One Day Down, Chapter 175

Natasha got a gun from one. “All right, they know we’re here. No more formalities.” She rushed ahead, Fandral and Hogun close behind. They took out more guards then saw the building up ahead. “There!”
Valstagg barreled through the guards then gave Hogun a boost. The man shot three more guards as they approached the building.
“They’re trying to keep us busy out here!”
“Sif, you all go on ahead then. The warriors and I shall entertain them here.”
The warrior smiled, ready to see battle. Steve he nodded and went ahead with the rest of the Avengers.
“Dr. Banner, do your thing.”
Not a second later, Bruce turned into the Hulk and easily smashed through more guards.
“Leave my husband alone!” Tony shouted at the woman, heart racing.
“That madman? You expect me to show sympathy to the man that melted my poor little sister’s brains?”
Tony frowned puzzled then his eyes widened. “Pauler.”
The woman stood tall, her eyes cold. “Marceline Pauler, to be exact. And I must say Mr. Stark; I hold a big grudge against your husband.”
“Your sister killed innocent children!”
“And you think she chose that path?!” Marceline hit Tony in the face with her gun, tears in her eyes. “You think she chose to harm her little boy the way she did? To watch him turned into a sick experiment! No, not my sister. Before those bastards got to her, she was so sweet. She would never have hurt Andrew.” Marceline’s lip quivered. “They did horrible things to her. And then you came along and ruined what precious little she had left.”
Tony and Clint looked at the woman shocked.
“You’re lying.” Clint said quietly, unable to believe what he was hearing.
“No, I’m not.” Marceline stood tall again.
"Yes, you are." Loki growled at her. "I'll destroy you like I destroyed her and I will make sure you two stay together forever." Loki glared. Loki was off in a safe spot, using one of his shadows to project himself into the building.
"How are you using your magic? This shield is supposed to keep you out!" She screamed.
"I'm stronger than you, now give me back my husband before I tear you limb from fucking limb."
Marceline glared at the god and pulled Tony up, pressing a gun to his head. “Not a chance. You want him? Give me back my sister like she was.”
Clint he looked at the woman and the three guards before stealing a quick glance at Loki. Marceline pressed the gun into Tony’s side harder, her eyes fixed on the god.
“You have your options, god.”
Suddenly, Clint rammed his elbow into one of the guard’s knees, knocking the man to the ground. He took the gun and shot the other man in the head before firing at the third guard. In all the noise, Marceline relaxer her grip just slightly and Tony pulled away, trying to take the gun from her.
“Let go!” Marceline held on tight, firing once by accident. Tony pulled at her arm and they both fell back, the gun firing again. Clint watched for a moment then tried to stand, his legs still weak from the paralytic. He limped over, his gun aimed at the woman.
“Don’t move. Stark, you all right?”
Tony sat against the wall then stood, gun in hand. “Yeah, I think.” He didn’t even notice his side was bleeding.
Loki stalked over to her making copies of himself. "You don't know who I am." He said. "You don't know what hell you've just unleashed upon yourself." He said.
The Hulk burst through the wall the Jotuns close behind him. The others came from behind them and the real form of Loki followed.
"Your sister was a cruel woman and you are just the same. She knew what she was doing when she killed those children and you knew what you were getting into when you challenged me."
Marceline glared at Loki from her spot on the ground and stood slowly, her arms up in surrender. A few SHIELD agents went in and arrested the woman, taking her out to the jets. Tony watched her go, his breathing heavy.
“Do I have to start chaining you to the bed?” His knees buckled under him and Tony fell to the ground. “I feel really dizzy.”
“You got shot you idiot.” Clint knelt down next to the man, checking the wound. “Why didn’t you let me take her out?”
"She's mine." Loki told the agents. They nodded taking her on ahead. Going over to Tony and Clint, Loki dropped down by his side.
"Unless you take my powers away, I'll only get out." He chuckled. "You'll be alright.” Loki told him. Tony's suit came wandering over.
"You've lost a lot of blood sir but the bullet missed anything major." Jarvis informed them after a scan.
"Take care of him Barton; I have a score to settle."
Clint nodded and did what he could to stop the wound from bleeding before a few more SHIELD agents went in and took them out to get treated.
