Disclaimer: I own nothing, not Marvel, or Norse Mythology, or the world.

Deceptions

Sigyn was disoriented. It appeared she had landed in a Midgardian port for planes. She was in a small waiting room with a ginger woman dialing a phone. She quickly dropped her Asgardian clothing in favor for a dark pencil skirt and an off white blouse. It appeared the other woman had reached the person on other line.

"Tony! Are you okay? Agent Coulson called….That you jumped into a fight without S.H.I.E.L.D's say so. Sounds like something you'd do." The woman smiled weakly. She didn't notice Sigyn edging towards the door.

"Who was that?...I'm glad she's there to keep you in line, but I need you to be safe and come back to me….Loki? The Norse god? Isn't that a legend?"

Sigyn froze from her place, hand on the door handle, and turned robotically towards the distracted woman. She ran the whole conversation she'd overheard through her head. This woman was important. Magic had a funny way of working.

"If I stayed last night, you wouldn't have gotten anything done….I'm glad you caught the guy. I have to get back….What! Not at the base yet?...Tony!...I love you, you insane man." The woman laughed lightly before hanging up the phone.

"Excuse me, Miss." Sigyn said hesitantly, approaching the woman.

"Yes?"

"Was that S.H.I.E.L.D you were speaking to?"

"What do you know of S.H.I.E.L.D?" The woman's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I am Anne, my husband works in S.H.I.E.L.D. I overheard your conversation, and I couldn't help myself. You see, Luke, my husband, hasn't been in touch for a while, but he's on duty. So when I heard you talking to your husband-"

"Boyfriend" The woman corrected.

"Sorry- boyfriend about a base. I thought I might ask if you know where it is or how to contact it. I really need to see him." Sigyn lied through her teeth, hopefully the woman bought it. Sigyn had learned from the best.

"Oh honey, I'm sorry about that. I hope you find him. My name is Pepper, but I don't think I can help you. I have never been to the base before. I'm not really supposed to know anything about all this."

"Oh neither am I! That's why it's so hard. What if something happens to your boyfriend? Will they contact you?"

"I believe they would." Pepper said slowly.

"Then why didn't they do that for me?" Sigyn sat down softly, and placed her hand over her face. It took only 7 seconds for Pepper to choose to sit next to her, and place an arm around her.

"Maybe nothing has happened to him."

"How can you be so optimistic? He never misses a phone call, it's not like him at all." Sigyn let a tear roll.

"Oh Anne. He sounds like a great guy. Why don't I call an Agent I know? Maybe he can help."

"Thank you. That would be such a help." Sigyn wiped her tears away.

Pepper walked away, dialing her phone. Sigyn sat quietly and watched the T.V. silently. Suddenly her heart dropped. There was Loki on the screen in full battle regalia with a crowd of people kneeling. The video was shaky, probably taken by an ameture, it showed some masked man fighting her husband. The video blacked out, and was replaced by a reporter speaking with a close up of Loki in the background. His hair was longer.

"That must be the guy." Pepper's voice startled Sigyn out of her trance.

"What guy?"

"The one my boyfriend retrieved. I talked to Agent Coulson. He couldn't say much, but the base is in the air. It's a huge helipad apparently. Right now it's somewhere over upstate New York. He couldn't give me exact coordinates, protocol and such. I know it's not much…"

"No it is more than enough."

"I could ask him if Luke is there."

"No no. Luke would get mad if he knew I had been pestering agents. It's a relief to know at least where he should be."

"I'm glad. Are you getting on this flight?" Pepper asked.

"Uh. No actually." Sigyn looked up at the destination panel. "It appears I am at the wrong gate. Wow. How did that happen?" Sigyn gave a breathy laugh. "The fates led me to wander in here to find you, I guess."

"Maybe" Pepper smiled tightly.

"I'd better get to the right gate. Thanks so much Pepper." Sigyn stood up awkwardly, and headed out backwards.

Pepper stared after her, giving her an odd look.

