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Mischief Makers Ch. 03

By: Diezi



The God of Thunder was one of the most recognizable members of the Avengers. So, Cami knew practically the minute Thor arrived at the hospital because curious people jammed the hallways, speaking in whispers and passing text messages. In fact, when the new shift nurse came walking in with Cami's painkiller in hand, she also had her cell phone grasped in the other.

Cami asked with a touch of light sarcasm, "Is the staff sharing pictures of him yet?" She didn't have to explain who she meant because the nurse immediately held up her phone to show a picture of Thor with a regal looking woman dressed in a golden gown standing at his side. Though she was tempted to laugh at the nurse's enthusiastic grin, Cami held herself in check. "That's pretty cool," she said, managing to sound almost believable.

Staff members visible through her doorway suddenly froze in their tracks. The sound of camera phones clicking quickly followed. Then Clint, Thor and the woman, who Cami assumed was his mother, stopped outside her door.

"Thor is my favorite Avenger," the nurse told Cami, staring at her little screen. "I can't believe he's here! He's freakin' hot."

The woman was so entranced with the image on her phone that she was aloof to the tall, blonde Asgardian that stepped into the room behind her.

"Hi, Thor," Cami greeted him, purposely being loud.

The nurse stiffened, her face paled and she looked tense enough to vomit on the spot.

"Hello Cami," Thor replied politely. "I was sorry to hear that you were injured."

"Thanks. It comes with the territory, unfortunately."

Slowly the nurse turned, her eyes going wide and staring.

Thor shifted his gaze to her and smiled warmly. "Thank you for tending to my friend."

"You're welcome," the nurse managed to say, but was still much too stiff to look natural.

Clint slipped in past Thor and kindly asked that the nurse get an update on Mr. Lukin's status for them. The nurse pulled herself together and fled.

The queen entered Cami's room, perhaps saving herself from the crowd of gawkers. She took in her surroundings with a stately demeanor as Clint closed the door.

"Mother, this is Cami Barton," Thor said respectfully.

The queen stepped to Cami's bedside, nodding her head in acknowledgement and offering a pleasant smile. She had very long, golden brown hair that looked gorgeous despite being a bit windswept from their flight across the continent. Her features were fair and kind.

"I am Frigga. Thor has told me of your friendship with Loki. He says you champion his efforts to join S.H.I.E.L.D."

Cami was very grateful that Frigga and Thor had come to see Loki, certain that he needed the family support. She was surprised to hear that Thor had spoken about her, though. "Yes, Your Majesty. I think Loki will make an excellent agent." 

"I am gladdened by your confidence in him," the queen said. "The king and I believe that this time spent on Midgard will do him much good."

"Then you're not taking him away?"

"No," Thor said. "Loki asked us to come. He told Heimdall he needed to speak to us."

"Who is Heimdall?"

"He is the Gatekeeper of Asgard. He has the gift to see and hear anyone he wishes within the nine realms."

"Is he listening now?"

"I do not know," Thor said. "Perhaps he is listening. It is rare for my mother to be away from Asgard. Father might have asked him to keep watch over her."

Cami asked with disappointment, "The king isn't coming?"

"My husband had some matters to attend," Queen Frigga said. "He will come if he can. I wished to leave right away. So I traveled with Thor."

The nurse returned, slipping into the room and quickly shutting the door on the people lingering outside. "The doctors have finished suturing Mr. Lukin's leg," she reported. "He's resting in recovery for a bit before they move him back to his room."

"May we see him?" Thor asked.

"I think I can get a couple visitors in. He has the other agent with him right now."

"I asked Natasha to stay with him," Clint explained. "We'll clear out of your way though."

Cami signaled Clint closer. Mindful of the nurse, she whispered, "Did you explain to them what is happening to Loki?"

"They got the short version on the way in."

"Make sure he has his computer."

"I will."

The nurse pulled the syringe of painkiller from her pocket and injected Cami's line before she could object. 

Cami looked at the clock, noting that it was only a couple hours until sunrise. Now she would probably be in a drug-induced sleep until mid morning, and she doubted Frigga and Thor would be hanging around that long. 

Cami frowned at Clint, who quickly picked up on the situation. 

"It's OK," he said. "You really needed the shot. I promise we'll keep you in the loop."

The nurse turned down the lights again and led the group into the crowded hallway.

Cami tried to get comfortable in the bed without moving too much. Then, with no warning, there was a bright, whitish-blue flash in the farthest corner of her room, which momentarily startled and blinded her. She rubbed at her eyes, peering through bright spots of color that might as well of been painted on her eyeballs for all the good it did to try and force them away. Slowly the colors faded and her eyes readjusted to reveal a tall, broad figure in the corner, partially concealed in shadows.

"Who's there?"

"I apologize for my unexpected entrance," a strong, older man's voice said. "Please do not be alarmed. I beg only a few moments of your time." He moved closer, stepping into the light shining in from the hallway. Though he did not wear a crown or helmet, Odin's fine attire, height and wizened features, partly obscured by the metal patch over his right eye, tipped Cami off to his identity.

Many people would have been overwhelmed to be in the presence of the King of Asgard, but as Cami had shown with Queen Frigga and the members of the Avengers, she wasn't easily star-struck.

"No harm done, Your Majesty," Cami answered politely. "I'm sure it will mean a lot to Loki that you were able to come."

He nodded then spoke of the matters on his mind. "By his very nature, trust doesn't come easily for Loki, yet he trusts you."

Cami figured that she understood what the king was trying to say. She was in a position to influence Loki's behavior and choices. "Are you worried that I won't be a good friend to him? That I will get him into trouble?"

"No, quite the contrary. I fear that you are the only person in Midgard he cares enough about to stay out of mischief."

"I can't make him like it here. I'm sure it doesn't compare to the grandeur of Asgard where he is the son of a king and a powerful sorcerer. Sometimes I don't like it here either."

"I cannot say with all certainty that Loki likes being in Asgard. It is merely the place he knows more than any other."

Though her thoughts were starting to become hazy from the drugs, Cami was aware of the strained sentiment in Odin's features. He spoke eloquently, but guarded his words and feelings.

"Is there something you're asking me to do?" Cami asked. "Because the Jotun put a spell on him so he can't even talk to me. What more can I do than be tolerant and patient with him?" 

The king pursed his lips and reached up to stroke his beard as he contemplated this news.

Meanwhile, her eyelids started to feel heavy. "Can you help him?" Cami finally asked, trying to fight the sleepiness.

"I do not know," he said sadly. "My magic is powerful, Cami, but I failed to detect this spell you speak of; so I probably cannot reverse its effects on Loki."

This news was troubling. How could there be magic more powerful than Odin's in the cosmos?

"You should go see him," Cami suggested. "We gave him a computer so he can type out messages. Perhaps he will tell his family the story behind this spell since he won't tell me."

"I will go. You have my gratitude." Odin gave her a small smile, which she returned drowsily. Then her eyes simply couldn't stay open a moment longer.

- - - - -

Clint and Natasha leaned against the wall outside the recovery room shoulder-to-shoulder and keeping watch for anyone who lingered too long in the hallway. They were exhausted, yet not likely to be crawling into their beds before the sun came up.

Clint broke the silence. "Cami says she's leaving."

"I think that's a good idea," Natasha admitted softly.

"She might not come back, though."

"Would that be so bad? She could get a decent job with her programming skills alone. The agency isn't everyone's cup of tea."

He could have taken her comment so many different ways, but Clint knew she meant it in the most positive light a friend could offer. Natasha was never afraid to point out when he wasn't keeping his mind open enough to consider all the facts of a situation.

"I don't know what I expected when I brought her to S.H.I.E.L.D. I thought she needed me."

"Stop with the pity party," Natasha chastised gently and turned to face him. "You wanted to take care of your sister. There's nothing wrong with that."

"I thought I could make things better for her, but she said it herself - all we do is fight."

"It's not fighting as much as testing boundaries, in my opinion. You're both trying to figure out how you fit together as a family."

This made sense to Clint. It certainly hadn't escaped his attention that Cami craved interaction, especially when it included Natasha and himself. Now, thanks to unexpected circumstances, Cami had pulled Loki into their collective.

"This team is really important to her."

"Maybe that will be what brings her back."

Clint shrugged. He sure was tired.

Natasha asked, "What are we going to do with Loki?" 

"I don't know," Clint said honestly. "I have the feeling he's been through some serious shit the last two years. When I look into his eyes, I don't see the same guy we knew from before in there, you know?"

Natasha seemed to consider his words carefully. "He's been manageable so far, cooperative, helpful... We've even left him alone with Cami more than a few times with hardly a second thought."

"He did handle himself really well at the club."

"Yeah, he downed Drago and several of his guys with no loss of life," Natasha pointed out. "We didn't tell him he should spare lives when possible. He made his own judgments."

"Cami practically ordered me to train him while she's away."

"Is that what you're planning to do?"

"I'll ask him about it. That's only fair, right?"

The door to the recovery room opened while Natasha was nodding her agreement. To their surprise an older man stepped out of the room with Frigga and Thor. His garments were gold like the queen's and he looked too much like Thor to not be King Odin.

"They are moving him to his room," Frigga informed them and the group stood aside to allow the bed to be wheeled out. Loki was awake, yet still groggy. Frigga held his computer for him and followed along as the orderlies continued down to his room. 

Thor and Odin hung back. "Please, allow me to make further introductions," Thor said. He placed his hand upon Odin's shoulder and gestured to the agents. "Father, this is Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff."

"King Odin," Clint said respectfully, "it is a true honor to make your acquaintance."

"For me as well, Mr. Barton," Odin said, nodding to Clint. Then he turned his attention to Natasha, reaching out to take her hand and raise it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "Finally I get to meet the deadly Black Widow," he said with a smile. "I see Thor has spoken truthfully of your beauty."

Not usually one to lose her cool, Natasha actually blushed a bit. As Odin released her hand, she withdrew it slowly, tucking her hair behind her ear before crossing her arms awkwardly. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Clint thought she looked even more beautiful in those few seconds before she regained her composure.

"Shall we?" Natasha asked, gesturing down the hall where the others had disappeared.

The group met up with Frigga and Loki, filling his room and closing the door for more privacy. Loki was noticeably irritated with all the attention, but too groggy to do much more than shut his eyes or look away from them.

"So," Clint began delicately, "what do we know?"

"This isn't just some spell that can be peeled off or drawn out of him and discarded." Frigga took Loki's arm, indicating the scars. Her tone turned graver as she said, "This is blood magic. Loki has been cursed."

"Why? For revenge?" Natasha asked.

"Loki cannot tell us," Thor said. "Even with the computer you gave him, the curse bars him from disclosing who did this to him or why."

"A wielder of shadow magic could put such a limitation on someone," Odin informed them, "as shadows are often used to conceal truths."

"I know of no frost giant that can cast both blood and shadow magic," Frigga said, "yet someone has combined both crafts."

Thor said, "Then perhaps that is the clue we need to unravel this mystery."

Natasha asked, "So, the curse can't be removed?"

"I will have to search the texts and scrolls in the city and palace libraries," Frigga said. "Perhaps I will find something."

"He's going to be safe as long as he doesn't talk, right?" Clint asked next.

Even Loki wanted to know the answer to this question bad enough to open his eyes and focus on the group once again.

The Asgardians exchanged long, meaningful glances before Odin finally answered. "Unfortunately, we cannot promise that. Whoever placed the curse on him can probably change how it affects him by doing a new ritual."

"Should we take him home?" Frigga asked Odin. "Perhaps we can protect him."

Odin shook his head. "He has obligations here. We made a promise to the people of Midgard that he would serve them."

Clint could see the turmoil in Frigga's eyes as she nodded a silent agreement. Loki also looked upset, but his expression was more hurtful, like Odin's refusal had stung him.

"Shall I stay with him?" Thor asked his parents.

Loki grasped Frigga's hand, shaking his head at her and scowling.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

He pointed to the computer in her lap, which she handed to him. He typed something then held it out to her. 

Clint leaned forward to read the text.

[I am not a child. Thor can tend to his own business.]

The queen read this message aloud with a disapproving frown.

"Those are his wishes," Odin said with an air of finality. "We will respect them."

Loki typed another message on the computer. His expression softened from its earlier agitation as the queen and Clint read the message silently first.

[Please take Cami to Asgard to heal.]

After the queen shared this request with the others, Clint turned to look directly at Odin, who appeared somewhat conflicted. Even Thor had an uncertain frown.

"Would you consider it, Your Majesty?" Clint asked. He was trying not to show too much sentiment, but he was weary and almost desperate for an easier fix to Cami's troubles. "She wants to be a field agent, but these injuries are going to set her back a while. I honestly don't know if she'll ever finish her training if she gets pulled from the program now."

"The easiest route is rarely the correct one," Odin said wisely, speaking both to Clint and Loki. "However, in this case, I feel I owe her a debt. So, I will allow it."

"Thank you," Clint said, feeling much more hopeful than he had since first learning the severity of Cami's injuries.

"We appreciate your generosity," Natasha said, addressing the royal family as a whole.

"It will be our pleasure," Queen Frigga said. "Cami is delightful."

Clint had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from chuckling. Delightful certainly wasn't the word he would have chosen to describe his sister.

"What arrangements should we make?" Natasha asked.

"It might be difficult to get Cami to the bifrost site when she hasn't been cleared to travel," Clint said. 

"We won't take her through the bifrost in her delicate condition," Odin said. "I'll transport her the same way I arrived."

"Nat, do you want to help her get ready?"

"Yeah, sure." Natasha moved toward the door.

"I'll help as well," Queen Frigga said, rising from the chair. With only a few long strides she caught up with Natasha in the hallway.

"Thor," Odin said, "I will take Cami and the queen with me. I'm sure there are some old friends that you would like to visit on Midgard before returning home - particularly your Miss Foster."

While this suggestion obviously pleased Thor, Clint noted Loki rolling his eyes.

Thor did not notice his adopted brother's reaction, which was probably for the best. Thor said his farewells and headed out, leaving Odin and Clint alone with Loki.

"I can step out if you two want to talk in private," Clint offered.

Loki was staring at his blankets and made no attempt to gesture or express any sort of a response. 

Odin stood tall and silent for several moments, also evaluating Loki's reaction. Then he said to Clint, "I do not believe that will be necessary. It appears that my son has other things on his mind at the moment."

"Hey, I can understand," Clint said. "I've been hard on him lately and now that Cami's going to be in Asgard, Loki's probably not looking forward to my company."

"I see," Odin said, nodding. His tone and expression were fairly straightforward, but there was a twinkle of amusement in his eye that indicated to Clint that the king knew what he was attempting to do.

"Cami thinks I should train him as a field operative, but I don't know. It will take a lot of work and he might not feel up to it."

Loki was back to rolling his eyes when Clint peeked in his direction.

"What?" Clint asked. "You aren't interested in being a field agent, are ya? I mean, we do get to travel all over the world and test out the latest and greatest tech, weapons and gear, but we also put up with a lot of shit like lack of sleep, working holidays and getting beat up a lot. The hazard pay kind of sucks too."

That did it. Loki snatched up his computer, typing out a quick response with great agitation.

[Your childish attempt to goad my interest is unnecessary. I have little choice in the matter. Your sister has made her wishes known, and I have yet to see one instance since I arrived when she did not eventually get her way.]

Now Clint had to laugh out loud because Loki had a valid point.

- - - - -

Clint had promised to keep Cami in the loop about the happenings while she was unconscious. So, when Cami awoke she badly needed an explanation. She was no longer in the hospital, completely nude and stretched out on her stomach on a padded bench. 

"My apologies," Frigga said, sitting at her side to apply a cool, pungent cream to her wounds. "Loki requested that we bring you to Asgard to heal. Since Odin and your brother both approved, we didn't wait to get your consent when waking you proved difficult." 

This room was much larger than her hospital room had been with gold walls and deep red furniture and tapestries. Decorative wall sconces and braziers on pedestals provided light as there were no windows. 

There was also a pool of bubbling, luminescent water nearby that held Cami's gaze for several moments while her brain tried to comprehend the change in her surroundings. 

A dark-haired woman dressed in light brown cloth and leather garments stepped into Cami's view.

Frigga said, "Sif is a friend of my sons and will assist me with your care."

Cami would have been more embarrassed about her lack of clothing if she wasn't so disoriented. She nodded at Sif then asked, "What is this place?" 

"This is the healing room," Sif explained. "The pool has special properties. We use the water to make medicines."

Sif moved forward, and then eased onto her knees beside the divan. "I have heard great tales of your brother's heroism and skill with the bow from Thor," she told Cami. "I hear you are a warrior as well."


