LokilovesNutella: I'm sorry! That was rough to write, but I very rarely think about what I'm writing if that makes sense. I hope you've been enjoying the story!
Ynath Esrith: I'm glad you thought Steve was more like Steve in this one. I totally agree with your description of Fury. He really is a few fries short of a Happy Meal.
sakkiko of soleana: He is just a baby! Hopefully everyone will come to realize that soon.
NatheRiver: I'm sure Thor will come for him soon;) I'm glad you've liked it so far!
Guest: I totally agree!
Happy weekend everyone! :D Here's the next chapter for you guys! Enjoy!
ONE STEP FORWARD, FOUR STEPS BACK
A THOR/AVENGERS FANFICTION
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE: Thunder's Revenge
Elder-Loki was in pain, more pain than he had ever felt in his life. He could barely hear Thor asking what was wrong and was in too much pain to answer anyway. His nose began to bleed and just when he was about to pass out, it all ended. Elder-Loki began to gasp for air, finally free of the clutches of pain. His brain was functioning slowly, Thor's words sounding slow and sluggish for him.
"Wha-?" Elder-Loki slurred. Thor gripped elder-Loki's arms.
"Are you alright?" Thor asked. Elder-Loki nodded mutely, realization suddenly coursing through him. He had somehow picked up on Loki's pain.
"Thor," Elder-Loki began, wiping blood onto his hand, "Loki is in serious trouble. I just experienced his pain somehow." Thor's eyes widened.
"How? Did you find him?" Thor asked frantically. To Thor's dismay, elder-Loki shook his head.
"No, I didn't find him and I'm not sure how or why I felt Loki's pain. All I know is that they electrocuted him for a little over five minutes without stopping." Elder-Loki told him. Thor's eyes widened, then his brow furrowed in anger. How dare they do that to his little brother! It was simply barbaric.
"Is Loki alright? Who did this to him?" Thor demanded. Elder-Loki pinched his nose to stop some of the blood flow.
"Fury, I think. From what I got of it, he tried to get that Romanov to do it, but she refused. Fury had to do it all himself." Elder-Loki explained.
"He won't like it when I see him next," Thor growled.
"I agree," Elder-Loki said, his ears picking up on a sound from the other room. He turned his head and found Erik in the door way.
"Good news I hope Selvig?" Elder-Loki asked, Thor now turning to face Erik as well.
"I got him," Erik said, gesturing for the two men to follow. They did and Erik led them to a computer with a map on it.
"How did you find him?" Thor asked in amazement.
"About ten minutes ago, the lights flickered and my computer almost crashed. I managed to save it and when I did, I was able to pick up on a faint S.H.I.E.L.D. radio transmission. I tracked its source and found this little hole in the wall. It's pretty far, Thor." Erik said.
"It does not matter. I will go any distance to find Loki. Just tell me how to get there." Thor said.
"You aren't going alone, right?" Erik asked.
"Of course not. Bjarte shall be my light." Thor said, glancing over to elder-Loki. Elder-Loki grinned weakly and continued to mop blood off of his pale face.
"Let me get this ready for you," Erik said, now facing his computer, "You should tell Jane that you're leaving." Thor nodded and gestured for elder-Loki to follow. Thor and elder-Loki walked to the laboratory and entered, Jane not really concentrating. She hadn't gotten work done in days.
"Jane," Thor said. Jane looked up and gave a weak smile.
"Thor," Jane said, turning to face elder-Loki. Her eyes widened when she saw blood smeared across his face. "Bjarte! What happened to you?" Jane asked.
"I somehow experienced Loki's pain with him. I don't know how, but the boy is in grave danger." Elder-Loki explained.
"We've come to say we are leaving," Thor announced.
"What? Why?" Jane asked.
"Erik has found S.H.I.E.L.D.. We are leaving to find Loki and rescue him." Thor explained. Jane nodded in understanding and relief.
"What a relief. How did he find them?" she asked.
"A weak radio transmission. He picked up on it during the power surge ten minutes ago." Elder-Loki replied.
"Is there anything you need me to do?" Jane asked.
"Be prepared to take in refuges. Loki may not be the only victim." Thor told her. Elder-Loki nodded in agreement.
"Alright. I'll also take care of Moss while you're gone." Jane said, causing a small smile to form on Thor's lips. Thor walked over and kissed her.
