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.

AN: I have Pimms and beer induced sun burn from yesterday. I look like a lady of leisure. Lovely floppy straw hat, over sized sun glasses, pretty dress and a nice umbrella to keep the sun off my dainty skin.

Song for the day: Cover version of 'All About Us' by Aleksandr_SHtern.

Quote for the day:

James 'Bucky' Barnes: [looking down a long and steep zip line they'll soon be traveling] "Remember when I made you ride the Cyclone on Coney Island?"

Steve Rogers: "Yeah, and I threw up?"

James 'Bucky' Barnes: "This isn't payback, is it?"

Steve Rogers: [grinning] "Now why would I do that?"

LovesDragons: Well Tony did his best, but for the sake of you still liking me he did get the help he needed. See I never thought getting captured and sitting quietly there like a good little boy was in his nature, so no it was not something he planned. Oh I surmised he was plenty surprised but hid it well, after all he had a lifetime of hiding his emotions.

Chapter Six – Shot in the Dark.

Loki glanced around the interior of the flying vehicle they had taken him aboard. While he was firmly strapped in he had a distinct feeling of unease at the thought of being so high, while traveling at such speeds with someone else at the controls. He had not believed humans capable of such technology, not even when he had seen such marvels in Clint's mind. He shook his head softly, that was certainly a strange thought, that he Loki had developed the All-Father's habit of searching, literally, through someone's mind and private thoughts. His brow furrowed softly as he stared at the unmoving metal golem that was now paying no attention to anything going on around it, he had always thought it petty and had always been uneasy around the Asgardrian king when he did so, but he had found himself doing the same thing with little thought as to the bow-man's sanity. He shuddered slightly at the thought of becoming anything like the one who had lied to him all his life and narrowed his eyes at the strange glow in the centre of the golem's chest. He knew he had information in his mind about this creature in front of him, he also knew that the information was important, however that energy bolt had obviously done more than send him flying because he couldn't remember the details.

The soldier shifted beside him distracting him from his thoughts and Loki turned bored eyes on him. The man was clearly uncomfortable at being in the air and yet he had made no outward sign of discomfort until the vehicle had shuddered drastically.

He barely had time to wonder as to why the flying vehicle had shuddered when fork lightening lit up the night sky, followed by a mighty roll of thunder. He knew he had let his emotions show when the soldier turned away from communicating with the metal golem to ask rather patronisingly if he was scared of a little lightening.

Unable to see any harm in giving a truthful answer Loki shook his head keeping his eyes fixed on the windows, "I am not overly fond of what follows."

Even trying to keep calm he could hear the hitch in his voice and mentally swore when the metal golem turned its head to peer at him. The fact the brainless humanoid was the only person on the flying vehicle to notice brought him little relief as his brief study of the rituals used to create such animated anthropomorphic beings had led him to believe the controller would know everything their creation learnt. He tilted his head as he examined the red and gold metal of the golem, this one seemed particularly lifelike in its intelligence, almost as if it had a conscience and higher brain functions, and not merely a creation held together and animated by magic.

Another flash of lightening drew his attention back to the serious issue of Thor actually showing up. The red-haired female who was piloting the flying vehicle had seemed surprised and alarmed by the sudden storm and along with the feel of concentrated magic in the air Loki knew his adopted brother was close. He shut his eyes as the transport lurched again, willing his stomach to settle and breathed deeply through his nose. The clunk of the golem moving had him opening his eyes in time to see Thor himself land on tailgate the creature had opened. He watched with wide eyes as the metal one ignored the call of the soldier to confront a very angry looking Thor.

If he had been given time to think he would have been surprised by the almost defensive stance of the creature, but as it was he could only stare as Mjölnir connected with the creature's chest and it went flying. Before he had blinked he found himself torn from the safety harness he had been strapped into when they had manhandled him onto the flying machine and hanging in Thor's grasp. He gasped as his collar tightened, restricting his airflow momentarily, hiding a wince at the raw anger he could see in bright blue eyes. He had barely time to register that he was moving without his consent when he was suddenly free-falling through storm clouds. Terror raced through him at the thought of falling into blackness again and he gripped at Thor's elbows in desperation. The blonde fool was determined to give him a heart attack.

%

Tony grumbled softly to Jarvis as he found himself flying through the air, while inside a plane. That had certainly never been the plan and he would be having words with the trickster Asgardrian when he fetched his pale ass back. He grunted as he hit the back of the pilot's chair, calling an apology to Agent Romanoff when she gasped at the impact. He was starting to get annoyed with everything now. First the dark haired one had kicked the Captain's arse, or had been well on his way to, then he had seeming given up the fight with only one blast from his repulsors. He had expected an actual fight and so had decided to play dumb until he could figure out what this Loki's end game was. Jarvis had relayed his suspicions to Romanoff for him and she had drawn the Captain into a discussion about it while he had kept an eye on their prisoner. He's watched the male size them all up, and had seen when his original dismissal of the suit had changed to minor interest. Then things had gone more tits up than he had expected, and sooner as well.

