loki didn't respond for a moment. When he finally spoke, he said, "You are still a reckless fool, but I apologize for accusing you of empty heroism."

Peter huffed a laugh. "It's okay. That's not even, like, remotely the meanest thing you've ever said to me. I mean, remember when you said I fight like those limbless slug things you talked about using to prank Thor?"

"You do strain even my extensive knowledge of insulting invective at times."

Peter smiled; he couldn't help it. "I feel like that's a bad kind of winning. Like when I eat more than Steve and Bucky and my stomach hurts afterwards. It's winning, but it sucks."

"Indeed."

"It's not going to be like last time," Peter said then. "No matter where we end up. Everybody will come find us. Nobody will give up, no matter what."

"That, I am forced to admit, is the only advantage that comes of your presence here," Loki said. "You are correct, I suppose, that your Craftsman and the rest of the Avengers will not rest until you are safe."

Peter scowled. "They'd have come for you, too. You're our friend."

"If only out of necessity for their continued political liberty."

"No." Peter wanted to push at Loki in response, but Loki's arms were like bands of vibranium and utterly unmoving. "If you disappeared, they'd look for you. I would look for you, even if I had to do it all on my own. I promise."

Loki sighed; Peter could feel the force of his breath in his hair.

"You are more incorrigible than each and every warrior of Asgard combined, including Thor."

Peter grinned. "I'm fine with that."

Loki didn't reply, but Peter supposed that silence was as good as agreement.

"So...how long do you think we'll fall before somebody opens the door?" Peter asked.

"I cannot say. My last trip here felt like an eternity, but I believe I fell only for a matter of days."

"Days!" Peter jolted in surprise.

"But someone clearly knows we are here," Loki was quick to assure him. "I think it more likely we will meet our host far sooner."

Peter could guess that Loki would much rather drop into just about anyplace in the universe than Thanos's lap, and he was kind of in the same boat. Especially without any web shooters or his suit or anything. He decided to see if Tony would at least let him work on a nanotech version of the web shooters so he would always have them just in case. That couldn't possibly take as long as programming the whole suit.

"Okay. So, uh, should we make a plan?"

"Yes." Loki managed to shift until he got a hand on Peter's shoulder without releasing him into the void. "When we emerge, you will get behind me, say nothing, and obey any order I give you. Do you understand?"

"But I can help you fight!"

"You can, but you will not unless I order it." Loki actually shook him slightly. "There are dangers and foes in this universe who would do far worse than kill you, Peter. They would see only your powers and your potential, not your youth and innocence. Until I know what we face, you will give me your word here and now to obey me or I will take drastic action."

Peter winced. "When you say drastic…?"

"I will transform you into something small and easily contained and imprison you in my pocket."

Peter could tell Loki was dead serious about it. Loki knew Peter didn't like being confined, or the dark. And if falling through a void was bad (even if he was slowly starting to get acclimated to it), being stuck in an unfamiliar body in Loki's pocket would be so much worse.

"Okay," he said. "Okay. When we...land? Whatever. When we're not here anymore, I promise to do what you say. Except if you're in trouble. Then I'm helping you and you're not stopping me."

"I imagine that is the best I can hope for, then." Loki sounded resigned.

"Yep."

"Very well."

They were still falling, it was still dark, and Peter was still scared. But if he just sat there (fell there) quietly, he'd start thinking about all the what-ifs, and he'd get even more scared, and he didn't want to be a burden to Loki who was probably a hundred times more scared already.

So Peter forced himself to gulp back his feelings and try to smile.

"Since I haven't seen you in a while, do you want to hear about the whole thing with Ned trying to help me deal with this girl who asked Spider-Man for advice on how to break up with her girlfriend?"

Normally, Peter knew Loki would not have cared in the slightest, even if it was kind of a funny story.

But this wasn't normal.

"I imagine Ned provided you with minimal useful aid?" Loki asked.

"Well, put it this way: now I know exactly what not to do multiple times over."

Loki actually chuckled. "Tell me."

And, yeah, a stupid story about Ned and horrible Google results (seriously, KAREN did better and she was an AI built by Tony Stark whose track record with girls...well, anyway…) was a dumb way to pass the time, but it filled up the silence and the dark, and it gave them both something to hold onto while waiting for the inevitable.

So they kept falling, and Loki clung tightly to Peter, and Peter might have employed his spider powers to stick to Loki directly just in case, and he told ridiculous stories of the weird adventures of being Spider-Man.

And, in the very private depth of his thoughts, hoped they would get out of this to have more stupid adventures someday.

