Notes

Thank you all for waiting so patiently for the next chapter!

I present to you Chapter 8 of sing me one last song.

Now, please enjoy!


'State your reason of call.' One of the guards spoke.

'We came offering a meal to the discarded.' Tony wiped a drip of sweat from his forehead. The warmth, uncomfortable helmet, tacky yellow cape and heavy armor and shield made it difficult to keep up his act.

'State your name.'

'S-Steven Rogerson.'

'Anthony Starkson.'

The guard nodded at Steve who was holding Loki's plate. 'Only one is allowed.'

Steve took a quick glance at Tony before stepping forward. 'That is understood.'

The guards moved aside and opened the door to Loki's cell. 'We will close the door once you've entered to reduce chances of escaping. Knock on the door if you wish to return, call and we will aid you.'

Steve nodded, stepped inside and waited for the guards to close the door.

Tony cursed mentally. He knew he couldn't stop Steve from going in there even if it would have been just the two of them but not being able to stay by his side made him extremely nervous. Who knew what could happen in there. Who knew what horrific memory could be triggered in that isolated cell.

He tried his best to hide his worry. Knowing that this would be his only chance of talking to a guard he decided to make the most of it.

'It is a fine thing the Allfather did, sentencing this creature of chaos to an early grave.' He spoke, choosing every word with extreme care.

One of the guards nodded. 'It was only a matter of time; the God of Mischief never should have been allowed to live as long as he has. Everyone knew he would turn out to be a pest, a foul stain on the royal fabric of this kingdom.'

'Aye, I agree… What would you say were his most devious acts? Aside from killing his brother of course.' Tony asked with care. This was his moment to get a little more background information on the trickster God.

'Well, as a youngster, there was the time he snuck out of the castle during the nights in search of meteorites, even crossing the walls of the kingdom of Asgard and entering the treacherous forests. Foolish child almost got himself killed in there, causing everyone worry!'

'Which meant we had to get out of our beds in the middle of the night for weeks length to search for the little snake. Even the young and kind-hearted prince Thor insisted on joining in our search.'

A short scream peaked the guards interest. Tony could hear his heart thundering in his ears as he tried his best to refrain from shouting the captain's name. One of the guards jumped to the door. 'Is anything the matter in there?!'

'All is well! It was mere clumsiness on my behalf!' Steve answered from the other side of the door.

Tony wiped the sweat from his forehead again and cleared his throat. 'One would think it would be cold and damp in here.'

'The discarded is stripped of his Seiðr and left in his Jötunn form so he is weak against warm temperatures. This heat will cause his mind to wander, same as experiencing a high fever.'

'Is it so he has less chance of escaping?' Tony asked, not really liking the selfish smirks on the faces of the guards.

'It is more for our entertainment. The Allfather wishes a quick and painless death for his son but what better entertainment than to see this little devil's child suffer like he did when he was small. We even had the seamstress visit him again.'

'That is enough! You shall refrain from speaking!' The guard standing in front of Tony commanded while eyeing Tony with suspicion.

'S-so,-' Tony tried to keep the conversation going. Damn it! Where was Natasha when you needed her?! She's the spy, the number one in interrogating people without them even noticing! '-He was already an absolute nightmare when he was young. Life must have been most difficult for his family or even those protecting them.' He nodded at the guards, hoping to get the conversation starting again.

'It was, but I blame his ancestry. He is of Jötunheim, it is in his nature to cause trouble and bring sadness, anger and frustration to those around him. A Jötunn beast cannot be an Asgardian prince.'

'He was constantly picking fights with the warriors three and Lady Sif! And always causing trouble for the Allfather and the gracious queen at times of visit from other Realms.'

'Or the time he used his Seiðr to transform himself into a snake. Deceiving the young prince Thor to pick him up from the muddy grounds and stabbed him.' The guard on the far left continued.

'But I guess his crime most grieve was slaughtering the great wolf, Hati, when he was only nine years old. That was when the Allfather was sickened of his misbehaving and sentenced him to fend for himself for over a year.' A guard smirked.

