Chapter 125
Avengers
Arc 8 - Ch 17: Shakespeare In The Park
Thursday, May 03, 2012.
Location: Shield Helicarrier, Atlantic Ocean
Outside the Stuttgart Museum, luxury engines purred as upscale cars glided up to the red carpet. Ladies in flowing evening gowns and men in crisp tuxedos stepped from their vehicles. Loki stood before the museum's grand entrance, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit with a matching scarf. His raven hair was slicked back, and the scepter was cleverly disguised as an elegant walking cane, allowing him to go unnoticed. He observed the mortals with thinly veiled contempt. Inside the entrance hall, a string quartet filled the space with Schubert's Rosamunde in A Minor. The musicians swayed with their instruments, and the music floated through the open doors, mingling with the sounds of guests arriving.
The God of Mischief's presence commanded a subtle deference from those around him, though they couldn't say why they felt compelled to step aside. He appeared as nothing more than another wealthy patron, but something in his bearing spoke of danger. Guards nodded respectfully as he presented an invitation conjured from nothing, their awareness sliding past him without truly seeing what he was.
The foyer opened before him, a space of high ceilings and classical columns. Loki paused at the threshold, scanning the room. A waiter offered champagne from a silver tray, which he accepted. Around him, women laughed politely while men discussed business ventures. German, English, and French conversations discussed art and finance with equal passion. Noone noticed how the god among them remained untouched by their revelry, how his expression failed to reflect the warmth of the event.
The string quartet's final notes faded as Heinrich Schafer took the podium. The assembled crowd turned their attention to the renowned scientist, anticipating another dry speech about art preservation and scientific advancement.
Loki watched from the upper gallery. This was the doctor whose retinal scan would have granted them access to the iridium. He hadn't needed to come since he'd decided not to use the retina scan to appease Angela. The warrior woman's pride would interfere with his goals if he failed to manage her properly. If she wanted a fight, he'd gladly steer her toward Thor when he inevitably arrived. He'd still come because this gathering presented an opportunity to draw out SHIELD's team, as he'd arranged with Fury before sending the man back, under his control.
Schafer's voice echoed through the hall as he began his speech in German. The perfect moment approached as all attention focused on the podium.
Loki moved to the grand staircase. His shoes clicked against the marble loudly, drawing scattered glances from the crowd.
A security guard near the bottom of the stairs noticed his descent. The man's hand moved to his holster, but before he could draw his weapon, the cane connected with his temple, and he crumpled with a dull thud.
Gasps rippled through the crowd as they registered the violence. The nearest attendees stepped back, creating distance between themselves and the threat. As the first guests turned to flee, magic sparked to life. Perfect duplicates of Loki materialized at each exit, their faces identical masks of cold amusement.
The illusions raised their hands in unison, forcing the crowd back toward the center of the hall. Panic bloomed as they realized they were trapped.
Loki strode through the crowd to mount the stage. Magic rippled across his form, transforming his attire; the expensive suit melted away, replaced by armor and leather. His ceremonial helmet, with its excessively long golden horns, appeared, and the walking cane elongated and twisted, revealing the scepter.
Schafer stumbled backward, nearly tripping over his own feet as Loki advanced. The scepter's point lifted to touch the doctor's chest. Black spread across Schafer's pupils briefly as the scepter's power seeped into his consciousness like ink through water. They dilated, then contracted, before fading to leave a blue sheen. The scientist's resistance crumbled, and he dropped to one knee, head bowed in perfect submission.
Loki turned to face the crowd. "Kneel before me," he commanded.
A few people flinched, but many remained standing, frozen in place by indecision, fear, or defiance. He slammed the scepter against the floor. A shockwave of energy pulsed outward, forcing those nearest to stumble.
"I said... KNEEL!"
Slowly, they began to sink to their knees.
Loki stepped down from the podium, walking among them like a shepherd inspecting his flock. He spread his arms wide, seeing himself a benevolent tyrant surveying his new subjects.
"Is not this simpler?" he asked, his voice now soft, almost gentle. "Is this not your natural state?"
A woman nearby stifled a sob. Loki paused to regard her. "The tears you shed. They are not of sorrow but relief. For I have lifted your greatest burden. The illusion of freedom. It is the unspoken truth of humanity that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life's joy in a mad scramble for power, for identity."
An elderly man trembled visibly as Loki passed, his weathered hands clasped together as if in prayer. Loki paused, placing the tip of the scepter under the man's chin, forcing him to look up.
"You have lived long enough to know the futility of resistance," he observed. "The petty conflicts that consume your brief lives. All for what? You were made to be ruled," he declared, his voice rising once more. "In the end, you will always kneel."
A young woman in the crowd clutched her companion's hand. Loki noticed the small act and approached. "Even now, you seek comfort in each other. But what protection can you offer against the inevitable? Your governments, your armies, your so-called heroes. They are but children playing at power." He turned in a slow circle, addressing the entire gathering. "I have seen worlds you cannot imagine, witnessed powers that would turn your minds to ash. I have walked between realms and communed with beings beyond your comprehension. Your history is littered with those who sought to rule yet lacked the vision to truly lead. Dictators and tyrants who were, in the end, as mortal and flawed as those they dominated. I offer something different. A god's guidance."
He ascended the steps back to the podium, turning to face them from this elevated position. "Freedom is life's great lie," he proclaimed. "Once you accept that, in your heart, you will know peace."