-==OOO==-

JARVIS parked the Quinjet several blocks from the Greenwich Village address on a convenient rooftop. He wasn't getting any readings from 177A Bleecker Street, which set off all kinds of alarm bells in Rhodey's head. JARVIS should be getting something from the address. But it just came up...blank.

Since Wanda, Pietro, and Vision (sorta — his shape-changing disguise was a work in progress) were the only ones who could really blend in on the streets, they scouted first, leaving Tony, Thor, and Rhodey on the rooftop.

Most of Rhodey's attention was on the feed from JARVIS in his HUD. But at least a little bit of it was internally dancing in glee.

The new War Machine armor worked! He could fly again!

It was a little choppy to walk, actually, and Rhodey could tell JARVIS was adjusting in real time because the gait changed under him several times even just walking onto and off of the Quinjet in the armor. But the suit held him upright and responded to the same twitches that made his braces work. And JARVIS, with his faster-than-human reflexes, was ready at any moment to take over movement if Rhodey needed it.

If they had been in the backyard of the Compound, Rhodey knew Tony would have been badgering him and JARVIS every second for readings, feedback, every possible response to the test. But with Tony distracted, he just stared at Rhodey and sometimes muttered at JARVIS's feed. It was not how Rhodey would have wanted to do his test, but at least it was less frenetic.

"I do feel something strange," Vision said softly over comms.

"As do I," Wanda said. "This place is not what it seems."

"Don't get too close," Thor warned. "Magical wards are dangerous if activated."

"Is it the same magic as the yellow stuff?" Rhodey asked.

"I could not speculate," Vision said, "but I think that it is a fair assumption that our only path forward lies beyond these doors, bespelled or not."

"Right. Let's go." And before anybody could object, Tony in his armor took off.

Rhodey blasted into the air after him, and, in spite of the seriousness of everything, he could not help the cheer that broke out of him as he soared over the city again.

There was nothing like flying.

They landed together, Iron Man, War Machine, and Thor, right in front of the doors. Vision and the twins joined them and everyone braced themselves for a fight.

Tony stepped forward to bang on the door.

And suddenly they were inside the building. The big dramatic window visible from the outside was now big and dramatic and looming over them, overlooking a dark, suspiciously-too-big grand foyer. A figure floated in front of the window.

"Thor Odinson, god of thunder." A pause. "I do not believe the rest of you were invited."

"So, Midgard has wizards now?" Thor asked.

Tony, as usual, had no patience when he was agitated. He raised a gauntlet, primed to fire. "Who are you? What did you do with them?"

"Hmm." The figure floated closer, revealing a dark-haired man with a goatee, silver at his temples, wearing layers of unfamiliar clothing and a red cape that undulated in an unseen wind. "Tony Stark, the mysterious being known as Vision, and you must be Colonel Rhodes. I do not know..." He trailed off, eyes fixed on Wanda. "Oh."

Wanda lifted her chin. "And who are you, wizard?"

"The preferred term is 'Master of the Mystic Arts,' if you please," the man said. JARVIS had completed facial recognition and gave Rhodey the man's identity, along with his profession and the fact that he'd gone missing after a horrific accident last winter.

The man started to gesture, but a flare of red from Wanda wrapped around the team. The wizard stopped his motions and raised both hands placatingly. Rhodey noticed that they trembled slightly.

"I merely wished to move this discussion somewhere more comfortable."

"Right here's fine," Pietro said.

"Very well. Tea?"

"No. Who are you?" Thor demanded.

"My name is Doctor Stephen Strange and I have some questions for you." His gaze slid to the others. "I did not expect you to bring your entire band of friends."

"Hey," Rhodey said. "You mess with one of us, you better be ready to mess with all of us."

Doctor Strange sighed. "Can I invite you all to sit down?"

"No." Tony took a step forward. "Nobody's sitting down or having tea. I'm going to ask you this once, Merlin, and you better have a good answer. Where are Loki and Peter?"

Doctor Strange frowned. "Who is Peter?"

"May we presume that you are the one responsible for the glowing light which swallowed our friends?" Vision asked.

"I created a portal to capture the one known as Loki and left you my note which obviously brought you here," Doctor Strange said.

"Peter tried to help him," Pietro said, his voice low and sharp. "He tried to save Loki from you and fell into the portal with him."

"Loki and Peter are under my protection," Thor said. "You will release them from wherever you have them at once or face my wrath."

"And mine." Tony said, his repulsor glowing.

"And mine," Rhodey said, mirroring Tony's position.

