The Crippled God -AVENGERS fanfic-
chapter 7
A.N./ New chapter yeey! Have not updated for ages. Sorry guys.
This is the chapter that ties it all up.
And we'll catch a glimpse of what Thor is up to, I know you missed him ^_^
k, no more spoilers. :P
Do enjoy it!
Thor was looking down at Asgard from the balcony of his chamber.
The sunset over the Golden City was beautiful. And people, down there – living the peaceful lives – not caring about all the different problems that were on the king's mind; the threat of war, sickness of the All-father and most of them all, the banishment of Loki.
Loki. His brother. Even a thought so simple of him, was so painful, almost tearing the Thunderer's heart from his chest. The image of his brother's crazy eyes, the cruel words he shouted at him, was all clear and vivid in his mind. If he only could bring him back home, heal his wounds, make everything alright, ''I have no home, you oaf!'' the voice of Loki echoed in his ears.
If things were not complicated enough without it, now there were Freyr and Tyr involved. Thor knew the Vanir Prince loved Loki, but he could not make himself calm down and trust the Magician. How he could trust anyone at all about Loki? Yes, Freyr was sent to Midgard to settle diplomatic relations, but the Thor was not naïve enough to think the Vanir Prince would not seize the chance to see Loki.
Then, there was Tyr. Tyr, the God of Justice and once the closest adviser of the All-father, sent on a risky mission to Jotunheim. Thor remembered the one-handed warrior from first millennium of his life. Loki and himself were but a children back then, tagging along the famous uncle (not daring to trouble the All-father with their curiosity), demanding stories and battle training from Tyr, begging him to take them along to his adventures and travels and being left behind and the top of palace staircases. Thor more disappointed than Loki, though.
Playing the memories over and over in his mind, Thor suddenly realized he knew nothing of reasons behind his uncle's sudden disappearance from the palace halls, from the left side of his father's throne, from the council table. He wondered about whether or not the sibling rivalry problems were the tradition into the Royal House of Bor. Avoiding his father may be, but the story of Bor murdering his brothers stayed not beyond both young princes' hearing. Conflict between Odin the All-father and his younger brother Tyr, which lead to the later's exile for a long time and here they were, Loki and Thor himself – no man in all the nine realms would dare to say that the Odinson Brothers were not keeping up to the tradition. Thor grinned at the thought.
''My son!'' the soft voice said behind Thor's back. ''you should be in the feasting hall.''
Frigga came and stood next to the king. She was beautiful with bright blue eyes and golden hair, scattered on her shoulders. Thor looked at her loving face. Thor always wondered how could one person be full of love and support to all. ''Mother.'' He bowed his head.
''And what you might be thinking of at this hour, alone in your chambers?'' Frigga asked. It was purely rhetorical question and both of them know that. Thor just smiled and shot her a worried look. ''Your brother.'' The All-mother stated.
There was a long, pregnant pause, before the queen spoke again. ''I'm proud of you, my son. You made the right decision. Your brother is in a desperate need of support, it was a wise choice to send Freyr to him.''
''I didn't send him for Loki.'' Thor argued, but he knew it was useless. He was never good enough with hiding the truth, especially when it came to his mother and Loki. Both of them could read his mind like an open book. The Thunderer felt ashamed for that.
''It's not weakness to care about your brother, my son.'' Frigga said, putting her hand on his shoulder. ''it never weakens you to admit love.''
''I know that, mother, I never intended to reject my love for him, but despite my great desire to change everything, I wield no power to do so.'' The Thunder God sighed heavily and buried his face in his hands. ''I can't return him, nor I can restore his power. It is not my decision to make. Loki has chosen his path and if I wanted to apologize to him, even that I could not say. He wishes not to see me again.''
''despite all those lessons given to you my son, despite all the things two of you have gone through together,'' Frigga smiled. ''you act like stubborn children still. Both of you.''
''Lokes.'' Tony muttered, moving his hand to touch the God's waist. ''Why are you here?''
