Summary: Loki continues to recover. The Avengers have a conversation with Dr. Strange.
Chapter 15:
The Avengers sat around the conference table, not speaking for some minutes, some sipping their proffered coffee.
"So," Tony began, putting down his own mug, "What's our plan to talk to Strange? Waltz up and knock on their front door?"
Bruce shrugged, "Well, it seems the most logical move. "
"We must know his intentions with Loki." Thor affirmed with a look that none of them were about to deny.
"First of all," Steve lifted a finger, "We have to figure out what Strange wants with him. Maybe to get in good favor with Asgard? After all, he's a powerful wizard not unlike Loki was."
Thor shook his head, "My brother is not as you say, powerful. His conjuring and silver tongue often found him in trouble. And as friend Steve mentioned, he no longer has his magic. Even with his magic, Asgard would not have use for Strange. Simply because our mages are more powerful than even a formidable mortal, unless he threatens the realm. "
"I think you underestimate his powers, Thor." Natasha cut in. "With all you've described to us, Loki's a pretty strong...magician."
"Could he ..." Steve waved his hand, "Just have met Loki and wanted to help? It is possible he doesn't have any reason for needing Loki for anything. Strange must know that he doesn't have his magic anymore."
"Unless he has the means to restore it." Bruce added quietly and everyone turned towards him with the thought.
"Not possible, "Thor broke in, "Father's power is absolute."
"Uh...Strange is called "The Sorcerer Supreme for a reason, Point Break." Tony groused between another sip of coffee. "So basically, we're going in blind."
"Should we try to gather more information before we attempt this?" Steve wondered aloud.
"It looks as though we can't do anything but attempt a direct approach." Bruce replied, pushing back his chair. "I believe it would be wise to be...prepared for any eventually."
Loki stared out of the circular window of the room his was now occupying, still mystified by the man called Doctor Strange. He was still too ill to leave his bed, his harsh cough still lingered, leaving him exhausted. Wong had brought him water and juice throughout the day, as well as warm (thankfully) black tea sweetened with sugar and honey. Strange prompted his breathing exercises that were meant to help his lungs when he woke. Despite efforts to the contrary to occupy his mind with proffered books, he could not help but think of why he had been rescued by that man. For now, he could only recover his health; privy to whatever fate had been set by this sorcerer.
A knock brought his attention to the door. The form of Wong appeared in the doorway, a shallow steaming bowl in one hand and cloth draped over the other. He nodded in greeting and stepping in, closed the door behind him,
"I trust you slept well." He began with politeness.
"I did, thank you." Loki managed to muster. Point of fact, he had actually been sleeping well without nightmares or memories to disturb him. A coughing spell overtook him, and he found himself half doubled over.
Setting aside the bowl, Wong was at his side in an instant, helping sit up so that he could breathe easier.
Loki for his part, uncomfortable with the manservant's closeness weakly tried to push him away.
Undeterred, the man aided him in reclining before reaching for the bowl and washcloth again, one strong hand on his patient's shoulder in order to keep him still.
"This will help," Wong said, dipping the cloth into the bowl and lowering it to Loki's bear chest. A pungent odor wafted from its depths, making him wrinkle his nose. Many a time he found himself in the Healing rooms under the care of Eir and her herbs.
As if following his train of thought, Wong looked from the bowl back to his patient. "It is tea tree oil and eucalyptus. It will aid in clearing your chest."
Loki thrashed weakly, unwilling to submit to the care that was being rendered. "No, leave me!"
A shadow appeared from with the doorway, the tall, imposing figure appeared in the doorway. "What's the trouble, Wong?" The deep voice called out and stepped in.
"Ugh!" Wong caught a fleeting blow from Loki's arm. "I am trying to alleviate some of his coughing with the medicine I've prepared. But he will not allow me to do so."
"Mister Laufeyson, I would appreciate it if you would cooperate with Wong and allow us to help you." Strange stepped closer, also dodging a flailing arm as he tried to place a hand on Loki's forehead.