Mischief Makers Ch. 03



Cami laughed. "Not a very good one," she admitted. "That's what got me in this mess."

Sif's gaze skimmed over Cami's exposed backside. "These are drag wounds," she noted with a frown.

Cami considered explaining the situation, but didn't know the best way to describe what asphalt was to them when she couldn't concentrate very well. 

Frigga said, "Sif, now that Cami is awake, I must speak with her alone."

"Yes, My Queen. I was pleased that you requested my help." Then to Cami, Sif said, "I hope to speak with you again." With a respectful bow of her head, she departed. 

Cami rolled carefully onto her side as the queen draped a silky sheet over her then moved to where Cami could see her more easily.

"We have determined that Loki has been cursed," Frigga said. "It is our belief that the spell on him is of both blood and shadow magic, which is a very distinct combination."

She wouldn't have known how serious the situation was if she hadn't read the worry in Frigga's kind eyes.

"Did he tell you who put the curse on him?"

"No. The curse limits him from telling us that."

"Is there anything I can do?" Cami asked, though she doubted she had the knowledge or any skill that would be useful against a curse.

"I think you are already doing all that you can do," the queen said. "Your friendship with Loki gives him comfort, which I'm sure he needs."

"I think it might soon be more than just a friendship. He... kissed me," Cami admitted, feeling a bit nervous when the queen's features brightened.

Frigga said, "This is welcome news. Loki has not been happy in a very long time."

"Well, relationships in Midgard can be complicated. He's got so much going on that I don't want to be one more thing that adds to his stress."

"Though I realize that you will be compelled to return home as soon as you can, perhaps you will consider staying for a while to get to know his friends and the way his life is here. It would help you understand him better."

"That sounds very well-intentioned, Your Majesty, but you're basically asking me to spy around for information on Loki," Cami said, "which is something I don't want to do. I am learning everything I really need to know just by being with him."

"Are you sure you understand Loki as well as you believe you do?" Frigga asked gently.

The queen was the cunning sort. Cami knew the game she played, even if her intent was not malicious.

Cami replied, "I might work for an organization that makes it their business to know everyone else's, but personally I would rather he told me what he wanted me to know than to sneak around behind his back. I can't afford to do that to him."

There was no anger or disappointment on her features as Frigga said, "If Loki could be here and unhindered in his words, I think there is much he would choose to share with you."

"I've found so far," Cami said, "that Loki is getting better at telling me what he wants me to know without the use of words."

"Like that kiss you mentioned."

Cami smiled slyly, but considered the topic closed.

She slept very little through the passing hours after the queen's departure. Though her wounds were numb from the medicine and she was plenty warm enough, she was unable to get comfortable in the strange place with her worries so stirred up.

She was drowsily gazing into the flames of the closest brazier, pondering how very far away she was from everyone important to her, when Sif returned with a tray of food.

"Did you sleep alright?" Sif asked.

"I've been awake for hours, it seems. What time is it?"

"It is morning. I have brought you some breakfast." Sif laid the tray carefully on the floor beside Cami's resting place before seating herself. "The queen requested that I keep you company."

"Are you the only woman warrior in Asgard?" Cami asked Sif. She thought she might have read something to that fact at some point.

"There are a few others," Sif said. "I train those who wish to learn."

"Asgardians start training as kids, right?"

"Traditionally, but not everyone trains in the art of war. Our city would not thrive without the skills of many different masters."

"Before I joined S.H.I.E.L.D., I was a dancer," Cami decided to share. "It was something I wanted to do since I was young, but didn't get much support until I was older."

"Why did you leave it?"

"My dancing eventually got me in trouble," Cami said with a frown. "So, Clint had me join S.H.I.E.L.D."

"You are not happy there?"

That was a difficult question to answer. If anything, her time in field training had opened doors of opportunity and knowledge to her that wouldn't have been as likely if she'd stayed a civilian. Still, she didn't see herself pledging the rest of her life to S.H.I.E.L.D. either.

"I've learned some things about myself that were surprising," she admitted to Sif, "and some that were disappointing." 

"King Odin says it is a fool that finds fault only with others and never with himself," Sif said.

Cami smiled. "That sounds like something Director Fury would say. Only I think it would have a few touches of profanity. I bet he and the king could have entertaining debates."

The fresh fruit, meats and pastries on the tray did look very tempting. So, Cami reached down and took a plump pink and green fruit that had a bell shape. She bit into it, finding that it was very juicy and smelled and tasted like a rose.

"Mmm; that's really good," she said.

"Thor likes rose apples best," Sif told Cami. "Loki told me that they first grew in some regions of Midgard. Then Thor brought some samplings to Asgard to be grown here."

"You've known Thor and Loki a long time, huh?" Cami asked, already sensing the answer.

"Very long," was the warrior's strained reply, implying that Cami's question had struck a nerve. Possibly, it got tiresome hanging out with the brothers all the time. 

"You have other friends, I'm sure," Cami added.

"Of course, Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg have been our companions for years."

While the women had breakfast and Sif tended to her wounds, Cami got the full rundown on the Warriors Three, as seen through Sif's colorful and sometimes conflicted perceptions of their antics.

"At least they're loyal to you," Cami pointed out after listening with amusement to Sif's stories for a while.

"They are indeed. I hope you are feeling much improved soon. I would like to introduce them to you."

"I'm looking forward to it," Cami said truthfully. "I bet they have great stories to share too."

"Their tales become more embellished with each telling," Sif told Cami. "You will see."

It was the evening of Cami's third day in the healing room, following the removal of her stitches and a hot, satisfying bath, that Sif brought her a light blue gown with long, silky sleeves and a full skirt. Since she had been able to sit up and move about with only minimal pain, she was being invited to join in a gathering for Thor and his friends.

"When did Thor get back?" Cami asked, slipping into the gown.

"This morning," Sif said, carefully tightening the laces on the dress. "The queen said he's been in a poor mood. She suggested this small gathering to cheer him."

Sif was also dressed up for the occasion, wearing a long red gown with gold accents. She looked lovely, yet not exactly comfortable in the restrictive finery.

"If we hurry, Queen Frigga said she would do our hair before the party," Sif said, smiling to convey that this was to be considered a special treat.

Cami followed Sif out of the healing room and through the palace, racing to keep up with her long strides. Sif was at least 5'9" tall with long legs. Cami was only 5'4" so she figured she had to be working twice as hard to keep the pace. By the time they reached the king and queen's private suite, Cami was panting for breath and her body was aching some, especially her foot.

"Come in girls," Frigga called from a room adjacent to the entry. "Let me see you."

Now that they weren't rushing along, Cami took the opportunity to actually look around at the splendor of the palace decor as Sif pulled her into the queen's presence. 

Frigga was seated at an elegantly carved vanity, removing ribbons and jeweled clips from her long hair. She caught a glimpse of them in her large oval mirror and turned in her seat.

"Cami Dear, you are flushed," she said with concern and gestured for her to come closer. Gratefully, the queen didn't appear to be holding a grudge over the request she'd made that Cami had refused.

"I was running," Cami explained, stepping into Frigga's reach. "Your castle is immense, Your Majesty."

Frigga glanced at Sif disapprovingly at this news, but offered Cami only a smile. "It is quite large, but is home to many servants and a gathering place for the people of Asgard."

Sif fetched some short, padded stools, placing one directly in front of the queen. Then Frigga drew Cami over to sit on the stool facing her, their knees touching, so she could actively examine her.

Guess this is where Loki gets his tendency to stare, Cami thought after several moments passed in silence. 

"What do you think, Sif?" the queen finally asked, reaching out to pat and fluff Cami's hair. "Pull it all up or leave some down?"

"Down. She still has the remnants of those scratches on her neck," Sif pointed out.

Frigga looked to confirm that the scratches caused by Anna had not completely healed over yet. With a dissatisfied click of her tongue, Frigga uttered something about forgetting to apply some medicine to them earlier and then reached for a broad silver hair brush.

Cami turned around, trying to keep her posture tall and straight as any good dancer would while the queen drew the brush through her medium brown tresses. After three days of rest in the healing room and the bath, her hair had tangled itself up quite nicely, yet Frigga was skilled at working through these complications with minimal discomfort to Cami's scalp.

Cami was reminded of the days when Joyce Murphy, her last foster mom, had helped her get ready for drill team and ballroom dance competitions. By then Cami had been plenty old enough to do it herself, but she liked the strong yet soothing strokes of the brush and Joyce's long fingers gathering and styling her hair.

"That is a far away look," Sif commented to Cami. "I can't tell if you're thinking about something happy or sad."

"A little of both. No one has done my hair for me in a while," Cami admitted as the images of the past dissolved.

"Being a mother to only boys has its disadvantages," Frigga said. "Sif and some of the other young ladies are generous enough to let me pamper them on occasion."

Out of the corner of her eye, Cami noticed movement in the doorway.

Sif looked that direction, jumping to her feet to perform a curtsy. She said, "Good evening, My King."

"Good evening to you as well, Sif," Odin replied. "I see Cami is finally out of the healing room."

"I do not think she is quite ready to return to her S.H.I.E.L.D. duties," Frigga said, beginning to separate the strands of Cami's long bangs to braid them. "She favors her injured foot."

Odin stepped into the room, moving around to where Cami could look upon him in his grand armor and cape.

"Are you off to battle, Your Majesty?" she asked.

"Not at all," Odin replied. "I have returned from a conference with my envoys and inquisitors. I have asked them to take note of any information pertaining to the recent use of certain types of magic within the realms."

It hadn't occurred to Cami until that moment that King Odin would have his own network of spies and informants.

"Thor is having a gathering tonight," Frigga told Odin. "Can you escort the girls to his dining room?"

"I certainly can," Odin said. "Call for me when they are ready to depart."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Sif and Cami said together, and then exchanged smiles as the King strode off.

"Sif, choose a pearl string from the upper right drawer there," Queen Frigga said, indicating the large jewelry box at the far end of the vanity. "Pearls will look lovely braided into Cami's hair."

Sif looked over the selection in the box and drew out an especially long string of bright, white pearls.

In no time, Cami's hair was done in a style known as a cascading crown as the braid circled the top back of her head. She liked the look, especially with the pearls and the splendor of her blue gown.

Wow! I kind of look like a princess, she thought, feeling intrigued and freaked out at the same time as she admired herself in the large mirror. 

Like most little girls, she'd been convinced by media and marketing that she wanted to be a princess when she grew up, but life had a way of ruining all childhood dreams with harsh reality. For instance, her parents were dead and definitely not royalty. Kings and queens rarely participated in the foster care program. And finally, there just weren't enough princes in the world for all those princess wannabes to marry. 

Cami turned away from the mirror to watch the queen expertly tame Sif's long, thick mane into a work of art with spiral lace braids intertwined with gold ribbons.

"This might be a weird question," Cami said, "but do either of you know why Loki thinks piggy tails are so funny?"

Frigga finished her work and patted Sif's hair gently. "A pig's tail?" she asked with confusion.

Cami didn't want to demonstrate and possibly ruin her own hairdo. "It's a hairstyle," she said, "but not important."

With the addition of some light color to their eyelids, lips and cheeks, Frigga announced the girls ready for the party. She walked them out to the entry then went to find Odin, calling for him as she moved deeper into their suite.

"What becoming creatures," the king said upon his arrival, stopping mid-stride to admire Sif and Cami who grinned and thanked him in return.

Frigga came up beside him, smiling at his compliment. "Yes, they are," she agreed. "Now get them delivered before the boys begin to complain of their tardiness."

Considering the size of the castle, the walk to Thor's suite was relatively short. Thor had left his door open, so Odin walked them through the entry and into the dining room where the men were gathered and already drinking, feasting, talking and laughing.

Clearing his throat loudly, Odin broke up their revelry. The men abandoned their chairs to bow to him.

"I bring you Lady Sif and Miss Cami Barton," Odin announced. "See that they are delivered safely home at a decent hour."

There were promises offered then Thor came forward to take them from Odin, who promptly departed. "You both look very beautiful." His brilliant blue eyes lit up with earnest admiration. "Sif, help me with the introductions," he said, pulling them toward the table where the other men were waiting.

Cami already knew so much about the Warriors Three from Sif, that she could have guessed their names base solely on appearance. She greeted each man in turn, accepting a friendly nod from Hogun, a smile from Volstagg and an almost seductive kiss on her hand from Fandral. All the men towered over her.

As the group settled around the table to continue the feasting, Thor felt he should elaborate on Cami's simple introduction.

"Cami is the younger sister of Clint Barton, the Hawkeye," he told the men.

"Are you a master of the bow as well?" Hogun eagerly asked.

"No." Cami shook her head. "He's never tried to teach me the bow." She didn't take it personally that people always assumed she'd be exactly like Clint.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. has many types of warriors," Thor told them. "Cami is training to be what they call a field agent."

"What is that exactly?" Fandral asked, looking between Thor and Cami.

Cami balked, searching for the right terms that wouldn't be confusing to non-Midgardians.

"May I attempt to explain?" Thor asked her.

"Please do." Cami was interested to hear Thor's take on what Clint and Natasha did.

"Field agents are much more than warriors. They must be scouts, emissaries, performers, craftsmen, sages, inquisitors and even executioners at times."

Cami thought this explanation was quite thorough and bolstering. 

"That is very impressive," Fandral said and the others agreed. "You must have been training since you were quite young, Cami."

"Ummm... actually, it hasn't even been a year since I joined S.H.I.E.L.D.," she said, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "It takes years for field agents to get really good in all the areas. Though, most never try to become masters at everything. We usually band together in teams so we can support each other with the skills we do know well."

"Cami is on a team with Hawkeye, Black Widow and Loki," Thor interjected with visible pride.

Everyone seemed very impressed by this fact.

"How is Loki?" Hogun asked, as if he had been waiting for the topic to be introduced.

"Loki is doing well," Thor answered with some hesitation. "He is making new friends and learning the ways of Midgard. Cami has been helping him."

"That is splendid to hear," Volstagg said merrily in his deep, rich voice and raising his cup as if to toast. He then took a large chug of his drink that spilled over the edges some and into his long, thick beard.

Hogun looked skeptical. "I've rarely known Loki to ask for or accept help."

Fandral chuckled lightly. "It's not like he has much choice now, considering his condition."

Cami instantly felt her face flush with heat. "I'm sorry," she said barely loud enough for her voice to carry the width of the table. "What do you mean by that?"

Sif, who was filling Cami's plate with samples of the local delicacies, suddenly stiffened, and Thor, who was sitting on Cami's left, stopped drinking.

Fandral's smile faded as he decided his response. "I was referring to the loss of his magic. He relied on it so heavily. I assumed..."

"He lost his magic two years ago," Cami interrupted him, trying to keep her emotions from stirring up a frenzy within her. "S.H.I.E.L.D. chose to recruit Loki because he's smart and has plenty of other strengths and skills that we need." 

Cami stole a glance at Thor. He looked a bit tense and not happy at all. 

How much has he told them? she wondered.

"I apologize," Fandral said, sounding surprised and uncomfortable. "It is often our way to tease each other. I didn't think."

Cami shook her head mindlessly, wondering how often the group had made Loki feel unwanted and no one had stood up for him, even Thor. Cami found herself staring at the food Sif had put on her plate, which would have looked appetizing under different circumstances. 

"Loki is going to be a great field agent," Cami continued, wishing to make her point. "He already caught an extremely dangerous criminal and saved my life on his very first mission." 

Sif said gently, "Please share this tale. We would like to hear it."

The Warriors Three were staring at Cami, making it hard for her to process her own thoughts and feelings. Maybe she did want to tell them the story of Drago's club, but there was a warning in Thor's eyes that she could tell was meant to keep her silent.

"I'm sorry," she said again, "but I..." She climbed out of the chair, nearly tripping over it and her dress in the rush. "I think I should go."

Thor and Sif both got up from the table. 

"Sif, wait here," Thor ordered gruffly. "I will speak with her in private."

"She is upset," Sif insisted, following them into the entry.

Thor caught up with Cami, grabbing her arm and forcing her to stop. "Cami, we must speak," he said. His tone was anxious and foreshadowed with anger.

Cami sensed a lecture coming on and she didn't feel like she'd done anything wrong.

"Let go of me," Cam said, trying to sound braver than she felt. Thor's size alone made him intimidating; plus his hand was starting to clench painfully around her upper arm.




Mischief Makers Ch. 03



Sif grabbed Thor's wrist. "What is wrong with you?" she demanded. "You will hurt her."

"Go back to the table, Sif," Thor said again, leveling her with a steely gaze. "This is family business."

"No. I think perhaps you have had too much wine," Sif challenged.

