The Crippled God -AVENGERS fanfic-
chapter 4
A.N./ hi, guys. Sorry for the long pause. I bring OC characters from Norse Myths, hope the story makes sense to you.
if you have any trouble understanding the plot, just tell me in reviews and i'll include more details from actual myths.
enjoy the chapter!
''No.. no, no, no.'' Tony could not comprehend what he was hearing. '' you don't mean.. Steve, tell me I got something wrong!''
'' I am afraid you got everything quite right, Tony.'' Steve answered. ''We should hand Loki to S.H.I.E.L.D. there is no other way. I know you got close to him but I can't risk American citizens' innocent lives for his safety. We are the Avengers, Tony, we should protect innocent people!''
''and what about him?'' Tony shouted. ''what about him? They are going to kill him, you know that Rogers, damn it, we all know!''
'' We don't know that, Tony. Fury might be somewhat cruel but he won't do such thing without a reason.'' Bruce said.
''What?'' Tony turned to Bruce. And here he thought Bruce would protect Loki as well.. ''you are for … you side with Steve?''
''I don't side with anyone, Tony.'' Bruce answered with calm voice, trying to persuade the Billionaire. ''but you have to admit – we lost control over the situation. If anything happens, who'll be responsible?''
'' The hell with responsibility!'' Tony was at loss of control over the situation and that was driving him mad. ''damn it, you two.. have no right!''
'' Tony, calm yourself.'' Bruce put his hand on his friend's shoulder. ''We don't have to do it.. immediately… just think about this, okay?''
''Think about it? Are you fuckin kidding me, Bruce?'' Tony snapped. ''you! '' The Billionaire turned to Steve, '' Get out, now! '' Rogers turned around and left the infirmary without another word. '' you can follow as well, Banner!''
''Tony, you realize you need me here, don't you?'' this was more a statement then a question and Tony had to agree on it. He needed Bruce, as did Loki. But Tony could not just wrap his mind around the fact that Banner would let go of Loki so easily. ''Tony, I know you don't think best of me right now. '' Bruce sighed heavily and moved to the table, grabbing some files and walking back to Tony again. '' But I have my reasons. I care about Loki, you know that I do, but you should understand something by now. '' With these words Doctor handed those files to Tony, who seemed really confused. '''You say I don't want to burden myself with responsibility. '' there was guilty expression on Scientist's face. ''in a matter of fact, you are right. I can't do this anymore, Tony, I'm sorry, I can't.''
'' the hell you are talking about, Banner?'' Tony stared at him, then at files again and it suddenly made sense. Oh, how stupid he was for not realizing something THIS obvious before. ''he is dying.'' Tony's voice was hoarse. ''is he not?''
Banner did not say a word, but his look was answer enough. Loki was dying. The results of his tests were literally screaming about the fact, even to someone so painfully oblivious to medicine as Tony Stark.
''Those.. sessions of his.. I don't even know what to call them Tony.'' Banner was nervous, he could not just stand still, so he was walking to and pro. ''they become stronger and stronger. They last longer, this time his heart stopped for seconds, can you guarantee that he will survive another one? Tell me, how is it better to stand and watch, not being able to do a goddamn thing? You won't understand Tony, you're not a doctor, you're not supposed to do something when he starts to bleed and scream!'' Bruce stopped and dropped himself on a chair near Loki's bed. ''You're not supposed to do something, I AM! You're not the one who has to listen how he pleads to make the pain stop!'' Tears were forming in the Scientist's eyes, as he looked at pale, raven-haired man's sleeping form. ''I can't do anything, Tony, my tests lead to nothing! I can stand it no longer. Maybe S.H.I.E.L.D. will figure something out…'' Bruce closed his eyes and covered his face with hands.
''Bruce…'' Tony was speechless, he was mentally cursing himself for being this harsh on his friend. ''I am sorry.. I.. never thought of that before.'' Damn, he was not good at apologizing. ''but you know, we all know.. S.H.I.E.L.D. will not ,,take care'' of him. They will kill him.''
''He is dying anyway. We have to take the chance.''
Asgard, the eternal realm was unusually calm. Golden lights seemed to fade away.
