Graceless Heart

Chapter One: "Fight or Flight?"

"Those things which are precious are saved only by sacrifice."- David Kenyon Webster

Disclaimer: This story will contain Adult themes. There will be Dark Loki moments as well. Consider yourself warned.

I do not own any Marvel characters, nor do I own any quotes used from the Marvel movie franchise.

06 May 2012- 1600 hrs: Oahu, Hawaii

Shock couldn't begin to cover what Jane was feeling, the moment she witnessed the Avengers fall. She had been placed safe away from the danger, at an isolated SHIELD base in Hawaii. The news coverage that was available to her, via SHIELD-net, was compiled of live feed from communications and visuals SHIELD was using during the fight. She both heard and witnessed the fall of New York City, along with the capture of the Avengers.

Battered and bleeding, the small group of remarkable individuals were bound and placed before Loki in Time Square. He placed them on display for the world to lay witness to his victory. Loki's pale face, darkened by fatigue and injury, wore a bone chilling maniacal grin. And with that grin she knew, he won. They lost. God help them.

Panic began to set in and many of the remaining agents within the facility began an evacuation protocol. Jane rushed into her room and gathered her research data, backups, clothes, and whatever small trinkets she could bring with her.

Shoving everything into her worn duffle bag, she headed out to meet with Agent Smith. Catching a glimpse of her disheveled reflection, she sighed. Along with her jacket she wore her sturdy jeans and tall boots, she didn't know where they were headed, but she needed to be prepared.

Being housed by SHIELD, it had been mandatory for her to study in basic military defense tactics; hand-to-hand combat, use of daggers, and basic gun training. Walking out onto the heliport, she was glad she was able to finish what little training she had...she only prayed she wouldn't have to use her new skills. She was a scientist, not a soldier. Her training was brief, but she could only hope it would be enough…should she need it. Ducking her head against the machine created winds she approached Agent Smith.

"Carlyle!" she shouted above the roar of the helicopter.

The older man ahead of her turned his head and motioned her forward. He dismissed the agent next to him and placed a hand behind Jane's shoulder, "Ms. Foster! Agent Bailey and Thompson are going to escort you to your next location! We're to have limited contact, until we figure out our next move! But right now we need to get you out of here!" He shouted guiding Jane towards the waiting Bell UH-H1 "Huey".

Jane had to strain to hear him over all the noise coming from the jet turbine engine. "Where am I going? What about Dr. Selvig? The Avengers? Are we even in contact with Fury?"

"Jane I don't know, but it's not looking good! Our last communication with Fury was him initiating the evacuation protocols! Wherever he is, he's probably heading underground! All I want you to worry about is getting yourself someplace safe and out of the line of fire!" With that said, he helped buckle her into the helicopter.

"Carlyle thank you! For everything!" Jane squeezed his hand, as he gave her a half nod.

The few short weeks she had been at the Honolulu base, Carlyle was her liaison to the rest of the world. He would bring her small comforts like fast food or DVD's, whenever she requested. She liked her conversations with Carlyle, because he wasn't as cold and hardened like the rest of SHIELD. They helped lighten her mood and kept her from getting too depressed.

She watched as Carlyle's figure became smaller and smaller. Things were just starting to get better. Leaning back and sighing, she closed her eyes. Now, wherever she was going, she was going to have to start all over again...but this time there would be no Carlyle. She briefly wondered if this is what the rest of her life would be like. Running, and hiding to avoid capture. Remembering the three short days she had spent with Thor, she hoped she still had many more days to come with him…if he was still alive.

God I hope I see him again, she sighed to herself.

06 May 2012- 2200hrs: Manhattan, New York

A small clinking noise echoed within row of cells housing the remaining members of the Avengers. Agent Barton and Agent Romanov were hanging by chains from the ceiling of their cell, with only the tips of their toes touching the floor. Steve Rogers sat in another cell, handcuffed with his hands behind his back.

Screams could be heard echoing from a distance, making all the captives cringe.

Thor and Stark were in the interrogation room. From the sounds of it Stark was being tortured, most likely as incentive for Thor to… cooperate.

"It shouldn't have ended like this," Steve rasped from his seat. His face was badly bruised and his lip was split. During his own interrogation they had broken both of his legs, insuring he couldn't conduct an escape even if he wanted to.

Natasha chanced a glance over at Steve and held a painful gasp as she adjusted her wrist. Clint Barton was a few feet from her, but still unconscious. She winced as she tried to regulate her breathing. From what she could tell, at least one or two of her ribs were broken. Her shoulder had been dislocated from rough handling by the Chitauri, upon their capture. She had been in worse shape before, but she worried for Barton. He was deathly pale and needed medical attention. He had suffered numerous injuries during the fight and had lost a lot of blood.

During their interrogation he had been acting strange and then suddenly passed out, flat on his face.

Natasha could tell by the crooked angle and bruising of his nose, it was broken.

Loki had locked them up and left the Chitauri to get information out of them, but she feared Clint would be dead before they tried to interrogate them again. Natasha was never a quitter, but she knew the odds of SHIELD, and the rest of the world, winning against Loki and his army of aliens, were very slim.

The biggest blow to their side came during the last few moments of battle, when the 'Hulk' fell; he was their only weapon of hope against Loki.

"Don't give up Cap. Fury is still out there. He'll know what to do. We just have to stay alive until he can secure retrieval. I'm sure of it," Natasha rasped out.

Steve looked up through his cell bars, "What chance do we have without Dr. Banner?" he asked his voice thick with emotion.

