Chapter Twelve
Disclaimer: All belongs to Marvel.
'Steve...Steve, you have to wake up!'
Steve groaned inarticulately, struggling to open his eyes. What did Wanda want- he was in too much pain to move! What had happened? The last thing he remembered was... He sat bolt upright as his recent memory returned, wincing as his broken arm protested the movement. Wanda- or something that looked like her, had appeared, threatening them, Thor had attacked her/it, but the lightning had been sent at him and the other Avengers instead. Pushing aside his hallucination of hearing Wanda's voice- it was not possible- he looked around wildly. What had happened to his team?
Thor was sitting upright, looking weak but unhurt. Loki and Sigyn were still unconscious. A blond teenager dressed in Asgardian clothing that Steve didn't recognise was pouring water from a leather pouch between Loki's lips. The god was swallowing, at least, Steve noted, so it couldn't be too bad. Sigyn stirred as he watched, her eyes fluttering.
"Ugghhh..."
Steve's head whipped round as Bruce groaned. He staggered to his feet and made his way over to the scientist. Bruce's eyes opened, then quickly closed again.
"Being electrocuted is not fun. Remind me to thank Thor for a wonderful experience, won't you?"
Steve managed a shaky laugh at Bruce's attempted humour. Taking another glance around, he noted with relief that Clint, Natasha and Tony were beginning to stir. Natasha's hair had taken on an interesting style, due to the electrical exposure, but they seemed to be uninjured.
A brilliant flash of light distracted the conscious inhabitants of the roof. They all glanced skywards, and their expressions ranged from petrified (Steve and Bruce) to awestruck, but unsuprised (the Asgardians.) The battle raging in the air resembled something they would expect to see in a movie. Assorted gasps and swearwords became audible as Clint, Tony and Natasha awoke and the gravity of what they were watching dawned on them. All eyes were now riveted on the fight.
Blasts of what appeared to be sunlight seared across the sky in rapid succession, seemingly being countered by concussive blasts of brilliant ruby-coloured energy. The incredible brilliance of the scene essentially blinded the spectators, making it impossible to see the two airborne combatants. Every time a blast went awry, missing its target, any building that was in the line of fire suffered extensive damage. The beings that fought were apparently not content to stay in one place, soaring in diferent directions every time one of them was struck.
Debris from half-demolished buildings showered down to the streets below, although somehow this did not deter the crowds of gawking pedestrians, despite the NYPD's best efforts to clear the streets. None of them had time to approach the Avengers- their main priority was keeping civillians out of harm's way. The roars and cries of pain from the battling entities were deafening. Natasha and Clint's cells were buzzing- Fury and Coulson no doubt wanted answers, but neither assassin could even hear the ringtones.
"What's happening up there?" Natasha squinted but couldn't see anything clearly. She looked at Clint, knowing his eyes were far keener than hers.
He answered her question before she even asked it.
"Can't make out much... Wanda, or whoever she is now, is losing ground to the other one...it's a 'he', as far as I can make out. It's too bright to be sure though. Fireworks displays would do less harm to your eyes than this!"
Tony struggled to his feet. "I'm going up there to-"
"NO!" The shout came from all four Asgardians, making all the mortals jump.
Tony frowned at them. "Uh, why not?"
"It is far too dangerous for anyone to become involved in their battle." The Asgardian boy stated seriously, his blue eyes intense. "Even my people fear those beings..."
"Who says you can tell us what to do?" Clint asked. "No offence, but I wasn't trained to take orders from kids."
"Who are you anyways?" Tony chimed in.
"I am Balder, third son of Odin and Frigga, Prince of Asgard."
If Balder had expected any recognition, he was disappointed. The Avengers' faces were utterly blank. His eager expression faltered, and he turned to his brothers, his voice tinged with reproach.
"Didn't either of you tell your new friends about me?"
"These mortals are not my friends." Loki muttered.
"No argument there." Clint input sourly.
"Much of my time with the mortals has been spent battling aliens and...evil." Thor explained. His brow furrowed. "How did you get here anyway, Balder? I thought all portals to Midgard were sealed..."
"More to the point," Loki interrupted, his voice sceptical, "Odin just let his youngest son come to Midgard unnaccompanied?"
Balder looked sheepish. "Er, well, not exactly..."