Tyr felt these changes as soon as he arrived at Bifrost. He looked at the Guardian, with clear question on his face, but Heimdall seemed to be indifferent to the God's interest. Tyr shook his head – what was he expecting from this statue anyway. He left the Rainbow Bridge and went straight to the Golden Palace.
Tyr was so taken over by his thoughts and failed to notice the young warrior who was leaning on the pillar. In old man's defense, the young Asgardian was standing in the shadow and was not eager to be seen either.
As soon as the warrior saw Tyr, he stepped forward. ''My Lord?''
Tyr looked around, slightly confused, then noticed the blonde warrior in silver armor and blue cape. ''oh, Freyr! Good to see you again.''
''Likewise. '' the man called Freyr nodded and walked next to Tyr. ''what are the news you bring from Vanaheim? How fares dear father mine?'' a bit sarcastic notes were evident.
''He fares well, young Prince, so does your sister.'' Tyr answered. ''King Njord send his regards to our king, claiming loyalty and promising help in war, if such need arises.''
''huh.'' Young Freyr chuckled. ''Do you believe that, Tyr? You are a wise man. Do you believe my father has gotten over his rage towards Aesir, who tortured Freya? Do you really think he had forgotten Aesir-Vanir war? That his son and daughter were forced to live in foreign realm?''
''it's unwise to talk like that, Freyr.'' Tyr hissed. ''You should be careful. You are not safe here, you're still considered as a war hostage, despite the fact that Odin will never threat you as such.''
''And what of Thor?'' Freyr scoffed. ''What of our golden boy? Oh, did I forget to tell you – he's the king now.''
Tyr stopped in the corridor, shocked expression was clear on his face. ''so the All-father had fallen into Odinsleep again.'' He sighed after several seconds and took step forward. Freyr nodded and followed. ''how.. unexpected. A bad timing. ''
''Bad timing? Worse nowhere!'' Freyr answered ironically. ''Tyr, what do you know about Loki's banishment?''
''Not much.'' The one-handed man sighed heavily. ''Odin never shared details. I know he's on Midgard without his powers. That's all. Is there something more?''
''Oh yes. There is so much more. I have to see him, Tyr. Can I trust you?''
''You know, you can.'' Tyr answered calmly. ''I don't despite Odin or his son, but the way my brother always treated Loki.. I never liked that. I tried to talk to him, you know, I tried, he would never listen.'' Tyr shook his head as if with regret. ''I never doubted where Thor got his stubbornness from.'' The old man smirked.
''Indeed.'' Freyr answered. ''But there's more. We are on a brick of war, Tyr, my friend. My father's aims are still blur for me. He never cared to share his plans. '' the young man said bitterly. ''he never considered me worthy to consult him, despite that I am his heir. Because I was grown among Aesir. He would not learn to trust me now. But mistrust is mutual, should we say so. I worry Tyr. Thor is reckless, he trust everyone blindly, I am afraid for Loki. Some people may use his banishment and weakened state and turn his brother against him, they may press on Odin's decision.'' Freyr sighed. ''I must go to Midgard.''
''What of Heimdall?''
''that's where I need your help. I can hide from his eyes, you know, but I can't go to Midgard without Bifrost. I tried to persuade Loki, but he would never tell me of secret paths. You're Thor's uncle, he'll listen to you. Persuade him to send me to Loki. Will you do that for me?''
Tyr nodded. ''I'll try.''
Freyr stopped at the door of the Throne Room. ''Norns be with you, my friend.''
Thor still could not get used to a fact that he was the king now. It all seemed like a nightmare to him – his father in Odinsleep, his brother – banished, Asgard – on the brick of war with Jotunheim.
It's been a week since his uncle Tyr left for Vanaheim. He was still on Midgard then, sitting by Loki'd bedside, praying for his brother to awake again and now, just couple of days after that, he had to settle the diplomatic crisis somehow.
The situation in the Nine Realms was everything but stable. Loki's actions encouraged all other Realms to riot. Jotuns were still angry about Laufey's death and their new king, Helblindi was young and driven with idea of revenge. The most important question was whether he knew that Loki was his brother or not. Thor was torn between an idea to tell Helblindi the truth and the fact that Loki would not take his action kindly.
Vanaheim was another problem. The Vanir and king Njord probably had not yet forget how Aesir torture Freya and the consequences - the Aesir-Vanir war and Mimir's death.