“Barton, how are you doing?” Tony looked at the man on the gurney next to him. The archer chuckled a bit.
“I’m not bleeding Tony. It was just an injection. I’m fine.”
Tony nodded and lay back, sighing and groaned at the pain. He was hooked up to an IV. “Where’s Loki?”
“He’s talking to that woman. He won’t be able to torture her here yet, but he’s going to do it when we all get back.”
“Is this a bad time to tell everybody that the US government sold that machine to her?”
"Not a bad time at all. Once we clear the place, Loki's sending agents down to torch it with Thor over seeing it." Clint explained. "Loki brought Jotuns with him Tony. One of them called him little brother. I thought they hated him?"
Tony shook his head as they lay there. “They kind of expected it. All of them knew that Loki had been abandoned. To the king it wasn’t that big a deal, but I guess the rest of the Jotuns thought it was an insult. When Laufey died, they were ready to form an alliance knowing Loki was part of it.”
“So they were okay with it? He tried to kill em all.”
“He did. And he tried to kill me too but it wasn’t because he hated us or them. He was just…pretty fucked up. I mean, how would you feel if you found out you were abandoned to die and then picked up by the same man that killed your parents?”
"I'd be pretty fucked up too." Clint said.
"I want them to come back to SHIELD, they're huge. Loki even looked like the one that called him brother." He explained.
"Make sure you get everything and watch it until it is ash." Thor told the agents. He had to go back to Asgard and get Odin to remove Loki's powers. He did not want his brother in battle anymore and as long as he had his magic, he would always be in battle.
The building was soon torched and everyone was put into custody and flown back to the US. Tony sighed relaxed as their jet took off as well. “God these things fly so smooth.”
“Didn’t you make em?”
Tony smiled and nodded. “These are my babies.” The suit had stayed with Tony under Jarvis’s control. “You can stop worrying Jarvis, I’m okay.”
“You very nearly weren’t Sir.” The AI spoke in a stern voice. “Honestly, must I do everything for you?”
“Excuse me, Loki. Director Fury wants to speak to you.” Maria handed Loki a cellphone.
“I know you’re eager to get your hands on this woman, but let my agents speak to her for a minute before you get your fun.” Fury said to the god. “She wasn’t working for Hydra, so I want to know if she did this on her own or if she’s working with someone else.”
Loki growled into the phone and sighed. "Fine, you'll have twenty minutes and then she's mine." Loki replied.
In a larger part of the ship where the Jotuns could stand, they were studying a gun that they'd been given. Bruce had yet to calm down from his Hulk phase and he was there as well.
"Are you a jotnor?" One of the frost giants asked.
The Hulk looked at the two giants and growled lowly.
“He’s just human, like us.” Steve said, staying close so he could explain everything to Bruce when he returned to normal. The soldier looked up at the Jotuns from where he stood.
“Why is it he is like this?”
“An accident. From what I know, it was a faulty experiment. He got gamma-radiation but instead of dying, he turned into the Hulk.”
“A very useful gift.”
Tony stared at the ceiling of the jet for a moment then looked at the suit. “Can you call Loki over?”
“Sir, we’re in mid-flight.”
"You'll see him soon enough." Clint said.
"Sir, might I recommend sleeping for the duration of the flight? Agent Barton, I recommend it for you as well." Jarvis said.
"He's right Tony. I'm beat after two days of being held by that woman." Clint sighed.
"Our brother has not shared a great deal about those he works with. He speaks of his husband and his children." Helbindi said.
Steve nodded his head. “He doesn’t talk much, huh? Tony seems to be the only one that actually knows anything.”
After some time, the Hulk calmed down enough and reverted to Dr. Banner. Bruce was handed a blanket to keep him warm and his glasses returned.
“Thanks.” He smiled sheepishly at Steve then the giants. “You too, you helped a lot.”
Tony scoffed and rolled his eyes, but ended up falling asleep anyway. Jarvis stayed at his side in the suit then looked at Clint.
“Thank you Agent Barton, for keeping him alive.”
“Somebody had to do it. Last thing I want is Loki on my ass for letting Stark die.” The archer yawned and quickly fell asleep.