Shaking her head Agent Romanov kicked out one of her legs to get Steve's attention. "Hey! Don't do that Rogers! We will not give up hope! There is always hope. Loki and his army may be superior to what we have, but we have the conviction to win against him and we will Captain."

With a sigh Steve solemnly nodded his head, "I hope you're right Agent Romanov."

Natasha watched as another drop of blood rolled out of Clint's nose and joined the rest in the trail of blood making its ways down his chin and neck, "Me too Cap. Me too." she whispered.

07 May 2012 - 2415 hrs: Manhattan, New York (Stark Tower)

The people had all gone. The city of New York had been fully evacuated and the Skrulls were rounding up the bodies of the fallen. Loki watched as the remains of the city burned, the metropolis was riddled with scattered patches of smoke and ash. He stood atop Stark Tower, hands behind his back, and surveyed the crumbling grounds of his victory with his head held high.

Soon the rest of Midgard would follow, and kneel before him. With the Avengers out of the picture, the humans would have no other beacon of hope to guild their rebellion. His gaze swept over the decimated city one last time, with a sweeping turn he receded back into the luxury of the penthouse.

Two Skrull guards stood at the suite's entrance, and he quickly dismissed them. Once he was alone, he allowed himself to have a moment's respite. Reclining into the luxury and comfort of Stark's white leather couches, he smirked. Stark spared no expense when spoiling himself and Loki was now reaping the benefits. With his head leaning back against the cushions, Loki allowed his thoughts to wander.

SHIELD was down. The Avengers were defeated. Earlier he had received communications from UK, Australian, South American, and Chinese governments. It seems they all are willing to negotiate a 'peace treaty' of sorts, in return for their full compliance with his Kingship. Everything was slowly starting to fall into place.

While he never wanted Asgard, he would soon have Midgard. Though many still fought against him now, in the end, they would submit to his reign.

There was only one catch in all of his plans.

Leaning forward and resting his elbows against his leather clad knees, he ruminated over his woeful situation. The Elders of the Chitauri want Asgard in return for helping him claim Earth, and though he may still be sour against his father...Asgard was still his home.

No, it would do him no good to go against the All Father. The Elders haven't demanded anything of him as of yet, but he feared soon they would.

Running his hands over his head, he stood and began to pace in frustration. He needed a plan. If he could find an alternate course, he needed to find it soon, before it was too late.

With a wave of his hand, his armor shed itself and disappeared. He now stood in front of the large fireplace clad in his dark green tunic and black breeches. Hands braced on the mantel piece, he gazed into the flames of the fire. Memories came forward, unplanned and unwelcome.

The Chitauri were a cruel race. They came upon him, while he floated between of space and time. After his fall from the Asbru Bridge he let himself waste away, with only his sorrows to accompany him. He was already weak and broken, but that didn't matter to them. They tortured him for weeks, before he was finally able to pull himself together and retaliate. Killing his torturers, he attempted to flee, but was too weak to accomplish anything.

Brought before the Chitauri Elders, he thought for sure he would receive death. At that point, he was ready to welcome it. Instead, they gave him an ultimatum and he accepted. Looking back on it, he was too greedy and desperately foolish to accept it.

Loki had only ever wanted to be Thor's equal, in his father's eyes. Despite what the Warriors Three and Sif thought, he never wanted to be King of Asgard. No, he just wanted the validation that he was worthy enough to be considered.

His hands clenched tightly and he could feel his magic lashing out. But he would never be worthy. No, not him.

Laufeyson.

Within the reflection of the large mirror above the mantel piece, he observed eyes as he let his Jotun blue skin emerge.

Small rune-like marking started to appear along his hands and neck. A glow was cast over his person, by the fire. His red eyes widened and he stepped back, looking away. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to look up at his reflection. His frost giant- self gazed back.

Laufeyson.

Suddenly he could hear his father's voice, the All Father ….and he thought back to that conversation...that which started it all….

(Flash back Weapons Vault: Asgard)

"Am I cursed?"

"No. "

"What am I?"

"You are my son."

"What more than that? The Casket wasn't the only thing you took from Jotunheim that day, was it? "

"No. In the aftermath of the battle I went into the temple and I found a baby. Small for a Giant's offspring, abandoned, suffering, left to die. Laufey's son. "

"Laufeyson?"

"Yes."

"Why? You were knee-deep in Jotun blood. Why would you take me?"

"You were an innocent child."

"No. You took me for a purpose. What was it?... TELL ME! "

"I thought we could unite our kingdoms one day. Bring about an alliance; bring about permanent peace... through you."

"What?

"But those plans no longer matter. "

"So I am no more than another stolen relic, locked up here until you might have use of me?"

"Why do you twist my words?"

"You could have told me what I was from the beginning! Why didn't you? "

"You're my son... I wanted only to protect you from the truth..."

"What, because I... I... I am the monster parents tell their children about at night? "

"No, no..."

"You know, it all makes sense now, why you favored Thor all these years, because no matter how much you claim to love me, you could never have a Frost Giant sitting on the throne of Asgard!"

Loki's eyes burned into his reflection, his body shook with heated emotions.

All his life, he believed himself to be an Aesir. He had been taught to take pride in Asgard and her people, only to learn he was never one of them.

He hated Odin. He hated Thor. He hated all of them.

Gazing into the mirror, he looked his monster self in the eye.

...but most of all, he hated himself.

No matter what he accomplished, he could never be rid of what he was.

A Jotun.