''I.. meant to.. help you with something.''
''Sorry to interrupt you, Sir,'' Jarvis announced, ''but you have visitors.''
Loki blinked owlishly, as if awakened from a deep slumber and leaned back, away from Stark, cursing himself mentally.
''Stark, I think I should give you time to.. think about the deal.'' He muttered.
Tony was taken aback both by dark-haired man's sudden interests and Jarvis' interruption. He would not demand explanation from the Fallen God, thank you very much, not that stupid after all, but the AI he could school for all he liked.
''Jarvis, sometimes I really doubt that I'm your maker, you know?'' he whined. ''You seem to not appreciate my private life at all. Are you sure Pepper has nothing to do with you?''
''Despite the fact that you assured her, to take 12 % credit of all your creations, Sir, I was definitely not included in that list.'' the AI replied. ''however, you were responsible for creating protocols which I am to follow under any circumstances. As long as I'm aware, Nicholas Fury with the forces of S.H.I.E.L.D in you building are reason enough for your disturbance.''
''Say what again?'' Tony said, dumbfounded. ''Fury is in my tower? Hell, Jarvis, why have you not told me before?''
''They have just arrived, Sir. Currently, Mr Fury, Mr Rogers, Mr Barton and Ms Romanoff are in the reception. Shall I lead them to the second floor?''
''Okay, Jarvis'' Tony said after considering the options for several seconds. Sending Fury and his lackeys at the common floor was safer for Loki, but the second floor was closer to his workshop and therefore, he'd be near to his suits and to the God of Mischief, should the need of fight arise. The idea of fighting Avengers was not pleasing at all. Why was he considering that at all? He was going to get his ass killed for that; both metaphorically (by Pepper) and physically (master assassins, you know?). This decision would really break the records of all the reckless thing he Tony Stark had done. And he had quite a record with being reckless. Actually, there was a good chance of him getting murdered by Pepper before SHIELD would get to him. ''The hell with it. I'd rather improvise.'' he thought and stood up from the chair and rushed to the door, taking the bracelet for the suit remote control from the table. There still was a slight chance that Fury was not here for Loki, but better safe then sorry, as they say.
''Where do you think you're going, Stark?''
Speak of the devil. Tony turned around to spot very annoyed ex-God of Mischief, standing, or rather sitting in his wheelchair, between himself the the workshop door. How did he manage to get in the way this fast, remained a mystery to Tony.
''Should I repeat myself, mortal?'' Loki spat venomously.
''Well, to talk to Fury, obviously.'' Tony rolled his eyes. ''Now, if you don't mind..''
''Do you really think me that, stupid, Stark? To let you go, to guide the agents right here?''
''Why would I do that?'' said Tony, pulling out his best getting-tired-of-your-shit-face.
Loki blinked, confused. ''Why would you not?''
''Because I promised not to hand you to them, remember? And like hell I'm not going to. And my workshop is the safest place for you to be while I'll try to get them off our asses! Now kid, listen to daddy and be quiet and stay in your room… my room.. whatever. Not that you could stop me anyway. I am locking the door from outside, hope you won't get claustrophobic. Behave yourself and don't touch my stuff.'' said Tony and walked out of the workshop, closing the door behind.
The king could see the strange man, wrapped up in a grey cloak from a distance. He must have been an old man, judging by the way he stumbled and almost fall in the snow several times. The Jotun chuckled. An old God walking to his death - truly a sight to behold.
The man made his way into the palace, looking around. The White Palace of Utgard was a mesmerizing sight - drawn all in silver and blue, icy surfaces radiating a special glow. Magic - it was everywhere, singing it's song in the corridors, whispering of old, better days, uttering a joyful, hopeful sounds for the future.
Two giants opened the huge doors of the throne room.
''Show yourself, my guest.'' the king ordered.
The old man let the cloak fall on his shoulders and heard the hisses of the giants, promising him death.