Jarvis made the suit nod.
Once Loki had calmed down enough he went back to his brothers.
"Little brother, you must bring us back here. We would like to know the rest of your allies." Helbindi said.
"Very well." Loki nodded.
"Brother?" Bruce questioned.
"Yes, these are my younger brother Helbindi and Bileystr.”
Steve chuckled a bit. He knew height wasn’t a determining factor, but it was funny to think Loki was really older.
“You’re the oldest?” Bruce looked at the god shocked then got off the jet once they landed. He was given a change of clothes and put them on.
Tony was still asleep when they landed, as was Clint. Both men were wheeled inside SHIELD to get further medical attention. Maria oversaw operations and smiled at Loki as the god walked over.
“He’s been asleep most of the ride. Guess he was pretty tired. They gave him a transfusion and he’s on fluids, so he’ll be fine.”
Natasha walked over as well and looked in on her friend.
“He didn’t have as much blood on him. Did you find out why?”
“He was shot with a different kind of bullet. It had some kind of paralyzing agent, but it filled the wound so he wouldn’t bleed too much.”
"Yes I'm the oldest." He replied. "I don't know what they planned on doing but I know what I plan on doing to her." Loki almost growled.
"Loki's the oldest of us. He's more like our father than he cares to admit." Helbindi said.
Steve smiled a bit when he heard that then looked at Loki. “Yeah, I believe that.”
Tony woke up sometime later and yawned, stretching a bit and groaning at the pain in his side. He glanced around then sat up in the bed.
“Mr. Stark, good to see you awake.” Agent Hill walked over with a little smile.
“Yeah. Where’s Loki?”
"Fury finally gave her over to Loki." She replied. "He's having it out at her for taking you and shooting you. How do you feel?"
Loki dragged Pauler's sister down the hall to the cells. Finally reaching it he smiled as he saw Dr. Pauler start to scream and beg for him to go away.
"See her pretty mind is nothing anymore and yours will be too." Loki laughed. He grabbed Marceline by the collar and dragged her up to eye level. "You should have picked your battle more carefully."
The woman looked at Loki terror stricken and began to scream, but the agents kept their distance. They knew better by now.
“I feel like I want to see my husband.” Tony looked at Agent Hill and the woman just shrugged.
“You’ll see him when he’s done.”
“Great.” He smiled tightlipped.
Sif and the warriors went to visit Tony for a moment; all glad he was doing better, except, of course Hogun, who was asking about Nelim.
“How fair you, Man of Iron?”
“I’m doing okay, I guess. Sore, but I’m fine. Guess those apples really help.”
“Ah yes. No doubt the wound would have been worse.” Sif smiled at Tony.
“I did not see Nelim. Where is she?” Hogan asked. Tony grinned a bit.
“She’s back at the tower. She was watching over Loki, but he took off and she couldn’t get to us.”
“She is well then?”
“Oh come now Hogun, why not go see her?” Valstagg asked, playfully nudging his friend. The other man smiled a bit.
Loki robbed her of her mind and left the sisters to stay together. "If there are more of you, I'll kill the third where she or even he stands." The two cowered in the corner until Loki was gone well out of the way.
"Where is my husband?" Loki asked the agents. Once getting his answer he trotted off to see him. For someone pregnant Loki moved rather fast as he reached Tony in the med bay.
"You know I might as well just lock you up; it's the only way to keep you out of trouble." Loki smiled as he sat on the bed side.
“Oh me? I’m not the not the pregnant one.” Tony frowned a bit at his husband then held Loki’s hand. “But I’m glad you’re okay. I was worried she might try shooting you, not that it would do anything since the bullets just kinda bounce off you.” Tony smiled playfully and sighed. “So, those other frost giants that were there; those your brothers?”
"Two of them are. Sadly this room is too small for them to fit in, but they do want to meet you." Loki replied.
"When did you make friends with the enemy?" Fandral asked.
"I've done a lot of things since I was first exiled. Mending what I broke and destroyed was part of that." Loki said.
Fandral nodded quietly, smiling a bit. “It’s strange to see how much you’ve changed over the years, but very refreshing.”
“I don’t supposed you’ll be staying here long, Anthony Stark?”