A security guard at the far end of the hall, who had been inching toward an alarm, froze as Loki's gaze fell upon him. The god's eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile never faltered.
"There is always one who believes himself the hero," he observed. "One who thinks courage alone can alter destiny."
He sent a bolt of energy from the scepter, striking the wall inches from the guard's head. The man dropped to his knees immediately, his face ashen.
"Wisdom comes in submission. Remember this moment. Tell your children of it. Let them know that when the god Loki came to Earth, you were among the first to pledge your loyalty."
"Your world teeters on the edge. You build monuments to freedom while chaining yourselves to systems of control. You wage wars in the name of peace. You destroy your planet in pursuit of wealth for the few. I do not bring chains, but liberation from choice. Not imprisonment, but purpose." His words flowed like honey, sweet and intoxicating. "Under my rule, you need never question your place again. Is that not a gift beyond price?"
The crowd remained silent, their heads downcast, their spirits broken. Loki's smile widened as he basked in their submission, the first fruits of his conquest.
An elderly German man slowly rose to his feet. While others cowered, he stood defiantly. "I will not kneel to men like you," he declared in German-accented English.
"There are no men like me."
"There are always men like you," the old man countered.
A dangerous gleam entered Loki's eyes as he lifted the scepter. "Look to your elder, people. Let him be an example."
The scepter released a deadly beam. But before it could strike its target, a blur of red, white, and blue intercepted the blast. Captain America's shield reflected it back as he landed in a defensive crouch between Loki and the elderly man. The impact knocked the god of mischief backward.
"You know, the last time I was in Germany and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing," Steve Rogers stated.
Loki regained his footing. "The soldier. A man out of time."
"I'm not the one who's out of time," Steve replied, adjusting his grip on the shield.
The sharp sound of metal sliding signaled Logan's emergence from a shadowed hallway, as adamantium claws extended slowly. "All those magic tricks. But you can't grow a decent beard?"
"The animal," Loki sneered. "As much man as beast, no memories of your past."
Logan's lips curved into a dangerous smile. "Mirage told me about you." He advanced a step. "What was it he said again?" He paused for effect.
"You're just a frostbitten drama queen with daddy issues."
Loki's face contorted with rage at the taunt, his aristocratic features twisting into something far more primal. The temperature in the room plummeted as frost crackled along the edges of his armor.
"You dare mock a god?" he snarled.
"You ain't a god, bub. You're just another punk."
The scepter's crystal core flared with intense blue light as Loki thrust it forward. A beam of pure energy erupted from its tip toward Logan.
Wolverine crossed his adamantium claws in front of his face. The energy blast struck the metal, partially absorbing but also splashing around the claws. The overflow seared his exposed skin, the acrid smell of burning flesh filling the air. His healing factor kicked in immediately, fresh pink skin knitting over the burns even as wisps of smoke rose from his singed clothing.
"That's the best you've got, princess?" Logan taunted.
"Everyone out! Now! Move toward the exits!" Steve commanded, his tone broke through the civilians' paralysis. The crowd surged to their feet, stampeding toward the doors in a herd of expensive fabric and clicking heels. Loki's duplicates had vanished during the confrontation, leaving the paths clear.
The god of mischief sneered, preparing another blast. Logan charged forward, claws extended, forcing him to redirect his attack. The energy beam carved a glowing path through the air, but he rolled beneath it. His claws sparked against the staff with his next attack, forcing Loki to leap backward, putting space between them.
The distraction worked. Behind them, Steve shepherded groups of civilians toward the exits.
Loki unleashed a barrage of smaller energy bolts. Logan charged through the assault, taking hits that would have killed a normal man. His healing factor closed wounds almost as fast as they opened. He pressed forward relentlessly, forcing Loki to maintain focus on him rather than the escaping civilians.
"Getting tired yet?" Logan asked, even as another blast caught him in the shoulder. The wound smoked briefly before sealing shut.
Steve directed the last group of civilians toward safety while keeping one eye on the battle. "This way! Keep moving!" He positioned himself between the fleeing people and any stray energy blasts.
Loki's attacks grew more frenzied, his carefully cultivated composure cracking. Ice spread across the floor with each step he took, the temperature dropping further. "You insignificant creature," he spat at Logan. "You think yourself my equal?"
"Nah," Logan smirked, his boots crunching on the spreading frost. "Just think you talk too much."
Another energy blast erupted from the scepter, this one larger than before. Logan caught it full in the chest, the force throwing him backward into a marble column. The impact cracked the stone, but he pulled himself up, his torn shirt revealing unmarked skin beneath.
"Your healing will not save you forever," Loki promised darkly. "There are worse fates than death."
Steve finished evacuating the last civilians and turned his full attention to the fight. The museum hall now bore scorched walls, cracked marble, and patches of frost, creating a treacherous battlefield. Logan circled to Loki's left while Steve moved to the right, and said, "Surrender now. This doesn't have to get worse."
"Worse? You have no concept of what worse truly means." He raised the scepter. "Allow me to demonstrate." The scepter in Loki's hands shimmered as it elongated into a deadly polearm. His stance shifted, adjusting for the weapon's length.
Logan and Steve exchanged a quick glance. Without words, they moved in tandem, approaching from different angles to divide their opponent's attention. Steve launched his shield at head height, forcing Loki to duck. Logan used the opening to close the distance.