"You are a fabulous woman, Jane," Thor said fondly.
"Thank you," Jane replied.
"We should prepare, Thor. The more time we spend here, the more danger Loki is in." Elder-Loki said. Thor nodded.
"Right. We'll pack necessities, get the way from Erik and be off within the hour." Thor said. They parted ways and elder-Loki stared out the window, his mind not focusing on his task ahead at all. All he could think of was Loki.
"Just hang on, little one," Elder-Loki murmured, picking up Loki's stuffed goat and stroking its ear, "We're on our way."
Loki awoke with a start. He looked around and saw that he was back inside his and Bruce's cell. He felt chilled and began to whimper slightly. Bruce wasn't in sight and Loki wondered where he was. Loki sat up and felt dizzy, blood whooshing in his ears.
"Don't sit up. You have a fever." Loki glanced over and made out Bruce in the dim light.
"Wha' time is it?" Loki asked tiredly. Bruce turned the sink on and wetted a piece of cloth. He walked over and put it on Loki's warm forehead.
"Not too late, but they shut our lights off. I don't know why. You were out for only four hours. It's only eight o'clock." Bruce replied.
"Why d' I have a fe'er?" Loki slurred.
"Your body is in shock. Fury kept you hooked up to the wires too long." Bruce explained softly.
"Wha' 'bout my hands?" Loki asked.
"I wrapped them, but if we stay here much longer, they'll get infected." Bruce told him.
"Where's Mr. Steve?" Loki questioned. Bruce sighed.
"You don't want to know," Bruce said softly. Loki whimpered again and Bruce shushed him.
"It's alright. You'll be alright." Bruce said. The man hadn't heard what Loki heard, though. Loki heard footsteps.
"M-Mr. Banner, someone's comin'." Loki whispered. Bruce turned quickly and growled.
"Banner," Fury hissed.
"No. Not again. We aren't going through this again." Bruce warned.
"I'm not here for him," Fury spat, "I'm here for you." Bruce scowled.
"No. I'm not leaving him alone." Bruce said, his temper flaring.
"Oh, yes you are," Fury said icily.
"NO!" Bruce bellowed, unable to contain it any longer. His clothes began to rip and Loki whimpered. The Hulk was coming. Once the transformation was complete, Hulk roared loudly, Fury just standing in front of the door.
"Big mistake, Banner," Fury hissed. Hulk merely roared again and scooped Loki up. Loki buried his face into Hulk's chest, knowing that Bruce was in control and wouldn't allow anyone or anything to hurt him.
"Sir!" Everyone's head turned as Clint came running down the hallway.
"What Barton?" Fury yelled angrily. This night was going further and further downhill.
"Intruders, top level. Agent Hill asked for you." Clint breathed, glancing back at Hulk and winking. Hulk blinked, but didn't attack Clint, though he was considering it.
"Shit! Clint, keep an eye on these two!" Fury called, running off.
"Ready to go?" Clint asked. Hulk's brow furrowed in confusion.
"What?" Hulk grunted.
"Trust me," Clint said. Hulk frowned, rage building in his chest.
"No," Hulk replied, holding Loki closer.
"Fine. One second," Clint said, darting away. Hulk was breathing heavily, Loki whimpering and shaking.
"It's alright, Mr. Banner," Loki whispered. Hulk looked down and grinned a toothy grin at the boy. Loki giggled weakly at the sight and waited for Clint to return. Footsteps were heard minutes later and Clint returned with a very shaken Pepper Potts. Loki looked over and gasped.
"Miss Potts?" Loki managed to say. Pepper smiled at him and waved.
"We don't have much time if we all want to get out of here alive," Clint said. Hulk weighed the options. If Clint was acting under Fury's orders, why would he bring Pepper? They had no reason to intimidate Pepper. Hulk decided to go with Clint and if he even for a split second seemed suspicious, Hulk would break him in two.
"Okay," Hulk grunted. Clint opened the cell and allowed Hulk to exit.
"The intruders aren't really on the top level. They're much farther inside than that." Clint explained offhandedly, glancing in all the cells for something.
"Wha' are you lookin' for?" Loki slurred.
"Stark. We have to get him out of here." Clint replied shortly. Pepper gasped.
"Oh God, Tony! Is he alright?" Pepper asked worriedly. Clint shrugged.
