The Crippled God -AVENGERS fanfic-
chapter 3
A.N./ thank you all for your reviews and pms once again. I am really proud and happy with every new follower/reader.
Originally, I intended on skipping ,,computer class'' scene, but I got some responses asking for it, so I gave it a try and had really good time writing it. i hope you're gonna like it.
Also, I'm amazed how people crave for Thor's return. Well, won't spoil this chapter for you by telling about that. :)
enjoy the chapter!
Teaching basic concepts of human technology to an Alien God came out to be easier then Bruce thought. After moderately half an hour of work, Loki was familiar with all basic computer programs and could type faster than Bruce himself, so the Scientist decided he could give choice to Loki and left for bathroom.
The last thing Banner expected to see when he returned to Loki's room several minutes later, was the Trickster staring at the laptop screen with horrified face.
'' Loki? Are you all right? '' Bruce asked, confused. He could not imagine a single thing able to have such effect on a God, who lived over a millennium. Loki glanced at Bruce and turned the laptop screen to him and asked;
'' What in the Nine Realms is THIS?''
Bruce starred at the screen, confused for several minutes, before bursting into laughing. He should have known better – this is what happens when you leave God of Mischief to do as he pleases.
'' Damn it, Loki'' chocked out Bruce, wiping tears of laughter away from his eyes. '' From all the sites, you needed to go straight to the Tumblr?''
There was almost photo realistic fan art of Tony and Steve in rather.. private situation, containing so much details that it was almost disturbing. Especially because of chains and costumes. ''okay, now remember this. Never go to that site again. Never. It's a dark place.''
'' had I known this before I started the invasion I would have acted slight differently.'' Bruce was not sure, but it seemed to him that Loki's lips twitched up in a little smile.
'' But that's not true!'' Bruce exclaimed. ''that's just a piece of fan art.''
''oh, is it not?'' this time, Loki smiled for sure. ''it seems quite persuasive to me.''
''you see.. there are lots of teenage girls.. well most of them are girls, with twisted minds and wild fantasy.'' Bruce coughed, embarrassed, mentally coursing his stupid decision to teach Loki using internet. Well, for his defense, Bruce could hardly imagine he'd have to deal with explaining fan art and twisted stories about celebrities an hour later. ''damn it, that picture would give Steve a heart attack, he's quite shy. Not sure about Tony, guess he would take it easier.''
'' should we test that?'' offered Loki with mischievous grin on his face.
'' test what?'' Bruce asked, mentally facepalming – he started to guess that probably he just gave the Trickster awful idea.
Loki smiled and concentrated on typing again, Bruce sighed, he was sure that whatever plan the God of Mischief had, he gave up on it, but after several minutes of Loki pressing random keys ( at least, they seemed random to Bruce), the Scientist was sure that the Trickster was up to something.
'' Finished.'' Loki said ten minutes later, looking up from screen with such content expression on his face, Bruce could bet something was terribly wrong.
'' Please, don't tell me you sent that picture to Steve and Tony.'' Bruce almost begged.
'' Nope, Doctor, I did nothing like that.''
'' oh thanks God.'' Banner sighed in relief.
'' I sent it to Jarvis' main system. The picture is currently displayed the facade of Stark Tower.''
,, you did WHAT? '' Bruce stared in shock before he guessed he was not longer able to fight the urge of smiling. Yeah, he knew, privacy and personal life but it was just so fuckin funny. He began laughing and seconds passed before the Scientist wrapped his mind around the fact that he was not the only person laughing. Bruce's heart twisted at the realization that it was the first time he actually heard Loki laughing. Not maniacal smirk, as during the invasion, but really laughing, like a normal, happy human being. For a second he thought maybe the joke was worth it.
''Sir, there's a phone call for you.'' Jarvis' voice announced.
Tony sighed and lifted his head from his work. ''who's it, Jarv?''
'' I believe it's a reporter from some magazine you used to hate.''
'' then tell them I'm busy.''
'' of course, Sir.''
