The Crippled God -AVENGERS fanfic-
chapter 2
A.N. first of all, thanks to all of you for your positive feedback. you inspired me on writing next chapter this soon.
as about question asked by me at the end of first chapter - some people were for Frost-Iron, others for friendly feelings. I decided to keep story in fluffy-friendly style for now, because Loki has got 100 problems and getting a boyfriend is not one of them :).
Tony spent almost whole night sitting on the uncomfortable chair and his back was hurting already.
The night has been mostly calm, without major incidents. The God of Mischief stirred several times, muttering words that were beyond Tony's hearing. The Billionaire was feeling himself falling asleep and to prevent that, he began making a list of things Loki was going to need.
His imagination was not getting him far. At first, Tony thought of talking to Jarvis, but he realized the voice might wake up the Trickster, so Tony got the Stark-Pad and began to write down things and sending it to Jarvis' system.
Tony; '' I've some things here, Jarv, could you arrange them for morning?''
Jarvis; '' of course, Sir.''
T '' and what else would you suggest?''
J ''we got most of the things on your list at the Tower already, Sir. I would suggest buying him a wheelchair.''
T ''good idea. Can you get a wheelchair for the time he wakes up?''
J ''yes Sir.''
T ''good. What of his condition? Normal temperature and other stuff I am not aware of ?''
J ''yes Sir. All major components are stable, but his heart is beating a bit faster than usual.''
T ''is that a reason to worry?''
J '' I would not say so, Sir.''
T '' okay. Send a text over here if something goes wrong, your voice might wake him up.''
J ''I will, Sir.''
Tony sighed and stretched on the chair, adding the mental note of a good armchair in this room to the wishlist. He realized suddenly that he assumed spending another night babysitting the God of Chaos and the thought was not at all comforting. Tony closed his eyes and felt asleep.
It was already morning when Tony woke up – the sun was shining beneath the curtains, but it was early – only 7 o ' clock. The Trickster was still asleep. There was a wheelchair standing near the door. Jarvis. Great work as always. Well of course the AI was great, since Genius Billionaire designed it himself.
Tony stood up. His neck was aching terribly and so was his back, it happens when you spend a whole night babysitting crazy norse Gods.
Seconds later Loki began to stir. Tony watched closely and managed to catch fear in his expressions. Suddenly, the Trickster sat up, his eyes snapped open and Tony assumed he had woken up.
''hey, Rock of Ages?''
Loki stared at him, but it was clear that the Fallen God could not see – his eyes were all white. The blankness of them sent shivers down Tony's spine. ''can you hear me?''
''stay away.'' Loki screamed so loud, Tony almost fall off of his chair. '' STAY AWAY!''
'' hey, it's just me, it's Tony!'' Tony tried to wake the God, but he could not.
''you're not real, you're not real.''
''LOKI! LOKI!'' Tony sighed – he needed extreme actions. ''okay, he's gonna kill me for that'' Tony muttered and slapped Loki into face.
The Trickster fall backwards, closing his eyes, but as he hit the pillow, they snapped open once again. This time their color was normal – emerald green, as it should have been.
Loki's dream.
At first, young Thor was standing in front of him, the second later he stormed off and Loki followed him.
They were children, running in the fields that surrounded the Golden City.
'' Loki!'' Thor called him. ,, come here fast, brother, I want to show you something.''
The Thunderer held his hand and lead the way to some cave.
It was dark inside the cave. Loki summoned some magic light. In pale green light, he could see the opposite side of the cave sparkling in strange colors.
'' come on here, brother!'' Thor said cheerfully. '' this is some kind of magic. This cave. It shows you things, great things!''
They stood in front of the wall that seemed half-frozen half mirror-like.
Loki took a step forward. He could see Thor's reflection – he looked grown up, in shining armor and helmet, holding Mjolnir. The man next to him was dark-haired and thin, with pale face and green clothes.
It was him.
Of course it was him, but it also wasn't.
Loki stared in utter shock as his reflection's skin turned Jotun-blue, eyes shining in crimson color. Worst was yet to come – suddenly, chains appeared over his wrists and neck. Reflection started to blur and someone else's face shaped on the other side.
Thanos, the Mad Titan.
In the exact same moment, Thor's smiling face melted away and the green lights faded. Thanos moved forward, stepping into Loki's direction.
Scream escaped the God of Mischielf's throat and he stepped backwards blindly, only to burst into something and fall.
Thanos was standing over him now.