"Hard to say. I haven't seen him in days." Clint responded, a hand rising to his ear. Clint nodded and turned to the others.
"Rogers found him. We'll meet them shortly. We need to find Natasha." Clint said, quickening his pace.
"Mr. Barton, you mentioned intruders. A-are they a threat to us?" Pepper asked nervously. Clint chuckled weakly.
"Believe me. These guys are on our side." Clint said. Loki moaned and Pepper glanced over to him, a smile breaking out on her face.
"Hey buddy," she said softly. Loki looked up and smiled weakly at her.
"'Ello Miss Potts," Loki replied tiredly. Hulk looked around and gestured for Pepper to take Loki. She did and watched as Hulk slowly disappeared and Bruce Banner reappeared.
"I figured it was safe enough to do that….For now anyway." Bruce said. Pepper nodded.
"I hope Tony's okay," Pepper said to herself, Loki resting his head on her shoulder.
"Honestly, I don't think any of us are okay," Bruce whispered as Pepper stroked Loki's hair.
"I wonder who these intruders are," Pepper said.
"I have a hunch," Bruce replied, "I just hope I'm right." Pepper's brow furrowed, but she didn't speak again. She looked forward and saw how much distance was between them and Clint. She and Bruce made eye contact then hurried along behind him to catch up.
After some searching, Clint found Natasha (who was still in isolation from her act of "treason" earlier that day). He talked with Steve and ushered the others along. He knew Fury would catch on to his lie soon and they couldn't risk getting caught now. It would wreck everything. Loki meanwhile was slipping in and out of consciousness, responding every once in a while to someone's voice. Tony was incapable of walking due to untreated injuries and had to be helped by Steve and Bruce. It slowed everyone down, but Clint knew better than to order them to sped up. That would hurt their chances of survival. Finally, Clint led them all to the rendezvous point, everyone's eyes widening. Thor had finally come, but he had brought an unexpected person with him; Loki.
"What the hell?!" Clint exclaimed, "You said you were alone!"
"Did I?" Thor asked. Thor's voice snapped Loki out of his stupor and the boy was suddenly very alert.
"T-Thor?" Loki rasped. Thor and elder-Loki breathed a sigh of relief, Thor running over to Pepper and taking him from her arms.
"Loki…I'm so sorry," Thor murmured. Elder-Loki nodded, ignoring all the glares and stares of confusion directed toward him.
"As am I, little one. I could have done more to protect you." Elder-Loki whispered.
"B-Bjarte?" Loki asked softly. Bruce's eyes widened.
"This is Bjarte? But, how is that possible?" Bruce asked. "There can't be two Lokis, right?" Thor merely shrugged.
"I'm not sure how he exists, but he has been of much assistance to us. He was protecting Loki with his magic until it was physically impossible to do so which was when S.H.I.E.L.D. kidnapped him." Thor explained. Loki's eyes widened a little.
"You…you really did tha' Bjarte?" Loki asked. Elder-Loki nodded.
"Yes, I did," Elder-Loki replied. The boy's eyes instantly filled with tears. Thor pulled him in closer and looked to Clint.
"How much time do we have?" Thor asked. Clint merely stood stunned for a moment until Natasha nudged him.
"We'll get answers later, Clint. We have to get moving." Natasha said urgently, her eyes scanning the hallway. Clint nodded and his grip tightened on his bow.
"Right. Rogers, take the rear. Banner, I want you up with me. Let's move." Clint commanded. Steve nodded and went toward the back, Pepper taking his place with Tony. Bruce hesitated, but quickly moved to the front of the formation, Natasha taking his place. Tony gave the women looks of gratitude and wished he wasn't so injured. He really hoped he'd too play a part in this elaborate scheme.
Clint and Bruce led the others out of the S.H.I.E.L.D. compound at last, the cold air hitting all of them like a ton of bricks. Clint scanned the area and there was no sign of a guard or solider anywhere. His eyes narrowed and he glanced at Bruce. Bruce was still scanning the compound so he was of little help to Clint. Thor approached, Loki semiconscious in his arms.
"What is troubling you?" Thor asked.
"This seems too easy. There should be somebody up here. Fury has guards patrolling the perimeter all the time." Clint explained.