"What do you mean, not exactly?" Thor sounded suspicious now. "Balder, what have you done?"
"Uh, guys? Hate to break up the family reunion, but..." Bruce gestured upward.
The battle had ceased. The unknown figure who had been fighting now became clearer, because he was flying closer, gripping a seemingly-unconscious Wanda by the throat. He was big - even bigger than Thor. Whether it was the sun behind him or he was giving off his own light, the Avengers had to shield their eyes. Golden skin didn't exactly help him look normal either. His green eyes looked straight through all of them as the light faded, and he landed, dropping Wanda's still form unceremoniously to the pavement.
Steve and Bruce started to move towards her, trying not to feel intimidated by this silent, alien being. Thor and Loki held them back, their expressions wary.
"Atum..." Thor's voice was tentative. None of the others felt a burning urge to break the silence- there was something about this being's demeanour that just made them all shy away from him instinctively.
Brilliant white light engulfed Atum's form once again, making everyone watching wince as they covered their eyes. He extended a hand over her form, closing his eyes in concentration, then without warning plunged his hand into her. Showing absolutely no reaction to the assorted gasps and shouts of horror, he maintained his hold, and wrenched... something from inside her. Later, none of those watching could agree on what he held. A writhing shadow that fought his grip, and changed form every split second.
Thor saw Loki slaughtering the people of Asgard.
Loki saw a Jotun killing Frigga and Sigyn.
Balder saw his father and brothers dead before him.
Sigyn saw her eldest sister, long dead- the image her eyes perceived was Hnossa's corpse, rotting.*
Steve saw the Red Skull returned to life.
Tony saw Obidiah Stane, Justin Hammer, Ivan Vankov, Killian...all the people who hated him, loathed his existence.
Bruce saw the Hulk on a rampage, killing everyone Bruce knew, and somehow unable to revert to human form.
Clint saw Loki clutching the sceptre, offering him a gun, standing over Natasha and Coulson's bodies.
Natasha saw an all-too-familiar building in Russia. The Red Room, where, as a child, she had begun her 'training', with her 'teachers' assembled outside.
Another brilliant flash of light, and the thing was gone. None of them moved, lost in their own dark fears, until Atum spoke, addressing the Asgardians.
"How did Chthon manage to seize this form?" His voice was cold as ice. Balder obviously had no idea. Loki clenched his jaw, but remained silent. Thor and Sigyn exchanged looks, and a silent agreement was made. Thor spoke.
"As I am sure you know, Chthon marked this mortal for possession at birth. It seems he merely chose an opportune moment to take control of her form."
Atum regarded him silently. Thor prayed his half-brother would accept this version of events- he would not condemn Loki to Atum's wrath!
He had reckoned without Clint.
"Don't leave out the best bit, Thor. The 'opportune moment' happened because he," the archer gestured at Loki, "tried to kill her!"
Thor clenched his teeth. "Damn you, Barton..."
Loki backed up, paling as Atum turned his gaze upon him. The sun-being took several slow steps towards him.
"So, once again, Chthon was loosed to wreak havoc because of your actions." The inflectionless voice was more terrifying than a shout, somehow. "I would have thought you learned your lesson last time,** whelp. Did you truly expect me to let you live a second time?" Flames encircled Atum's hand, his expression menacing.
Thor, Balder and Sigyn moved quickly to stand in front of Loki. Barely hesitating, Steve followed suit, as did Bruce. Loki might have made a mistake, but he did not deserve to be killed for it.
Atum stared at the mortals protecting the God as though he could not believe what he was seeing. He had expected foolish loyalty from those of Loki's family, but mortals? Attempting to stop him? He almost laughed at the absurdity of it.
The tense moment was broken by Wanda shifting slightly, beginning to wake up. Somehow, the injury Loki had given her prior to possession had miraculously healed. Her eyes opened, but she seemed disoriented- her movements, when she tried to sit up, were un-coordinated.
Atum looked at her as if she was mud. His face set in a determined expression. Grabbing her by the upper arm, he yanked her off her feet. His free hand drew his khopesh from its sheath.
She struggled against his grip, her eyes uncomprehending. 'Why are the last few days so blurred? What's going on?' Her eyes fell on Steve, Clint and Thor, who had surged forward when the stranger drew his blade.