The god of mischief quickly proved himself more than capable of handling both attackers. He deflected the shield with a precise swing of his polearm, then spun the weapon in a wide arc that forced Logan to block or risk being impaled. The god's movements demonstrated his prowess, each motion flowing seamlessly into the next. He parried Steve's shield thrust and kicked the super soldier in the chest, sending him flying back.
Steve regained his feet and pressed forward, shield leading, trying to pin Loki against a column. Logan circled behind, looking for an opening. His claws left deep gouges in the marble floor as he launched himself at Loki's exposed back. The god twisted impossibly fast, the polearm's shaft catching Logan in the ribs and sending him crashing through an antique display case.
"Your friend Mirage thought he could fight me, too," Loki taunted. "Such delusions of adequacy seem common among Earth's defenders."
Glass tinkled as Logan pulled himself from the wreckage. "Way the kid tells it, he took your spear." He spat blood onto the frost-covered floor. "I'm more likely to take your hand."
The fight intensified as Steve and Logan worked in coordination. When Steve went high with his shield, Logan struck low. When Logan drew Loki's attention with a ferocious series of slashes, Steve exploited the openings. Yet Loki's centuries of combat experience allowed him to maintain the upper hand.
"Was that supposed to be a Star Wars reference?" Steve asked between exchanges.
Before Logan could respond, Natasha Romanoff dropped silently from the balcony above, her timing perfect as she landed a kick to Loki's back. The god stumbled forward under the unexpected attack.
"Good association," Natasha quipped, smoothly taking up position alongside her teammates. "You're almost getting it, gramps. Sorry I took so long, I had to find a parking spot."
The three heroes pressed their advantage against the momentarily off-balance god. Natasha's agility complemented Logan's ferocity and Steve's tactical precision, creating a more formidable challenge for their opponent. Frost continued to spread across the floor, and the air crackled with the energy of Loki's weapon, but now he found himself truly tested by the coordinated assault.
Loki's polearm whirled in complex patterns, simultaneously keeping Steve's shield and Logan's claws at bay. Natasha exploited these moments to dart in with precise strikes. To his surprise, her punches carried as much strength as he would expect from an Asgardian, and she was the most difficult to fight, by far. His expression shifted from amused condescension to focused concentration as he struggled to adapt to the new dynamic.
Steve's shield ricocheted off a column, forcing Loki to duck. Logan seized the moment to close the distance, his claws raking across the staff, sparking as he was blocked yet again. Natasha rolled beneath the god's retaliatory swing, delivering a strike to his knee joint that would have crippled a normal opponent.
Loki fired a concentrated beam directly at Logan. The blast tore through his shoulder, vaporizing flesh down to the adamantium bone. Steam rose from the wound as his healing factor immediately began knitting the tissue back together, muscle fibers weaving across exposed bone while new skin sealed over the injury.
Without missing a beat, Loki thrust toward Steve's midsection. The captain's shield intercepted the strike, deflecting the weapon high, forcing him to overextend. Natasha brought her elbow down hard on his forearm. In the same motion, her foot connected with the polearm, sending it spinning across the marble floor. Following through, she launched a powerful punch aimed at Loki's jaw. Her fist passed through empty air as the illusion dissolved. The real Loki had already disengaged, using the moment he lost his weapon to create the duplicate. He dove for the fallen polearm, fingers closing around its shaft.
The opening notes of AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" suddenly blasted through the hall's speaker system, drowning out the sounds of combat. All eyes turned toward the entrance as the distinctive whine of repulsors cut through the music. Tony Stark soared through the open doors in his Iron Man armor and unleashed a blast that caught Loki square in the chest, sending the god sprawling across the frost-covered floor.
As the armor touched down, panels opened across the Iron Man suit's shoulders and arms, revealing an arsenal of missiles and energy weapons, all trained on the fallen god. "Make your move, Reindeer Games," Iron Man's mechanical voice challenged.
Loki slowly raised his hands in surrender. His ornate armor and horned helmet shimmered and faded away.
"Good move," Tony approved, though his weapons remained deployed.
"Mr. Stark."
"Captain," Tony acknowledged, then turned his attention to Natasha. "Ms. Rushman." His gaze finally fell on Logan, who still stood in a fighting stance, adamantium claws extended as he glared at their captive. The suit's sensors analyzed the unknown combatant, cataloging the metal bonded to his skeleton.
"Who's Cowboy Krueger?" Tony asked. "He wasn't in the briefing."
"Name's Logan," he said, retracting his claws with a metallic whisper.
Tony's faceplate retracted, revealing his trademark smirk. "Ah, you're the Wolverine. The kid put on your show. I saw it. Wasn't bad, mine's better." He cocked his head, considering. "Eh, I liked my nickname better, too. Cowboy Krueger has a certain ring to it."
Natasha moved to secure the scepter. The weapon's crystal core still pulsed with an eerie blue light as she carefully lifted it. "This needs containment."
Steve kept his shield ready as he approached their captive. Loki remained on the ground, hands raised in surrender. "On your feet. Slowly."
Loki rose, his movements deliberately unthreatening. His eyes, however, held a calculating gleam as they darted between his captors. The frost that had spread across the floor during combat began to recede, leaving the marble slick with condensation.