"So where did they go?" Bruce asked nervously. Clint was about to answer when a flood light suddenly began to shine on all of them. It took a while for their eyes to adjust and when they could see, the found themselves surrounded by soldiers, all of which were yielding guns. Thor's arms instantly folded tighter around Loki. He would not allow S.H.I.E.L.D. to harm his little brother again. Elder-Loki slowly inched closer to Thor, Clint grabbing a quiver. Bruce's breathing had become frantic and he was trying to keep a lid on it.
"Brother," elder-Loki whispered frantically, "we didn't plan for this. What do we do know?"
"We wait. We cannot risk charging them, Bjarte. They might shoot and there's no guarantee that they wouldn't hit Loki." Thor said.
"Very true," elder-Loki replied. Footsteps were heard and all eyes turned to the source of the sound.
"You all are in hot water now," Fury called, finally standing in the light. Bruce growled and began to move, but elder-Loki held him back.
"You'll get your chance," elder-Loki said, "but I believe Thor has something to say." Bruce glanced up and saw Thor standing in front of him.
"Take Loki. If they open fire on me, take him and run. Elder-Loki will lead you to Jane Foster's laboratory. You'll be safe there. Just keep Loki safe until I can get there. If I don't make it…well, just take care of Loki." Thor said, handing Loki to Bruce. Bruce took him, but his eyes were pleading.
"Thor, don't talk like that. You'll make it. I love him, but there's no way I could raise him." Bruce said frantically. Thor placed a hand on Bruce's shoulder.
"Dear friend, I never said to raise him. Jane would do that. I just want you to look after him." Thor clarified.
"Like a godfather?" Bruce asked. Thor's brow furrowed in confusion and as he was about to ask, elder-Loki pushed him.
"You can ask later! Just go! I'll protect them!" elder-Loki yelled. Thor nodded and slowly approached Fury, rage beginning to build.
"How dare you!" Thor bellowed when he was ten feet from Fury. "He's a five-year-old boy! Not a criminal! How dare you take him from me, beat him and torture him! You're a grotesque man, Fury! I cannot believe I ever trusted you!" Fury merely smirked.
"I can't believe I trusted you. You brought Loki to earth before Odin said it was okay to do so." Fury retorted. Thor's face burned in anger.
"I only did it because I had to. Loki would have died if left on Asgard any longer. I meant no malice in bringing the boy here!" Thor yelled.
"No malice, huh? Then explain him." Fury gestured to elder-Loki. All eyes were on Thor now.
"I am not responsible for him. I have no idea why he exists or why there are two Lokis. I didn't even know he existed before this morning." Thor replied tightening his grip on Mjölnir. He was itching for a fight. He wanted to punish the man who had caused Loki more pain. Thor just had to wait for the right opportunity. He didn't want a blood bath.
"Fine. We'll let him slide for now. We are taking all of you in, Loki included. Now come quietly or face the consequences." Before Thor could comply, a chortle was heard from behind him. Thor glanced back and saw Tony look up, a smirk on his battered face.
"Do you know who you're challenging, Fury?" Tony asked, meeting Thor's eyes and giving him a wink. Thor's eyes widened and understood. Tony was stalling for time and Thor was grateful. Now all he had to do was wait.
"Excuse me?" Fury replied angrily. Tony painfully squirmed from the grasp of Pepper and Natasha, barely managing to stand on his own.
"Do you really think you have a chance? We've held our own against Loki's army of Chitari. Compared to those guys, your little brigade doesn't stand a chance in Hell." Tony explained.
"You're in no position to make outrageous claims, Stark. You held your own when all of you were well. Now look at you. You're pathetic, weak. You don't stand a chance." Fury retorted. Tony smirked.
"Let's test that theory, shall we?" Tony said. Fury's eye narrowed.
"Do you really want to threaten me Stark?" Fury called angrily. Tony held up his hands.
"Oh, I don't," Tony began, "but he does." At that moment, Thor let out a howl and hit the ground with Mjölnir. Rumbles erupted from the point of impact and shockwaves came at Fury at incredible speed. Fury lost his balance and fell over, Thor glancing back at Tony.
"Nice hit Shakespeare," Tony mused. Fury rose slowly, his chest heaving.
"Big mistake," Fury hissed. He waved his hand and the soldiers all rose their guns and pointed them at Thor. Elder-Loki grimaced and looked to Bruce.
"Be prepared to run," elder-Loki said, tensing his muscles.