His breathing quickened and he sneered at his reflection. With an anguished cry, he grabbed the nearest object and smashed it into the mirror. The glass shattered, but did not shed any of its broken pieces.

His chest heaved in exertion and his heart frantically beating against his chest. Watching his broken image look back at him, Loki frowned.

"How appropriate," he scoffed, his skin having returned to its usual pale complexion. Making his way to the bar, he grabbed the nearest bottle. He had just started pouring a drink, when a knock sounded from the entryway.

Rolling his eyes, he grabbed his drink and turned towards the door, "You may enter!" He called.

The suite door opened to reveal Pepper Potts, Stark's CEO assistant extraordinaire. Ms. Potts was escorted by two of the SHIELD agents he had under his control.

"Ms. Potts, what a pleasant surprise. You have good news for me, I hope..." he lightly asked, while motioning for her to join him.

The SHIELD drones took their leave and closed the door behind them.

"Please have a seat," he offered with a sweep of his arm.

Pepper resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his fake display of grandeur and generosity. She knew when Tony would say "Mi casa, es su casa"…This wasn't what he had in mind, she thought sarcastically.

Hiding her displeasure at the god of 'Mischief and Lies' making himself at home among Tony's things, she gracefully walked to the furthest spot away from Loki and took a seat.

"My Lord.." she drawled out in with concealed annoyance.

"We have received confirmation of willing compliance from North, Central, and South Africa. They will be faxing the drafts for the treaty proposals and our counter proposals are at the ready. Tomorrow, or should I say today at 10:15 a.m., we will hold a parley with the leaders of the North American and European resistance groups. I was able to find a tailor to come in for your new wardrobe fitting on Thursday at noon. The Middle East and Japan are still undecided and have initiated a radio silence. If all goes well, you will announce the new treaties at the press conference being held on Friday. All security protocols have been sent to the media that will be in attendance, we can only hope they don't attempt anything rash."

Loki scoffed at that. He highly anticipated they would 'do something rash', as Pepper put it. "…. The preparations for your new estate will be finished by next Monday, at the earliest, and I will keep you updated on any delays. Is there anything else?"

Loki watched Pepper Potts and knew she hid her anxieties very well in his presence. "No, that is all Ms. Potts. You may retire for the night."

Pepper quickly gathered her things and headed out. She was almost to the door when Loki's voice stopped her, "Oh and Ms. Potts?"

But not well enough...he smiled to himself.

Closing her eyes and silently gulping, Pepper turned keeping a calm expression on her face, "Yes, My Lord?"

"Don't think I don't know about what you've been doing, behind closed doors..." Loki's cold accusation echoed in Pepper's head, causing her heart to drop into her stomach. His eyes watched herwith intense scrutiny.

He knew. Oh god, he knew.

"I'm sorry I don't know what you mean?"

"Don't play stupid, you insipid girl!" He barked, standing from his seat.

Pepper just stared back at him, tears starting to glisten in her eyes. Silence filled the room, before she hung her head in defeat, "I just wanted to know if he was still alive.." she whispered.

"I assured you I would keep him alive, as long as I had your cooperation, did I not Ms. Potts?" Loki hissed.

Flinching at the bite in his voice, Pepper could only nod her head.

"So why...were you attempting to bring Jarvis back online, when you were specifically told not to meddle...you spineless little quim!" Loki shouted as he approached her shaking form.

Pepper actually feared what would happen to her next. She had no one here to protect her and Loki's temperament was unpredictable, at best.

The only reason she was still alive, was because she convinced Loki she could be used as his liaison and personal assistant, much like she had for Tony.

And it worked.

Though it hurt her pride, she knew she had to grovel to save her own skin. Bile rose in her throat at the thought of openly submitting to this crazy megalomaniac, but Loki was fast approaching her and she had no other defense.

Pride goeth before the fall... and all that jazz right?

Throwing herself forward, Pepper kneeled before Loki's approaching figure. "I'm sorry My Lord! I'm so sorry! Please, forgive me for my defiance. I should have taken your word without question. But I..I just wanted to hear his voice and know for certain that he was ok and alive. Forgive me, I should never have disobeyed you!" Her voice was shaky and her heart was pounding in her ears.

Keeping her head down, she kept her eyes trained to the floor, praying her display of subservience would save her and Tony from Loki's temper.

Loki's green eyes looked down his nose at the quivering form below him. With a sneer he grabbed the back of her neck, as well as a handful of her hair, and yanked her up. Pepper let out a small cry of surprise and pain.

"Look at me!" Loki demanded hovering over Pepper's shaking form.

Pepper looked up into his crazed eyes and wished to God she hadn't. His expression was manic and she knew he was eating up every moment of her terror and fear.

Loki brought a hand to her neck and lightly squeezed, not enough to choke, but enough for her to feel her throat start to get uncomfortably tight.

"If you so much, as step ANOTHER TOE out of line Ms. Potts..." Loki hissed, his voice laced with cold malice, "...I will not HESITATE to have you watch, as I flay Stark alive. I will slowly peel off his flesh layer by layer... until he is NOTHING MORE than a pile of sopping FLESH. AND. BONE! Do I make myself clear, Ms. Potts?"

"Yes, My Lord."

His words painted gruesome pictures in Pepper's mind. Distractedly she realized he backed her up against a wall. Their close proximity had her body tensing.

And not in the good way, she fleetingly thought.

