A/N: Soooooo sorry for the insane hiatus, you guys! I have no excuse. Okay, I do have excuses, mostly a busy life and extreme writer's block (worst combination ever) but still, I hate leaving you guys hanging! I can't guarantee that my writer's block/busy life isn't going to interfere again, but I'll try not to go so long between updates again. ^^ Longer chapter to make up for it a bit, hehe.

Since it's been so long, you guys might not recognize it, but there's a bit of a flashback in this chapter that's from an earlier chapter.

Hollow Skies - Chapter 12

"Are you sure he's..." Steve hesitated, "himself?"

Natasha nodded, solemn but clearly certain. "He doesn't seem to remember anything, or..." now she hesitated, "maybe he doesn't remember most of it; I'm not sure."

Thor had insisted they have this conversation with Loki, in his - or rather their - new room on the helicarrier, but now, looking at his younger brother, he was unsure if it had been the best decision. Loki's face was pale- paler than usual, and the way his wide eyes darted around, the way his hand squeezed Thor's tighter, made Thor's heart ache.

The two brothers were sat on a small couch at one end of the room while the other Avengers, save Tony, had gathered chairs and dragged them into a semi-circle near the couch.

Clint spoke next, "But you're sure. I mean, he's not gonna... try and..." He looked around at the others. "I don't know!" he defended. "Kill us or stab us in the back or something while we sleep- holy hell that did not sound right."

Steve squinted at him and Natasha frowned. Bruce didn't even seem to be listening and the two brothers were too concerned with each other to pay the others much heed.

"Loki," Thor said quietly, rubbing the other's back, "are you well? Do you wish to-"

"I'm fine, Thor," interrupted the trickster, but the bite that should have been there wasn't. His green eyes continued to watch the others with a fear that made Thor want to kick them out - as politely as he could manage with his brother still clinging to him like a lifeline that might disappear at any moment.

"So," said Steve to Natasha, "did you get anything more out of him? Like the key to Loki's collar? Anything else?"

She shook her head. "The 'key' isn't a traditional key; the lock is electronically sealed and we'd need the code to open it." She paused, glancing at the brothers. "But...it looks like Tony doesn't remember the code-"

"Could he be lying?" asked Steve with a soft voice.

"No. I don't think so. Tony's not the best liar and even if he somehow learned recently..." Her brows furrowed slightly. "No. He's not lying; not to me at least."

"But," Clint interjected, "why doesn't he remember? I thought you said he remembered designing the collar - wouldn't he have set up the code then?"

Natasha shook her head. "My guess would be that he changed it after... After he put it on Loki." Her gaze was hard but apologetic toward the gods.

"So what should we do?" asked Clint, and it was obviously the same question on everyone's minds.

Thor also knew that the question, Should we do anything? was also on everyone's minds. Loki was safe for the time being, and Stark was, seemingly, harmless and - Thor hated thinking it - even, perhaps, blameless. It couldn't be that simple, though, no. To Loki, at least, it probably didn't matter that Tony didn't remember; he was still haunted and damaged and perpetually fearful and whatever changed with Stark wouldn't necessarily change with Loki.

Steve spoke quietly after a long pause, "He designed the collar, do you think he could, I don't know, fix it? Open it, somehow?"

Natasha's eyebrows lifted slightly. "I'll ask him."

Suddenly, everything seemed so strained, awkward. Was it pointless, this discussion? Natasha had told them everything that had transpired between she and Stark, and although Loki listened, Thor had a difficult time reading his brother. A few of the Avengers seemed relieved, while others, like Barton, looked disturbed. Thor wondered why. Could it be that Clint sympathized with Loki more than the others? Or did the archer simply not believe his partner, that Stark was indeed lying, somehow.

Dark. Dark. Everywhere dark.

Where am I?

A scream erupted next to him, he jumped back as his back hit a wall. Hard and flat and so real.

Another scream, so close, he couldn't see and his heart beat too fast and where is it what is it where am I?!

Silence.

Breathing.

It wasn't just his own breathing. There was something else in here with him. His fingers felt along the wall behind him. Wet. Sticky. Cold and warm mingled.

Tony's breath shook as he tried to suck in every breath, wondering if it might be his last.

I'm not here. I'm not here. I'm not here.

He felt a soft bed beneath him, like an echo, so far away...

But at the same time the wall was still there, still dark, still- the smell.

Suddenly, a bright light attacked him. The sound of gears grinding against metal assaulted his ears. He cowered against the wall, arms covering his face as he half-crouched against the wall, stickiness seeping through his already sweaty shirt.

Who's there, where am I?

He opened his eyes but they were blurry, he could barely see. Something moved near him, a chain rattled against the floor. Dark figure on the floor. Moving, whimpering. Too-bright lights and red, red, red-

Tony couldn't control his breathing. Red and brown and what the fuck is this?! The smell of blood made him gag- he vomited on the floor next to him.