Tony nodded and got back to his metal equipment. After a little while, he was interrupted once again, by Jarvis' voice saying that there was another reporter on the line. Tony asked to block the call as well, but he was really furious when other calls followed. To cut long story short, after 15 minutes, there were 36 reporters waiting on the line.
'' what the hell has gotten into them'' Tony muttered. '' Jarvis, connect me to the one of them.''
'' which one exactly, Sir?''
'' No idea. Whoever seems more sober.''
'' I am an AI Sir, I have no ability to detect whether or not people are sober judging by phone calls.''
'' Damn it, just pick random one then.''
'' On it, Sir.''
''Mr. Stark? '' Tony heard awkward female voice from the other end of the line. She seemed the kind of journalists, who put their long noses into other people's private lives. '' What would you say about your relationship with Steve Rogers?''
'' we work on an Avengers Initiative together? I'm sure you know that. What else can I say?'' Tony answered, confused, not getting where the woman was leading the conversation at all.
''What about you romantic relationship with him? Do you declare officially that you two are together? Are you going to get married anytime soon?''
'' what the hell?'' Tony was really speechless, which happened rarely. '' we have no such kind of relationship!''
'' did your work as an Avenger help you two getting close?'' woman continued her chatter, obviously not listening to Tony's answers. ''what is it like to be a lover of AMERICA's first Superhero? To a man, whose stories are told to children? ''
'' hey, hey, hold your horses over there!'' Tony shouted, really furious this time. ''Steve and me have got no relationship apart from friendship!''
'' How to understand your latest announcement in this case? Is this just some support campaign for equal rights?''
''Would you kindly just fuck off?'' Tony yelled. Jarvis shot the connection down. ''Damn, those people are really crazy! what the heck just happened?'' he sighed and..
'' Sir, there is another phone call for you.''
'' Jarvis, don't press on me right now, or I am gonna turn you to mute forever, this I swear!'' Tony threatened. '' don't mentions those reporters to me anymore, I warn you!''
'' It's not the reporter Sir, the call is from Steve Rogers.''
''all right, all right.'' Tony breathed in deeply. ''get him on line.''
'' Tony I will kill you!'' Steve shouted from the other side of the line, obviously raging. ''You think everything is a motherfuckin game? Are you insane or something? You don't give a shit about other people's lives, do you? ''
'' Hold on Cap, did you really used the F-word just now?'' the situation was anything but funny, but Tony almost laughed.
'' Anthony Stark, you bastard, I am coming to the Tower right now and you'd rather have a hell of a good explanation of this!'' Steve shouted.
'" explanation of what?'' Tony shouted back. '' damn, care to enlighten me of what I have done?''
'' As if you don't know! Of a nude art of us, handing all over your tower!''
'' what?'' Tony blinked, amazed. '' Jarvis, is this true?''
'' Yes, Sir. The art containing sexual image of yourself and Mr Rogers has been on public display for over 23 minutes.''
''Jarvis do you really mean that we have an public display of my balls for all New York to see for half-motherfuckin-hour and you're just telling me this now?! Care to explain why you never mentioned it? And how the hell is that possible anyway?!''
'' there was an authorized access to my system over 27 minutes ago Sir.'' Jarvis answered as the picture of facade appeared on Tony's computer.
'' by hell, put it down NOW!'' Tony shouted. '' and give me an IP of the source of a command!''
''Right away, Sir.''
the code appeared on Tony's computer. The Billionaire was staring at it dumbfounded for several seconds, before it made sense to him.
Tony facepalmed hard. Leave the God of Mischief alone to work with computer and that's what will happen.
'' I am gonna kill you, Loki, I swear!'' he breathed clenching fists and rushed out from the workshop.
The door flew open and Bruce knew it was Tony, even before he saw his friend.
Well, of course Banner was sure Steve would freak out about the joke, but he thought Tony was going to take Loki's joke easy, as the Billionaire was not private and secret type of person anyway. Staring at Stark's tempestuous face, he guessed he had never been so wrong.
''YOU!'' Tony shouted at Loki. ''what the fuck have you just done?''
