wee-story-writer: I'm glad you've been enjoying it!

Ynath Esrith: I'll address Jane first. I guess the thinking here is that SHIELD (for whatever reason) doesn't realize that Thor will go straight to Jane. Maybe its because of all the people that are with him or what have you. That's up for you to decide I guess. Also I often don't think of these things when writing, haha. Now for Fury. I agree that he deserves what he got and much, much more. But there is a reason behind why he didn't die. The main reason is because often times in life the people who hurt us don't ever get punished for it. Loki will have to live with this the rest of his life and he can either be bitter that Fury didn't die for what he did or do the harder but arguably more honorable thing and forgive him and move on. Hope that clears that up:)

LiuanTobit: I liked that too. Clint seemed to realize the costs and what was at stake. I actually really like Clint's character so he needed a chance to redeem himself after being such a jerk.

sakiko of soleana: I totally agree.

talk-ape: I'm sorry you feel that way. I feel like you're missing the point of the story, though. The story does not revolve around the torture, but rather the journey to escape the wrongs and hurts of the past. Loki has a new chance and though it has been painful he is moving on and that's what the story is about. I'm sorry you didn't see that.

AquaDragon78: Amen!

ONE STEP FORWARD, FOUR STEPS BACK

A THOR/AVENGERS FANFICTION

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR: Recovery

Askr glanced nervously at Heimdall as the scene unfolded bellow them. Askr could almost feel Thor's rage and how much self-control he exercised. Thor wanted so badly to kill Fury for what he had done, but knew better. Though Askr kind of wished Thor would have killed him. If he had, part of this mess would be over already. Thor didn't know what sort of dark secrets surrounded him and the boy. Odin had S.H.I.E.L.D. in his pocket and was about to collect Loki when Thor came to break him out. Askr was wondering if he should even tell Odin what had occurred, but also knew better than to keep it a secret.

"What will you do?" Heimdall asked.

"I shall tell the All-Father the truth," Askr replied softly.

"And what if he orders you to Midgard to capture the boy? Will you do what he commands?" Heimdall questioned.

"I…I guess I would attempt make him see reason. Loki isn't one who deserves mistreatment. Odin knows that he has done no wrong on Midgard." Askr said.

"But the All-Father also is ignorant of the elder one," Heimdall pointed out. Askr sighed.

"Should we inform him of the elder-Loki?" Askr asked.

"That is up to you, young Askr," Heimdall replied, his gaze returning to the skies.

"We shall see," Askr said. He then left and headed toward the palace.

Askr was finally granted audience with Odin and he entered the audience chamber. Askr bowed and Odin commanded him to rise. They locked eyes for a brief moment before Odin closed his.

"What is the progress with Fury and Loki?" Odin asked.

"There has been a problem, All-Father," Askr began. Odin stiffened in his chair.

"What would that be?" Odin demanded.

"Thor broke into the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility and rescued Loki. Fury no longer has the boy." Askr explained.

"You were supposed to collect him today! Why didn't you?" Odin bellowed.

"Loki was being tortured during the collection period. I didn't want to intrude and alert Loki to your hand in all of this." Askr hastily explained. A strange look came over Odin's face, one that Askr thought looked like surprise. Did Odin not know what was going on in S.H.I.E.L.D.? Askr shook his head; impossible! Of course Odin knew! How could he not? Before Askr could ponder the strange look any father, it was gone.

"Find him! Bring him to me! Thor as well! They both will be punished inside Fjørlag-Bryggja for this treachery!" Odin ordered.

"All-Father, if I may, I feel that Thor did the right thing," Askr said.

"What!" Odin yelled, "Explain yourself!" Askr took a deep breath.

"They boy isn't a threat sire. He's committed no crime, done no wrong. What is the point of this mad chase? Capturing and torturing the boy isn't solving anything. At this rate, Loki will die before your version of justice is ever served." Askr explained calmly. Odin's face twisted in rage. He stood from his throne and grabbed his scepter.

"So, are you refusing to do as I command?" Odin asked.

"I am," Askr replied, "I refuse to hunt them any farther."

"Fine," Odin said softly, "Then you are of no further use to me." Odin raised his scepter and by the time Askr figured out what was going on, it was too late. Odin stabbed Askr through the heart and the young man fell to the floor, gasping for breath. Askr looked up at him and found no glint of mercy in Odin's eye. Then he was dead. Odin watched as Askr's now dead body emptied of blood and other fluids.

"O-Odin…" Odin turned and found Frigga in the doorway, staring at Askr's dead body.

"Wife he was insubordinate. I had to be rid of him." Odin explained to her. Frigga shook her pale head.

"All this death for one little boy? Odin, Askr was right! What has Loki done? Look away from the past and see the present! Our sons are in danger and you do not care for them! I just want my boys back!" Frigga yelled with a sob.

