Summary: Freedom can cause many problems... In which Thor has a day out, Loki awakens, and the dreaded meeting takes place.

A/N: Edited for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Beta'd by Aphrodisia

Chapter 7:

Thor lumbered down the stairs back into the common room and was thankful for the physical exercise. It would help clear his mind of the morning's events. There was a time when his family was at peace, when he and Loki were as two brothers always should be growing up together. Perhaps he had neglected Loki as his father had by treating him less like a prince brought up on Asgard. He and the others always teased Loki about using magic, though Thor knew it had embittered his brother. Often, he pulled his brother out of his books and along with him on adventures. The Trickster had bested him against foes, though he would often boast that it was his own power that had one the day.

Thor began to navigate to his own room, but decided that a cup of the mortals called 'coffee' would be welcome, as he soon felt awash with fatigue. He turned on heel to see Captain America already in the kitchen, brewing the beverage and humming quietly to himself.

"Good Afternoon, Man of America." Thor greeted him politely.

Steve chuckled and shook his head. "S'just Steve, Thor."

"Forgive me...Steven. Have you returned from your exercise?"

"Yeah. You should come run with me and Sam one day."

I shall! Thor smiled, "It would be a good way to get my mind off things."

Steve nodded and poured a cup of coffee for the god and one for himself, handing the cup over to him. "Things?"

Thor grimaced, "My brother has not woken from his sedation. I fear something might be wrong. Doctor Banner told me that I should leave the tower to have some relaxation, since I have been by his side all the morning."

Steve nodded as he sipped his coffee. "Might be a good idea. You gotta take time for yourself as much as you care for Loki."

I fear leaving him to wake by himself, Steven," Thor confessed and sipped his coffee.

Steve nodded a bit. "Well... is it possible that Loki might have been pulling your leg about still being under? S'kinda his MO, isn't it? The sedation should've been outta his system by now, you said?"

"He was so badly wounded though, the operation has weakened him as a mortal. Thor sighed then tried to smile, "I was thinking that Lady Sif would like to see that female statue out on that island yonder," He commented while pointing out window

"The Statue of Liberty?" Steve asked, glancing out the window to the big green lady in the middle of New York's harbor. "Yeah, Sif might like that. You should take her," he urged, smiling.

"Would you like to accompany my friends and I, friend Steven?

Steve smiled a little, almost shyly. "Yeah... yeah, that'd be real nice, Thor. Thanks."

Thor slapped Steve hard on the shoulder, "Very Well! I shall gather the others and we shall be off!"

Steve rocked a bit under Thor's slap, but was grinning like an idiot. "Meet you in the garage then?" He said, already moving to the door to go and change. He nodded and disappeared, only to reappear in the garage fifteen minutes later.

Steve waved awkwardly and moved towards the assembled Asgardians, who were now dressed in jeans and t-shirts, making them a far cry from the demi-gods that they truly were. It was really the only time he ever felt short these days.

"How do we reach that island in the bay?" Hogunn asked curiously.

"Well, we'll drive out there, and then we can get on the ferry," he said, gesturing to one of the larger cars that would be able to handle the weight of four Asgardians and a super soldier.

While they were driving through the streets of Manhattan, Thor and the others could not help but crane their necks at the huge buildings. "This city would put Asgard to shame!" Thor laughed. "Though Asgard's golden buildings trump them by far." Fandral added with amusement

Steve drove, because he was the only one with a license, and the Asgardians were far too intrigued by the architecture. "I dunno. Doctor Foster told me about that Rainbow Bridge. Sounds beautiful," Steve offered as they puttered along through Manhattan traffic.

A gentle smile overtook Thor. "It is; with the cascading falls and star strewn sky. 'Tis a wonder to behold. Perhaps you shall someday be permitted to come, along with the other Avengers, Steven."

The super soldier smiled a little. He and Buck had always talked about the stars when they were kids. Who knew aliens were real? Other planets could be explored.

"I think I'd like to draw it one day," he admitted, though it was an idle thought to himself as opposed to the others in the car. Soon enough, they were parked and heading for the ferry to buy tickets, which Steve put on his Stark expense account.

"Come friends, let us board the ship." Thor called while he jabbed Steve in the ribs, "I suppose the serum that courses through your veins makes you invulnerable to the malaise of sea-faring?" And burst into laughter.