Their movements hardly registered to her shaken mind and before she knew it, she was pinned by his much larger person. With his hand still wrapped around her throat he leaned forward, lips pressed against her ear. Pepper could feel her pulse quicken, as his next words caused her eyes to widen in terror.

"And when I'm through with him, I'll give you to the Skrulls...As a nice little gift, to use as their personal toy. And believe me, Ms. Potts...there are few who could survive a sexual encounter with the Chitauri. They are relentlessly cruel to their...playmates."

His words sent chills down her spine, as his hand slowly moved up from her throat, to harshly grip her chin. He forced her to look into his eyes and no matter how hard she tried, Pepper wasn't able to keep her tears from falling down her cheeks. Humiliation stained her cheeks.

"Do we have an understanding Ms. Potts?"

"Yes." she answered, her voice quiet and small.

Loki raised an eyebrow and observed her for any deception. When he saw none, he stepped away from her. His figure retreated back; only to take up his spot again on the pristine couch, as if nothing had transpired between them.

"Good, then you may proceed to your quarters and rest for the night. Tomorrow, we shall reconvene for the conference."

Pepper stood frozen to her spot against the wall. Hand over her still pounding heart. Every muscle in her body protested movement.

She wanted to vomit.

The urge to curl into a fetal position was strong, but she didn't dare give him the pleasure. Straightening her clothes, she squared her shoulders and gave Loki a curt half-smile.

"Thank you My Lord, for your most gracious offer."

The retreating click of her heels was the only sound heard, as Pepper left and made her way to her bedroom. Mindlessly, she traveled ten floors down which, in her opinion, was not far enough.

Pepper exited the elevator, escorted by her two SHIELD guards.

Loki had been 'gracious' enough to allow her to remain in the suite given to her by Tony, when Stark Tower had first been completed. In all of this twisted new reality, it was her only small comfort.

Safely tucked away in her room, was when she allowed her body and mind to release the pent up emotions she refused to succumb in Loki's presence.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she began to sob and soon guttural cries wracked through her chest.

Tears were shed for her lost future...for Tony… for the Avengers… and most of all, for the world that would no longer be the same.

Dark days were ahead, and with Loki's unpredictable nature, she knew today was not the darkest she would yet see, but it sure did feel like it.

14 August 2012- 0600 hrs: Tetouan, Morocco (SHIELD Safe House)

Jane Foster sat up in bed, reading by the lamp light. Today she could visit the marketplace again and buy a new book. SHIELD had placed the highest technology restriction on her, she wasn't even allowed to computer of any kind.

It had been three months since she had first arrived in Morocco. Agents Baily and Thompson were nice enough people to rough it out with, so she couldn't really complain. Once a week, they allowed her to visit the local marketplace.

Due to the nature of her situation, she had to go out with her face hidden in a black veil, to avoid recognition. Luckily for her, it was custom for most women to wear veils out in the streets of the city and she blended right in.

Tetouan was a beautiful place, if you liked the desert. It was a far cry from New Mexico, but the desert offered her some small similarities.

Her hazel eyes gazed out her small window at the coming dawn, and she prayed Thor and her friends were alright. Loki had captured them, but she didn't want to believe he would be cruel enough to kill them. She wondered what they were doing right now. It didn't matter, New York was a lifetime away from here and it needed to stay that way.

Bailey and Thompson liked to think they kept Jane in the dark concerning SHIELD's need to have her safe housed. But they so obviously underestimate her. She's overheard them talking a couple of times and from what they say...things aren't looking so good for her.

A month after departure from Hawaii, Loki signed peace treaties with basically the entire UN. SHIELD was now branded as rebels against King Loki. Everyone was now off the grid. Whispers were heard of Fury taking refuge in Scotland, and the Helicarrier hiding out over whale sanctuaries in Antarctica.

Now, here she was two months later. Everything was silent on SHIELD's end and she knew that couldn't mean anything good.

Sighing, Jane closed her book. Pulling herself out of bed, she stretched her arms and legs. Despite being housed away from all familiar society, she tried to remain a smidge optimistic.

"Bailey! Thompson! Its market day! Don't think I forgot! Wakey..wakey!" she called out into the small hallway.

Her call was answered by two distant grunts and she laughed to herself. She headed towards their small kitchen, "If one of you don't get up soon I'm making today's coffee and you know how I always mess.."

Jane's taunt was cut off by a tall, half-naked blond woman, "I got. I got." Bailey insisted.

Jane shook her head in amusement, "Have a good sleep?" she asked the bleary eyed agent.

A squinted glare was her only answer.

"Okay, guess I'll head to the shower then. You know for being military personnel, you're a terrible morning person," Jane pointed out making her way down the short hallway.

Bailey shrugged her broad shoulders uncaringly in response.

On her way back to her room, she passed Thompson who was already showered and dressed, despite having been woken up five minutes prior.

"Now you, I'm impressed with," she teased.

"Save it Foster. The sooner we get to that marketplace, the sooner we get your skinny butt back. Got it?" Thompson gruffed out.

"Aye, aye captain!" Jane saluted.

Thompson stopped and gave Jane a once over, before shaking his head. "You definitely don't do well in captivity. You're going loony- tunes on us."

Jane's only response was to laugh.

Fifteen minutes later, Jane was out of the bathroom and on her way to the kitchen. She smelled something burning and scrunched her nose.

Great, who's burned cooking do I have to eat this time, she grumbled to herself.

Stepping into the kitchen Jane opened her mouth to deliver a friendly jab, at the cook responsible for smoking up the hallway, but was stopped in her tracks.