"You do not understand! It's not just the boy! It's the treason that he and Thor committed!" Odin said heatedly. Frigga shook her head.

"You are the one that doesn't understand! Those are our sons! That man you struck a deal with…I don't trust him Odin! I have no idea what he did to him…" Frigga trailed off sadly.

"Do you not see? I do this so that Loki will never repeat his crimes!" Odin argued.

"And if you keep doing this, Loki will surly repeat his crimes! All you teach him is fear, and all fear leads to is hate. Surly you know this!" Frigga yelled back. Odin sighed.

"Be gone, woman. I have a mess to clean up." Odin said. Frigga scowled in disgust at her husband, and took another look at Askr's body.

"Will you give him a service?" Frigga asked softly.

"No," Odin said. Frigga took one last glance at Askr's body and left, leaving Odin and the dead friend of Thor alone.

Loki woke with a start and looked around the room frantically. His breathing decreased when he realized he was in his room inside Jane's laboratory. Loki pulled the covers back and saw that he was dressed in his footie-fish pajamas. Loki glanced over and saw Thor snoring beside him. Loki's lip trembled and tears leaked from his eyes. He was home. That rescue wasn't all just a dream. Loki cuddled into Thor's side and his little body convulsed. Loki sobbed silently into Thor's side, Thor not waking. The boy realized that Thor was probably tired from last night and didn't want to wake him. Thor's silent comfort was good enough for Loki.

Once Loki had calmed, he decided to get out of bed and see Jane. He had missed her so badly. Loki slipped out of bed and picked out his own clothes. He padded over to the bathroom, changed (remembering to throw his soiled night wear away) and hurried out.

"Miss Foster?" Loki called out. The main room was filled with people, Pepper glancing over.

"Loki," Pepper gasped. Loki smiled weakly, but continued his search.

"Is Miss Foster in her lab?" Loki asked. Pepper nodded.

"Yes…" Pepper replied, obviously confused. Loki scurried to the lab and swung the door open.

"Miss Foster?" Loki called frantically. Jane looked over and her face melted.

"Loki! You're finally awake!" Jane said, choking up. Loki cocked his head to the side.

"Wha' d' you mean?" Loki asked. Jane walked over and scooped Loki up.

"Loki, you've been asleep three days," Jane told him, Loki pulling away.

"Wha'?" Loki whispered.

"Everyone, even your Bjarte, has been taking turns taking care of you. You got really sick, bud. You would wake up for minutes at a time to eat a little, but you wouldn't stay that way long. I sat with you for a while yesterday, changed your bandages twice. When you woke up for me, you gave me a little smile that just broke my heart, puked, then went back to sleep. Bruce was pumping you with anti-biotics and I guess it all paid off. You haven't thrown up since yesterday." Jane explained. Loki stared blankly at her for a moment, shocked that he had slept that long. He glanced down at his hands and saw dull red oozing from the holes in his hands.

"Are my hands gonna be okay?" Loki asked. Jane grimaced.

"Eventually, yeah. Bruce had to stitch them while you were asleep. They won't scar if we take good care of them." Jane told him. Loki sniffed a little.

"Y-you promised tha' n-nothin' bad w-would happen t' m-me," Loki whispered. Jane held him closer.

"I know I did. I'm sorry. I didn't think anything like that would happen. Loki, I swear that no one will hurt you again." Jane said. Loki extended his small pinkie finger.

"Pinkie promise?" Loki asked. Jane gave him a small smile and wrapped her pinkie around his.

"Pinkie promise," Jane said. Loki giggled and began to pet Jane's hair. "Are you hungry?" Loki nodded.

"Can we have Poptarts?" Loki asked. Jane laughed.

"Of course we can," she said. Jane carried Loki to the main room and tried to set him down at the table in the kitchenette. Loki refused to let go of her, so Jane gestured for Bruce to step in and take the boy.

"No," Loki whined as she handed him to Bruce.

"Come on. If you're hungry you need to sit with me." Bruce said gently. Loki laid his head on Bruce's shoulder and glanced up. Elder-Loki wasn't anywhere and Loki wanted to see him. Elder-Loki brought the boy comfort that he couldn't explain.

"Where's Bjarte?" Loki asked.

"Asleep," Bruce replied. Loki's brow furrowed.

"Sleepin'? Bjarte never sleeped b'fore." Loki said.

"All he's done is sleep since we got back," Bruce told him, sitting on a sofa. Loki shifted slightly in his lap.

"Is he sick too?" Loki asked. Bruce shook his head.

"I don't think so. I think he's just tired." Bruce answered.

"Thor too?" Loki asked. Bruce smiled.

"Thor too. He never left your side, Loki. All three days, Thor was with you." Bruce told him. Loki grabbed a clump of Bruce's hair.

"An' you?" Loki asked.

