Author's Note: Thank you to Intoxic for your review that inspired this chapter. At first I was trying to think how Tony and Loki would get together again during the coming war and started writing it, but...I changed it obviously. Then Intoxic suggested Tony should go and get Loki. Brilliant! Thank you again for the idea Intoxic! Hope you enjoy how this turned out.
Also sorry if my portrayal of insane Loki isn't good. I have no other insane people to observe besides myself. And that has not given me any good information since I see nothing wrong with my weirdness. ;). Also I am currently on summer vacation and although my friends are also insane they're not crazy enough to work off for my portrayal of cra-cra Loki.
(We're emo/goth. Or at least I'm and emo/goth and they're just emo).
Also Only Lovers Left Alive came on Demand yesterday. OMG WANNA WATCH IT SO BAD. But my mom says I can't because it's on the 'Dark Side.' #FML.
Also if any of you read my fic The Tale of the Pirate and the Blacksmith just wanna apologize for not updating in a while. Writer's block but not really. It's just that I started this Avengers fic before that one and my brain sort of gets in 'Avengers Mode'. I literally sleep, eat and breath it. Trying to finish this fic so I'll get into 'PotC Mode'. Also need to update more on my Tin Man fic Memory Fade.
Loki bit his nails obsessively as the Other stood over him. "We attack Asgard now Trickster. You will join us." he said. Loki laughed. "My part in your plan is done Other. You needed my magic. You took it. I am done. Now leave me alone so that I may die in whatever is left of my peace." The god pulled himself over into a corner of the cold room and curled against the wall.
The Other glared at him, then sighed in disappointment. "I will give you 24 hours to join us Loki. If you don't..." He smiled and bent down close to his ear. "Think of the children." Loki shuddered as his breath touched his skin. "I will place a portal in the dining hall. Use it if you come. You will come out close to my location. I hope you make the correct decision."
He placed an hour-glass on the floor and left, leaving the sobbing god to scream alone.
Tony sat up, grinning when he saw his two fellow Avengers. "Hey! You're still here. I thought you two would have left and screwed each other senseless." he said. Steve blushed which made Tony grin even wider. "Oh come on. Don't be like that Spangles. Hulk's dick probably isn't that big. Is it?" he asked turning to Bruce. The scientist glanced away from him. "I'm not even gonna answer that." he said. Tony shrugged. "Oh alright. I'll stop." he promised.
"So are you guys here to sneak me out?" he whispered, and glanced at Thor. "No. You're still recovering." Steve said firmly. Tony looked over at Thor again who was talking to Hel about his condition. "Look, I'm actually better than I seem. Thor just wants me here so I don't get into trouble." Bruce eyed him as he pulled a slim stick out of his pocket. "What's that?" Tony asked as it was held in front of his mouth.
"A thermometer. Now open." he ordered. "Don't see what it's gonna do but ok." Bruce rolled his eyes. "I'm taking your temperature. And some blood too." he added. "What are you gonna do? Test it?" the man asked as he handed the instrument back to hm when it beeped. Bruce frowned. "What's it say doc?" Tony asked. "Your temperature's slightly below normal but it's alright."
Soon he had Tony hooked up to a small transportable blood testing machine. "There's still a small amount of poison in your system but it doesn't seem to be at a dangerous level." Tony did a fist pump. "Yes! So I'm well enough to travel." he said happily. "To go where?" Steve asked. "Jotunheim. That's where Thor said Loki is." he said.
Thor walked over to them. Having heard part of the conversation he spoke up. "Anthony I do not think you are prepared enough to go to Jotunheim." he said. Tony glared at him. "I'm fine Thor. I want to find Loki and bring him back. I know he's out there somewhere. And you thinking I'm not fit enough to do so isn't going to stop me." he growled. Thor shook his head. "Hel says that she does not recommend you leaving for Jotunheim. And I agree."
"Oh really? Give me one good reason besides the fact you think I'm still sick." he demanded. Thor sighed. "You wouldn't survive five minutes in Jotunheim. None of you would. It is a complete land of ice. You'd freeze to death before you even took the first few steps." he said. Tony stared at him. "But...I have to go. I can't leave Loki after what he's done for me." he said, his voice cracking.
Thor bit his lip at the scene. He didn't want Tony to be upset. And he didn't want him to die either.
"Maybe there is a way for you to enter Jotunheim without being harmed." he said. They all looked at him expectantly. "Come. We must go to see my mother."
