Where there is an END, There is always a BEGINNING

Check below for SEQUEL.

oOo

Chapter 30 – You are my home

"Natasha," Hill followed behind her. "You're still not stable."

"Doesn't matter," She walked briskly. "I have a job to do."

"It's not in the matter of what job you do," Fury voiced. "It's how you execute it is what worries us. The toxins in your body that helps you move will wear off soon enough. Even Banner said you shouldn't be out of bed. We're not taking that risk."

"Banner and Thor have done their job." Natasha turned right to the end of the hall. "Now they're just waiting for Clint, Steve and Stark to do theirs. I have my own code to follow."

"How will you achieve it?" Hill wondered.

"Trust me, I have my ways." She smirked. "If you see the effects wearing off, you can pull me out, but just give me a chance to knock some sense out of Sitwell and I'll make it worth your while."

"You have 10 minutes." Fury agreed.

"What?" Hill gasped. "But Director—"

"You heard her, Hill. She knows what she's doing." He turned to her. "10 minutes, that's all I'm giving you. Even if we do have enough information, we still need the rest of it. 10 minutes, you hear?"

"That's more than enough."

Natasha smirked and went in, eying Sitwell strapped to a chair. Natasha walked in casually and cracked her knuckles. A trail of set beaded Sitwell's skin as he swallowed. Natasha moved forward and placed both her hands on the table, leaning forward.

So it begins.

oOo

"Stay where you are."

"You cannot leave me here." Loki glared. "I am not staying here alone with these strangers in costumes."

"Stop causing a scene."

"Then do not leave me, you dullard!"

"Shut up!"

Clint looked around as people stared at the two of them. A lot of them were fans, fascinated by their costumes. A lot of people even greeted them that they look exactly like the characters they play. It was safe to say that Clint hated these kinds of gatherings. Loki however, found it absolutely captivating, but of course, he wasn't going to let Clint know that.

"Stop causing a scene!"

"Then do not order me around you imbecile!"

"Is that the best insult you can dish out, you ungrateful brat." Clint hissed back. "I'm trying to help you."

"Get your facts straight, Agent Barton." Loki retorted. "I helped myself, you came—"

"A little late, I know that!"

"And you caused more damage than I did." He mocked. "Hvé mildr!"

"What did you say to me?"

"I said how generous."

Clint eyed Loki, who stood there, glaring at him. Both of them were still dripping wet. It was a good thing they looked like cosplayers, otherwise, they wouldn't be allowed entrance to the lobby. Clint however, was downright furious that it had to be this job.

He really hated babysitting.

"Herfiligr." Loki scowled.

"Should I bother and call a translator?" Clint grimaced.

"I said shameful." He sagged a little. "Your director could not have sent Thor in your steed, but sent you to me instead. An archer—"

Clint palmed his face in frustration.

"Listen here," He started. "You can barely stand without wincing. You're blue like an avatar and some of your clothes are covered in blood. And your eyes are red! You need to listen to me and sit down!"

"Þagða" Loki mumbled.

Clint glared.

"Be silent." Loki translated.

Clint pulled Loki to a nearby island seat. Loki didn't even bother fighting as he sat still, clutching the jacket around him. People were looking at them back and forth, and yes it was uncomfortable for Loki to be in his Jotun skin. In fact, he hated it with a passion.

"Would it hurt for you to listen, Loki?" Clint sighed.

"I hate you," Loki weakly said. "Pathetic quim."

Clint stared at the ceiling and groaned.

"Maybe I should use your language and call you a dick, if that is what you prefer." Loki grumbled.

Clint blinked.

Did Loki just say what he thought he said?

Clint groaned again.

"You've been spending too much time here on Earth. This is the drug's fault, isn't it?"

"Can you not tell?" Loki irritably said. "You are ignorant and foolish, incompetent Miklimunnr."

"You insulted me in your language again, didn't you?"

"Perhaps."

"Stupid silver-tongue and your fucking language—"

"Ormstunga," Loki corrected. "In your language it means Serpent tongue."

"And the incompetent what?"

"Incompetent loud mouth."

"Shut up, Loki."

"No."

Clint checked Loki's temperature and it was dropping back fast, but dangerously to his normal cold temperature. Clint didn't want to leave Loki by himself again, but he had to help Steve and Tony. And he couldn't do that while watching over Loki. Clint eyed the Comic Con and it looked near deserted as a lot of people gathered in the Hall to figure out what was happening. Of course, it was Tony and Steve vs. the Other.

"What will you do now, Agent Barton?"

Clint patted Loki's head, which Loki slapped his hand away in annoyance.

"Stay here." He ordered.

"Yes, Mother." Loki rolled his eyes.

"If your magic is back, great, but don't waste it on parlor tricks. We'll try and defeat the Other and head back to central park as soon as we can. Then you can be reunited with your damn brother and you can bounce back to your rainbow bridge and hold hands or something. Who knows, maybe I'll wave a rainbow flag or something."

"For the last time, I understand."