"The Quinjet's outside," Natasha informed them, already moving toward the exit with the scepter. "We should get him secured before local authorities arrive."
Logan flanked Loki on one side while Steve took the other, neither fully trusting their prisoner's apparent surrender. Tony brought up the rear. Their procession moved through the museum's grand halls, past shattered displays and scattered debris from the fight.
"You know, for a guy who loves to hear himself talk, you're awfully quiet now," Logan observed. The god's only response was the slight upturn of his lips.
Outside, the Quinjet's engines idled at a low whine. Its rear ramp descended as they approached, revealing the aircraft's rear compartment.
"After you, Your Highness," Tony gestured mockingly toward the ramp. Loki ascended without comment, his bearing still regal despite being their prisoner. The others followed, maintaining their defensive positions.
Inside the Quinjet, Natasha secured the scepter in a reinforced case while Steve and Logan guided Loki to the containment seat. The restraints automatically engaged, wrapping around the god's limbs and torso with pneumatic hisses.
"Comfortable?" Tony asked. "We could get you a pillow, maybe some light reading material for the flight."
"The hospitality of Earth's mightiest heroes. How touching."
Logan leaned against the bulkhead, arms crossed. "Keep running your mouth. Give me an excuse."
"Now, now," Loki's smile widened fractionally. "Is that any way to treat a cooperative prisoner?"
Steve watched the exchange with growing unease. Everything about this capture felt too easy, too neat. He caught Natasha's eye and saw his concerns mirrored in her expression.
"You want to get us airborne?" Steve suggested, keeping his attention on their prisoner. "The sooner we bring him in, the better."
— Rogue Redemption —
Tyson awoke slowly to the gentle stroking of fingers through his hair. The sensation was pleasant enough that he lingered in the hazy space between sleep and wakefulness, savoring it before curiosity compelled him to open his eyes.
Amora's smiling face filled his vision. "Welcome back."
Tyson blinked, taking in his surroundings. He lay upon a massive bed draped in silks and furs. The chamber around him was spacious and elegant, with high ceilings and ornate stonework. Through a large arched window, the golden spires of Asgard were visible.
"I'm in your place?" he asked.
"Indeed. You collapsed after Odin bestowed your title, and the boost from my enhancement magic faded."
Tyson shifted to a sitting position and adopted an expression of mock sadness. "I was not able to offer you a place to stay when you came to Earth, and here I find the same happens on Asgard, and you care for me yet again." He placed a hand over his heart. "How lucky am I to have the Goddess of Beauty take care of me?"
Amora laughed. "Your silver tongue rivals that of Loki himself. Though I've seen you put yours to far better uses." She moved to a table where a pitcher and goblets awaited. "You should drink. Regain your strength." She poured a golden liquid into a goblet and returned to his side.
"Is this the famed mead of Asgard?"
"Something better. A restorative of my own creation. I assure you, if I wished to intoxicate you, I would do it with my presence, not with mead."
Tyson sipped the liquid, which tasted of honey and fruits. Warmth spread through his body immediately. "So," he said after draining half the goblet, "I'm a god now."
"As much so as we're gods, yes. Valravn is not a title Odin bestowed lightly."
She moved toward the window, and the light filtering in created a golden halo effect around her. He wondered if that was some goddess aura she had or if she was using her enchantment magic. "Loki remains at large, and the Tesseract with him. And as you said, if your prophecies are to be believed, he'll invade your home shortly."
Tyson swung his legs over the side of the bed, testing his strength. Finding himself steady, he stood and joined her at the window. "You're right, of course. Duty before pleasure." Tyson said, his voice lowering. "When those concerns are addressed, when Loki is captured and the Tesseract secured, what then, Goddess of Beauty?" They gazed out at the golden spires of Asgard. The view was breathtaking, but his thoughts had already turned to what lay ahead. "After Loki is captured, you'll be here, and I'll be back on Earth. We'll be separated again."
She stepped closer, her presence bringing with it the scent of exotic incense and ancient stone. With gentle fingers, she guided his face toward hers until their foreheads touched. The gesture was intimate, almost tender.
"It'll be a long time," she said softly. "But you are to be king. Do you believe you will do so in a year? Valravn."
The title still felt strange to him, foreign on his tongue and in his mind. God of Prophecy and Absorption, or would it be Balance?
"I'm supposed to be the one making prophecies."
"Well then, consider it a directive. If you wish to court the Goddess of Beauty, then you must be a king." It wasn't the first time she'd made that statement. But this was more. This was a challenge.
She stepped away from him, moving toward the chamber door. She glanced over her shoulder, her expression deliberately enigmatic.
"It's time we returned to Earth—"
"When you were stroking my hair when I woke up, I used my absorption. You're still blocking me."
"Nice try, Valravn. Using your gifts against me? Perhaps you will make a suitable king after all. You certainly have the audacity for it."
"As I asked last time you mentioned this, what realm would I rule?" he asked, genuinely curious now. "I'm hardly in line for Asgard's throne."
"The universe is vast," she replied. "And not all kingdoms are as obvious as Asgard. Some are built, or inherited, and some exist only as a legacy."
Before Tyson could press further, she grabbed his arm firmly. Her expression shifted from playful to serious in an instant.
"We need to go," she insisted. "We're meeting Thor, and I will enhance you again so we can travel to Earth to collect Loki."
Tyson noted the sudden urgency in her manner. "How long was I out?"