Volstagg stepped into the doorway of the dining room, blocking it off with his immense frame. Fandral and Hogun were behind him straining to see over his broad shoulders.

Tears brought on by pain and fear came quickly to sting Cami's eyes and slide down her flushed cheeks. Though she believed Sif was a great warrior, Cami doubted she could best Thor if this confrontation came to blows. 

"You are a bully and a very poor brother," Cami accused Thor. "The Jotun are stronger and bigger than Loki, and you let your friends joke because he couldn't defend himself without magic. The Jotun abused and mistreated him while you drank your wines and told your tales of glory."

"This is neither the time nor company for this conversation," Thor said, leaning closer. His breath smelled foul from liquor. "Think before you speak further."

Volstagg moved from the doorway to Thor's side with one long step. He dropped his meaty paw heavily upon the prince's shoulder. "Thor, would you dare threaten the sister of your good friend Hawkeye?"

Thor released Cami and turned away from his shocked friends. He looked at a loss for words.

Cami immediately spun around and ran from the room. Now that her tears were flowing, embarrassment would not let her be caught. She chose random corridors, skirting servants until she finally took refuge in an armoire in some unoccupied bedroom. Then she drew up her knees, buried her face in her skirt and bawled.

Thor found Cami several minutes later, but he was not the one who pulled her from the armoire and into a strong, comforting embrace.

"Go back to your friends," Odin told Thor as he cradled Cami. His tone was firm, but not accusing. "Tell them to repeat nothing they have heard tonight. I will speak with them in the morning."

"Yes, Father," Thor said solemnly.

Odin walked Cami from that cold, dark bedchamber and through the palace. With a snap of the king's fingers, fires sparked within the wall sconces and braziers, bringing light and warmth to an entry which honestly looked much the same as any other Cami had seen in the palace thus far.

"Perhaps you would prefer to stay here tonight," King Odin said.

"Why? Where are we?" Cami asked, stepping forward a few paces.

"These are Loki's rooms."

She stopped and turned back to the king. "Then I definitely shouldn't be here," Cami said. "This is his private space. I tried to tell the queen..."

"I know," Odin said. "Frigga told me about her request to you."

"Then why did you bring me here?"

"Because you are sad and missing him."

"But, he isn't here." 

"We leave parts of ourselves wherever we go and with every interaction. You were in the company of Loki's friends for mere minutes and yet they upset you so. Why?"

Cami's gaze dropped to the floor. "I'm sure Thor explained."

"He did, but only from his point of view, which was hindered by too much drink. I wish to hear yours."

"I was angry that Fandral laughed at Loki and thought he was useless without his magic," Cami said, feeling the emotion bite at her insides, threatening to build up and overcome her again.

"What else?" he gently prodded.

Cami searched her thoughts trying to unravel the complexity of the emotions. "I felt he was cruel to speak that way in light of the treatment Loki received in the Jotunheim."

"Fandral didn't know," Odin said. "Frigga, Thor and I decided to keep Loki's injuries a secret. Heimdall was the only other in Asgard that knew."

The hot emotion inside her stung even more as it cooled. "Then you were protecting his privacy, and I just blurted it out."

"You felt the desire to defend him," Odin said. "It would have come out eventually, Cami. "The royal family of Asgard does not get the luxury of having many secrets."

"You haven't told everyone about him being Jotun or having this curse," Cami guessed.

"That is true. When Thor told Nick Fury of Loki's true parentage, he immediately regretted it because it became public knowledge amongst those who work for S.H.I.E.L.D."

Cami turned back to look at the closed doors off the entry. She tried not to think about the treasures that might be found beyond, things that were special to Loki that he was forcibly parted from now. Of course, she didn't know for certain that he valued objects over anything else. 

"I grew up in other people's homes, but not as part of their families," Cami told Odin, not sure what direction her thoughts were going as she spoke. "I never had my own room until the Murphys took me in. It was my personal space and they respected my privacy. After five years with them, I guess I thought they might actually adopt me, but they let me leave with Clint instead." 

"Did they love you?"

"Yeah, I know they did."

"Then that is why they let you go," Odin said wisely.

Cami felt close to the king in those moments. He'd comforted and listened to her and not been stern, even if she might have deserved it after her blunder. 

"I can't go in there," she said decisively and walked out into the corridor.

Odin put out the fires then escorted her back to the healing room for the night.

Sif was in a sad and humbled mood when she arrived to have breakfast with Cami the next morning. She'd just left a meeting with the king and queen where some truths about Loki had been disclosed and she had made promises to be discreet with that information.

"Loki has teased me incessantly over the years and acted jealous and spiteful at times," she confessed, "but I never wished such horrible things to happen to him."

After they'd eaten and Sif had rubbed some medicine into Cami's wounds, the warrior encouraged her to get dressed in her S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform. "We're going to train this morning," Sif said, shedding her gloom for a small smile. "Have you ever used a stave?"

"No," Cami admitted. "I can't even get past hand-to-hand combat training back home."

"Fighting with a weapon is sometimes easier than without," Sif assured her and hurried Cami along to the training grounds just outside the palace.

The staff Sif gave Cami was smaller and lighter compared to the others displayed on the racks. Once Cami had the grip down, Sif started showing her some simple moves and having her try them on the training dummies, which were wooden posts with stuffed grain sacks tied to them to loosely resemble a person's form.

Working with Sif proved much more relaxed than her classes back at the helicarrier. It helped that there weren't people standing around, judging every little move she made. Plus, Sif had been right about it being easier to attack with the staff than with her bare hands.

"Very good, keep at it," Sif encouraged Cami as she got more confident with her strikes. "I can see the fluid motion of your dancing in your attacks. You have strong limbs and core muscles. Harness that power. Don't hesitate or hold back."

They were still terrorizing target dummies when Thor and the Warriors Three dropped by about midday.

"You are a fierce little thing, Cami Barton," Volstagg called out as the foursome approached.

Cami lowered the staff and wiped at the sweat on her forehead and cheeks.

"I agree," Sif said, beaming with pride. 

"We've come to invite you both to join us for a picnic," Thor said, holding up a large basket in his hand. "Of course, we will understand if you choose to decline."

Volstagg also had a basket, which was much larger than the one in Thor's possession. Fandral carried the blankets, and Hogun had a couple of corked jugs. 

"I can tell food is a very big deal around here," Cami said. She was being pleasant, but was wary of a repeat altercation. "I suppose we can join you if Sif wants to."

It turns out that Sif did want to, so the group wandered deep into the palace gardens to relax in the shade of the trees. Cami trailed behind the others, admiring the unusual, yet beautiful and fragrant flower species growing around them. By the time she reached the trees, using her staff as a walking stick, the others were starting in on the food.

"Cami, may we speak of last night?" Fandral asked as Cami sat between him and Sif on the blankets. "I do wish to apologize again." This time his expression and tone showed true remorse.

"Thank you, Fandral. I appreciate it, but I assumed you knew more than you did."

"Still," Hogun interjected, "we have made the habit of speaking disrespectfully to each other and about each other, even if just in jest. Odin wishes us to be less that way."

"Now that they are aware of Loki's situation," Thor said after a moment. "I think you should tell us about his first mission."

While she tried to decide where to begin her tale, Cami took a roll offered by Sif, ripped it open with her fingers and dropped some pieces of flavored meat into it for a sandwich.

"Well...you see, Loki and I were sharing my bed," she said in a purposely nonchalant tone, "when there was a knock on my door."

Hogun nearly choked on his drink, which caused Thor to laugh.

"Wait," Sif said, reaching out to touch Cami's knee with a stunned-silly look on her features. "You said you were sharing a bed with Loki?"

"Indeed, I heard that too," Fandral said. "I did not know this was to be a love story."

Volstagg was piling meat on his own makeshift sandwich. "So, how did you two end up in the bed? It seems that would be a more fitting place to begin."

Cami chuckled, pleased that she'd caused such an uproar. "Loki had just been discharged from the hospital. He was tired and had nowhere else to sleep yet. So, I let him nap on my bed."

"With you?" Thor clarified.

"Yes, but it was innocent."

"We must believe you if that is what truthfully happened," Fandral said, clearly choosing to believe otherwise. "Please continue."

"Like I said before, there was a knock on my door. It was a messenger with some communication devices for us. That's when we found out that Clint and Natasha had been called far away to Washington D.C. on a mission. They wanted us to join them there so we could look for a young woman that had gone missing."

"Ah, it was a rescue mission then," Hogun said.

"Yes, it was," Cami confirmed. "So, Loki and I flew to Washington D.C. and met up with Clint and Natasha."

"Did they know who had taken the girl?" Sif asked.

"They didn't know for sure, but there was evidence that it was a man named Victor Drago, who many believed had done terrible things in his life - including stealing girls and selling them as slaves for men's pleasure."

Cami watched the group's expressions darken as they took in this fact.

"So, what did you do?" Sif prodded.

"We made a plan to infiltrate his evil lair. Loki's mind is very keen and able to remember large amounts of written information. So, he read everything S.H.I.E.L.D. had learned about Drago. Then he and Natasha dressed in fine clothes like Drago's friends would wear to fool him into thinking they could be trusted." 

"That is a very wise course of action," Hogun said approvingly.

"We had to make Drago believe that Loki had slave girls of his own and wanted to obtain more. So, my job was to pretend to be one of his pleasure slaves." Cami gestured to her uniform. "Obviously, clothes like this wouldn't have convinced Drago. I had to get a special outfit that hardly covered anything. I was basically naked."

Fandral leaned back against the trunk of the nearest tree, smiling, but trying not to get caught doing it. "Were there other un-clothed females there? Did Drago have many slave girls?"

"Oh yeah. He had dozens of girls serving and dancing for him and his friends."

Hogun did not seem as interested in the girls as Fandral. "You did not say what Hawkeye was doing."

Cami explained, "Because Clint had known Drago from his past, he could not go with us. Drago would have recognized him and known we weren't his friends after all. Clint was watching over us from a distance and listening through our communication devices."

Realizing that she had them hanging on her every word, Cami did embellish things a little bit as she described kissing Loki to 'keep up appearances' all the way through the events leading up to Loki speaking his first words to her.

"I didn't know he was cursed and shouldn't talk. So when I ran to him and found he was bleeding, I thought he'd been shot by Vahdati," Cami explained. "Then Captain America and Iron Man showed up to help Clint and Natasha fight Drago's henchmen while Loki and I went to the hospital."

"When did Loki catch the very bad man Drago?" Hogun asked.

"Not until the next day when he remembered what he'd read about Drago's shoulder. Loki knew where Drago had gone to get his shoulder healed when he was younger. He told Clint and Natasha and they were able to capture him there before he could get away again."

"That was an exciting story," Volstagg said. "I can see how telling us would have been difficult if we didn't know some of the things we do now."

Everyone else agreed.

"Do your people trust him?" Fandral asked with care. "After all he did to them?"

"Not everyone. I think it does help that he's been so..." She couldn't think of the right word.

"Unlike himself?" Thor offered with sad eyes. "You didn't know him before. So, you wouldn't see it like the rest of us. He's a changed man, Cami, and not necessarily all for the better."

"Why do you say that? Surely we'll find a way to lift the curse and he'll be able to talk again."

"His scars run much deeper than his flesh," Thor said. "When he attacked the Earth, he was arrogant, confrontational and fearless. Can you tell me truthfully that he displays those traits now."

"Perhaps in small amounts," Cami was quick to respond. "He's been through a lot though."

"Yes, he has, but we have to be prepared for the possibility that there is still more going on here than we know."

"Do you think it is a trick?" Hogun asked Thor. "Loki playing us all for fools?"

"It wouldn't be the first time," Fandral said. "Though this whole thing seems like a pretty elaborate hoax, even for Loki."

"We should not make assumptions," Sif scolded them. "We have no evidence that he is lying to anyone."

"It's hard to tell a lie when you can't talk," Cami said firmly. "Maybe I'm the ultimate fool here, but... I have no reason not to believe him."

Volstagg smiled at her and said, "We hope that never changes."

- - - - - 

Loki wanted out of the hospital in the worst way. So he staged his own protest. After he refused to eat, take his medications, stay in bed, change out of his uniform, or follow the tidbits of medical advice doled out by practically everyone from the doctors down to the cleaning staff, Clint and Natasha had him discharged and immediately transported back to the helicarrier.

Upon their return, Fury ordered them to get moved into the team suite on the third level as soon as possible. He also had a full agenda of items to discuss with Natasha and Clint. So, Loki's 'keepers' didn't even have time to pack up their belongings before they were called away to a long meeting. 

This left Loki alone to direct the cleaning staff who had been tasked to assist with the move-in efforts. He had them put Clint's stuff in the first bedroom on the starboard side of the living room as it was the closest to the hallway in and out of the suite. It was the clear choice as Clint would think of himself as the team watchdog keeping an eye on all comings and goings. 

Natasha got the middle bedroom on the same side as it shared a bathroom with Clint's room and would afford more opportunities for their interaction. The fact that it was slightly bigger with more closet and storage space for her wardrobe would probably be enough to keep her from deciding to switch to another room.

Loki took the first bedroom on the port side so he could be next to the room that Cami had been drawn to. Their rooms also shared a bathroom in between with connecting doors into the bedrooms for convenience.

Loki knew there was a chance that Clint would intervene on the room setup as soon as he discovered that both bathrooms had the connecting doors. It was sheer luck that they were so tired when they arrived back at the suite that Clint and Natasha's discussion on the matter was brief and uneventful. Basically, Natasha liked her room and refused to move anything. Clint didn't want the hassle of moving either and dreaded upsetting Cami by stealing the room she'd liked so much.

The cleaning staff returned the next day with Cami's belongings. Loki stayed in his room until they'd finished. Then he peeked into the room from the bathroom, making sure that her pictures and books had been placed properly on the shelf above the desk as in her old quarters. 

It became clear that Clint was working a bit too enthusiastically on Loki's training schedule. Loki was subjected to two long days of written tests to determine what he knew about each area of academic study offered in the field operative curriculum. It was dull and draining for Loki to fill in so many little circles on test sheets, label inane diagrams and write little paragraphs explaining the meaning of this term or the logic behind some process, but he focused his efforts the best he could. He understood that by excelling in these tests, he could prove that he was capable of tackling much more challenging assignments.

The promising results from these tests spurred Clint to request that Loki be allowed to wave the majority of the field operative curriculum, which Fury actually approved. Apparently both men realized that Loki would be bored sitting through such basic classes day after day. Though, they were requiring him to study S.H.I.E.L.D. rules and procedures and learn how to operate and maintain the essential vehicles and equipment on board the helicarrier.

Agent Barton, in review of the Drago mission, decided that he wanted to see Loki trained up in the use of firearms. He was a gun enthusiast, of course, and couldn't help spouting off long-winded facts and history about the various types of handguns commonly used by S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel. Clint even knew what guns the key figures in the organization favored and carried for duty.

Loki was a natural marksman, showing as much skill with rifles as with the handguns. Obviously, he wasn't as good as Clint yet, but he still drew a crowd every time he appeared at the range, which actually got quite uncomfortable at times and even a little distracting.

Natasha also had plans for Loki's training. "Brawn doesn't always win a fight," she told him. "You expend too much energy and have a tendency to telegraph your movements. We're going to make your moves smaller, quicker and deadlier. And, since you can think on your feet, we're going to work on being creative with your environment."

Loki might have been more offended by her critique of his fighting style if he hadn't been so intrigued by her promises. He was being forced to rely more on his fighting ability now that he couldn't cast spells. What would it hurt to let her try to teach him something new?

Mindful of his interest in computers, Fury had stacks of books delivered to the suite for Loki to peruse at his leisure. In truth, Loki was reading and learning too quickly to be enrolled in any particular computer class. So, S.H.I.E.L.D. was letting him do self-study in the various computer sciences. 

Loki didn't usually leave the suite voluntarily. Walking the halls of the helicarrier could be intimidating. There was never true quiet or peace it seemed. The vessel, machinery, and people were all in a constant hum. It was a strong, flowing current of purpose and resolve with which he just couldn't seem to connect. 




Mischief Makers Ch. 04



Clint brooded in his room for a bit since there were no pressing matters for him to attend. 

He hadn't been that surprised by Loki's reaction to his request. Loki only recognized Clint's authority as his supervisor when it suited him. Why would he give his big brother status any more weight or consideration?

The quartermaster stepped into the open doorway. He held out a cell phone to Clint. "There is a call for you, Agent Barton."

Clint stood and took the phone, thanking him. He chose to shut the door as the quartermaster departed. 

"Barton," he said into the phone.

"Did we get everyone settled in?" asked the familiar voice of Director Fury.