Vision, Wanda, and Pietro all shifted to a ready stance, braced for a fight.

Doctor Strange peered at them. "I keep a watch list of individuals and beings from other realms that may be a threat to this world. Your adopted brother Loki is one of those beings."

"A worthy inclusion," Thor said.

"You're wrong." Tony snapped up his faceplate. "Loki is helping us. He's been fighting the good fight for a while now. Check your crystal ball again."

"It is true that Loki's past actions may mark him a threat," Vision said, "but it is due to his assistance that an innocent life has been saved more than once, and my own life given to me."

Rhodey could see surprise on the doctor's face. "He is a trickster. He may have aims and schemes you do not perceive."

"Yeah," Pietro snarked. "He's only making it possible for all of us to protect the world. Clearly he is a threat."

"Or," Wanda said, "is it you who are threatened by Loki and his powers?"

"Oh, that makes sense," Rhodey said. "Big bad magician realizes that a bigger, badder dude is on our side and you had to get rid of him before you could make your move. Smart, for an evil plan."

"I am not the threat to this world." Doctor Strange was glaring now. "I am pledged to defend this realm against any danger."

"Well, great job, Harry Houdini," Tony practically spat. "You're defending this realm by abducting one of our best allies against legitimate intergalactic threats and a fifteen year old boy."

Rhodey did not expect the cape Doctor Strange wore to poke him in the face. Apparently deliberately.

"Stop it," Doctor Strange said to his collar. "A slight miscalculation."

His feet landed on the ground somewhat unceremoniously, like he'd been dropped. He straightened up.

"What proof do you have that Loki is not an imminent danger to this world and all who live here?"

"Look, doc," Rhodey said. "Your bio says you were a neurosurgeon in 2012, so I assume you dealt with some stuff as fallout from the Chitauri. Trust me, we all have baggage from what Loki did. But he isn't that Loki anymore."

"It's a long story," Vision added. "And one we will tell you when we are assured that our friends are safe."

"Either you bring them back of your own accord," Thor threatened, "or we shall force your compliance."

The look of utter disdain Doctor Strange turned on those words would have been impressive if Rhodey weren't too worried about Peter to appreciate it.

"And how, exactly, do you propose to do that?" he replied.

"You are not the only one who can manipulate the world, sorcerer," Wanda said. She lifted her hands and tendrils of red light spread through the room.

"Chaos magic," Doctor Strange said. He looked at her more closely. "Who are you?"

"She's the one who's gonna kick your ass and turn your head inside out if you don't give us back Peter and Loki by the count of five!" Tony was done. "One. Two. Three."

"Very well." Doctor Strange's expression was sour. "But this conversation does not end even when I retrieve them."

"Fine," Pietro said. "We can still tell you that you are an idiot when they are safe."

Doctor Strange lifted his hands and golden light began to spark from his fingers. A circle appeared in the air.

Two figures dropped to the ground, Loki holding Peter and rolling so the kid landed on him instead of the marble floor.

"Peter!"

Before the kid could even look up at Tony's call, Loki had gotten to his feet and swept Peter behind him.

"Who are you?" Loki demanded, all his attention on Strange. "How dare you treat me in such a manner?"

"Kid, you okay?" Tony asked, edging sideways without ever looking away from the wizard.

"We're okay," Peter said. "We were falling for a long time in the dark, though."

Cold dripped into Rhodey's gut. He knew about Peter's history with bullying and being trapped in the dark, to say nothing of the Vulture and his warehouse. And he knew the kid was resilient, but that was a nightmare waiting to happen.

"Thirty minutes," Loki said. "For which you will explain yourself, or answer to me." He flicked his hands and daggers appeared.

"Loki?" Peter said, just his name and a question.

"Peter, go to Stark and stay close to him. He will guard you."

"Okay." Peter nodded and met Tony in the middle, letting himself get pulled into a metallic hug.

Rhodey shifted his position to make sure he was between the wizard and Tony and Peter.

"Brother," Thor said, "this man believes you are a threat to Midgard."

Loki laughed. "I? You are a fool. I am sworn to the defense of this world thrice. Once as a son of Odin and acting ruler of Asgard. Once as one who opposes Thanos and his designs. And once for those who cherish this realm and whose lives I value."

Doctor Strange seemed to consider that. "It's a nice statement, but what proof do I have that any of what you just said isn't another lie? You're kind of known for them."

Loki drew himself up. "I owe you nothing, sorcerer."

"Master of the Mystic Arts," Strange corrected. "And I am pledged to the safety of this world."