''Tony calm yourself down!'' Bruce tried to stop the Avenger. '' I know, it was a bad joke, but please take the current circumstances into consideration.''
'' circumstances?'' Tony screamed out, standing furious in front of Loki.'' What circumstances? That he's in that damned chair? What's the difference? He Is clearly capable of making damage, worse than before.''
Loki smirked at Stark.
''see? He's even making fun of it! Making fun of me! I saved your life, when your daddy gave up on you, when your brother gave up on you! Damn, everyone have thrown you away! Not that I don't see a good reason for it now!''
Loki turned white as sheet a those words. He open his mouth to say something but Tony still kept on raging. '' is THIS how you repay me? I should have handed you over S.H.I.E.L.D right away!'''
'' Tony, don't you think you're overreacting? '' Bruce cut in, studying Loki's expression.
'' you have no responsibility whatsoever on me, Stark.'' Loki answered in a voice so calm, it sent shivers down Bruce's spine. ''you can get rid of me any moment you like.''
''Like hell I will!'' Tony shouted. ''I'll hand you to S.H.I.E.L.D. how stupid of me to think you'd change. You'll stay the monster you are as long as you live!''
Look on Loki's face was the one of utter horror, eyes wide with shock. Bruce guessed that Tony had just crossed the invisible line and there was no turning back, there was nothing he could do.
''come on , Stark, what else you have to get out? Tell me. So far there is nothing I haven't heard thousand times before!'' the Trickster was almost challenging. ''Am I a monster? Am I worse then you? Have your weapons caused less deaths then my battle for rule?''
Tony screamed and before Bruce could do anything to stop his friends, the two men were on the floor, Tony on top, hitting Loki desperately, yelling all the insults known to human race.
''don't you dare! Don't you dare telling me I caused more deaths then you!'' the Billionaire was shouting still when Bruce at last drag him away. There were some bruises on Loki's face and I little stream of blood from his nose, otherwise he seemed all right and the Scientists sighed in relief. Had he known the little trick was going to end up that way...
The Trickster smiled as if those fists and insults were nothing new to him.
''Tony, Loki, that's enough!'' Bruce said in a warning voice. ''Tony calm yourself, or I'll have to persuade you in other ways. stop acting like a child! Loki'' Bruce turned to the Fallen God, still lying on the floor. ''I believe you owe Tony an apology!''
Loki did not answer. Bruce let Tony go and knelled down beside the Trickster. ''LOKI? Can you hear me?''
The Scientist became really worried to see the flood of blood now streaming down Loki's checks . '' are you okay?''
'' of course he's okay!'' Tony exclaimed, '' can't you see he's faking it! He's fuckin faking it!''
''Tony, I don' think so.'' Bruce argued.
''oh stop it, Big Guy! I've done nothing to.. ''
Tony's words were cut in his throat as Loki let out a desperate cry, as if he was in pain. He curled in a ball ( as much as his legs allowed) and began whimpering, as if he was tortured with electricity. Tears began falling from his closed eyes as his body jerked.
''Loki? LOKI WAKE UP!'' Bruce shook the Trickster. ''It's not real Loki, I don't know what you see right now, but it's not real. Listen to me! Listen to my voice!''
Loki waved his hand blindly in the air and Bruce caught him and held his hand tight, as he got the message. ''Please'' Loki choked out, blood coming down from his mouth and years now as well. ''please make it stop, I'll be good, please, just make it stop.''
''what the hell?'' Tony whispered falling on his knees opposite to Bruce. ''what's is happening?''
'' I think he's in a trance. Like the previous attack, but this time it's worse.'' The Scientist looked hopeless, scared even, staring at Loki in shock, as deep cut began to appear on the God's hands and face.
'' how do we make it stop?'' Tony asked, but look on Bruce's face made it clear that the Scientist had no idea as well.
Bruce leaned down to check Loki pulse. He furrowed his brows and rested his head on the Trickster's chest and jumped as if stuck by lightning. ,,Tony… he's not.. breathing!'' Bruce croaked.
''fast, help me get him to infirmary!''