Clint joked, "I haven't gotten around to the bedtime stories yet, Sir." 

"That conversation we had before you left... I've changed my mind. Let Cami drive. "

"Why the sudden change? She's only a trainee."

"Technically, so is Loki," Nick said. "Hill pointed out that the college listed street racing among their infractions against her. Now I have this funny feeling that this might be one area where you two are more alike than different."

"She hasn't done any driving since she came to the helicarrier," Clint reminded him. "I really have no idea how good she is."

"Well, the mechanics just completed repairs on the eighth car. So, I say we find out what she can do."

"OK. I'll let her know."

Clint got off the call and left the room. The girls' room was next to his. So, Clint decided to check there first. 

The door was open and Cami was stretched out on one of the beds casually thumbing through an old book. There was no one else currently in the room.

"Hey, I need to talk to you," Clint said.

Cami peeked up from the book. "I really don't want to talk about me and Loki right now."

"No, this isn't about that," Clint assured her. He stepped into the room, pulled over the available chair and sat facing the bed. He held up the cell phone still clenched in his hand. "I just got off a call with the director."

Cami closed the book and sat up. "Bad news?"

"I told you earlier that you could hang out, catch up on your studying and stuff while we were in training. Well, Nick has a different idea."

"Is he calling me back to classes?"

"No, actually. He wants you in class with me tomorrow. Seems you were into street racing at school and never told me."

"I get to drive?!" Suddenly she was grinning ear to ear. 

Her enthusiasm made Clint chuckle.

"Well, it was a direct order. So, yeah, you get to drive."

Letting out a high pitched squeal, Cami jumped up to give him a strong hug. "I've got to find Loki," she said and dashed for the door.

"Try the rec room," he called after her.

He sat in silence for awhile, trying to let Cami's good mood infect him too. Contrary to what his sister thought, he really didn't like being gruff and grumpy all the time.

"What's your problem with Loki dating Cami?" Natasha suddenly asked from behind him.

There goes the good mood, he thought. Nat was here to bust his balls again. "Didn't think I would have to explain this to you, of all people," he answered softly.

Natasha came around to take the spot on the bed that Cami had vacated. "I thought we'd established that this isn't the same Loki from before."

Clint explained, "I didn't tell him to back off. I asked if he could take it slow."

"Why? They are consenting adults."

"Who both have a tendency to make bad choices," Clint insisted. 

"And who are you to talk? We were both bad guys before joining S.H.I.E.L.D."

He growled. "God, I saw that coming."

"Then you shouldn't have let yourself step right into it," Natasha chided. "We both understand how important it is to have someone you can always count on. If you keep treating her like a little kid, Cami will not look to you to be that person."

Clint's jaw clenched as he mulled over her words. He'd been trying to find the right balance when dealing with his sister for months. Why did it seem that he was always wrong and Natasha was a fount of parenting knowledge?

The book Cami had been looking at drew Clint's attention and he reached out to pick it up. He examined the dark leather cover and flipped through the pages, noticing that some had been torn and bent. He didn't know exactly what this book was, but he could guess from its odd writing and pictures that it probably came back with Cami from Asgard.

"Cami tell you anything about this?"

"It's Loki's. I think she said it was his first book of illusions. Something to do with shadow magic," Natasha said. "She thinks there is something important in it."

"It's creepy," Clint said. "Do you think I should be worrying about her having this?"

"King Odin sent it with her. I doubt he'd entrust her with dangerous magical contraband."

"Good point," Clint agreed. He dropped the book back on the foot of the bed.

"Shall we join the others for a movie? Rodriguez started the first of those Peter Jackson fantasy films with the elves and ogres," Natasha said.

"Actually, they're orcs," Clint corrected her gently. "Sure. I wouldn't mind the distraction."

They walked down to the rec room in time to get some fresh bowls of popcorn and decent seats in front of the large screen television. 

- - - -

The next morning the Mischief Makers beat their Hellhound counterparts to breakfast.

"A few too many beers last night, huh guys?" Cami teased Hopper and Rodriguez when they finally joined them.

Hopper buried his face in his hands. "I hate sharing quarters. Kotter was up most of the night, looking over the plans for the S.T.A.V. Now he doesn't even seem tired."

On cue, Kotter and Stott walked in, making their way over to the group. "It feels like Christmas morning!" Kotter said with a wide grin and bright eyes. He looked up and down the table. "Oh, come on. Someone show some enthusiasm."

"Dan, we're gonna be in class all day," Clint said. "I seriously doubt we'll even get to touch a vehicle before tomorrow."

"Oh Clint," Natasha said, "don't squelch his excitement. If it was a new rifle or bow, you'd be acting the exact same way."

Their class on the vehicles' systems did last all day long and into the early evening with only short food and bathroom breaks. 

Reading the official operator's manual wasn't required, yet Loki jumped at the chance when Natasha mentioned it to him. So, he shifted his attention between the manual, presentation and Cami, who was absolutely fascinated. 

"It's just a big gadget on wheels," Clint joked.

"Wasn't it convenient that they started by telling us how much each vehicle costs to build and maintain?" Natasha said with a tired sigh as they exited the classroom at the end of the day.

Clint said, "It's just their way of making a point. Everyone eventually breaks or crashes something expensive in our line of work."

"Oh great," Cami said with concern. "We don't have to pay for damages do we?"

"No, not usually," Natasha said. "Your brother never could have afforded your private schooling if S.H.I.E.L.D. had that policy."

"Thanks, Nat," Clint said stiffly. "Now she'll think I'm reckless." 

"That's not what I meant," Natasha gently emphasized. She smiled at Cami. "He's just so gung ho sometimes that luck can't keep up with him." 

There was a lot of technical talk around the table during dinner, which was actually helpful for Cami as she got to hear some of the day's presentation reduced to layman's terms by her peers and had a chance to ask a few questions.

Afterwards, she and Loki took a long walk through the facility while Cami rattled off every interaction she'd noticed between Clint and Natasha throughout the day.

"If we can keep them together nearly all the time, we're good for covering most of the senses," Cami said, "but I really have no idea how we're going to get Clint to taste Natasha. I mean... it just sounds naughty."

Loki stopped in his tracks, gave her a roguish smile then pulled her close for a kiss, which escalated quickly to some serious tongue action. 

To save himself the strain of leaning down so far, Loki hooked Cami behind the legs, lifting her up as he gently backed her against the corridor wall. Then he wrapped her legs around his waist and continued his eager kisses against her warm, soft neck.

"We are so out in the open," Cami said nervously, sliding her hands up his shoulders to circle his neck and play in his hair. "Someone is going to see us."

Loki didn't seem the least bit concerned, and his adamant attentions were making it increasingly hard for Cami to keep caring. She was completely drawn in by Loki's kisses and had no reference for the time that passed before Agent Kotter came across them. 

"Hey guys!" he called out, causing Cami to promptly break the kiss. 

Kotter picked up his pace to meet up with them, pretty much forcing Loki to ease Cami back to the ground before further embarrassment caused her to wiggle out of his grasp.

Seemingly oblivious to the scene he'd interrupted, Kotter asked them excitedly, "You want a peek in the garage area? I found one of the test drivers who is willing to get a small group of us in past security."

Despite his irritation, Loki looked intrigued, but waited for Cami to give her own opinion of the offer.

"You sure you don't want to go get your buddies?" Cami asked. It seemed overly generous for Kotter to be offering this opportunity to two trainees.

"Nah," Kotter said. "They're all hanging out in the rec room together. I promised Tripp I wouldn't bring too many people."

Apparently the thought of going by himself either hadn't occurred to him or wasn't as appealing.

"OK. We're in," Cami said.

Kotter led them toward the north end of the facility where they met up with a guy named Jamie Tripp who had been test driving S.T.A.V.s for the last few months. Tripp walked them through security and out to the garage where there were eight vehicles all lined up and looking impressive.

"Check 'em out!" Kotter said, crossing to the nearest one and starting to inspect it as he rattled off stats and features to Cami and Loki. Apparently he knew all about the special suspension system, frame and tire design among a million other things that were barely mentioned in their class.

To Cami the S.T.A.V. looked kind of like a futuristic formula race car on raised wheels with an enclosed and elongated cockpit for two riders and enhanced with every techno gadget a geek could dream up.

Tripp opened the cockpit so they could get a closer look at the systems as he and Kotter named them off. "Voice command recognition is one of the newest features," Tripp told them. "It's really useful, but at the same time, it can be a little buggy. So, I don't use it for complex maneuvers."

"Lok... I mean, Thomas," Kotter corrected himself quickly, "wouldn't get any use out of that anyway. He's one of them strong, silent type guys."

Tripp smiled, seeming to know this already. "Yeah, Mr. Stark mentioned that one of the team members wasn't a talker."

"Mr. Stark?" Cami asked.

"Yeah, he's been the design consultant on this project for the last several months. Every change they make has to be approved by him," Tripp said.

"If Stark is involved, how come they haven't fixed the buggy voice command software yet?" Cami asked. "That sounds very un-Stark-like."

"Well, Shortstuff," the familiar voice of Tony Stark said from across the garage, "I have been giving the matter a great deal of my attention the last couple of days."

Tripp grimaced with a classic 'busted-doing-something-bad' look. "Hey, Mr. Stark, I didn't realize you were on site," he said, rubbing at the back of his neck.

The billionaire came walking up, dressed in a pair of filthy coveralls. From his disheveled appearance and the various tools he carried on his belt, he'd probably been working around the garage for hours. 

"Well, I get a little overprotective. I decided it was a good idea to be here since Fury finally sent some agents over to train."

Tripp explained, "Agent Kotter is a huge fan of your design."

"Well, he should be," Stark said with a cocky smile, stepping up to shake Kotter's hand. "I design really cool stuff." Then he mussed Cami's hair a bit and nodded in greeting to Loki. 

Jamie mentioned that he had some reports to do. So, Tony offered to take over the show-and-tell for the group, which it turns out wasn't his intention at all.

"You guys been doing that long?" Tony asked right after Jamie stepped away. He pointed out that Loki's arm was around Cami's waist, a fact that had actually escaped her attention until that moment.

"No," Cami said boldly, recovering quickly. "It's a new thing we're trying out."

"You are braver than me, Man," Kotter said to Loki, who didn't look the least bit intimidated by whatever threat Kotter was eluding to.

"Her brother is a definite deterrent," Tony agreed with Kotter, "but I hear Clint has taken Loki under his wing. He's in a good position to pull this off."

Cami felt a frown creeping into her facial muscles, though Loki just looked amused. 

"What we do is no one else's business," Cami told them. 

"Of course," Tony agreed. "I just thought you'd be a little slower hooking up."

By the latest definition Cami had heard, hooking up meant having sex. "We have not hooked up," Cami said with exasperation to Stark, though her gaze shifted to Kotter for a moment as well.

There was an urge building within her to make too big of a deal out of their interest. So, she tried to stay calm. "Come on guys. We don't sit around trivializing your relationship with Pepper," she said to Tony. Then to Kotter she added, "Or your lack of commitment to any woman at all."

"Hey, don't bring me into this," Kotter said. "I was just saying that the smart guys consider you and Romanoff completely off limits for fear that Clint will snipe their asses."

"I'm happy for you; really." Tony said to Cami and Loki. "Now run along so I can get some work done. Maybe we'll have voice commands back online before you guys hit the track."

The trio walked out of the restricted area and didn't run into any of their teammates until they reached the rec room.

"There you are," Hopper said to them as soon as they entered the room. "Where have you guys been?"

Cami said, "We were in the garage poking around the S.T.A.V.s with Mr. Stark. He's awfully proud of them."

Now they had everyone's attention and Kotter took this as a cue to take center stage and start rambling off details while the others asked questions. Their looks were envious as he told them about seeing the vehicles up close.

With everyone distracted by Kotter, Loki tried to lead Cami away from the rec room, but she resisted. 

"It's time to socialize," she whispered. "You need to make friends and these guys carry a lot of weight around the helicarrier."

Loki gave her a pained, pleading look. 

"Sorry," she said softly, "but we can't get Clint's mind on Natasha if he's wondering where we've run off to every other second." 

Loki was not happy and Cami really did feel bad forcing him into this position, but she knew he would give in - even if only for her.

"I'll make it up to you," she promised and pulled him into the room to join in the activities.

Eight shiny silver vehicles were pulled out of the garage when the Hellhounds and Mischief Makers met Stark and the test drivers out there the next morning. 

"Since we've got two teams and it's probably not a good idea to have all eight cars on the track to start, let's have the Hellhounds drive first," Tripp suggested, "while the Mischief Makers ride along."

Stark agreed, his attention on the equipment he would be using to monitor the vehicles.

"Did you get the voice commands working?" Cami asked Tony.

"Of course," Tony said, like there wasn't ever a doubt that the problem would be discovered and fixed.

Once they'd all partnered up with someone from the other team, they got in the cars and hit the track, which was best described as an obstacle course really.

Early on, they could tell that Clint, Kotter and Hopper were the best drivers. Though, Cami did get an honorable mention from the group when she executed a super sweet drift around a difficult corner.

They were all acting quite serious and safe at the start of the day, but by the end as everyone's confidence grew, maturity and common sense dropped off. By then, all eight vehicles were out on the track and everyone was racing and showing off. Even Loki cracked a few smiles.

"You've really outdone yourself, Stark," Natasha complemented Tony as they pulled the cars into the garage for the night. "That was amazing."

Clint and the other Hellhounds each took a turn praising Stark's genius too.

"Think you've had fun today, just wait until we go over the weapons systems tomorrow," Tony said.

"What did you think, Cami?" Clint asked. "You seemed to be having a fairly good time today."

"I think a certain billionaire friend of mine really wants to get me one of those for my own," she teased, flashing Stark a winning smile. 

Tony laughed, but also shook his head. He wasn't making any such promise.

- - - - -

Loki woke from a calm, contented dream, the first he'd had in years, to the disappointing reality that Cami was not in his arms, the bed or even in the same room. He was very aroused and relishing the last of the images of her before they dimmed and departed his conscious mind. 

The digital clock next to him read a couple minutes after five o'clock. Loki weighed his options for a few moments then decided to get up. He left the bedroom and walked barefoot to the community showers, which were empty, as he suspected. Stripping out of his sleepwear, Loki stepped into a stall and turned the taps on, letting the freezing water help shock him more awake and further subdue his arousal. 

As the water slowly transitioned to warm and hot, Loki thought over the last few days. Though he regretted the lack of private time with Cami, he had enjoyed some aspects of his experiences here in the land of Arizona. Driving the new vehicles had been enjoyable and challenging. Plus, spending time with the extended group had become less agitating as he came to understand each of them and their motivations. It also helped that they had accepted him as an equal in their activities despite everything that should have biased their willingness to interact with him.

Today they were scheduled to fly back to the helicarrier. So, Clint and Natasha had already been making plans on how to tackle the responsibilities that awaited their return. 

Loki felt that it was going to be difficult to focus on his field training if he didn't get some alone time with Cami soon. In her eagerness to include him in the group dynamic, she'd denied him the interaction he craved the most. It had been her promised companionship that lulled him into all this S.H.I.E.L.D. business in the first place. 

His thoughts once again on Cami and the lustful activities he planned for her, Loki's arousal heightened again quickly, making him sigh with frustration and reach for the taps to lower the shower's temperature.

The curtain unexpectedly opened and Loki turned his head just as a strong hand grabbed him around the throat. He looked into the piercing green eyes embedded in features that mirrored his own and tried to fight back- only to have black, shadowy tendrils materialize from his attacker's body to bind his hands and yank him out of the stall. 

He fell painfully onto the cold, hard tile, but managed to get to his knees before the tendrils wrapped his arms against his sides and bound his feet.

"Did you miss me?" the black-clad intruder asked in that smug tone that Loki had grown to loathe. He'd not realized or cared in the past how incredibly vexatious his own voice could be to others.




Mischief Makers Ch. 04



He also realized shamefully that the other Loki was eying his erection with amusement.

"Can I take that as a yes? You were always quite in love with yourself, weren't you?"

He averted his eyes, wondering how bad this was going to get this time.

"Oh, don't look so downtrodden," the other Loki said, using a simple spell to pull a blood blade from an inter-dimensional space. His expression didn't convey any of the mock sympathy he offered. "Jahla needs a bit more of our blood for my next enhancement. So, of course, I had to stop by. You don't mind, do you?"

You won't goad me into talking this time, Loki thought bitterly. You're too dull to even change your tactics.

He stiffened as the other Loki stepped forward, feeling the undeniable fear that came with the uncertainty of being at the mercy of a madman. Somehow, it wasn't comforting to know that his life would be spared, no matter what atrocities befell him.