"You better." He glared. "Stay put."

Loki rolled his eyes as Clint took out his weapon and ran to the hallway where everyone was gathered. He pushed his way through and disappeared in the crowd. The Comic Con was a big place, probably bigger than last year, who knows?

Loki sat there, hugging the jacket tightly around him. He moved his injured leg and tried to feel the ache.

There was pain, but it was a little numb.

"Why must everything be so complicated?" He mumbled.

Loki looked at his blue hands.

"Monster." He added. "Will they truly accept me when we return?"

Flashes of memory invaded Loki's mind.

"Norns forbid."

Loki doubled over and shut his eyes tightly. He whimpered silently as he allowed the memory to fade. He stayed like that for a few minutes, glad that nobody was bothering him. He allowed the headache to clear before he tried to move. He could feel a tinge of his Seidr back, but it was far from complete.

He still had to work its way into his system and heal his wounds.

Consciously, Loki touched his neck.

Disgusting.

He wanted to get rid of the evidence Tucker left, but he knew it wasn't that easy. He could barely get rid of the evidence the Chitauri left on his body. And the way they violated him would be hard to forget. Loki wanted it gone, because it was a constant reminder of what he had been through.

There were scars that will never heal, he knew that, but the scars meant more than just battle.

It was deeper.

"There is no use staying in one place and reminiscing." Loki thought, trying to be mischievous. "They do not need me yet, so they can hold out for much longer until I regain enough strength."

Loki was still blue, but nobody cares.

He stood up and looked around.

There were stalls and booths on every corner, each one of them different. There were large tarpaulins on the walls and a projector pointing at a blank one. Loki eyed it and it showed different movies and series that they wanted to promote. Of course, curiosity got the better of Loki.

"There is no harm in taking a stroll." He figured.

He had to forget.

All that blood…

The sadness…

The guilt…

He had to forget.

Loki walked away and eyed a few merchandises. There were games, comic books, posters, costumes and almost everything strange and fun were there. Loki found himself overwhelmed by the different colors blurring all around him. Cosplayers of different kinds, some that Loki never knew existed. Some people wore white suits with white guns. Brown robes and large weapons. Some people were even green and had pointed ears. Loki also passed someone with an awfully creepy smile in the corner, his lips stretched widely with red lipstick and they called him the Joker.

Loki found himself immersed.

He stopped by one stall in particular. It was full of tiny action figures, some large as his head, some as tiny as a key chain. All in all, Loki wanted one, but he had no money. Loki eyed the place, nobody was guarding it. Maybe he could just nitpick one and walk away. He was good at that.

But he thought against it.

This place felt similar to home. In Asgard, there were stalls that carve intricate designs, but not as detailed as this. Their craftsmanship was completely different from the mortals.

"They created a miniature design of me?" Loki blinked.

He poked the doll sitting on the top shelf, and eyed its details. It looked exactly like him, along with the scepter and the facial expression. There was also one with him in chains, something that Loki found utterly disturbing. He eyed the figure right next to it. It was a Thor figurine and it looked exactly like his brother.

"Crafty these mortals are." Loki thought.

"Wow, can I take a picture of you?" A woman voiced from behind. "You have a great costume."

"What?" Loki turned.

"You do look like Loki," The other woman said. "So tall too, that's amazing."

"I wanted to Cosplay Loki as a Jotun too, but I figured that's too much body paint and patterns." The first one smiled. "So I'm cosplaying Lady Loki instead. Oh and my name is Ana."

"I'm Liz."

Loki stayed silent and staring.

They were smaller than him by half a size. Clearly, they were fans because of the way they dressed. Ana, had black hair and a beautiful crown like horn on the top of her head. She showed a little cleavage and legs with the way her green and gold dress clung tightly to her skin. Loki found it a little attractive. The other one named Liz had blonde hair and wore Thor's costume, but it was also gender bent to her liking.

Loki found it funny.

"Is it alright if we take a picture together?" Ana asked.

Loki nodded.

Both girls squealed and asked someone random to take their picture. Loki found it strange but forced himself to smile instead. When the picture was taken, the two women eyed it and looked at it strangely. Loki found it a bit confusing as he stood in front of them.

"Um…" Ana stared awkwardly. "You look exactly like him."

"Pardon me." Loki smiled, walking away.

The two girls blinked as Loki disappeared into the crowd.

"Was that Tom in disguise!?" Liz gasped.

"I don't know." Ana eyed the picture. "It really looks like him."

"But that voice, Sister!"

"I'm not your Sister!" She laughed evilly. "But if that was really Tom in disguise, we have a picture of him and we can brag that we talked to him!"

Loki inwardly chuckled and found himself even more accustomed to this world. But deep inside, it still wasn't enough to fully forget his pain and misery. He had to forget what happened at that hote—no—no —Loki wasn't going to remember that incident.

Tucker was dead.

And he would no longer touch or hurt Loki.

But why was he still paranoid?

"Never again," Loki thought.