AAAAA

The girlfriend of a high operating agent wouldn't be alone, Sigyn thought carefully as she scanned the terminal. She noticed a man who looked out of place, who periodically glanced toward the glass room that held Pepper.

Sigyn decided to take a risk. "Everything is clear and ready for departure. Pepper remains safe." Sigyn reported to the man.

"Good." The man replied automatically, then did a double take. "Who are you?"

"Agent Freya of S.H.I.E.L.D. Sorry, have we not met yet?"

"No. We haven't."

"Apologies then. This is going to be awkward, but base has called me back. They need reinforcements there."

"Is everything okay?"

"New prisoner. A bit of a high profile case, nothing more. Do you know where the helicopter is parked?"

"You don't know where it is?"

"The helicopter that brought me in has left. I don't know where the current one is located." Sigyn lied smoothly.

"It's in the back. Gate 32B."

"Thanks." Sigyn quickly walked away.

"Happy?" Pepper popped her head out of the glass door. "Why were you talking to Anne? I thought she had a plane to catch."
"Anne? That was Agent Freya." Happy stood up slowly.

"Agent? No. She's married to a missing agent." Pepper insisted.

"That's not what she said." Happy whirled around to look for the mysterious woman to find she was already gone.

"Loki Loki Loki!" Sigyn's voice carried throughout the halls of the library. Loki smiled quietly as he looked up to see Sigyn hopping over stacks of books towards him.

"Yes?"

Sigyn stopped in front of him, out of breath, pushing her blonde hair out of her face. "I have awful news." She sat down in front of Loki on the floor. "You know that my mother sends me a letter every week."

"I have noticed that."

"Well, this letter was awful." Sigyn paused and looked at the ground. "She's sending me away."

"What?" Loki dropped his book in shock.

"Not immediately. I have till the end of the year."

"Why? You have only just caught up to me in our magic lessons."

"That doesn't matter to her. I am not meant to be the greatest sorcerous as you may be. I get to look forward to marrying some nobleman. I apparently have much to learn in the art of luring a husband and being a good wife."

"Marriage? But you're...not that age." Loki was struck with the idea that Sigyn would marry someone. He hadn't given it much thought, then again he hadn't given his own marriage prospects much thought either. Odin probably had some dull foreign princess in mind

"It's never too early to start. It's going to take years." Sigyn said dryly. "I think she wants to make sure that living here hasn't changed me."

"I am sorry." Loki reached out to hold Sigyn's hand. "Know that you will be sorely missed."

Sigyn smiled, a tint of flush visible on her cheeks if one looked close enough.

"So," Loki let go of her hand. "What are you going to do with your last year?"

"I" Sigyn looked around the old library before focusing on Loki, who was content to just watch her. "I want to do everything I can't at Sessrunmir Halls. I want to learn everything I possibly can."

"What are you going to do first?"

"I think I want to learn how to fight. Do you think Thor would teach me?"

"Thor will do a lot of things to show off his muscles."

"Great. Thanks!" Sigyn jumped up abruptly and ran off to armory.

"But I'd be willing to help." Loki whispered to the wall.

AAAAA

Loki couldn't help himself. He walked silently into the training room to see Sigyn and Thor fighting. Sif, Volstagg, and Fandral lined the wall watching them spar.

Sif let out a whoop of excitement as Thor disarmed Sigyn and pinned her arms to her back.

"That was a good try Sigyn." Thor said without a drop of sweat visible on his body.

"Thanks"

"But I do not think I will be the best teacher for you. Perhaps Sif will be a better teacher, there is a subtle difference between a man's fighting style versus a woman's."

"Should I take offense Thor?" Sif asked as she approached him. "That felt like an insult."

"I meant it in the highest regard." Thor smiled, taking her hand as he exited the arena.

"I don't think I have the time to teach Sigyn all the basics." Sif shrugged her shoulders, "She has much to learn."

"I am sure I would be a fast learner."

"Even then, is it even worth it? When are you going to fight?"

"I'll teach her." Loki said quietly causing all to turn towards the source of the voice.

"Brother, I did not know you were here! Welcome!" Thor's voice boomed happily across the room.

