Loki's left alone in the dark once more to ponder his decision. Although he'd already made up his mind, he couldn't help but think about the request. It was a rather strange one. No good thoughts came and whatever this Tesseract was did not peak his interests. He hadn't noticed it really but his heart was still pounding fast. The air was so thin in this confined space. A constant struggle to breathe. He could smell it in the air, the lack of oxygen. There was this steadily growing headache. For that he was sure there were a number of contributing factors.

He ignored the pang from his broken bones. For now he just focused on controlling his breathing, his mind a blank slate. Loki furrowed his brow, sliding his thumb up underneath the collar. There was probably at least two inches of space around his neck and he was starting to feel the effects of the device. With his magic concealed there would be no healing himself. He cursed under his breath as he laid flat out onto the hard floor. Loki spent the better part of the hour setting his ribs back in place. Just taking in the feeling.

It wasn't long before he let out a string of vexatious laughter which resonated in the enclosed space. Surly ringing out into the halls but he didn't care. It didn't matter how much it hurt. He couldn't help but believe this was some kind of divine punishment.

The universe works in mysterious ways, had it not been for his foolishness. He mentally kicked himself. Wallowing in self pity would only get him so far. His outburst grew diminutive. The pain in his chest flourished into something he hadn't experienced in a long time. He dwelled on it, savoring the feeling for he knew it was only going to get worse from here on out.

In order to survive he needed to stifle his pessimism. Unfortunately he was a realist, and no saint. This truth was etched in stone. Yet whatever happens he would not yield. They'd like to think they can break him. But he was stronger than he'd let on. So he told himself. He had to play the part. He was too prideful for anything less. But this was rough, he wasn't accustomed to physical pain. Still he couldn't let them know that.

…

Loki hadn't kept track but it'd been several hours since they left him. He woke to scurrying footsteps down the hall. His nerves perked when there was a creak at the door but he didn't move from his place, just waited. He hadn't noticed it until now but they'd stopped. He heard that bellowing voice speak.

"Get up, we're here."

Loki didn't acknowledge his capture, instead staring blankly at the floor. Heavy clad footsteps did little to ruse him. He'd set his defiance in stone. Still it didn't matter whether he wanted to or not, they'd get him to move. The titan planted a massive foot beside his head with such force that rang in his ears. Loki flinched, still his eyes remained closed, reluctant to budge.

"Where exactly is here?"

Loki spoke firm but he wasn't able to hide the discomfort in his voice. It was obvious he'd picked up on that already. His patience had run out long ago and he didn't hesitate to hoist him off of the floor by the arm. Loki grunted as he was pulled onto his feet, feeling the sting in his chest as his ribs were disturbed. He pulled against his grip in reaction but was only strung towards the door.

He forced his legs to work as they filled out the dark. Several ugly creatures congregated around him as they exited. He'd only caught a glance of them in the artificial light as it braced his eyes but he recognized them as Chitauri, an inferior race. They were a particularly nasty bunch. There haven't been many documented instances of their activity in a couple decades. Although they were mindless, it seemed someone had found a use for them.

Loki noticed one of them step inside and collect his Asgardian armor. Probably for a prize or something, doubting he'd ever see it again. He bit his lip, anger flushing through him as he was led away. He paid little attention as he was led through the halls, although he could feel their eyes watching his every move. He kept his head down and his mouth shut, pushing the pessimism away for now. He focused only on breathing. Loki swallowed hard, his throat sticking from dehydration. Then they stopped.

"This will be your new home. The Sanctuary." It was a softer tone then he used before but the same sense of impending doom loomed over his words. Sanctuary? He was sure they'd named it that out of irony. It was unnerving, waiting for the doors to open. Loki didn't know what he expected to find but this wasn't anything close.

It was an asteroid field. He couldn't believe this was their base of operation. Who in their right mind would inhabit a place like this? Still the more he thought about it he came to realize, it was genius. At first glance it would appear to be nothing more than an obstacle. They'd turned the collection of rock into something more than a barren place at the edge of space. No one would think anything of it. Being nothing more than a floating nus sense. Even the brave wouldn't dare venture this far.

Loki realized he could only be in the hands of someone truly terrifying. Worse than some unknown terror. At the sight of this place he was certain. Although he'd only heard rumors, there's talk of an upcoming tyrant tearing up the outer reaches of space. Targeting those worlds not under Asgard's protection. The ones that usually end up falling through the cracks that are ignored.

There was one thing he knew for sure, that the damage left in his wake was catastrophic. This character was notorious for leaving no witnesses. He should consider himself lucky although it really didn't feel like it.

"Who are you?" Loki already knew the answer but his curiosity got the best of him but he figured it couldn't hurt to ask. Considering he would be staying for a while. He might just grace him with the knowledge.

"Thanos" He processed the name in his head but it didn't ring a bell.

"Never heard of it." Loki admitted shrugging it off as unimportant. Although he had this dreadful feeling.

"For good reason. I intend to keep it that way." Thanos could care less about petty squabbles like first name basis, he had something much bigger in mind. "I've worked too hard and long for anything less than perfection."

Thanos scanned his barren fortress and it was hard to explain. He was one tiny step closer to his goal, one which was a mystery to all who served him. And yet they pledged their undying loyalty to him and complete disregard for their own lives. Loki would not be swayed so easily. For his cooperation was key for the next phase.

"I'll give you one chance. Become my champion." For someone who didn't like to repeat himself he did it quite often. Loki admired the attempt. That'd be the only thing. "I see value in an alliance."

"You really are a broken record." Loki retorted, venom bursting at the seams.

Thanos brushed it off, appealing to his present situation. "It only benefits you."

Loki furrowed his brow, he wasn't buying it. "Choke on bovine scat, you belligerent bantering oaf." He spat out.