The king was silent, untouched by the true nature of his guest, clearly waiting for something.
''King Helblindi, son of Laufey.'' said the man, bowing his head down to show the respect to his host.
''Tyr, the God of justice..Brother of Odin. '' Helblindi smirked at the notice of dark shadow passing on the guest's face, while hearing the title. ''You've come a long way to die indeed. What makes you think you are welcome here, after all the death and destruction your brother, the All-father has caused us?''
Tyr felt cornered at the sight of all the giants nodding in approval at their king's words. There were almost 20 of them in different parts of the throne hall, mostly nobles, apart from the guardsman at the door and three silent figures behind the throne. Two of them were huge, hovering over the king, size impressive even for the Frost Giants. The third, lurking in shadows, was hardly a guard, thought the Asgardian, taking notice of his smaller form and a long cape with gleam that was supposedly of the rare jewels and white fur.
''Is this a Jotun justice to judge the one by his brother's actions?'' the God replied evenly. ''I take no blame for innocent lives my brother has taken, nor for the destruction caused by him. I come in peace.''
''In peace you say? Is this an offer for us, from the new king of Asgard, Thor, son of Odin, your nephew?''
''I've come with glad tidings, for I bear joyful news to your grace.'' Tyr exclaimed, leaving out the part about Thor on purpose, hoping that king would not press the matter further.
''How so?'' the Helblindi retorted, not missing the unsaid part, deep frown appearing between his brows. ''The Lord of Peace no longer finds his place in the golden halls? Has justice been reduced to nothing, forced in exile?''
''Even the deepest roots of the golden realm may be reached by frost.'' the one-handed man said back. ''Asgard has long forgotten that war without peace is more useless than peace without war, for it weakens one's eye for truth. My brother has not taken notice about my advices for a long time and his son … Let's assume that the golden apple does not fall far from the tree, shall we?''
''And you crave to find your place among us?'' the Jotun King smirked ironically. ''My my, how tables have turned.''
''I bear the information which you might consider worth trading for.''
''And what that might be?''
'' The whereabouts of the Lost Prince.''
Whereas the chuckles and sarcastic comments could be heard in the corners until the moment, the hall had fallen completely and utterly silent after those words have been spoken. The cloaked shadow stepped forward, closer to the king, looking up at him in hope.
Helblindi was speechless for a moment. ''Out. Everyone!"' he hissed at last.
The giants left, save the three people who stood behind the throne. Tyr noticed how gracefully they were moving - not a single sound of footsteps disturbed the silence that hang heavy in the air. ''You too, Byleistr.'' said the kind, eyeing the Jotun standing beside him now.
The man in luxurious garments made a face of annoyance, while bowing down to the king and taking a walk towards the door.
''Speak now, Asgardian.'' the king said, when the doors were closed behind the second prince's back. Tyr shot a glance to the guards, a question written all over his features.
''Oh, worry not, my guest.'' Helblindi chuckled, ''they can neither speak nor hear. Speak freely, there is no one present to disturb our secrecy.''
''but..'' Tyr was not able to comprehend what he was being told. What's the use of a guard who is cast the ability to speak and hear? How could they protect their master?
''By that, I mean they can not understand whatever you will say, but if you would so much as draw a knife behind your back, be sure that they will be perfectly aware of it before you even know yourself.'' the Jotun King explained. ''Now. you have told me that you knew about my brother, the firstborn of my father, lost in the days of the Winter War?''
''Yes. I know who he is. And I will tell you, on several conditions.''
''Name them.''
''Firstly, of my safety. If I am to return to Asgard, I want myself protected from Heimdall's watch.''
''Worry not. Weak our magic may be, but it is strong enough to protect the secrecy of a king and his guests.''
Tyr nodded silently. '''Secondly, I want the guarantee that no harm will come to him.'' Helblindi smiled. ''And finally, he should not know it was me who told you about his parentage, for he knows and is not proud of the fact.''
