Avengers - Loki's redemption - Chapter Six

Chapter Six

The Captain had seen death before from his original postings to the battle of Manhattan.  Despite Loki's crimes he could not let the man choke in front of him.

Steve opened the door to the cell and immediatly Loki arched his back, clanched his fists and stared, still gasping for air.  If he broke his restraints, there was no telling what he would do.  Steve shut the door.   Guards had run into the chamber and now pounded on the glass as Steve leant over Loki and released two of the straps.  Loki felt ice cold, but the Captain paid that no mind as his priority was to get Loki into a recovery position.  Loki was no longer rigid so it was easier to move him, and, as Steve turned his head, Loki gave a great gasp of air and relaxed under his grip.

The banging of the guards drove the Captain to distraction and he yelled "Medic!" to grab their attention.  Two ran for help, as Steve glared at the security cameras to attract the rest of the Avengers. Loki now breathed easily and the Captain moved to leave but Loki placed his hand on his.

"Please make it stop."
"What?"
"The pain... I don't know what I have done on Midgard, but I am sorry... please make it stop."

Loki fell back, exhausted, and the Captain withdrew.  There was sincerity in that voice, trickster god or not.  Two medics entered the cell and as Loki arched again, they strapped down his free arm and leg, then left, leaving Steve sat alone with his thoughts.

All of this situation bothered the Captain. Thor had explained some of the details surrounding his brother but something was missing, being kept from the Avengers and, after his shift, Steve was determined to get to the bottom of it.

"Rewind the footage."

"Pepper, what good will that do?" Tony stared at the monitor, then at her.

"I have an idea."

"Oh good, would that be how to keep an insane god happy?"

"Maybe free from pain, yes."

Tony thought for a long moment, then gave in.

"Okay, I'll rewind to 'Natasha has anger management issues'."

Pepper rolled her eyes at that but watched as Natasha stalked out and the Captain entered Loki's cell.

"There, see?"

"The Capsicle's a medic. Great Pepper, can I go now?" Tony walked away, intending to grab a drink.

"No, look."

"I had enough with my father praising him..."

"Look!"

Tony went over to Pepper, all sarcasm gone.

"What?"

"We thought it was a reaction to Thor, Loki's pain."

"You have to admit that's reasonable.  If any family needed counselling..."

"Tony, look at the reaction when Steve opens the door."  They watched.

"Show me again."  

The flippant tone had gone.  They watched.  They double-checked.  They triple checked.  They re-watched Loki's installation into the cell.  As long s the door was open, Loki was in pain.  When it was shut, Loki was peaceful or unconcious, with no peace in his dreams.

"He arrived from Asgard like that, in pain." Pepper said.

"I know."

"Whatever is tormenting him worked there."

"Yeah," Now Tony stared at the screen, a horrible dawning realisation growing.

"It can still control him here.  Who's watching Loki on Earth?  What do they want?"