Chapter 3
It was an hour after Loki’s tearful breakdown, he was seated, or stationed, in a makeshift cell.
It couldn’t hold him.
They all know it, but of course, he plays along.
The young god also learned that this half of the new Avengers is a secret. The Secret Avengers, they call themselves.
Creative, no?
His face hurt.
He had a headache and his cheeks were hot, among other post-crying symptoms.
But most of all, he felt foolish.
Loki has allowed himself to come undone in front of his enemies, he allowed them to see him at his weakest, his most vulnerable.
They spoke nothing of it.
How generous.
However, Loki did notice that the darling Captain seemed to have been more cautious around him. Not out a fear, but out of pity.
He hates him for it.
A knock.
He looks up with his sore, puffy eyes.
The Captain. Again.
Rogers checked on him periodically, maybe to see if he stayed put, or maybe because he felt bad.
Norns how Loki wished it wasn’t the latter.
“We need to talk.”
Haven’t they already? Well, perhaps Loki was a bit hysterical the first time around.
A refresher wouldn’t hurt.
The more clearly they understand, the easier it’ll be to convince them. Especially Rogers.
…
The Secret Avengers gathered around him, ready to hear his tales of woe.
Though, there was a distinct lack of a certain archer.
Ah.
Of course.
It would be foolish to expect Hawkeye to attend this meeting all things considered.
Yes.
This made him anxious.
So Loki explained.
Explained how his childhood was incinerated right before his eyes for the greater good. How more than half of his people had been slaughtered by his long lost sister. How they have nowhere to go.
Everything they have ever known, turned to ash.
Lost.
Afraid.
Abandoned.
He could see it in the Captain’s eyes, the story was stirring up something deep and repressed within him.
Though his face was impassive, his eyes spoke a thousand words.
Anger.
Sorrow.
Sympathy.
Indignation.
Rogers felt for his people.
That was good.
Loki might be able to pull this off.
If not by regrouping the Avengers, then however the Captain felt fit.
Was being vulnerable useful?
Could Loki use his feelings to his advantage?
It’s been so long since he’s let his walls down, he’s forgotten what it’s like to have people react to his pain.
It’s scary. It’s angering. It makes him want to curl up and disappear. Makes him homicidal.
But is it worth it?
Captain America seems moved by his story, feels this is something he should fight for. Feels he should help Loki.
This is all so confusing.
Loki doesn’t know how to feel.
Then the Captain spoke, “As much as I want to knock your lights out…” Understandable, “Your people— the Aesir? They shouldn’t be treated like that.”
So?
Rogers closed his eyes and sighed, “I think we should help.”
Chaos ensued.
Who knew that only five words could cause so much discourse.
Nobody seemed to be happy with the Captain’s decision, that wasn’t a good sign.
Though, Loki may not know much about Captain Steven Rogers, but he does know that he never backs down from what he believes in.
Possibly why he disbanded from the Avengers to create a new, secret one.
Loki has faith.
Faith that things will turn out in his favor.
Asgard’s favor.
Finally.
He did something right.
…
His assumption about the Captain was correct.
How he managed to convince his team to go along with him was beyond Loki.
That conversation took place away from his cell.
He was grateful for that.
Now all he had to do was take them to Norway, to New Asgard.
It doesn’t sound too hard, but Loki has never teleported with more than one or two people before. And those drain him so greatly that it would be inadvisable for him to do that more than once.
So.
Should he risk carrying all of the Secret Avengers in one trip, possibly killing himself or losing them within the World Tree? Or should he only take one or two a day, effectively wasting time and putting the abandoned teammates in a vulnerable position with less backup and no way to save them from ambush?
Decisions, decisions.
Loki was never good at those.
This whole situation was so stressful, he wanted to scream. To lash out. To hurt others.
To hurt himself.
But that’s over-dramatic.
Or is it?
His people’s whole livelihood rests on his shoulders, and who's to say that the Aesir are even still in Norway?
Maybe they left without him.
Maybe they abandoned him.
Maybe they allowed him to think he was being their savior, just to be rid of him.