The other Loki crouched down in front of him, studying his scarred body with interest. "You've really made a mess of yourself," he said disapprovingly and shook his head. Yet, the hints of a cocky smile still remained on his lips. "Thanks for leaving all that blood behind, by the way. Jahla put every drop to good use."

Well... attempted murder/suicide is messy, he thought coldly. If only Father hadn't stepped in...

"Oh, just say it. I can practically glean the words off your mind. Won't it feel good to get all those pesky feelings off your chest and out in the open?"

Ugh! The talking beforehand is the worst. Shut up and do it already. I'll take that blade to the sound of your voice anytime.

"I can tell you're reluctant. Maybe we should talk about... the girl."

He cringed before he could stop himself, causing the other Loki to grin appreciatively.

"There it is now, the true cause of your excitement this morning. She is a pretty little thing with a few surprises, I'd imagine. She must be such a kind-hearted soul to not be utterly repulsed by these scars."

He shut his eyes and clenched his teeth, his mind full of wishes and his heart with dread.

"Shall I threaten her? Will that loosen your tongue? Or do you really want me to draw the blood myself? I could get a little too enthusiastic."

Thoughts of Cami ever being at this man's mercy made his heart seize and the immediate, burning pain in his chest was excruciating. 

He felt the blade's tip touch his forehead. 

"Perhaps I'll start on these areas where Jahla's curse won't go. I'm not so vain as you and the loss of an eye would put you in excellent company, wouldn't it?"

"Drop the knife," an authoritative voice said and both Lokis looked to see Clint standing in the doorway of the showers in his sleepwear, yet with his prized Heckler & Koch P30 sidearm aimed and ready to fire.

The other Loki smiled widely. "Agent Barton, what an unexpected pleasure."

"I said drop it." Clint's expression showed the feeling was not mutual.

The other Loki released the blade, which fell a few inches from his hand and into another inter-dimensional space that opened and closed instantly.

"Are you so sure you want to get involved in this?" the other Loki asked, slowly rising to a standing position. "I'm not quite the same as when we parted last. This is an entirely new game with much more powerful tricks."

"Oh, I don't doubt it," Clint said coolly, "but he's my responsibility and I just can't stand by and let you hurt him."

While Loki appreciated the gesture, he could foresee how this was going to end and the devastating impact it would have on S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers and his dear Cami.

"Wait! Don't kill him," he begged just as a long tendril whipped out of the other Loki's body, striking Clint in the chest and sending him crashing to the floor.

A stretching sensation struck between Loki's shoulder blades then shot searing pain through him as the flesh tore. He muffled the scream the best he could, not wanting anyone else to come running right into the other Loki's path. Warm blood was oozing down his back as he looked first to Clint's unmoving form then to the other Loki.

"Pity you didn't cooperate sooner," his tormentor said, feigning sadness. "Bet this won't gain you any favors from your sexy sprite."

Loki shuddered and nearly vomited under the physical and emotional pain that overtook him. He futilely pulled at his bindings. His stare returned to Clint, praying there would be time to do something.

Once again drawing his blood blade, the other Loki circled round to press the metal against the wound as he had done many times before. It took only seconds for the blade to collect the blood, but they were torturously long. Then he said amicably, as if they were the best of friends sharing advice, "Do try to stay out of trouble. If you let anything happen to us, Jahla will unleash bloody terror upon your new friends, starting with the girl."

Loki did not look directly at him. He just waited for the sound of his boots to cross the tiled floor and disappear into the shadows beyond his view. 

In the next moment the binding tendrils dissolved away and Loki lunged for Clint, putting his ear to his chest, which he discovered did not rise and fall against the side of his face. He also didn't hear a heartbeat.

Loki ran for the hallway, grabbing a towel off the stack in passing to cover up with. Right around the corner he found the fire alarm and pulled it, sending a terrible buzzing ruckus throughout the facility. Then he returned to Clint and started CPR. 

He'd taken the time to read up on the crude, Midgardian technique only because there was a directive which mandated that all S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel learn how to administer it.

The whole barracks seemed to converge on him at once, but luckily they were highly trained professionals who jumped into action once they interpreted the real situation.

Natasha dropped to her knees beside him and took over giving Clint breaths of air while Loki continued compressions. Hopper and the other Hellhounds rushed off to retrieve a gurney, med kit with adrenaline and atropine, and the emergency defibrillator. 

Stark arrived in his Iron Man suit, demanding to know what had happened. He soon realized that no one had answers for him. So, he pulled the hysterical Cami out of the way of the gurney and opened a channel. "Commander Morris, we have injured men in the barracks area," Tony reported. "Lockdown the facility and start an active search for intruders."

Stark's next orders were to JARVIS about monitoring security cameras, which he issued on his way out to search the grounds.

Loki stopped the chest compressions so they could shift Clint to the gurney. Then Hopper jumped on the gurney too, straddled Clint and started compressions and breathing as Stott and Natasha pushed them down the hall in the direction of the infirmary.

- - - - - 

Cami stood with her back in the corner as Tony had left her. She was shaking, yet her hysterics had quieted to more like confused mutterings. Slowly Cami raised her head, gazing past Kotter to see them moving Clint away on the gurney.

Kotter stepped closer and leaned down to capture her attention and study her expression.

"Cami, can you walk?" he asked, having to raise his voice to be heard over the fire alarm.

"Loki...?"

"Loki's pulling on some clothes; then we're going to follow the others to the infirmary. We've got to stick together for safety until we find out what is happening."

Cami glanced around, but didn't see much with Kotter right in front of her. 

Kotter checked both hallways before moving to look into the showers and retrieve Clint's gun from where it had dropped on the floor.

"Loki, you're bleeding pretty bad," Kotter said with concern through the doorway. "Are you going to be alright? 'Cause I think Cami might faint on us."

The words 'bleeding' and 'faint' seemed to echo in Cami's mind.

"Is this a dream?" she asked as Loki came around the corner bare-chested, but wearing his sleep-pants. The world around was starting to look fuzzy. There was an ominously hazy outline around both guys that added to her confusion.

"Go ahead and think that if you want," Kotter said gently.

Loki put Cami's arm around his neck and picked her up so they could move more quickly to catch up with the others.

En route, the fire alarm shut off, though the red warning lights remained on. 

The doctor was injecting adrenaline into Clint's system when Loki carried Cami into the infirmary. Clint's shirt had been sliced open so they could apply the leads to monitor his heart.

"Come on, Clint," Hopper kept saying as he continued compressions. There was an edge to his voice and anger in his eyes. 

Kotter pulled Stott and Rodriguez out into the hall to free up space in the small infirmary. The one wall was mostly windows, so they could still see into the room.

Natasha stood off to the side with her arms crossed in front of her. Her expression was cold and withdrawn, which Cami understood was a defensive response to the situation, but frankly it angered her after all Clint and Natasha had been through together.

As soon as Loki put her down, Cami reached over and grabbed Natasha's arm. "Nat, you have to talk to him! Clint always listens to you."

Nat's attention shifted to Cami. Her cool facade cracked and some color rushed into her pale features as she came to her senses.

Together they stepped up to the gurney, near Clint's head. Natasha took Clint's hand in hers then leaned down, touching her forehead to his temple and started speaking softly to him in private whispers meant for no one else's ears.

There wasn't much room left with all that was going on. Cami moved around Natasha and the nurse, who was giving him air through a mask with an attached bag. Once on the other side, she purposely crowded out the doctor who was only staring gravely at the monitor anyway.

Cami touched Clint's shoulder, giving it a strong squeeze. 

There was blood on her hand and arm from coming in contact with Loki's wound when he carried her. The doctor noticed and glanced up long enough to determine that Cami wasn't injured, then moved away to prepare a second shot of adrenaline.

Cami leaned closer to Clint and immediately tears started in her eyes. 

"I don't want to be alone," she told him, admitting her biggest fear and not caring who else heard. Her voice was heavy with emotion, almost catching in her tightening throat as she said, "I can't do this without you, Clint. I promise to be so good. Please, just come back to me."

"Jesus!" Hopper yelped, pulling back his hands as a dark, ghostly form like a snake rose up out of Clint's chest and turned toward Cami.

With a startled scream, Cami jumped away, causing the thing to hiss and quickly disappear back into Clint's chest.

Natasha exclaimed, "What the hell was that?!" She'd moved back a step, but still gripped Clint's hand.

Loki was quickly in motion. He nudged the stunned doctor out of his way and stepped up to the gurney with a determined, knowing expression. Loki looked over to Cami and held out his hand beckoning her to move closer.

Now Cami was freaked out on top of all the other volatile emotions churning inside her. She didn't want to move, but Loki's look was urgent. There was something inside her brother's body. If Loki knew what to do about that, how could she not comply? Plus, he was actually asking for her help. That meant something. 

Cami stepped into Loki's reach, letting him draw her in front of him, facing the gurney. He wrapped his right arm around her middle then purposely wiped his left hand across his back to collect some of his blood. He smeared the warm blood on Cami's hand, making her cringe a little, then took her wrist in his grasp as he held her hand out over Clint's chest.

Cami was holding her breath and shaking within Loki's grasp while the tension in the room grew. Kotter, Stott and Rodriguez were all watching with wide eyes and bewildered expressions through the windows.

The doctor and the nurse had stepped back as far as they could without leaving the room.

"This doesn't seem safe," Hopper said.

"Clint would not approve of this," Natasha interjected. "You'd better know what you're doing, Loki."

"What do I do?" Cami whispered over her shoulder to Loki just in case they were supposed to be 'sneaking' up on it.

"Say it again," Natasha said to Cami, looking over her head to read Loki's expression.

Say what? Cami puzzled. That Clint is going to die and I'm going to be all alone?

"Call it. Get that thing to come out of him," Natasha said firmly.

Her voice was shaking nearly as much as her body. "Come to me," Cami said, hearing the weakness in the words.

After a long moment, Loki's grip on her wrist tightened just a little bit. She took this to mean that she should keep trying.

Cami tapped into the emotions stirring within her, believing that Clint didn't have a chance with that thing inside him. "Come to me," she demanded. "Do as I say!"

Instantly, the incorporeal snake-thing slithered forth with glowing, silver eyes. It stretched upward toward their hands and when Cami tried to pull away from it again, Loki held her firmly in place. 

In the bright lights of the infirmary, the snake-thing looked like a mixture of shadow, smoke and mist. It pushed up, grazing her trembling fingers with the top of its head which made the digits feel like she'd stuck them out the window on a subzero winter's day.

Another squeeze from Loki gave her courage. 

"Come on out," Cami said to it. "Leave him."

It continued up the side of her hand, climbing and coiling around both hers and Loki's arms until finally its tail emerged from Clint's chest. By then, Cami's arm felt numb and cold up to her elbow, which is approximately how far up her arm the snake-thing's head had reached. Its body looked to be almost two feet long and was thin like a common garter snake.

Loki slowly backed up, pulling Cami with him as they carried the weightless shadow serpent away from the group and into the far corner of the room. It seemed content, not hissing or making any motion to strike either of them.

"Go, Hopper!" Natasha said urgently before giving Clint some breaths.

Visibly shaken, Hopper started the chest compressions again, but couldn't tear his eyes away from the snake-thing.

It was probably at least a minute later when the monitor beeped, announcing that Clint's heart had started beating. The doctor rushed forward to inject Clint with a drug to bolster his heart rate.

Natasha continued to give him breaths because he wasn't yet drawing in air on his own and the nurse looked unwilling to come any closer to their unusual visitor.

Stark entered the infirmary and took in the scene. "What the hell? Someone quickly catch me up on what I missed," he said.

Stepping down from the gurney, Hopper told Tony, "That thing was inside of Clint's chest. It seems to be drawn to blood, but it is following commands from Cami. They were able to lure it out of Clint so we could get his heart going again."

Tony listened carefully, taking in the heart monitor and Natasha's efforts before nodding. He was contemplating the situation, looking uncertain. 

"This thing is really cold," Cami said, shivering in her thin pajamas.

"Is it dangerous?" Tony asked Loki.

With Loki still behind her, Cami had to look up and back to see him nod his head.

Then why did you get me involved in this? Cami thought, wondering if she should be upset that he seemed to disregard her safety or proud that he hadn't let his personal feelings cloud his judgment.

Loki's answer did not please Tony. "It looks magical. Can we kill it?"

This time Loki shook his head. 

He released Cami's middle, pulling his right arm behind his back to collect some more of the blood. Then he cautiously reached out for the shadow serpent, which started to hiss softly and draw back from him, showing four small fangs instead of the expected two.

"Careful," Tony said firmly.

"It's OK," Cami cooed at it. The fear was creeping back into her voice. She didn't know what else to do, but try to continue to help Loki, though she was growing more frightened the longer the situation dragged on.

Natasha stopped giving the breaths, placing her cheek near Clint's mouth and nose. After a few seconds, she reported, "Clint's breathing!"

"His heart rate has picked up too," the doctor added, peeking over at the heart monitor.

"Good enough for me. Let's clear the room," Tony said.

The doctor pulled the leads off Clint's chest. Then Natasha and the medical staff pushed the gurney out into the hallway with the waiting Hellhounds.

When Tony didn't budge, Hopper chose to stay too.

"If you've got a plan, Loki," Tony said, "tell us how to help."

"He can't talk without hurting himself more!" Cami snapped at Tony, too tense to take it to heart that he was worried about their well being.

With Cami's show of anger, the serpent turned its head toward Stark and hissed menacingly.

Tony asked, "Why the hell is that thing reacting to her that way?"

"I think it believes she is the person who summoned it from Niflheim," Loki answered softly, catching everyone off guard with his willingness to talk. "She has one of my spellbooks. Her essence has probably been tainted with shadow magic."

"That thing is from the realm of death and mist?" Tony asked. Apparently he'd been doing some research, because he looked horrified and furious. 

"Oh no," Cami whispered. The realm of death and mist sounded bad.

Loki bit back a grimace, leaning first into Cami, then against the wall. Cami was keeping an eye on the snake, so she didn't know where his new injury had appeared.

Cami said with some desperation, "Maybe I can tell it to go away."

"It has no natural ability to travel between Midgard and Niflheim," Loki answered with a wince, "and we have no means to send it thus."

This news was further upsetting to her, especially when Loki gave out another cry of pain, but kept himself hidden out of her sight. 

Loki tried to touch the serpent again, managing to get much closer to it this time before it drew back, looking more agitated.

Cami looked up at Loki's pain-filled eyes. "Should I order it?" she asked him.

Loki nodded.

Leveling her gaze on the serpent, Cami said firmly, "Go to him."

The creature hesitated, but slowly moved toward the offered hand and started climbing Loki's arm. As soon as Cami was completely free of the serpent's body, Loki slipped his left hand between them and started to gently push her away.

"Cami, slowly make your way over to me," Hopper instructed her.

She did as she was told, turning back to look only as she reached Hopper's side. Thankfully, warmth was already returning to her flesh.

Loki was watching the serpent curl itself around his arm. He did not look as concerned as Cami thought he should.

He had two long, heavily-bleeding tears, one on his stomach and the other along his right collarbone.

Tony asked, "Now what do we do?"

"Nothing," Loki said. "I think I'll have just what I need now."

Another wound opened on Loki's chest in his left pectoral muscle. 

He screamed out something that didn't sound like any language Cami had ever heard before; then suddenly everyone was plunged into a cold, unnatural darkness.

All Cami could see was black. She gasped at the instantaneous drop in temperature. The darkness chilled and nipped at her skin. It slipped into her nose and throat when she breathed, sweeping into her lungs and making her chest hurt.

"JARVIS, activate the suit lights," Tony ordered.

"I already did, sir," was the A.I.'s response.

"Shit! I still can't see anything."

"Everyone hold tight," Hopper said with authority. There wasn't much they could do anyway.




Mischief Makers Ch. 04



After several seconds, the people in the hallway reported that the darkness had begun to recede back into the confines of the infirmary. A little longer and Cami caught sight of some light at the edge of her vision. She started to blink her eyes to help them adjust to the conversion and felt warmth overtake her as the darkness withdrew toward the corner and into Loki.

Loki was on his hands and knees on the floor, but pushed himself up onto his haunches to return the stares coming at him from the group.

"Where did all the blood go?" Tony asked, drawing the group's attention to the fact that other than the stains on his pants, there wasn't a visible drop of blood on Loki. Even his newest wounds had stopped bleeding.

Hopper held up Cami's hand. "His blood is gone from her too."

"No more snake," Tony added, casting his gaze down and around to be sure.

Natasha marched back into the room. "Loki, what did you do?"

Loki looked weary. He stood, but stumbled back into the corner. 

