Here's the December 21st special! Next chapter will come out on Christmas Day. (I'm updating a lot sooner than usual.)


Chelsea Grin (16)
A Call to Arms

"There is a way to be good again."
~The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Loki was free. His eyes flew open. He felt dazed and petrified. Finally he took in a shaky breath and trembled. He staggered to his feet and nearly collapsed. Thor rushed over to support him, but Loki waved him away.

"Natasha!" he exclaimed. "Is she all right?"

Clint held her unconscious body in his arms. She didn't appear burned or distorted. Her scars weren't even reopened. Despite her pale and flushed out skin, Natasha was otherwise unharmed.

"I swear, she looked even worse a few seconds ago," Tony remarked.

"It was an illusion," Loki said. "Surtur and Salastarr merely acted and spoke through us by possession. We were vessels to them, nothing more."

He laid a hand over her forehead. She felt hot and feverish. Her black catsuit clung to her skin like wet paper. As her eyes fluttered open, Loki was relieved to see that they returned to the familiar, beautiful shade of blue-green. She groaned and stirred in Clint's arms.

"Am I...back...?"

"Yeah. Thank God," Clint replied. "You're not hurt in any way, are you?"

She weakly shook her head and trembled. "Just hot...and tired..."

Loki was fuming. Not over himself, but over how Natasha had been so cruelly used.

Tony frowned. "Why was the scepter acting up in the first place? Does the Salastarr guy have something to do with it?"

"Perhaps. It's a way of confirmation. Ultimately, it was a trap." Loki narrowed his eyes. "And a diabolically clever one at that. If we left the scepter untouched, its energy would have engulfed this room and destroy the entire facility."

"Like what happened last time," Clint remarked mildly.

Loki nodded. Though he didn't deny it, he also didn't like Clint's tone. "On the other hand...when Natasha and I touched the scepter, Salastarr knew for certain that I had been hiding in Midgard. Now he has Surtur threatening to destroy this realm." He added grimly: "Whether the scepter gets touched or not does not matter. Both choices lead to inevitable destruction."

"That sneaky son of a bitch," Tony remarked. "Either way, we get the short end of the stick."

Thor turned to Coulson. "Son of Coul, if I may assume, has your involvement with the scepter kept us from being aware of your presence all this time?"

"Correct. I had been guarding the scepter and monitoring it for any suspicious activity. The new job kept me low and covered. I could do something productive and be safe at once."

"I do not understand..." Thor frowned. "I saw it with my own eyes. A direct thrust of the scepter into a mortal such as yourself...you should have died."

"To be honest, I thought so too. Turns out I wasn't ready to die yet. I woke up in the hospital, half drugged and cramped in the intensive care unit. The first thing I heard was the Director telling me about what he did with my vintage cards." He cracked a wry grin. "Needless to say, I wasn't very happy. But if it had to be done for the greater good, then I wouldn't complain." Coulson gingerly patted his stomach. "I'm no Captain America. But the wound's healing pretty well."

Tony gave Loki a bright and friendly smile. "Looks like you didn't kill Phil after all, Rock of Ages. You're good in my book."

"But that still does not excuse the atrocity I've committed against this good man." Loki looked to the agent sheepishly. "I'm sorry...for what I had done to you..."

Guilt gnawed at him. But Coulson dismissed it with a light smile. "The team needed a push."

Loki took it that Coulson forgave him. He managed a weak smile in return.

"It's good to know you're back, Agent Coulson," Natasha replied sincerely. "We missed you."

"Same. I heard about Scotland." Coulson put a hand on her shoulder. "I was worried sick about you. But I had to obey orders. I couldn't expose myself no matter what, and I had to continue monitoring the scepter. I had my doubts too, when I heard that Loki came back to Earth. But it's good to see you two get along so well."

"I hate to interrupt...but there's still that problem of Surtur coming here to destroy us," Clint remarked.

Loki clenched his jaw. "I will turn myself in. Better to do that than endanger the entire planet."

"Why? Can't we team up to beat this guy?"

Loki's glare bored into Tony. "Surtur is certainly not one to be trifled with."

"Care to explain exactly who he is? Because he sure didn't."

