The God of Mischief on Midgard

Nine

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Loki teleports himself, Peter and MJ to the Tower because it is better to get things over and done with when Odin is involved. Who knows what shit Odin could do or cause in the time Loki delays their meeting?

They appear in the lobby instead of where Odin most likely is. Loki needs at least some time to prepare for this. He hesitates at the elevator before pressing the button to the common floor. Odin will want to be at the center of the action. He's likely putting on the facade of a sweet old man while stealthily picking the Avengers' minds for information about Loki.

Peter gently squeezes Loki's waist before urging him into the elevator. The look he gives Loki says, I've got your back.

As much as Loki wishes Peter was as far from Odin as possible, he's glad his one true friend is facing this with him. Even if Odin drags Loki back to Asgard, Loki knows Peter will try to save him - not that he'd succeed.

Odin is the first thing Loki sees when the elevator doors slide open. He's standing in the hallway, arms crossed, glaring at Loki with his good eye. Thor stands at Odin's shoulder, acting like the loyal lapdog he is.

Phantom pain sears through Loki's body at just the sight of Odin. He thought he was ready for this. He was wrong. He freezes, unable to move further. Peter and MJ step in front of him.

"Stay away from him," Peter says.

Odin doesn't pay attention to the command. Peter is as insignificant as the dirt on the bottom of Odin's boots. "Heimdall, cuff him."

Loki flinches when Heimdall appears from nowhere. Heimdall pushes between MJ and Peter, grabs Loki's arms, and hooks a futuristic set of handcuffs around Loki's wrists. Loki's heart plummets. He knew this would happen.

He knows what these are. Odin has used them on him many times before. When activated, they extinguish his magic. Loki can't do even the smallest spell while under the influence of the cuffs.

Odin isn't here for a trial; he's already decided Loki is guilty. He wouldn't use the cuffs otherwise. Odin doesn't trust Loki not to fight back. Loki has tasted freedom, and Odin knows he'd do anything to keep it.

"Hey!" Steve steps out of the kitchen where the team is gathered. "You said you just wanted to talk, to check on Loki's progress. This isn't talking!"

"Yeah, what he said," Clint says, nodding his head.

"You will be silent," Odin says. "This matter is between Loki and I."

"Dad," Peter's eyes ping-pong between Loki's shackled wrists and Tony, begging for help.

Tony looks to Thor for guidance. Surely, Thor knows what to do. Tony doesn't trust Thor, not after what he did to Loki, but Thor is an Asgardian. He knows Asgardian customs. What can Tony and the others legally and diplomatically do in the situation? Tony would like to resolve this situation without starting an interdimensional war - however, if that isn't possible, Odin better prepare to face the might of the Avengers.

Thor subtly shakes his head. "My friends, please, stay calm. Odin will bring Loki to Asgard, where he will undergo a second trial. The cuffs dampen Loki's magic, so he cannot escape. Remember that he is a criminal. It is only a precaution.

"You lie," Loki's voice is a dark rumble.

"What does that does mean?" Natasha reaches for the dagger she hides in her left shoe. It won't do much against an Asgardian, but she'll fight to her last breath.

"There will be no trial. Odin has decided I am to be punished. I will be thrown into a prison cell the moment I return to Asgard." Loki bows his head to Peter. "You made my time here on Midgard bearable. I am grateful to have met you."