Steve laughed and blushed, rubbing the back of his neck as they boarded the vessel. "Sure, now I'm fine. I got green around the gills before just watching the streetcar go by," he said, waving Thor off a little as they found a place on the railing to watch their approach to the great statue.

Thor's brows furrowed, "Gills?"

Steve flustered a moment, "Ah, heh, sorry. Gills like a fish? Because we're goin' on the water?"

Thor shook his head, "I fear I shall never understand your mortal expressions. But there is the statue."

He smiled and nodded his head as the ferry began to dock to let the tourists off. "She's a beauty, isn't she?" He asked one they were on the island, his hand cupped over his forehead to protect his eyes from the sun as he looked up at her.

Steve smiled a little. It was history he knew. "It... she was a gift from the French 200 years ago, as a celebration for the signing of the Declaration of Independence, " he explained before searching for context. "It... it would be like if Asgard was part of colonies owned by Jotenheim, but they broke off to form their own government. So, she represents America's independence from England, yeah."

"Pfft as if the Jotuns would rule us." Fandral sniffed, which earned a knowing glare from Thor. Steve caught the glare and understood. The thunderer had told his mortal friends of his brother's origins; that he was originally a child of the Jotunhiem that was taken to Asgard and raised as a prince only to be a pawn for later peace treaties between the two realms.

Steve raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Just as an example, pal."

Thor looked curiously to the tablet, "What is that book in her hand?"

"Well, she's modeled after the Roman goddess of liberty, so it's the book Libertas carries. It's a tablet that talks about the law of the world."

"Forgive me for all the questions, Steven I am merely curious." Thor muttered with deference.

Steve laughed, "No, no, I don't mind at all. It's nice to be able to talk to somebody about stuff I actually know. Tony hates history, so it's nice to have someone who will actually listen."

Thor looked over and pointed, "And the torch?"

"It means progression... but for all the immigrants coming to the New World like my ma and dad, it meant hope."

Thor nodded, "It is a noble expression indeed, friend Steven. He looked around at the people milling about the extensive grounds.

"Excuse me a moment. He went to a small couple whom he spoke to briefly, whom then beamed as Thor took their picture with a phone camera. After a moment, they spoke again, before Thor came back to the side of his friends. "Forgive me, I did not mean to leave you so rudely."

Steve smiled and seemed to lose himself to the memory of Sarah Rogers telling him all about what it felt like to come to America where there was hope for them. They were still dirt poor but it was better than they would be in Ireland. "That's all right. What was that about?"

"Asgardians are blessed with All-Speak that allows us to understand languages in all the nine realms, including those on Midgard." e chuckled, "that couple was speaking Norse, I mean-Norwegian."

Steve smiled and nodded. "Y'know, since the Chitauri attack, there's been a resurgence in Norse popularity. New TV show and they're bringing back the religion. Less sacrificial, though, sorry," Steve teased good-naturally, as he guided the Asgardians into the statue so they could climb up to the torch.

"Ah, this is the sort of exercise I crave, Steven." Thor called as he lumbered up the steps slight behind the Captain, followed by his Asgardian friends.

Steve laughed as he lead the way. "Really? Y'know there's a Stair-Master in the gym back home, right?" He sassed back.

Thor's nose crinkled while keeping in step, "That machine is no challenge for Asgardians."

Steve snickered, but was never one to turn down a challenge. Rather than running up the stairs, however, he jumped onto the railing and started launching himself up that way.

Lady Sif soon bounded past both of them, making Thor all the more competitive, "You are not suppose to win a race against your prince, Sif!"

Steve laughed, ignoring the shouts from the statue's employees as they worked their way up the inside of the statue. He landed on the last platform and ran for all he was worth for the door.

Thor was only slightly out of breath as they burst through the doors and onto the viewing platform, and were greeted with a panoramic view of the city as well as the sea as far as the eye could see.

The sight left him rooted to the spot, "Tis such a grand view!" Thor breathed, "Come friends, come and look at this!' He called to them as they struggled (all except Sif) to the platform.

He and Thor practically fell to the door in fits of laughter at the same time, and Steve was fine calling it a draw. He puffed out a few breaths to get his breathing under control, but he was grinning like an idiot. They clustered together on the platform, though Steve broke away to placate one of the employees. "It's Thor and his friends. Relax... what? N-no, I'm not Captain America..." he said, before quietly signing the girl's phone case and returning to Thor and the others.