Panic made Loki's voice harsh. "Are you Midgardians really that ignorant to the worlds beyond your own? Muspelheim is a living hell. Fire Giants only live to burn and consume, plunder and destroy. Muspelheim is not a true realm, nor are the Fire Giants a true people. Surtur is their supreme ruler, the strongest and tallest of his monstrous brethren. This is no time to play hero. None of you, not even the Avengers assembled, would stand a chance against him. I..."

He held his gaze with Natasha. "If I must throw my life away to save all of yours, then I will do it."

He glanced next at Clint. The archer coolly gazed back at him. Loki's heart felt as heavy as solid lead in his chest. "Some of you will be glad to see me go. I hold nothing against your judgment if you feel that way. I am a murderer, a liar and a traitor. I think that is the reason why Mistress Death wants me so badly. If it is true, then I deserve this fate."

Everyone was silent for a few seconds. They exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. Loki didn't know what transpired between them. Though he made the offer, he feared their response. Was he really ready to hand himself over to be gleefully killed, or possibly tortured, by Thanos?

Finally Tony spoke up. "That's nice and all. But sorry...we can't let you do that."

Loki was surprised. "You're not turning me in? Do you understand what you have gotten yourselves into? Why are you doing this?"

"Because you are my brother," Thor said.

"Because you are one of us," Steve said.

"Because I love you," Natasha said.

Loki was at a loss for words. For the first time in his life, he felt a true sense of belonging. He simply stared back at the Avengers, feeling emotion overwhelm him and make his throat swell.

"My friends...thank you. But if you insist on having me stay...then I'm afraid I must still object to your plan of an assembled attack. I won't let you join me in the fight. I will challenge Surtur alone."

Everyone stared in horrified disbelief. Thor and Natasha looked particularly upset.

"That's suicide!" Tony exclaimed.

"Hear me out. I do not mean to brag, but I understand these Fire Giants better than any of you. Any flames they project are an extension of their own bodies. They gets their power from the energy core in their chests, which links them to Muspelheim and functions as a power source. And just like all things in the universe, the Fire Giants' energy is not infinite."

"That sounds very similar to the Casket of Ancient Winters to the Frost Giants," Thor said.

Loki nodded. "Exactly. When Fire Giants fight away from their realm, they draw their power from the heat and fire of Muspelheim's volcanoes. Such is the physiology of all Fire Giants. Surtur is no exception to this."

"He's not bringing reinforcements, is he?" Clint asked warily.

"Knowing him, Surtur will come as a one-man army," Loki said. "He is too proud. He takes pleasure in destroying things, just for the sake of destruction. Salastarr knew that too, I think. Surtur would never refuse such a golden opportunity. He plans to bring down Midgard in one fell swoop."

Tony's suit whirred as he threw up his hands helplessly. "All right then, you'll be the one to take on the big guy. Then what the hell are the rest of us gonna do?"

"We have 2 days. You can take advantage of this precious time by evacuating civilians before Surtur comes to attack."

Steve nodded in agreement. "An excellent idea. But there's no time to leave by train or car. We'll need assistance from the military."

Tony looked resolute. "I'm with you, Captain. I can call Rhodey and ask for help from the Air Force."

"We'll need the Army, Navy and Marines as well. This will be no small feat."

"We need to get people as inland as possible," Bruce said firmly. "This is a being who uses fire. So he might rough up the Earth's crust, bring up magma and level the entire city, for all we know. We can not have people sheltered underground."

"How far inland are you thinking?" Clint asked.

Bruce and Steve said at the same time: "Canada."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Really, Stars and Stripes? I didn't expect that coming out of you."

"I may not be a scientific genius like you or Dr. Banner. But common sense tells me that Canada is a cold yet safe place, away from the crossfire. It's not terribly far from the East Coast. Just across New York and over Lake Ontario."

Bruce nodded. "The snow and permafrost would serve as a 'litho-shield' against the heat. At least, that's what we hope."

Steve folded his arms. "Geography aside, the military will have no problem with the transport...that is, if we can get both governments to recognize this as a critical emergency."

"What if they do not?" Thor asked.