Loki still screamed, "What do you want with me?! Leave me!" Sweat poured down his temples as he threw aside his bedclothes.
Sighing, the sorcerer lifted two fingers and muttered a chant. Instantly, Loki's body went slack, his shoulders pushed back to the pillow while his eyes lulled shut.
Pushing back some of his tousled hair, Doctor Strange looked over to his servant, "I believe he will not be any further trouble. Meanwhile, I must see to our guests that are waiting outside."
Outside of the Sanctum Sanctorum, the heroes of New York waited in front of the gates that separated them from their query.
"Why do I suddenly feel like a trick-or-treater being dared to go the creepiest house on the block?" Bruce muttered.
Before any of them could comment further, the massive gates swung open so that they could step onto the property.
"Looks like we were expected." Steve said under his breath, cautiously glancing around for any apparent traps and feeling even more unnerved to discover none even as they reached the doorstep. The broad oak doors opened and they were transported inside to a large library, Glancing around in confusion, Bruce just shrugged. "Magic, I guess. Am I the only one that's a little dizzy?"
A desk with a rolling chair faced backward. It rolled forward, and the imposing figure of Doctor Strange appeared. Steve almost rolled his eyes at the reveal, owning to seeing too many modern movies.
"Doctor Strange?" Bruce put his hand out, "We're-."
"I recognize who you are." Strange answered abruptly, regarding them each up and down, "Steven Rogers, Bruce Banner and Thor Odison. I suppose you are here to speak with me about Loki Laufeyson?" All were silently wondering if it was a trap as the were led to a sitting room of sorts. Strange gestured to old fashioned seats. "My assistant is upstairs looking after our patient."
"Doctor Strange, forgive us for being so forward, but we want to know your intentions for Loki. If you intend any harm or hopes of trade with his life-" Thor began, levelling his eyes on the other man.
But even at this Strange extended his hand to silence him. "I had no such inclinations. Your next question is why I brought him here?" He paused to look at each man, "I saved him from getting hit by a car. It was only by touching his memories that allowed me to see his mind and why he ran from you." Again, there was a lingering silence before he finished that thought by looking at all three of them. "Unfounded, it seems. My intentions? None. However, if he wishes to stay here or at Stark's Tower is up to him, completely. I have no ties to Asgard or SHIELD. "
"But you powers are mystical ones. You're a very powerful sorcerer, I've heard." Bruce commented.
"All which are used for good, I assure you." Strange answered directly.
"How do we know that you don't use them for the contrary?" Steve cut in.
At this, Strange's emerald eyes narrowed, and a slight smile tugged at his lips. "I believe that Mr. Stark, whom you are presently in contact with, has researched all of my...exploits before and after my accident."
The three men looked at each with raised eyebrows.
Thor rose from his seat to step in front of the sorcerer, so that they were practically nose to nose. "I wish to speak with my brother. I want to know why, if at all, he wishes to stay here."
Strange merely shrugged, "Very well. However, I should forewarn you that he's been quite ill and is sleeping. I'm not quite sure if he is even awake. I'll summon my assistant." He stepped over to the fireplace to pull the bell-cord. A moment later, a bald-headed somewhat, robust man appeared from an arc of blue sparks a platter filled with small cups of tea. He bowed before Doctor Strange, then the guests.
"Wong, how is Loki's condition?"
"He is calm now. I've administered the medication and he has relaxed enough to doze." Wong reported serenely.
"May I go to see him?" Thor pressed, although the gentleness in his voice showed no forcefulness or demand.
Wong nodded, "So long as you do not agitate his condition, I see no reason you can't. His room is the second on the left." He half turned and pointed up the stairs.
Thor thanked him quietly before Bruce also stood. "I need to do a diagnostic on in his chest, and how it's been healing up since Loki's been sick." He turned to the Thunderer,
"I'll let you go first and talk to him privately."
"Thank you my friend," he planted a brawny hand on the physicist on the shoulder. Nodding his thanks to Strange and Wong, he then plodded upstairs to eagerly check in on his little brother.
TBC...