''He knows and yet has not arrived at our door to claim what is rightfully his?'' the king asked back doubtfully, pouring himself a glass of strange silver drink from the nearby table. ''How come?'' he said after taking a slip of the liquid, not bothering to invite the old man to do the same.
''He was raised… differently. You may not understand his thought quite that easily, my Lord.'' Tyr warned.
''Care not. I will grant him a better life, everything this realm has to offer, will be laid at his feet. Tell me, Asgardian, who is he?''
''Loki Odinson, the second prince of Asgard.'' Tyr replied.
The Silver goblet stuck the floor as Helblindi rushed up from the throne, murderous look on his face. ''That's impossible!'' he whispered, shock written on his features.
The God of Justice felt a joy of victory. He made it. Now was the time to stand by and watch the downfall of the house of Odin.
Thor was taken aback by sudden darkness as he stepped in Odin's chambers. All the windows were closed, only source of light was the golden glow surrounding the All-father's bed and even that seemed to lose its glamour and fade away.
The Thunderer rushed forward, crushed under the heavy weight of terror. It could not be, his father would not leave him alone this way, not now, when Thor felt so confused and lost as never before. The Golden-haired God looked down at the bed and blinked, not comprehending what he was seeing. Under the dome of dim golden light laid pale, dark-haired figure, eyes closed, hands crossed on his chest.
''Loki?'' Thor whispered and leaned closer. Try as he might, his hands could not cross the barrier and touch pale man's body.
Suddenly, Loki's skin became ashen, deathly grey color spreading on his hands and face. Frozen in shock, the Thunder God more heard than saw silent movement from the far corner of the room. Three shadows emerged from the darkness.
''Thor Odinson.'' the chanted in unison,
''Who are you?'' Thor meant his voice to sound strong and demanding, but failed miserably, still terrified, barely able to tear the gaze away from his brother's unconscious form.
''You know well who we are.'' said the first woman.
''We've come to warn you,'' added the second one.
''For you are blind to the fate of others yet again.'' terminated the third.
''Which one of you..'' Thor is too confused and afraid to even form the question properly. He is not even sure if he wants to know the answer, if he desires to find out which one of the Three Sisters is responsible of the vision.
''It's me.'' says Skuld. The Thunderer draws a breath of relief. So it's in future. He is able to change it. ''What should I do?'' he asks eagerly.
''You made mistakes, Odinson. You are a lost cause to me.''' Urdr's voice is cruel. ''I will not offer you help.''
''There is no use in turning to past, through,'' Verthandi says. ''listen to those who are dear to you and you will find a way to avert the storm that is upon your head.''
''You speak in riddles.'' Thor says, taking a step forward. ''Tell me what I have to do and I swear...''
Urdr draws her lips in a thin line, turns around and disappears, whereas Skuld cocks her head at one side, eyeing the Thunder God doubtfully. ''I have not made my mind about helping you yet.'' she declares.'' things that happen in the mortal world, as in one of the Gods, have nothing to do with my time, for future is not written upon a stone, as much as some would like to believe it. There are several paths for you to choose and choose wisely you should, for it may cost your brother much. However,'' the Goddess of Future continues with a smile, ''There is one advice I shall give; never stand in the way between Loki and his choices, for it will only cause both of you pain and hurt.''
With these words, Skuld is gone and Thor draws his gaze to Verthandi, still standing at bedside of Loki. ''I have to guide you, God of Thunder'' she replies to his unspoken question, ''for this is what's about to come.''
''I should go to Midgard then,'' Thor retorts, ''Let me go.''
''Patience is the virtue, my boy.'' the Giantess schools.
''To Helheim with patience!'' Thor snaps, unable to stand still when he has just gotten a clear message about his brother being in some kind of rouble. ''Let me go!''
''Alright.'' Verthandi exhales a deep breath in surrender. ''but be aware of what my sister told you; don't get in Loki's way. Let him choose a path for himself.''