"They will," Fury assured them. "Security cameras monitor this area at all times. Footage of what happened to Loki and Agent Romanoff will be crucial. It's the evidence we need to get the authorities to act."

Then he gestured to the scepter. "Would you like that returned to you, Loki?"

The God of Mischief took a step back. "No, I cannot take it. I will not risk using its power again. True, the scepter is capable of immense magical strength. But it comes at the cost of my own energy. You've seen it for yourself; the scepter had corrupted and drained me. I will have to refuse your offer."

"What will you do, then?" Thor asked. You don't plan to fight Surtur with the little magic you have, do you?"

"Of course not! That is why I must speak with the Allfather. Never mind Huginn and Muninn. I need to see Odin personally."

Just when Loki finished speaking, a powerful column of light descended from above. Everyone backed away in surprise as Odin Allfather materialized before them. Not Odin himself, but merely a projection. Loki knew that the Allfather was capable of advanced telepathy when the situation called for it. Odin had not changed since Loki last saw him.

The other Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stared in awe. They seemed to get a hint of who he was, and they bowed tentatively.

Odin acknowledged them with a nod of his head. "These must be the Midgardian comrades you speak so highly of, Thor."

His single eye rested on Natasha last. She felt the weight of his serious gaze. She didn't forget that the king of Asgard knew how important she was to his adopted son.

Thor stepped up. "Father, you knew this beforehand?"

The semi-transparent figure of Odin nodded gravely. "There has been talk all over Asgard that Muspelheim has risen from its dormant slumber. The Vanir in Vanaheim, and even the Light Elves in Aflheim, have also grown restless and uneasy. I will not deny that Surtur is an enemy to be reckoned."

The Allfather turned to Loki. "But fear not. I am on your side. You have my trust, so I will restore you to your full power."

Loki's heart soared.

"Come forth, Loki. I can do this even when I appear as a projection to you."

Odin placed his hands on Loki's forehead and chest. Loki almost reeled back from the surge of energy. Nothing felt quite as invigorating as the fullness of his magic rush through his body. He felt whole again, as if reuniting with an essential part of him he had been long separated from.

"You can now perform any magic at your knowledge and disposal," Odin said. "Including the Casket of Ancient Winters that has become a part of you."

"The Casket...yes..."

He almost forgot. It had been dormant in his body the whole time. And now that his magic was fully restored...

"The fire of Muspelheim has been reignited, just as the ice of Jotunheim shall also rise to fight it."

Odin's words gave Loki a sense of duty, a heavy weight upon his shoulders. He knew what he had to do. It was his destiny. But whether to prevail or die, he was not certain.

The projection of Odin began to fade away. But not before giving Loki a look of fatherly concern. He did not know how to react to that. He stared up at where the column of light ascended and disappeared. He felt hope stir in his chest despite the bleak future.

"Got all your magic back, huh? What kind of tricks can you do?" Tony asked.

Loki felt a twinge of annoyance. "I do not perform tricks."

Thor swiftly defended his adopted brother. "Loki is a very accomplished sorceror. He is the best in Asgard, and has studied much in a variety of magical arts. I have faith that he has what it takes to fight Surtur."

Director Fury spoke up. "I think it's best that we make our move now. Like Loki said, we don't have much time. Coulson and I will deal with the government. When you hear word from us, you will assist the military with evacuating everyone. Until then, pack up and get ready to leave."

"Yes sir!" the Avengers replied.

Tony left to tell Pepper and get his tower hunkered down for the storm. Thor went to alert Jane and Darcy, who were still in New York. Bruce left to inform Betty and his colleagues, hoping that they would abandon their work and labs to flee to Canada.

Only Natasha remained with Loki. Clint prompted her to follow him, but she shook her head.

"I'll be with you shortly. Just give me a few minutes."

He could tell she was upset, and wanted to talk privately with Loki. He made a resigned nod and followed the rest of the Avengers out.

Natasha turned to face Loki. He seemed so small and alone, to take on this huge challenge. She sighed. "I wish I could do something to help..."

"But you are, Natasha. You will get everyone to safety and-"

"No. I want to help you."

He rested his hand on her cheek. "I truly admire your tenacity and courage. But I'm afraid this is a problem well beyond your ability."

