I've been pretty busy lately, so don't squish me if I don't update on an every-other-daily basis! I'm trying. Three stories at once is no easy task, though I'm loving every minute of it! This one is my favorite to write, I think, considering Loki is kinda in the spotlight. The last chapter kept me on the edge of my seat even though it was I who was writing it! Just so you guys know, I didn't explicitly state that Loki is joining the Avengers. ;) Stay on the edge of your seats, because it hasn't become official yet. So here's the next chapter. Hope everyone reads, likes it, and REVIEWS!

Ayy of AWESOMENESS: I will never get annoyed by Loki's name. It is as awesome as he is! And I can't remember who AaylaKit's is. I remember yours, but I can't remember hers.

laureas: I haven't actually determined which part of the Clone Wars this is from. I'll leave that up to the readers to decide because I haven't seen the entire series yet. It's on my to-do list after updating fanfics. And yeah, I know right! Thor has expressed that he will always love his brother, even after what he did. So I decided to incorporate that a bit, mixed in with Loki's redemption.

Pergjithshme: THAT MADE ME HAPPY! :D Hey, that's just the kind of reaction I like. It makes me feel successful. I was so impatient about getting the latest chapter up because I was so excited for Loki's redemption. Now it builds from here. AND YOU JOINED FANFICTION! I just got an email that you added me to your favorite authors list and I was like OMG PERGJITHSHME GOT AN ACCOUNT!

AaylaKit: Actually, it's Tony Stark's frying pan. The droid stole it from the kitchen. I should have clarified. So Ayy basically said that you want your weakness in the next chapter, though I do not remember what it is. What is it again? I won't use it against you. ;)

Ptroxsora: Out of pure curiosity, what video game was it?

Loki didn't quite comprehend what Thor was getting at. "Are you suggesting that I join your team?" he asked. He didn't believe for one second that the rest of the Avengers would approve. "How do you even know I am telling the truth? I am known for—"

"Lies, yes," Thor said. "The proof is in your face, Loki. You wouldn't go this far for a simple joke or trick. You're truly injured and obviously shaken. The way you begged me to listen to you…" He shook his head. "If you are lying, then you are doing a far better job of it than even you are capable of." He gazed into his brother's intense green eyes. "I think this might be the moment I've been hoping for. I never thought that bringing you here would do much good, but I had to try. If everything truly happened as you said, then you have earned my trust at least."

Loki nodded weakly. "It did, Thor. I swear it."

"I believe you. The issue at hand is getting them to believe you."

"That won't be too hard," Natasha said, stepping out of the room. "Tony told us everything that he witnessed last night."

"Dooku was indeed here," Banner added. "Stark didn't see him call the army, but he saw the droid attacking Loki. He even saw Dooku with his own eyes. He confirmed what you said about the lightning coming out of his hands." He shivered at the thought.

Tony joined them, leaning on Steve for support. "They overrode JARVIS," he said faintly. "I didn't know that was even possible."

"Yes, the great Tony Stark finally failed at something," Natasha said. "You sound awfully surprised."

"That is because he has an ego the size of this building," Barton pointed out.

"Hey, now," Tony objected. "Don't insult the injured. Loki and I went through a lot last night. Show some consideration for me at least. I could care less what you do to the villain here. I'm just saying, though, that what Loki told you was true. He fought pretty well for someone who was restrained."

"Do you think Loki could help us?" Banner wondered.

Thor turned to Loki. "Would you be willing to help us, brother?" he asked.

Loki looked from one Avenger to another, taking in their reactions. Natasha looked skeptical, while Tony seemed indifferent. Banner was downright uncomfortable, as he always was. He made sure to stay slightly distanced from the group. Uncertainty clouded his features. Barton's expression said that it was non-negotiable with him; he would not put up with having the guy that controlled him as part of the team. Steve was unsure what to think. He almost always had a plan, but wasn't much of a help with this type of thing. It was Thor's expression that compelled Loki's response, however. Hopeful. Encouraging.

"Yes," he said at last. "I will help you."

"No. No, no, and no. I will not have it." Fury shook his head, his face indicating that this was not up for debate. They were standing in Tony's living room, discussing Loki's fate. "It was a stretch permitting you to bring him here in the first place, Thor, but this is entirely different. To even imply that this criminal joins the Avengers Initiative is asking for disaster."

"Might I remind you that my brother fought for us," Thor said firmly. "He faced Count Dooku alone and tried to stop him from calling his army."

"If he had been successful, I might have considered granting him amnesty," Fury said. "But he was not successful, nor is there any proof to indicate that everything went as he said."

"But if he had been successful, then we would have no need of his assistance," Tony pointed out.