Thor opens his eyes, feeling a bit disoriented. Odin's bedchamber appears as it should, no sign of Loki and Norns there. Worriedly-looking Frigga stand at the door instead.
''Thor? What happened?'' she asks.
''Mother, I should see Loki.'' Thor answer hurriedly, standing up from the armchair situated near the bedside and walks towards the door in huge steps. Frigga eyes at him, not daring to question his son now, when he at last decided to put his stubbornness away and visit his sibling.
''Be careful'' she whispers after him.
Of all people Tony Stark could see waiting for him in the living room, the trio was probably of the least desirable ones. Fury stood near the window, looking down at the city. Tony could bet all of his money that at least dozen of S.H.I.E.L.D. dogs were situated somewhere near his tower. He touched bracelets of remote access, hoping they would not be needed through.
''So, I guess holiday's over then, boss?''
''That Stark, actually depends on what your guest has to say on the matter.''
''Stark, let's do it easy way and without much formalities.'' said a voice from behind his back.
Tony turned around so fast that his neck began to ache. Clint was leaning on the door.
well, damn.
''Good day to you too, Legolas.'' Tony forces a smirk.
''Stark, you either tell us where that son of a bitch is or I swear..'' Clint pulls forward, pointing the gun at Tony, his voice cracking dangerously.
Tony tries hard to think of something to say but all his thoughts consist of high amount of the word ,,fuck'' and not the good kind at that.
''His workshop.'' Natasha declares, calm and self-assured.
Tony feels cold sweat forging the way on his neck and brows, but tries to keep the composure. ''And you know that because?'' Clint arches the skeptical eyebrow.
''Child's play, Barton'' Romanoff smirks, stepping towards the Archer. ''That's his favorite room to play, so it's only logical that he keeps his Asgardian pet there. here you go.'' the redhead waves a hand in from of his face and Tony notices his very own card to access the workshop. Barton beams with happiness as he snatches the card from the woman's fingers and flees from the room.
Tony look around the room; Fury is still listening to the voice from the other side of the line on the inside- S.H.I.E.L.D contact device, next to him stands very awkward-looking Steve, who's eyes are fixed solely on the floor. then, there is Natasha, seizing Tony with her glance, one hand on the semi-automatic gun which will fire, before Tony even manages to speak to Jarvis and in fact, he's not sure whether or not A.I. would still reply.
''So, how did you know Reindeer Games was here?'' Tony said the first thing that came to his mind.
''That little accident with the picture?'' Natasha smirked, amused.
well, damn. Tony still failed to see the humor in the joke, but he certainly did not miss the hurt-puppy-dog look Steve gave Natasha. That was the clue enough.
''You!'' Tony stepped forward. Steve averted his gaze.'' You told them!''
''Calm down Stark, or I'll have to shoot you.'' The Widow warned.
Tony's minded worked on overload. He was outnumbered and Loki would probably not be hard to deal with for Barton. He's just awakened from a coma, for God's sake. Speaking of which why the hell did Bruce let him wander the Tower at all? And where was the Big and Green himself? Like hell Tony would use some support right now.
Tony was tore away from his thoughts by a noise of footsteps approaching. Several curses were said too, he could swear. Stark did not have to look at them to know who they were.
Barton dragged Loki along and tossed him quite unceremoniously on the floor, near the couch. Tony felt the string of guilt in his chest at the sight of how Loki grimaced in pain and tried to cover his chest with left hand, the other one hanging limply on his side.
''what the hell have you done to him?'' Tony yelled at Barton.
''Nothing he did not deserve.'' Clint replied with a devious smirk on his face.
''You son of a bitch!'' Tony spat and was about to lash out on the archer, when Natasha coughed to waved a gun in front of his face, before directing it to Loki.
Tony gathered all the remained pieces of his shattered self-control. Now was not the time to call on the Suit, not yet. It would only complicate things further. He knelled near the Trickster instead. ''Hey, you ok?'' Loki did not acknowledge his presence at all. ''hey, Rock of Ages, look at me!'' Tony examined his hand carefully. ''Shit, the bones may be broken here, or fractured at very best. Fury, he needs help!''