Thor spoke steadily, calmly. "There is no need to kill her, Atum. No-one has died, and she is not to blame for Chthon's possessing her."
Atum didn't respond to Thor, but shifted his eyes to Wanda. Narrowing his eyes, he sheathed his weapon, then grasped the girl's face, searching through recent memories... scrying to find the captive Asgardian woman... accompanying the Trickster to Wundagore... Loki stabbing her, making her lose consciousness, communicating with Chthon for a split second... her astral form finding its way here, trying to communicate, to warn her allies...
He let go without warning, and she dropped to the ground, gasping.
"No trace of the demon remains within her." He announced flatly.
Wanda gathered herself enough to glare at him. "Next time, just ask if you want to know something!"
He didn't answer that, either. Turning back to Thor, he simply stated: "I will remain on Earth for some time, to ensure nothing further happens. The mortals are yours to deal with, Odinson."
He strode away without a backward glance.
The silence was broken by Natasha's cell begining to buzz once again. She brushed off her shock, like she brushed off all her emotions, and took the call.
"Coulson? What? No, we're fine...oh. Wait...what?! That was fast... Alright, but you should know, we didn't actually do... Barton and I will be back at base as soon as possible, sir." She hung up, looking stunned.
"What was that about?" Clint frowned.
"The chaotic events seem to have stopped abruptly, all over the world. It's as if the meter ran out or something..."
Thor nodded. "Once the demon itself was banished from Midgard, its influence would have ceased as well." He looked at Wanda, who was leaning on Steve, looking exhausted. "We should count our blessings that this was not far worse."
Wanda looked at the floor. "I suppose I should apologise. I don't know if I...he hurt any of you. I can't remember much, but I am sorry." she sighed. "And that's not good enough, but it's all I can say. I suppose I'll be finding another place to live now..."
"No, you won't!" Tony said immediately. "I don't give up on my team members just because they sometimes obey the will of something else! Heck, if I did, Clint and Bruce would've been kicked out long before now." He winked, realising too late that no-one could see because he had his faceplate down. "Uh, well, that was pointless, but for the record, I winked."
That statement- so typical of Tony- caused a ripple of laughter to run through the group. Even Wanda managed a smile before speaking again.
"Now is anyone going to explain what happened? Who was that- the man who got Chthon out of me? And what else have I missed since leaving with Loki? Speaking of which..." She walked over to him...and punched him in the face.
Clint and Tony erupted into gales of laughter.
She glowered at Loki, massaging her hand. "That was for trying to kill me." She swayed on the spot, fatigued. "Any chance one of you can take me back to the tower? I really want to get some sleep..."
Bruce immediately switched into concerned-doctor mode.
"Of course.. I'll come with you. And I think it'd be best to do a few tests, just in case. We have no idea what damage might've been done during the 'possession'." He stumbled on the last word, still finding the concept hard to believe, but there was no denying what they had all seen. He and Wanda walked off slowly, him supporting her- she was practically sleep-walking! Steve trailed after them anxiously.
"Clint and I need to get back to base, to explain everything." Natasha frowned. "Of course, the gold-skinned anti-social god will be hard to explain, but it'll make an interesting report..." She smirked.
Clint shrugged. "Duty calls, I guess...we'll catch up with you guys later." He met Wanda's gaze for a second. "If you want to talk...I know it's tough, getting to grips with yourself after being enslaved by a more powerful being."
Wanda nodded, smiling slightly. Satisfied with this last shot at Loki, Clint spared him one last glare before striding off, walking quickly to catch up with Natasha.
Thor by now had a protective arm round Balder's shoulders. Sigyn and a sour-faced Loki stood some distance away.
"If it is alright with you, Anthony Stark, I would like to spend some time at the tower as well, to gather my thoughts, and to hear this one's tale," he elbowed Balder gently in the side before his expression darkened. "I also ask that you leave the matter of punishing Loki to my people, once we return home. I am aware that it is much to ask..."
Tony sighed. "I can think of more than a few people who'll want to punish him themselves, but...alright. He'd better stay on Asgard this time though. Not sure we want to see him again."
"I cannot guarantee that, but I will endeavour to keep Loki from Midgard."