Tony eyed the wires on the ceiling for several seconds as he tried to calm his anger down, the blonde guy had been unexpected, but he had heard the dude land on the outside of the jet while it was flying and Jarvis' readings had warned him the jet was losing power due to the storm. He pushed to his feet a little ungainly thanks to the suit's mechanics and growled low as he eyed the storm he could see through the exit ramp. Blondie had just taken someone who was of interest to him and Tony really disliked people taking what was his.

"Now there's that guy," he breathed out not expecting a response.

Agent Romanoff answered him, "Another Asgardrian?"

Even the Captain had something to say, "That guy's a friendly?" The disbelief was evident in his breathless voice, and oops Tony hadn't realised he'd clattered into the super soldier.

Tony rolled his eyes even as he walked forwards, "Doesn't matter. If he frees Loki or kills him the Tesseract is lost."

"Stark we need a plan of attack." See this was why Tony really dislike army people.

"I have a plan, attack." Short sweet and he was gone, stepping out into the raging storm and allowing himself to hurtle ground wards, he used the suit to pick up the energy signature he'd taken from Loki.

%

Loki was actually surprised when he hit the ground hard and first, centuries of Thor taking the hits for him lending a sort of complacency that shattered as if it was the rock under him. He felt what little breath he'd managed to hold onto after that leap leave him in a rush and his concentration was suddenly on trying to draw enough air back into his lungs. He felt himself chuckle as he realised that while he was bruised he hadn't broken anything and from the feel of the rest of him, the fact his head was pain free was a blessing. He didn't bother moving until Thor actually spoke.

"Where is the Tesseract?" Oh boy was his adoptive brother pissed. He hadn't heard that tone since the time the blonde had been called princess.

Wincing he tried to play for time to gather his thoughts and what little strength he could. "Oh I missed you too." Apparently he shouldn't laugh, not only because he hurt, but because it merely annoyed Thor further.

"Do I look to be in a gaming mood?" The growl in the larger male's tone shocked him and Loki started to push himself upwards.

From Thor's stance he needed to start talking and soon, he really didn't want to find out just how much damage Mjölnir could do to him. The ground on this planet seemed to dislike him enough without Thor breaking bones. "You should thank me," he managed to get out struggling to a sitting position, "With the Bifrost gone how much dark energy did the All-father have to muster to conjure you here?" Okay so he was snappy when in pain, sue him.

Grunting he started to lever himself to his feet, grace and elegance pushed to one side for movements that were less painful. He glanced at a seemingly frozen Thor and decided if he was going to die this night he might as well get one more dig in, "Your precious Earth."

Well that final dig got him upright, but he was unable to focus on the face of a livid Thor was the pain of something cracking in several places hit at once. Apparently the blonde hadn't got the memo that hitting the ground at that speed hurt. Despite not wishing to he found himself once again staring at Thor, the large hand grasping his hair making it impossible to look elsewhere. He felt confusion well up as the anger on Thor's face was replaced by a look of grieved-relief.

His confusion didn't last long as the blonde explained, "I thought you dead."

There was definitely a waver in that powerful voice and Loki felt himself thaw just a little, "Did you mourn?"

The open honesty on Thor's face was painful to look at, yet try as he might he couldn't tear his eyes away as the larger male responded. "We all did. Our father…"

And suddenly any compassion he felt was gone. How dare Thor bring up that man. "Your father!" he found himself snapping. Suddenly Thor's hand on the back of his head felt unbearable and he slapped it away, putting distance between them would be a good thing. The cold seemed to swirl in his chest as he remembered falling through blackness.

"He did tell you my true parentage did he not?" Loki found the ability to walk away hampered somewhat by the stinging bruises that ran down his back. He winced and placed a hand on them, momentarily forgetting just how much energy his own magic was taking to use. The knowledge he couldn't even heal himself did not improve his temper. Nor did Thor's next words.

"We were raised together. We played together. We fought together." The strangely quiet tone showed the blonde's emotional pain, but the memories of pain, being lost in the cold and dark overshadowed any memories that could have let Loki relate. Thor went on oblivious to the rage that was rising. "Do you remember none of that?"