'' oh I've missed you so much, little prince.'' He hissed. ''how fare you?''
''stay away.'' Loki screamed.
'' oh I don't think so.'' The Titan laughed. '' so tell me, how did you like my gift to you? Do you appreciate your new life as a cripple? I can do worse, you know. I can cast your hands away from you, you ability to hear and speak, your silver tongue – which you cherish so much.''
Loki stared at him miserably. He felt helpless, but he would not plead, no, he would not.
,, speak up, Silvertongue!'' Thanos mocked ,, speak up, while I still allow it!''
Sudden pain filled every cell in Loki's body. Pain, pain, pain. Blinding, all-consuming pain.
But he would not give up so easily.
''you're not real'' Loki whispered. ''you're not real. It is all happening just in my mind, nothing more.''
'' oh, is it?'' Thanos laughed. '' and that you can't walk? Is it happening in your mind as well?''
Loki had no answer to that.
The Mad Titan leaned over him. '' you'll obey. I promised you fate worse than death, I kept my promise. I could have killed you, but I can still find some use of you, my little pet. Go now, but I'll find you soon enough and you will do as you're told, or you'll seek death's embrace to ease your fate.''
Thanos disappeared and darkness filled the place. Loki was still on the ground, shaking.
''LOKI? LOKI?'' someone's calling his name, but who? Who is it?
Loki felt soft surface beneath him instead of rocks in the cave and his eyes snapped open.
He was still lying in his bed at Stark Tower and the Iron Man was looking down on him, with worried glance on his face.
'' what was it?'' Tony asked him in a strange voice.
'' I have no idea of what you speak, Stark.'' Loki spat.
,, damn it, your eyes just turned while and you were screaming out stuff! '' Tony answered.
Loki narrowed his eyes. It should have been Thanos. But he had no desire to expand that matter further in any direction, so he just ignored the question.
'' Are you all right?''
'' Yes, I'm fine.'' Loki muttered.
'' Great. I've got something for yea. See?'' Tony rolled the wheelchair near the bad.
'' And what that might be? '' Loki furrowed his brows.
'' don't you guys gut wheelchairs back at Narnia? How old or sick people walk around then? ''
'' I don't know what this Narnia is'' Loki said annoyed. '' But if you refer to Asgard, no we don't have such metallic rolling chairs back there. People don't usually get..in situation like mine. ''
Tony bit his lips, so they heal things like that – he thought. Of course. Thor and Mr Perfect Daddy mentioned some healing stones. It just made Tony wonder what Asgard's medicine was like.
'' I thought you might need some.. transporting source or .. like... support..'' Tony said. '' okay, wanna get into it?''
Loki had no desire rolling around in that thing but he needed to take care of himself and there was no way he was going to ask Stark for help in that matter. So he nodded quietly.
Stark pulled the wheelchair close to the bed and hold it steady, while Loki drag himself to it, trying to avoid any contact to Stark. He managed it, somehow and relief washed over him – at last he would get away from that damned bed.
'' bathroom's over there.'' Stark noted, sounding content.
Loki rolled the wheelchair to the bathroom.
He opened and closed the door easily. The room was small by Asgardian standards, but quite acceptable in his current situation. There was everything that was needed for personal hygiene except that.. it has a shower instead of bath.
Loki stared at the shower cabin helplessly. There was no chance in the Nine Realms that he could get into in. he would have to ask for help.
No.
The God of Mischief covered his face with hands.
No.
This was some kind of cruel joke Stark had played upon him , he was sure. That bastard seemed to content with something back there.
So that was it.
Loki rolled the wheelchair to the sink. The sound of water and the cold liquid on his face was calming, but just for a moment, before he noticed one more terrifying fact – the mirror over it was too held on the wall too high for him to see his reflection.
Loki clenched his teeth and grabbed the edges of the sink. He would make it. The Trickster held himself upright and leaned to the shower cabin. Then rested one hand over the mirror.
His reflection was paler than usual, with dull eyes and black spots under them. His hair was a mess and there were several scratches on his face from the battle.
Loki failed to notice how the water filled the sink. Suddenly, he lost balance, as his hand slipped on the wet surface. Loki tried to hold his grip on the mirror, but the mirror was not held firmly on the wall, so it broke down and soon the God of Mischief found himself lying on the wet floor. The mirror smashed in pieces and some of them got stuck in the Trickster's hands, making him bleed.
Loki let out a desperate scream and covered his face with bleeding hands.