Loki shook his head. "You may believe you have the right to determine who may set foot upon this realm, but I'm afraid you are mistaken. Asgard maintains sovereignty over Midgard, and very soon that claim will be acknowledged in your own laws." He smirked. "In fact, if you wish to practice your mystic arts in defense of the realm, I daresay you must have my permission to do so."

Rhodey coughed to keep from laughing; Doctor Strange looked like he'd been hit by a board. His cape went weird and angular like it was surprised — and that made about as much sense as everything else, honestly.

"Excuse me?"

"I told you," Vision said. "We would explain when we knew our friends were safe. There is a very long story to tell."

"No." That was Tony, anchoring Peter to his side. "I'm with Loki. We don't owe this guy an explanation. If he wants it," he glared at Strange, "he can make an appointment. He's taken up enough of our time as it is."

"I agree," Wanda said. "Our trust must be earned."

Thor looked like he wanted to argue, but before he could, there was a solid knock as upon a door.

A moment later, a new figure appeared in the room.

"Father!" Thor grinned.

"Grandfather Odin!" Peter blinked. "What are you doing here?"

"I am here as an emissary of Asgard," Odin said. "And to ensure the safety of my sons." His eye roved over Loki and alighted on Peter as well before he settled his gaze on Strange. "Greetings, Master of the Sanctum. I am Odin."

"Doctor Stephen Strange," he introduced himself. "I know who you are, your majesty."

"Then you know that my word is trustworthy."

"I wouldn't go that far." Doctor Strange's cape poked him again in response.

"How does your cape do that? Is it alive?" Peter asked, awestruck.

The cape wiggled and Rhodey imagined it was waving. Everybody else ignored them.

"Thor, Vision, if I may impose upon you," Odin said, "I believe we three should be sufficient to explain the situation. In matters of politics and truth, this is a moment where fewer voices may make the story clearer."

"He's telling us to get out," Pietro said softly to Peter and Wanda with a wink.

"I'm fine with that," Tony said. "But if you ever, ever steal my friend or my kid again, Stephen, we'll come down here with more than just six Avengers. The whole team plus my Iron Legion will tear your place apart. Are we clear?"

"More than that," Loki said. He balanced a dagger on the flat of one hand before it vanished. "Any act against that boy or any member of the Avengers will constitute an act of war against Asgard herself. And all the magic in the Nine Realms will not save you from me if you test me again."

Behind Rhodey, he could hear Peter sighing and grumbling about 'everybody's so overprotective.' He smiled.

"I believe I may have miscalculated," Strange said. The contrition on his face looked like it tasted sour to the man. "Though you must forgive my caution."

Wanda shook her head. "Nope, musn't."

"Regardless, I feel I should at least apologize for alarming you over the safety of your…" Strange trailed off. "I'm not clear on the relationship here. Is he —?"

"He's with us," Rhodey put in, not wanting to give anything more away. Strange didn't deserve to know anything about Peter or their family yet.

"I will take matters from here, Stark, if you will entrust them to me," Odin said.

"Yep, I'm so done with this." Tony turned towards the door, never letting go of Peter. "Doc, I'll be looking for an apology in the mail. Engraved. Preferably one for every person whose day you ruined and two each for the kid and Loki. Otherwise, we all like a good fruit basket."

Rhodey fell in behind them, Loki at his shoulder and the twins taking up the rear. He wasn't too worried about leaving them there — it really sounded like this magician was on their side, if totally out of the loop.

Besides, if the conversation went badly, they'd know by the giant thunderstorm that would spontaneously form over the city. Maybe faster than JARVIS could send up an alert.

As they reached the doors which, Rhodey hoped, led to the street, Loki waved his arms. "So we may pass without arousing suspicion," he said. He eyed Peter. "And warmth for those not dressed for cold."

Which was nice since the street was pretty crowded after earlier sightings of a few Avengers and the wind would have been brutal to Peter who was still only in a t-shirt. Loki's magic let them walk down the sidewalk without having to explain anything or hide Peter from the many cameras always looking to spot a hero.

"Thanks for finding us, Tony," Peter said when he was sure no one could hear them. "It was...really scary."

"For us, too. No more diving into random portals. Okay, kid?"

"Yeah."

Loki cleared his throat. "You all have my thanks as well. I realize your primary motivation was likely Peter, but…"

"Hey." Rhodey interrupted him. "We're not about to leave you out on your own, either. You're one of us."

Loki blinked at him, then looked away. "Thank you, Rhodes."

"Do you think we will see him again?" Wanda asked. "I wish to know more about his magic and how it is different from my powers."