'What is it you mean by "fend for himself"?' Tony asked, not really trusting the six men. Although he had to admit, hearing now that Loki has always been a trouble child, how could this not be the outcome? Loki had already told the rest of the Avengers he never had a good relationship with his father, well no wonder. Did he really thought his parents would love him when he was causing them this much trouble?

'I think this is enough questioning, Anthony Starkson.' The guard in front of him eyed him in suspicion. He turned around and knocked on the heavy door. 'Soldier Rogerson! I command you to come out at once or we shall enter!'

'I shall leave now! Just give….! Please, grand me a moment!'

The seconds that followed felt like hours to Tony. He was getting sick and tired of this ridicules armor and the heat. A knock on the heavy door broke the silence.

'I wish to leave.' Steve called from the other side.

The guard opened the door and stood face to face with the captain. Tony swore he could see flames shooting from Steve's eyes and he could feel the tension between the two men. Whatever it was Steve saw or heard in there, he definitely didn't like it. Tony sighted mentally, this was not the kind of closure he was hoping for.

'I tried to convince him but he would not eat.' Steve spoke firmly while giving the guard the untouched plate of food. He walked past the other guards and up the stairs.

'Well then, enjoy.' Tony made a quick smile and followed the captain. They opened the door where, as promised, Frigga stood waiting on the other side.

'Got anything useful, Rogers?' He half whispered as he closed the door behind them.

'We need to find Thor, now.'

'Yes, I have some questions for him and Loki as well.' He responded. 'But is that really all you've got?'

'So, my son is still among the living?' Frigga's eyes were gleaming with hope. 'What did Loki tell you? How is he…?'

Steve stared at the ground for a moment. He tried to calm down, feeling this close to turn around and beat up every guards who would stand in his way of saving the trickster. He took a deep breath. 'He didn't say much… But I do believe Thor's still alive.' Steve turned to Frigga. 'I know I'm asking a lot but… would you please come with us to earth? We might have something that could contain clues as to where Thor could be right now.' Steve turned to Tony. 'The painting. Maybe Frigga will recognize something that could us.'

'Painting?' Frigga repeated questioningly.

Tony started to explain to the queen of Asgard what has happened. The disappearance of their captain and how they found him. He did not go into detail, just that Steve was in bad shape when they rescued him. He told her about the paintings and how they got them, how they first thought Loki would be Hydra's next target but maybe, just maybe they were wrong.

'There is nothing I would not do to find my son.' Frigga answered before Steve could even open his mouth. 'Please, allow me to travel with you. Let us work together to help my son and spare him such fate.'


'Where have you been?!' Natasha almost screamed at the two men who were patiently waiting her arrival. After leaving Asgard, the three of them had gone directly to S.H.I.E.L.D. where they met up with Fury who, after hearing their story, called for an assembling.

'Do you have any idea how long you've been gone? We were worried sick. You two, Loki, Thor, all gone. You even made Jarvis worry!' Natasha looked at Frigga who was sitting between the two men. 'and who might this be?' she asked after calming down a little.

'Sorry Miss Weasley for not leaving a note but don't worry, the flying car is parked right outside, no scratches whatsoever.' Tony answered with a chuckle. Frigga looked at Steve with a questing expression.

'I'm sorry, I don't understand that reference either.'

'Of course, you don't capsicle.' Tony mumbled under his breath while rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Frigga stood up after Clint and Bruce entered the conference room as well, looking just as confused and worried as Natasha.

'Lady Weasley, it is an honor to meet you.' She could hear Tony snorting while offering her hand to Natasha. It was Steve who jumped on his feet and quickly maneuvered himself at the queen's side.

'Your highness, allow me to introduce to you, our finest spy and assassin, Natasha Romanoff aka Black widow. Our finest archer and assassin, Clint Barton aka Hawkeye and our top scientist Bruce Banner aka Hulk. Guys, this is Frigga, wife of Odin, Queen of Asgard and mother to Thor and Loki.'

'The queen?' Clint repeated.

