A Complicated Web

Chapter Twenty-Three: Loki

GoGo walked up to Fred and leaned her head against his chest, far enough away from his wound that she didn't jostle it too much. "You should have called," she admonished him gently. She'd been pacing ever since dinner had concluded, sure they'd be no more than an hour behind everyone.

"All that matters is that everyone's here now," Honey spoke up again. "I'm sure we're all eager to get some sleep. It's been a long day." She glanced over at Wasabi, who had actually dozed off on one of the couches. Apparently the sleep aide wasn't quite out of his system yet.

Kally stood by, watching their reactions with some confusion. She had the distinct feeling she was missing out on something. "Um..." she spoke up, not sure she knew what to say. Her stomach growled, though, reminding them the last time they'd stopped for food had been quite a while ago. She colored red in embarrassment.

"Tell you what," Tony spoke up, now that the Black Widow was appeased, "why don't we have my party find some food while the rest of you settle in for the night. We can all catch up in the morning."

GoGo released Fred, straightening up as she did, with her usual expression back in place. "Fine by me," she quipped. "I'm ready for bed." Now was probably not the time to request a private meeting with her team, though she hoped they could all get together, minus their babysitters, sometime within the next twenty-four hours. "I'll go help bring up your stuff," she added as she left the room.

Natasha was about to protest as she followed her out. She retracted any words she was about to say, realizing William had already at least brought their bags inside. No one would have to leave the building for the rest of the night. She just went to make sure all the doors were properly locked before going to find Tony once more.

The others followed Fred to the dining room, which was decidedly not as large as the one back in San Fransokyo, much to their relief. All the same, Kally was impressed with the size, not knowing the difference. And, with the help from the live-in chef (also William's wife), they were soon eating a light late night meal before bed.

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The throne room of Asgard stood mostly empty. Considering the time of day, it wasn't too surprising. Loki couldn't help but wonder, though, why no one had yet realized what he'd done. Odin's ravens, Huginn and Muninn hadn't been seen for a while, though that could just as easily been seen as he'd sent them off to get information. No, his disguise as his adoptive father was complete, with no one the wiser.

Loki looked up as he sensed a disturbance in his realm. Well, not technically his, but close enough that no one had noticed. Someone had used the Bifrost. He stood from the throne, his guise perfect as he wielded his father's staff. Who had dared use the Bifrost without his permission? He could think of only one person, Thor. But hadn't he essentially sent him back to Midgard? What was he doing here? Whatever had brought him didn't take long as the god of mischief felt the Bifrost activate once more and the presence of his adopted brother was gone. This warranted some investigation.

With a sweep of the mighty cloak he currently wore, Loki strode down the length of the throne room, heading towards the Bifrost. He could have just used his magic to whisk his way over there, but that would somehow defeat the purpose of pretending to be dear old dad. He probably should have just waited for word to be brought to him but couldn't wait. He greeted those he came across with either a quick nod or half smile. And for those who knew him best, he even condescended to give a brief word of greeting, but his steps did not falter as he made his way to the Rainbow Bridge and Heimdall.

"My lord," the Guardian of Asgard bowed as soon as he saw who he thought to be Odin coming. He had one hand crossed over his chest, none the wiser for the switch, which was just how Loki liked it.

Loki stood several meters away from the man, looking as impassive as ever. Odin tended to have this poker face that would defy most people's ability to read it. But not Loki's. "I felt the presence of my son," he stated, mentally smirking as he saw the look on Heimdall's face.

Heimdall found he wasn't entirely surprised to see his king, even if it was a bit unorthodox. "My lord, it is true your son, Thor, returned briefly to Asgard. He has found a daughter of a Valkyrie on Midgard and requested I make this known to you. This daughter, one Kally Carmichael, appears to be in danger by forces of her adoptive home."

Loki couldn't help but feel a touch excited at word of a half Valkyrie on Midgard. If he could get his hands on her, mold her, he might even be able to use her to defeat Odin once and for all. He knew that when any Asgardian was sent down to Midgard, they were usually put within close proximity to one of similar blood. He was not entirely surprised to hear such a one had been found, though he doubted Thor had been placed near her by any means other than fate. But he paused that thought at the rest of what the Guardian had to say. "Danger?" he questioned. "By what forces?"

Heimdall flinched under the sharp gaze of his pseudo leader. "I have been searching for the cause," he admitted. "However, they seem to be shrouded in a cloud of darkness and I cannot see them. I fear for her safety, as well as the safety of those around her."

Oh now that just wouldn't do, Loki thought to himself. If he was going to use her to his advantage, he needed to keep her whole and unharmed by outside influences. "And where is she now?" he asked, still using the voice of Odin.

The Guardian moved to peer out into the vastness of space. "She is currently with a small group of friends and Midgardian protectors. I fear some of those friends are also being targeted."

"And my son?" Loki inquired, not sure where that oaf would be at a time like this. Probably lost in an alternate dimension. He never was the cleverest of people.

Heimdall's golden eyes seemed to pierce the heavens. "Thor goes in search of her," he replied.

Good. That meant he still had time. If Thor had lost her, he might have a hard time finding her again. He knew the Valkyrie could be a little on the testy side, though there had been some lovely women he'd associated with as a child. He wondered who had been mother to this half-breed. Well, it didn't really matter so long as he could get what he wanted from her.

"Keep me informed," Loki ordered as he turned, his cloak sweeping away from him with the movement as he strode down the bridge leading back to Asgard. He had work to do.