"If Odin, Thor, and Vision don't talk him into the ground, probably," Pietro said. Then he tipped his head. "Well. Maybe not Thor."

Loki chuckled, tried to hide it, and then gave up and let himself laugh. "Oh, trust me. Talking to Thor is tedious in its own way. And I believe your sorcerer will regret his actions thoroughly when Odin is finished with him even without Thor's contributions."

Peter looked back at Rhodey. "Are Sam and Bucky okay?"

"Yep. They're waiting at the Compound, probably wearing a hole in the carpet worrying."

"Oh." Peter blinked. "Do you think they'll want to finish the movie when Vision gets back? I mean, if we don't need to make any adjustments to your suit. But it looks like it's okay, so maybe we don't need to work on it after all? Or else if…"

Rhodey reached up, gauntlet and all, and ruffled the kid's hair, making him squawk. "I think a movie is exactly what we need. Fine tuning can happen later. We've earned a break."

"Yeah?" Peter's eyes lit up. "When we finish Scrooged, maybe we should do something fun like Rise of the Guardians. It's not exactly about the holiday season, but it kind of is. And." He gulped but looked up bravely. "It's about family and finding out people care about you even if you used to be alone."

Rhodey thought maybe Peter didn't just mean himself, or Loki, or Tony, or even the twins to whom that could apply. Or maybe he meant one of them in particular, but it was still true of everybody.

So he grinned. "Sounds perfect, kid."

Everybody pretended not to be listening when Tony pulled Loki aside before they boarded the Quinjet to fly back to the Compound to thank him for looking after the kid. But they did, and they heard Loki's answer.

"Do not thank me, Stark. That child is precious to me and I shall ever guard him while there is life in me."

And Tony had replied, "Good. But guard yourself, too. A wise person — okay, May — told me that Peter needs people who live for him, not die for him. So be one of those. Plus, it would be a lot more boring if you weren't around and I'm just starting to like you these days."

When they reached the Compound, Sam and Bucky both checked Peter over for injury independently, and Sam not-so-subtly checked Loki over, too, before making a point of telling him how glad he was they were both back safely. And when Vision and Thor showed up an hour later carrying two very heavy fruit baskets, well, that meant they had snacks for their impromptu movie day. By the time everyone else came to join them at the Compound, the best bits from the baskets were gone, and the day's events could be retold with a lot more snark and a lot less stress.

And they never did end up testing Rhodey's armor, but that didn't matter.

They'd tested something else entirely, something far more important.

"Who knew," Rhodey whispered to Tony looking across the common room where Peter was asleep leaning on Pietro with his feet in Wanda's lap, and Loki perched on a chair beside them, having conjured green blankets to cover them all.

Tony didn't need him to finish that sentence. Who knew Loki would ever really become one of us?

"Peter knew," Tony whispered back.

"Yeah, but you figuring it out is definitely this year's Christmas miracle," Rhodey teased softly.

"Ahem." They looked up to see that Loki had moved silently from his spot and was standing over them. "Keep your inanities to yourselves. The children are sleeping."

Rhodey buried his face in Tony's shoulder to laugh. Apparently it was unsuccessful, because a moment later he and Tony were both enclosed under a conjured green blanket as well.

"Is Loki basically a cross between the Scrooged Ghost of Christmas Past and the Guardians Jack Frost?" Rhodey asked, still laughing.

"He's even got ice powers," Tony replied, trying to dig them out of the blanket. "But I can't see him driving a cab."

"I will freeze you both if you continue to be noisy," Loki warned, standing over them. Behind him, Thor, Steve, Sam, Bucky, and all the non-asleep Avengers and friends were hiding their own giggles.

Rhodey held up his hands in surrender and Tony grinned.

"As you wish, Jack Frost."

"You are mixing your movie references," Loki told him before he flounced back to his seat.

Outside, it was snowing gently, and Rhodey felt warm inside from more than the heavy green blanket and the familiar weight of Tony at his side. He hadn't wanted to spend his day surrounded by people, and now he couldn't want anything else more.

But they weren't really just 'people' anymore, were they? After all, there's no better way to spend a random Saturday in December than surrounded by your family in all their chaotic, unpredictable, ridiculous glory.

"Put a little love in your heart," he sang softly to himself, recalling the credits of Scrooged. "And the world will be a better place…"

"And the world will be a better place," Tony repeated in his deep baritone beside him.

"For you," came a chorus of voices across the room, all still soft. "And me."

And Rhodey was sure he caught Loki humming along.

"You just wait and see…"