'It's an honor to meet you ma'am.' Bruce nodded quickly at her before turning his attention to the captain. 'Steve are you alright? Did anything happen? Maybe you should get some rest.'

'I'm fine Banner, thanks.' Steve lied. He did feel tired, exhausted even. His hands were shacking lightly thinking back to all that has happened, but that doesn't matter now. He can rest as long as he likes once Thor is saved and Loki's innocence is proven. He took a few deep breaths and forced himself to conjure a smile on his face.

'So, status report.' Tony spoke out loud as he stood up, gesturing the others to take a seat. 'Long story short. Odin, Thor and Loki's dad, accused Loki of kidnapping Thor and Loki confessed. He even said he killed Thor and now he is sentenced to death.'

The entire room fell silent, all staring with wide eyes, waiting for Tony to continue but he didn't.

'Thor's gone?!' Bruce looked at Tony who simply nodded and to Steve who slightly hanged his head in shame.

'So that's it? Loki killed Thor and now he'll be send to the gallows?' Clint asked in disbelieve.

'It's not true, it can't be true!' Natasha said while shaking her head. 'Can't you stop this? You are the queen, right? surely you must have some say in this.'

'Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do… I spoke with my husband but Loki will have to be punished by Asgardian law… It would send an ill message to our people and the other Realms if we spared Loki merely because he is our son. It could cause civil war or even an intergalactically war if the killer of the beloved prince would not receive proper punishment…' Frigga answered Natasha. 'But I do not believe my son murdered his brother, I believe in his innocence and I wish to prove this.'

'We all do.' Steve added muttering, trying his best to focus on the briefing and fighting against a panic attack that slowly crawled into his body.

'Wait, hold on.' Bruce interrupted. 'What made Odin think it was Loki? What actual evidence does he has against him except for the confession? There must be a reason why Loki was the first person on his mind. And how did he even know Thor was missing before any of us did?'

'It was because of Heimdall.' Frigga spoke. She stood up graciously, standing next to Tony. 'He is an all-seeing and all-hearing Asgardian, our gatekeeper and guard of the Bifrost Bridge. He is the Watcher of Worlds, capable of seeing and hearing nearly all that goes by in the Nine Realms. He informed us that he saw Thor being misled by a creature of magic and that he was whisked away after Loki asked him to go to Asgard. Heimdall could not tell us where Thor was taken…'

'Loki did say he wanted to speak to you. He said that his banishment after the entire "taking over Earth" thing made it impossible for him to return home. He asked Thor to talk to Odin, to ask him for permission to talk to you.' Steve said, looking at Frigga.

'So Odin must have thought Loki had sent him away so he could later kill him without anyone there. No one to stop him, no witnesses. Just the two of them.' Clint reacted.

'That doesn't prove anything, it could be mere coincidence. Just really, terrible bad luck.' Bruce said.

'But still, what father would suspect his own son of murdering his other son? We all know that Loki and Thor didn't really get along but still.' Natasha said.

'Thor and Loki were always… unique to each other. Thor was so much like his father and they both casted great shadows over Loki. He has done terrible deeds, some in innocence and ignorance, and some in hatred, envy or hurt. His actions had caused Thor trouble many times but where Thor still loved and trusted his brother, my husband began to grow wary. He wanted to keep his family safe, Loki's actions must have caused harm too many times for Odin to trust him...' Frigga tried her best to keep the sadness out of her voice but noticed she failed. 'But never would Loki murder his brother! Thor has told me many times that things were going well between the two of them ever since Loki has joined your team.'

'And that's why we are going to find Thor! Now I understand you must have a lot of other questions but I suggest we keep them for later, every minute we talk is a minute wasted.' Fury spoke as he stood up. He walked towards a door and took out Thor's cloaked painting. 'This here might be a clue to Thor's whereabouts but I have to warn you, it ain't pretty.' He looked at the Goddess in all seriousness. 'Are you sure you want to see this?'