Tony had to be satisfied with that, and sighed as they made their way back to Avengers Tower. It was going to be tough to explain all these new developments to Pepper, that was for sure...
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Wanda had fallen asleep as soon as she was left alone in the lounge, so Bruce decided to postpone the medical check until she woke up. Steve volunteered to stay with her. Bruce raised an eyebrow at that.
"What? I just think it's better if she doesn't wake up alone, after everything. Someone should keep her company."
"Uh-huh. You know, Pepper could do that. Technically, so could Jarvis."
"Well, yeah, but I'm here and they're not."
Bruce smirked at him. "I'm starting to think you like our newest arrival..."
Steve blinked. "Of course I like her, she's been very friendly so far, though I admit I hardly know her."
"No, Steve. I meant 'like' her as in boy meets girl..."
Steve went bright red. "So just because I enjoy a woman's company, it's automatically assumed that I have feelings for her?"
"No, I'm just saying there'd be nothing wrong with it if you did."
"Well, I don't!" 'Do I...?'
"Okay, okay. So," Bruce's eyes glinted wickedly. "Then it won't matter if I happen to mention this to Tony? Since it's not true?"
"Don't even think about it!"
Bruce only laughed at Steve's expression as he walked away, leaving Steve with a load of complicated thoughts spinning round in his head.
'I don't have feelings for Wanda, surely? I've only just sorted things with Peggy...and I hardly know Wanda! Damn Bruce for making me think about this...'
The Asgardians were enjoying their relaxation time on the roof, knowing that the bifrost could claim them at any moment, and not wanting to be indoors when that happened. Thor was currently staring intently at Balder.
"I would still like to know how you got to Earth. You must have arrived at a similar time to Atum, and I do not understand how you accomplished that. Surely he did not bring you along?"
"Well...not deliberately. I was speaking with Heimdall, asking how you and Loki fared. I was perplexed when he said he couldn't see you. I was about to ask why when a brilliant flash of light appeared next to us."
"Atum." Sigyn interrupted softly.
Balder nodded, his usually cheerful expression faltering. "I had heard the stories, obviously, but I never thought he would be so..."
"Intimidating." Loki input dryly.
"Yes... well, anyway, he wanted to know if Heimdall could still see Midgard. Apparently all the portals had stopped working, and he seemed displeased. He stormed off when it became obvious that Midgard was hidden even from Heimdall's sight. I may have...followed him. He caught me, obviously..."
"Who are you?" Atum demanded, holding Balder by the scruff of the neck, shaking him.
"T-Thor and Loki's brother." He knew he should have announced himself properly, as a royal Prince, but being in Atum's threatening presence made it hard for him to think straight.
Atum released him, staring for a moment.
"You may provide means for me to discover what transpires on Midgard, boy..."
The sun god closed his eyes, resting a hand on Balder's chest, and light was drawn from Balder to him. light in which images of Thor and Loki could be seen...
Atum threw out his other hand swiftly, and the light followed, shifting to form a portal.
"How..." Balder's voice faltered.
"Your bond with them allowed me to open a portal at their current location." Without another word, Atum leapt through said portal.
Balder took one quick look back at Heimdall, standing some distance away, and followed Atum. He had to help his brothers if he could...
"...and then we landed on Midgard. the rest, you all know!" Balder finished with a grin. Thor sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, praying for patience. Was this what fatherhood was like, he wondered- dealing with youngsters' erroneous belief that they were invincible?
Loki got up abruptly and walked away. Balder followed, looking confused.
"What's wrong, Loki?"
"What's wrong is you took a suicidal risk, jumping into an unknown situation with a being that would not have guaranteed your safety! What would Moth- Frigga have said if something happened to you?" Loki focused on that, ignoring the small voice that said he wanted Balder to be safe as well.
Balder shrugged. "I did not really think of that. I will apologise later. I'm just happy you're safe, brother!" He smiled widely like the gullible, loving fool he was. He went to embrace Loki, but the dark-haired god stopped him.
"I am not your brother, Balder," he said, but with far less malice then he had used when saying the same words to Thor. "I never was."
Balder's brow furrowed. "What do you mean by that?"
Loki's fondness for his little brother- his supposed little brother - had always been a weakness. "Did Odin or Thor not tell you of... what I really am?"