This time Tony did not bother himself knocking or asking for a permission to enter; he just pushed the door open and froze at the sight.
Mirror on the wall was broken, shampoos, brushes and other things were smashed all over the place and in the center of all destruction was Loki, lying on the floor in the pond of blood, with pieces of broken glass.
It did not take a genius ( Tony would pull on that matter as well, through) to catch the general image of what has transpired; the Crippled God evidently tried to get up from the wheelchair, has lost his balance, just to end up on the floor.
Tony was not sure of what to do, but he was sure that some kind of action was needed desperately. The billionaire kneeled down beside the God of Mischief and notices lots of bruises and scratches on his hands and several deep, bleeding cuts.
''Her, Reindeer Games? You okay? '' – Tony asked doubtfully.
''Go away.'' - Loki muttered, hiding his face in his hands.
''Hey, buddy, I just wanted want to help! Some of your wounds seem pretty serious!'' – Tony protested. – '' Dunno how you guys deal with crap like that back at Narnia, or whatever the hell you are from, but at my tower, I got some rules and Norse Gods bleeding all over my floor in ain't one of them, okay? So let's just get you back to bed and I'll fetch Bruce right away.''
,, It will heal in a matter of minutes, Stark'' – answered Loki, still not facing the Avenger. ,, If I had to deal with every scratch like that, I would not survive thousand lots battles during my not-so-short existence.
,, Oh really? Dull argument Princess, cause I ain't see you making a great progress in healing lately. You no longer own that Voodoo healing crap, do you? ''
Tony did not mean his sneaky comment to sound that harsh, but he realized how fucked up his words really were, when suddenly Loki raised his head up; the Trickster's face was white as sheet, staring at him like a kicked puppy, with so much hurt and pain in his eyes, that in made Tony curse his inability to think before speaking like that. Seriously, what kind of dumb asshole does it take to tell severely injured person they are not going to heal?
Tony opened his mouth to apologize, but sudden rage at Loki's face silenced him.
''Get.. the.. hell.. out of here..'' – Loki whispered, but it sounded to Tony like a thunder crashing down on his head. ,, Get out!'' – the Trickster repeated and pushed himself in a sitting position, leaning to the wall, breathing heavily, while Tony was still kneeling down on the flood, his jeans getting wet with blood.
,,Loki, please, just let me help, okay?'' Tony tried to persuade the Fallen God, but realized his efforts were in vain, when Loki shut his eyes and starting rocking to and pro muttering things that made no sense to Tony. He managed to catch something like ,,I could have done it.'' Did the God refer to his failed attempt to rule Earth? Maybe something else?
''Guys what the hell is happening here?'' – Tony turned around to look at Bruce, who just stepped inside the room. ''Loki? Are you all right? Tony what happened to him?''
'' He cut his hand while smashing the mirror.'' Tony explained and stared at Loki who was still whispering words that were mainly of negative meaning, like ,,worthless'' and ,,pathetic.'' Tony had a bad feeling about Loki meaning himself behind those words . '' He won't let me help.''
'' Go get first aid bag.'' Bruce ordered Tony kneeled down beside Loki. ,,Loki listen.'' The Scientist began when Tony left. '' I know how hard the situation is, I understand you have no reason to trust any of us, but we want to be your friends, Tony and me. Just look at me okay? '' Bruce held the Trickster God's hands. Loki removed hands from his face and glanced at him. '' that's better. Now, let's get you out of here.'' Said Bruce and offered his hand and Loki leaned to him.
The Scientist helped the Trickster to get in his wheelchair and rolled him to the bedroom. Tony was already there with first aid kit. Bruce did not fail to notice the way Loki looked at the Billionaire, as if he was going to laugh at him. Bruce shrugged – as long as he knew Tony, he was able of making jests slightly.. off the bounds. He pointed to the door with his eyes - it was clear notice for Tony to leave. So he did.
'' Here, let me take a look at your hands.'' Bruce sat on the chair in front of Loki. '' this is going to hurt a bit.''
Loki nodded and Bruce got to work.
''Finished.'' He said several minutes later and closed the bag.
'' thank you.'' Loki said.
''Loki, if you want to talk about it,'' Started Bruce, but the Trickster shook his head. '' that's you decision, but talking really helps sometimes. Want to come down to get something to eat?''
'' I'm not hungry.''
'' all right I will get you something here then.'' Bruce ignored the part of ,,not being hungry'' took a bag of first aid and closed a door behind his back.