Loki was in complete darkness. All he remembered was Stark hitting him. Did that mortal just knocked him off? But what was this terrible pain then?
Blue lights filled the space and he wished he stayed into the darkness. It was their realm.
The Chitauri.
''Thanos'' he choked out.
''I'm here little price.'' He heard the mocking voice, terribly familiar, while the figure of the Titan materialized into the air. ''did you miss me?''
Loki tried to pull away, but Thanos clapped his hands and chains appeared out of nowhere, wrapping over his hands, feet and neck, pinning Loki to the rock behind him.
''So. I made I promise I would return to you.'' Thanos said. ''I always keep my promise. Now let us start the entertainment ..''
With these words pain filled Loki's body. It was hot, so hot, he felt like he was burning from the inside out.. please, someone, help, anyone, just stop it, stop.. but the would not scream, not now, he would not beg, would not give Thanos the pleasure of seeing him broken. But the pain was unbearable and Loki just wondered why he was trying at all – he had no chance of winning. Just like the first time. He had no choice. He had no choice even for death.
''please make it stop, I'll be good, please, just make it stop.'' He heard his voice from afar, as someone else was pleading, no it can't be him, not Loki, Son of Odin, not the Prince of Asgard. He would not beg for mercy, true warriors don't plead. ,,but you're no warrior, you fool'' the voice in his mind said. '' you're no son to Odin, you're son to no one! Everyone gave up on you long ago!''
..stop it, please, stop!'' he sobbed.
''Oh, breaking down already, are we?'' Thanos mocked. ''what a pity. Not even putting up a little show. You're weaker than I thought, Jotun Runt, weak and pathetic! I could have killed you and no one would mourn, but you're lucky – I have other plans on you.'' With these words the chains disappeared and Loki fall to the ground, shaking miserably. '' you'll lead another invasion.''
''what?'' Loki could not believe his ears.'' But I .. failed..''
''yes, you failed. But this one you will not fail.''
''what makes you so sure?'' the Trickster grinned, feeling strength returning to him, as the pain stopped.
'' it's your fate. Norns predicted this face for you. You will lead My force and not only mine against Asgard, you will bring Ragnarok over their heads! I've been waiting for too long to see the end of that Half-blind fool and his ignorant offspring! It's time for my revenge.''
''I will.. not.'' Loki stated. No. no pain would make him go against Asgard. Midgard was whole other matter, but see Asgard in ruins .. no. never.
''oh, won't you? What makes you so sure?''
'' You can torture me in any way you want, I will never agree to that.'' Loki answered, hoping his strength to be enough to prove his words.
'' oh but I have no intention of torturing you, through I am sure that would work out as well, considering the way you were begging like a whore just a second ago.'' Thanos laughed coldly. ''I need you to be strong, I remember our last experience quite clearly. This time, I offer you something in return, something you can't refuse.''
''And what is that? Another throne?'' Loki spat.
''Your health. Your magic. Your strength. ''
Loki's eyes went wide with shock. His life, back. The chance to walk and wield magic again. The Silvertongue was speechless.
''yes my pet. I see you are impressed by my offer. I will let you go now, your friends are quite worried already. But I'll be back and think wisely over my offer since then. ''
Loki was lying motionless on the bed in the infirmary. There was a medical ventilator plugged to ease his breathing, several wires connected to his wrists and neck. The Trickster was paler then usual, his skin ashen, going into the blue tone at several spots.
Bruce was still trying to get any result from his blood tests, to explain Loki's sudden fall into the situation like this. Tony was sitting near the Trickster's bed, barely keeping himself calm.
He blamed himself for this. If he had acted like an adult, Loki would not be here now.
Damn, it was not fair to feel guilty, it was the God of Mischief who pulled that stupid joke after all but Tony could not make it right anyway; the things he said.. awful things. It did not matter whether or not Loki was a good person, to threaten him with S.H.I.E.L.D. was anything but right.
He messed up again. Maybe this trance or whatever the hell happened to the Trickster was not invertible but Tony could not get the heavily feeling off of his chest.
