Mischievous Mates
Recap: Alright, we are halfway to the action. Mara and Loki are in Germany. He is planning his reign while she is trying to escape. Let's see if her message made it through to S.H.I.E.L.D.
Chapter 5: Destruction
No One's POV:
As they are waiting to locate Loki using satellite facial recognition, Agent Coulson and Steve Rogers stand side by side, waiting.
"I mean, if it's not too much trouble." Agent Coulson says.
"No, no. It's fine." Steve assures.
"It's a vintage set. It took me and Mara a couple of years to collect them all. Near mint, slight foxing around the edges, but..." Coulson trails as Agent Sitwell interrupts.
"We got a hit. Sixty-seven percent match. Wait, cross match, seventy- nine percent."
"I have also received a message from Agent Chase," Agent Hill informs and walks up to the bridge.
"Location?" Coulson asks both.
"Stuttgart, Germany. 28, Konigstrasse." Agent Sitwell and Hill read.
"He's not exactly hiding." Agent Sitwell adds.
"Captain, you're up." Director Fury announces. Steve nods and exits to the aircraft hangar.
Mara's POV:
"I want one of you in the room with her. Because of your pitiful skill set she was able to send a message to S.H.I.E.L.D. Do not let it happen again. Oh, and confiscate all electronic devices that are on her person." Jerk-face said and left dramatically out of my cell. An agent came in before the door had closed.
"Stand up," ordered the agent. I rolled my eyes and quickly obeyed. The agent then completed a thorough examination. They took my watch, my phone, my iPod, my knives, and my Bluetooth/comm. device. The agent placed them in a Ziploc bag and passed them to an agent on the other side of the door. Then the brainwashed agent stood stock still at the door never taking their eyes off me. Wonderful. I went ahead and sat on the mattress. I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. I am going to be fine. I am going to be a hero.
"I will not let a maniac control me." I whispered fiercely.
"This maniac will control you. Now it is time for you to get dressed my pet." Loki the all-knowing pain in the rear said. I opened my eyes to see him looking stylish in a tux and holding a cane. Hmm, I wonder where the scepter is.
"I know your vision for this world is distorted but I never imagined your perfect Asgardian vision to actually be impaired as well." I retorted.
"What do you mean?" He asked me.
"Well, in case you haven't looked at me. I am dressed." I said and gestured with my cuffed hands to my current active-wear ensemble.
"Ah, but my dear. You are not properly dressed for a night in town at a prestigious gala. You should be thanking me because I have brought you something that is appropriate for the night." He said and had a glimmering green gown appear beside me on the bed. I must admit that it is gorgeous. The gown was emerald in color, high neck with silver beading crystals and matching belt, mint chiffon, chiffon sleeves with a keyhole back sweep train. I will not let him know how much I adore this dress.
"I would be thankful if you actually gave this to me out of some semblance of kindness. But let's all face it. This isn't kindness. No, you have some ulterior motive and I am needed as a pawn in order to help you achieve mass chaos most likely at this gala tonight." I shot at him.
"Well, someone sure is the perfect package. Beauty, brawn, and now the brains to go with it." He taunted. "I will not bore my reasons on you. But you will out this on. We are leaving in ten minutes."
"Just two problems slick. One, how am I supposed to get this on with these lovely cuffs holding my wrists together? Two, I am so not going with you."
"Oh, I didn't mean to confuse you my dear. It was never an option." He spoke in that deadly icy tone of his. Then he snapped his fingers and I was suddenly wearing the stunning gown. My hair was also done up in a sleek beautiful chignon with a bouffant. My neck held a heavy teardrop diamond and matching earrings dangled delicately. My feet were strapped in a pair of olive green suede strappy sandals with thin high heels. Yeah, he was sure making certain I wasn't running off tonight. I was also still wearing my cuffs.
"And how do you suppose to look inconspicuous with a date that is cuffed? Sure this dress might distract people at first but they will notice the ugly cuffs." I pointed out a flaw in his plan. With an exaggerated roll of his piercing eyes, he waved a hand over the cuffs and they vanished. In their place were two emerald bangles that glittered in the light.
