Chapter 44
It was in the middle of the night. Tony was still working down in his lab, the others fast asleep. Heavy rain was pounding against the windows but the scientist didn't noticed, focus on his work. Only when an enormous crack of thunder roared outside, he jumped up, walking upstairs to close the windows that were still open. When he approached one to shut it, he suddenly stopped in his movements, staring outside in disbelief. The night sky was full of black clouds, pouring their containments onto the streets and roofs. Lightning was everywhere and the thunder was deafening. All of a sudden, he spotted a figure in the middle of the storm. A large one with golden hair and … a hammer stretched out into the air. The window was forgotten and Tony was running down to the door, knowing whom to expect.
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When he knocked at the door, Tony was already there, opening it quickly. When he looked outside, another wave of shock ran through his bones. Thor stood in the middle of the rain, his clothes and hair soaked with water. The inventor waited for him to come in, when he noticed that the man was leaning heavily against the doorframe, his large hands gripping onto the wood for support. Now that he looked closer, he saw the fragile cuts running down his arms, and the crimson liquid drenging his shirt. Thor's eyes seemed blurry and unfocused, not fixing on anything and staring into nothing. The scientist needed a moment to form words.
Tony: "Th-thor? What - what happened? And - where's Loki?"
The blonde didn't really respond, only desperately reaching out a shaking hand. Tony stepped forward quickly, coming to stand beside him and grabbing his arm to keep him upright.
Tony: "Hey hey hey, come on! Don't collapse out here, right? - Let's get you in at first, hm?"
When the man still didn't reply, Tony placed one arm around his waist, carefully leading him out of the cold. When he leaned Thor against the wall to close the door, Thor started mumbling something he couldn't understand. He came closer, now standing right in front of him. The asgardian still didn't look at him, not even seeming to notice him.
Tony: "Thor? Thor, do you hear me? Tell me what happened, ok? What happened to you?"
It took a moment until, slowly, the blonde looked up at him, his eyes still blurry but full of pain.
Thor: "H-help, please … help him - Loki …"
Tony: "Where's Loki?"
Thor: "They - they got him!"
Tony: " - Okay, listen - we'll fix you up at first, right?"
He took his arm once more, leading him towards the sofa so he could sit down. The others, woken by the thunderstorm, approached then, coming to stand around them. Thor still didn't say anything, his face buried in his hands. Tony quickly looked over to Bruce.
Tony: " - Think we could need a first-aid kit over here."
The doctor quickly left, returning with the questioned object.
Steve: "What the hell happened here?"
Tony: "Apparently some guys have Loki. But he won't say more than that."
Bruce: "Get his shirt off, Tony!"
The genius did as ordered, inhaling sharply when the cut skin beneath the fabric was exposed. He lifted the cloth up carefully, gently forcing Thor's arms through the sleeves. Bruce quickly knelt down beside him and doing his best. During the whole procedure, Thor didn't look at anyone, not moaning once while Bruce disinfected and bandaged his wounds. Nat, Clint and Steve exchanged helpless glances, not exactly knowing what they should do. Tony remained next to Bruce, assisting when necessary. When he was finished, Bruce stepped back a little, carefully watching the thunderer for a while.
Bruce: "Did you try to talk to him?"
Tony: "Mhm. He didn't say much though."
Bruce came closer once more, remaining on eye level with the hurt man.
Bruce: "Thor? Thor, are you able to hear us?"
Thor only lifted his head the slightest, his gaze stillhazy and unoriented.
Thor: "Wh-what where - where - WHERE AM I?"
Everyone jumped at that, not expecting something like that.
Tony: "Hey, you're home, okay. - Stark tower, sunshine. You came here yourself."
Bruce: "Can you tell us what happened? Where is Loki?"
At the name of his lover, Thor jumped up immediately. His friend tried their best to hold him down.
Clint: "Shh, slowly! You're hurt, buddy. Better stay right where you are."
Thor: "They - they took him! They hurt me and then - they're hurting him! They torture him! I know it!"
The god collapsed back onto the couch then, hiding his face from the others.
Natasha: "Why do you know that, Thor?"
Thor: "They're - they're showing me! - All the time … I'm - I'm only seeing him … "
Tony looked over at Bruce, deep worry in his eyes.
Tony: "Bruce, don't tell me he's turning crazy!"
Bruce: " - He doesn't seem crazy, Tony. What he's telling, could be real."
Steve: "but how could he possibly see Loki right now? I mean - he's here and Loki is not."
Tony considered that for a moment.
Tony: "Someone has to be showing him images somehow. - Just don't know how."
Clint: "You mean someone's sending them into his head?"
Tony nodded briefly.
Bruce: "Could be. But then we need to get his attention somehow."
Tony knelt down directly in front of the man, taking his hands into his own.
Tony: "Thor, listen to me. We'll get Loki back, ok? But we need your help. - Look at me!"
It took a while until Thor, very slowly, lifted his head and made eye contact with the inventor. He could see that the thunderer was close to tears.
Tony: "Very good! What you're seeing is not real. Someone's fucking with your brain but that's not reality. Loki's probably fine, ok. Now - can you tell us who attacked you? We need this info to figure out where he is."
Thor: "They - they were seven I guess. -When I awoke I - saw everything in slow motion. -We couldn't move, - I could't summon lightning and Loki's magic was blocked. - Two approached me then and started - cutting. It felt like hours until they were done and then - a girl grabbed Loki and - they disappeared! All at once! I - I couldn't do anything! Only when they were long gone I found I could move again and - then the visions started."
All avengers were quiet, listening to the story in shock. Thor had always been god at telling this tale, but this particular one was so full of horror that no one knew what to say. Somewhen, Bruce interupted the silence.
Bruce: "It would probably good if you laid down and slept a while, Thor. Your drained and I'm sure when you've slept a bit you'll feel better."
Tony stood up, gently helping Thor to his feet.
Tony: "Alright then. - Let's bring you to bed, hm?"
Thor only nodded slightly, following him out of the room without resistance. As soon as they were gone, Clint sank down into a chair and Natasha couldn't hide her shocked face.
Natasha: "That's so terrible. It's so terrible what happened to them."
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It took half an hour until the blonde had fallen asleep. Once they'd entered his room and he could lay down, there was no attempt at holding back the tears. Tony had stayed next to him on a chair, reassuring him they'd make everything alright, although - he wasn't particularly sure about that. When even Thor, the strongest of all warriors and optimists was beaten to tears, it was hard to stay positive. When the man had finally closed his eyes and fallen into a light slumber, Tony stayed several minutes before returning to the others, watching as his friend was having nightmares, tossing and turning in bed and screaming Loki's name from time to time.
Tony: "We'll fix this, goldilcoks. - We'll fix all of this somehow."