Thor pretended to look offended, "I have far more muscles than you, why have I not been recognized yet?"

Steve chuckled, leaning against the railing. "You ran up here all wild-eyed and shouting in Asgardian, Thor. You scared them," he teased.

Thor "hmphed" but leaned his arms on the rail and looked out. "Is that Stark's tower?" he asked, pointing to a spot in the skyline.

Sif rolled her eyes, "You can be pretty dim, sometimes Thor."

Thor in turn replied jokingly, "Is that any way to speak to your future king? " He spoke to Steve next,

Steve grinned at Sif with a small nod, but he said nothing and was the picture of innocence when Thor turned back to him. Steve could be such a troll sometimes.

"And that high one with the antenna?" Thor asked. It has a triangle up its side, and realized that he was talking about the Freedom Tower.

He followed Thor's gaze and nodded. "That's Freedom Tower. It's a new building."

"I see, and is it a modern homage to freedom as this one is?" Sif inquired.

Steve pursed his lips and set his jaw. It was before his time. He'd still been on ice. "In... a fashion, I suppose. The buildings that stood there before were attacked and destroyed. It has 1776 levels, that's to signify the year of our independence."

Thor: Thor looked solemn, "How terrible some mortals can be towards their fellows."

Steve turned to lean back against the railing, tilting his head up to look up at the skies above them. "You'll make a great king one day, Thor."

Thor shook his head sadly, "I am not a diplomatic leader, I am one who leads others into battle. Had Loki not been beyond reason, I should have made him king in my place." Thor continued. "He understands the sacrifice and trials of being ruler of Asgard."

Thor had a point, he knew, and he looked over at his companion with a raised eyebrow. "Well... maybe Loki could be your adviser? I mean, I get what you're saying Thor, but if you don't take it, and your dad, y'know, goes off to Valhalla, who's gonna lead?"

Do you think that wise, Thor? Considering what he did before he fell from the Rainbow Bridge? And when he attacked this city?" Fandral interjected.

Thor seemed to ponder his response, "When we fought-before he fell...Loki told me he did not want the throne, only to be his equal. He was never treated as such by me, by my father, by any of us." He spoke pensively, "Perhaps it is time to show him that he is such...I value my brother's wisdom and intelligence, it is something I never had the patience to learn."

Steve stayed quiet. He could only go by the knowledge that he had available to him. Loki was... reformed, in a fashion and incredibly intelligent. He picked at a callous on his palm while the Asgardian determined what to do.

Finally, Thor sighed, and put his hands up to silence the debate, "I suppose we shall have to see how the events yet to come will shape the future." He grinned, "Now, let us continue to take in this view, and then perhaps we can have some lunch."

Steve smiled. He could listen to them talk for hours, really, even when their All Speak slipped away and they were saying words he didn't understand. "What do you guys feel like havin'? Please don't say shawarma. Tony'll bitch until we bring him back half the menu."

"May I tell you a secret, friend Steven?" Thor leaned close to make sure only he heard it, "I am not pleased with the food called Shawarma." He reared back and began to laugh heartily. "What is that circular beef disk between bread?"

Steve nodded, getting a serious expression on his face and leaning closer. His eyes widened and he suppressed a laugh by making a shocked gaspy noise and giving Thor a look of mock-horror. "No, that's awful," he said, his tone deadpanned. He smirked a bit after. I know a place that does the best hamburgers in Brookyln."

" Come friends, we shall feast!" Thor boomed.

Steve chuckled and moved at a more relaxed pace to the door, holding it open for his friends before absently offering his elbow to Lady Sif.

The sun was sinking behind the New York skyline, its light reflecting on the dusty paneled windows as Steven and the Asgardians were enjoying their meal.

Thor heard a ringing from his shirt pocket and clumsily answered it. "Hello? Who is this?" There was a conversation, and Steve saw Thor's eyes widen. "We shall be there right away." Ending the call, Thor pushed back his chair, "We must go my friends, Loki is beginning to stir."

