Chapter 31
31
Bruce knocked on the outer door to the suite, anticipating Luka if it was answered. He did not expect to hear the lock click open... and nothing. He waited for a moment, then carefully opened the door. Sticking his head in and peeking around, he softly called out, “Luka? You in here?”
The result was not what either party had predicted. The dark god stepped from one of the inner rooms and sucked in an annoyed breath. He wore only a fluffy, hotel robe. Banner gasped in surprise, “Loki!”
“What are you doing here? Where are the rest of your little band of heroes? Thor?” His scowl told Banner he’d not forgotten their last meeting. Nor forgiven, if that angry snarl and glow of building magic meant anything.
The doc stumbled for a moment; he had to find an explanation quickly or Loki would blast him right out of the room. “Um, um, uh, Thor sent me?” Patting his hands toward the god, he continued, “He’s worried about you. Are you protected, I mean hidden from the Guardian?”
“Worried? About me? Or that false personality he had constructed? Of course, I’m warded! Heimdall sees only what I wish him to see. I’m no fool!”
Loki peered past the mortal, craning his neck. “Where is the little spider? She brought you here, did she not?”
“No, no! I’m alone, Loki. I just came to talk.” Banner tried to calm the other down.
“Do not attempt to lie to me, Beast! Where is she?” Loki hissed, stalking toward the human. His eyes had gone flame coloured, never a good sign according to Thor. He flung out a hand and Bruce heard the door slam shut behind him. Now he was trapped in here with a vicious alien who was rapidly losing control.
It panicked the doctor and he instinctively backed up. Until his back slammed into the now closed door, his only escape route. The other guy growled in his head, wanting out. Wanting to smash the puny god again who threatened his weaker half.
Loki sneered, one of those scary, shark smiles appearing on his face. Bruce threw up his hands, probably uselessly. If Loki aimed his magic, or a blade, the doctor knew he was in great danger. He shook his head, breath coming faster. He was gonna lose it, too. Where in Hades was Natasha? She was supposed to be listening.
“Tell me where she is or I will end you, mortal! The beast may be strong, but you are not!”
“She’s not here! I don’t know where she is, exactly!” Bruce cringed, still trying to keep his monster inside. The damage Hulk could cause, probably would cause, might strain even Tony’s resources.
“Hah! So she is nearby. And the rest?” Loki hissed and took another step closer. He fired a bolt of magical flame at Banner, but deliberately missed. Hopefully, it would frighten the mortal into being more forthcoming with his answers. Unfortunately, it worked too well.
The doctor yelped, flinching with his eyes shut tight. His cry turned into a growl and when he looked back up at the angry god, his eyes had gone green. “Puny god!” He snarled.
“Oh, no! I just wanted answers, not this!” Loki’s wide eyes and gasp of shock only encouraged Bruce’s transformation.
“Where lady? Not here?” The great green beast thumped huge fists on the floor. “Me smash!”
“Wait! Wait, wait, wait!” The slender, dark-haired god backed away, his hands raised to shoulder height. “You want her back? The pretty lady?”
Hulk just growled and squinted at him, fists raised. Finally, when Loki made no other move, he frowned and nodded yes. “Pretty hair, soft voice. She sings sweet. Makes me calm.”
Loki’s brows shot up. “Ahh, I see. Just give me a moment.” He backed another step or two. Shimmering gold seidr sparkled over the god. “There! Better?” Luka smiled at the green beast. “Would you like me to sing now?”
Confused, Hulk looked around, scratching his head. He peered down at Luka. “Where puny god go?”
“Nowhere, you... um, big guy.” She chuckled, chin tucked and fluttered her lashes at him. “I am him and he is me.” Hulk just frowned, shaking his head no.
“We are the same person, Hulk. As are you and Banner. Watch!” Luka transformed into her male alter ego once more. “See? She is me!” He glowed golden again and Luka stood before the not jolly green giant.
Smiling, she cautiously stepped closer and began to hum. As soon as she was sure he was listening, she started to croon an Asgardian lullaby. It had always calmed her as a small child, and now she hoped it would do the same for Hulk. Because right now, she wanted Banner. It was more likely she could get needed information from the doctor.
Meanwhile, Natasha had listened in on the tiny bug she had planted on Bruce during that smooch. She almost interfered when the doctor Hulked out, but by the time she’d re-entered the hotel, she heard the two talking and decided to wait a few more minutes.
Apparently, Loki was learning, very quickly, how to integrate his two personas as needed. Nat grinned to herself, listening to Luka sing Hulk back into Banner. The spy hoped his female Aspect would not be completely subsumed; Luka was a delightful, usually very sweet person. Natasha actually liked her, enjoyed her company. She wasn’t holding out any hope, though. Loki was an extremely strong personality and now he remembered her role in stopping him.
The spy tip-toed back down the hall to the elevator and took it to the roof. From there she thought it safe to call Thor and give him the news. She knew he was going to be unhappy, but at least he could stop worrying about where his sister/brother was hiding.
Natasha made sure the big god was not alone when she reported back in. Knowing Thor, he would only hear half of what was said, and immediately want to fly to collect Luka. The spy thought it would be best if their meeting occurred in a more controllable environment. Like Bruce’s ‘safe room.’ Right now, she wasn’t even sure Bruce and/or she could convince the younger god to return with them. They would certainly try.
Luka had gone through almost all the lullabies in her repertoire by the time Hulk finally squatted down and his head sank onto his chest. Just a couple more, she soothed herself. Any moment now, he’ll change back. Then I can find out where the Widow is hiding, and how much Thor knows, when to expect him here.