Life's Pursuit {Book 2}

Chapter 4: New Demons

The soft rain turned into a pelting storm, the wind howling outside and rattling against the windows. Steve had not moved from his seated position in the conference room, even as Tony interrogated Jennica for her earlier actions. His thoughts were otherwise occupied, deciding what the next move would be, now that they had the trickster locked up in a spare room. It was obvious that Loki had come for Jennica, and despite them having known each other, she still possessed great power. It wasn't too far-fetched to believe that Loki had come for it. The Tesseract was his motive in 2012. Why not the Fractals now?

"I have news to share." Thor announced, rather clamorously, as he barged into the room.

Steve immediately stood. "Thor, thank God you're back."

"My father sent Loki here, have you secured him?" A heavy stack of old books were slammed down onto the table.

"Of course, that was our first instinct." Tony replied, finally taking his attention off of Jennica. "So it's true that he was banished?"

"He was. I was there to witness it myself."

"We had a hard time believing him." Wanda grimaced. "He probably doesn't like us too much right now."

"Do not take offense to it, he hardly likes anyone." Thor picked up the top book from the pile. "But I have news, my friends. Good news! My father and I were able to find the sector that the Time Stone Fractals are hidden in, based off of the contents of this book."

Steve nodded. "I guess that is good news, but what about your brother?"

"I've come to take Loki with me. I know he requested Midgard for Jennica's sake, but he would be useful in the search."

"You trust him enough on a mission like that?"

"I did last time and we were successful. There may be a further change in him yet, I have not lost hope."

Tony sucked a breath through his teeth and shrugged. "We'll see. Here," he handed over a key card, "go and talk to him. Get him out of our hair."

Thor took the key card, fumbling with it. "Thank you. Jennica, come with me."

She blinked, surprised by that, and she stood to follow.

They walked the halls to Loki's room, matching the door number with the one printed on the key card. Thor slid the card in, turned the knob, and they were met with a dim room, Loki sitting on the edge of the small bed in the corner.

Loki's eyes lifted. "You're back."

"I came as quickly as I could." Thor sat beside him, along with Jennica. "Father and I found a sector location for more of the fractals. I am planning to leave as soon as I can."

Loki's eyes lit up with surprise. "So it is possible to find the others."

"It is, but they are heavily guarded and it is a dangerous journey." He clasped a heavy hand to Loki's shoulder. "I want you to come with me."

The faint smile he had fell. "What? Me?"

"You helped us so much on Alfheim. I need your help."

Loki swallowed. "Brother, my success was based solely on my magic. I no longer have it, I will be of no use."

"But you will have your wits! I'm not a thinker like you."

"I know I won't last. I hardly know how to live without my magic. It became such a crutch for me all these years." He could see the pity in Jennica's eyes, making him unable to meet them. "Thor, I came here in hopes of helping Jennica."