''Mind telling me what just happened?'' Bruce asked Tony, who was sitting on the sofa skipping channels on TV.
'' He should have lost his balance and fall.''
'' You know that's not what I meant. What did you tell him?''
'' What makes you think I told him something? '' Argued Tony, trying hard to avert the question.
'' I am not a child Tony, I was able to see the way he looked at you!'' Bruce snapped. '' why did he look like as if he was having a panic attack? You did something wrong, don't lie to me!''
'' Yeah, okay, I did.'' Tony admitted, his checks blushed a bit. '' I..kind of.. referred that he no longer has his magical powers. ''
'' Tony!'' Bruce screamed out in shock. '' are you eight years old or something? Why on earth you had to tell that?''
'' I know I acted like a dumb idiot okay?'' Tony shouted at him. '' no need to remind me of that! He was not letting me help with his wounds, stating he was going to heal and I said he wasn't.''
'' oh god!'' Bruce facepalmed. '' and you even told him he is not going to heal? Tony, what's wrong with you? Okay, that's not going to fix it anyway. I should get him something to eat. '' Bruce sighed heavily and left for kitchen.
Tony threw a TV remote away and walked to the bar. Right now he needed a drink more than ever.
He messed up. Bruce was right and had to face it. There were so many things Loki was not able to do, he needed help with 90 percent of daily activities and here he was stuck with his worst enemies, at their mercy. Just imagining how awful that must have felt.. Tony looked at the glass in his hands and closed his eyes.
How dumb from his side. No it really takes a great talent to mess up things that are fucked up on it's on like that. What he was going to do? Apologize? ,,uh, sorry I said you how bad the whole thing is, I did not mean to say it.''
It did not matter at all whether or not he was going to tell. Things were as bad as they were and Loki knew that as well as Tony himself.
Suddenly, an idea crossed his mind; just an apology was not going to help, but maybe if he really did something to improve Loki's condition? He was not called a genius engineer for nothing; what if he could come to some device to help Loki walk?
With wide smile on his face, he hurried to his workshop.
Loki was sitting in his wheelchair near the window, looking outside with sad look on his face. Bruce stopped at the door, caring a tray with some sandwiches and tea on it.
'' So I had no idea what you'd like,'' he started. '' next time you should come downstairs and pick something for yourself. ''
'' I am not familiar with Midgardian cuisine anyway.'' Loki smiled, but his eyes remained sad and focused on the outside world. '' thank you for your attention, Doctor Banner.''
'' oh, just call me Bruce.'' The Scientist replied and sat the tray on the coffee table. '' I am not a real Doctor and anyway, friends should call each-other by their first names.''
'' friends.. '' the Trickster God repeated.
'' yes. It is beautiful, is not it?'' Bruce remarked, standing at the other end of the window. '' the New York City – where all dreams came true.''
'' is that so? '' the Trickster smirked. '' I would not say that my dreams made great progress since I arrived.''
'' But you had not left yet. '' Bruce laughed. '' they yet may realize.''
'' would you appreciate it really?'' the God of Lies glanced at him.
''depends on what kind of dreams you mean. '' Bruce shrugged. '' well not the part where you rule over us all, but I doubt it was your own dream anyway.
Loki stared, confused – did Banner just referred to him being controlled by Thanos? How could he know?
'' it was, I assure you, but I doubt I will have another chance, so you need not worry.'' Loki smirked ironically. '' but it's beautiful. I would like to go outside.'' He added without thinking over his words and felt ashamed right away, when he realized how pathetic it sounded. Damn, he just admitted that he felt helpless and caged inside this tower.
'' there must be so little to do for you in this room.'' Bruce agreed. '' I would think of something, I promise.''
NO. damn it. No. not that look - full of pity, as if Loki was a hurt kitten to look after.
'' don't worry, I'm am fine, Doctor.'' Loki replied to fast to be persuasive. ''I don't need anything.''
'' we all need something Loki. Generally we either don't know what that thing is, or won't admit.'' Bruce smiled. ''I have an idea; how about getting you a laptop?''
'' what is a laptop?'' Loki asked, confused.
'' well.. it's kind of.. a device that will help you stay .. entertained. '' damn, how to explain to alien god what a laptop is? ''you can read books on it, watch movies'' another amazed stare from the Trickster made Bruce realize Loki had no idea what a ,,movie'' was either. Well he's not familiar with internet as well. Hell. Not an easy task to handle, it seems. ''well, I am gonna explain how that works. Get to your breakfast, I'll fetch a laptop for you. I am sure Tony has lots of them, his own production.'' Bruce rolled his eyes. '' Stark-Books they are called.''