Suddenly, Loki was gently pushed to the side by some guards heading towards the Hall where Clint had gone through. Apparently, the people who had tried to push inside, had gotten inside without permission. Loki followed the guards quietly.

"We need two more security here." The guard said. "We have four idiots messing up the Press Con."

"Copy that."

"Thanks."

Loki blinked and voiced. "And they think I am at fault."

Suddenly, there was a huge blast that shook the entire building. Loki winced as he side stepped and leaned heavily on his injured leg. The lights flickered, but resumed as if nothing was happening. The music played and the people carried on with their lives.

"My magic is not enough." Loki eyed the hallway. "Perhaps a little longer."

Loki walked farther in the corner and saw Captain America: Winter Soldier merchandises. He walked forward and eyed the merchandises. He saw a bunch of DVD's placed neatly on the stand. Loki recalled that this was the movie with Natasha, Steve, Fury, Hill and a person named Bucky was involved.

They hadn't watched this one.

Loki picked it up and mischief bubbled in his chest.

He smiled.

oOo

"Are you okay, Thor?" Bruce asked.

"Aye," He nodded as he eyed the dark skies outside. "But nothing eases my worry for Loki. I fear for him, Dr. Banner. I have never felt this much worry since we were children."

There was a flash of light.

Thunder roared.

"Why?" Bruce asked.

"When we were younger, Loki nearly drowned because of me. I had guilt, yet I was foolish enough to blame Loki for my stupidity. He could barely swim at that time, and I threw him in the river. We both got scolded of course, but now that I think back on my actions, they were never for my brother."

"They were always for yourself or for your friends."

"Aye." Thor nodded. "And I wish to correct this."

"Loki loves you."

"What?"

"I know it doesn't mean much in my perspective." Bruce adjusted his glasses. "But I really think that he cares deeply for you. I think, more than his Mother."

"Do you believe so?"

"I do."

"They will return with my brother safely, yes?" Thor wondered.

"They will."

"Dr. Banner," Erik came through the door. "We have work to do."

"The container," Bruce nodded. "Alright."

"May I watch?" Thor asked.

"Sure."

oOo

Clint's entrance was the bomb.

It was no surprise when the audience cheered for him too when he entered the scene. He pushed through the crowd and aimed his arrow at the Other, and shot it straight at him. The Other was caught off guard and the arrow blasted a net that caught him. The Other tumbled to the ground while Tony and Steve stood there dumfounded.

Everyone was shocked.

A real weapon!

Wow!

"You pitiful creatures!" The Other shouted. "How dare you?"

"Shut up Grinch." Tony said.

The crowd laughed.

"Never seen something like this before." Rob muttered.

"It's actually pretty cool." Jeremiah laughed.

"I didn't think they made special effects as real as this." Russo cheered. "It's pretty entertaining."

"It's not even sponsored." Sharlotte smirked. "I'm surprised there're no guards trying to stop all of this commotion going on."

"Actually," Evans pointed. "They're at the corner."

"It is weird for me to say that they sound just like us?" Rob observed. "And that guy playing Hawkeye looks exactly like you, Jeremiah."

"Does he? Because I don't think so."

Clint smirked and walked forward, brandishing his weapon for the crowd to see. Some people whistled and cheered, while others whooped and jumped in glee. Clint waved at the crowd and stood next to the Avengers.

"You old guys need a hand?"

"Old but gold, Legolas." Tony joked. "Where's Loki?"

"He's outside."

"You left him alone?" Steve gasped.

"You already know what happens when he's left alone." Tony groaned. "He's the god of mischief and chaos. He attracts Chaos! Don't you get my point?"

"I want to make a confession." Clint muttered. "I feel kind of guilty now that you mentioned it."

"Can't it wait?"

"I kind of burnt the floor of the hotel Loki and Stark were staying it."

"What?" Steve glared.

"Didn't Hill tell you guys the rundown at the hotel?" Clint figured they didn't give the exact details. "They didn't say anything, did they?"

"Not in detail, no."

"Tucker's dead, Cap."

"We knew that." Tony said.

"What don't you know, Stark?"

"The how part."

"Later." Steve voiced.

The Other had pulled himself out of the net and disappeared. The crowd cheered, and gasped when Tony was tackled from behind by the Other. The Other tried to bend the metal in Tony's suit and hurt him. Tony accidentally fired the repulsors.

Good thing Steve saw it and redirected the repulsors blast to the empty wall.

The crowd went silent.

The weapons were real. Either that or the special effects were just that good to make this Comic Con one of the most interesting things ever. Clint took another arrow and stabbed it behind the Other's back and pressed the button to electrocute him. The Other knocked Clint back while Steve ran to send punches to the Other.

"This is dragging too long." Tony panted.

"You don't say." Steve breathed.

"Ow." Clint groaned.