"Don't even try any of your magic my dear. Just because those are not cuffs they still repress your powers all the same. Now it is time we get going." He ordered.
"What makes you think that I will be a willing participant in your sick game tonight?" I asked.
"Oh, you wish to stay here. Alright, I can go do this the hard way. I will walk in, slaughter all of the filthy mortals, take what I need, and leave. I should be back to you within the hour. Does that suit you?" He asked me.
"No, I don't want you killing any more innocents." I snarled at him.
"No one is truly innocent. But if you wish minimal damage to this lovely German town then I suggest you take my hand and be my happy little date. Who knows, you could distract me from my murderous plans for the gala participants tonight. I might even show some leniency towards my target tonight. But it is all up to you my dear. What is your decision?" He said and held out his hand.
"It was never an option correct?" I snapped and took his offered hand. He smirked and held tight.
"I knew you would see it my way," He chirped and snapped his fingers. Next thing I knew we were in front of a museum. Loki was dressed in 21st century attire now. His scepter was replaced with a cane. "Let's go my dear," he told me and then lead me to the entrance of the gala. We walked right by the German guards in their positions. Inside I could see a man walking up to the microphone. The orchestra stops as he grabs it. I look at the beautiful grandeur as Loki focuses on the man.
Steve Roger's POV:
I walked into my personal locker room. Director Fury explained that all that I need is in the steel cabinet. I quickly spotted it and made my way over. As I come within three feet of it, the doors automatically open and reveal my uniform along with my shield. It has been restored and updated. It makes sense. Deep breath Rogers. It is time.
No One's POV:
Outside of the museum, German guards stand in their positions. One of them is standing on top of the roof, scoping. He then hears a thwacking sound followed by a dull thud. He looks down. One of the other guards is shot with an arrow. He raises his gun when suddenly he is shot by an arrow. His body follows his comrade's to the ground, dead. Barton and his crew arrive at the door of the locked science building. Barton looks at the retinal scanner. He pulls out a S.H.I.E.L.D. eye scanner instrument.
Mara's POV:
"Would you care for a drink, my dear?" Loki asks me and takes two from a nearby waiter's tray.
"No thank you." I said and continued to look around the museum.
"Fine. Have it your way. You will warm up in time. Now I believe that there is something marvelous you need to witness." He informed at took me up to the second floor.
"What is so special up here?" I ask.
"You will see. A splendid show is about to begin. Do NOT move from this spot or I will kill everyone in this building. Do you understand?" He asks. I nod my head and he begins to descend the stairs.
"Where are you going?" I ask him.
"To get the show started of course." He grinned and then he descends down the stairs. Loki makes it down and near the stage, he flips his cane to the other end. The guard there notices him, pulls out his gun, but Loki clubs his head in. Chaos erupts. Guests begin to leave the museum. Loki grabs the doctor and flips him over onto a marble table of the mythological creatures Bilchsteim. Loki pulls out an optical torture device. He plunges down the doctor's eye. The doctor twists in pain. I try shouting, but anything I say is in vain. I dare not move. I don't want anyone else to get hurt. I am useless, like always.
No One's POV:
Suddenly, from Barton's instrument, a holographic eye of the head doctor appears and the image of the doctor appears on screen. The doors to the facility open. Barton walks in and finds in a cabinet, a glass thermos with a cylinder of iridium.
Mara's POV:
At least the crowd is running away. Loki turns to face me and he snaps his fingers. Suddenly, I am in his grasp. He drags me slowly out and materializes into his golden armor and helmet. I watch as the German police arrive. But with absolutely no hesitation, he blasts the cars with his scepter, sending them flipping over and over. If I could just get out of his stupid magical cuffs. I try tugging but they are stuck on me.