Loki slowly entered the arena. "I can teach Sigyn."

"I didn't know you could fight." Sigyn admitted softly.

Fandral laughed from the wall, "That is because he never trains with us. Always alone this one is."

"I want to watch this." Volstagg rumbled from the wall that Thor and Sif had joined as well.

Loki turned to the shocked Sigyn with a mischievous smile. This was going to be fun. "Ready? Give me your best shot."

Loki saw the determination in Sigyn's eyes. She had been beaten once, she wouldn't want to be again. Loki chose to not go easy on her.

Sigyn aimed a punch at Loki's nose, but he caught her hand in mid air. He twisted her arm to the left. She let out a gasp of pain before using her other arm to knock his hand out the way.

"Never go for the obvious punch."

Sigyn threw a punch that Loki easily ducked. He laughed at her frustration, and was caught off guard when Sigyn kicked Loki in the shin, knocking Loki off his feet. Sigyn dropped to the ground, digging her knee into his chest.

"Thanks for the tip." Sigyn smiled smugly. And before her eyes, Loki vanished into thin air.

Loki appeared behind her and knocked her face down on the floor, he straddled her back. "You're very welcome."

Sigyn struggled to get up from underneath Loki. She managed to flip herself so her front faced Loki. She punched Loki in the gut, knocking him off her. She quickly stood up, and looked around, Loki was nowhere to be found. She gave a quizzical look at the others who were just as confused as she was.

Loki appeared in front of Sigyn and punched her face.

"Gah!" Sigyn yelled, angrily swiping at Loki. He deftly stepped to the side, and grabbed a fistful of her hair, pulling her into a headlock, a knife suddenly pressed against her throat.

"Always surprise your opponent." Loki whispered roughly into Sigyn's ear.

There was a moment where Loki thought he had won, but then Sigyn's form shimmered as she passed through Loki's arms and she rolled onto the floor. He had to admit that her use of magic was impressive.

He followed her to the floor, and she kicked him hard in the jaw. Loki could feel the blood welling in his mouth. It was time for this to stop. He tackled her and pinned her to the ground, even as she tried to get up Loki slammed her down. The knife pressed to Sigyn's throat ended it.

"You're dead." Loki announced loudly.

There was a moment of stillness as everyone watching caught their breath. Loki glanced down at Sigyn and they caught eyes. Suddenly Loki fought the urge to blush as he realized how her chest pressed up against him as she breathed heavily.

"That was fantastic brother!" Thor exclaimed

"It was quite good." Fandral admitted, "Unusual style, but good."

Sif slowly lifted herself off the wall, "I am sure Loki will have an easy time teaching a woman. It is his style."

"Just as you fight like a man. I am not so sure any noblemen is going to want to marry a man such as you." Loki spit out angrily.

"Loki" Thor started.

"No." Sif interrupted. "I am sure every women is going to swoon for the man who cheats in a fight."

"I think we should get some food. I tire of this." Volstagg interrupted the potential fight.

"I agree." Thor pulled Sif somewhat forcefully out of the room.

"It seems you've made her angry." Sigyn held back a laugh.

"It would seem so." Loki rolled off Sigyn, who sat upright. "I was serious about teaching you."

"Oh, I know. I fully expect you to teach me how to teleport or whatever you did."

Loki smiled. "Mother taught me. I can try to teach you. I hope I didn't hurt you in our first lesson." Loki gently touched Sign's cheek, it looked like there would be bruising.

"I'm fine. You're one to talk, I think I drew blood."

Loki wiped the blood away inconspicuously.

"I know something else I want to do before I go."

"What?"

"I want to help you with one of your pranks."

"Really? I don't think so."

"Why not? I could be your fall guy."

"I don't think anyone would believe you were responsible."

"Please" Sigyn scooted closer to Loki and batted her eyes playfully. "Give me a chance."

"Say I let you help, you have to share equal burden of any and all consequences."

"Done"

"Who do you want to prank?"

"Who do you think?" Sigyn asked archly.

A smile slowly crept on Loki's face. "Sif."