Voices in the lights.

"...You'll be happy... I kept them out."

What-

"Try to run away."

Red. There's too much red!

"D-Do w-what again?"

Have to get out- need out- can't-can't-

"...going to try to escape again?"

No...

"I-I kept them out..."

No more! This isn't me! Stop stop stop-!

"Please?"

The body on the floor. Tony couldn't stop looking at it. There was a man, too. Not me not me. He stood still, face hidden, face away from Tony-

"Are you going to try to escape again?" the man asked the body on the floor.

"No, no more, no no no no. I-I-I'll do what you want, what you say, anything, anything you say," replied the body. Red teeth and green eyes jumped to Tony, suddenly. Tony flinched fiercely, unable to breathe beneath the too-wide gaze. Then the body smiled, grin so wide his face seemed to split. "I kept them out...You'll be happy."

X - X

Tony felt himself falling but he didn't feel the floor hit him. He breathed hard against the cold seeping in through his thin clothes. For several minutes, he just breathed. Breathe, breathe, breathe, you fucking idiot, breathe! But when he felt light-headed, and then cold from the sweat covering his body, he cursed himself. Damn. Too much breathing, maybe.

He tried to sit up, and although he shook fiercely, he managed to lean against the side of the bed with his back.

Hospital, whispered his mind. No, you idiot- helicarrier, not hospital.

His breathing finally calmed but his heart still beat too quickly.

Fuck. What the hell was that?

"Sorry, guys," mumbled Bruce as he stood up slowly and shuffled toward the door. "I've got something running up in the lab-"

"Of course," said Steve, waving a hand in understanding. "This wasn't really going anywhere anyway," he whispered almost to himself.

The scientist nodded and walked out the door, with apologetic looks to everyone- especially Thor.

Loki knew he should feel a bit safer with Bruce Banner out of the room - or, perhaps, simply because there was one less Midgardian in the room - but he felt no change, the same apprehension and fear still lingering in his bones, edging him ever closer to begging his brother to make the mortals leave.

It wasn't as if he didn't appreciate them and what they had done for him, but he simply couldn't find comfort in their company. He knew they hadn't hurt him, but his mind couldn't help but group them in with the mortal who did; he was human and so were they - he couldn't not connect them.

Rogers ran a tired hand through his hair. "Uh, I guess we should all get some sleep." He looked to Barton and Romanoff. "We can pick this up later- Thor?" The thunder god barely moved to acknowledge the mortal. "You guys okay? Need anything-?"

"We are well, Rogers," said Thor, and Loki wondered if he only imagined the slight impatience in his brother's voice, as if he too wished them to leave. Still, Thor remained polite and even smiled - although it was clearly for the mortals' benefit; Loki knew better. And, perhaps, he should be offended at Thor speaking for him, yet he couldn't bring himself to do anything about it. Thor always spoke for him now, although he wasn't sure if he should be comforted at not being required to make decisions or outraged that Thor thought him too weak to speak for himself. But wasn't it true? Wasn't Loki too broken to be trusted with any decision, even ones that influenced his life directly?

He snuggled closer to Thor and decided not to care about any of it. At least he had control over that much.

The mortals talked amongst themselves for a few minutes more before the three left, sympathetic glances his way telling Loki that they apparently felt concern for him. Oh, shut up, he scolded himself. They're only trying to help. Another thought invaded, though. Help? What good was their help this past year? Stark is one of them, what took them so long? Why didn't they find me before I became...before I became...

"...Loki!"

...helpless...

Loki jerked up to find Thor's concerned face filling his vision, harsh hands gripping his shoulders. It took a moment for him to gather himself. "Th-Thor? What is it?"

The thunderer frowned, concern barely ebbing. "Are you well?"

Didn't you just answer that for me? Loki shook his head but still answered, "I'm fine."

"No you aren't, stop saying that."

"What else should I say?" he spit back, the harsh tone making even himself wince. Thor leaned back, hands leaving a warmness behind that Loki desperately wanted to keep. "I..."

"It's alright, brother," Thor interjected, quietly.

It felt cold, suddenly, without Thor so close. But for some reason, Loki made a point not to rub his arms. Thor would see. What is wrong with you? he hissed at himself. You know he would not hesitate to embrace you. But he remained stiff, staring at nothing. And suddenly it was too late to change his mind as Thor was standing up and moving across the room, straightening the disarray caused by his friends' visit.

"...Thor?" Loki blurted out. Thor turned around but said nothing, eyebrows slightly raised. "Nothing."

"What is it, brother?"

"I said it's nothing." Stupid, stupid, what is wrong with you?

