Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, they belong to Marvel (and Norse mythology :D). I am very sad about this, but I have borrowed them to write my own story.

Song for the day: 'Catch Me' by Demi Lovato.

Quote for the day:

Loki: "I never wanted the throne, I only ever wanted to be your equal."

Chapter Three – A Demon's Fate.

They had travelled for a full sun cycle before Loki decided there was enough distance between what had become a rather large crater previously housing what he was coming to understand had been a large military and research facility. He felt a small pang of regret that he would never see such a marvel as militia and Loremasters working together in harmony, before it was swept away by the metal carriage drawing to a stop. He took the few moments that were presented to him by his people leaving the car to pull his mask firmly into place, mind controlled or not he would not allow these mere mortals to see him so weakened. So even as he stood, squaring his shoulders, he ran a discrete hand across his brow removing the cooled sweat.

His eyes narrowed as the bow-man strode across the grey stone-like ground to hail someone at the gate. Just before his panic could convalesce into pure anger the human at the gate nodded and the bow-man made a gesture that all was safe. Raising his head Loki stepped from the metal carriage and met the enthralled human half way.

"He is an old … friend, and you needed a private, undiscoverable place sir." The bow-man informed him. Loki raised an eyebrow as he caught the hesitation before friend, but nodded making a gesture for the human to proceed. "He is a mercenary of sorts…if we have enough money he and his troop will house and protect us."

Loki grinned widely even as he thought, "Very well get him over here than bo…wait do you have a name?"

"Clint Sir. Clint or Hawk." Loki chuckled at the confusion the human…Clint…managed to attain even with the mind control.

"Very well Clint. Bring him over here."

Clint headed back to the burly looking male. Loki decided it was much easier to distinguish the mortal in his thoughts when he had something tangible to call the human by. Straightening his back Loki took the time to check on the older mortal. Ice blue eyes rested on him, but since he could sense no rebellion against the mind control Loki let him look his fill. Apparently even in thrall this human was interested in a god, which was good to know should the thrall break. While he supposed he would have to kill the older mortal if such a thing occurred, he was strangely reluctant to do so. He raised his head at the sound of muffled footsteps and smiled at the new mortal who came to a stop in front of him. The trio who had accompanied him when they had fled in the metal carriage surrounded the new human, blocking Loki's move from the rest of the group.

When the newcomer didn't smile back Loki's grin merely grew as he hid his annoyance at having to expend more energy. The sceptre rested lightly on the chest of the human male and Loki met his dark brown eyes, watching as they flooded ice blue. "Very well mortal, I will accept your kind offer of hospitality and see each of your fellows separately."

The human spoke, "Very good sir."

Loki grimaced as he was led through the dripping tiled halls that were to be his home until the portal could be called. He was exhausted, feeling worse now than when he had been dragged to Midgard through space and time, yet his own magic thrummed beneath his skin, untouched and trapped by the very sceptre that allowed him to control these mortals. Even laying the metal object to one side didn't allow the power to flow freely, but he supposed he shouldn't complain, this object, this gift gave him the power to rule this miserable planet.

He settled on the dirt floor watching the humans in white jackets, scientists he'd been informed they were called, rush about at the command of the older mortal, Selvig. A glow from his knees caught his attention and he looked down, eyes widening as he peered at the pulsing gem in his sceptre. Momentary fear gripped him as he closed his eyes and allowed his consciousness to be pulled where the Overlord would take him.

It was a strange feeling, Loki thought, to know his body was still seated on a dirty floor somewhere on Midgard, but to be unable to feel it as he opened his eyes and looked upon the one who would aid him.

"The Chitauri grow restless." The voice seemed to echo around him, despite the sibilant quality.

Straightening his shoulders, Loki tilted his head as he watched his own armoured form walk around. "Let them gird themselves. I will lead them in glorious battle." Loki shook his head where he sat on the floor of whatever planet he was on while watching his own armoured form again. This was just weird and now he sounded like Thor. Oh the ugly looking guy was talking again he supposed he better pay attention.

"Battle? Against the …meagre…might of earth?" Well now that stung a bit. This was the planet they wanted him ruler of the Overlord was disparaging.

"I said glorious not lengthy." Well that was great his projection sounded bored. He was sure he could still have more emotion than that. "If your force is as … Formidable… as you claim?" Oh ho that was better. For a moment there he had felt like a puppet. Sass was much better, although he would have preferred a more intelligent response.

And it apparently hit a nerve. "You question us?" Definitely hit a nerve. "You question him?" Apparently he was still recovering from his void fall, because he just remembered why it was a bad idea to annoy these creatures. He froze, keeping both pairs of his eyes on the Overlord. "He who put the sceptre in your hand? Who gave you ancient knowledge and new purpose, when you were cast out? Defeated!"

That stung. "I was a king!" he snapped back, even as his mind screamed at him to calm down and get control. "The rightful king of Asgard. Betrayed…"

The Overlord moved and Loki forced his projection to look at the ground, the thing unsettled him. "Your ambition is little," the thing snarled, even as Loki forced himself to turn away, "And full of childish need. We look beyond the earth, to the greater worlds the Tesseract will unveil."

Well that was new, "You don't have the Tesseract yet." Loki winced at the words coming out of his mouth. Since when did he channel Thor in stating the obvious? Apparently it was also the wrong thing to say as he, well his projection, had a face seconds away from becoming friendly with the Overlord's claws. "I don't threaten," he tried to calm. "But until I open the doors, until your force is mine to command, you are but words." Please let him be just words.

The thing lowered its hand and Loki breathed a small sigh of relief, "You will have your war Asgardian." The overlord now stepped closer to his projection and Loki knew his physical body was sweating in earnest now. "If you fail, if the Tesseract is kept from us, there will be no realm…no barren moon…no crevice…where he cannot find you!" Loki did not like the Overlord standing behind him, especially not that close, but he fought with himself for calm.

"You think you know pain?" Loki's eyes widened as he watched the thing move its clawed hand closer to the projections head. Unused to praying he dug his nails into the palms of his hands hoping beyond reason that the projection was no different to the ones he had used for tricks for centuries. "He will make you long for something sweet as pain."

Loki tried to pull his consciousness back as the hand reached the side of his head. Magic held the illusion in place for seconds too long and he forced back a yell of white hot agony as he hurtled back into his physical being. The sceptre was hurriedly laid across his knee as he raised shaking fingers to massage at his temples. Apparently he had been just quick enough, he could not fail, and he had no choice but to succeed. Now though he had mortals to gain information from.

The bow-man would be first as Selvig was clearly busy. Mind made up Loki tried to push to his feet, cursing softly as the world decided it wished to turn sideways for a few moments. Advice given in a warm voice flashed through his mind, and he decided following the instructions couldn't hurt. Leaning forward, he braced his hands on his thighs, pulled his stomach muscles in tight and tried to breathe deeply. When he next opened his eyes the world was in the correct rotation again and he hesitantly pushed himself upright, smiling when it stayed so. He glared at the sceptre where it lay on the floor before crouching to scoop it into his arm, having learnt from his previous mistake he rose slowly and approached the ledge where Clint had decided to take refuge.

Loki tilted his head as he examined the human. There was obviously much he still needed to learn as he had not thought the race capable of the far sight this mortal was currently indulging in, ice blue eyes met his and Loki gestured to the hall where the lead mercenary had indicated he would find sustenance. After he had eaten he would pick Clint's brain for any knowledge that could be found on those who could be left to oppose him.

AN: Please leave me a review and let me know what you think.