"Where is help when you really need it?" Tony mumbled.

oOo

Loki chuckled as he eyed the objects inside the gift bag. He turned to the deserted corner where Clint had left him and sat on the island seat alone. Loki placed the gift bag on his lap and eyed the contents inside it. These things would be useful soon, and they would probably thank him for it later. But that's just the thing. Loki didn't want thanks. He just wanted to return the favor.

As soon as Loki felt a little healthy, he tried to feel his magic.

"I need to keep this safe." He eyed the gift bag. "I suppose I have enough magic to try—"

He lifted the gift bag and eyed if anyone was looking. When there wasn't, Loki waved his hands around the object opened a small space pocket. He pushed the object inside it and released the magic.

Gone.

It was safely gone.

But now, Loki felt a bit drained,

"That was anti-climactic." Loki huffed.

At least he didn't have to carry the damn thing anymore. Now that Loki was a bit dry from the rain, he tried to return to what he thinks is his normal color. The pale Aesir color that he was always accustomed to, not the pale dull blue color he was in now. Even though there was a slight comfort in being blue in such a place like this where no one seems to care, it was still strange and foreign to him.

To walk around as the same color as the Jotun's he killed.

Laufey popped into his mind.

No.

Loki shook his head and focused.

He watched his skin drain itself of the blue color and slowly receded back to the pale Aesir color.

Finally.

"I think I have enough strength to reach for the tesseract." Loki thought. "I just need to find where Agent Barton is."

Loki stood up and walked to the deserted hallway and passed through corridors abandoned. He followed the noisy sound of cheering and stopped at a rather large door. He tried to push it open, but it was locked and crowded. Loki tried to pull it instead, but it didn't budge. Loki tried harder, even with his inhuman strength, the door was shut tightly.

He could just knock it off its hinges, but that would injure people.

Loki frowned.

He couldn't just teleport in. That would waste the energy he stored. He knew the adrenaline wouldn't last as long as he hoped and the pain would surely come back and he would be bedridden and exhausted, but that didn't stop him from finding another way.

He looked for an alternative route.

When Loki turned, he bumped into someone huge. Loki nearly toppled backwards, but he was held and pulled with great strength. Loki shook the dizziness that he felt and spoke up.

"Ow," Loki winced and looked up." I— oh my—?"

"Are you alright?"

"Thor?"

"Tom?" Chris blinked. "I didn't know you were here!"

"Tom?" Loki thought. "Who is Tom?"

"You didn't say anything about visiting. I didn't expect to see you here at all. What a coincidence?"

"Oh—oh? I was merely—"

"You're even calling me Thor now." Chris chuckled. "Very funny."

"I was just... hanging around?" Loki tried.

"You're even dressed as Loki." He laughed, eying him. "If I'd known, I might have done the same thing and probably dressed up as Thor, but you sort of downgraded your costume."

"Umm…?"

Loki had no idea what to say.

Out of all the people he could bump into, it had to be Thor's counterpart. Oh how the fates love to mess with him. Loki eyed Chris and immediately thought to compare him with Thor. This man standing in front of him had the eyes of someone who was carefree, loving, relaxed and content, while Thor's eyed were hardened through battle, there was love but it rarely showed, there was also resentment and bitterness yet there was compassion.

"Are you alright?" Chris wondered. "You seem distracted."

"I am well." Loki answered. "Perhaps a bit dizzy."

"You do look tired, mate."

"Mate?" Loki blinked, finding their language weird. "Why are you here and not with your friends?"

"You mean our friends?"

"I— right… umm…."

'I was late." Chris replied. "It was the storm outside."

"Apologies," Loki said in lieu of his brother. "That was—"

"Why would you apologize for the weather?" Chris grinned, looking at Loki.

Suddenly, there was cheering.

Both Loki and Chris looked at the door and inside of it, people began to cheer over and over again. Loki backed away from the door, a bit weirded out before turning to a confused looking Chris. Chris turned back to him and eyed him, probably suspecting something different about him.

"Awful lot of things going on in there, right?"

"Were you not inside moments ago?" Loki wondered before realizing. "Oh, yes. The weather."

"I didn't want to ruin their fun and I think the police are inside." Chris smirked. "I heard that it's not part of the Press Con, so I figured I'd just stay clear of them and come back later."

"Do you wish to go inside?"

Chris blinked. "Of course, brother."

"What?" Loki was taken back.

"I'm joking."

"It is not funny." Loki looked around. "Why do you not have company with you?"

"Body guards?" Chris smiled. "I ditched them and let them call it a day. Besides, I know where to go and there's security here, but they're all busy. But it's mostly because I want to look around first without attracting too much attention. We've both seem to be doing well."

"So you merely wish to stay outside."

"We can go round back if you want to?"

"That'll be fine."

Chris eyed Loki as they both walked silently through the corridor round back. It seems like all the body guards were inside and weren't even trying to keep the place secured. Loki awkwardly walked next to Chris, feeling a strange sensation when he was with him.

"Do you believe they are real?"

"What?"

"Thor and Loki," Loki whispered. "Do you think they are real?"

"I'm not sure."

"What of the avengers?"