Thor moved to the bed in the corner opposite the couch, then placed a hand tentatively - far too lightly for Thor - on its sheets. "Do you wish to sleep?" he asked without turning around. When Loki said nothing for several minutes he turned his head. "Brother?"

It wasn't that Loki hadn't heard him, he just didn't know what to say. Such a simple question, why couldn't he answer? "I..."

"Brother?" Thor said again, walking toward him with concern in his brilliant blue eyes. He joined Loki where he still sat on the couch. Before Loki could pull away, he grabbed both hands in his strangely gentle ones; he had never known Thor to be so gentle, when had that changed? "Whatever is the matter?" The eyes watched him intently, concern growing as Loki remained silent. What could he say? Suddenly, Thor pulled him into a tight hug, arms wrapping around him. "Oh, my dear brother. Why can I never make it right?"

Make it right... Make it right? No one can make it right. It'll never be right. I'm not right. I'm not me anymore, can't you see? He tried to make the words come out, but only tears fell.

Loki wrapped his arms around Thor, still unable to utter any sound except sorrowful sobs.

Please, I can't take this anymore. I don't know what's wrong with me- I don't know what to say anymore. You're all I have- I can't feel the ground beneath my feet, there's nothing there. I'm lost- so lost. Lost and alone in this abyss...

Thor pulled him tighter, as if he knew Loki's thoughts. "Please, brother," whispered the blonde against his head, "don't despair. Please don't despair. I'm here..."

It won't matter. Won't matter- How can you find me in the dark if I can't even find myself?

"Don't give up on me...I...I love you-"

Suddenly, Loki felt a sharp stabbing pain assault his head.

Thor started and pulled back, worried. "Loki? What-"

The pain stopped a moment later but, just then, a loud sound filled the room as red lights flashed overhead. "Warning. Code 418 in effect. Warning. Code 418 in effect." The obviously automated female voice made Loki cringe and instinctively jump into Thor's arms.

"What is that?!" Loki hissed fearfully.

Thor thought for a moment, then his eyes went wide. "That is the code for Banner!"

"W-what-?"

"For when the Hulk emerges. Loki," he turned to the younger god, hands once again on both shoulders. "I must go- I am the only one able to-"

"You're going to leave me?!" Loki didn't mean for his voice to squeak but he couldn't help it. He's leaving he's leaving he's leaving.

Thor gripped him tighter just as something shook the floor. Loki eyed the ceiling as a panic suddenly ripped at his stomach.

"Loki," Thor said again, suddenly serious and voice low, still somehow easily heard over the noise. "Stay here. Lock the door. Do not leave under any circumstance."

Without waiting for a response Thor called Mjolnir to him and stood up. Loki nodded absent-mindedly as he watched Thor move. The thunderer gave one last glance at his brother before leaving and shutting the door firmly behind him.

"What the fuck is happening out there?!" Tony screamed to no one in particular - mostly because there was no one in the room. "Hello?" he drawled loudly to the cameras in the room. The floor shook again, then again as a cup fell off the nightstand and skittered across the floor.

He moved around the room and checked the doors for the millionth time. There were three doors: two exits and the bathroom and the two he needed to open right now, wouldn't.

When the floor lurched, sending him to the floor, he yelped. "Shit- fuck! Where is everybody?!"

Suddenly, the door burst open as a helmeted agent rushed in. The man looked around for a moment, then, when his eyes - which Tony couldn't see - fell on the billionaire, he all but ran toward to him. Alarmed for some reason, Tony took several steps back.

"Woah, woah, woah-!" But the man didn't stop and, before Tony could react, the man backhanded the genius. "Fuck-!" Tony ducked the next blow, then pushed the man back with both arms as he backed away, against the wall. "What the fuck is-" The agent wasn't giving him a break as he lurched forward and caught Tony around the waist. Immediately, Tony countered by elbowing him in the back twice. The agent slumped down to one knee but in the next instant lifted Tony off the ground and slammed him against the wall. Tony saw stars for a moment but regained his senses in time to stop the man from grabbing at his throat. He flicked both hands away with his own, then quickly jabbed at the man's throat, causing him to double over, then, without waiting for him to recover, used the wall at his back to help kick the agent in the stomach. The man flew backward just as another lurch of the helicarrier caused him to stumble. Seeing an opportunity, and managing to keep his footing, Tony grabbed the closest thing to him - which happened to be a bedpan - and struck the agent multiple times, again and again and again, until he stopped trying to get back up.

"Holy fucking psycho agents!" Tony yelled as he fell against the wall, adrenaline still pumping fiercely. "What the fuck was that?!" he once again screamed to the ceiling- and no one. Again.

Unfortunately, the door had closed on its own. He was trapped again.

Fucking hell.

A muffled - and very distinctive - roar reached his ears.

The stream of profanities didn't stop for several minutes.