Steve tried not to look like he was listening, but his super soldier hearing was picking up the other side of the conversation. He was already reaching into his wallet to dump cash on the table to pay for all they'd eaten along with a generous tip for abandoning the meal mid-way through. He was on his feet by the time Thor made his announcement, and was leading the way back to the car to climb into the driver's seat.

"How long will it take to return to the tower, Steven?" Thor all but demanded with a hint of worry drawn in his tone.

"Uhhh, given the time of day? Ten minutes?" Steve said, glancing at the traffic and calculating the distance. He raised an eyebrow and sighed, waving him off. "Go on, I'll get the other guys back and meet you on the medical floor?" He offered the last part rather than assuming he'd be wanted.

"Thank you friend Steven." Lifting his arm, Thor summoned Mjlonir. With a few swings, Thor was airborne and bolting towards Stark Tower with all due haste.

He ushered the Asgardians into the car and made it back to the Tower in eight minutes. It didn't surprise him at all that the others followed him to medical, though the four of them opted to hang out outside Loki's room rather than invading the space.

Thor entered Loki's room with some dread, rubbing his neck as he sat next to his brother's bedside. His brother lay with his ebony hair in a ponytail that cascaded down his shoulder and looked silky, indicating that Loki had been washed while he was gone. Loki's eyebrows were drawn together which made Thor think his brother was in pain, and wondered if he should call upon the doctor. The Thunderer carefully placed his had behind Loki's ear as he always did to draw close to him.

Loki's breath escaped his parted lips as his eyes fluttered open and forest green eyes opened slightly and gained width as he recognized his brother.

"Loki?" Thor pressed his hand to his brother's pallid cheek. "Are you awake?"

Thor's brother shifted slightly in his bed with discomfort, gently rasping, "Th'r?"

The thunderer rested one hand on his brother's sunken cheek, "You musn't move brother. I shall fetch you some water." He quickly filled a flimsy plastic glass that he put to his brother's lips and held his head to drink.

When Loki shook his head slightly to indicate that he wanted no more, Thor set it aside, placing a hand on his brother's Trickster's shoulder. Loki's breath quickened when he saw his chest.

"Thor-wh..what hv'e they done?!" Loki inquired between panicked gasps. An unbidden look of terror and confusion struck over his face, "what have the done to me?!"

Thor put both hands on his brothers shoulders, "You must stay calm. I will tell you what has occurred, but you have to relax, else the doctors will come and force you to sleep you before we've had time to talk. Ease your breathing, Loki. In..out.."

Mr. Odinson, Mr. Laufeyson is having a medical episode, shall I call in Doctor Banner? Jarvis pipped from the walls, which made Loki start.

"No," Thor responded, "I will calm my brother down. Do not let anyone enter until I have done so, machine." He turned his attention back to Loki.

"Breath brother, shh..."

Loki breathed as instructed, then tried to move his hands, only to find that they were in soft restraints.

"M' I a prisoner, Thor? Only right aft'r what I did to Stark." Loki asked in a quiet tone as he didn't have the strength to speak any louder now that his breathing had returned to normal.

"No," Thor shook his head and placed one of his hands on said restraint, "they are only to prevent you from removing the medical devices helping you recover." He hesitated for a moment avoiding his brother's glance before continuing to speak. "Do you remember what happened on Asgard?"

Loki's eyes seemed to clear, as if he finally understood where he was. His face pinched in annoyance, "I was there, Thor."

Thor almost chuckled, his brother's sharp temperament was still intact. "I brought you here, and Dr. Banner brought in another doctor, to repair the damage from fath-from Odin's blow." He drew breath, straightened his back. "I protested your treatment by Odin on Asgard, and Heimdall hinted that the convergence was still in force, so I used the cave on Svartalheim to return to Midgard."

The Trickster nodded, but said nothing. Thor made an effort to look at his ailing brother. "Loki, Fath-Odin wishes to speak to you of what will befall you in the future."

Loki tensed, eyes swinging from the blanket to the Thunderer. "Why? Why does he wish me to live? Am I to be a prisoner here or on Asgard? It's not as though I am exactly trustworthy being, Thor." Loki growled. "Or shall I remain a prisoner on Midgard and be experimented on by SHIELD, or die in solitary confinement in Asgard's dungeons?"

"You have earned my trust Loki. That is enough for the moment. " There was a pause, then he continued, " Though it is not solid. " His tone became more serious, "You are a mortal now, Loki, and I will do what I can to protect your life from those who mean you harm. However, you must atone for what you have done on this planet, and to its people."