"Well, we can leave that to our imagination." Chris said. "It's a pretty deep question. Why? Did a fan ask it?"

"Not truly."

When they pushed open the door, they saw Tony, Clint and Steve trying to wrestle the fast Chitauri creature. Loki's eyes widened as he pushed through the crowd. Chris followed and eyed the whole scenario. The place was packed with people, but there was enough room in the middle for the Avengers to fight.

"Holy shit!" Tony shouted.

He was catapulted to near Loki and Chris.

"Loki?" Tony raised his mechanical body. "Uhh—"

"Stark!" Clint called.

"Flank him." Steve shouted.

Tony pulled himself up to his feet and ran to the center.

"The Other is too fast for them." Loki grumbled. "Despite their strength in numbers, they would not do any good if they cannot catch him."

"That's a great deduction."

"Excuse me." Loki smiled at Chris.

"Whoa! Where are you going?" Chris stopped him and grabbed his arm. "It's too dangerous over there."

"I have an important role to attend to." Loki smirked. "Excuse me."

Loki pried Chris' hand off his arm without much effort, leaving Chris a bit dazed where he stood. Loki pushed past the crowd and through the railing by the stage without being noticed. Chris took out his phone and started to text a message.

C: Hey Tom, where are you?

He waited.

Beep.

T: At my sisters, why?

"Wow," Chris palmed his face and eyed the scene going on in front of him. "I must be taking this Thor role too seriously."

oOo

Loki stepped foot on the center stage and people were now eying and cheering him too. The Other realized this and turned to Loki. Loki reached out for his magic and conjured up the tesseract. The Other hissed at him at proceeded to move, but Loki stopped him.

"Enough." Loki declared.

"What can you do that I have not already seen?" The Other laughed. "You have such little strength child. Tell me, did that mortal penetrate your defenses? Did he claim you?"

"You would have loved that, wouldn't you?"

"Such is amusement!"

"What is he doing?" Tony panted.

"Distracting him," Steve said. "Hawkeye, you have a clear shot."

"Roger that."

Clint pointed his arrow at the Other's leg and shot.

It pierced through the skin.

"How dare you?!" The Other howled in pain. "Ahh… ugh— ah!"

The crowd was silent.

"Chris," Sharlotte turned. "You're here."

"Yeah, sorry I'm late." Chris said as he silently went behind them. "I thought I was with Tom, but apparently, it's… I don't think it was Tom. I'm not making sense, am I?"

"Welcome to the club." Sam huffed.

"You almost missed the show." Rob said.

"I don't think I did." Chris said who was a little dumfounded about the situation. "This is a bit surreal, don't you guys think?"

"We've lost all sense of logic when they started firing weapons." Jeremiah voiced.

"They'll figure this out, won't they?" Russo asked. "Who they are?"

"The Police can't even get near them." Evans said.

"I envisioned our departure to be a little longer." Loki voiced. "But it seems I must cut our time short."

"Lord Thanos will hunt you down!"

"Then let me be his prey."

"You are confident now! Wait until he tampers with you himself. You would be begging for mercy. You would not be able to handle his efforts! You would waste away! He is strong—"

"I already establish how strong and smart he is."

"That is the mere beginning of it. You know nothing of his strength!"

"Farewell."

"I am warning you! You will be punished!"

"Your warning is nothing."

"Heed my words!" The Other shouted. "Lord Thanos will not take kindly to this!"

"Then let him do his worst."

Loki stepped forward with the tesseract hovering above his hands. Loki raised it and charged some of his strength and the tesseract glowed blue. The power encircled itself around Loki's hands and the cube, before it shot a perfect line towards the Other. Tony, Steve and Clint made a run to try and stop what Loki was doing, but it was too late.

There was a bright flash.

Everyone closed their eyes.

The next thing they knew was that the Other was gone.

And there was nothing but smoke.

The crowd cheered.

"It is done," Loki blinked. "I did it."

Loki nearly sagged as the cube fell on the floor right under him. Tony, Steve and Clint walked forward; weary of their surrounding as the police were getting ready to attack. Clint picked up the cube but hissed at the touch of his skin, so he tossed it to Tony who had his suit on. Steve held Loki still as Loki sagged for comfort.

"I feel as if I may have caused more trouble for myself than naught." Loki breathed tiredly. "Lord Thanos would surely hear what I had said and done."

Steve stayed silent.

"And surely he would not take things lightly." Loki continued. "He would extract his punishment and revenge. I know of it."

Tony walked forward.

"Why'd you do that?" Tony asked hurriedly.

"I had to know." Loki panted. "We have to leave this place before I lose control of my magic. It is starting to return yet the effects of the tesseract will surely disrupt my control."

"Where's the Other?" Clint wondered. "Where'd you take him?"

"Back to his master, empty handed." Loki chuckled.

"We could have interrogated him."

"No amount of interrogation would get him to tell anything." He quivered. "He is a loyal devoted person of Lord Thanos. You would only be—be wasting your time."