"I sat with you too. I was really worried about you." Bruce replied softly. Loki gripped the hair tighter.

"It's really over," Loki whispered.

"Yes, Loki. It's over." Bruce said softly, burying his face in Loki's hair. They sat that way for a while, Jane not wishing to disturb them. Loki was trying to convince himself that this was real, that it wasn't all a dream. Yet he couldn't. Loki couldn't find it in himself to believe that he was safe, or to believe that Jane meant what she told him. He had heard it all before and had been let down by the same people who had promised to protect him. Loki wasn't sure if he trusted anyone.

Breakfast got eaten and Thor was finally awake. He was pleased to see that Loki was awake, but saw how depressed and detached the boy was. Thor couldn't get the boy to talk about it in the slightest. But despite his obvious distress, Loki was clingy to Thor. Loki refused to let Thor out of his sight, Thor having to force him at times. Thor was very worried about his little brother, unable to reach him. No one could. Loki refused to speak with anyone. The boy refused to even look anyone in the face, in the eyes. Loki didn't even seem to fear Clint anymore. He didn't appear to feel anything. After some time, Thor took Loki to their room and shut the door. He sat down and hauled the boy on his lap. Loki silently laid his head on Thor's shoulder and shut his eyes, a sigh leaving his lips.

"Loki, we need to talk," Thor said softly.

"Do we have to?" Loki asked in a whisper, peeling his eyes open. Thor nodded.

"Yes, we do. I'm worried about you. Do you not feel well?" Thor asked. Loki shrugged.

"My head kinda h'rts, Thor," Loki replied. Thor sighed sadly.

"But that's not why you're upset, is it?" Thor asked. Loki's lip trembled and shook his head.

"No," Loki said, his small voice breaking. Tears began to fall.

"What's wrong?" Thor asked.

"You…You broke your promise, Thor! Y-you s-s-said tha' n-nobody w-would h'rt m-me a-again! B-but they d-did, Thor! L-look a-at m-my hands T-Thor! Look a-at w-wha they d-did t' me! I t-trusted you! W-why did you lie to me? E-e'eryone s-says I-I lie a-all t-the time, b-but it's g-grown-ups tha' lie! Why?" Loki sobbed, tears flowing freely down his face. Thor was suddenly very guilty; Loki was right. All the adults that promised to keep him safe had failed. They hadn't lied to him per say, but they hadn't kept their promises to him and to Loki that felt like lies. It really wasn't fair, and Thor wasn't sure how to explain it to his five-year-old brother.

"Loki, you need to listen to me," Thor said softly. Loki merely choked out another sob and continued to cry uncontrollably. Unsure of what to do, Thor found himself singing.

"Come stop your crying, it'll be alright," Thor sang, Loki's eyes glancing up to meet his. Loki sniffed and Thor continued, "Just take my hand, hold it tight." Loki looked at the hand Thor was offering and took it, holding it tightly in his own small one. Thor smiled at him.

"I will protect you from all around you. I will be here, don't you cry." As Thor sang, Loki did indeed calm down, surrendering to Thor's embrace.

"'M s'rry for yellin'," Loki whispered.

"It's alright. With all you've been through, you needed to let that out little one." Thor told him.

"So why? Why did you lie t' me Thor? I thought you loved me." Loki asked pitifully. Thor choked and fought the tears back.

"Oh Loki, I do love you. I never lied to you, little one. I made a promise. I thought that I could keep it, but I couldn't. I understand why it seems like lying but I assure you; I wasn't lying to you. I have no reason to lie to you, Loki. I never wanted this to happen. I thought I could keep you safe, but S.H.I.E.L.D. outsmarted me. I am so sorry." Thor explained. Loki snuggled into Thor so that his face was hidden.

"You mean it?" Loki asked, his voice muffled by Thor's shirt. Thor ran fingers through Loki's hair.

"Yes, Loki. Nothing like this will ever happen again." Thor said. Loki rubbed his face on Thor's shirt, snot smearing across it. Thor grimaced.

"Oh gross Loki," Thor commented. Loki stopped and stared up at Thor, a smile parting his lips.

"S'rry," Loki said sheepishly. Thor stood up and took Loki to the bathroom. There he wet a washcloth and wiped Loki's face. Loki allowed him of course, not caring if he could do it himself or not. Today, he'd allow Thor to do anything for him that Thor wanted. So long as they were together, Loki didn't mind the babying.

Lunch was served shortly afterward, everyone cramming around the table in the kitchenette. Loki was quieter than usual, but no one pressed the issue. They knew he was still shocked by what had happened. Loki watched as the table filled and people began to eat, but saw that elder-Loki wasn't there. The boy ate quickly and excused himself saying he wanted to take a nap. Loki darted down the hallway and peeked in each door looking for elder-Loki. He finally found him, elder-Loki snoring lightly. Loki giggled and dashed forward, landing on the bed with a thump. Elder-Loki sat up sleepily and glanced around, their eyes locking. Loki gave elder-Loki a smile and elder-Loki smiled back.