"Just over an hour," she replied. "Your recovery time is impressive for a mortal, former mortal," she corrected herself with a small smile.
"And now we're going to do it all again. Enhancement magic, galaxy-level transportation, confronting a god..."
Her expression grew more solemn. "I warn you, though," she said, "the backlash from using Enhancement magic in such quick succession will be worse. You've recovered within about an hour both times, but I'm unsure how weakened you will be after being subjected to Enhancement again so soon."
Her fingers lingered on his shoulder, the touch conveying genuine concern. Tyson caught her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Nothing to do about it," he said with a shrug. "I'll just have to man up."
Her eyes narrowed slightly at his cavalier response. "This isn't a matter of masculine fortitude, Valravn. Enhancement magic taxes the body and the spirit."
"I understand the risks. But there is no alternative. Besides, my spirit stat is strong. Illyana thought I'd be able to stay in Limbo for only a week. I made it two before I started to be affected."
Amora's face looked distant, and surprisingly sad for some reason.
"Where are we meeting Thor?" he asked, changing the subject.
"The edge of the Rainbow Bridge."
They left her chambers and proceeded through the city. Asgardian guards and servants stopped to bow as they passed. Thor stood at the edge of the destroyed bridge, Mjolnir hanging casually from his belt, his red cape billowing slightly in the breeze. When Tyson and Amora approached, his face broke into a broad smile.
"Ah! The Valravn awakens!" Thor's booming voice carried across the expanse. He strode forward, extending his arm in the Asgardian warrior's greeting. Tyson clasped his forearm, matching the god's grip as best he could. "Congratulations! Now, shall we go collect my brother?"
"Are you ready?"Amora asked.
"Let's do it."
Without further preamble, she pressed her lips to his, using the kiss as a conduit for the magic that flowed from her into him. Power surged through Tyson's body, crackling along his nerves like lightning. When she pulled away, her eyes glowed with an unearthly light, reflecting the magic that now coursed through him.
He appeared within the Hallway of Possibilities. Doors lined both sides, each representing a different power he had absorbed. He remembered. Jean, Jubilee, and his internal struggle before coming to Asgard. But he'd already settled that debate. This time, he moved purposefully down the corridor, not allowing himself to be distracted. Grasping the handle to Azazel's door, he pulled it open. Reality shifted around him as he found himself back on Asgard. He placed one hand on Amora's shoulder and the other on Thor's. The Rainbow Bridge dissolved from view, replaced by a swirling vortex of brimstone, fire, and black smoke.
For an instant, they existed suspended between realms. Then, they materialized in Amora's Manhattan penthouse.
Thor shook his head, adjusting to the abrupt transition. "Where is Loki?"
She raised a hand in a calming gesture. "One moment." Moving to an ornate mirror hanging on the wall, she placed her palms against the glass and began to murmur. After several tense moments, she frowned. "He's magically warded. I can't get a location on him."
"Are you still able to find my mistresses? Find Nat," Tyson suggested. "Loki shouldn't be too far."
Nodding, she returned her attention to the mirror. Her incantation changed, and the surface of the mirror clouded, then cleared to reveal the interior of a Quinjet where Natasha Romanoff piloted the aircraft.
The reflection shifted, scanning beyond the Quinjet to identify its location. "There," she said, pointing to a mountain range visible in the background. With a sweeping gesture, she opened a portal in the middle of the penthouse, revealing a rocky outcropping high above the ground.
Thor passed through the portal with Tyson and Amora close behind. The mountain air was crisp and cold, and as soon as they stepped onto solid ground, Thor began swinging Mjolnir in a rapid circle. The hammer blurred with speed, creating a distinctive whooshing sound. With a mighty thrust, he launched himself into the sky, his red cape billowing behind him as he soared toward the Quinjet's trajectory.
She watched him disappear into the clouds, then turned to Tyson. "Should we follow him?"
"Nah," he said with a casual wave of his hand. "They'll be back in a few," he lowered himself to sit on a nearby boulder. The Enhancement magic was still coursing through him, but he knew it was only a matter of time before it faded.
"Do you not wish to see your mistress again?"
"I had some time with Nat before, as you saw… Why don't you tell me about how you got the title Goddess of Beauty instead of Goddess of Peeping—" Her finger shot up, pointing at him threateningly. "—I meant, uh, Goddess of Mirrors?" Tyson quickly amended, though his grin remained unrepentant.
"Very amusing," she said dryly.
"Just kidding," Tyson assured her, patting the space beside him on the boulder.
As she sat next to him, a pair of large ravens descended from the sky, landing on a nearby outcropping of rock. They cawed loudly, their intelligent eyes fixed on the two figures.
Tyson sensed immediately that these were no ordinary birds. There was an almost palpable sense of awareness about them.
"Okay," he said, pointing at the ravens, "can you tell me about that?"
"Huginn and Muninn," she said, her voice lowering slightly as if in deference.
"The birds have names?" Tyson asked as he studied the ravens more closely. They were larger than any ravens he'd seen before; their dark, knowing eyes regarded him with an intelligence that was distinctly unsettling.
"Huginn and Muninn. Thought and Memory. They are Odin's ravens, his eyes and ears throughout the Nine Realms."
The ravens cawed in unison as if acknowledging their introduction. One of them, Tyson couldn't tell which was which, hopped closer, its head tilting as it examined him with an unnerving focus.