Cami crossed quickly to Loki so she could help steady him and give his wounds a little closer inspection. "These will need to be stitched up," she said.

"Maybe he can just heal them," Tony said with an edge to his voice, "since it seems that he's back to casting spells now."

Loki lifted his gaze from Cami to look at Stark. He shook his head, seeming to deny the accusation. 

Cami chose to ignore Stark. She gently touched Loki's cheek, which felt unusually cold. "You should probably lie down, wrapped up in a few blankets."

"Tony," Natasha said with a frown, "he's obviously very weak and he saved Clint's life. Can you stop being a bastard for a few minutes please?"

"Loki casts some serious magic, even though he's supposed to be mortal now, and suddenly I'm the bad guy. Geez, you ex-criminals really do stick together."

Natasha glared back at him.

With a sigh of exasperation at Stark's attitude, Hopper turned back to the door. "Dan, wheel Clint back in here. Gary, Marcus, go get that other bed out of the storage room next door for Loki."

Tony said gruffly as he stepped out of the way of the gurney, "I'll call Fury then. He's going to want to know what happened."

"WE don't even know what happened," Cami pointed out.

"JARVIS was monitoring the camera feeds. So, we'll start there. I'm sure Nick will have some questions for me to bring back to Loki."

No one challenged Stark as he stormed out of the infirmary, the weight of his suit making his every angry step even more pronounced.

- - - - -

Clint woke to find his two favorite girls at his bedside. Cami was curled up asleep in a lounge chair. Natasha was sitting on a metal folding chair, her attention on the screen of a hand-held computer that looked like it might be the one they'd given to Loki.

"Did someone beat the hell out of me?" Clint asked with a groan.

Natasha put aside the computer and climbed to her feet. "Your heart stopped and there were complications with the CPR. The doctor says you actually held up really well. You've got a broken sternum and a couple cracked ribs."

"Oh." That explained a lot about how he felt.

"Do you remember anything that happened?"

"Um... yeah; sorta." Clint was surprised by how quickly his memories surfaced. "There's another Loki. He doesn't like our Loki all that much and he is seriously bad news."

"Two Lokis," Natasha said, casting her attention across the small room and drawing Clint's gaze to their Loki sleeping on a gurney against the far wall under a small mountain of blankets.

"The other Loki is working with someone named Jahla. It sounded like they've been using our Loki's blood to make the other one stronger," Clint said.

Natasha took in this information with a growing look of concern.

She said, "We don't know much, but some stuff happened that I'm sure you'd like to know before Director Fury arrives." She reached for the computer. "I've got video footage that Stark pulled from the security system." 

"Is everyone else alright?"

"Loki has sustained serious injuries again. The rest of us are all fine, if you don't count that Stark's on a bit of a rampage."

Clint looked, but didn't find anything resembling the controls there would be on a standard hospital bed. "Help me sit up," he said.

Natasha managed to get the gurney to cooperate, but the effort caused enough noise to wake Cami.

"Hey," she said with a smile to her brother. "Did Nat tell you how badly you scared us?"

"Not exactly, but I bet it was pretty upsetting," Clint admitted. He really didn't want to go into all the details if he could avoid it.

Natasha queued up the video footage and gave him the computer. "Obviously there are no cameras in the shower area. We didn't see who attacked you, but the camera outside the showers did capture this."

Clint could see himself on the screen, standing in the entryway of the showers with his gun drawn. The camera must have been above and to the right of where he stood.

He started the video, realizing that it hadn't been enhanced for optimum sound. His verbal exchange with the other Loki was much too soft. With some focus, he could probably recall what they had said to each other though.

The video showed just how fast the strike from Loki had hit him. Clint hadn't managed to get a single shot off, no matter how ineffective, before he was laid out.

Clint chose to rewind the video and watch it again a few more times before letting it move on to Loki pulling the fire alarm and starting CPR on him. 

Clint got really uncomfortable as the scene played out on the screen and it wasn't because Loki had given him mouth-to-mouth. It had been the look of terror and desperation on Cami's face that eventually caused him to pause the video.

"The part you'll really want to see happened here in the infirmary," Natasha said softly, acutely aware of his discomfort. She took the computer and advanced the video.

Clint noted that Cami was looking tense as he took possession of the computer again. "Something you want to tell me, Kiddo?" 

"It will look really scary, but... I'm fine. So, don't get all worked up."

"Um, OK. Maybe I shouldn't have asked."

Again the sound was useless and the camera angle a little less-than-ideal, but as soon as he saw the group's reactions, he had to rewind the video and zoom in to find out what he wasn't quite seeing. The image was pixilated, but he could tell that something had come out of his chest when Cami drew near to him.

"When you got hit with that spell, it must have put this thing inside of you," Natasha said.

"Why aren't I in quarantine?" Clint asked, becoming further agitated.

"It's OK," Cami said, reaching out to touch his arm reassuringly. "Loki got it out. Just watch."

Clint watched the rest of the video in silence, though the changing emotions on his features probably spoke volumes to them. 

He handed the computer back to Natasha. "I can see why Stark is so upset."

"Please don't get angry with Loki," Cami begged. "He saved your life and probably all of ours by getting rid of that misty snake-thing."

"How did he do that, by-the-way?" Clint asked, choosing not to address his sister's plea at the moment.

"We have no idea. He's been asleep for hours. Whatever he did, it took a lot out of him."

Cami said, "The doctor said Loki has classic symptoms of anemia, but like they said in D.C. he doesn't type close enough to any blood they have in storage. He's just going to have to recover on his own like before."

Natasha said, "His body temperature dropped too, but has been rising slowly."

Clint stared at Loki for several long moments. Underneath his human appearance, he was supposed to be Jotun, a Frost Giant. How cold was too cold for him? 

Clint sighed. "It's just one thing after another with this team. Perhaps we've been too appropriately named."

Natasha nodded, not looking as amused as Clint had hoped. 

"You said that Fury is on his way?"

"Yeah. He talked to Stark, saw the video and caught the next bird out," Natasha said. "I haven't heard what his mood is on this so far."

"I doubt it's good."

"Hopper took the Streak to rendezvous with him. I expect them back in the next hour or so."

"It would be nice if we got a chance to confer with Loki before Nick gets here. Have you tried to wake him?"

"No. The doctor said to let him sleep. He wanted to hook him up to a bunch of stuff and give him some meds, but Loki would only let him stitch up his wounds."

"He doesn't like doctors," Clint said.

"Can't say I blame him," Cami said sadly. "He spends so much time in the hospital thanks to that damn curse."

Clint sat up even farther, causing discomfort in his taped chest. With a wince, he said, "Someone grab me a uniform and some painkillers. I refuse to be debriefed in a hospital bed."

"I'll go," Natasha said, leaving Clint to deal with the look Cami was currently giving him with her sad puppy-dog-eyes.

"I came a little unglued in the hallway when I thought you were dead," Cami said softly. "Sorry I acted like that in front of your friends."

"It's not a big deal," Clint said to make her feel better. In truth, it was important to have field agents who could keep their cool - especially when faced with shocking and emotional situations. That sort of discipline took longer for some to develop - or they eventually quit field service for less taxing positions in S.H.I.E.L.D. Clint added, "It looked to me like you pulled it together pretty quick."

Cami shrugged. Her gaze shifted between him and the blankets.

Clint watched her swallow hard and blink away tears, trying not to let him see just how badly she was shaken.

God, she's trying so hard, but... I don't know if she can do this, he thought. "Sorry I scared you," he said, feeling that he should mention her distress as respectfully as possible.

"I thought my whole world was ending," Cami admitted. "I realize that you must have felt so alone when Mom and Dad died."

This wasn't where he'd wanted this conversation to go. So, he clenched his teeth, suppressed the urge to access those memories and answered her with a simple nod.

Clint decided that he needed to employ a distraction to get them back on track with the priority issues of the moment.

"See if you can wake your boyfriend." As expected, his choice of words surprised her. "I doubt he'll want to be in bed or in his pajamas when Director Fury gets here. The whole team needs to be in uniform, calm, collected and ready to answer some very tough questions."

"Am I in trouble again?" she asked, clearly uncertain. 

"I don't know," he admitted. "Most of this is going to be aimed at Loki. Fallout for the rest of us will depend a lot on the facts and how they're spun."

"The best we can do is to tell the truth, right?"

He was proud to hear her say that, even if she'd turned it into a question. "Yeah. Always tell your boss the truth - unless, of course, you shouldn't."

- - - - -

Surrounded in thick mist and twilight gloom, Loki endured the crushing despair of Niflheim and its eternal winter. He hoped he was just dreaming, but the vivid images looming in his mind and the debilitating chill in his core would not abate, no matter how hard he tried to push them away.

He had no physical body in this nightmare, yet it felt like he was being restrained. When he looked around, a vast sea of dead, pallid faces stared back at him. Something about his presence seemed to mesmerize these lost and forgotten souls and they hindered his return to consciousness by merely wanting him to remain.

Loki knew that he had brought this torment upon himself and not entirely for selfless reasons. Perhaps that is why this dream state had such an unbreakable hold on him.

A distant, angelic voice called for him to awaken. It was Cami, of course, but the hollow moaning of the dead rose up to drown her out.

- - - - -

Cami could see the tension in Clint's body when he and Natasha left the infirmary to meet up with the director in the hangar. Natasha was also on edge, but Cami suspected her issues were more about Clint being out of bed in his injured condition, than in possible consequences from Loki's stunt.

Cami remained with Loki, continuing to try to wake him. 

They had added an electric blanket to the bottom of his pile and jacked up the thermostat in the room, all in the hopes of getting his body temperature to stabilize.

Cami had even sent out a plea for assistance to Heimdall to pass along to the royal family in Asgard. So, she shouldn't have been so surprised when she saw Clint and Natasha returning with Nick Fury, King Odin and Queen Frigga.

"Still no luck?" Clint asked Cami as he stepped into the room, holding the door for the others.

"None; and it feels like he's getting colder," Cami reported.

"Maybe we'd better get the doctor back in here," Nick Fury said, eying Loki grimly.

"I think the doctor has given up," Natasha said with mild disgust. "He wasn't exactly prepared to deal with these unusual circumstances."

Frigga was the first of the new arrivals to come right up to the bed. She touched Loki purposefully on the face, neck and chest, gathering information with her careful examination.

"Did you see the video?" Cami asked Frigga, but also shot a look over to Odin.

"Yes, Cami, we did," Odin said. 

Frigga muttered with an air of exasperation, "He's lucky to be alive."

"What did he do exactly?" Clint asked. "We didn't think he could use magic."

"It's hard to explain," Odin admitted, shaking his head and looking weary. "Frigga, what can you tell us?"

"This is going to take some time to sort out," she said.

"Please keep us advised," Fury said respectfully to the king and queen. "You three," he indicated Cami, Clint and Natasha, "come with me."

What Cami assumed was going to be a lecture aimed at the Mischief Makers, turned out to be a gathering with the Hellhounds too. Nick pulled them all into the rec room, passed out some beers to everyone except Clint, who was on strong painkillers, and ordered them to start talking. He wanted to know everything they knew or thought they knew about Loki in reference to the most recent incidents.

Stott said after several minutes of discussion, "He's actually made an effort to act like a team member the last few days. Personally, I like the guy."

"The dude is freakin' awesome at just about everything he tries to do," Kotter said next. "I want to keep him on our side if we can manage it."

"Since we know now that there's two Lokis," Fury said, "it might be too dangerous to let our Loki return to the helicarrier with the other one gunning for him." 

Clint clarified, "He won't kill our Loki. He needs his blood for what he calls 'enhancements'."

"Magic is not an area S.H.I.E.L.D. has much experience with," Hopper pointed out. "If we harbor Loki, we're asking for trouble."

Cami had said nothing thus far. Her unopened beer sat on the table beside her chair. She had been reading their expressions, trying to be objective and not think about Loki's current condition. Then suddenly everyone's eyes were on her.

"What?" she asked with confusion.

"Anything to share?" Fury asked her.

"No." Cami stared at her shoes to avoid the director's intense gaze.

"Spill it. What's on your mind, Miss Barton?"

"We issued him a uniform," Cami said softly. "Loki signed all the paperwork. He's done everything we've asked of him so far, and now that his past comes back to bite him, we're going to cut him loose?"

"Cami, we didn't say we were," Natasha said. "We just might not be the allies he needs."

"How could I ever let him face the other Loki and Jahla again alone?"

"You couldn't," Clint said. "I don't want to ask you to either."

Fury pressed, "We are not equipped to fight magic."

"King Odin told me himself that the time has come to forge alliances between the realms. Asgard has protected our world in the past. Why can't we ask them for help?"

"We would certainly give it," King Odin said, stepping into the room and catching everyone off guard. "Please forgive my interruption," he said politely. "I come with news."

Fury welcomed him into their group with a nod. "How is Loki?"

Odin looked calmer than when he had arrived in the infirmary. "All things considered, he is doing better now."

"What can you tell us?" Natasha asked.

"At his trial, I suppressed Loki's ability to access his magic, but I didn't remove his knowledge of it. What he did today wasn't casting a spell. He provoked a magical occurrence by using ancient words of power."

Fury asked, "What sort of magical occurrence?"

"He utterly destroyed that creature," Odin said.

"So, he can destroy something anytime he wants to, just by knowing these words?" Hopper asked with visible concern.

"No, it doesn't work that way," Odin said. "Though Loki couldn't cast magic, there was magic present: the blood curse, my spell, plus the residual magic around his scars. All of that came to bear when he invoked those words. Plus, he had his intended target - the serpent, a magical creature. He also had a powerful catalyst - his blood, spilled through magical means. This was an act of opportunity that nearly killed him. He will not be repeating it."

"How can you be so sure?" Nick asked firmly. "Absolutes are rare in this world."

Odin understood the director's skepticism. "The curse is gone," he said, "along with the residual magic around his scars. They were burned up in the attempt to undo the serpent. The spell I put on him fractured under the strain, allowing his Jotun physiology to partially surface through the cracks."

"That's why he was cold? It was his Jotun side coming through?" Cami clarified.

"Yes, the frigid grip of Niflheim was trying to claim him, and, I suspect, it was the only way for his body to fight back. I had no choice but to remove my spell on him completely so he could return to his natural Jotun form."

"You're no longer suppressing his magic?" Clint asked. "How do we know he won't just blink away and escape?"

"There is no need to suppress his magic now, Agent Barton. Loki doesn't have any magic left, nor can he shapeshift." There was rising anger in Odin's features as he further explained. "My son says that the blood sorceress took those abilities from him and gave them to his double."

Cami couldn't identify all the mixed emotions she felt. "He is stuck in Jotun form with no magic?" she asked.

Odin nodded. "For now we are letting him rest and recuperate. He will heal faster this way. I promised I would return him to his human form later if he wished."

Cami could only imagine how Loki was feeling now. At least he would be able to talk about his experiences with them with the curse gone.

"Does he need anything?" Natasha asked, looking solemn.

"His only request was that we examine Agent Barton's injuries and try to provide some assistance in healing him." Odin looked at Clint. "Will that be alright?"

"Yes. Thank you, Your Majesty," Clint said, looking very appreciative.

"We still have unanswered questions," Nick Fury said.

"As do I," Odin assured him. "Loki has just regained his voice and it appears that he is hesitant to say too much. I wish to give him time to collect his thoughts."

The king turned to leave. 

Natasha followed along as Clint climbed painfully off the couch. She suggested the use of Clint and Loki's room for the examination as they met up with Odin in the hall.

Director Fury gestured Cami to come over to him when she met his gaze. 

"Yes, sir?" she asked, moving to the seat closest to him.

"How was driving?"

This seemed like an odd topic for the moment with all that was going on.

"It was really fun."

"I haven't had time to review the footage, but Stark thinks you were holding back. Is that true?"




Mischief Makers Ch. 05



Loki felt alone among the aimless dead. 

It seemed like days had passed since he'd made his promise to stay with Cami. He'd intended to keep that promise, but when he closed his eyes for one more night of rest in the facility infirmary, he'd opened them again to find he was back in the frozen wastes of Niflheim. As before, he didn't have a body and could not move other than to look around. He also could not wake. 

There was nothing but the endless white and gray of the sky, land and the dead. There was no stimulation, the cold having numbed his soul as if it were flesh. Images sparked in his mind, brief moments of memories that didn't completely solidify before they were dragged back into the mists. 

Something has to happen? Loki thought desperately. I cannot be trapped here.

Suddenly, Loki noticed a figure approaching, hidden beneath a heavy, over-sized cloak of black and seemingly gliding on top of the shifting mists. The dead shambled out of the way, forming an open corridor for the traveler leading right to Loki.

