Disclaimer: I don't own the Avengers. I won't say anything about my obvious importance to the world, because my sister will probably go all Snape on me again. Well, ha. Joke's on you, sis. Not right now, but in the future, when you work for me and pander to my every need, joke's on you!

Though S.H.I.E.L.D. searched, they never were able to find Loki and/or the kids.

Meanwhile, months after the kidnapping debacle, it was approaching Christmas, and the family consisting of two little girls and one Trickster were none the less for wear. They were, in fact, closer then they had ever been before.

So, Anna and Annie, being happy children, they did what little girls did after surviving a potentially terrifying experience.

They played.

Loki stood there, watching Anna and Annie play in amusement, until they noticed him.

The little one got up and went over to him, grabbing onto his hand. "Play with us." Anita pulled Loki into the middle of the room.

"All right. What are we playing?" he asked, bemused.

"Knights and Ladies with Dragons," she announced.

"I'm the Knight," Annette said.

Anita surveyed Loki. "You can't be the Lady, so you'll have to be the Dragon. You've abducted me, so Anna's going to have to rescue me. Ready?"

"When you are," Annette said.

"Action," Annie announced. She proceeded to swoon into Loki's arms. "Help, I've been taken by a ferocious dragon," she cried. "Oh, is there any brave knight who will save me?"

"Not to worry, fair maiden." Anna jumped up, pulling an imaginary sword from her side. "I am here. Unhand her, foul beast!"

"I will not." Loki pulled Annie close to him, making her giggle. He narrowed his eyes. "She's mine. I am going to make a truly delectable meal out of her. She is very full of protein, you know." He squeezed her gently.

Annie managed to tear her adoring eyes away from the Dragon. "Oh, help me from this terrible predicament, Sir Knight."

"Do not fear, my lady. I shall slay this beastie with ease. En garde!" Anna cried, slashing at Loki with her invisible weapon.

"Oh, dear. You've got me." He held onto his chest as he wheezed, "That was very well done of you." At Anna's look, he added, "I mean, curse you, awful knight. I will remember this."

Anna turned to the now free Annie. "You're free, my lady."

"I know. How can I ever repay you, Sir Knight?" she asked, batting her lashes.

"Give me all your lands and wealth," Anna said matter-of-factly.

"What?"

"This is a robbery. Give me your kingdom or die." She held up her non-corporeal sword threateningly.

"Oh, no!" Annie gasped. "You're not a knight, are you? You're a . . . a scoundrel! That Dragon wasn't really villainous, was he? He was guarding me from . . . you!" she accused.

"Yep. Was that a no?"

"I refuse to give you my kingdom!"

"Foolish woman. You have no choice. I am your illegitimate family relation. With your death, I inherit your every treasure." Anna pulled her arm back, then plunged her sword into the fair maiden. "Goodbye."

Annie gasped, falling to the ground. She turned her eyes on Loki, reaching out a hand. "Sir Dragon . . . forgive me . . ." Her hand dropped. ". . . ungh."

"Your kingdom is mine, princess. You should not have refused." Anna turned away.

Loki began to clap.

Annie got up and together, she and her sister bowed.

"This production was brought to you by Ann Studios," Anna stated. "If you wish to see more, go to .com. This website does not actually exist, but it is appreciated that you wish it did. Thank you. And good night."

Loki raised his eyebrows. That was new.

"Ann Productions, ladies and gentlemen," Annie exclaimed. "We'll be here all week!"

Anna nudged her, muttering, "It was Ann Studios."

"Oh. Hog's waddle," she cursed.

Loki wondered, What?

That night, after Loki put them both to bed, he lingered a moment.

The girls looked so innocent and young and . . . fragile to him, lying in bed, their bodies relaxed, breathing deep.

He bent down and softly kissed Anna's forehead, then Annie's. "Sleep sweetly, my dears."

As he began to pad out of the room, he paused when Annie shifted slightly, turning her head so that her cheek lay against her pillow. "Good night . . ." she mumbled, ". . . San . . . Francisco . . ."

Okay. That was weird.

Loki shook his head and finally left to go to sleep himself, letting the door stay open slightly.

All around the bedroom, turqouise stars twinkled.