Clint raised a skeptical eyebrow at that.
''Don't worry yourself much, Stark, S.H.I.E.L.D has got all the medical personal he needs or might need in the future.''
Well, that does not sound a bit good.
''What is happening here?''
Tony sighed in relief when he heard Bruce's voice behind his back.
''Bruce Loki here needs help.'' He said.
Bruce stepped forwards.
''Don't bother, Banner. We got all we need for him. Two of you just stand aside and let us..''
''let you what, Fury?''
''Do our job.''
''He's not your test subject, damn it!'' Tony screamed at Fury's face.
''He's a criminal!''
''He's changed, Nick.'' Bruce tried to reason.
''That's irrelevant! He's dangerous!''
''Stand aside, Bruce.'' Natasha warned, the gun still pointed at Loki.
''Or what? you'll shot me? Cause that's not gonna work out, for everyone.''
''I'll persuade you.'' the Widow smirked, but Tony failed to notice humor in her voice or on features.
''You don't want to make me angry, Romanoff, do you?''
''Director, not letting doctors help injured, is not what I was sighed up to do.''
That was the first time Steve said something and he got everybody's attention. Fury glanced over Loki, still sitting on the floor, beside the couch, Tony, hovering over him like a mother hen, Natasha, standing in Bruce's way, pointing the gun at him, Clint, with manic grin on his face, toying with his arrows and looking at Loki from time to time and Steve, who decided to stay out of the business, apparently, before that business violated his moral principles.
There were not many options to make a choice from, really. Stark and Banner were already in his way to target and turning Steve away would even the chances for Loki. The decision was evident.
''Agent Romanoff, stay out of Banner's way!'' he ordered.
Natasha did not move an inch.
''Agent Romanoff, put that blasted gun away and let Banner do his job, this is an ORDER!''
The woman's hands were shaking a bit from tension. And just at the moment when she lowered the gun and Tony released the breath he did not know he was holding, everything went to Hell.
The sound of a explosion left everyone stunned. ''who was the idiot that shot Banner'' he managed to think in-between the moment he activated remote access bracelet, was thrown away and crushed into a wall. He could barely see in the dusty and crushed room but managed to catch a glimpse of a huge green figure heading towards…
''Loki, no!'' Tony screamed and tried to run forward (as much as he could), when another huge series of events happened before his eyes;
The suit broke it's way through the window and placed itself on his body, just the moment before Steve's unconscious form was thrown into his direction (was it Hulk? Was Captain America really trying to save Loki's life from Hulk's rage? Knowing him, Tony would assume that yes, it was exactly the kind of thing Mr. honor here would do), and a flash of light almost blinded him.
''Steve, wake up!'' Tony cried out desperately, torn between the urge to find out if Loki was okay and helping his friend. He looked around to see other Avengers and fury thrown away to different directions as well, including the Hulk. Wait what? Someone defeated the Hulk? And stood between him and Loki? Tony knew only one person that was capable of such thing and damn time for him to appear.
''It's good to see you, Point Break, no longer playing the emo kid and coming to save your baby brother'' Tony said, taking a step forward, shielding his eyes from dust.
It take him few seconds to realize that the figure standing in front of him, who was holding Loki tightly in his arms, was not Thor at all. Even the Thunder God was not eight or nine feet tall and sure as hell was not blue. ''the fuck are you?'' the Avenger whispered. ''Put him down, now!''
The Giant smirked, sent another wave of energy in Tony's way and disappeared. Steve looked up and stared at him hopelessly. ''Tell me you saw that too.'' He pleaded.
Before he could answer, the flash of lightning crushed over Stark Tower.
Tony's eyes widened in dread.
''We're screwed.'' He muttered.
A/N. This was it ^_^ I hope the chapter was interesting. please, share your thought in reviews!