Agent Coulson couldn't contain his excitement. In mere minutes his idol would be here: Captain America. He thumbed his trading cards that rested in the lining of his suit pocket. His other pocket began to buzz.

"Hello?" He asked as he answered the cell. "... No there isn't any Agent Freya in our system. Why do you ask, Pepper?...I'm on it. Thanks."

Coulson grimaced, he hoped this wasn't another visiting Asgardian. He had enough of those. He dialed another number.

"How many agents are in the helicopter?" He asked brusquely. "Good. Abandon the mission….Don't question me. There has been a breach. Someone is looking for a way here."

He hung up without another word.

"That was brisk." Agent Hill commented, walking up to Coulson.

"Apparently someone discovered the agents posted on Pepper. A woman under the alias of Agent Freya. She's looking for a way to the base."

"That's the last thing we need right now." Hill said dryly.

"I know."

The plane hangar opened up, revealing Loki walking in the middle of group of heavily armed guards. Loki met the gaze of Coulson and smiled shiftily as he passed by the two agents.

"He gives me the chills." Agent Hill whispered once Loki had passed.

"He's one creepy guy. I better get to the control room. Fury will want to debrief Steve, Tony, Natasha and Thor."

"I'll come with you. I want to see Thor."

"He's not that handsome."

Hill raised one eyebrow at Coulson.

"Okay, fine, he's pretty good looking." Coulson admitted as they exited.

AAAAA

Sif had been hesitant for the past few months, and that went against her nature. She was hesitant around Thor, unsure of his true feelings. She was hesitant around Sigyn, unsure if she really had become friends with her. She was hesitant around Odin who she hadn't completely forgiven for banishing Thor.

She hated it.

Sif took a deep breath and walked down the corridor she rarely visited.

"Leave us." She said to the guards.

"Sorry no one can enter that room. Odin's orders."

"I was there when he gave them." Sif sighed. "I'd like to talk to Sigyn. Could you move down the corridor and give us some privacy." Sif touched her sword gently.

They got the message and walked an appropriate distance away.

Sif leaned against the doorway. "Sigyn" No one responded.

"I know you're mad. I know you probably overheard some things I said to Thor in the throne room."

Sif stared at the floor.

"Please forgive me. I didn't mean to hurt you. But you have to understand that your husband is dangerous. You aren't that naive."

Sif grimaced, "I didn't mean that the way it sounded, um, but I need you to know that I would do anything to protect Asgard. I have a sworn duty to do so. That's all I have right now, my honor and duty. As much as I appreciate and value your friendship, I will, if necessary, kill him."

"I would kill Loki, even if Thor hates me for it." Sif whispered to herself.

AAAAA

Sigyn slipped out of the helicopter immediately when it landed. Sigyn had to contain her laughter when the agents got the call about her. Little did they know she was sitting right there, invisible to them.

Sigyn decided to keep the glimmer on, instead of trying to blend in. She found a staircase that led down into the craft away from the bright landing pad. She carefully tiptoed through busy hallways. She followed the flow of agents in a main room and stopped in her tracks when she saw Thor standing nearby.

She edged around Thor slowly. Thor glanced around once, a second of confusion marked his face, before he dismissed it. Sigyn expected that, Thor had grown up with magic and seiðr within his home. She would have been shocked if he hadn't noticed.

Sigyn swiftly left the room, and headed in the direction of the prison room she'd overheard people speak of.

A tall black man with a striking eye patch marched out of room. The door slammed heavily behind him. He looked pissed. That seemed like a good place to start looking for Loki, Sigyn decided.

Sigyn opened the door softly. The room was enormous, a glass circular cage rested in the middle of a shaft. Sigyn stealthily padded over to the door, and pressed her hand against the glass.

Loki turned around, one brow raised. He walked slowly towards the glass. "It takes true skill to hide from me. Someone has trained you well."

Loki waved a hand and Sigyn's glimmer dissolved.

"Sigyn?" Loki breathed in shock.

I would say I am sorry for the cliff hanger, but then I would be lying.