His voice was gentle and affectionate. But Natasha shook her head against his caressing hand. "Loki...you don't have do this. There must be-"

"There is no other way. I must do this alone. For my teammates, my brother, for everyone on Midgard. And for you."

He hugged her and rested his lips close to her ear. What he said next was soft and barely heard, but it broke her heart to hear it.

"Natasha, I love you with all my heart and soul. If I ever fall in battle, I will die with a smile on my face as I think of you."

She gripped his arm with force. "No, don't say that. You will survive."

"I am being realistic. You know as well as I do."

"To hell with that," she replied fiercely. "Love is a commitment that goes both ways. I promised I won't abandon you. I always keep my promises. So you better not abandon me either."

Hearing her lifted his heart despite the grim task ahead. He smiled at her with resolution burning bright in his eyes. "Very well. Then I will fight with the hope of coming back to you alive."

Without warning, he pulled her into a passionate kiss. Natasha threw her arms around him as he held her tightly. She wanted to be suspended in this moment, to relive it forever and never have to let go. Reality shattered back into her senses when they broke apart. Loki buried his fingers into her hair, pressing his forehead against hers. He appeared to be in pain; his eyes were shut and she saw his throat swell. He finally looked up to meet her gaze.

"I must go now. Help the other Avengers; my duty is elsewhere."

"You're doing this because of me..." she said softly. "It's my fault. I'm the reason why you've decided to stay. I'm sending you to your death."

"No...you have given me a reason to fight. To me, you are someone worth fighting for."

He planted a gentle kiss on her nose. Then he stepped back and disappeared in front of her. Natasha was left alone in the NASA lab.

The Russian spy steeled herself and went off to her fellow agents and teammates. Much as she worried about Loki, she had a job to do. Whatever S.H.I.E.L.D. asked of her, she'll be there.


In a matter of hours, S.H.I.E.L.D. and the government launched their joint operation. News of mass evacuation from "otherworldly terrorism" was everywhere. Panic gripped the East Coast. All branches of the U.S. military moved swiftly to provide mass transport. Due to the Chitauri attack months ago, and the timely intervention of the Avengers, no one objected to their orders to leave New York. Citizens of all classes took their families and most important possessions; they wasted no time. Houses, condos and workplaces had to be left behind. Hardly anyone knew exactly what was going on. But they had no choice but to put their faith in the combined efforts of the Avengers and the government.

Loki remained in New York. He teleported to the Buddhist temple and found it deserted. Even the animals in the garden were gone. It no longer seemed lovely and peaceful, only lonely and ominous.

'Good, it seems that everyone has-'

Loki heard footsteps. He turned to see Ming come down the steps. The monk looked up and smiled.

"Hello, Loki."

He sounded serene and at ease, as if he was completely unaware of the impending doom.

Loki managed a bow, but his voice held barely suppressed urgency. "I did not know you were still here. The entire city is evacuating; you must go with them."

The monk nodded. "I know. I have sensed the danger long before the city had stirred. A sixth sense, you might call it."

He sighed as his gaze swept the view of the gardens. "I told my fellow monks and acolytes to leave before me. My heart is heavy with the thought of leaving this place. But it would be foolish to remain here any longer. I have to let go."

Loki swallowed. To die in battle meant letting go of Natasha. Was he truly ready to accept his fate? Just as Ming was ready to let go of everything dear to him? Loki sighed heavily. "I'm sorry...it's my fault all of this is happening. But I swear I will make things right."

"Who are you, Loki? Truly?"

It was a simple question, direct yet with no accusation. For an instant, the monk reminded Loki of Natasha. Was he really that easy to read nowadays? Loki didn't find it in his heart to hide from the monk any longer. His fist turned blue as he placed it over his chest. He stared back at Ming through red eyes filled not with ferocity, but resolution.

"I am the ice that will put out the fire."

Ming did not react with shock or horror. A small smile graced his aged face. "I always knew you were different somehow."

Loki couldn't help but feel the shadow of a doubt. "Do you think I'm strong enough for the challenge ahead?"

Finally the monk replied, "Yin and yang. Fire and ice. Good and evil. The god of chaos that strives for order will create peace. Yes, I know you will do well." Ming walked to the temple's ornate gate. "Until we meet again, Loki."