"Whose side are you on?" Natasha demanded.

Tony shrugged. "I'm just saying." He wouldn't admit it, but he and Loki did kind of have a connection last night. The god of mischief had known exactly what facial expressions to make in response to Tony's witty remarks to Count Dooku. Loki had expressed submission and seemed to admit that the Avengers were a team that was not to be messed with. When Tony said to go along with it, Loki had indeed gone along with it.

"I don't care," Fury said stubbornly. "Loki is a war criminal that should be answering for his crimes rather than standing here, asking to become one of us."

"Loki himself is not asking," Thor argued. "It is I who is asking you, as Prince of Asgard and member of the Avengers team. Loki agreed to help us and, like it or not, we are in need of his abilities if we are to take on our new enemy."

"He used his abilities to control me!" Barton reminded them. "If you want my vote, I say we lock this monster up and never let him see the light of day again."

Natasha nodded. "He is evil," she said. "Didn't you hear what he threatened to do to Agent Barton after he was finished with the war? He stood there, in that cage of his, and talked about giving Clint a slow, painful death. Do any of you think that he wouldn't do that to any of us if he was given the chance?"

"I will agree that the other guy doesn't particularly like Loki much," Banner said. "I did not like the way he manipulated my emotions."

"But if he wanted to hurt us, he probably would have by now," Steve said uncertainly. "You realize that he hasn't got anything binding him at the moment. The only thing that holds him in place is Thor's grip on his arm."

Tony nodded. "He has a point." Tony tended to be very agreeable when it came to the Captain. They understood each other in a way that they hadn't when they first met. They didn't get along at all at first, but after everything that happened, they shared a silent agreement. A quasi-bond of sorts.

"I fully believe that Loki will be a great addition to our team," Thor said.

Fury's frown deepened. "Listen to yourself, Thor. You promised Asgardian justice for him. You can't forget what he has done."

Loki remained quiet during this debate. He did not like the way the Avengers were divided over him. They were a team. Why were they fighting? He never expected to feel this way, but he actually wanted the arguments to stop. Normally, he would take pleasure in severed ties between his enemies, but did he really consider them enemies anymore? What am I doing? Loki asked himself. How could I actually feel anything toward this group? They are my nemeses. They hate me. Why don't I hate them back anymore?

"I say we cast a vote," Tony said.

Banner shook his head. He was still unsure as to what his position was on the issue, so how could he state his opinion? "That is not a wise idea. I mean, some of us are solid on their stances, but a couple don't know what to think at this point."

"If you ask me, things don't look good for Loki," Steve said. "At least two are completely against the idea if you don't count Fury."

"I will not take part in this vote unless there is a three-to-three tie, in which case I will reaffirm my earlier judgment," Fury said.

"All right," Tony said. "We all know what Thor thinks, so that's one for Loki. Natasha and Barton made it pretty clear that they don't want anything to do with him, so let's say that that's two for Fury. It's all down to me, Cap, and Banner. Anything you want to say before we decide, Loki?"

"Yes, Loki," Thor said, "maybe you can convince them that you are on our side here. Say something, brother."

Loki shook his head. He did not want to speak. He felt that opening his mouth would only make things worse. Just state your votes and get it over with, he thought, knowing what the outcome would be. He had no chance of joining the Avengers. They all had reasons to be angry with him. His only supporter, he knew, would be his brother. Adoptive brother, a voice in his head reminded him. I don't care, Loki shot back. He wasn't quite ready to consider Thor his brother again, but perhaps…perhaps things would be different. Most likely not, though, because if Fury had his way, the god of mischief would be locked away for the duration of his stay on Midgard. And where would he be upon return to Asgard? Locked up. Loki dreaded the replacement of the muzzle on his mouth and chains on his hands. He hated being contained. He should've been used to it by now, but it was still a major blow to his pride to be kept a prisoner.

"Please speak, Loki," Thor urged him.

Loki sighed. "If you want my opinion, I'd say that this is a lost cause. Stop fighting for me, Thor. It won't do any good."

Tony glanced from Thor to Loki and back again. "I vote for Loki," he said. The agents flashed him looks of surprise and betrayal. "What? Don't look at me like that." He turned to face the god in question. "Look, I hated being thrown out a window. Believe me, that wasn't pleasant. But seeing you fight for us last night got me thinking. I'm not a sentimental man by nature, but I know hero material when I see it. Don't expect me to compliment you again. I'm just stating my reason."

Loki nodded. "Thank you, Stark."

"Did he just thank me?" Tony's eyebrows rose. "Wow. Did you catch that, JARVIS? I know you heard it, Fury." He smirked. "I'll be replaying that a few times before I fully believe it."