Loki stopped, allowing his hands to fall limp to his sides as he turned to face the one he had once called brother. "I remember a shadow. Living in the shade of your greatness." He felt his voice break and blamed the anger, decided Thor needed to hurt as he once had. "I remember you tossing me into an abyss. I who was and should be king!"

The clear anger in his words would have once made the blonde warrior back away, now though it seemed he had gained a spine from somewhere and despite the waver in his voice threw back darts that, had his heart not been hardened, would have driven Loki to his knees. "So you take the world I love as recompense for your imagined slights?"

Despite telling himself he cared nothing for Thor's opinion Loki found himself taking a step back, eyes locked on the larger male's approaching form. "No!" Loki found himself wondering when the other had become so sure of everything without Loki to back him up. "The Earth is under my protection, Loki."

So anger wasn't working to bring the blonde oaf down to size. Loki allowed himself to laugh bitterly, "And you are doing a marvellous job with that. The humans slaughter each other in droves while you idly fret. I mean to rule them, and why should I not?"

Loki scowled as Thor cut across him, "You think yourself above them?"

He opened his mouth to tell him that he didn't just think it, he was above them, he had a grand speech in his mind but found himself muttering a confused, "Well yes."

Now there was sympathy on Thor's face and Loki found himself curling his hands into fists as the other talked, "Then you have missed the truth of ruling brother. The throne would suit you ill."

Even as he responded with a snarl and a fist to Thor's chest Loki found himself ashamed of his response. He was the clever one, it was he who had gained the nickname Silvertongue, he who should be winning this battle of wits, but once again Thor was proving himself to be a true Odinson and with every sentence he uttered Loki felt more worthless than he had ever done.

He stalked away from Thor's overbearing presence and looked out at the treetops, "I have seen worlds you have never known about," anger settled cold and hard in his veins as he remembered, "I have grown Odinson in my exile." He whirled to face Thor who had followed him slowly wondering just when he had learned to sound so venomous. "I have seen the true power of the Tesseract, and when I wield it…"

He watched Thor's eyes widen and mentally cursed as realisation came to those bright blue eyes. He should have known Thor would notice he wasn't using magic, but that was the least of his worries as the words flooded from the blonde, "Who has shown you this power?" The angry concern made little sense until Thor spoke again, "Who controls the would-be king?"

Loki felt himself snarl again as Thor invaded his space, whether at the words of the assumption he didn't know. "I am a king!"

He had the satisfaction of watching that single barb hit home before he was grabbed by the shoulders and shaken, "Not here!" Thor's voice had reached battle pitch and Loki found himself mentally cowering as the blonde continued. "You give up the Tesseract! You give up this poisonous dream!" Loki found a small part of himself wanted to tell Thor everything and throw himself at the blonde's mercy. The warm hand at the back of his neck and the softening of his once-brother's features made this urge stronger, "You come home!"

Loki shut his eyes against the tears and conviction he saw in Thor's brilliant blue ones. That single line was enough to prove to him the other didn't understand, would never understand. Yet all the same he decided to depart a small portion of the truth. "I don't have it."

Just like that the switch was thrown and he watch distrust and anger cloud Thor's eyes, when Mjölnir flew to the blonde's hand Loki decided he needed to talk fast. "You need the cube to bring me home, but I have sent it off I know not where."

Loki sucked in a breath and leant back slightly as Mjölnir was pointed at him, "You listen well brother…Ooof!"

Loki blinked at the space Thor had previously occupied and he blamed relief for his atrocious comment, "I am listening."

%

Tony narrowed his eyes as he finally caught sight of the duo he had tracked. The first thing he noticed was that Loki seemed to almost glow in the moonlight, the second was that the blonde bloke was threatening him with that hammer thing and the trickster was currently dangerously close to the edge of a sheer cliff. He huffed, "Time to show blondie why you don't take my stuff."

He hit the blonde with some force, grinning as he felt the air leave his lungs, and sent them crashing into the forest below. The blonde hit the ground hard, grunting as he bounced slightly, and Tony was too relieved he'd kept his own feet to pay the bouncing to much attention, although a mental note was made to examine that later.

As the blonde staggered to his feet Tony risked raising the face plate of his helmet. Apparently he had underestimated the guy's size and recovery for he was talking, "Do not touch me again!"

Well blunt and to the point. Tony could work with that, "Then don't take my stuff."

That seemed to anger the blonde further, "You have no idea what you are dealing with."

Okay so the guy spoke in statements. Tony risked a glance over his shoulder, carefully keeping his face angled so as Loki couldn't see the human skin. "Er…Shakespeare in the park." He mentally winced at the look he was thrown, but then he had never claimed to be sane and grinned as he struck a pose, "Doth Mother know you weareth her drapes?"