"Good-bye, and thank you for everything."

The monk departed, leaving Loki truly alone in the temple. It was only a matter of time before it would be inevitably consumed by fire. Even before Loki discovered his Jotun heritage, he was never fond of anything pertaining to heat or fire. He had always wondered why he would feel particularly exhausted and weak after attempting fire-based spells. Now he knew; fire was his natural enemy, and he would do whatever it took to save this realm from its destructive touch.

Loki spent the rest of the day exercising his long-dormant magical skills. He specialized in the art of illusions and deception, particularly the clone technique. But he doubted he could hold against Surtur with that alone. The number of doppelgangers he could create would mean almost nothing compared to Surtur's colossal size. Instead, he decided to focus on using his energy stemmed from the Casket of Ancient Winters. Manipulating the cool ice and water in his hands soothed the rapid, anxious beating of his heart.


The Avengers were an important presence among the military if they were to keep the people calm and orderly. No one questioned Captain America or Thor, as they gently but firmly gave orders. Bruce surprised everyone by being as quiet and controlled as the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Years of experience helped him keep a cool head, and not give in to the barely suppressed stress and anxiety among the citizens.

Clint and Natasha were together in a transport aircraft. It was filled to the brim with passengers, mostly important city officials. Some of them looked very worried and scared. Whether it was fear of the danger soon to come to New York, their destination ahead or even the thought of falling out of the sky from too many passengers, Clint and Natasha had no idea. The pair of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents did not worry at all. They remained standing as they coolly surveyed the passengers, making sure the flight was going smoothly.

After an hour of tense silence, Clint leaned in to quietly slip a conversation with Natasha.

"Is it really all right to let Loki handle this Fire Giant by himself? What is he thinking?"

Her reply was terse. "You heard him. He would rather have us help everyone evacuate. Pretty selfless of him, if you ask me."

"What if he's going to abandon us? What if this is just a part of another scheme? With New York abandoned, he can just come in and-"

"You still think of him that way? Loki has changed." Natasha narrowed her eyes, so that her sharp green gaze penetrated him. "He is putting his life on the line for us. How dare you make such an unfair accusation. You're being ridiculous."

"Am I?" he hissed back. "We're putting all our faith and trust on one man to defend the entire East Coast against a Fire Giant."

Natasha studied her companion. She knew him well enough to see how he was almost failing to suppress his anger. She knew it from noticing his white knuckles and clenched jaw. Most people would say Agent Barton was hard to read. Natasha would say otherwise. Only she could detect the nuances underneath his strong and sturdy facial features. She could tell the difference between him concentrating on a target and fuming over something. Though he would never shout and cause a scene right now, she knew Clint was at his limit.

"You're right..." she replied quietly. "I do trust Loki."

Clint was about to reply when the aircraft began to land. He momentarily fell silent, and helped Natasha usher the passengers out. They exited the aircraft and entered the commotion of bustling refugees.

"What has gotten to you, Nat? Since when did you learn to trust anyone so readily?"

"Clint, we don't have time for this," she snapped. "You had faith in me that I could change. Look what happened. Maybe it's time you have faith in Loki too."

Natasha turned her attention to assisting those who couldn't speak or understand English. Despite his anger, it comforted Clint a little...to see her tell everyone in Spanish, French, Russian and even Chinese that things were going to be all right. However small and insignificant she may seem compared to her more famous teammates, Natasha's calm and controlled manner proved to be just as important.

It wasn't until late in the afternoon when Loki arrived at Canada to meet the Avengers in the Helicarrier. He came inconspicuously and avoided a public entrance, in case he was still remembered unfavorably and his presence would induce panic. Everyone except for Clint warmly welcomed him. His heart clenched when Loki wrapped his arms around Natasha and firmly kissed her.

Thor gave him the biggest hug, of course. "Brother, are you sure you don't want any help from me? We can finish him together."

'Stubborn as always, Thor.' It was a fond thought this time.

Loki shook his head with a sad smile. "I'm sorry. My decision still stands. Besides, I need to show you that I can be strong too."