Frigga smiled when Thor entered the room. But she stopped when she saw the worried expression on his face. And he wasn't alone.
"Thor what is it?" she asked. "Mother, I must ask you a favor." he said. She nodded and he continued. "We must enter Jotunheim to retrieve Loki from the clutches of whatever evil traps him. But my friends cannot enter as they are. The cold would kill them within minutes." he said. "Thor! You cannot enter Jotunheim. The frost giants will see it as an act of war." she exclaimed.
"I will propose a treaty with the new king Thrym and ask if they may forge an alliance with Asgard in preparation for the possibility of war with Thanos." he said. She nodded. "Very well. I have never made anything like this before so I will need a few hours." Thor nodded. "It does not need to be permanent or last very long. Just maybe five hours. And maybe multiple spells or potions in case the first ones run out." he suggested. She nodded. "Like I said. I need a few hours." she repeated. Thor nodded. "Of course mother."
Loki jerked as a gloved hand brushed his cheek. He looked up into Islis' orange eyes. "Leave me." he said. "The Other will kill the children if you do not go." he said. Loki shook his head, tears spilling again and freezing on his cheeks. "I c-can't. I want to but I can't do it. I don't want to contribute any part in this war except what I have already given."
He felt something being placed next to him and the sound of retreating foot steps. Then silence. When he opened his eyes again he saw the glint of gold wrapped in black silk near his thigh.
He stared at the scepter lying next to him. There was another wave of frozen tears before he opened his eyes again. The hourglass was half empty. He curled against the wall again. He had quite a few hours left. He wanted to use them to be alone for now.
Frigga smiled triumphantly as she held out the case. Thor took it and looked inside. There were nine vials of liquid sitting in three rows. Three for each of the mortals. After explaining how to use the potions, she and Thor hugged and he and kissed her cheek. "Thank you mother." he said as he let her go. "Be safe my son. Come back to me." she whispered. He nodded and she left them to themselves.
"So I guess we drink these huh?" Tony asked, taking the open box from him. Thor nodded. "Yes. They each will only last a short time. Five hours or so." he said. Tony nodded. "Alright. Let's suit up." he said. "You brought your suit?" Steve asked. "Of course. I never go anywhere without it." he said, grinning.
"My room is this way right?" he said. Thor sighed. "I will take you Anthony." As he opened the door, he turned to the god. "You know your mom is a total MILF right?" he said. Thor stared at him. "I do not understand what a MILF is." he said, confused. Tony patted his shoulder.
"Of course you don't."
Loki stood, fully dressed in his leather and armor. His helmet rested under his arm. The scepter gleamed on the table where he had placed it, still wrapped in the fabric. The whole castle was quiet. Empty. He stared at the hour-glass, watching the sand sink to the bottom.
He stroked the silk, rubbing it between his fingers. He peeled it back and grasped the hilt of the weapon. It tingled in his hand and he closed his eyes, remembering how he had felt when he had held it before. There had always been another presence in his mind, coaxing him forward. But always watching.
He glanced back at the hour-glass. It was still half full. He approached the glowing portal. He froze. He began to panic.
'What if he does not keep his word?' he thought. The Other had no use for children. Certainly no use for all those children being kept in the dungeons. None at all. He sat down on the floor and held his head between his legs. He couldn't lose it now. Not with all those children at stake.
He took a few unsteady breaths and pulled himself together.
Heimdal studied them individually, holding their gaze. Even Tony in his suit.
"I hope you know what you are doing my prince. I do not look forward to having hostile Jotuns inside Asgard battaling against us. Again." he said. Thor nodded. "Of course. I only wish for the safety of Asgard and the return of my brother."
The Watcher nodded and pushed the blade into the machine. The Bifrost flared as it opened. "Good luck my friends." he said from above them. They each took a vial and drank it. A tingling warmth spread through their limbs. White light engulfed them as they stepped through.
Then they were standing in the barren land of Jotunheim.
"Well this is...disappointing." Tony said. "It is Jotunheim Anthony. There is nothing disappointing about it." Thor replied. The inventor sighed inside his suit. "So where do we go from here?" Steve asked. "We must go to see Thrym first. It would be impolite to just wander around uninvited and seen as enemies of the people here." Tony groaned.
"Can't two of us just go and find Loki?" he asked. "No. It would be seen as deception if only two of our group of four were to show up at the palace." Thor said. "They don't know we're here. How will they find out?" Tony demanded.