She backed up and bumped into the wall behind her. The horrible sight before her, burned into her eyes.

Bailey was cooking.

That's what was smelling up the hallway. Bailey's dead body was slumped over the stove and her face was burning on the frying pan.

Thompson's body was lying prostrate, by the refrigerator, with a large knife protruding out of his right eye socket.

A shadow loomed in her peripheral vision and Jane turned to see a Chitauri soldier walking out of Bailey's room. The alien's body was turned away from her and hadn't spotted her yet. She had to think fast.

She silently slinked back into her room. Silently walking on the balls of her feet she made her way into her closet and shut the door. There was a small panel that hid a secret passage to the city's sewer system under her floor board. If she could get down and into that tunnel, she could possibly walk away from this.

Jane's hands were shaking and her heart was beating so loud in her ears, she was sure the intruder would hear. Holding her breath, Jane slowly lowered herself into the passage, making sure to close the panel door behind her. As fast as her shaking hands and feet could take her, she climbed down the ladder and into the tunnel. A black bag was strapped to the last ladder rung.

Grabbing the bag without a second thought, she silently thanked SHIELD for having contingency plans.

Wasting no time, she traveled east down the tunnel. She couldn't have been on foot for longer than twenty minutes, before she started to hear echoes behind her.

They found the tunnel.

Breaking into a run, she quickly approached the tunnel's end. Adrenaline was pumping through her veins, as she sprinted up a small sand hill and onto the street.

Grabbing her black veil from her pocket, she quickly wrapped it around her head. The marketplace was a quarter of a mile, down the road. If she could avoid capture for just ten more minutes, she could disappear in the crowds of people.

Chancing a glance behind her, she saw two Skrulls walk onto the road. People were starting to go about their business and the streets were getting busier by the minute. Hope soared through her chest.

I can do it. I'm almost there, she smiled to herself. The entrance to the crowded marketplace was closer than she first suspected. Quickly weaving in and out of the crowded isles, she found saw the perfect out.

Jane dashed into a small alley way. After making sure she wasn't being followed she leaned against the wall, behind a pile of wooden crates and tried to catch her breath. But she couldn't. Her respirations were rapidly increasing, her heart beating loudly against her chest.

Panic attack.

No..nonononono…not now!

Sliding down the cobblestone wall, Jane brought her head between her knees. Tears began to cloud her vision. She tried to control her breathing, only to have her gasps turn into rasping sobs. Jane pressed a hand to her mouth to quiet her cries.

Please, please...not now. I can't deal with this now. Oh God, breathe Jane. Breathe slower…Damn you!

The minutes that went by, felt like hours. A tingling sensation began to travel from her fingertips to her face. Jane could see small diamond like sparkles start to float into her vision. If she didn't pull herself out of this, she was going to pass out. Passing out in a dark alley was out of the question. She could feel her body weakening, as her adrenaline began running out.

With closed eyes Jane began to think…and then she thought of Thor. She focused on him with all her might. As the god of Thunder filled her mind, she let her memories of their brief time together take her to a different place…A peaceful place, where she was free to study his handsome features.

His smile, that made her knees go weak. His beautiful golden hair, that fell from his head. She could run her fingers through the blond tresses for hours. Jane smiled to herself thinking about her Thor. He promised to return for her, and she knew somehow…someday, he would. She just had to keep the faith she had in him strong and steady.

Her pulse rate was beginning to decline, and her feelings of light headedness receded. It was working.

She started to think of Sunshine… Whenever she thought of Thor, she thought of sunshine….warm, radiant, and welcoming. Thor was her sunshine on a cloudy day. Today was very cloudy and Jane would like to think he was here watching over her somehow…someway.

Opening her eyes slowly, her ears began to pick up the sounds of the bustling market. Standing up on her shaky legs, she supported herself against the wall. Once she was sure she wouldn't fall over, she continued her journey through the alley passage. Toting her pack of provisions, she traveled through shadowed streets to the end of the city. She didn't know where exactly to go from here, but she knew she had to find shelter for the night.

Looking to the sky, the sun overhead told her it was around 4 o'clock. She didn't have much time. The outskirts of the city lay before her and she wasn't sure what to do.

Up ahead were the remains of a small brick hut and she trekked her way towards it. The rubble could hardly be enough to shelter her from the cold desert night, but it would have to do. Setting her pack down in a corner, she rummaged through it.

Water thank God! Flashlight…Thin foldable sleeping mat...Sleeping blanket… daggers…foreign currency…passports…hmm…Janice Dickenson really?... food..food..food…aha!

With a smile of triumph, Jane pulled out a good sized pouch filled with dried fruits, dried meats, and meal bars. She frowned, when she counted her available rations. It was only enough to survive for a week…maybe even a week and a half, if she really stretched out her portions. She would have to be careful with her rations and her money.

Settling in for the night, Jane looked up at the open desert sky. One thing she loved about deserts, were the nights. The stars were so bright and beautiful out here, she could hardly remember ever wanting to leave such a place.

Though her world was fast changing, she knew above all else, she could always rely on her stars to remain constant.

15 August 2012 0430: Vienna, Austria (Near United Nations Headquarters)

Three months.

He had been searching for Thor's woman for three months. This was ridiculous, he was King of this Realm and his men couldn't even manage to bring in one measly little mortal. If he wasn't otherwise occupied with negotiations, and fighting off rebels, he would find her himself. But alas, he could not. His immediate attention was required right here. His minions would just have to work harder, or he would kill them… and find replacements. No matter, he was a patient man. Jane Foster couldn't run forever.

