Disclaimer: I own nothing and no one
Hah! Have actually met personal deadline
That is a rare thing which is why I don't usually indicate an exact date
Part Eight
The next few weeks were fairly calm, all things considered. A deal was hammered out, paperwork signed and filed, once it had been copied in triplicate of course. Agents were sent out to various locations, collecting odds and ends from Loki's multiple lairs; things he had been planning to use in future schemes that had been forgotten once he discovered his delicate condition.
Basically the god had agreed to consult and use his powers for S.H.I.E.L.D. for the next twenty-five years in return for sanctuary for himself and his youngest daughter, long enough for the babe to reach an age where she could defend herself. Jotunheim was a harsh land; dangerous to any child, even those born to it. Because of this, although its inhabitants were long lived, the Jotun reached physical maturity, or something close to it, quickly. Of course, it was also possible Ariana could take after her mortal father in that respect, though Loki doubted it. Either way, twenty-five years was enough.
For the time being, the sorcerer refused to go into the field, unwilling to leave Ariana alone that long. However, that might change as she grew older. Fury hadn't argued about that point too much. S.H.I.E.L.D. did have other agents, and he was certain the other would come around, due to boredom if nothing else.
Personal belongings had been brought back along with ahem, more destructive devices, and Loki had been given his own suite on the Helicarrier. Something that was just fine with the god at the moment as he had no desire to stray far from the government organization's rather impressive collection of exotic weaponry. Later though, he hoped to convince Fury to allow him to acquire a place of his own, even if one or two agents stayed nearby.
And speaking of said agents, they were still understandably wary of him. Not so with Ariana though, his daughter had been a big hit. S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't in the habit of employing wimps. It would take a hell of a lot more than blue skin and red eyes to scare them off.
"Come on baby girl," one middle eastern looking man dressed from head to toe in black said, holding out his hands to the child. "That's it, come to Uncle Hassen."
His partner jabbed his ribs playfully, the wind from the helicarrier's open balcony, complete with safety railing, ruffling his hair. "Hey!" he objected. "How come you get to be the Uncle?" He blew Ariana a raspberry, causing her to smile as she wobbily got to her feet, shakily taking a step forward and causing the agents' eyes to widen.
"Somebody get a camera quick, Ariana's walking!" Nobody was quite sure who said it, but flashes from at least four iphones all went off at the same time. The little girl blinking a bit before her hands came up to rub her eyes.
Through all of this, Loki just smiled. At first, he had watched his daughter like a hawk, never more than a couple feet from her side. But as the days went on, he had slowly relaxed, beginning to trust in the mortals' intentions.
Looking up, the expression froze on his face before disappearing entirely, Loki striding across the deck to swoop his daughter into his arms. Green eyes filled with fear. For a moment, none of the agents knew what was wrong, but that didn't last long, mortal eyes finding what he had already seen. Thor was coming.
The god of thunder landing on the deck, only to find every single weapon present pointed directly at him, not that he seemed concerned.
"That is far enough Thor," Fury ordered, exiting the elevator and moving to stand between the two gods. A dangerous position to be sure but one didn't become the director of an organization like S.H.I.E.L.D without having balls.
Blue eyes narrowed, unerringly finding Loki while dismissing the mortals entirely. "What foul enchantment have you cast brother to make them act so?" Thor demanded shifting into a more combat ready stance.
"Nothing."
"Do not lie to me Loki."
Now the younger Odinson's lips thinned, moving Ariana so she was shielded with his own body. "Is it truly so shocking Thor, that they would choose to stand with me of their own free will."
The blond considered that a moment before dismissing it. En-spelled or not, it truly didn't matter. They were after all, only mortals and unaware of the destruction contained in that small form. Surly they would come to understand, but first. "Surrender the child brother, by order of the Allfather."
Loki snarled, silently preparing one of his best defensive shields. "Never."
His brother just sighed, looking weary. "So be it, then I have no choice but to take it by force." He raised his gaze upward. "Heimdall," he ordered. "Open the Bifrost."
Eye of the Beholder
I feel super bad about posting a cliffy on Christmas Eve
But seriously, there was no way not to end this chapter like that
Which is why I intend to post the next chapter on New Years
There will be an epic fight. With an unexpected arrival throwing in on Loki's side.
See if you can guess who?