Njord returned his daughter to Vanaheim, but his son, Freyr still lived in Asgard. Thor was never fond of Freyr, but never disguised him either. The prince of Vanaheim was a strange person, but a skilled warrior and a powerful magician as well. It was not a secret to Thor that Freyr and Loki were always in a close relationship. Furthermore, there were rumors among warriors that their friendship ,,more than that'' but Thor never believed that. Freyr had a reputation for involving in random sexual relationships, but Loki, on the other hand, was one of the most stoic and closed persons that Thor had ever known.
The Prince of Vanaheim was in the council of Asgard. Traditionally, there were 12 Lord Councilors, but since king Njord claimed loyalty to Asgard, Odin allowed Njord's son to be the 13th member. The decision allowed Vanaheim to take part in Asgard's Political life and made a good starting point to a prince, to get known to Asgardian traditions. But not everything is as planned with Freyr.
Tyr entered the Throne hall. Council members were already at their places.
''My Liege'' Tyr said and knelled before the throne. ''King Njord of Vanaheim sends his regards to the King of Asgard and guarantees any help needed to prove his loyalty to your realm, in the times of war and peace. King Njord hopes that our misunderstanding in past, that led to a war, are long forgotten and nothing will harm Vanirs' and Aesirs' friendship further.''
''Stand up, Tyr Borson.'' Thor said. His new position seemed still a bit awkward to the Thunderer. ''I would like to listen to your consult on the matter.''
''My lord. Tyr said. ''it seems to me, that we should seek political unions with any realm possible. Jotunheim is out of question, of course, as are Helheim, Muspeheim and Svartalfheim. You have already sent ambassadors to Vanir and Dwarves, but I would suggest we include Midgard as our possible ally as well.''
Thor bit his lips. Midgard? Was it wise to include Midgard in this war? Of course the Avengers would support him, but Odin always considered Midgardians as weak and never informed them about any political alliances. But information is one thing and offer of political alliance – other question totally. ''who would you suggest to send to Midgard?'' Thor asked at last.
''I would suggest Freyr Njordson, my liege.'' Tyr answered. ''he is familiar with Midgardian customs and had traveled there more times then any other council member. He is young but wise, this will be a good opportunity for an young prince to prove himself.''
Thor glared at Freyr, who was standing in the shadow, leaning on the wall. Should he sent him? Could Freyr be trusted? Thor was at complete loss.
''what other Lords have to say?'' the king asked at last.
''my Lord'' one of the council members answered. ''we got nothing against your uncle's initiative of sending young prince of Vanaheim to Midgard.''
''and you, Freyr?'' Tor looked at the man who took step forward, standing in front of the Throne now. ''would you like to go to Midgard?''
''I am ready serve my king, by any means necessary.'' The young man answered.
''So be it.'' The Thunderer said.
The councilman bowed their heads and left the Throne room one by one.
After an hour , when Loki's condition became more stable and he was able to breathe on his own, Tony sent Bruce away – the Scientist needed to get some sleep, but somehow Tony doubted that Banner actually went to bed – it was more possible that Bruce was running another test in his lab.
Tony felt really tired. The situation was getting on his nerves. Hell, he should be drinking and celebrating the victory and instead he's breaking his night sleep for ex-villain.
Damn it. Damn his pathetic attitude to the Crippled God. Why he had to remind Tony of himself? Were his nightmares not enough?
,,Sir, someone's asking for you.'' Jarvis interrupted Tony's heavy train of thoughts.
''Who's it, Jarv?''
''I have no data whatsoever on that deity, Sir.'' Jarvis answered.
''Huh, is that someone from Narnia? I mean.. Asgard.''
''I don't think so, Sir, he's dressed rather casually.'' Jarvis turned on the camera of the reception on the first floor.
The stranger was sitting on a sofa, with earphones plugged in is ears, hadbanging to the sound of music. Tony sighed. Some fan, probably.
Tony was already going to tell Jarvis to shut down the camera and tell the guys he was not available, when the man raised his head and looked straight at Tony, as if he knew where the camera was and Stark's breath caught in his throat – god damn him if that was not the most handsome man he had ever seen. Well maybe Loki could be a worthy opponent for his appearance. But no one else. He mentally facepalmed – and here I was going to shut him down? Tony licked his lips – if he's a fan… sweet pictures flooded his mind. The billionaire stood up – ''Okay, Jarv, I'm gonna meet him.'' Tony said and walked to the elevator, pressed ,,basement'' and looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes were a bit dull, Tony just realized he had not slept for 3 days already. Babysitting the Norse God. Thoughts about Loki and his future spoiled his mood in a second, but he plastered a fake smile on his face nevertheless.