The figure stopped ahead of him, hovering about a foot off the icy ground. Hands emerged from the long sleeves of the cloak, one with the soft, ivory skin of a maiden, the other the blanched-gray, rotted flesh of the dead. These hands pulled back the hood of the cloak, revealing a face of radiant youth and beauty on one side and the cruel decomposition of the grave on the opposite.

"Father," the dark-haired woman said, her tone flat and unemotional. She spoke only in recognition, not greeting. 

Now there was no doubt in Loki's mind that this was more than a dream.

"Hel, My Dear," he said politely, "it's been awhile..."

"Your words are meaningless," Hel interrupted him with the smallest hint of anger.

"I see," Loki said, looking around at the multitudes of slack faces and dull gazes cast upon them. Hel's icy demeanor should not have surprised him in the least. They weren't close and hadn't spoken in centuries. "Can you please explain to me why I am here?"

"You tried to die. I let you live, but have kept this grip on you as a surety," she responded.

Loki stared at her, feeling the onset of a mild panic stir in his nonexistent chest. Having no body in this state was terribly confusing for him.

"You saved me. Why?"

"I made a promise," she said, "that I would guard you from death. Unlike you, I uphold my side of a contract."

"You and I have no such contract. With who have you struck this bargain?" Loki had guessed the answer already, but needed confirmation.

"He says I can call him Father, but I won't. He is part you, but not you; as you are part him, but not him." She tilted her head questioningly, studying Loki intensely.

He wasn't going to offer an explanation to her wordless interrogation.

"You promised him I would not be allowed to die in exchange for what exactly?"

"I will not tell you." 

She started to turn away.

"Wait! Hel," he said desperately, "I must be allowed to awaken. I cannot stay here."

Hel gazed back over her shoulder. "Isn't this the existence that you wanted, Father? Did you not attempt to take your own life?"

Loki tried to explain. "This other me, he cannot live if I die. I was making a sacrifice to protect others from his cruelty."

"I care not," she said continuing away. Though her voice carried eerily back on the mists to whisper, "You are mine until I get what I was promised."

- - - - -

Loki took in a deep breath then opened his eyes to find Cami was leaning over him, her hand on his cheek and her eyes full of concern. She had been biting her lip, but stopped when relief rushed in to brighten her features.

"I was beginning to think you would never wake up," she said, offering one of her endearing smiles.

He turned his head, rolling the side of his face into her palm that felt so warm against his skin. Loki took her hand and raised it to his mouth for a soft kiss. It was then that he noticed his flesh was no longer blue.

"Your father cast a new spell before he and the queen returned to Asgard. He said he altered it so you could switch between being human and Jotun at will," Cami told him. "You'll heal faster as a Jotun, but Director Fury wants us all back at the helicarrier and we assumed you wouldn't travel with the team if you weren't in this form." 

"Accurate assumption," he uttered, thinking he had no plans to return to his Jotun form, for healing or otherwise.

He looked over at the clock above the infirmary cabinets to find it was almost eight. "What time do we depart?"

"Nine. Shall I get you some breakfast?"

Loki shook his head. He carefully shifted onto his side, scooting back to make room and pulled back the blankets.

"Oh," Cami said, climbing onto the gurney and cuddling up with him. "Is this what you need - a little body heat?"

It certainly won't hurt, Loki thought, his mind mulling over Hel and what she had told him. Her words alone left him feeling chilled.

After a long silence, Cami began to whisper against his bandaged chest. "Sif is coming with us. I asked your father and Nick to let me continue to train with her. They agreed. So, she's going to be staying with us in the suite."

"She knows, doesn't she? She knows what I am," he said with sad irritation.

Though she looked apprehensive to tell him, Cami confessed, "Your curse and Jotun parentage all came out while I was in Asgard. Sif and the Warriors Three have been very understanding and supportive."

Loki growled, staring at the ceiling. "Does every aspect of my life have to be on display, passed around as gossip or noted in some public record?"

"It was my fault. I'm sorry," Cami said, pulling away from him.

He grabbed for her, getting a good grip before she could manage to escape the gurney. He shifted, resting his chest on hers.

"Don't run away," he said with care, noting the distress in her eyes. "I had a bad night. That's all."

"You are allowed to be mad at me," Cami insisted.

He guessed that she'd been feeling guilty about this for days. "I'm allowed to forgive you too."

She didn't quite frown, but it certainly wasn't a smile.

"Can I assume you had a bad night as well?" he asked.

"Actually, most of yesterday sucked," she said. "Last night just gave me time to think everything over."

A kiss seemed an appropriate display of his sympathy and affection, so he delivered one gently to the tip of her nose. Then he asked, "How can I help?"

"Fury suggested that I could test out of some classes to free up time. Well, Clint jumped all over that idea. He's already arranged two tests for me tomorrow morning. I could really use some help studying, if you think you'd be any good at tutoring."

"I always assumed I would teach you a few things," he said with implied meaning that was not lost on her.

She said, "I've had other boyfriends before."

"Is that the term - boy friend? It sounds so juvenile."

Now she was frowning. "Are you making a point of how young I am?"

He said, realizing that her mood was incredibly delicate this morning, "Cami, your youth is a virtue."

She wasn't accepting this as a compliment, it seemed.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly.

"I'm tired," she groaned. "I want to go home."

He asked with honest curiosity, "Where do you consider home?"

Her hesitation was drawn out and her tone unconvincing as she said, "The helicarrier, I suppose." 

Loki stored this very telling moment away in his mind until later. 

He climbed down from the gurney, dumping his blankets on the floor in the process. "Have you eaten?"

"Not that much," she admitted. 

Since she was already in her uniform, Loki told her to go on to the cafeteria. "I'll get dressed and meet you there," he promised. "Perhaps we'll get some studying in on the flight back."

She jumped down, looking weary. "Sorry to be a drag today. I'm probably PMSing."

Loki had never heard of PMSing, but he had a short list of guesses based on past relationships. If anything, he figured he'd better pay very close attention to her body signals over the next few days and endeavor to be especially thoughtful.

He pulled Cami close, burying his nose in her hair and inhaling her sweet scent. "Your presence always lifts my spirits. It will be wonderful to return to the suite and finally have you there with me."

Her instant smile showed that she appreciated him saying this and she rewarded him with a deep kiss before running off.

Loki and Cami did review and discuss material from her classes during the long flight across country to rendezvous with the helicarrier. The rest of the group even threw in some helpful tips and information between their own conversations.

Since Fury was riding up front with Clint, Hopper was back with the main group. Loki noticed that he and Sif were talking comfortably for hours.

"Loki, I had no idea you were such a scholar," Siff commented after Hopper told her that Loki had tested out of the field curriculum. 

Stott added, "You'll have a guaranteed spot as an instructor if you ever tire of field work."

"We'll see, Gary," Loki said, making a point to use Agent Stott's first name. "I've heard there might be other offers on the table eventually."

"I don't doubt it," Natasha said, glimpsing up from her own reading.

Once they landed, Natasha guided Sif away, planning to visit the security office then continue on to supply to get her some clothes and toiletries. Fury hurried off to a meeting with Agent Hill. The Hellhounds, including Clint, went to discuss some pressing, classified issues.

Loki and Cami walked to the suite, unpacked their things and curled up on her new bed for more studying. "I wish I could remember things like you do," Cami said after awhile. She lowered the regulation manual in her hands, lying back against Loki's chest.

"Everyone processes information differently."

"Maybe you could explain that to some of my instructors," Cami said, throwing the book off the bed with an angry growl. 

Loki noted where the book landed before wrapping his arms around her and leaning in to inquire, "Did that make you feel better?"

Her body shook a bit with her giggle and she nuzzled and kissed the side of his face. "You make me feel better."

He smiled, enjoying her touches. "But I am not a topic that is going to be covered on your test."

"I've got the systems down for the most part, but I'm never going to learn the other stuff in one night," Cami decided. "Why does S.H.I.E.L.D. have so many rules and protocols?"

Loki knew she didn't want an actual response from him. She was just venting frustration at what she perceived to be a task beyond her ability. He asked her to retrieve the book, waiting for her to ease back onto the bed and find her place before suggesting that she read aloud.

She read a very long paragraph about information security then turned to stare as if challenging him to think up a way for her to remember it.

"Tell me what it means," he said.

"I have no freaking idea," she said and raised the book in preparation to throw it again.

Loki plucked it out of her grasp, chuckling at her exasperation. He held open the book, gesturing to a wide section on both pages. "All of these regulations are about protecting information so that only those with authorization can gain access to it."

"OK. I get that, but how am I going to memorize all the super long designation numbers?"

"You don't," he said and went on to demonstrate and teach her how she could make educated guesses based off generalizations of the information. It was a tactic that he'd used many times with Thor and their friends. So, he knew its effectiveness.

Cami gave up on studying around eleven o'clock. "My brain is mush," she told Loki. "I'm going to bed now."

He went to his own room to work on his computer. He knew Fury was going to demand a full disclosure on the Jahla and other Loki situation. It seemed like a good idea to write up his own report that could be submitted for reference before they officially questioned him. Plus, it would give him a good excuse to stay awake for a while. Sadly, he suspected Niflheim awaited him once he slept.

- - - - -

Clint was really glad to be back on the helicarrier. Arizona had been an adventure, but his attention had now shifted to Cami's impending graduation date, which was actually going to be Loki's graduation too at the rate he was assimilating their database.

Clint left the infirmary, happy to have been cleared for light duty, and met up with Natasha who was coming out of the testing center. 

"How did she do?" Clint asked, feeling anxious. "She didn't have much time to study."

"She passed both," Natasha said, indicating the file in her hand.

"Thank God," Clint sighed. "Other than her gymnastics class and range, her mornings are now clear."

They started down the corridor at a casual pace.

"Do we have to insist that she test out of programming too? She really likes that class."

"Yeah, well... I'll need every spare hour I can get with her," Clint said.

"You've got to leave some time for Sif too," Natasha reminded him. "You promised."

"I know. I know." 

It had been Cami's idea to ask Sif to come visit the helicarrier and act as an additional combat trainer for her. Fury and Odin had agreed, which pretty much left Clint no choice but to agree too.

"Pace yourself, Clint. It's only eleven in the morning and you're already stressed out," Nat said, reaching over to rub casually at his forehead, which was always one of his bad spots for tension.

"I'll relax in seven weeks when Cami's graduated," he said with determination, causing an instant frown to appear on her features.

Natasha stopped. She grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop too. "Hey, you made a promise to me, Nick and Frigga that you wouldn't overdo it," she said sternly. "This isn't a one-man show."

Clint tried to reassure her. "I'm not overdoing it. I feel pretty good," he said. "The doctor cleared me."

"For light duty only."

"Which is fine for training purposes."

Natasha nodded and released his arm. She started walking, so Clint continued on too, sneaking glances in her direction as they headed down to the suite. Something was going on with her. He could feel it and realized he needed to find out what it was sooner rather than later.

"Did you put in for birthday leave?" Clint asked.

"I did, but now really isn't a good time."

"It's never a good time, Nat. The world will always need saving."

She met his gaze for only a moment, saying nothing.

Clint asked, "Where did you choose to go? Moscow?"

"I booked a villa on the beach in Santorini for a few days."

"Nice. Greece is beautiful."

"Yeah, I figured I should try to relax a little, read a book, swim."

"Well, good. You deserve it."

She smiled softly, but there was still worry in her eyes.

When they walked into the suite, they were met with a chorus of laughter coming from the living room.

"Cami, you're cheating," Sif was saying through her own chuckles.

"Only a little."

Clint and Natasha came around the corner to find the furniture had been pushed back to make room for a Twister® board. Loki was seated on the nearest couch with the spinner, calling out the moves while Cami and Sif were stretched across the board, trying not to lose their balance and giggling madly.

"Wow," Clint said, biting back a grin. "They still make this game?"

"They have lots of games for check out from supply," Cami told him. "Didn't you know?"

"I guess not."

Loki said, "By-all-means join them. It's been entertaining to watch."

Clint's response was immediate. "Uh, no."

"Oh, come on," Natasha prodded. "Relive some of your youth."

"You play. You are way more flexible than me," Clint said honestly. "This wouldn't be smart in my current condition."

Right at that moment, Cami's foot slipped and she collapsed. 

"Sif wins. Let's play again," Cami called out, climbing to her feet and offering Sif a hand up. Both women were laughing.

"Join us," Sif said to Natasha. "Please?"

"Sure, if the guys are going to be such killjoys. You'd think they'd like this sort of game if girls were playing."

Clint accepted Cami's test results from Natasha as she kicked off her shoes and stepped up to the edge of the board with Cami and Sif. Clint dropped onto the couch near Loki and looked over the specifics of the test scores as Loki called out the first direction, which was right hand on blue.

He tried to focus his attention on the file and how long he and Cami had until their private session in the gymnasium, but it was difficult not to notice Natasha's firm, rounded ass sticking up in the air in front of him.

Since her attention was completely on the game, Clint let himself admire. He'd never grow tired of looking at Natasha's lean, powerful body and admittedly, he'd been letting himself take more notice lately.

Of course, Loki was probably thinking similar thoughts about Cami. Clint turned to look at the God of Mischief, who returned the gaze with a wide smile and conspiring eyes. 

Yep, he's enjoying this a lot, Clint thought. He wasn't annoyed though. How could he be when he got to sit there innocently and get an eyeful of Natasha at the same time?

Loki called out, "Left hand on green."

"I think Sif has the advantage," Cami was complaining. "Her arms and legs are so long, she can make the difficult reaches."

"I'm heavier than you," Sif replied. "It takes more effort to keep from falling."

"But you're stronger than me too," Cami countered.

Within a few minutes, the girls were in a real tangle and Clint couldn't take his eyes off Natasha. Her lithe, strong limbs held her up with little visible discomfort or strain that he could see. As always, her conditioning impressed the hell out of him.

Loki called the next move, left foot on red, and again Cami was the first one to fall, nearly taking all three of them to the floor, but Nat and Sif managed to hang on while she moved out to cuddle up on Loki's other side.

About four moves later both women strained to make the next combination and ended up in a heap on the floor.

"I didn't see who fell first," Cami said.

"Me," Natasha and Sif said in unison then exchanged surprised smiles as they got up.

Clint tore his gaze away from Natasha's curves to study the file again. "We should be leaving for the gym soon," he reminded Cami.

"Are those my test results?" Cami asked, leaning across Loki's lap to look more closely at the file Clint was holding. "Did I pass?"

Clint smiled. "Sure did." He gave her the file.

Cami sat back and held the paperwork so Loki could look too. "Some of these individual areas are kinda low, though," she said.

"You can study up later," Clint said. "Agents are always learning something new."

It was a surprise that Clint managed to pull Cami away from the suite without her complaining or delaying their departure with endless kisses for Loki. In fact, she beat him to the door after a single farewell smooch.

"So, what possessed you to check out that game?" he asked. Clint kind of hoped Twister® might hang around for a couple of days if Nat was willing to play again.

"I don't think you really want to know," Cami said, alluding to something sexual with only a quick glimpse in his direction.

"Loki wasn't even playing."

"Maybe he likes to watch," Cami teased.

"I didn't need to know that."

Cami laughed like she'd totally baited him into embarrassing himself. "Whatever. You're a guy. Don't act like you never look at girls."

To be safe, Clint chose not to respond.

Finally they arrived at the gym and their discussion turned to the business at hand.

"Do you like your combat courses?" Clint bluntly asked.

"Not really," she admitted, shifting her gaze from his as if she expected this confession to anger him.




Mischief Makers Ch. 05



"Why? What don't you like?"

"People stand around watching and judging every move you make. The instructors act like drill sergeants, yelling and stuff."

He stepped over and picked up a pair of boxing gloves, which he tossed to her. Then he went to the punching bag to wait while she pulled on the gloves and joined him.

"Give it some hits," he said. Then he picked up where he left off with his questions. "What goes through your mind when you're hitting something?"

Cami gave the bag a few weak hits at first, trying to focus on her answers more than the actual punching. "I don't know. I guess I used to think it wouldn't matter if I got a hit on someone or not. I didn't feel that strong."

Cami paused to focus on the bag, remembering what Sif had told her about harnessing the strength in her torso and hips. Then she let loose with a quick, concise punch that jolted the bag harder than she'd managed before.

"That was a good one," Clint said. "Nice roll of your hips there."

Cami struck the bag a few more times, her efforts prompting him to ask, "What's made the difference?"

"In Asgard it was just me and Sif most of the time, and she encourages me to think of the moves as part of a dance. It makes more sense to me that way."