Loki looked at his palms, no longer feeling the magic rush through his being. He snorted with laughter, "And what if Odin wished to end me right here in this room? Shall the crown prince of Asgard protect his lowly begotten brother?"

"I will, as will the captain, Banner and even Stark," Affirmed Thor.

Loki opened his mouth to reply, but only shot his sibling a disbelieving look, "You are a fool, Thor Odinson, and are your mortal friends." When his eyelids began to droop, Thor placed a hand on Loki's cheek.

"Get some sleep now, brother, fath-Odin will be here soon."

Thor seemed even more tired as he stepped through the threshold of the hospital room. He seemed listless and almost defeated.

By the time Thor had emerged, Steve was alone in the hallway, his StarkPhone in hand where he was checking his email. He stuffed it away though when he saw his friend, trying to look sympathetic. "How's he doin'?"

Thor looked sorrowful, "He wonders why he is alive after father-Odin wanted him dead. He fears that his life will be forfeit to being imprisoned for the rest of his days, either here or on Asgard."

Steve's hands were shoved into his pockets, gaze steady on the god. "Well, can't guarantee that he won't be once the authorities find out he's here. We're harboring a war criminal. Can't say that I blame him for thinking that. I'm sorry, Thor, I'm trying to support you, but the team? They're gonna be pissed when they find out. 'Specially Clint and' Nat."

Thor's shoulder's hunched, and he couldn't look his friend in the eye. "I must speak to Stark about keeping my brother secure. If Barton were to gain access up here...I would fear for Loki's life after what he had done to Hawkeye."

"So would I, but we can't keep him a secret for much longer, an' there's not guarantee we can keep him secure either. You really think he's going to wanna stay cooped up in there when he's feelin' better?"

Thor pursed his lips, "Then I might have to place him in a safer realm like the Alfheim, the home of the light elves. He could begin anew there. They are our allies and would do all they can to see that he was comfortable, if not happy."

Steve shrugged, clearly not knowledgeable enough about the other realms other than what Thor had told them all. "I think it's really up to what Loki wants to do, Thor. He might be mortal now, but... you can't just go hauling him off to wherever you think is best.

"I-did not consider his feelings. It just shows how inept I am at knowing my brother, truly." Thor rubbed the back of his neck.

Steve sighed. "I know, pal. It's hard to see the bigger picture when you're standing in the middle of it."

Excuse me sirs, and m'am, there is a visitor wishing entry to the Tower. It is the All-Father, Odin. JARVIS announced to the group.

He cast a glance to Thor with a raised eyebrow. "Thanks, JARVIS," he said, looking to Thor to see if he wanted company on this round or not.

Odin was, of course let in, because Tony had always fancied entertaining a King. Unfortunately, Tony had already dissolved into snark by the time Thor and Steve arrived in the common area living room. "What, are my couches not good enough to sit your royal heiny on? Those are imported leather, my friend, straight from the best cows in Italy."

Odin glared at the Billionaire. "I will not be spoken to in such a manner by a mortal."

Tony rolled his eyes and caught sight of the blonde-haired duo. He jerked a thumb towards the All-Father. "Can you believe this guy? Genius billionaire and reformed playboy, and he drops me down to 'mere mortal' title," Tony complained.

Steve sighed and moved over to Stark. "Relax... at least he didn't call you a goat."

"Loki, " Odin demanded without any change of expression, "I will see him now that he has awakened."

Steve put a hand heavily on Stark's shoulder to shut him the hell up about that before he had a comment. "I'm sorry, but Loki's on a secured floor that you don't have clearance to go to," Steve said, as diplomatically as possible.

Thor: The Asgardian King stood so that he was only a few inches from Steve's nose. "I will speak to him tonight, as I said I would last night. Your mortals will not deny me an audience with Loki." Odin seethed dangerously.

Steve's jaw set hard and tight, his expression narrowing on the man who got nose-to-nose with him. Tony sucked in a breath as he recognized the face. "Look, pal, you can snarl and get in my face all you want, but you do. not. have. clearance. I don't care who or what you are. So, I'm going to be polite and tell you to step away from me. Right now."