"How did you do get the tesseract to work?" Tony wondered.

"You can explain it on the way." Steve said as he pulled Loki to his motorcycle. "We have to leave."

"Freeze!"

Police pointed their guns at them.

Tony and Clint were armed.

"We mean no harm officer." Steve said.

"I said FREEZE!"

"Put your weapons down!"

Loki circled his arms around Steve's waist as Steve roared his motorcycle to life. Loki smirked inwardly and silently waved a hand to the pistols the police have and secretly jammed each and every one of them.

"Are we seriously going to do this?" Clint smirked.

"Quick getaway?" Tony said dryly.

"We need to leave this place before we cause more interference." Steve whispered. "We've already broken more rules that one. And if we had known Loki could've sent the Other spiraling back to his dimension, we should've let Loki do it sooner."

"It saves you the trouble?" Loki chuckled tiredly.

"Or the effort." Tony smirked.

They had to leave.

"On my signal." Steve breathed.

They were wasting too much time on fighting.

"Waiting for it." Clint smiled.

Loki's magic was fading.

"Now!"

Steve roared the motorcycle and the police started to shoot, but all of their weapons were down for the count. Steve lifted the motorcycle up and let the front wheel attack the door, making it open as he drove through the hallway in a hurry. Tony began to run while Clint ran behind him. Loki held onto Steve as he roared the motorcycle out into the rain.

Clint got on his motorcycle and roared it to life.

Tony tossed the tesseract back to Clint. Clint placed the tesseract inside the duffel bag and slung it over his shoulder next to his weapons.

"Can you get me a lift?" Tony smirked, raising his helmet.

"You are not riding with me!" Clint warned. "Fly on your own you tin can!"

Clint sped up to follow Steve and Loki, while Tony grumbled. The police were getting into their vehicles, but Clint shot the front tire with an arrow and sped away. Tony started to run as fast as he can, and while he asked Jarvis to check if no one was looking, Tony lifted himself up with the thrusters and disappeared through the sky.

"Cap, you there?"Clint voiced from behind.

"I can hear you." Steve said.

"Ask how Loki activated the tesseract to send the Other back to his master." Tony curiously said. "If he could do that, he could have sent us back to our world and we wouldn't be in this fiasco."

"Loki?" Steve turned his head a little. "Are you okay?"

"Yes?" Loki weakly said from behind.

"How did you use the tesseract?"

"I figured I could use my magic the same way I did before on your planet." Loki answered. "The only way to know for sure if I could still try was to use it on the Other and maneuver it to my desire location."

"Door's open from both sides!" Clint shouted.

"Aye," Loki leaned heavily on Steve. "It took a great amount of my magic, but with that knowledge, we could return to our own world."

"How long have you known that would work?" Steve asked.

"Since Thor asked me." Loki said guiltily.

"What?!" Clint shouted. "You asshole!"

"I apologize."

"Mischievous teenager." Tony grumbled.

"Why did you keep it secret?" Steve wondered.

"I had to make sure—" Loki was about to explain, but stopped himself. "I had my reasons."

They reached Central park.

"We have to hurry." Steve said. "We can argue later."

oOo

"The Quinjet is headed this way." Hill voiced.

"I want the medical team ready!" Fury said. "Take us to the skies, now!"

"Sir, with this altitude—"

"Then push it up to its limits!" Fury argued. "If we're going to return, ain't nobody have to see it!"

They waited a good few minutes before the team could land. Thor, Bruce, Erik, Hill and Fury were waiting in the main room. Finally, the door opened and Tony, Clint, Steve and Loki entered.

"Loki!"

Thor stood up and ran to his brother and hugged him.

Loki hugged back.

"Are you guys okay?" Bruce wondered.

"Yeah, we're cool." Tony winced. "I feel old, Bruce. Not as old as Cap, but close enough."

"You're just worked up." Steve breathed. "You need more exercise, Tony."

"Shut up."

"Here." Clint voiced.

"What?" Bruce wondered.

Clint tossed the duffel bag with the tesseract in it to Bruce and Erik before he made his way through to Fury and Hill. He crossed his arms and stared at the two of them.

"Where is she?" Clint asked.

"In the same infirmary room," Hill answered. "She's resting."

Clint nodded and walked away.

"I am glad you are well." Thor whispered to Loki's ear. "I have missed you."

"So have I." Loki mumbled.

Thor pulled Loki away but supported him. He eyed the bite marks and hickeys on Loki's neck, which made Loki conscious enough to try and cover them with the jacket. Thor frowned further as he wiped the wet strand of hair off Loki's face.

"It will heal." Loki said.

Thor wasn't convinced.

"He is dead."

"I know."

"Thor—"

"I'm sorry, Loki."

"Don't."

"Loki—"

"Don't, Thor." Loki begged. "I do not want to talk. I just want to go home."

Everyone heard him.

The room stayed silent.

"Just be there for me." Loki whispered. "You need not say anything, or do anything for me. Just be yourself, be here… support me. That is all I need. Whatever happened to me has happened. Just be there for me."