The Scientist walked out the room and closed the door behind him.
Bruce found Tony at his workshop. The Engineer was concentrated on drawing some sketch for a new device.
'' Tony?'' Bruce put his hand on friend's shoulder.
'' yeah, Bruce, what's up?'' Tony raised his head from the work, which he, for unknown reason hide away right in the moment he heard Bruce's voice.
'' I need a Stark-Book. I know you go lots of them.''
'' of course I do'' Tony laughed. ''I fuckin invented them. Well.. in a way.. ''
''take care that Apple Inc won't hear that.'' Teased Bruce. '' you kinda.. stole the concept.''
'' I did not.'' Tony seemed really offended. '' they are operation on whole different system, so that you know!''
'' Calm down Tony, I know that. It was just a joke. So where I can get one?''
'' well apart from all computer shops thought the States?'' the Billionaire joked. '' here, I might have a new one somewhere.'' Tony searched the boxes around the table. ''here. Got one. Well, with all basic programs and stuff, but not really suitable for medical work you know. Besides, I got you one designed for that, did or broke or something? Jarvis would have noticed.''
'' it works properly, Tony, thank you. I don't need it for myself.''
'' well?''
'' For Loki.'' Bruce clarified.
Tony stare, dumbfounded. The he burst in laughter. '' don't… tell.. me.. you're really gonna teach him all the stuff?'' he wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes. '' I'd like to see it. No, damn it, I should see it!''
'' I don't think that's a good idea, he's still offended about you.'' Bruce noted.
Tony sighed and raised his hands in surrender. '' all right, all right. Just take some pics of it, will you?'' he pleaded, but Bruce's face was too serious. ''got it'' Tony muttered and turned back to his work.
Bruce was already intending to leave, when Jarvis' voice stopped him.
''Sir, there is incoming phone call for you.''
'' Not now, Jarv, I'm busy.''
'' it's director Fury, Sir.''
''Shit.'' Tony turned all white. '' what should we tell him, Doc?''
Bruce was staring back hopelessly as well.
'' Okay, Jarv, we gonna take that call.'' Tony said. Bruce sat down on the chair near him and sighed.
Fury's face appeared on the screen.
'' hi there, Eye Patch!'' Tony greeted. '' what's new? Does the world need our saving yet?''
'' you can enjoy the holidays for now, Stark.'' Fury said. '' Or after you report of the ending to our story.''
'' What story? ''
'' Don't be silly, Stark.' Fury was clearly losing his patience. '' what's up to Loki? Does he wake up yet? Does the Thunder boy take him back to Asgard?''
Tony paused for a second, not sure of what to say. '' yes he woke up, Boss and he and the Thunder boy had a kind of disagreement. So his brother flew off I know not where, not giving us his final answer. Rock of Ages remains at Stark Tower, but..''
'' he still needs some medical attention'' Bruce cut in. ''He's no threat up to now.''
'' yeah, and we're waiting for Thor's final word.''
'' All right. Where is Rogers? Haven't heard from him Lately.''
'' how the hell am I supposed to know? I ain't his mommy.'' Tony crossed hands over his chest. '' we'll call you back if he appears.''
The screen turned off. Tony glanced at Bruce. ''well, better then I expected.''
''where is Steve?'' Bruce returned in question.
'' why the heck all people keep asking that?''
'' don't you think he might turn us on S.H.I.E.L.D?'' Bruce was clearly worried.
'' who? Cap? Nope, I don't think so.'' Tony refused but to be honest, he was not sure. About Thor, about Steve, about anything. '' okay, Doc, I;ve got work to do, you got computer classes with Mr Green Eyes. Good luck.''
Bruce Nodded, took the Stark-Book and left the workshop.
A.N/ so S.H.I.E.L.D. is gonna come after Loki. it's just a matter of time.
how did you like Tony/Loki episode? Tony is feeling quite guilty for his actions. he is working on something for Loki. what you think that might be?
Also, Thanos appeared. What you think he might demand from Loki? he mentioned he will be back and will ask Loki to do something.
Also, where you think Thor is? will he be back for his brother?
Any other ideas, considerations?
Review if you liked the story. And follow/Favorite, of course :)
thanks to all of my readers. i promise, i will update soon.