The god of mischief cowered behind the couch, having moved it toward the corner so he could hide there. He knew anyone looking for him could easily find him, but he was more concerned with the mindless Hulk at the moment; he reasoned that the beast wouldn't specifically look for something he couldn't readily see.

The floor shook every so often and Loki couldn't help but curl into himself further. He hugged his knees tighter and hid his face. He knew he should keep an eye out, at least look for any possible danger, but he couldn't stop the old habit of hiding his face when he was terrified.

How long will this go on? While Loki worried for his own safety, he also found himself worrying over his brother. Although he knew Thor did not easily lose - in fact he had never known him to lose - the thunder god seemed to fair far worse than usual against the Hulk. Although Loki only knew of one instance of the two fighting, he wasn't certain how equal that fight had been or if Thor had had any help. But surely the mortals will aid Thor?

The door suddenly burst open, as if the person entering was in a great hurry. Although hopeful that it was Thor, Loki remained hidden, certain that his brother would easily guess where he was hidden. If it somehow wasn't Thor, though... Loki scrunched down, hiding himself further, mindful of his leash and collar, making certain they made no noise.

Loki's heart jumped into his throat when he heard an unfamiliar voice. "Where are you, you little shit?" asked a male voice.

Fear gripping him, Loki pressed himself - slowly, quietly - against the floor. He could see beneath the couch. Dark boots slowly walked across the floor, apparently searching.

Of course- of course this would happen! Many of these mortals still held a grudge against Loki - although he had never thought they would shirk their duty by attacking him during a crisis... It didn't matter now, did it? Someone was here to exact vengeance and Loki knew he couldn't stay hidden forever.

A panicked voice whispered in his mind: he'll find you, it won't matter how well you've hidden. He'll hurt you like Stark did- and then he'll do more, Thor will return to a mangled corpse-

He couldn't help the small whimper that escaped.

The couch was suddenly pushed aside as it slid across the floor and hit a table. Loki yelped when a rough hand yanked him up by his hair and forced him to his knees.

"Well, what do we have here?" said a mockingly gleeful voice. The blonde man shook the god with one hand in his hair, a weapon in the other, ready to end his life - or so Loki assumed. Yet, it wasn't pointed at him.

The man saw him looking.

"What? You think it's gonna be that easy? Boom, you're dead?" He chuckled darkly, smiling. "Too easy. You're goin' out slow." He dragged the last word out and Loki whimpered.

Get away, get away! Fight back, you coward! Loki's mind screamed, but he was frozen. He couldn't even make words come out, his tongue felt as if it had swollen in his mouth in the last few seconds. He couldn't stop the tears when they fell.

The man laughed as he shook Loki again, hand gripping tighter to black locks. "You're fucking pathetic, you know that?"

Loki didn't know why he was doing it but he nodded furiously. Please, please go away...

He barked out a laugh, throwing his head back. "Obedient little bitch, aren't you? Good boy." He sobered up a moment. "Now let's see how obedient you stay."

He threw Loki's head forward until it hit the hard floor. He yelped but remained quiet otherwise. Being suddenly prostrate sent a jolt of fear through Loki, but he couldn't control his rigid body enough to move or crawl or do something!

"Well look at that," continued the mortal. "You always present yourself like this? No wonder Stark fucked you so much," he chuckled.

Loki breathed harshly through his nose. Get up! Get up! But it didn't matter because he couldn't.

"Stay the fuck where you are," instructed the mortal. But when Loki heard the sound of a zipper, he moved on instinct; he lurched forward, crawling across the floor in a panic.

"No! No!" he barely heard himself scream.

"Oh no you don't-!" hissed the man.

Suddenly, Loki choked and gagged as he felt a sharp tug on his collar. No! He continued to scramble, to try and get away, but he was too frightened to move fast enough, or even try harder.

The chain of his leash clanked just as the mortal came up behind him and once again forced him to his knees, but via the collar, this time. Loki choked when the mortal pulled at the metal harshly.

"I thought I told you stay!" screamed the mortal. Then he bent down, close to Loki's ear, so close he felt the moisture of his breath. He whispered, "Didn't you say you'd do what I want? Anything I said?" The god's eyes widened, his hackles rising. "Didn't I tell you to never run away from me again? Didn't you agree? Beg me to stay?"

Despite the collar choking him, and despite his terror, Loki slowly moved his head around to stare at the mortal. To see... It can't be-

But the mortal's eyes were blue. Not the natural and calming blue of Thor's or the Captain's, but that blue... Tesseract blue...

A/N: Oh dear, I just had to go with a cliffhanger, didn't I? So sorry about that, lol. Don't worry, though, I've got almost all of the next chapter written so it shouldn't be too long until the next update - I just need time to proofread it, etc. Not sure how long that'll take me...

Also, you guys see TTDW? Maybe that's what got me back to writing this - loved it. Gotta go see it again.