Thor stays silent, but is in agreement.

Loki hugged him again and cried silently.

It was over.

It was finally over.

"A day," Fury said. "I'm giving you a day to rest and dry up since you're all drenching up the floor. A day and that's all I'm giving, but tomorrow we're leaving this place. Is that clear?"

"Aye," Thor answered for him.

"As for the two of you," Fury pointed at Steve and Tony. "You have some explaining to do."

"What explaining?" Tony chuckled.

"I want to know what went wrong in that little fiasco at the Comic Con." Fury glared. "It's all over the news and is trending faster than peanut butter and jelly on the social network. I want to know what exactly went wrong."

"There're a number of things that went wrong." Steve sighed.

"You want a list of it?" Tony awkwardly grinned.

Rest.

That was their main priority.

Bruce checked Loki, but Loki just wanted to remain with his brother.

They had allowed them time to rest.

Clint and Natasha on the other hand, had spoken about what they had found out. Natasha informed him of what she understood from Sitwell, and Clint figured he'd remain with his partner whenever the need arises.

"So what do we do now?" Clint asked. "None of this is what we've ever been trained for."

"That's the beauty of it." Natasha voiced.

"How so?"

"We'll just have to stick to instincts."

"Like we always do?"

"Like we always do." Natasha nodded.

Loki remained with Thor, who would not seem to let him go. Loki didn't want to part with his brother either. So all in all, it was a win-win situation. They allowed the two brothers some peace and quiet. Nobody interrupted them. And they lavished the freedom they had left.

Especially Loki.

Loki laid his head on Thor's chest and closed his eyes tiredly, but the weight of guilt still remained in Loki's heart for what he did. He did not tell that they could return sooner, but Thor forgave him. He was lucky, because Thor despite his heart of stone, was a heart that was mellow and understanding.

"What will you do once we return?" Loki whispered.

"I would defend you."

"Would you go through all that trouble for a criminal?"

"For you, anything."

oOo

Before anyone could say anything, they had an agreement that all of Loki's past crimes would be null and void. Everyone agreed to the terms. Everyone wanted to return to their own world. Whatever they did in this world, would remain in their memories alone.

That's what they had agreed upon.

With the tesseract safely inside the container, Loki would be able to redirect the energy to open the portal with ease. Thor however, was worried about his little brother. Loki still wasn't fully healed, and his brother still barely ate. Thor vowed that he'd make Loki eat a lot when they return to Asgard.

"Are you sure you can do this?" Thor asked. "Perhaps we can wait a little longer—"

"As much as I want to, I do not want to."

"Why?"

"I am tried, Thor." Loki chuckled sadly. "I want to go home."

"So do I, but your wounds—"

"Will heal faster once we return to our own world. This place, this world, lacks the Yggdrasil, the world tree. That is why it is harder to concentrate. I have told you and the mortals this. I managed to lock onto the energy Yggdrasil is emitting, which is why I was able to use the tesseract to get the Other back to our dimension."

"It will harm you—"

"It will tire me." Loki sighed.

"I am here for you."

"That is all I ask you, brother."

His witness was all of the Avengers, including Natasha, who disrupted her rest just to see daylight. She said she hated being left out, and so with all of them complete. Loki used enough magic to send them back to their own world.

Another wormhole headed back to their world.

A bright light.

And the view of New York with a ruined Stark Tower displayed in the middle.

It was home.

The shield Agents cheered.

They didn't black out this time, thanks to Loki.

"Sir, you might want to know something." Hill said as she pointed at the screen. "That's strange, isn't it?"

"Well that's new." Fury gaped.

"We've been in that world for days and time hasn't even moved?" Tony's jaw dropped. "What the hell?"

"That's fascinating." Bruce nodded.

"I don't even want to explain." Erik palmed his face.

Loki tiredly retreated to Thor.

"You've done us good, Loki." Fury turned to him. "Looks like the saying nothing is as it seems is true."

"What would you have us do now?" Thor wondered.

"Rest." He sighed. "We all need it."

"Then home?" Loki asked.

"Then home." Thor confirmed.

oOo

Thor held onto the tesseract and there was a moment of goodbye. Loki however was anxious to get home. No matter what happens he wouldn't care how he was welcomed just as long as he was home. It had been a year since he had parted with his family, and now would be the time to return.

"You're welcome to visit me anytime Princess." Tony grinned.

"I doubt you'll be able to offer anything good, Stark." Loki retorted.

Steve and Bruce shook Thor and Loki's hands, while Clint and Natasha waited behind for their chance. When the two were finished, Natasha stepped forward and hugged Loki.

Loki blinked in surprise.

"People may not have known what we went through," Natasha said in Russian. "But we're both alive and that's what counts. You out of all people should know what surviving is like."

Loki merely nodded.

"If you're not welcome back in Asgard," Natasha said in English. "You're more than welcome to stay on Earth."

"Nat's already making decisions for herself." Clint smirked.

