The Bargain

Chapter 9: Ninth Installment

Ninth Installment: The Choice

"Where did you go?" Natasha asked.

Thor looked down at her. He seemed different to her. Though he'd only been gone a handful of days, he seemed different. More . . . peaceful. And honestly, she was a little surprised he wasn't breaking this building into little tiny pieces to retrieve his brother.

"I was visited by the witch," he told her. "She told me something I had to confirm."

"About Loki?" she hazarded.

He nodded. "Her words were lies, and I cannot help but wonder if this was her intent."

Natasha blinked and looked around the room where she and the rest of the Avengers had been ensconced while they waited for Director Fury to come back. "This? Loki being taken by SHIELD?"

He looked troubled. "Yes."

"What does she even know about SHIELD?" Natasha asked.

Thor looked at Clint. "Possibly as much as Loki. Barton, do you remember telling him anything while you under his influence?"

Clint's entire countenance went dark. "Yeah," he replied. "Whatever he wanted to know."

"Then there's the possibility that he passed that information on to Thanos who is now the witch's ally," Natasha murmured. "I don't really like that idea."

Thor nodded. "She said Loki had stripped memories from the people he visited while trying to hide the Aether." He folded his arms, looking pensive. "It seems to be untrue. Each person who'd had memories removed by Loki tells me they did so willingly. They wanted Loki to take those memories. Said he'd helped him. Even that they loved him."

Natasha could tell whether it was true or not, the god wanted to believe it. Not that she could blame him. She understood wanting to be redeemed better than anyone here. "You're worried he somehow charmed them or something," she said.

Thor's blue eyes met her dark brown. "Yes," he said simply.

Unable to help it, Natasha looked over to Clint. Her best friend appeared troubled and deep in thought. She recognized the expression of someone formulating an idea, so she didn't interrupt.

"I don't like this," Steve said abruptly, rising and pacing. "We made a promise to you we'd look after Loki." He looked at Thor. "I feel like we let you down."

Thor smiled. It was small but genuine. "This is not your fault, my friends. But I grow tired of waiting." He walked to the door and opened it.

Two armed guards immediately stepped in his path. Natasha felt a stab of pity. They obviously didn't know what they were up against.

"I'm sorry, sir," one of them said, "but we can't let you leave this room without Director Fury's approval."

"You will step aside," Thor said, his tone mild and not exactly threatening, "and take me to where you're keeping my brother." He put a hand on his hammer, and lightning crackled around his fingers and wrist.

The man swallowed. "We can't allow—"

"I am not giving you a choice," Thor said. "I give you my word I will not attempt to free Loki. But I need to see him, and you will take me to him."

Looking sickly pale, the man nodded. "This way, sir."

Natasha slipped in beside him. The guards didn't even notice her until they were halfway down the hall. Any protest died without a voice at a calm look from Thor. Hm, maybe they did know what they were up against.