Chapter Text
Tony left Loki in the kitchen and ran towards the elevator.
"JARVIS, the roof!", he commanded.
"As you wish, Sir", the AI replied.
"Where are they currently?", Stark demanded.
"The explosion took place at the 86th floor and damaged..."
"I don't even want to hear that."
"...the 85th, 87th and 88th level, too", JARVIS continued nonetheless.
"If that's not an awesome Sunday morning", the millionaire growled and stepped though the opening doors of the elevator in order to access the platform where he would be able to get into his suit.
It took less than twenty seconds for him to be fully armoured and jump of the roof to get back to the floor where he had attempted to take breakfast (or lunch) with Loki, when he decided to fly to the damaged storeys right away.
"Tell Loki to hide somewhere. Guide him if necessary", he ordered and leaned into a curve to circle the building.
~*~
Loki was standing inside of the kitchen since Stark had left, unable to move (and even if he could, he wouldn't know where to go). He had grabbed the knife the millionaire had dropped and held it in front of his body defensively. After the explosion it had become awfully silent and he kept imagining footsteps from all directions.
"Mr Laufeyson, I would recommend that you search for cover." The god jumped when he heard the voice of JARVIS without being able to locate its source. "If you pass the door to your left you will find an elevator which will bring you right to the basement."
Taking a deep breath he nodded and began to move towards the direction JARVIS had advised. On his way, he kept clinging to the knife as if it was the only hope he had left. Actually, it kind of was, indeed. Without any magical powers to defend himself...
Loki had not forgotten about the promise the Other had made. Not at all. It was present in his mind all the time since he had been sent to earth – vulnerable, defenceless, like a lamb prepared for slaughter.
Not that the judgement was spoken to harm him. The god was even sure that Odin would have decided in another way if he had known about the Other. The point was just... he didn't know. Even if not gagged during the whole trial, Loki would not even have considered telling his father.
Loki regretted his decision by now. He really did.
The pling with which the elevator's doors slid open startled him out of his thoughts and he stepped out of the cabin looking around cautiously. It was dead silent, he was surrounded by white walls and there were not even windows he could use to watch the fight that was surely going on by now.
"JARVIS, how is Stark doing?", he asked.
"Besides that he is wondering, and I quote, 'why the bloody hell these fucking reptiles are abusing my god forsaken tower', he seems to get along quite well", the AI explained and Loki let out a stressed chuckle.
"If he still has enough breath to swear it cannot be that bad", he stated.
"Actually Mr Stark never seems to lack breath for that", JARVIS said and the god wondered if the computer might possess a sense of humour somewhere.
"So I guess all I can do now is... wait. Well, that's going to be exciting", he sighed. He had never been as militant as his elder bro- as Thor, but yet he did enjoy a good fight now and then. After all, he had been raised by Asgardians. But searching combat without real possibilities to defend oneself? That was nothing but suicide.
Lost in thought, he leaned against a wall. The room he was in appeared to be developed as a bunker because it was plain and besides a few chairs, a table and a bookshelf there was no furniture at all. At least Stark seemed to be prepared for any kind of incident and it just proved to be a good idea.
Slowly, the god wandered towards the regal and chose a random book. If he couldn't be of use, he should at least have a good time waiting, shouldn't he?
Unfortunately, there were others who did not share this opinion, as he should get to know after just about three pages of the book.
"Mr Laufeyson, I fear there are some of the Chitauri heading towards the basement", JARVIS' electronic voice told him.
With a mumttered curse Loki got up and tightened his grasp onto the knife. He was skilled at the handling of blades. He would be able to stand up against some... Hold on a second.
"JARVIS?", he asked nervously.
"Yes, Mr Laufeyson?"
"What exactly is you definition of... some Chitauri?"
"Altogether there are eight of them approaching this direction. They are taking the stairways and they appear to know exactly where you are."
"Oh, isn't that just wonderful?", the god muttered under his breath. "If they are taking the stairs, it is possible for me to use the elevator without... company?"
"It is."
"Then do me a favour and transport me to the... level, you call it?... with the smallest amount of Chitauri in it, will you?" He stepped into the elevator while JARVIS confirmed. He might not get away by running, but if he played on time – and did it right – he could be able to lead them to Stark so he could finish them off. Meaning, if he could. But that was the factor he had no choice but to bet on.
"Mr Laufeyson, I am afraid that you are in trouble", the AI suddenly said.
"Thanks for stating the obvious. What is it?", Loki asked. The same second, there was a shiver running through the cabin and the god heard a faint rumble when it stopped moving. "Oh, I really, really didn't like that sound just now. What was that?"
"The Chitauri are currently busy with cutting the ropes of the elevator", JARVIS explained calmly. "You should leave the cabin by using the door above you."
"For Odin's sake, I'm on Midgard for not even twenty-four hours and now this is happening", Loki growled.
"Excuse me, sir?"
"Nevermind", he mumbled, clutching the knife between his teeth and reaching out for the gap of the opening JARVIS had created by moving part of the cabin's ceiling to the side. The god pulled himself up until he sat on top of the metal box and looked up to see... well, not exactly to see anything since there was nothing but darkness.
"What now?"
"I shall turn on the emergency lights."
"Wait, if the Chitauri are up there I don't know if it's that good of an", he began when the hoist way got flooded by cold, white light, "...idea. Oh damn." Loki glared up just to see a whole bunch of reptiles staring back at him. "Well hello there", he mumbled and grabbed the knife tighter.