"Only because I have enough balls than any of you men have." She joked.

Loki snickered.

Everyone else groaned.

"I thank you for your extended kindness, but before I could forget," Loki reached out for his magic and took the gift bag out of the space pocket. "My parting gift to all of you."

"Is that what I think it is?" Tony blinked. "Is that from the Comic Con?"

"I was curious at the time." Loki shrugged.

Thor started to laugh. "Who knew you still had it in you?"

Loki rolled his eyes.

Clint took the bag and handed out the contents to the guys.

"This is Agents of Shield." Steve said.

"I figured your Agent Coulson would need it once he recovers from his operation." Loki smiled. "And of course, something you did not get to witness—"

"Winter Soldier." Natasha said. "How did you get these?"

"I may have charmed my way to get them."

"Clever." Tony whistled.

"It's brilliant." Bruce smiled.

"Thank you," Loki said. "For your kindness and patience."

"No one would have known had that incident happened," Thor said. "Perhaps it was the fates or something stronger than the fates, but what happened to us was a good thing that will change our lives."

"You're right about that." Tony said.

"Thor—" Loki called.

"I believe it is time for us to part ways my friends." Thor said. "I thank all of you for everything you have done. Even if it had been a short while, I am sure we are all considered friends and have all learned something."

"Yeah, life lessons." Tony shrugged. "But it's all cool."

"Farewell." Loki waved.

"Your brother is really anxious to leave." Clint pointed out.

"That is true." Thor laughed.

"Take care, guys." Natasha said.

"Yeah, we'll be here." Tony voiced. "Watching movies again."

Loki ignored them and focused his attention to Thor. Thor was already thinking on what he had to do when they got there, and knowing the All-Father, he would have surely asked Heimdall the events of what happened in New York. Loki however, was already prepared for what he had to do and say. Loki looked at the Avengers one last time and gave them a smile.

Loki held onto the tesseract and switched in open.

They arrived at the Bifrost, exactly where Thor wanted them to be.

"My Prince," Heimdall spoke.

"I see my Father wasted no time alerting the guards." Thor said, as Loki stayed behind him.

There were Einherjar all over the place.

"They are here to escort both of you to the palace walls and into the throne room." Heimdall said. "You have much to explain to the All-Father and All-Mother."

"Thor?" Loki whispered.

"I am here." Thor smiled. "I will protect you."

oOo

In the darkness of the abyss, Thanos sat on his throne, eying the stars that twinkled all over the place. His eyes flashed red and light blue with glee. The Other was on the ground beaten, punished and bruised, almost left to die. Thanos smiled, as he set his plan in motion for revenge.

"Let us see how far you break." Thanos laughed, imagining Loki's fears.

"My Lord—" The Other gasped.

"Take him away and flog him for his insolence. None of you will disturb me, is this clear?" Thanos watched as some Chitauri quivered in fear. "I am planning a much darker setting for our dear little trickster."

Thanos had seen what Loki was capable of.

Thanos had heard of Loki's tales and his capabilities, more so, his fears.

He had looked into them.

And he knows them inside and out.

With the strength Thanos will gather, he will make Loki pay for what plans he had ruined. He would claim authority over the trickster once more, and it would be agonizingly slow that Loki wouldn't even know what would hit him.

Thanos, a powerful being with cosmic energy.

Resistant to the heat, cold, energy, radiation, poison, aging and diseases, with abilities of superhuman strength, endurance teleportation. Of course, why had he not shown them yet? Because he wanted his servants, to suffer. He wanted to play.

He was a knowledge seeker, a destroyer of worlds.

The conqueror of worlds.

"Oh my sweet darling, death." Thanos whispered. "You would be pleased with my creation."

Thanos… could also read and enter minds.

"It will be joyous…"

He grinned.

"You make this so easy, son of Laufey." He laughed, imagining Loki's pain. "Your fears are strange, broken, and easy— quite easy—you will make this entertaining for me."

Thanos had it all planned out.

Revenge is indeed bitter sweet.

The END.

oOo

(SEQUEL: THE UNFORGIVING)

A year and a half later…

"Is that the Bifrost signal?" Clint asked.

"That's it alright." Natasha answered.

"Jarvis, give me a visual of the landing pad for the Bifrost." Tony addressed and they all stared at the screen. "Is that—that's Thor right? Wow, he's really changed his look."

"What's he holding?" Steve wondered.

"It looks like—" Bruce squinted.

"Ew." Clint grimaced. "It looks like a spawn of something."

"What do you think Thor needs us for?" Steve wondered.

"Let's go ask."

oOo

Thank you for sticking with me to the end of this story. I greatly appreciate all of your reviews and your kindness, you are all wonderful readers and reviewers. This has been extremely fun to write, and it's all thanks to you guys for everything you did for me with the encouragement and blah blah blah! All of that! I just want to say, Thank you so much! xD

Now go to the SEQUEL:

(THE UNFORGIVING)
:3
I'll see you guys there!~