Thor stepped between the two men, "Peace, friend Steven. The All-Father must speak to Loki and inform him of his decision. I am unhappy about upsetting Loki, but it is the only way to secure my brother's life."

Odin glared at his son, "How can you call him 'brother'? Have you still faith in the one who has committed so many wrongs?"

"Sorry? But didn't you and your Pops pretty well destroy a realm and make it nearly impossible for the species to survive? What was it called, Rogers?" Tony asked, snapping his fingers a bit to try and jog his memory. "Ah. Svartalfheim and Jotenheim, I believe. Right. Two realms." My bad," Tony appended

"The affairs of Asgard are not yours to meddle in!" He rounded on Thor, "How dare you tell the mortals of the battles Asgardians have waged. It is not of their realm and therefore not their place to know of them."

"But you can know all of our business? Fuckin' rude, dude," Tony snorted. Steve folded his arms over his chest and glowered at the All-Father. Normally he'd chastise Tony for his language and being rude in general, but right now didn't seem to be the appropriate time.

"Thor," Odin turned on heel and addressed his son, "you left your post. You abandoned Loki and spent the day gallivanting about this realm. That is not acceptable behavior from the future king of Asgard."

"Huginn and Muginn." Thor gritted between his teeth.

Hogan and Mowgli?" Tony asked, which got him a jab to the rib from Steve. "The ravens, remember?" Steve chided. Tony made a noise of realization. "Hey, 'scuse me, but isn't part of Thor's job description 'protector of Midgard'?"

"His 'job description' as you so elegantly put it, is to watch his brother and assure his compliance. Instead he chose to spend it gallivanting about with a mortal and his friends." Odin replied evenly.

"So, glorified babysitter. Real nice for a Prince. Thor, I hope you don't turn into this much of an asshole when you take over, because damn." Tony sniffed and crossed his arms over his chest. C'mon, Kingy. Thor can't grow to be an old maid at Loke's bedside. You want him to get married and make babies, dontcha?" Tony snarked.

"YOU WILL NO LONGER SPEAK UNLESS SPOKEN TO!" Odin raged, pointing Gungnir towards Tony's chest.

Tony's eyebrow rose, seeing the similarities immediately. It wasn't the first god to point something sharp and likely magical at his chest. There was no arc reactor to protect him this time, however. "Well, I guess I know where Loki gets it. He might not be your blood but you certainly made an impression," Tony deadpanned.

Father," Thor incurred with a tone that was quiet, "I-Loki will speak to you." He glanced over to Tony, "Anthony, allow my father access to the infirmary."

Tony didn't even look at Thor, his gaze staring dead ahead at Odin down the length of Gungnir. "Fine. JARVIS, allow King Shit here access to Loki's room and the elevator to that floor, and that's it. Once he's done, escort him to the roof so he can leave his lovely patchwork up there so I don't have to see it." He knocked the staff away from his chest and strode out of the room.

Steven, I think with your calm demeanor, I think you should come along," Thor said, "If you allow it, All-Father."

The King of Asgard gave no reply, but walked silently (for the first time) to the elevators.

Steve was livid. It was written across his expression and in every line of his body. He gave Thor a nod, and seemed to be determined to do it regardless of what Odin said.

When they reached the floor, Thor found Doctor Carter was speaking to Bruce Banner in the lounge, the door swung open. "Friend Banner, Doctor Carter. My father is here to speak with Loki. I ask that you do not interfere unless it is an emergency." He glanced over to his father and Steve, "Please step in, All-Father."

Steve was stoic and a shadow behind Thor. He paused before entering the room to speak briefly to Banner about running if it looked to get too heated. They could not afford a Code Green on the medical floor. He moved into the room and folded his arms over his chest by the door.

Loki, are thou awake? Fa-The All Father is here." Thor called, gently putting his hand behind Loki's ear. Loki whole demeanor stiffened as his wakefulness became more apparent.

"Loki Laufeyson," Odin began. "Thor has saved your life, despite my sentence. He has defied me on your behalf, what do you have to say for that?"

Loki's emerald eyes darkened. A small laugh turned into a cough. "I know not what he sees in me."

Steve's lip twitched. Leave it to Loki to joke at a time like this.

Odin, on the other hand, clanked his staff on the tiled floor and was clearly not amused, "You will answer my question!"