"It is like you said—do not expect me to compliment you again," Loki said. "You will not hear those words come out of my mouth a second time."

Tony laughed. "I like this guy. He's not so bad when he's not trying to take over the Earth. Okay, Steve and Banner. It's down to you two. Your votes will determine which way this is going." He glanced at Loki. "You need four votes, dude. Think you can handle the pressure?"

Loki shook his head. "You and I both know how this will end. I appreciate your support, Stark, but let's be honest here, which is something I am not good at, might I add. I do not intend to get my hopes up on a lost cause."

"Loki," Steve said unexpectedly. "I vote for Loki."

Everyone was quiet. After lengthened silence, Tony said, "Good choice, Cap. Banner? Your vote determines whether Fury has to stick his nose in our business or not."

Banner hated being the deciding vote. Everyone knew that his vote could go either way. Loki had played a huge part in his unleashing of "the other guy" on the helicarrier. He would not forget the hate relationship they had shared when Loki had demeaned him and he had retaliated by smashing the god into the ground. He would not forget the way the god of mischief had talked to him that day, nor would he forget the awful destruction his "army" had wrought on New York. That being said, Banner knew what it was like to be considered a monster. The doctor was perhaps one of the most misunderstood men on the planet. Only the Avengers truly made him feel like he mattered.

At last, Banner let out a sigh and said, "This is a very difficult decision to make. I'm not big on making hard decisions. But I can't overlook the fact that Loki would make a very helpful addition to the team. I might regret this later, but…I say we should give him a chance."

"Are you happy, Fury?" Loki seethed. "I'll be imprisoned for the rest of my—wait. Did you say…?"

Banner nodded. "If you make me unleash the other guy, you will regret this day." He smiled. "Puny god."

Thor's grip on Loki's arm slackened and a smile broke out across his face. Fury hands clenched into fists at his sides. Natasha and Barton were, to say the least, royally ticked off. "He killed Agent Coulson!" she reminded them fiercely.

Fury raised a hand for silence. "The majority has spoken. There is nothing that can be changed at this point. If Loki is to join us, then we might as well put him to work. We need the full story on what he witnessed last night. What words were passed and what exactly did you see?"

Loki took a breath and launched into what happened. "The droid shot some sort of dart at Agent Barton," he explained.

"A tranquilizer," Fury said. "Continue."

Loki went on to tell them about how he followed the droid and witnessed it making contact with Count Dooku. The Avengers cringed when he described the Force Lightning and the eventual frying-pan-to-the-face thing. "That is all I saw," he finished. "Obviously, he escaped. I haven't a clue where he went."

"That's okay, brother," Thor reassured him. "Your story was enough to give us a lead on his whereabouts."

"Wait…he has a master?" Tony demanded. "Aw, he's a minion. If the underling can shoot lightning out of his hand, what the hell can the master do?"

"I can't answer that," Loki admitted. "The master didn't seem to have any intention of coming here. He mentioned a glorious battle. He acted as if he foresaw this whole thing."

"Did he foresee who would win? That's the important part," Tony said.

Loki shook his head. "He did not indicate that he had any idea. He just seemed to see a battle coming."

"Well, it doesn't take a psychic to see that a battle is coming," Banner pointed out.

"True. We might have to suit up sooner rather than later," Tony said grimly.

Fury nodded. "When the army arrives—and it will, if Loki's story is accurate—then the battle is coming and we need to prepare ourselves. Did he indicate what the army looked like? What are we dealing with?"

Loki shook his head. "He just said he has an army."

"And I told him that we have a Hulk," Tony said, draping an army around Banner's shoulders. Banner grimaced.

Fury was…well…furious. "You revealed our greatest weapon," he said severely.

"He doesn't even know what a Hulk is," Tony said defensively.

"So is that is what I am to you? Just a weapon?" Banner asked unhappily.

"No, Doctor," Natasha said, coming to Fury's rescue. "The other guy is."

Banner shook his head. "That's reassuring," he said bitterly.

"Don't take it the wrong way, mate," Tony said. "It's Fury. He lives and breathes weapons."

Banner shrugged. "I suppose."

Before anyone else could say anything, they heard a cackling noise nearby. It sounded like static on a radio. "What's that?" Barton asked.

Loki stood up and walked toward the device that Dooku had set up last night. "I forgot to mention that he left it sitting there," he said. "I think there is a transmission coming from it."

More cliffhangers, I love it! Questions to ponder: Who is sending the Avengers a transmission? Will they be able to pick it up in time? Any guesses as to who is trying to contact them? ;) Not telling! You'll have to wait for the next installment.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.