"Wha' 'bout Thor?" Loki slurred.
"Don't worry," Bruce told him, "he'll be fine." Loki looked at elder-Loki with anxious eyes.
"Can you keep Thor safe Bjarte?" Loki asked. Elder-Loki nodded.
"Of course little one," elder-Loki replied. Meanwhile, Thor was scanning the men, attempting to count how many there were. If Fury wanted a fight, he would give one to him. He had to take revenge for Loki since he couldn't do it himself. Clint had his bow loaded and he was waiting too. He may not like Loki, but S.H.I.E.L.D. had gone too far this time. He had to stand up for what he felt was right, not what S.H.I.E.L.D. wanted to spoon-feed him. Everyone else was preparing for the fight ahead; all except Bruce and elder-Loki. They were waiting to run when it started. Loki was moaning in Bruce's arms, his head pounding.
"Open fire," Fury called. At once the compound erupted with gunshots and the dim light given off by gunfire. Thor sprinted to Steve who was finding cover for them all to take shelter in. Steve found an overturned box and directed everyone to it. Bruce and elder-Loki were the only two who didn't follow. Instead, the two began to head toward the exit.
"What of Bruce and Loki? Won't the soldiers go after them?" Thor yelled over the gunshots.
"I think they can take care of themselves," Steve called back, ducking as a stray bullet raced passed his head. Thor frowned, but said nothing back. He only peered around the box to locate Bruce and elder-Loki. He anxiously watched as soldiers did turn to fire at them. Thor's heart rate increased as he watched, sweat dripping from his brow.
"We have to do something!" Thor cried as he watched, "They might hit Loki!" Clint moaned.
"What would you have us do?" Clint called, releasing an arrow.
"Protect my brother! Please Barton!" Thor begged. Clint glanced over and sighed.
"Fine. We'll do what we can." Clint answered, standing. Everyone followed his lead and began to head toward the soldiers.
"Wait!" Everyone stopped, turning toward Tony. Thor's face burned in anger.
"What Stark?!" Thor bellowed. Tony wearily gestured forward and Thor looked, his eyes widening. The Hulk was currently keeping Loki safe with one hand and bulldozing through soldiers with the other. Elder-Loki was using magic to protect the Hulk, bullets bouncing off an invisible shield.
"I think they'll make it," Tony said.
"We should go too now that Fury's cronies are distracted," Natasha commented. Thor nodded.
"Aye, I agree. Let's move." Thor replied. Fury noticed their exodus and glared.
"Don't forget the traitors! Get them too!" Fury yelled, a few stray soldiers obeying his command. They were easily dealt with, Pepper screaming in surprise when Steve's shield knocked out three in the same throw. Fury was furious, calling for more and more back up but it never came. In between the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers, no soldier was left standing. Eventually, Fury chased after them in an attempt to at least keep someone under his thumb. Clint saw this of course (he sees everything) and nudged Thor. Clint shot an arrow at Fury, it hitting him in the knee. Thor then summoned lightening and it hit Fury square in the chest. Fury fell backward and they kept moving, Pepper glancing back at him.
"Is…is he dead?" Pepper asked. Thor shook his head.
"No, just knocked out. We need a plane, Barton." Thor said. He couldn't possibly carry all of them to Jane's.
"Way ahead of you," Clint replied. Elder-Loki managed to calm the Hulk down enough for him to become Bruce again and led the man over to the rest of the group. Natasha and Clint glared at elder-Loki, but said nothing. Clint led them to a plane big enough to hold them all. As the door opened, Thor took Loki from Bruce and held the boy close.
"Are you okay?" Loki said, his voice hoarse. Thor smiled and kissed the boy's head.
"Yes. Are you?" Thor asked. Loki nodded.
"Yeah. 'M fine." Loki replied with a yawn.
"Go to sleep, Loki. I'll keep you safe." Thor said gently. Loki yawned again and shut his eyes. Everyone boarded the plane and Clint entered in the coordinates for Jane Foster's laboratory.
"We'll ditch the plane in the desert and walk the rest of the way. Is Jane prepared for all of us?" Clint said. Thor nodded.
"Yes. I informed her that her home needed to be ready to take refuges." Thor told him. Clint nodded and the plane roared to life. Clint then took off and nobody looked back at the S.H.I.E.L.D. compound as it disappeared behind them.