His phone beeped. Tony looked at the screen and sighed deeply. Steve was the last person on earth he wanted to see right now. But he had to take it. He had to explain. Damn it, where all those obligatory things came from? Life before invasion seemed so far away to him, through it has only been less than two weeks.
''yes, Steve.'' Tony answered, drawing heavy breath.
''I'm here. I want to talk.'' Steve cut shortly.
''Meet me at common floor, the living room.''
''Five minutes!''
Anthony Stark got up and walked to the elevator, still not sure of what to say. He had to explain but he was sure Steve would get mad at Loki and frankly speaking, Tony could not blame him. He had every right to get angry, as Tony himself did. Just that he feared what the conversation would turn into. Would Steve support or rather, convince him into holding the Trickster God to Eye Patch? An hour ago, Tony was sure that was exactly what he wanted to do, but after Loki had an attack of whatever illness he was fighting, it seemed less logical already. The Billionaire kept trying hard to get the image of Loki pleading him to stop the pain. Tony was not sure if Loki actually thought it was him, causing the pain, but even if it was not.. still.. after hearing that voice, it became terrifying realization just how helpless the Fallen God really was, how unprotected. And speaking about protection, where the hell Thor was all this time? Tony was getting a bit angry at the Thunderer already; yes, Loki's actions were bad, yes, he insulted him, but it was Thor who kept repeating Loki was his little brother, it was Thor who always saw good in him while others did not and where the hell was he now, when his brother needed him the most?
Tony opened the door to the living room. Steve was already there. He stood up and rushed to Tony, clenching his fists.
''Whoa, whoa, easy there Cap!'' Tony held his hands up in surrender. ''it was not me, I'm a victim here, as well as you!''
''and I am supposed to believe that crap?'' Steve Mocked. ''do I look like an idiot to you, Stark?''
''it wasn't me I swear!'' Tony assured. ''it was Loki!''
''have some sense of dignity, for heaven's sake!'' Steve shouted. '' Loki is not supposed to be aware of computers at all, and how on earth he could hack Jarvis without his magic?''
''I don't know, I swear!'' Tony said hopelessly. ''but it's his work, thank Bruce for that, Loki knows how to use a computer, Banner decided to give him lessons in informatics! And by hell, why the fuck would I like to show off my balls to the whole city anyway?''
'' Sir, Doctor Banner requested your presence in the infirmary.'' Jarvis voice interrupted the two Avengers.
''infirmary?'' Steve raised his brows. ''if Loki hurt someone, Tony, I swear..''
'' hey, calm down, Capsicle, it's Loki who required medical care.'' Tony answered and hurried to the door. Steve followed.
''What happened?'' he asked when they got into the elevator.
''I don't know. He's having some kind of sessions, he falls unconscious and starts screaming as if in pain.'' Tony muttered. '' there is nothing we can do so far.''
''so that had happened before?'' Steve stared amazed. ''and just when you were going to inform me, pray tell?''
''whenever I was going to see you!'' Tony exploded, ''where the hell have you been? The Eye Patch has been asking for you! Somehow lots of people think I should babysit you or something. Jesus, even more people are going to think that now.''
''not a business of yours, Stark!'' Steve shrugged.
''oh, I am Stark now? What's so sadden change or heart is all about?'' Tony asked. The elevator door opened and they walked down the corridor to the infirmary doors when they heard screams.
''shit'' Tony cursed and run forward.
Loki's eyes were white. Bruce kept trying to sooth him somehow, but whatever the Scientist was telling him, whatever he was doing, it was not working. He whimpered and screamed out in pain, when Tony rushed in the room.
''what is happening? Bruce, what's wrong?''
''I don't know Tony, I don't know!'' Bruce's face like he was going to smash something in pieces. ''I gave him a sedative but it only made everything worse. I don't know what I have to do.'' Bruce let go of Loki's hands and covered his face.
''hey, look at me!'' Tony shook him.'' Bruce, we need you. Loki needs you. What is wrong with him? Tell me!''