The doors opened and Tony walked towards the stranger, who stood up and removed the earphones.
One look was enough for Tony to be 100 percent sure about his decision – this man was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Tony 's glance moved from his black Converse shoes to skinny light-blue jeans, that fit the man's legs perfectly, to the black leather coat and blue scarf. The was wearing a black t-shirt .. holy crap, was it Manowar? Tony smiled – not every day you meet handsome guys with great taste in music.
At last the Billionaires eyes fell on the Stranger's face. The face features were ideal – as if of the Ancient statues. Gray eyes, silver, long straights hair, carelessly scattered on his shoulders.
''Hello?'' the man said with a beautiful smile. Tony mentally cursed himself. Probably he was staring at this guy for more then a minute, like a complete jerk. ''Tony Stark?''
''yeah, that would be me.'' Tony smiled back. ''hello, handsome.''
''oh, Mr Stark..'' the man chuckled.
''just Tony.''
''Okay, Tony.'' the stranger was cut by a phone call. The man took out the black Iphone from the pocket of his coat, looked down at the screen and rolled his eyes. ''sorry I have to take that.''
Tony nodded.
''James? Yes, dear. Yes, I'm in New York… yeah, I'll be there. 'kay, I'll stay at your place… see yea, dear.'' He blocked the phone and looked back at Tony. ''Sorry… some people just get mad when you ignore them.'' He sighed but it was obvious that's the man was faking annoyance. ''So, Tony, as I tried to say before I was interrupted, I'd be rather pleased to spent time in your bed, had we met under other circumstances… but my friend won't be pleased so.. maybe another time?''
Tony blinked, amazed. Damn, was he this obvious? But decided to take it easy. ''yah, all good guys are taken, I see,'' he raised hands in surrender.
''Taken? '' the stranger chuckled. ''I'm too awesome to be taken by one.''
''yeah, could not agree more on the point.''
''I like you, man!'' The stranger put his hand on Tony's shoulder in rather familiar manner. ''so can I see my dear friend Loki?''
Tony's jaw dropped. Did he just misheard that the stranger or the stranger really said ,,Loki?'' he was probably not paying attention. ''say what again?''
''Can I see Loki, a.k.a. ex God of Mischief? Well, you know, the handsome one, with green eyes, pale skin and shitty character.'' The man chuckled at Tony's dumbfounded expression. ''well, much sneaky type, fond of tricks, favorite past-time activity – getting on random people's nerves. Seen one around?''
''Who the hell are you?'' Tony somehow managed to utter a word at last.
''oh, sorry, forgot to introduce myself. Freyr Njordson, crown prince of Vanaheim, one of the All-father's counselor, a friend of Loki. May I see him?''
''I.. you..'' Tony stared at his guest in utter shock. ''holy crap, you're from Narnia?''
''well, I'd pretty much like to, Aslan and all those guys are cool.'' Freyr smiled. ''but nope, I'm from Asgard. Well, technically I'm from Vanaheim but.. well.. long story, may I see Loki?''
''You don't look like those Asgardian guys.'' Tony furrowed his brows in confusion. ''and did I just heard a ,,Chronicles of Narnia'' reference from an alien guy?''
''well, I don't have to be uneducated since I'm from Asgard.'' Freyr answered. ''well.. judging by Thor, I know what you mean. Here, look…'' causal clothes vanished before Tony's eyes and there was standing, this guy, dressed in fine Asgardian silver armor, with dark blue cape over his shoulders and a sword by his side. ''does this look satisfy you?'' Tony nodded. ''okay, can I see Loki now?''
''yeah, come on.'' Tony lead Freyr to the elevator. The man was familiar with the invention, it seemed. Damn, it was hard as hell to realize that Viking with silver armor was sitting on his sofa just 15 minutes ago, dressed as some hipster, listening to his Ipod. ''So you are.. a prince?'' he asked the blonde when the elevator stopped at the medical floor.