"Kneel before me." Loki orders. The crowd ignores him. Another Loki appears, blocking the crowd. Loki after Loki appears, they all grin as they raise their spears, encircling the crowd. At least I know which one is real. The one bruising my arm. "I said. KNEEL!" He yells. The crowd becomes quiet and kneels in front of him. Loki spreads with arms out wide, smiling. I step back and another Loki quickly comes and grabs me. The mirage is quick to lead me to the museum entrance where an extravagant chair appears. He says nothing, but pushes me until I get the message and sit. He stays beside of me watching.
"Thanks." I mutter sarcastically.
"Is not this simpler? Is this not your natural state? It's the unspoken truth of humanity, that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life's joy in a mad scramble for power, for identity. You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel." As the words resonate to the kneeling crowd, an older German man stays standing. He stares at Loki with a fire burning in his eyes.
"Not to men like you." The old man states. Loki's attention shifts to him.
"There are no men like me." He replies arrogantly to the man.
"There are always men like you." The old man informs. Loki's eyes begin to burn. He wants to stand out so bad that he is willing to do anything. This drive alone makes him all the more dangerous to the public.
"Look to your elder, people. Let him be an example."
"No!" I shout and try to take the scepter that he is aiming at the man. Loki glares at me then snaps his fingers. Suddenly I am back at the front of the museum steps handcuffed to one of the blasted poles. I watch Loki raise the scepter and the light begins to glow that eerie blue. No, the man doesn't have to die! The light gets brighter before shooting towards the man. I close my eyes. I don't want to watch harm come to another innocent.
"You know, the last time I was in Germany and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing." Some man said. I opened my eyes back up and there he stood. Captain Freaking America in the de-thawed flesh.
"A soldier. A man out of time." Loki says and stands back up. Captain America must have used that shield of his to deflect the beam and knock Loki down with the same action.
"I'm not the one who's out of time." Captain America argues. Just then a quinjet arrives. A machine gun is deployed and points straight at Loki.
"Loki, drop the weapon and stand down." I hear Natasha's voice come over the intercom system. Loki sends out a blast of blue energy towards the quinjet. Natasha maneuvers it just in time. Way to go Nat! While Natasha is moving the jet out of the way, Captain America throws his shield at Loki. I watch from my position as they begin to duke it out. They are drawing closer and closer to the steps. Loki flings the good Captain down on the ground and Cap retaliates by throwing his shield at Loki. Loki swats it away easily, now that he can see it coming. Loki quickly comes at Cap and is able to overthrow him. He stands over the Captain and points the scepter's tip on Cap's helmet.
"Kneel," Loki orders.
"Not today!" Captain America shouts in defiance. Then he flips and knocks Loki back with his leg. Loki grabs Cap and flips him over. Dang.
Natasha's POV:
Loki is psychotic. This guy is all over the place. His clones are helping him maintain control and watch over Mara. I watch as Loki flips Rogers over. I begin aim at the hostile. It is pertinent that I am careful and avoid Rogers and Mara. Suddenly, AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" overrides the quinjet's speakers. What?
"Agent Romanoff, did you miss me?" Stark calls. Of course. Who else would need to make an entrance?
Mara's POV:
I watch as Stark flies over toward our chaos. The Captain and Loki both look up at the sky. Stark blasts Loki right back to the ground. He slid to a halt beside me. Stark touches down into a crouch before standing tall once more. Then he pulled out every piece of weaponry that the suit he is wearing holds.
"Make your move Reindeer Games," Stark quips. Loki puts his hands up and surrenders. The armor he is wearing materializes away as do the cuffs holding me in place. I immediately begin rubbing my wrists and moved towards Stark and the Captain.
"Good move," Stark says.
"Mr. Stark." Captain America acknowledges.
"Captain," Stark greets.
"Gentlemen," I add and board the quinjet. They can take care of Loki. I went into the cockpit and sat with Nat.
"Mara," She greeted.
"Hey Nat. How has dad been?" I asked.
"How do you think?" She retorts.
"That bad, huh?" I ask.