Maybe.
“Are you okay?”
He whipped around, dagger at the ready. Aimed directing at his opponent’s throat.
But it wasn’t an attacker. He’s just skittish and paranoid.
After realising who he’s threatening, he tucks his weapon back within his seiðr pocket.
“Apologies, Captain. You startled me out of thought.” The apology was genuine, but he doubts Rogers will believe it.
“Apology accepted, and it’s Steve. We’re not on a battlefield, so, you know.”
He doesn’t know.
But he concedes regardless.
He never answers the Captain’s— Steve’s question, he doesn’t think he could do it in a rational manner.
“There are some complications I would like to discuss, Steven. If that’s alright?”
Steve raised his brow at him, a silent urge to Loki to continue with his thought.
“You see… I may not be able to carry you all to Norway— in fact, I know I won’t be able to. I’ve never traveled with so many people at once, and the consequences could be… deadly.” Though he was anxious, he managed to keep his voice steady.
Calm and collected.
Rebuilding walls.
He truly learns nothing.
“So, what? You’re saying there’s no way for us to even get to Norway? Then why even bother asking for our help if you knew that you wouldn’t be able to take us?” Steven’s voice had an edge to it, like he was trying to contain his frustration, but clearly he was failing.
The truth is, Loki hasn’t thought about it.
He was so preoccupied with trying to convince the Avengers to help him that he had forgotten to plan farther ahead than that.
“In all honesty, I didn’t expect to get this far.” He pressed his lips into a thin line, uncomfortable with the conversation.
The Captain sighed.
He does that a lot around Loki. He must frustrate Steve. Not shocking.
“Alright so— do you have anything else? Just— anything we can work with?”
Ah.
Exactly what he didn’t wish to bring up.
More disappointment.
“Well… I could take one or two of you at a time, but then I would have to recuperate for at least a full day and night cycle.”
He watched Steven’s face light up and then fall throughout his admission.
There are no good choices in this situation, but regardless a choice must be made. Unless, miraculously, a third option arises in time.
But life isn’t a novel, luck doesn’t always work like that.
The good Captain closed his eyes and took a deep breath, readying himself for what he was about to say next.
“Alright… let’s go two at a time.”
Not… what Loki had been expecting.
The Captain really was too trusting, or perhaps he was too devoted. Willing to take gargantuan risks for something he believes in.
It was admirable, but also incredibly stupid.
Just like how Loki was and is willing to risk his freedom and possible happiness to save his people, Steven is willing to risk his safety and possibly even his whereabouts all for a couple of refugees he knows little to nothing about.
They’re both fools.
…
So it was settled. Loki would first take Steven and his friend James, recuporate, and then return for Sam Wilson. The young witch and Hawkeye will go last, for Barton wishes to have backup ‘just in case.’
This was going to be a very taxing week. Loki hopes to the Norns that there will actually be a pay off for his struggles.
“What do we have to do? Hold hands, hug? Like, what’s the deal?”
This James fellow wasn’t afraid of Loki. He was never affected by the attack on New York, he’s suffered for years. Loki doesn’t faze him.
James doesn’t like him, but he isn’t afraid.
There’s a comfort in that. Knowing that he had a worthy adversary who wasn’t fueled by his own fear.
“The ‘deal’ is that we make physical contact— doesn’t matter what kind— and then you stay absolutely still. No matter what.”
Teleporting was dangerous, especially for those who have never done it before. They panic, lose contact, and are forever trapped somewhere within the World Tree. Never to be retrieved again. Quite tragic.
“If you lose contact with me there will be nothing I can do to save you. You’ll essentially be dead.”
He could see the shock within their eyes, but they need to fear. Fear will keep them alive. Loki needs them alive.
“Uh, fuck. Okay.”
James’ eyes has gone wide for a split second, then just like that they went back to normal. As if he hadn’t been stricken by Loki’s warning.
“Let’s get this over with already.” Steven stepped up and grabbed Loki’s arm.
Somebody is impatient.
Soon after James followed suit and grabbed hold of Loki’s other arm.
Alright.
Time to risk it all.