Thanos smiled, leaning in close. He didn't speak, just reached out to him. His massive hands were nearly twice the size of his head. Loki had a feeling but was unable to back away as Thanos curled his fingers around his neck. Getting a feel for his rapidly beating heart.

So desperately Loki wanted to run away. Thanos could see the fear in his eyes. His captive resembled a scared little rabbit held by the scruff of its neck, struggling to be freed. Thanos leaned down to meet his ear. "You like to talk, you pride yourself but you're a terrible liar."

Who wouldn't be in this situation. Loki was forced to meet his cruel yellow eyes as he was lifted into the air by his throat. Loki wriggled in the air. It seems like he was trying to say something, curiosity peaked his interests so Thanos eased up on his grip. "Even a mother... couldn't love a face like yours." Loki smiled, even while being choked out he still had qwips. For some reason Thanos admired that. But it wouldn't last long.

"Let's see how long you can keep that sense of humor intact." Thanos hissed, dropping Loki in a heap on the floor. He struggled to catch his breath but after a moment of harsh coughing he was snatched off the floor by several Chitauri. His chest burned with each inhale as he was forced to follow his captures deep into a cave carved into one of the larger asteroids. He could only assume he would meet his end in this place.

He couldn't see much as he was led into the hollowed space. After several steps the mineral halls of this crudely lit catacomb transitioned to metal. The sound of footsteps grew in cacophony, disguising the sounds of anguish in the distance. As his eyes adjusted he could see the slivers of what he believed to be doors. This place was a prison.

Loki was brought to another dark room slightly larger than the first. They shoved him through the doorway by the small of his back and he stumbled in. He barely got a glance when the door slid shut and he left alone again. This one contained a small cot in the corner and in the other was a receptacle which he could imagine what it was used for. How degrading. He cringed at the thought, sending a shiver down his spine.

The smell was something similar to the one he'd gotten used to onboard, the scent of decay. This was a stronger odor that burned his nose. They were overly sensitive so this would take a while to get used to. Something told him he'd have plenty of time to normalize his captivity.

As his eyes adjusted he was able to take a gander. He squinted, noticing something rather peculiar. It was hard to tell in the dark but one of the walls was fixed with a massive glass panel. He could only assume it was a one way window used for observation. He sighed. There would be no getting used to these watchful eyes. Not like it mattered, it wasn't his choice. Any privacy he once had was gone and he was at their mercy.

He wrapped his arm around his chest feeling the angry pange of his ribs being jostled. He clenched his jaw and slowly made his way across the room to the lonely cott in the corner. It was worn and dirty but he didn't care at this point it was better than the floor. He laid down on his back feeling the cracking of his bones as he relaxed on the stretch of fabric poorly resembling a bed. He stared up at the ceiling wondering what the putrid musk could be coming from as he managed to drift off.

Hours later the door opened. He didn't move, his eyes remained closed but fully aware. The sound of something sliding across the floor of his cell peaked his interest, still he remained until the door closed again. He glanced over to see it was a piece of scrap with a bowl of food and water. Or at least something mistaken for an edible substance. He noticed some hairs and insect looking parts amongst the strange colored slop. Probably composed of whatever unfortunate creatures scurried these barren rocks. He opted for fluids at the moment although he should've guessed it'd taste strange. He didn't realize how dehydrated he'd become so it didn't bother him.

Loki spent the remainder of his day lying in wait, wondering if anything was going to happen. He started to wonder what they'd do with him. Collateral most likely, he wouldn't make much of a bargaining chip. Perhaps he'd be kept as some sort of pet. The possibilities were boundless. He expected the door to open anytime. But it never did and he was left alone with his thoughts and the sting in his chest. It was too quiet.

…

All night he was restless, although it felt like he hadn't slept a wink. The time passed remarkably fast once he forgot about the pain in his chest. Even without the use of magic he still healed remarkably fast. Given a day or two of rest he'd be right as rain. If they'd give him the leisure. He expected it anytime now, something. Anything to happen, he hoped for a sign.

Loki could have swore he heard something. Perhaps it was his imagination, until he heard it again. A hissing sound, curious of the door to creak but not open. Still enough to rouse a reaction from the prince. Considering he'd spent hours lying on his back, waiting. He was ready for something to happen.

It only took a moment for him to develop a nervous feeling. There was this unfamiliar odor. It braced his senses, burning it's way up his nostrils. He managed to get to his feet but it was too late. He took a few steps back, the air heavy on his shoulders as he felt his body going limp and hit the floor.

All he could do was watch his eyes stuck open as the door finally swung open, the substance vacuumed from the same vents it came from. His nerves screamed at him to move, fight back. But it was too late, he was paralyzed. They'd infected him with some sort of airborne tranquilizer.

Loki just watched as the Chitauri came swarming in. He noticed there was someone else among those ugly creatures. One equally disgusting. He stepped into the room accompanied by several Chitauri. He could only figure this was their master, the overseer of this rock.

They hoist Loki by his wrists dragging him down the hall to another room, one equally as dark and what he could only assume would be equipped with miscellaneous tools and instruments. He can only imagine what goes on here. Dried blood staining the floor was a well enough sign to already associate this place with pain. They strapped him down to a table while preparations were made.

This room was equally dark and he didn't see much other than several distorted lights and the single blaring light that hung above him. He couldn't move his neck so he just stared into it, imprinting it on his retina but he didn't mind. "Where's Thanos?"

"You will not speak his name." This underling did not intimidate him.

"Or what are you going to prod me with your sharp sticks?" Loki scoffed. These were primitive creatures after all. Their equipment was humorous and obsolete, it was a wonder how their operation was even functioning.

"We have something else in mind."