"So they're like... magical surveillance drones?"
She shot him a disapproving look. "Show some respect," she admonished. "They are far more than simple tools. They possess intelligence and awareness beyond what you might imagine. What they see, Odin sees. What they hear, Odin hears."
"So Odin is watching us right now?"
"Perhaps," she replied. "Or perhaps they are simply curious about the newly appointed Valravn."
The ravens cawed again, this time in a pattern that almost resembled speech.
"Are they speaking?"
"Listen carefully, young god. They are acknowledging you. Recognizing your new status."
Suddenly, the weight of his new title seemed more tangible. "Can I, uh, talk to them?" he asked hesitantly.
"You may try. They understand the All-Tongue, which you now speak as Valravn."
Tyson cleared his throat, feeling oddly self-conscious. "Hello," he said, addressing the ravens directly. "I'm honored to meet you."
The ravens regarded him silently for a moment. Then, to his surprise, the one on the left inclined its head in what appeared to be a bow. The gesture was so human in its deliberateness.
A distant rumble of thunder interrupted their conversation. Both looked up to see dark clouds gathering unnaturally fast overhead. Moments later, Thor swooped down with Loki in hand, throwing the god of Mischief onto the stone ledge with a groan.
"Where is the Tesseract?" he demanded.
Loki's lips curved into an amused smile. "I missed you, too."
"Do I look to be in a gaming mood?!" Thunder rumbled overhead, matching Thor's growing irritation.
"With the Bifrost gone, how much dark energy did the Allfather have to muster to conjure you here? Your precious Earth." Loki asked, mockingly.
"Oh, none," Tyson interjected casually from his perch on the boulder. "That was all me."
Loki sat up, his green eyes narrowing as they fixed on Tyson. "The humans said you were still alive. I was sure I had killed you, you annoying gnat."
"Nah, just went for a swim." Tyson downplayed how grievously Loki had injured him with Gungnir and how close he'd actually come to death in their previous encounter.
"Thanks for that. I lost an eye and gained a dagger. Not sure why you gave up such an awesome magic weapon so easily. I captured a demon blood god inside. What was once your dagger is now a weapon almost on the level of Mjolnir. So I did what I thought was best and gave it to my secretary. She wanted me to thank you for the glow-up. Best loot I've gotten yet."
"You're as insufferable as ever," Loki spat.
Thor's patience finally snapped. He dropped Mjölnir and grabbed Loki, lifting him up. Despite his anger, hurt crossed his features.
"I thought you died."
"There's a lot of that going around," Loki replied dryly. "Did you mourn?"
"We all did. Our father..."
"Your father," Loki corrected sharply. "He did tell you my true parentage, did he not?"
Thor released his grip, and Loki stepped away, putting physical distance between them that mirrored their emotional divide.
"We were raised together, we played together, we fought together," Thor pleaded. "Do you remember none of that?"
"I remember a shadow. Living in the shade of your greatness. I remember you tossing me into an abyss. I was and should be king!"
"So you take the world I love as recompense for your imagined slights? No, the Earth is under my protection, Loki."
"And you're doing a marvelous job with that. The humans slaughter each other in droves while you sit idly by. I mean to rule them. And why should I not?"
"You think yourself above them."
"Well, yes."
"Then you miss the truth of ruling, brother. The throne would suit you ill."
Loki shoved Thor aside in anger, stalking back to the ledge before turning to face him again. "I've seen worlds you've never known about! I have grown, Odinson, in my exile! I have seen the true power of the Tesseract, and when I wield it..."
"Who showed you this power?" Thor interrupted. "Who controls the would-be-king?"
"I am a king!"
"Not here! You give up the Tesseract! You give up this poisonous dream! You come home."
"I don't have it. You need the cube to bring me home, but I've sent it off. I know not where."
Mjölnir rose back into Thor's outstretched hand. "You listen well, brother. I..."
Before Thor could finish, Iron Man slammed into him, carrying them both off the mountain.
"I'm listening," Loki quipped to the empty air.
Tyson turned to Amora. "You sure you want me to be king? What if I turn into him?" She rolled her eyes as he stood.
Loki turned to Tyson, his lips curling into a contemptuous sneer. "You'll never be king."
"Wielded Gungnir just like you."
"A mortal—"
"Not a mortal anymore," he interrupted. "Odin made me a god."
Loki narrowed his eyes suspiciously and looked to Amora. "It is as he says," she confirmed, "Odin has named him Valravn."
Loki was speechless, his mouth slightly agape. The ravens cawed from their perch, almost sounding amused at his reaction.
The birds laughing at him, made him glared at Amora. "Traitor. You side with mortals—"
"Gods," she corrected smoothly. "I side with gods, as I always have. Tyson is Valravn now. Perhaps it is you who should reconsider who they stand with."
Huginn and Muninn cawed again. Loki's gaze darted to them before he hissed, "This changes nothing," though his voice lacked conviction. "You think a title makes you worthy? You know nothing of what it means to be a god."
"I know what it means to be worthy," Tyson replied simply. "But I admit, apotheosis was easier than I expected. It turns out that all you need is the right connections. Who knew? I should've pushed my networking better."
Loki went to respond, but Tyson raised a hand. "Save it," he said firmly. "You're lucky that I have a mission, or we'd throw down right now. And I promise you, it wouldn't be pretty."