Frigga took a deep breath through her nose and nodded. Her face went completely pale at the reveal of the painting, her hand slowly raising to cover her lips. Her son, her summer child laying on a barren field, left for dead. Mjölnir shattered and scattered at his side. His clothes torn, revealing his wounded body. Bites of all sizes taken out of the flesh of his limps, his poison covered flesh rotting. He was surrounded by creatures none of the avengers had ever seen before but the most gruesome of them all was the giant serpent who seemed to slowly wrap itself around the unconscious god. It's scales glistening in the burning sun, it's emerald eyes shining bright with rage and hunger.

'Dear Norns…' Frigga whispered under her breath. She took a step closer and carefully touched the painting, letting the tip of her fingers glide over her son's ashen face. 'Is this what will become of him?' She asked with a voice so soft it was almost a whisper.

'It will be if we don't act now.' Furry answered.

Steve could feel his heart drumming in his chest the longer he watched the painting. A cold sweat covered his skin and his head felt like it was about to explode.

.

.

Air.

.

.

He needed air.

.

.

He sent the 14 feet table flying with a hard push, pinning Bruce, Clint and Natasha between the wall and the table and stormed out of the conference room.

He tried to run through the long halls of S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ in search of an exit, feeling like he was suffocating, like his throat was being shut tight by invisible hands. He needed to feel the cold wind on his flushed skin.

Where was he? Why could he not find an exit?! He tried to remain calm but fear started to take over his senses. Still feeling as if someone was chocking him, as if the air he breathed in got blocked from his lungs, he started to claw at his throat. he couldn't feel anything around his neck, so why was it this hard to breath?! He could hear his heart thundering in his body, he looked around in panic as his legs gave and saw vague figures lingering around him. Black, they were all wearing black. They must be from Hydra! They must be Noud's…

.

.

Noud.

.

.

They won't take him! Whatever they were scheming, whatever their plan was, he would not let them take him!

Steve could hear someone calling his name in the distance and saw a figure running towards him.

'No…' Steve mumbled. 'NO! I'll never let you take me!'

He crawled towards the window covering the entire length of the hall. He got on his knees and punched the glass with all his might, breaking right through it. With his hand now covered in cuts, Steve leaned over the edge and stared down. It was high, very high. He could hardly see the people standing outside as they looked up, startled by the fallen glass. This was perfect, nothing could save him if he were to fall down this height, not even the super soldier serum running through his veins.

'Rogers!'

Steve felt a hand grabbing his shoulder. His entire body started to shake, his eyes widened and without looking back, he grabbed the stranger's wrist and threw him over his shoulder, out the window.

.

'TONY!'

.

He heared a man scream. He turned around and, before realizing what happened, got pushed to the ground by Clint, away from the window. 'Steve! It's okay! We're here for you! No one will harm you!' He desperately tried to calm the super soldier as he wrapped his arms around him as tightly as possible. 'Bruce! Fury!' He called out for help. He noticed Steve's struggling increased as he saw the two men running towards them. 'Let us help you cap! This is not who you are! Try to see…!'

'Tony!' Natasha screamed as she let herself fall on her knees in the shattered glass and looked down in hope to spot the man. Tony was dangling from the frame of the window one floor beneath theirs, holding on for dear life.

'Uhm, Jarvis, a little help here!' He tried to state calmly. He looked down and immediately felt his heartrate increasing. 'Oh fuck…Fuck! J! Suit! Now!'

'Suit is deploying sir but it will take at least 9 minutes and 34 seconds to reach destination.' The artificial intelligence spoke to him through his wireless Bluetooth earphone.

'Stark!' Fury called but he couldn't reach him over the howling winds, deafening the man from all other sounds.

'He can't hear us!' Natasha slammed her hands on the ground in frustration. She almost jumped with a little yelp as she saw Tony's left hand slip, now holding on with only his right hand. 'We have to get down there.' Natasha decided and she carefully placed one leg over the edge.

'Agent Romanoff! You get off that edge this instance! That's an order!' Fury commanded her but got only a smile in response.

'Sorry boss, I'm Russian. I never really tend to follow orders.' She took a deep breath through her nose and breathed out through her mouth as she slowly and carefully lowered herself.