"This is beyond you metal man." Tony resisted the urge to face palm, he'd done that once with the suit and the suit always came off best.

"Loki will face Asgardrian justice!"

The guy seemed deadly serious so Tony tried a compromise, "He gives up the cube he's all yours." The face plate shut and he delivered the coup-de-grace. "Until then, stay outa the way."

Apparently calling the blonde a tourist was the wrong thing to say because he found himself once again flying backwards curtesy of that hammer. As he crashed through a tree several of his displays lit up in warning and he found that the anger he had tapered into annoyance flared again. If the blonde hippy dude wanted a fight then IronMan wouldn't walk away.

%

By the time Loki had managed to find a spot where he could see what was happening his brother was facing off against the metal golem and for a moment Loki felt a flash of sympathy for the magic-made creature as it was sent flying. Thor had been a warrior all of his life and something that didn't have its own brain would never win against him. The cocky grin on Thor's face only made the surprised glee so much better when the metal golem not only got back up, but landed a blow with one of its energy beams, sending the warrior flying. Loki's eyes widened as he remembered the stance the creature had taken when he was captured, perhaps this was an anthropomorph that had been created purely for battle.

He lowered himself to a more comfortable position, taking a few moments to rest before trying to get away wouldn't hurt and the show was rather good. The metal golem seemed to be able to take damage as well as dish it out, and he had to hold back from cheering either of the combatants on. After all he didn't actually want either to win, but deep down he didn't want either to be hurt or damaged too badly. Despite his anger and hurt at Thor the blonde had been his lifelong companion, and the metal anthropomorph was a lesson in joyous magics.

He gasped in astonishment as the golem staggered under a lightning bolt that should have fried all its inherent magics before drawing its shoulders back and literally sending Thor flying backwards with its energy beams.

Just when he thought the fight couldn't get more interesting, after all how often did he see people fighting in the air, the blue dressed soldier landed in a roll, his voice echoing powerfully, "Hey!" Oh look he throws the shield at others as well, "That's enough!"

Even at the distance he was Loki found he could hear every word the soldier spoke, "Now I don't know what you plan on doing here…"

Thor interrupted and Loki thought even those hard of hearing could have caught every word, "I have come to put an end to Loki's schemes."

Loki winced where he was partially hidden behind an outcrop, then flinched as the movement stretched bruises. He nearly missed the soldier's next words, but came to the understanding that for once Thor wasn't being taken at face value.

The golem was raising its hands and shaking its head, "Yeah no, bad call he loves his hammer."

Thor didn't appear to take kindly to either the golem's words or the mistrust of the soldier and soon the golem was flying backwards again. Loki realised even as Thor was launching into an attack that it was a momentously stupid manoeuvre and his eyes widened as the soldier merely ducked beneath his shield. Seconds before the hammer made contact he stuffed his fingers in his ears and ducked fully behind the rock. Even with his eyes screwed shut, protected by the rocky outcrop, and with ears carefully blocked the sound and force of rapidly moving air had him reeling. Once again he found himself lying on solid rock and gasping for air.

When his senses came back to him he suddenly realised that staying had been a bad move and he needed to leave several human time-frames earlier. As disorientated as he was he failed to hear the metal golem land behind him and nearly jumped out of his skin when a voice spoke, "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Spinning suddenly, every mental shield he could grab hold of in place Loki found himself staring at the energy weapons the golem used. Thor and the soldier were no-where to be seen and yet the energy to actually make a fight for his freedom seemed to vanish. He allowed himself to sag. "Please tell me that where ever you are taking me has ice packs."

The metal construction seemed to measure him up. "The jet will," it agreed cautiously, "But that means you have to let me carry you back up to it."

%

Tony watched the Asgardrian mull over his words. The slender male would be coming back with him one way or another, but since he would get little chance to make choices on the Helicarrier he decided to give the dude a break. He ignored Jarvis informing him that the man's energy signature seemed warped and watched ice-blue eyes size him up.

"Very well, I shall remain in your captivity." Tony grumbled internally as he realised he would have to carry the other male in a bridal hold.

"Come on the Reindeer Games, it's all over but the shouting."

From the sullen silence on the jet Tony didn't expect a response to that barb. As it was Loki's drawled, "I must congratulate your master on such excellent magical control in creating such a fascinating animated anthropomorphic being," nearly ended up with him dropping the Asgardrian.

He managed to control the response, merely landed in the jet and shoved the other into his seat with probably more force than was necessary, strapped him in and nearly threw the ice packs at him. He stomped up to stand behind Agent Romanoff's chair and glowered at Jarvis' laughter in his ear. At least the mask hid his blush.

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