I will find you Jane. Run all you can little mouse, but I will find you.

Hours later Loki was sitting at the dining table in the 'Ring Suite', at the Ring Hotel in Vienna. It wasn't the most luxurious place he's ever been, but it did have a nice modern feel to it. Pepper had set it up for him.

He started going over the documents spread out in front of him, only to lean back in frustration. Bringing up his right hand, he pinched the bridge of his nose to relieve some of the tension he could feel starting to develop there.

The issues brought forth by the UN concerning each country's amount of control over their governments and military, were wearing him down. Yes, he could use his powers to make everyone agree with him, no matter what the consequences, but he needed to prove himself as a diplomat. These humans were proving to be rather nonsensical.

Perhaps he was being too lenient in the negotiations. They must think him incredibly soft, if they had the gall enough to even hand him these outrageous proposals. Looks like he was going to have to start reminding them who's really in charge of this deprived planet. Why couldn't they get past their own selfish ambitions and do what was best for their people and the survival of their planet?

His patience would get him only so far, before he had to show these maggots that they were under his rule…the forceful way. He didn't care what each country's issues were with one another, he only wanted them unified under his rule and if he had to replace every current diplomat to do so… he would. Or he could just have them killed…accidents do happen…No, he was trying to better himself and he was above such senseless slaughter. Now, was a time for diplomacy.

Glancing down at his wrist watch, he sighed in slight surprise "Damn 7 o'clock already?"

Time had gotten away from him. Soon he would have to attend his morning meetings, before heading down to the UN headquarters for the session.

The sound of his suite's door opening and footsteps approaching interrupted his train of thought. Natasha Romanov and Pepper Potts walked into the room, both looking fresh and ready for the day.

Pepper greeted Loki with a smile, "Good morning Your Majesty. I hope you had a restful night's sleep."

"Yes, quite. Thank you Ms. Potts."

"You are most welcome. Now, I brought over your agenda Ambassador King was kind enough to fax over. Betty suggested having a meeting with the Japanese first thing, seeing as they are making the more aggressive demands. I took the liberty of contacting Tsuneo Nishida's people and they're willing to meet over morning tea. With that in mind, I moved…"

"Wait…what was it again, they want no regulations over?" Loki asked, looking over the schedule Pepper had just handed him.

"Whaling. They want permits to whale hunt in the Antarctic, openly. Despite the UN having previously banned all forms of whale hunting in the areas in question. The breeds of whales they have included in their proposal are all endangered, if not close to becoming endangered. I believe they also disguise their current operations as 'scientific research', in order to bypass the whale sanctuary laws."

Recognition dawned over Loki's face, "Ah yes. I remember this now. Well, let's just see how nicely I can reject their proposal hmm? I'll never understand why you humans have the need to consume and destroy, until there is nothing left to prosper from."

"Avarice, I believe is a common human vice," Pepper offered.

"Yes it is. But that does not excuse it. We must control this problem, before it gets too out of hand."

Pepper nodded and continued to name off his list of appointments.

Natasha had disappeared quietly during the exchange and came back with Loki's suite in hand. Loki snapped his fingers and his leisure clothes were instantly replaced with the expensive grey suit.

While Pepper began to adjust his collar, he waved Romanov forward.

"Sir, I had the perimeter secured around the hotel. Your car will arrive in exactly seven minutes. I suggest we head down as soon as possible to avoid any lapse in time. The faster we get you on your way, the better. I've got eyes set up in every corner and snipers spread out up to 500 yards. If we've got any bogies heading our way, we'll know about it," Natasha relayed.

Lord what fools these mortals be… he thought sarcastically. It was a surprise that they still thought their weapons could actually harm him.

Neanderthals…

Loki grabbed his coat and his leather folder, nodding his head at the woman in acknowledgment, "Good work Agent Romanov. Let us hope we can get through this day without those pesky rebels, making attempts on my life. However pathetic they may be. The only drama I'm looking forward to today… be of the political nature."

Pepper, Natasha, and Loki headed out of the suited and into the hallway. Traveling down to the lobby, Loki marveled that he had the once fiercely loyal agent of SHIELD, now in his employ. He smirked to himself, loyalty could always be won…for a certain price.

Walking out into the open side walk Loki was assaulted by the noise of a rather large crowd gathered around the hotel. Upon seeing his person emerge, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of noise. Cheers rose and flashes of cameras went off. Loki smiled brightly and smiled at his adoring public. Now that the initial reaction to his conquering of the planet had died down, he brought forth his political campaign of peace, and the people were beginning to respond positively.

In the short time he had gained control of the governments, he had managed to change the world in a very positive way. He's ended the wars, for one. Another was, he now held control to all nuclear warfare. His control of the entire realm assured his subjects that he had no incentive to use them, not to decimate his own kingdom. The people need not fear him, or the threat of nuclear terrorism any longer. The response was magnificent. He was actually caught off guard with how many supporters he had gained from these two actions alone.

And I'm just getting started…

Once he was sure he had the full loyalties of all his governments, he would start his campaign to rehabilitate his people and force them to progress, instead of regress. Yes, he was sure his greedy minded political figures would protest his plans…but he didn't give a damn. This realm had far too much to offer to let the squandering minds of their past leaders hold it back. A new age was breaking forward and he was going to be at the center of it.

As King.