In the meantime, Clint was struggling to keep the captain from escaping, holding on to him as tightly as he could.

After evacuating all the panicked staff in the hall, Bruce walked carefully towards the confused man, holding his hands in the air. 'Steve, listen to me. you're going to be fine.' He spoke calmly and in a kind tone. 'We are your friends, we would never hurt you. Try taking deep breaths.' Bruce got on his knees to try and level himself with Steve. 'Just follow my lead Steve.' He spoke softly, he deeply inhaled through his nose and slowly exhaled through his mouth. 'Just like this, focus only on your breathing.' He spoke and repeated his breathing technic in the hope Steve would follow his lead.

Steve shut his eyes tightly and shook his head. He could be here any minute. At any moment, Noud would show up with whatever kind of torture device he could think of. Steve just knew it. He felt tears rolling down his face as his body started to shake heavily. He tried to free himself from Barton's grip but fear numbed his body.

'Please… Please have mercy…' Steve pleaded between sobs. 'End my suffering… Please just kill me, I beg of you…'

Loosening his grip a little, Clint tried to caress the sweat covered skin on Steve's arms in an attempt to calm him down. 'Sssh… it's okay Steve. You'll be fine…' He responded as he felt a lump forming in his throat. 'We will protect you…' He spoke with a broken voice.

Bruce came crawling in on all fours and softly stroked the man's blond hair. 'Try to focus on your breathing Steve… We are here for you…'

But at that very moment…

Who's strong and brave, here to save the American Way~?

Who vows to fight like a man for what's right, night and day~?

Who will campaign door to door for America ~?
Carry the flag shore to shore for America~?
From Hoboken to Spokane ~?

The Star Spangled Man with a plan ~!

A ringtone. Bruce turned his head towards the source of the sound. There, lying on the ground was a woman's purse, her phone playing the song loudly while vibrating. The incoming call lighting up the touchscreen.

'SERIOUSLY?!' Clint cursed. 'Rogers? Rogers, listen to me, you'll be fine. You are safe.' He quickly spoke to Steve as he could hear the man in his arms softly mumbling along with the song.

'Steve…?' Bruce reached out for him to remove a lose string of hair from the captain's face.

'NO!' Steve screamed. He headbutted Barton with the back of his head as hard as he could and pulled himself free from his grip. He pushed Banner hard against the wall and stared blindly at Fury, who was holding Natasha's ankles as she reached out to Tony, before charging towards them.

'STEVE! DON'T!' Clint screamed but the captain didn't stop.

'Enough soldier!' A woman's voice reached out to the captain as he got surrounded by what looked like a huge greenish bubble. Clint and Bruce turned to the source of the voice and saw Frigga standing in the hallway. Her hands raised to her chest and emitting a green glow just like Loki's.

'Seiðr…' Bruce whispered.

Steve floated in the air as if in water, he desperately tried to move, to get out of this containment but failed.

'Sleep, brave captain.' Frigga spoke in a powerful but gentle voice. 'Do not let your fear cloud your mind any further, do not let fright lead your body into action any longer.'

Steve started to calm down, his eyes quickly closing and his body hovering motionlessly within the barrier. Frigga lowered her hands and with it, the green bubble surrounding Steve disappeared, carefully laying the man to the ground.

At that moment, Fury pulled both Natasha and Tony back up and inside the building. All three of them panting and Tony clinging on to the floor.

'Suit is incoming, sir.' Jarvis spoke to him through his earphone.

'What?' Tony asked short but his question was already answering itself as one of Tony's suits came flying in, extended itself and wrapped itself around his body.

'Suit is now ready, sir.'

'You don't say, Jarvis. You don't fucking say.'

Notes:

TO BE CONTINUED!

That's it for this chapter. Will Frigga be able to unravel some clues from the painting? Will they find Thor in time? Will they prove Loki's innocence before he will be executed? Stick around for chapter 9 where our Avengers will team up with their new Asgardian allies in search of Thor

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.