''the temperature is raising again, so is the blood pressure. I can't keep it down. It's just not working.''
''what did you do the last time?'' Tony asked. ''Bruce, you have to recall!''
''Jesus Christ! '' Steve whispered, looking down at Loki, ''what are those cuts?''
''cuts? What cuts?'' Bruce stared at his patient just to discover several bleeding cuts that, he could swear, were not there a minute ago. ''Steve, help me, he will bleed out!'' Bruce threw a towel at Steve. ''press on his wounds! I can't give him any medicine, it's just making him worse!''
In the exact same moment Loki's eyes snapped open, they were green this time. Loki looked at the three Avengers like he was pleading for something. Bruce stared at his eyes, desperate to find an answer. ''what is it Loki? What do you need?''
''stop, please…'' Loki choked out. ''please, stop hurting me, I won't do it again!'' his glance fall on Tony. ''Stark you said..'' his eyes were wide with horror. ''you would hand me.. to them..'' he draw a breath and continued ''do it.. just.. please stop this..'' Tony stared at him terrified, so Loki thought he was torturing him? For that stupid joke? For that picture? No. Tony was not such monster.
''it's not me, Loki, it's not us.'' Tony pleaded, desperate to assure the Trickster. ''we would never. Tell us what you need, we want to help!''
Loki looked at them again, his features slightly calming, tears forming in emerald green eyes. He swallowed and tried to tell something, but he could not make the dry throat utter words. He was lucky Bruce guessed without words.
''Water! Tony get him water!'' Loki nodded and grabbed a plastic cup Tony handed to him. His hands were shaking, so Bruce helped him sit up and held a cup for him.
Loki swallowed several times and closed his eyes again. ''I'm tired'' he muttered.
''Sleep. Loki.'' Bruce said, holding his hand. '' I will stay.''
'' he... wants me.. to lead..'' Loki's words were barely audible. ''he wants me... no.. not again..'' he whispered. ''I will... not.. '' with these words, sleep took over him again.
The three Avengers exchanged glances.
'' To lead again? To start another attack?'' Steve repeated.
''probably.'' Bruce sighed heavily.
''probably?'' Steve clenched his hands into fists. ''did you not hear him? He said it himself! And here we are hiding him from S.H.I.E.L.D.!''
''hey, Cap, you were the one who offered!'' Tony reminded.
''I remember that perfectly, Stark!'' Steve answered,'' but his words change the situation. You just look at him! How could he possibly resist! You think if he broke down when he was a God, what will happen now? We can't stand aside!''
''speak, plainly, Mr Honor!'' Tony challenged. ''what are you suggesting?''
''you know perfectly well, what I am suggesting! We should hand him to S.H.I.E.L.D!'' Steve almost shouted.
''and you think S.H.I.E.L.D.'s cell will make him stronger?'' Tony said sarcastically.
''with the information about another attack.'' Captain finished.
Bruce and Tony stared at him, amazed. He could not be suggesting.. that was Loki's surely death sentence – to hand him over S.H.I.E.L.D, let them know he was weak and that he was being assured to lead another attack. They would not let him live for a moment longer.
Tony felt his heart sink. The worst thing about it was he could not completely disagree about the matter.
But it was not right.
It was not right.
Or maybe it was right, but just not easy.
He knew not anymore.
Loki stirred in his sleep. Tony looked down at his tortured face, now peaceful. The single thought about betraying him was beyond his strength.
Anthony Stark, Genius, Billionaire had never felt so confused. He could think of only thing at the moment, only person who could come up with a decision.
WHERE THE HELL IS THOR?
A.N./ so this was it.
what you guys think? did you find Loki's little mischief funny? do you think Tony overreacted?
is Steve being an asshole for thinking to hand Loki to SHIELD? will they really do it?
and THANOS! THANOS made an offer really hard to refuse! what you think? will Loki fall for a temptation?
and WHERE IS THOR?
other thoughts, guesses? share emotions in reviews, i really appreciate it - i want to know what you think. also, feel free to PM me :)
and follow/favorite of course.
till the next update! love you all!