"Romanoff, said anything?" Fury asks over Nat's headset. Her volume must be up or something. I normally can't hear this well. I turn and watch the skies to give her some semblance of privacy. Lightning strikes and thunder rolls in the distance. I didn't think the forecast called for a storm.
"Not a word." She replies.
"Just get him here. We're low on time." Fury orders.
"I am going to check on the men. I am sure the testosterone back there must be suffocating." I inform her before making my way back. I come up on Stark and the Captain whispering and watching the tied up maniac.
"I don't like it." Captain Rogers states.
"What? Rock of Ages giving up so easily?" Stark remarks.
"And letting me go so easy." I spoke up. Both men turned to stare at me. "Mara Coulson, at your service."
"I will keep that in mind." Stark winked.
"You have Pepper for that." I teased him. "Now what don't you like Captain?"
"I don't remember it being ever that easy. This guy packs a wallop." He said.
"Still, you are pretty spry, for an older fellow. What's your thing? Pilates?" Stark mocked.
"What?" Rogers asked confused.
"It's like calisthenics. You might have missed a couple things, you know, doing time as a Capsicle." Stark sort of explained. Rogers simply eyed the billionaire.
"Fury didn't tell me he was calling you in." Rogers retorted.
"Yeah, there's a lot of things Fury doesn't tell you. Right Mara?" Stark insinuated. I opened my mouth to retort when a bolt of lightning nearly hit the jet. I grabbed onto a safety bar as the thunder rolled and the jet shook violently.
"Where's this coming from?" Natasha asks from up front. Thunder rumbles once more. Loki is staring out the window intently.
"What's the matter? Scared of a little lightning?" Rogers asks.
"I'm not overly fond of what follows." Loki answers as a blinding light hits the jet and I stumble into Loki's lap. I blink my eyes and it is not a light. It is another person. "Thor" Loki whispers. This Thor rips open the ramp and grabs Loki by the throat. Loki holds onto me tightly. Then Thor is flying us out of the jet. I close my eyes. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. How do I get myself into these messes?
No One's POV:
Tony Stark puts his Iron Man helmet back on and prepares to exit.
"Now there's that guy." Tony states.
"Another Asgardian?" Natasha asks.
"Think the guy's a friendly?" Steve Rogers asks.
"Doesn't matter. If he frees Loki or kills him, the Tesseract's lost. And he took the damsel." Tony says and prepares to jump.
"Stark!" Steve calls. "We need a plan of attack."
"I have a plan, attack." Tony says and jumps out of the jet to give chase. Steve grabs a parachute to follow.
"I'd sit this one out, Cap." Natasha tells him.
"I don't see how I can." Steve responds.
"These guys are from legends, they're basically gods." Natasha explains.
"There's only one God, ma'am. And I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that." He retorts and jumps out of the jet.
Mara's POV:
This is so freaking weird. I am so going to puke. I open my eyes in time to see Thor throw Loki and I toward a mountain. Okay, I am not afraid to admit that I did scream at that. Loki takes the brunt of our fall. Thor raises his hammer, Mjolnir. He looks down at Loki and I. I quickly summon some fire to burn Loki's vice like hands. As soon as he lets go I scramble some ways away from him.
"Where is the Tesseract?" Thor questions.
"I missed you too," Loki says laughingly.
"Do I look to be in a gaming mood?!" Thor booms angrily.
"Oh, you should thank me. With the Bifrost gone how much dark energy did the Allfather have to muster to conjure you here? Your precious Earth." Loki taunts. Thor drops his hammer, causing the mountain to quake. He picks up Loki.
"I thought you dead!" Thor says. Yeah, he is so not dead. But all of the innocents that stood in his way are.
"Did you mourn?" Loki asks.
"We all did. Our father…"
"Your father. He did tell you my true parentage, did he not?" Loki interrupts. Thor lets go of Loki, who then walks away from Thor. But thankfully he doesn't come to close to me.
"We were raised together, we played together, we fought together. Do you remember none of that?" Thor questions. Loki turns back to face Thor.
