"So let me get this straight…Your dad gave you these stones and they're going to…what are they going to do?" Tony asked as he looked over each Norm stone.
"Man of Iron, there relics contain remnants of my father's power. It will make finding Loki all the easier."
"And with the added power boost, we should be able to take him out no problem." Natasha said as she looked over each stone one by one.
"Right, but how are we supposed to do this Natasha?" Tony asked. "They just look like rocks."
"Thor said that neither Odin nor anyone else could find Loki, but I think if we combine both Norm magic and technology we might have a better shot. Stark, if you can find some way to harness these stones to power up your Loki finder we'll be in business."
Thor's shoulders heaved. No matter the consequences. Loki's "vacation" was over.
"Then let's move."
Tony grabbed a norm stone, shook his head, and mumbled "There's no way this is gonna work." He walked over to his computer and began typing against his keyboard. "Maybe if I reconfigure this…and move that…"
And somehow, the stone began to glow.
Steve walked down the hall, his hands at his sides and his shield strapped to his back. They were going to find Loki. They were going to bring everything back to normal. That kid was going to get justice…everything would be right again. Wouldn't it?
"Ho Captain."
Steve's eyes shot from the walls to Thor's face, even from that distance Steve could see Thor's face heavy with indecision, weighing him down like armor.
"Captain, may we have words?"
Steve blinked. He knew what this was about. Even though Thor was fully loyal to stopping Loki's plan, Loki was still his brother. They were family. Steve wanted to be sympathetic. To lend an ear to his teammate, but he couldn't let himself be swayed even a little bit. Loki had gone too far this time and no matter what Thor said, he wouldn't let the task at hand be compromised.
"Thor, I don't think-"
"My brother must be stopped."
He didn't expect that. Not by a longshot.
"Wait, you're not on his side this time? You're always trying to bring him around, or convince us to give him another chance."
"Aye Captain, but this time, I must not allow my own feelings to dwarf my duty. My father gave me those orders, and I will fulfill them for the sake of all, as is my duty. But…" he shook his head. Steve could already guess.
"You're afraid your feelings, as much as you don't want them to, will interfere with your judgment."
Thor nodded.
Steve only smiled. "Don't worry friend. When it comes right down to it, I know you'll make the right decision. You always have."
"Hey guys." Tony's voice blazed through the intercom and filled the entire hallway, hell it probably filled the whole city. "I think I've finally got it."
Once again the Avengers assembled in the war room, but this time, the news was good…for a change.
"Alright, so I've finally got a handle on this magic crap." Tony said as he tapped against the keyboard. "Now, either this'll work, and increase the radius of the tracker a thousand fold…or it'll blow up and take out a few city blocks."
Steven winced at the thought. "And what are the chances of it being the former, rather than the latter?"
Tony shrugged. "We'll find out now." He pressed the button and then…
"Holy shit."
Every holographic image Stark had ever built began to light up like a fireworks display. Stars dotted the room like spots, planets, and realms, and worlds that dwarfed even their own sun, cruised through the air like clouds.
"This is an incredible sight." Thor mused. "All of the realms, and worlds, together..."
Natasha smirked. "There'll be no place for him to hide now."
And there, in all of the lights, and stars, one realm glowed red.
"That is the realm of Alfheim, the home of the elves."
Clint scoffed. "So the god of mischief lives with a bunch of elves now? Didn't see that commin'."
"Whatever, how do we get there?" Steve asked, his lips growing dry.
"I've thought of that." Tony said. "I figure if these rocks can power the tracker, then it can also power our jets to take us to where Loki is…theoretically, of course."
"Well, it's the best thing we've got now." Natasha slipped a strand of hair behind her ear. This was all going to end now. No more running away. No more desserts at six in the morning. No more amusement parks…and no more order. Loki's plans are over. "Suit up and let's go."