Loki scoffed. "And what is this mission that stays your hand, oh mighty Valravn?"
"Return you to Asgard, stop the Chitauri," Tyson replied bluntly.
At the mention of the Chitauri, Loki's eyes narrowed. "How could you know?"
"Valravn. God of Prophecy and all that," Tyson replied with deliberate vagueness, enjoying the frustration that flashed across Loki's face.
"You think you can stop what's coming?"
"I think that when the moment comes when we face each other, you should surrender," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous timbre. "Odin mandated your return to Asgard, but not the condition you need to be in when you arrive."
Loki's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent, recognizing the shift in Tyson's demeanor.
"If you'll allow me to indulge for a moment, I'm going to tell you the story of Kevin." He began pacing slowly. "Kevin was a mortal who gained a god-like power. Like you can do with your scepter, he could control others. But Kevin could do it with but a word. He used this power to take what he wanted from everyone. Wealth, women against their will. He could even manipulate others with powers."
"I found him. And he ordered me to get him a drink. So I did." A cold smile spread across Tyson's face. "But I poisoned it with mercury. Once I had him alone, I killed him. Then I ripped his heart from his body and added it to my collection. No one speaks of Kevin. No one remembers Killgrave, the lame-ass name he went by."
"Know this, Loki. You aren't the only god who can be treacherous and ruthless."
With a subtle gesture, Tyson projected an illusion over himself. His flesh melted away, revealing the horrific damage Loki had inflicted during their last encounter on the Rainbow Bridge. His body appeared ravaged by Gungnir's power, burned down to his adamantium skeleton in places, one eye socket ruined, with a dagger protruding from it.
Loki looked uneasy for the first time.
"Odin has tasked me with balance," Tyson said, his voice echoing strangely from the illusory damaged throat. "How do I balance this?" He gestured to his ruined form. "An eye for an eye, perhaps?" Tyson pointed to his eye, where Loki's dagger had been left.
The illusion dissipated, revealing Tyson whole again. "I hear losing an eye for Asgard is a great honor," he commented in a deceptively casual tone.
Huginn and Muninn cawed loudly.
Loki's lips curled into a thin smile. "Threats, Valravn? Your new title has made you arrogant."
Tyson turned his back on the god of mischief and asked Amora with faux-sweetness. "Amora, can you conjure one of your mirrors for Loki so he can observe arrogance in its truest form?"
"Oh, ha ha. If you are quite finished, your friends seem to be having a disagreement," he pointed out with a hint of satisfaction.
In the distance, the sounds of combat echoed across the mountainside as Thor and Iron Man continued their confrontation. The clash of Mjolnir against metal reverberated through the air, punctuated by the distinctive whine of repulsor blasts.
"My friends are having a disagreement? What the hell do you know about friends? About as much as you know about being worthy." Tyson said. Before he asked Amora, "Keep an eye on him, please."
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"To have a little fun before I start puking again... Oh, that reminds me..." he held out his hand and summoned Nexus. He passed the blade to her. Hold on to this, I know I can't summon it when I'm weak, and I might need it later."
Then he leaped off the cliff toward the other soon-to-be Avengers.
Loki and Amora watched Tyson sail down, just as Thor raised Mjolnir and lightning struck down from the sky onto the hammer. The crackling energy briefly illuminated the forest clearing, and thunder boomed, echoing through the mountains.
"Your new pet seems eager to join the fray," Loki remarked to her. "And the Valravn can fly, that is as cute as it is fitting."
"He is no pet, Loki. You would do well to remember that."
Below, Thor turned the hammer toward Iron Man and blasted a stream of lightning at the suit. The brilliant discharge arched across Tony's armor, and the forest around them lit up as if day had broken suddenly.
Inside the helmet, Tony's displays flickered and surged. Jarvis's calm British accent reported. "Power at 400% capacity, sir."
"How about that," he commented.
The suit's systems, which he'd adapted after battling Vanko at the Stark Expo, had accommodated the unexpected power boost. He fired his repulsors in a concentrated blast from his chest plate and both gauntlets simultaneously. The triple beam of energy slammed into Thor, who was sent tumbling through the air, his red cape whipping around him like a banner. Yet he landed firmly on his feet, dropping to one knee to stabilize himself.
"Impressive," he muttered, rising to his full height, reassessing his opponent with new respect. "But insufficient."
The Asgardian thrust forward with Mjolnir, the hammer pulling him into flight as he rocketed toward Iron Man, who responded in kind by firing his repulsors from his boots to jet toward the Asgardian.
Just before they clashed, the moment before the hammer would meet the armor, Tyson dropped between with impeccable timing. He grabbed Tony's wrist with one hand, and simultaneously, his other hand closed around Thor's, where the god gripped Mjolnir. Using their momentum, Tyson spun in mid-air. He flung both men back toward the ground, each slamming into the earth where the other had been at the start of their charge. Twin impacts shook the forest floor, sending birds scattering from nearby trees. Thor crashed through several pines before coming to rest against a boulder, while Tony carved a trench through the soil, his armor scraping against stone.
Tyson landed between them. "Thor," he called out, "I'm new to this god stuff, but don't we usually drink before we fight?"
From the mountainside, Amora's laugh carried to the clearing below. "He has you there, Odinson."
Thor pushed himself up, leaves and pine needles clinging to his armor. "You stand with this Midgardian?"