02 November 2012 1930 hrs: Florence, Italy (Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral)

The evening air was nice and cool. A breeze lightly filled the crowded cobblestone streets of Florence. Jane watched as hundreds of people walked down the streets in droves, heading towards their famous cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore or 'Duomo' for short. Many of the Italians carried glass encased candles emitting a warm glow over their faces. Some were singing songs for their dead loved ones, while others were chanting prayers. Today was the second day of their "All Saint's Day" festivities.

Seeking refuge in Florence, two weeks after her flee from Morocco, was by complete happenstance. Upon arrival, Jane soon discovered that Florence was a balm to her frantic mind and broken spirit. The culture and the people were too beautiful for her just to pass through. The historic city offered her the comfort and stability, she had so desperately been seeking. So she stayed.

Now almost three months later, Jane sat at a small table of a quaint little Italian bistro and observed the religious holiday. She was never an overly religious person, being that first and foremost, she was a scientist. Her beliefs were held in what was tangible and able to be proven, but that didn't mean she had no respect for those who had a certain faith. Watching the people walking the streets, she found the holiday to be quite beautiful.

She didn't have much faith in anything these days, maybe except for Thor. Silently sipping her espresso, her hazel gaze traveled over the crowds and up into the balconies of the nearby hotel. Something caught her eye. A woman, very similar in appearance to what she remembered of Pepper Potts was standing as still as a statue…staring right back at her.

What in the world?

Jane had almost began to smile at seeing a familiar face, but the mixed look of shock and worry Pepper sent her stopped her. Confusion entered Jane's mind.

What is she…doing?

Pepper's mouth was moving, she was saying something. Jane's gaze then traveled to the tall man standing next to Pepper and her heart sunk.

Oh…no…

Loki was next to Pepper, leaning against the balcony rails, but he wasn't looking at her. He didn't see her! Jane frantically glanced back at Pepper and caught her mouthing words to her.

'Run…Go…Run'

Jane grabbed her pack and, as calmly as she could, turned away from the building. Pulling her jacket hood over her head, she began to make her way back to her apartment. Once she was sure she couldn't be seen from the hotel, she started to run.

For the past few months she had been working as a part-time librarian and computer specialist for a small private company. They were so impressed with her interview alone, it didn't matter that she had no references. The work wasn't as thrilling as what she had been doing with SHIELD, but it was refreshing to take a step back from astrophysics.

Jane let herself into the building and sprinted up the flights of stairs. Apartments were pretty cheap, when you knew people and Jane's boss…knew people. He had kindly set her up in the small loft and Jane was grateful for it. With her low rent, she was able to put away a good amount of emergency cash for a rainy day. And today's forecast just so happened to predict thunderstorms in her near future.

Just my luck…What in the hell is he doing in Florence?

Jane rushed into her apartment and grabbed her travel pack. She had all her cash already inside, and her passport. Just as she started to throw in the necessities, a commotion was heard out in the staircase, and Jane froze. Fear set her into motion and she grabbed her bag. She managed to head down her fire escape faster than she thought was humanly possible for herself.

Once her feet hit the floor, Jane took off in flight. She disappeared into the crowds and around a corner, just as a familiar dark headed figure poked his head out her bedroom window. She had escaped, but just barely.

Loki had been watching the Italians march to their sacred cathedral with mild fascination. In Asgard there were no churches to worship in, just deities to pay homage to. And with him being among those deities, he never really studied the concept of 'worship' the way humans did.

He had been in the process of studying the worshippers below, when Natasha pushed forward from her spot behind him.

"Look! There!" she called out.

Loki's green eyes flickered to her in agitation, but her next words stopped his thoughts completely.

"Look its Jane!"

Pushing the red head out of his way, Loki impatiently looked to where she had pointed. A woman was rushing in the opposite direction of the crowd, away from the hotel. He didn't see her face though.

"Are you sure Natasha?" he heard Pepper ask breathlessly.

"Yes of course I'm sure. It was definitely her Sir," Romanov declared.

Loki kept his eyes on the street where the woman in question disappeared to, "Find her Agent Romanov. If it is indeed her… I will reward you greatly."

Natasha nodded her head and bowed out.

Pepper could hear Natasha calling for back up and silently called the red head every name in the book. She watched Loki's face take on a slightly crazed look and felt her heart ache for Jane. If she was here, this close to him…Pepper knew he was going to find her. He was going to find poor Jane and do God knows what to her.

"Ms. Potts?"

"Yes My lord?"

"Cancel all my plans for tonight and tomorrow. I have a feeling my attention will be needed elsewhere," he smirked.

Pepper gulped, "Yes of course, Your Majesty."

"Oh, and Ms. Potts… make sure our new guest has appropriate clothing available for her upon arrival. It shall need to be approved by me, before being delivered…Do I make myself clear?" Loki added.

"Yes My Lord, of course."

Loki walked into his rooms and smiled to himself.

Wait and you shall receive…

He heard Pepper's cellphone ring in the next room, then her footsteps as she approached him.

"It's Agent Romanov, My Lord," Pepper informed him, handing the small contraption over to him.

Loki grasped the phone and brought it swiftly to his ear, "Romanov speak."

"Sir, we've found the location of her apartment and we're heading there now. Would you like us to engage?" she asked.

"No. No, that won't be necessary. Wait outside the building, I'll be there momentarily."

"Yes sir."

Loki stood from his seat and used his magic to find Natasha. In a blink of an eye, he transported himself next to her. Agent Romanov's only reaction to Loki's sudden appearance was a brief raise of her eyebrow.

"She's up there Sir. Apartment number 34," the red headed woman informed him.

