Dsclaimer: I own nothing and no one

Mwha! My internet is back. Even though I still can't get on livejournal to access norsekink.

Which is why I am posting this here. Chapters will go up morning and evening Morocco time until I have posted all the stuff that is written. I would do it all at once, but then no one would comment.

And I like comments, they make me a happy person and inspire my muse. Hope you enjoy.

Part One

At first, the Avengers didn't really notice Loki's absence. Understandable really, between Doctor Doom's latest attack against the Fantastic Four, the mystical portal that had opened in downtown Manhattan, and the latest alien invasion (plus cleanup of said invasion), in addition to the usual annoyances it was easy to overlook the lack of one god of mischief's presence. Besides, Loki had vanished before more than once; the sorcerer went where he wanted, when he wanted, much to the chagrin of everyone who knew him.

In fact, it was only during a random conversation around the breakfast table that they noticed at all. Clint and Tony had been debating what was worse, being rendered incorporeal by the death ray of the week or having to deal with being transfigured into a small animal by magic. Sadly, they had personal experience with both, one of the multiple hazards of being a superhero.

Tony of course felt the spell was worse. He hated magic. At least being turned incorporeal through means of advanced technology made sense, and he still caught himself nibbling on cheese occasionally, a leftover from the rat incident. He didn't even like cheese all that much. Plus, Dr. Strange's consultation rates were ridiculous, the other he could fix himself.

"Hey Steve," Iron Man called appealing to the man whom most viewed as the voice of reason among the Avengers. "What do you think? Which is worse death ray or being hit by magic?"

Captain America paused, fridge door open as he grasped the milk in one hand. The blond frowned, brow furrowing for a moment before he closed the appliance, making his way to the table. "Speaking of magic," he said. "Where is Loki? It's been what, nearly two years now?"

The other Avengers paused, all but Thor that is, counting back the months since they had last seen the god. Had it really been that long? It had. "Well," commented Natasha putting down her coffee. "That can't be good." Loki must have been planning something truly impressive for him to have been gone this long, which did not bode well for the rest of them, not to mention the Earth in general.

The god of thunder merely laughed boisterously, giving Clint a playful smack on the shoulder that nearly dislocated it. "Not to worry my friends, you should enjoy the peace while it lasts." He took another deep drink of mead (for an Aesir, there was no such thing as too early). "It shall not take my Father's men too much longer to hunt my wayward brother down. Loki shall return soon enough."

His companions frowned. Odin had never shown an inclination to interfere in Earth's affairs before, even when they would have welcomed help with Asgard's stray prince. What made this time different?

Before any of them could ask, Thor spoke again. "My brother has birthed another monster."

Bruce took a deep breath before speaking, unwilling to let his own inner monster run free. Visions of burning cities dancing through his mind. "Let me get this straight," he said calmly. "Your brother has created some sort of monster that he is planning to let loose, you knew this, and you did not tell us?" He could feel his hard earned control slipping.

"What?" for a moment Thor looked confused. "Nay, my brother has birthed a monster, 'tis a bad habit of his," the blond continued blithely taking another drink. "You needn't worry my friends, it shall be many years before the fiend is truly dangerous, and all shall be taken care of long before that."

Upon realizing the god was talking about a baby, child of Loki or not, the other Avengers had gone very still. "What exactly do you mean taken care of?" one of them asked slowly.

Thor shrugged. "That will be up to the Allfather. Perhaps it shall be sent to Jotunheim." Another monster would not be noticed in that grim place.

Jotunheim! Steve's deep blue eyes went stormy as he moved to get to his feet. From what he knew of that realm it held nothing but ice, freezing cold and darkness. Oh, and giants, one must not forget the giants. He was stopped when Clint grabbed his hand, tugging the super solider back into his seat.

"Later," the archer mouthed, locking eyes with his companions. Thor would be leaving for the clinic soon, and they could talk about this then.

Eye of the Beholder

I know, these are shorter than my usual chapters

But keep in mind, it was written for livejournal

Which has wordcount limits