''yeah, I am.''
''of.. Vanhaim?''
''Vanaheim.'' Freyr corrected.
''Should I can you ,,your majesty'' or somethn'?''
''no of course. Just Freyr. Well I'm Fred for my human lovers.'' The God smirked.
''Like lovers? As if In plural?'' Tony laughed.
''yeah, like I said, too awesome too be owned by one. So what's Loks up to?''
''you'll see.'' Tony shrugged uncomfortably. He left Loki still sleeping, but he was feeling better now, could breathe on his own, but the IV was still plugged in his vein. The Billionaire doubted Freyr was used to see Loki that way. Taking about Freyr, when Tony looked at him, discovered that he was wearing casual clothes again. Magic, probably.
Tony opened the door to infirmary. Freyr walked in and stopped as if stuck by lightning, ''holy crap!'' he muttered. Loki's eyes opened. He looked at Freyr in disbelief as if he was a ghost. Emotions on his face were changing so fast Tony could not say what was he feeling. He was afraid Loki would kick this man out just like Thor, but somehow Tony knew Freyr would not give up that easily.
''what's up, friend?'' Freyr rushed by Loki's side and pulled him in a bone-crushing hug. ''haven't seen you in ages!''
''Freyr!'' Loki was clearly in shock, but Tony noticed he leaned into a touch. ''How? Is not Heimdall watching you?''
''that old pervert? Huhm'' Freyr chuckled. ''he'd learn a great deal of things if he was, but you underestimate my Seidr, friend.''
''Of course he would,'' Loki rolled his eyes. ''you and your lovers.., how many of them you got this time, pray tell?''
''well,, two.. nope, three.. wait, do Midgardians count?''
''of course, we are people too.'' Tony exclaimed.
''''well.. with Asgardian brutes?"'
''Have you fallen that far? You sleep with Asgardian warriors?'' Loki raised his brows.
''oh stop, you've done that too!'' Freyr poked his friend. Loki smiled.
''Damn, look at that!'' Tony laughed. ''Reindeer Games is actually smiling! Gosh and I left my phone somewhere! I want a picture of that!''
''catch mine!'' Freyr suggested and threw his Iphone at Tony. ''smile, dear!'' he said and knelled beside the Trickster.
''Freyr, stop acting like a child!'' Loki complained but he was still smiling widely.
Tony snapped several pics and threw the Iphone back at Freyr, who was already sitting on the bed near Loki. ''seriously bro? Iphone? I have to show you what a real smartphone looks like! Mine!''
''sounds cool.'' Freyr slide his fingers on Loki's hair. ''you need a haircut!''
''No, I don't!''
''yes you do!''
''Freyr don't get on my nerves, or I'm gonna kick you out!'' Loki warned.
''Tony will let me stay, he likes me!'' Freyr teased. ''will you allow us to get closer?''
''you need my permission since…?''
''oh, Okay, I don't. but I'm not for getting a new lover. How are you? Tell me! How's new life on Midgard? You look like crap, you know?''
Loki's face darkened and Tony realized Freyr probably did now know about Loki's situation. ''guys, want me to leave?'' he was not a bit excited about the perspective of seeing Loki's another yelling round, but the Trickster was surprisingly calm. He was not looking at his friend, through – his gaze was lowered and focused on the sheets. ''I'm okay.'' He choked out at last.
''oh, com'on even you are not that good liar! '' Freyr said. ''don't think me stupid, dear! I know everything, came to help. And don't you even try to refuse that you need help!'' Freyr warned when Loki opened his mouth to argue. ''Sleipnir sent the words of love, by the way, or, well, nickers of love to be honest.''
Loki stared at his friend with a graceful look on his face. ''you've seen him?''
''yeah, of course. Taking care of him as usual. He's safe dude, don't worry. Ain't got nothing to do, since Odin..'' suddenly Freyr paused and stared at Loki. ''wait, you don't know! You don't know that your-not-daddy has fallen into Odinsleep again? Your Oaf bro is on the throne now.''
A.N. so, guys. i hope you like Freyr, he's my favorite OC
HERE IS THE TASK FOR YOU;
suggest a celebrity (an actor, singer, model etc.) for the role of Freyr.
Also, would you like Loki and Freyr to go further? As if in kind of a relationship?
till the next update! Love you all!