Tony shook his head. “Nope, I’m leaving as soon as I can. I hate being stuck here.”
Nelim stopped by soon enough, sighing relieved when she saw Tony and the others okay.
“Sorry Tony, Loki took off before I could say anything.” She frowned playfully at the god. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. I’m just a little tired.”
“Well you were shot at.” Nelim smiled a bit.
“How are the boys?”
“They’re fine. I brought them over; I didn’t think you’d want them far from you. They’re out in the lobby with Steve and Pepper.”
“My lady Nelim, it’s good to see you again.” Hogun spoke up, bowing his head a bit.
Nelim smiled. "And you as well." She said.
"Come on we'd better get you home." Loki said pulling back so Tony could get up from the bed.
"Brother, did you take care of the woman that did this?" Thor asked.
"I did, she will do no more." Loki smiled.
"Good. I am sorry brother." Thor said. He grabbed Loki, whispering a few words that would rob his brother of his powers until the birth of the child growing with him.
Everyone watched, rather shocked by what had just happened. They of course knew what it had to be done; Loki would never hold still if he still had access to his magic while pregnant. Tony looked at Loki and Thor then sighed a bit.
“Well, we’re not going anywhere anytime soon.” He shrugged and finished getting dressed, groaning a bit at the pain in his side.
“Sirs, are we ready?” Jarvis walked in, still controlling the suit. “I have brought a car for you and the boys.”
“Yeah, I think we’re good.” Tony grabbed a few things and headed towards the door. Nelim smiled at Hogun then started to leave with Tony and Loki.
As they started to leave, Loki was still refusing to talk to Thor other than telling him to piss off. Loki didn't like not having his magic. He didn't like feeling robbed of it. During his last pregnancy, he knew it was simply dormant but this time it was gone.
The Jotuns were waiting for them in the largest part of the headquarters where they would stand straight up. Toki and Fenrir started at them wide eyed. Remus had turned blue and clapped wanting to go to the people that looked like him.
“Papa, Papa! Are they Jotuns too?” Toki looked up at Loki wide eyed and buzzing with curiosity. “Why are they so big? Are they related to you?”
Tony’s eyes widened as he looked up at the giants. He could tell by the term “giant” that they would be pretty big, but didn’t expect them to be quite so large.
“Wow.” Was all he could really manage to say. Remus squealed as he pointed at his relatives.
"Yes, they are." Loki replied. "These two are my younger brothers. These are my sons: Fenrir, Toki, and Remus. By now you've heard I'm carrying another child." Loki explained.
"May I hold him?" Helbindi asked, looking at Remus.
"You may." Loki nodded. Remus in Helbindi's hand was small.
"Hello little one."
Remus stared up at the Jotun then babbled and reached for the large fingers, trying to bite at them. Tony chuckled, shaking his head.
“Remus, quit biting your uncles.”
“Can you hold me too?” Toki asked timidly then grinned widely when Bysterl picked him up.
“You are quite adventurous, young Toki.”
“Papa, look how high I am!” Toki smiled happily.
“Hey, quit squirming!” Tony said to his son.
"So this is the family reunion." Fury said coming into the hall. Even the director had to admit it was amazing to see where Loki came from. The longer Loki stayed around the more layers came away from him.
"Loki I need you to do one last thing." Fury said.
"My brother has had his magic sealed. Until the baby is born, his magic is bound."
“So they finally put a collar on you, huh? I thought your husband was just gonna chain you to the bed.” Fury smirked a bit then looked at Tony. “How you feeling Stark?”
"Shut up." Loki glared. Fury backed up a few feet.
“I’m getting better.” Tony shrugged then smiled at Toki ran over to hi, shaking from the cold but happy.
“I was up so high!” His teeth chattered as he spoke and Tony ruffled the boy’s hair.
“Yeah, but next time let’s get a jacket on you.”
Helbindi had fun holding and playing with Remus before setting the boy down. Remus grinned and took off, hiding behind Tony’s legs.
“He wants you to find him.” Tony shrugged at his son’s odd fascination with hide-and-seek.
"Brother, do not be mean. He was only teasing and you know it’s for your own good. I've seen you in worse shape." Thor said.