"They control the ice Man of Iron. I would not be surprised if they could feel through it. Now let us cease this talking. We are wasting valuable time." the god thundered.
He was halfway through taking off his armor before he stopped and began putting it back on. He placed his helmet on his head and looked at himself in the mirror. Red eyes and cobalt skin stared back at him. He looked away and reached inside his wrist guard, pulling out a small circle of glass. He held it in his hand for a long moment, before returning it to its hiding place.
Thrym stared at them for what seemed like hours. Then he burst out laughing.
"Ha! You want to make an alliance with us Asgardians. I think not." he spat. Tony chose that moment to speak. "Uh I'm not Asgardian just so you know." he said, lifting his face plate. The Jotun King stared at him. "Of course. You are much too small to be a true Aesir. And I have never seen armor such as yours." he said. Tony bowed. "Tony Stark, genius, playboy-" Bruce clamped a hand over his mouth before he could say any more.
"We don't need to hear your speech Tony." he said.
"King Thrym, I wish for this to benefit both of our kingdoms. Thanos plans to attack the Nine Realms soon. His army of Chitauri is powerful and is close to endless. I am begging you to reconsider." Thor said. Thrym squinted at him. "I have heard that the Midgardians had no problem defeating the creatures. They are mere mortals. As Jotun, we should have no problem defeating them even if our numbers do not match theirs." he growled.
"Look Papa Smurf, the only reason we were able to close the portal was because of the Chitauri scepter. And guess what? We don't have it." Tony said. Thor turned. "You do not have it? Impossible. I gave it to Lady Jane and her friend for research." he said. Tony shrugged. "It sort of disappeared." he said. "How do you know this?" Thor demanded.
"Hey look. S.H.I.E.L.D. keeps close tabs on us. And I sort of have an inside guy...or AI if you want to be literal." Thor shook his head. "Why was I not told of this? How do you know this? You have not set foot on Midgard for almost eight months." Tony tapped the side of his helmet. "JARVIS keeps me up on everything. Oh and I just found out like a few days ago." he said. "AND YOU DID NOT TELL ME!" Thor exclaimed. Tony lowered his face plate and activated his hand pulsars.
"Hey man. We're on the same team here." he said. "Thor, maybe we should talk about this another time." Steve said. The god forced his muscles to relax. "Yes. You are right." he turned back to Thrym.
"As amusing as that was I suspect that you are not here just to get us to join you." he said. Thor looked up at him and nodded. "My brother was taken here a while ago. We believe he is still here and we would like your permission to search for him."
Thrym smiled. "Ah. So that is the true reason you are here." he purred. "It is part of it, yes." Thor admitted. "Which brother would you be looking for?" he asked. Thor shifted uncomfortably. "His name is Loki." he answered. Thrym frowned. "I have heard the name before, but I am not familiar with him."
Another frost giant stepped forward and leaned down to whisper in his ear. Thrym smiled widely. "He led a few of my men into Asgard a few years ago did he not?" he asked. Thor nodded. "And he is also the son of Laufey." His tone hardened as he said it.
"He is." Thor said. Thrym chuckled. "Why would I want the heir of the previous king of Jotunheim to survive and risk the chance of him staking claim to the throne?" he asked. Thor stared at him. "But...he does not want the throne of Jotunheim. He does not even like...Jotuns." he said. Thrym sat forward in his seat.
"How can you be so sure? I have heard he is a trickster." he said. Thor nodded. "He is a bit of a trickster. But mostly it is just for fun. He has always been mischievous. Ever since we were children."
"Well then. If you are so certain of this, then you would not mind putting that into the treaty." he said. Thor frowned. "What?" he asked. "You will add that should your brother desire to claim the throne of Jotunheim, he cannot unless he wishes to start a war between our worlds." Thor took a deep breath.
He still wasn't entirely sure that Loki had no desire to claim Jotunheim or perhaps rather destroy it. But it was a risk he had to take.
"Alright." he said. Thrym nodded. "Good." He turned to the Jotun at his side and spoke to him in a different language. He left them and returned with paper and writing sticks.
"My mages have prepared the agreed terms. You are welcome to read it if you like. But you must sign this if you wish to set out immediately to find your brother." Thor took the offered writing stick and scanned the paper. Then he dipped it in the ink and signed the seal of the House of Odin. When he was finished, he stood.