Thor looked reluctant and resigned. "Very well. I do not think Mjolnir would be of any use against Surtur. Lightning only fuels the fire. Father was right to say that only you can stop him."

Loki knew that Thor was making a sacrifice, considering the God of Thunder's pride and love for battle. This was a sign that Thor could make a worthy king of Asgard someday. For the longest time, Loki's envy prevented him from making such an observation.

Fury, Coulson and Hill joined the Avengers in the main control room.

"Good to see you, Loki," the Director said. "How is New York?"

"Completely empty. Quite a change from the usual atmosphere."

"I bet," Steve remarked. "Even back in my day, in the late twenties, New York is as busy and hectic as a bee hive."

"Agent Coulson, did you bring the scepter with you?" Loki asked.

"Of course. We wouldn't want to leave it in New York for Surtur to destroy. Why do you ask?"

"Forgive me, but I must use it one last time. During the Chitauri invasion, the scepter was not only a weapon, but a way to communicate with their superior, the dark sorceror Salastarr."

"At least let us join you on this, brother," Thor said. "We will show those fiends that we support you whole-heartedly."

Loki glanced at his comrades, taking notice of their faces reflecting Thor's sentiment. Coulson came back with another agent carefully handling the scepter. Loki took it from them and held it parallel to his body. "Very well. Everyone gather around me."

Loki closed his eyes, took a deep breath and aligned his energy with the scepter. The blue light at the end glowed brighter. The enclosed, clean space of the Helicarrier seemed to melt all around them...to reveal a view of Muspelheim. No sun, moon or star could be seen among the ashy skies. Even though they weren't really there, the sight filled them with repulsion and dread.

"You're right, Loki..." Steve whispered. "This is hell."

Thanos and Salastarr had auras surrounding their figures. Even they had to shield themselves from the poisonous air and blistering heat.

Behind them was the King of Muspelheim himself. Surtur was a frightening sight. He towered over all of them, even as he sat on a throne of molten lava. He bore the same black eyes, fangs and serpentine tongue that had appeared on Natasha when he possessed her.

"I see you have agreed to a decision. Let us hear it out."

Tony glared. "No one's turning in anybody."

Confusion momentarily crossed Thanos and Salastarr's faces. Loki could see things weren't quite going as planned for them.

'They were hoping that the Avengers would readily hand me over...so I could fall right into their hands without a problem.'

Thanos tried to read their faces, and he scowled. "What are you mortals doing?"

Loki squared his shoulders and lifted his head high. "I will fight."

Thanos and Salastarr looked both surprised and dismayed. Natasha tightened her hand on Loki's shoulder, and he felt the firm comfort of her gesture.

Surtur narrowed his black eyes. "So be it. You will all die along with your foolish enemy, who is now your foolish friend."

The Fire Giant turned to Loki. He did nothing to conceal the sadistic glee in his voice. "You are an arrogant fool. After tomorrow, you will be a dead man. Your soul belongs to Death!"

The courage and fighting spirit stirred in Loki's blood. The desire to protect his comrades, adopted brother and lover was something he never thought he had until now. Surtur's threat only made Loki more determined to defeat the Fire Giant. He felt the Asgardian warrior within him rise. The light on the scepter dimmed, and the fiery scenery of Muspelheim faded.

Loki looked up to see the sunset. His eyes seemed to glaze over. "It's nearly time. I must head back to New York and face my enemy soon."

He turned to leave, but Fury stopped him.

"Wait, Loki."

By the look on the Director's face, Loki knew he had something important to say.

"For the sake of brevity, I would just like to say this on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D: from this day on, you are now officially an Avenger."

Loki's face was one of blatant surprise. For a few moments, he was speechless. "Thank you, Director. I am very honored."

Tony clapped him hard on the shoulder. "Congratulations, you're actually one of us now! Welcome to our super secret boy band!"

Steve shook his hand. "Director Fury had us go through a formal ceremony to be initiated. But we'll have time for that later...if you manage to come back."

Loki was thrilled. He was an Avenger, just like Thor. They were finally on equal footing. An Avenger...it sounded so noble and good. He would rather die with that title than die as a coward. He wasn't going to run away or hide anymore.


Brace yourselves! Surtur is coming!