"Let us go retrieve her shall we?" Loki asked rhetorically.

Loki, Natasha, and two other agents made their way towards the building. Loki's level of anticipation was so roused he blew the entrance gate off its hinges, as he made his way into the building.

"I want this building surrounded. Now!" he called out.

He could hear Romanov barking orders through her head piece. As they approached the apartment, he waved his hand and the door silently swung open. Slowly and almost without sound, he entered Jane's apartment. Once he did, he sneered in frustration. She was gone.

The clever little strumpet had evaded capture, again. Walking into her room, he noticed the window open and peeked out. There was a metal ladder leading to the back street, but Jane was nowhere in sight.

"Sir we have a perimeter set up, as far back as five miles. Wherever she is, she won't get very far," Romanov informed him.

Natasha watched as Loki bent down to pick up an item from the floor. It was a hairbrush. Jane's hairbrush to be exact. She was confused as to why the item garnered Loki's attention, but his reaction to the forgotten item stilled any questions she would have asked.

Loki closed his eyes gripping the brush; a smile graced his pale face. He tilted his head back and sighed in victory.

"I've got you," he whispered.

Looking down into his hand, Loki's long elegant fingers grasped a few strand of Jane's hair that still remained in the brush. With a shimmer, they disappeared and not moments after Loki nodded his head mysteriously.

"Sir?"

"Agent Romanov, make sure our guest's room is ready. She'll be arriving shortly."

"Yes sir."

When Natasha turned away, she quickly turned back to ask a question…but the room was empty and Loki was gone.

"Creepy…"

Jane was walking towards the train station, when she thought she heard a whisper.

"Jane."

She turned around, but no one was there. Picking up her pace, she walked faster towards the train station.

"Jane." A voice echoed.

This time it sounded like it was all around her.

"Jane."

"Jane."

Rushing through the entrance of the station, Jane passed a stone fountain. Frantically, she ran up the station steps headed for the train platform.

Almost there…Keep going Jane… you're almost there!

Her foot was on the top step, when she felt herself being grabbed from behind. Fear pumped through her body as she was pulled into the chest of her pursuer, yelping briefly.

"Na uh-uh little mouse….No more games," a male voice whispered against her ear.

"Please…please don't hurt me!" Jane squeaked.

Loki wrapped an arm around the shorter woman's waist and pressed his cheek to her head. With his other hand he stilled her movements, by grasping her neck lightly.

Though she couldn't see him, he smiled with hidden malice and cruelty in his eyes, "My dear Jane Foster. What ever, lead you to believe… I would want to hurt you?"

"Why wouldn't you? You've killed to find me. Why wouldn't you kill me?" she answered breathlessly.

Loki chuckled with derision.

"And cut short all the fun I have planned for us?" he chidded… slowly shaking his head, "No, that would not do at all."

Jane's eyes darted side to side in confusion. She was being held against her greatest enemy and he was confessing he didn't want to kill her, but toy with her? Why? What had she ever done to him to deserve the torture she was sure to receive at his hands?

"Why? What have I done to deserve this treatment?" she asked, her voice sounding pathetic…even to her own ears.

"You think because you ask, I would tell you? How…naive," he chuckled evilly.

Jane nearly crumpled in fear. Loki sounded completely crazy and manic…she was never going to survive this. In one last desperate attempt at escape, Jane thrust her head back with all her strength. The back of her head collided with Loki's face and she heard a distinguished crunch, followed by a masculine grunt.

Loki's arm loosened enough for Jane to squeeze out of his arms. He grasped his nose momentarily in shock that such a tiny woman managed to assault him. Watching her make a run for the exit, he grimaced in annoyance.

Jane heard Loki's voice growl behind her, but she soon found herself slamming into him when he suddenly appeared before her. Ice cold hands grasped her arms and she felt her muscles freeze in terror. She looked up into his face and winced at his angry gaze. Blood was dripping out of both of his nostrils. Jane watched in terrified awe as his broken nose began healing before her eyes.

Crap!

Loki watched his captive in both anger and amusement; he frowned when she began to struggle in his grasp. The little mortal definitely had courage, he'd give her that, but he would soon break her of it.

"Enough woman!" he commanded, shaking her small form. "I will tolerate this defiance, no more!"

Jane ignored him and kept pushing away from him, "Let me go!"

Loki rolled his eyes. He grasped her jacket and pulled her into him. When she looked up at him with her wide hazel eyes, he put his palm against her forehead "Sleep," he grunted.

Darkness immediately consumed Jane's vision and she succumbed to unconsciousness. Loki caught her before she bonelessly slumped to the floor. Heaving her up into his arms, he transported them both back to his temporary accommodations.

His chest swelled with euphoria. He had her! He actually had the bothersome creature. Oh the victory had never tasted so sweet. Now, he could begin to make Thor pay. Revenge was finally going to be his!

Loki laughed to himself and placed Jane on an empty bed. Gazing down he scoffed in disbelief. His hand brushed away the hair covering the woman's face and he studied her in mild distaste.

This is who changed the mighty Thor? This little mouse of a woman?

Tilting his head, Loki could see that she was an attractive individual, but when compared to the goddesses of the realms, she was severely lacking. Still, she served a purpose. His purpose… to be exact.

Straightening up, he swiftly exited the room.

An evil smile slowly formed on his lips, "Now… for a small chat with my brother."

Author's Note: I hope you all have enjoyed what you've read. Tasteful and tactful comments or critiques would be greatly appreciated.