"I remember a shadow. Living in the shade of your greatness. I remember you tossing me into an abyss. I was and should be king!" Loki argues.
"So you take the world I love as recompense for your imagined slights. No, the Earth is under my protection, Loki." Thor argues back. Did they always get along this great?
"And you're doing a marvelous job with that," Loki laughs. "The humans slaughter each other in droves, while you idly threat. I mean to rule them. And why should I not?"
"You think yourself above them." Thor states.
"Well, yes." Loki answers.
"Then you miss the truth of ruling, brother. Throne would suit you ill." Thor informs. Loki, clearly enraged now, shoves Thor to the side. He walks back to the ledge.
"I've seen worlds you've never known about! I have grown, Odinson, in my exile! I have seen the true power of the Tesseract, and when I wield it…" he trails off.
"Who showed you this power? Who controls the would-be-king?" Thor sees through him. Good, I am not the only one.
"I am king!" Loki shouts.
"Not here! You give up the Tesseract! You give up this poisonous dream! You come home." Thor demands.
"I don't have it. You need the cube to bring me home, but I've sent it off I know not where." Thor summons his hammer and it flies back into his grasp.
"You listen well, brother. I …" Thor starts but is knocked off the mountain by Iron Man who tackles him in mid-flight.
"I'm listening." Loki says with a laugh before turning to me.
"Why am I here Loki? I didn't need to see your spat with your brother." I asked.
"No, but I wanted you here all the same. Everything that is accomplished will aid me in my success. I will rule this filthy realm."
"But why would you want to?" I asked exasperated. "You make no sense. One moment you are showing your displeasure with even uttering the name of this so called realm. Then in the next breath you are a power hungry lunatic hell-bent on taking over. Who is the true Loki? Was your brother correct in his assumption that someone else controls this would-be-king?"
"Do not speak of him. He is not my brother." Loki spits.
"Get a grip. He is your brother. You grew up together , as much as you might hate that now. He genuinely cares for you Loki. I plead that you give up this foolhardy conquest. Because it won't be easy and it won't be without a fight."
"Do you really think you could even fathom defeating me? You, a girl who knows not from whence she came, no you are foolish. Mara, you don't even understand what all you can do, what you even are. There is no way that you would even survive a fight with me, much less win. No one can."
"You speak in riddles and a time that I know nothing about. But let me tell you something I do know. I know that in this lifetime, my name is Mara Coulson. I am cursed with abilities that go far beyond the mutant gene. I face adversity every day from those who are terrified that I will lose control. I will fight until I get it right and I am no damsel in distress. Now, let's get you back to the jet." I argue with a psychopath. Why am I arguing with a freaking psychopath. Get yourself together. I grab Loki's upper arm and began walking down the mountain to where the men are hashing it out. Everyone here is so stupid. Including me. Why didn't I change on the stupid jet. Quickly letting go of Loki, I bring forth a flame and quickly burn the dress I am wearing. I burn it from my knees down to make this hike easier. Much better. I began moving with this prisoner once more. Dang I am tired.
"Are you tired little mortal?" Loki taunts.
"Of course not. I assumed you would want to see your brother get pulverized by two human men." I quickly lie.
"My dear, I am quite literally the god of lies." Loki simply states.
"I am not lying. We are stopping here to make sure we are close enough to the men but not in danger of getting blasted." Besides Natasha is not even in view yet.
"If that helps you sleep at night then so be it." He shrugs. "And Thor will most certainly end those two fools."
"Meh. Unlikely." I said. And sat down on a boulder behind Loki. I needed to see everyone. Nothing is going to slip past me again. Oh damn. Where is Puck?!
(AN: Welcome back into the world of Mischievous Mates. I hope that you thoroughly enjoyed this chapter. Don't worry, things will be heating up even further in the next couple of chapters. Anyway, I do not own the Avengers. Obviously. TTFN!)
○Forever and For Always, ○
~LHNT~
A.K.A.
*Heather* :D