The Bargain

Chapter 32: Thirty-second Installment

Thirty-Second Installment: Never-Ending Threat

"I have a task for you. It should be simple."

"A task."

"Yes. Loki is in Nidavellir. His little human friends are hurt, in no real condition to fight. I would like you to find them. Put them down, and bring Loki to me."

"You make no mention of Thor."

"Thor is with them."

"Is he hurt?"

"No."

"Then I will not do this thing. Thor is strong. I could not challenge him and win. I will not put my life at risk for you or anyone else."

"What if Thor could be drawn off?"

"How would you do that?"

"I could arrange for a distraction. Of a sort."

"Why are you asking me and not going yourself?"

"At this time, I cannot leave Alfheim. I'm still working with the Aether, trying to get it to respond to me."

"You're afraid of Thor. You're afraid of what he could do to you, so you offer me as a sacrificial lamb."

"It is not Thor who troubles me, Surtr. It is Thanos. He has turned on me."

"What?"

"Yes. For the time being, it is safer for me if I remain hidden from sight. He has no reason to target you."

"Will your plan continue to unravel like this, Witch? I thought to align myself with one who achieves success, not constant failure."

"Do not speak to me like that, Surtr. You owe me your very existence."

"Fine. Arrange your distraction. I will put down the Avengers and bring the silvertongue to you."

oOo oOo

Tony woke up tired, his sleep troubled by dark dreams. Based on ambient light it was sometime past dawn, and he gingerly sat up. Happily, he was significantly stronger than yesterday. Bruce, who was sitting by the still-going fire, reached over to him and handed him another vial.

"You look a lot better," he commented.

"I feel a lot better," Tony said, tossing the contents back. The slightly tingly sensation visited again. He glanced around to see both Steve and Natasha still asleep, Thor and Clint nowhere in sight, and Loki looking no better than yesterday.

"Thor and Hawkeye are scouting the nearby area," Bruce said after a moment. He was right by Loki, obviously keeping watch over him. "I guess Loki warned Thor we were pretty visible out here."

Tony suddenly wished he and Loki were alone. Somewhere safer, certainly, but alone. "How's he doing?"

Bruce looked down at Loki, then after a moment he sighed. "I wish I knew. I have no idea what's normal or what's a sign of his vitals failing. He hasn't moved and he still has a fever. But he's breathing and his heart's beating. Those have to be good signs."

For a time, Tony gazed at the downed god in silence. I sure can't figure him out. Acts so damn superior to humans and treats us like we're pretty much just an inconvenience—or tools in his private war. Whatever. And then he goes and risks himself to save our lives.

Do you love me or hate me, Loki?

"You really care about him, don't you?"

Tony jumped at the sound of Natasha's voice. He turned his head to find the woman watching him, but there was no judgment in her eyes. Something more like understanding filled them. Definitely not wanting to have a conversation about this so soon after spilling his guts to Thor, Tony shrugged.