"You mean being a Jotun?" Balder pushed, and he looked utterly bewildered. "Loki, I don't quite see how that matters at all. You're my brother, now give me a hug!"
Loki slipped out of Balder's reach. While he may not quite have the stature of Thor and Odin, Balder was just as slow.
"Balder, Atum told me years ago that I was going to cause your death. You should stay away from me."
Balder's brow furrowed again, and he contemplated Loki's words.
"Well," he said slowly, "the Elder Gods don't know everything. Maybe he was wrong."
"And if he wasn't?"
"Then I suppose..." Balder acted quicker than Loki. He kicked the slimmer god's feet out from underneath him, and then tackled him to the ground. Sitting there, he wrapped his arms around Loki's chest and squeezed.
"Then I suppose I should tell you that I forgive you, brother, just in case I don't get a chance when it happens."
Loki couldn't help but smile. He patted Balder's arms awkwardly.
"Very well, you little fool."
Sigyn laughed at the brothers' playfulness. Thor shook his head with a grin.
"What are you two doing?"
"Just reassuring Loki that him being a Jotun isn't important!" Balder said cheerily, beaming.
Loki pushed Balder off, climbing to his feet and dusting himself off.
"It is not something I wish to discuss further." He said coldly, not meeting Thor's eyes.
Balder tilted his head to one side, eying Loki.
"Well, at least you are not pure Jotun! That counts for something, surely?"
Sigyn blinked, unsure what Balder meant. Thor noticed her confusion, and explained.
"Farbauti was half Vanir."
"Don't talk to me about Farbauti being half Vanir. Mother told me about her, and I want nothing to do with that giantess!" Loki replied hotly.
Atum frowned as he approached the rooftop, meaning to return to Asgard with these. The name had caught his attention. None of the Asgardians had looked his way yet. He joined the conversation regardless.
"Who are you speaking of?"
Thor's brow knit as he watched Loki stalk away as Atum approached.
"Farbauti. She was Loki's birth mother."
"She was the woman who birthed me and then abandoned me for death, she was not my mother!" Loki shouted over his shoulder. He stumbled slightly and sat down, resting his head in his hands.
Atum's eyes were locked on Thor so intently that the god of thunder found it hard to return his gaze.
"This woman," the sun god said, the tone of his voice cold and flat. "Does she still live?"
"I do not-"
"No."
Atum looked at Loki, who was still sitting some distance away, still with his head in his hands. Atum strode over to him, Thor close behind in case he had to defend his brother. He had grown more arrogant since he was a child. As if a half-Asgardian being could take on one of the Elder Gods by himself... he had been falling before Chthon with all his allies, how did Thor expect to fight the one who defeated Chthon?
"What happened to her?"
Loki looked up and then swayed to his feet.
"What does it matter to you?"
"Answer my question, whelp!"
Balder and Sigyn were standing some distance away, watching with anxiety. Atum and Loki stared challengingly at each other, eyes narrowed.
"Farbauti, as far as I know, was killed by Laufey shortly after Odin defeated him in the battle of Jotunheim." Loki said slowly.
"She was rumoured to have given information to Asgard's forces," Balder added, stepping forward to cautiously join his brothers and Atum. "But other rumours say that he killed her because it was revealed she had other lovers, besides him... And then some say that she tried to kill him, and instead..."
"You knew her*," Loki stated, his green eyes narrowed as he stared into Atum's eyes. "How?"
Atum's continence darkened noticeably, causing Balder to step back, reaching to pull Loki away. Thor stopped him and warned him with a look to remain silent. Loki continued to search the sun god's eyes.
Atum's green eyes.
Green just like his.
Loki felt as though the bottom of his stomach had dropped out. He inhaled sharply, stepping back. He felt as though the world was spinning. He stared back into the golden face, seeing suddenly familiarity in the sharp cheekbones, the slope in the forehead- It could not be true. Atum's expression didn't change, but without warning he reached out and grabbed Loki by the throat. Balder and Thor both shouted and rushed forward, but it was too late. The sun god and the god of mischief were enveloped in a bright white light and then they were gone.
To be continued...
AN: * = Events covered in Myth Queen's story 'The Heart of Everything'
** = Events taking place in my story, Shadows and Regrets.
All three stories take place in the same continuity!