"Don't talk to me, traitor. Now, let’s go, I'm ready to go home and have a hot bath and go to sleep like a good pregnant husband."
Tony chuckled a bit and shook his head. “I’ll rub your ankles when we get back.” He took Remus into his arms then paused. “Wait, where are they staying?” He pointed to the Jotuns.
“Can they stay with us?” Toki immediately chided, his eyes glowing with intrigue.
Helbindi shook his head. "We are returning to Jotunheim." He said.
"But why can't you stay?" Toki asked.
"Because we will not fare well here, young one, but we will return to get to know you much better now that we've met." He smiled.
"Promise?"
"Yes. Fair well Brother." the Jotun told him.
Toki and Fenrir said their goodbyes then went home with their parents, yawning when they arrived. It was getting pretty late.
“All right boys, brush your teeth then get into bed.”
The two nodded and went off to do as they were told. Tony set Remus down then grabbed at his side, grunting.
“This feels like a paper cut but worse.” He straightened out, rubbing his side slightly.
"Try getting stabbed with a sword." Loki replied. Those were what hurt like hell.
Loki got Remus changed and settled before giving him a bottle.
“I’d rather not, unless it’s your sword.” He winked suggestively then chuckled and followed his husband. “Want me to get the bath started for you?”
"Yes please." Loki groaned. Without his magic to ease the pains he had, Loki felt every bit of the pain now.
Tony nodded and went ahead, adjusting the tub’s settings and adding some of those oils Loki liked to use.
“Jarvis, temperature.”
“Adjusting now Sir.”
Tony set out fresh towels then checked his phone.
“And make sure to route that stuff they used to block you.”
“I’m analyzing it now Sir. I should have results in a few days.”
Loki walked into the bathroom and felt the warmth seep into his bones.
"This is nice." He smiled, a yawn breaking it. "I'm so tired Anthony." Loki whined. "We're cuddling tonight."
“All right. Here, put your feet up.” Tony grabbed some of the lotion and started rubbing his husband’s ankles and feet. “I’m sorry about today.”
"I got you back in one piece. I'm happy." He smiled.
Tony smiled and nodded. “Guess you’re right. And this still isn’t as bad as Amora.” He shuddered and kept rubbing the god’s feet. “Pepper’s probably going to assign me a body guard again though.” He groaned at the thought.
"Let’s just find something more pleasant to talk about." Loki replied. Relaxing a bit more, Loki slumped for once and started to fall asleep he was so tired.
“It was nice getting to meet the other half of your family.” Tony said and smiled when Loki started dozing off. “You wanna get out of the tub or are you going to sleep there?”
"Few more minutes." Loki replied. "I'm going to sleep all day tomorrow and no one is going to stop me."
“I don’t think anyone wants to try Babe.” Tony said then finished rubbing Loki’s feet and wiped off his hands.
Loki extended his hands so he could be helped out of the tub. "Carry me please?"
Tony helped Loki out of the tub and wrapped the god in some towels before picking him up, being careful of the sutures in his side. The last thing he wanted was for Bruce to get on his case. He took Loki to the bed and leaned over him for a moment.
“You look good naked, you know.” He smiled playfully.
Through half lidded eyes Loki chuckled. "So do you. Now be careful and get ready for bed."
Loki wished he had his magic. He could be dry, dressed, and in the bed.
Tony chuckled and kissed his husband softly before putting on his pajamas and climbing into the bed. He helped Loki dress and snuggled close to his husband.
Loki was a sleep before his head hit the pillow. The entire tower had had a long day and wanted nothing more than to rest.
Tony stayed curled up close to Loki the entire night, thanking God that Remus was too tired to wake up that night.
Loki was dead to the world as well as his boys.
It was Saturday the next morning, so no one bothered getting up until late into the day. Tony eventually got up and lumbered into the bathroom, yawning.
“Good afternoon Sir.”
“Don’t be a smart ass.”
"Sir, all I did was greet you, how is that being a smart ass?" Jarvis asked.
“No, you had that little tone in your voice. Good afternoon Sir.” Tony said in a mocking tone. “I had a rough day yesterday.”
“Everyone had a rough day Sir.”