There was a pause before Loki spoke, eyes narrowed. "It was mercy, a trait perhaps that is not passed along the monarchy."

"Your fate was to die!" Odin roared, "If it was not for my 'mercy' you would have died, an outcast on a barren rock. Do not try my patience, boy."

Steven shook his head behind the Asgardians. Thor had told him of his and Loki's history, and was disgusted by Odin's motives for saving Loki's life when he was an infant.

"All-Father," Thor cut in while putting a hand out, "Loki saved my life whilst fighting Kurse and Malekith. 'Tis his sacrifice, or rather his supposed sacrifice that made me save his in turn." He face changed into a clouded expression, "After all, neither of us are blameless for what he has become."

"I believe I'm still present," Loki muttered through shallow breaths. "If you must know All-Father, Thor wished to share in the revenge of our mother. 'Tis why he created such an elaborate plan for our escape off Asgard."

"Heimdall has told all, Thor." Odin cut in, ignoring the former second prince. "He and The Warriors Three shall be punished for their disobedience to their king. You shall as well, Thor. You'll come back with me to Asgard and shall be confined to the palace walls to continue your education in royal duties."

Steve read Loki's expression, which was emerald eyes widened to their full extent, mouth slacking slightly, and breathing more labored at these words.

Thor crossed his arms, "I shall not father. My place is here, to look after Loki, and to help the mortals protect Midgard. The Nine Realms are safe, save for this planet. I will not abandon Loki nor the mortals-"

The loud shrill beeping of the machines made Thor whirl around. Loki lay pale and gasping for breath. In an instant, Bruce and the two visiting doctors rushed by them.

"Out!" Banner commanded. The three of them hustled back into the hallway, while Odin paused for a moment to glance at Loki's form before the door slammed in front of him.

There was silence between the two Asgardians, then Thor spoke. "Father, please try to understand, Loki is very weak just now. I believe he will want to at least make amends. I will accept whatever punishment you find fit, but just not at this moment. Allow me time with him, and I feel that his future on Asgard can be-"

He shall not return to Asgard lest it be back in his cell." Odin spouted.

Thor's face darkened. "Then I shall never again step foot on Asgard unless Loki is with me on equal footing. I've lost him twice, there shall not be a third time. I have learned much from him through our trials, and it has made me a better king, and a better person. "

That was a diplomatic answer, Steve thought.

Odin took in his son's declaration without any outward signs of emotions "Very well, I shall give you one year's passing by Midgard's rotation. If he does not show signs of improvement or falters, then you will return to Asgard, never to return to Midgard, and Loki will spend the remainder of his days in the dungeons."

Thor bowed his head, "I understand. Thank you, All-Father."

With that, JARVIS led the Asgardian King back to the roof.

"I'd better go tell Tony about what's happened. " Steve remarked awkwardly, excusing himself.

The Thunderer was left alone to ponder if such a goal was even possible, given how long the lies and cruelty had taken shape over hundreds of years.

Finally, Thor was shaken from his miserable thoughts by the door opening, and Doctor Carter stepping out, followed by Doctor Lei close behind. Their faces were unreadable, clearly a moment of worry passed through Thor's face, before the doctor placed a hand on his shoulder.

"He's fine, Thor, well, not fine, but stabilized. We've sedated Loki and normalized his vitals. There was a small hint of an infection in his lungs when we were examining him, so I am putting him on Isolation, that means no visitors. We're running tests to see the extent of the illness, but I did warn you that waking him so soon would have consequences." The physician explained. She looked at her notes, "We had thought of putting him back on a ventilator like the one you saw the first day out of surgery but thought it would be better for him not to do so until the mess in his lungs becomes serious."

Thor's face pinched, "How did he get so ill so quickly?"

"It could have been a number of things." Doctor Carter looked at her patient's chart. "Being pulled suddenly from sedation after an operation didn't help. It also could have been exposure. Doctor Banner said that he was bleeding pretty badly, and his wound was open when you both arrived here." The Doctor looked up to see Thor biting his lip, while his eyes were downcast. "Don't worry Thor, we'll take good care of him."

The voice of JARVIS interrupted, "Mr. Odinson, Mr. Stark would like to inform you that Agents Romanoff and Barton have returned to the tower."

"Norns, if it is not one crisis then it is another." The Thunderer muttered under his breath.