"Thank you King Thrym. My father will be pleased." he said, turning to leave. "Prince Thor, I fear you do not have much time." he said. Thor looked at him. "What do you mean?" the god asked. "My mages have reported heavy magic usage miles away. Maybe you should start there." he suggested.
Loki stretched as he stood. Hours had passed and still wasn't ready to leave. He stood and began to pace the room again. He circled around the pillars and back to where he started.
He faced the mirror again and willed his skin to become pale again. After several excruciatingly painful moments, he stared at his old self. Pale white skin and green eyes. He smiled, raising a hand to touch his face. He dropped it to his side. He didn't have enough energy to even move. The effort to maintain the illusion was draining his magic faster than he anticipated. He allowed it to fade and felt some of his strength return.
He continued to stare at the Jotun before him. Then before he knew it, he was surrounded by broken glass and his hand dripped red at his side. He turned away and picked up the scepter again. He watched the blood pool between his feet and smiled.
It would be so much easier to just take a piece of glass and slit his wrist, or even his throat. He picked one up, prepared to do it. To end it all. But it slipped from his grasp becoming slick with blood. He ran his other trembling hand through his hair. He still had a long while before his time ran out.
Tony, Thor, Steve and Bruce stared at the castle. They had taken their second vials after they had left Thrym and then their last vials an hour earlier. Tony had seriously underestimated the vastness of Jotunheim and was regretting it.
"So you think this is it?" he asked. Thor nodded. "This is where Thrym told us where the magic source was coming from. I hope so. You only have a few hours on your potions." he said. "I think you should return to where we started or at least close to it." he said. "I'm not going anywhere Point Break. I said I'd find Loki and that's what I'm gonna do." Tony said defiantly.
"You only have a few hours before the potions wear off. It took us about four to get here. If you go back to Thrym, you'll most likely make it before they do. And if this is where Loki is being kept, then Heimdal will not be able to use the Bifrost to collect you. He cannot find this place." the god insisted. "Well I'll just have to take that chance." Tony said. Thor nodded. He knew he wasn't going to get rid of Tony Stark as long as Loki was involved.
Thor looked over at the others and they nodded to him. They weren't leaving either. Thor smiled. He was glad to have such determined friends.
As they approached the castle, there was a sudden scratching sound. All at once, snow exploded around them and creatures crawled up to the surface. Tony began firing energy beams at them immediately. After a few minutes, there were hundreds of thin, hairless creatures lying at their feet.
"Well that was unexpected." Steve said. He turned to look at Bruce who was shrinking back down to normal size.
"Uh guys, they're moving again." Tony said as the creatures began to get up. The cracking of their broken bones pulling together again seemed loud in the silence of Jotunheim. After knocking them down again, and then again, the creatures got back up again.
"Inside the castle. Now!" Thor ordered. The creatures lunged at them as they began to move. Thor pulled open the heavy doors and they rushed inside. Thor and Steve forced the doors closed against the screeching creatures. "Well that was fun." Tony said cheerfully.
Loki's head snapped up when he heard the noise outside. He raced up the stairs and looked down on the ground through the window. He stared at the figures fighting the fully grown Tikilashi.
He watched as Thor slammed his hammer into the ground, sending shock waves to knock the creatures off their feet. He winced as he saw the Hulk smashing his way through wave after wave of the creatures. He stared wide-eyed as he watched the red and gold of the Ironman suit blast the creatures into the snow. After they were all down, he watched them rise again, healing themselves like he knew they would.
The Other had used Loki's own magic and blood to give them that trait since he healed quickly. After fighting them a third time, Thor called for the others to retreat into the castle. He stood there for a moment trying to process what he just saw.
'They actually came.' he thought. He had imagined Tony or Thor rescuing him, but he had pushed those thoughts aside to get the antidote for Tony.
Now he was actually seeing four of the Avengers look for him. Even Hulk. But inside he felt a twisting sadness. He couldn't go with them.
Author's Note: So I know I know. You probably want to get to the war and all the exciting stuff. I promise it'll be in the next chapter. Don't wanna just put the whole rest of the fic into one chapter. Trying to get the length close to 44 chapters like Loki's Pain. But I don't think it's gonna go past 35. But that's ok.
Also I know it's REALLY early for this but the next fic will be called Loki's Redemption. This series will definitely be at least 3-4 fics long. But gonna take a break from Avengers to finish my other two fics that are still in progress. And then I have some requests that I'll do before I start Trials of A Dammed Soul up again. That's what I named this series btw. Also started posting on AO3.