"I do. But now, it's more like I'm standing between you two," Tyson replied.
Iron Man's faceplate retracted, revealing Tony Stark's bewildered expression. "Does someone want to explain what's happening? Point Break here just dropped in uninvited, and now, you're playing referee." he gestured at Tyson, "But hey, welcome back to Earth, Captain Hiller."
Tyson glanced at Tony's with a confused expression before it broke into a grin. "Captain Hiller... Ah, Independence Day!" He chuckled appreciatively. "Oh man, I almost didn't get that one. Pretty good, too. Especially since that girl up there," he gestured toward Amora on the mountainside, "When we first met, she was dancing in a strip club."
"Must you mischaracterize our relationship and my role?" Amora called out from her perch.
"My bad, Queen."
Tony looked between Tyson and the distant stripper, who looked like a model going to a Halloween party dressed as a witch, then up at Loki, who watched the proceedings with barely concealed disdain.
"Alright, T-Pain, what's going on?" he asked, brushing forest debris from his armor. "And who's your friend?"
"We're all on the same side. But I'm happy with doing this Matrix-style if that's what you guys want." His voice changed into a parody of an asian accent. "You never truly know someone until you fight them."
Before Thor could respond, Captain America landed in a crouch at the edge of the clearing after leaping from the Quinjet.
"Hey! That's enough!" Steve called out, straightening to his full height as he approached the group. His gaze fixed on Thor, assessing the Asgardian. "Now, I don't know what you plan on doing here—"
"Shakespeare in the Park." Tony interrupted with a quip.
Thor announced, "I've come here to put an end to Loki's schemes!"
"Then prove it," Captain America challenged. "Put the hammer down."
Tony's eyes widened in alarm. "Um, yeah, no! Bad call!" he warned, raising his hands. "He loves his hammer!"
Thor's expression darkened. "You want me to put the hammer down?"
Without waiting for an answer, Thor leaped high into the air, Mjolnir raised above his head. The hammer seemed to gather weight and power as it arced through the night sky, ready to deliver a devastating blow.
Captain America crouched down and held up his shield, bracing for impact. Tyson extended his hand, fingers splayed. Using his power over magnetism, he shifted Cap's shield out of the way, sliding Captain America along with it, safely across the forest floor. At the same time, he used Azazel's teleportation to appear directly into the path of Thor's attack. His adamantium armor streamed off his chest, forming into a shield at his arm. As Thor brought the hammer down, Mjolnir connected with the unbreakable metal with a resounding clang that echoed through the mountains.
Unlike the vibranium shield, which would have reflected the energy in a shockwave, the adamantium absorbed the impact.
As the forest fell silent when the echoes faded, Thor landed heavily beside Tyson, looking surprised at the intervention and at the shield. The surface where Mjolnir had struck had held, undamaged.
"Thanks. I was wondering how tough this stuff actually was." He nodded, satisfied with the results. "Pretty good."
With a casual flick of his wrist, Tyson tossed the shield to Tony, who caught it reflexively.
"What's this?" Tony asked, turning the shield over in his hands.
"Promised you an upgrade a while back," Tyson replied. He snapped his fingers, and the adamantium shield liquefied, flowing like quicksilver over Iron Man's armor. The metal spread across the red and gold surface, covering each curve and contour before hardening into place.
Tony stared down at his armor as the adamantium settled, providing a seamless coating.
"I know we were waiting for your next suit before we upgraded it, but time's up. Thanks again for sending over Beck and his team."
Captain America approached cautiously. "Someone want to explain what's going on here?" he asked, looking between the three men.
Tyson pulled the remaining, excess adamantium, and it flowed around him, back into his shirt. He looked around at the three men standing in the clearing. The forest around them showed the scars of their brief but intense battle; splintered trees, scorched earth, and deep furrows carved by their impacts.
"Alright, gentlemen. Let's take a breath and sort this out." He pointed at himself with his thumb. "You all know me, Tyson Smith, Agent Mirage, Valravn."
He turned and pointed at Tony, whose armor now held an adamantium coating. "Tony Stark, Iron Man."
"Steve Rogers, Captain America." Steve nodded curtly, his expression still wary.
Finally, Tyson gestured toward Thor. "Thor Odinson, Norse god and Prince of Asgard." Thor's grip on Mjolnir relaxed slightly.
"Now that introductions are out of the way," Tyson continued, "we're all on the same side. Loki is captured, and he doesn't have the Tesseract with him. So, let's get into that Quinjet and find it."
"The Tesseract belongs to Asgard," Thor declared.
"Yet here we are," Tony countered. "Playing cleanup after your brother decided to throw a tantrum on our planet."
"Loki will face Asgardian justice," Thor insisted.
Tyson raised his hands again. "We all want the same thing. Stopping whatever Loki has planned and retrieving the Tesseract." He turned to Thor. "Your father sent you here to bring both back, right?"
Thor nodded reluctantly. "The Allfather commanded it."
Amora called down, "Technically, Odin commanded Loki's return. He didn't directly mandate the Tesseract's return. It was only implied.
"We all want to make sure Earth stays safe," Tyson continued. "So, instead of beating each other senseless in the woods, maybe we can work together as a team?" The others expected him to continue trying to convince them, but instead, he doubled over, clutching his stomach.
And puked all over the forest floor.