"Wake up sleepy head!" Loki told him, bouncing on the bed.

"When did you wake up? What time is it now?" Elder-Loki questioned, stifling a yawn.

"I woke up t'day b'fore breakfast and it's after lunch now," Loki answered.

"That long?" elder-Loki breathed. Loki shrugged.

"I guess. When'd you go t' bed Bjarte?" Loki asked.

"Nine, maybe. I've been exhausted lately." elder-Loki replied.

"You sure you aren' sick?" Loki asked worriedly.

"No, little one. I'm not sick. I feel great now, actually." elder-Loki said. Loki's brow furrowed.

"Why d' you sleep? You ne'er sleeped b'fore, Bjarte." Loki wondered.

"I'm not sure. It's very peculiar. I suppose I just really needed it after using so much magic." elder-Loki speculated.

"'Kay," Loki said, cuddling into elder-Loki who immediately backed off.

"What are you doing?" elder-Loki asked in surprise.

"Cuddlin'," Loki replied. Elder-Loki awkwardly put a hand around Loki.

"Alright," he said. Loki sighed contently.

"'M glad we're friends," Loki said.

"As am I," elder-Loki said. Loki yawned loudly. Elder-Loki's brow furrowed.

"You're tired?" elder-Loki asked. Loki nodded.

"Uh-huh," Loki replied with a yawn.

"Odd," elder-Loki commented. Loki's breathing had become soft and quiet.

"Don't fall asleep on me, brat!" elder-Loki cried. But Loki didn't stir. "Loki?" Elder-Loki shook the boy and the boy merely moaned.

"How very odd indeed."

Elder-Loki carried the boy to his room and put him in bed, Loki's arms instantly wrapping around his stuffed goat. Elder-Loki was very concerned. Why had the boy passed out so suddenly like that? Was it shock or something else? Elder-Loki was worried that there was something going on other than what was happening on the surface. He knew that S.H.I.E.L.D. was operating under someone's orders, but he wasn't sure who could be running the show. Was it possible that Loki was injected with something? Was he poisoned? It was possible, but unlikely. No, this had nothing to do with S.H.I.E.L.D. at all. Bruce would have known if some unknown substance was in Loki's body. Elder-Loki shook his head. He really had no clue what was happening, but knew he had to tell Thor. So he did and Thor was just as confused. Elder-Loki yawned loudly, suddenly very tired. Thor's brow furrowed in confusion as Elder-Loki's eyes had forming bags beneath them.

"Are you alright?" Thor asked. Elder-Loki shook his head.

"None of this makes sense, Thor. As I sleep and gain strength, the boy gets weaker and as he gets stronger, I get weaker. This is connected somehow." Elder-Loki said wearily.

"Has this happened before?" Thor questioned.

"No. I never needed sleep until now. But brother, when he was near death, I was at my strongest. Are we leeches to each other? Is it possible that we feed off the other's strength and health unintentionally?" Elder-Loki wondered. Thor put a hand on elder-Loki's shoulder.

"Worry not, brother. I'm sure it's just a coincidence. You both are tired from our battle. That is all." Thor said.

"And if it's not?" Elder-Loki asked miserably.

"Then we'll figure it out," Thor replied with a smile. Elder-Loki chuckled and smiled back at him. Though in his heart, elder-Loki knew Thor was wrong. This wasn't mere coincidence. There was something odd going on and it worried him greatly. What did this mean for him? For Loki? He had said that he was strongest when Loki was weakest. What was going on? Elder-Loki shook his tired head and stood. He had to figure this out. Loki's life may be on the line and he wasn't about to risk that again.

The rest of the night found elder-Loki researching but finding no answers to his worries. He and Loki were both awake and he made Thor swear not to tell the boy anything. He didn't want to frighten him. If Thor was right (which elder-Loki already knew he wasn't) then there was no point in telling Loki. It would only scare him and Loki didn't need to feel anymore fear than he already felt. Much to elder-Loki's dismay, nothing brought comfort. Both he and Loki ate normally and the feelings of fatigue disappeared. Elder-Loki skipped dessert to think and Loki ate some sugary thing, causing a drop in energy for elder-Loki. He truly didn't understand why this was happening. When Loki was put to bed, elder-Loki decided to stay up. He wanted to see what would happen if Loki slept and he didn't. He was shocked to find that his body was aching like an old man's within the first two hours and his eyes were drooping. As he fought to stay awake, a spell from some unknown place as cast upon him and he fell into a deep sleep, unable to fight any longer.

Sorry this took a little longer than usual. I've been really, really busy lately. Thanks for all the reviews and feedback I've received. You guys are amazing! I really do hope you all are enjoying the story:)