Clint was impressed. The Asgardian had excelled with Cami where at least a half dozen S.H.I.E.L.D. trainers had fallen short.

"Sif wants dancing lessons."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Mike mentioned to her that he knows some of the ballroom dances."

"Are you going to teach her?"

"I thought I'd show her a little bit of this and that. Just a thanks for helping with my confidence."

Clint thought more about the correlation between a fight and a dance. He said, "A fight isn't going to be choreographed per se. You can anticipate an opponent's moves if you can read them effectively though. We just need to train your brain to read and react instantly to an attack."

Cami frowned a bit. "You've been watching footage from my class, haven't you?"

"Yeah. I had to get a feel for what was going on. I noticed that you hesitate a lot. You're a little too afraid of your opponents."

"I can't help if I'm afraid of them," Cami said, looking hurt. "I'm small and I don't like getting hit."

"Nobody does," Clint assured her, "but you don't have to be afraid. It's only pain that will ease with time."

"The instructors constantly put me up against the taller trainees," she complained.

"That's because size doesn't usually matter. For instance, Natasha is your height when she's not wearing heels. She takes out big, strong guys all the time."

"Yeah, I guess."

"OK. Time to focus," Clint said. "We've got to get this hot wired into your brain."

- - - - -

For Cami the rest of the week was full with a lot of the same thing. She spent several minutes each morning coaxing Loki to consciousness only to have him blatantly avoid her questions about it. Combat training took up most of her days, while early evenings were spent with Sif for dancing lessons. Nights were occupied with studies and some team bonding activities (i.e. games, movies, etcetera.) The fact that she was on her period and miserable with cramps only added to the hectic, stressful nature of her days.

Aware of her discomfort and anxiety levels, Loki had a knack for appearing at just the right moment, whether it was to deliver a heating pad, painkillers, back rubs, kisses or a bowl of her favorite cookie dough ice cream. He was just as proficient at disappearing, usually in the process of removing some obstacle or vexation from her presence. He'd waylaid at least a dozen people on her behalf just so she could focus and deal with her own issues.

The Natasha birthday countdown had her especially anxious. So, Loki enlisted members of the Hellhounds, Sif and a few others to assist with the efforts, running diversions and manipulating situations to force Clint and Natasha to spend more time together. Since there was a general consensus around the helicarrier that Hawkeye and Black Widow should be together, it wasn't difficult for Hopper and his guys to get even more crew members to help with these covert operations.

"We've pushed them together all week long," Hopper said two days before Natasha's birthday when he came down to the suite to assist with Sif's dancing lesson. "I think we should keep them apart tomorrow."

"Do you think they suspect?" Cami asked, guessing that might be the reason for his suggestion.

"I don't know about that, but I believe a little forced separation will make a significant impact because they are getting awfully used to being together now. Clint's been watching her - even getting a little distracted. I think Loki's senses idea has really worked."

Sif was standing at the center of the area cleared for dancing. When Hopper looked back her way, she waved him over, eager to begin.

Cami put the music on and let Hopper lead Sif through a waltz while she sat back and smiled proudly. 

Once she'd allowed herself to relax, Sif proved to be a natural dancer. Loki thought so too.

The group didn't hear the suite door open with the music playing. So, they were caught a little off guard when Agent Hill walked in with Clint and Natasha. Cami muted the music with the remote. Hopper and Sif separated, turning to give the new arrivals their attention.

"Where's Loki?" Hill asked immediately. Her look was focused and serious.

Loki stepped out of his room, but lingered in the doorway. Cami doubted Loki had purposely laid eyes on Maria Hill since he'd first arrived on the helicarrier. She'd been pretty verbal about not wanting him to join the organization.

"There is a party tomorrow night at the U.S. Consulate in Naples as part of the Health Education Summit," Hill told the group. "A number of celebrities, members of the medical community and important officials are going to be present - including a member of our Council. In light of the recent act of violence outside the embassy in Milan, a S.H.I.E.L.D. presence has been requested. However, we don't want to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves."

"Who is in play for this one?" Hopper asked.

"Clint and Natasha," Hill said, nodding in their direction. "Loki is with me. You two make a stunning couple on the dance floor. I'll take you both if Sif is willing to follow my orders."

Hopper grinned. "I'm in."

Sif straightened, thought a moment and then nodded. "I would be honored."

"Best dress for everyone. Get what you need from supply. Bag your outfits and wear uniforms for the trip over. I need everyone on the flight deck in three hours. Pack for an overnighter."

Cami's gaze had dropped to her lap. She was trying to be motionless and silent, hoping no one would notice her sitting there secretly wishing she was invisible.

Loki asked, "Why isn't Cami coming with us?"

Maria noted and matched his hard tone. "Trainee Barton is not a member of the Mischief Makers any longer. She has been officially removed pending graduation and possible reassignment."

Cami peeked in Loki's direction, watching as he left the doorway and slowly approached Hill. The emotions mingling on his features made it difficult to guess what he was going to do or say.

"Loki!" Clint said sternly. "Commander Hill is your superior. You will mind your manners."

It took visible effort for Loki to choose his words. He was seething. "I'm going to speak to Director Fury."

"This is my operation," Maria said, attempting to stare him down. "I decide who goes and who doesn't."

"Then I suggest you take Agent Stott in my place," Loki said. "He speaks Italian and is very personable."

"You don't get this, do you?" Maria interrupted, losing her cool. "This is not a negotiation. You are going, and she is staying." 

The tension was making Cami feel worse. She wanted to run for her room, but figured that would only demonstrate the sort of behavior that prompted her superiors to kick her from the team in the first place.

"They have her best interests at heart," Natasha said to Loki. "She is not field combat ready. You know that."

Loki did not look willing or capable of backing down. Even from a distance, Cami could see his nostrils flaring and the anger in his piercing eyes.

"You will follow orders, or you will finish your stay with us in a jail cell," Maria threatened.

"He's going," Clint said instantly.

Loki's glare shifted from Maria to Clint.

"You're going," Natasha said to Loki just as firmly as Clint had.

Cami slipped off the couch and crossed to the defiant Loki. She took his hand, saying softly, "Let's go find you a tuxedo."

He let her pull him out of the suite; though he didn't relax or speak until they were most of the way to the supply room and he found a quiet corner to pull her into.

"Are you alright?" he asked, leaning down some, but also gently lifting her chin so she would meet his eyes.

Cami said, "Nick informed me in Arizona that the Council wasn't pleased with me being on the team. I should have told you then so it wouldn't have been such a shock."

"Hmm, perhaps," he said, "but you didn't answer my question."

She realized that thinking about her feelings just made the pain worse. "Maybe we can talk about it when you get back."

Their delay put the rest of the team arriving at the supply room about the same time. Cami chose to stay with Loki and the other guys. She helped the attendants with the fittings, gave advice on how the men looked and openly ogled Loki.

Afterwards, her suitemates dragged her off to the cafeteria to grab some quick dinner then back to the suite so they could pack.

"Come see us off," Natasha said as they gathered in the long hallway from the living room to the door. She was showing Sif how to set her communicator.

Cami really didn't want to, but didn't put up much of a fight as Clint and Natasha pulled her along.

"Don't worry," Clint tried to console her as they headed up top. "You'll be running missions right after graduation."

Cami stepped off the lift, but stopped as they headed for the jet. Loki looked back with concern, but she waved him on, afraid that she'd say something to start herself crying or set him off again.

As Cami turned to go below, Hill exited the lift with her own bag.

"Ma'am," Cami said politely with an acknowledging nod of her head. She moved to go around Hill only to have the senior agent sidestep into her path, which caused an immediate spark of annoyance in Cami's chest.

"The sweet and innocent orphan routine gets old really fast," Maria said with a biting tone and penetrating stare. "You might have Fury, Clint and now Loki eating out of your hand, but none of your shit is going to fly with me."

"I'm not sure what I've done," Cami said, watching the lift doors close, stranding her with Hill.

"A few weeks ago you were stowing away on jets, skipping classes, stealing tools and components from the tech workshop and being Little-Miss-Attitude. Then Loki shows up and suddenly you're a perfect angel. Whatever your scheme is, Miss Barton, it isn't going to work. You'll get no more free rides. Get it right or go back to Iowa."

She was too stunned and hurt to respond. Obviously there was a time in the not too distant past that she would have expected to be lectured like this, but not now.

The lift returned, this time delivering Mike Hopper.

"Everything OK?" he asked, stepping up to them.

"Fine," Cami said automatically. Her gaze was locked with Hill's and she didn't dare break it first.

"Let's go," Hill said to Hopper. "They're waiting for us." Then she marched toward the jet, leaving Mike only a moment to give Cami a sympathetic look before he had to hurry off too.

Cami was emotional and honestly confused. If Hill still thought the worst of her, there were likely others in S.H.I.E.L.D. that did too, probably even the Council.

The last thing Cami wanted was to return to an empty suite when she was feeling so down. Taking refuge on her perch at the stern of the ship was out of the question because the deck crew was preparing for the helicarrier to go airborne. She chose to wander the ship, which probably wasn't the best idea either. Enough people caught a glimpse of Cami looking distraught that it didn't take too long for concerned individuals to find out and track her down. In fact, she was lingering in the doorway of the range when Gary Stott, Dan Kotter and Marcus Rodriguez found her.

"What?" Cami asked when they suddenly had her surrounded.

"We heard," Rodriguez said sympathetically, having to speak loudly over the gunfire from the range.

"It's not a big deal unless I let it be," Cami told them, though she kind of wondered if Marcus was talking about her being kicked from the team or left off the mission. 

"Hey, we just thought you might want to hang out," Kotter said. 

Stott added, "There's no need for you to be alone."

Cami was touched and even considered the offer for a moment before she answered. "You guys don't have to babysit me." 

"We're already at the range," Kotter said. "We might as well get some practice in for your firearms final. We've collectively been firing guns for a long time and we each have a slightly different take on them. Wouldn't it be nice to get some fresh perspectives?"

Cami looked into the room again. She'd been contemplating taking some practice shots before they arrived.

"You guys know I suck at shooting, right?"

Stott said, "Maybe you just haven't found the right gun for you."

This comment made her smile and she relented, spending the next couple of hours with three of the agency's best soldiers, shooting an arsenal of different guns and collecting tips. Overall, it was kind of fun for her to be at the range with friends instead of just instructors for once and it showed in her results. Clint would have been proud of her improvement.

Cami returned to the suite about ten o'clock and got ready for bed. She didn't like being alone in the large space by herself and found her mind was too burdened to allow any real rest to happen. So, she walked through the bathroom to Loki's room. 

She switched on the lamp and climbed into his bed beside the mountain of books that continuously collected there since he never appeared to put any away until they impeded his ability to sleep. Then a new pile would slowly build up again.

His grimoire and computer were together near the top of the pile and Cami had to smile at the contradiction. 

Sitting up against the pillows, she pulled the spellbook into her lap and flipped through the pages. There was a particular illusion she was looking for, so she wasn't really reading until she found it, the self-duplication spell. Since they were dealing with a Loki double, Cami guessed that this was the spell Loki had wanted them to know about. So, she started at the beginning of the page and focused on the difficult script with the goal to actually read the entire entry.

"That book isn't for children," a cold, yet familiar voice warned softly from the shadowed doorway of the bathroom.

Cami startled and slammed the book shut as a tall, lean figure stepped forward into the light given off by the bedside lamp. To her dread, the intruder looked exactly like Loki. He was dressed in black leather with gold adornments. 

"I assume I don't require an introduction," he said, taking in the room with a bored expression.

Shit! I'm alone with the Bad Loki, Cami thought, and knew she'd be dumb to assume that he'd simply leave when he realized her Loki wasn't there.

Cami slipped out from under the covers and carefully climbed over the book pile to get down on the other side of the bed, inching toward the main door while his attention was averted. Then instantly he was gone. She spun around to find him standing between her and her intended destination.

"Apparently you are grossly ignorant about me and my abilities," he said, looking offended.

Cami ran the other direction, just to have him appear in the doorway of the bathroom so suddenly that she nearly collided with him.

He grabbed her by the arms before she could backpedal and pulled her tightly to his frame. The height difference hadn't bothered her much before, but this Loki was intimidating as hell as he leered down at her.

She yelped, pushing against his chest and leaning back, trying to break his strong hold on her. Then she began to scream, even though she doubted anyone would hear her down on the third level amongst the storage rooms and old laboratories.

He rearranged his grip to pick her up, then delivered her swiftly to the bed and dropped her. She tried to roll away again, unintentionally knocking some books, the computer and the grimoire to the floor. 

"Enough," he said harshly as dark, shadowy tendrils snaked out of his sides to wrap around Cami's limbs, pinching and bruising her flesh as they dragged her back and held her down.

Cami continued to scream and struggle.

"Oh, shut up," Loki said with exasperation. He pulled a vicious-looking knife out of thin air and leaned over her. "At least wait until the real pain begins."

Somehow the appearance of the weapon did instantly silence her. Cami shuddered, feeling fear squeeze painfully at her heart and lungs and churn her stomach.

Loki reached out with the knife and skimmed the line of her cheek, but didn't let the tip of the blade actually touch her. 

"Cami is your name, isn't it?" he asked. His gaze fell on her and stayed, awaiting the answer. His eyes were cold and intense, yet so much like her Loki's eyes. 

She didn't know if speaking to this Loki was a good idea at all. It might give him ideas about other things he might question her about. Of course, not answering him could escalate his agenda much quicker than she could figure out escape options.

"Yes," she said, trying not to sound as weak as she felt.

He shifted his attention to the scattered books, reading the covers and spines of some with a deepening frown.

"Does he think he will defeat me with this rubbish?" he asked.

She hesitated, unsure what to say. "This stuff is part of his job now," she told him. 

"He's a slave to the humans. How pathetic. Odin is so predictable with his punishments."

Cami decided the comment didn't warrant a response from her, though she did get an idea. Taking in a deep breath, she screamed as loud as she could muster for Heimdall.

Bad Loki chuckled at her. "Nice try," he said, "but I'm not stupid. My magic masks us from Heimdall's particular talents."

Cami cried with frustration and fear, "Why do you want to hurt me?"

He considered her for a moment and answered casually, "I've made promises. I might even keep them."

This answer didn't give Cami any information that she could use to her advantage.

"Please, I haven't done anything to you."

"Little One, I won't kill you," he assured her. "Not yet anyway. I have need of you."

"I won't help you hurt people."

He smirked. "I expect resistance. So, I'm not going to bother asking."

He moved the knife along her left shoulder then down the edge of her breast while amusement and anticipation danced in his green eyes. His left hand touched her stomach, making her jump. Then he gripped her t-shirt and pulled it up just a little to reveal the smooth skin underneath. "Hmm, very nice," he said, caressing her flesh then reaching for the waistband of her pajama pants next. 

Cami tried to move away, but the tendrils countered her every attempt to get leverage, even tangling in her hair and gripping her securely around the throat.

As his fingertips curled around the waistband, his eager eyes shifted up to meet hers. "Now you can scream," he said, yanking down the material and thrusting the knife into her lower abdomen.

- - - - -

It was a loud banging that woke Cami. She looked around, slowly realizing that she was in Loki's room on his bed. According to the clock, it was just after one in the morning.




Mischief Makers Ch. 05



"Cami!" a voice yelled, accompanied with more banging. All the noise was coming from the suite door.

She climbed off the bed, feeling achy and weak. Her head spun as soon as she was on her feet, forcing her to sit back on the bed. 

"Tony, something must be wrong. Get it open now!"

Cami recognized the voice as Steve Rogers, but she didn't feel capable of making it all the way to the door. Instead, she waited for Tony to bypass their security measures. Soon afterward, the door opened and she could hear them moving around inside the suite.

"She's in here," Steve said from the bedroom doorway. He sounded relieved.

"You must sleep like the dead," Tony said as he stepped into the room. "We were knocking forever."

"Guys," Cami whined, "it's too late for a social call."

Tony crossed to the bed, pushed her hair out of her eyes and examined her features in the lamplight. "You look terrible. Have you been drinking?"

"No," she said, but couldn't remember what she'd been doing earlier in the evening.

Steve frowned deeply at her and the books scattered on the floor around the bed.

Cami growled and pointed at the clock. "Why are you here at this hour? Your friends are in Italy; didn't you get the memo?"

"Not all of them," Tony said, smoothing her hair. "You're our friend too, Frizzy. Operation 'Salvage Natasha's Party' is underway, and we're here to pick you up."

She stared at Tony stupidly for a bit. Then she looked at Steve. "Translate, please?"

Steve looked a little amused by her lack of understanding. "Tony has been planning a big surprise birthday party for Natasha before she headed off to Greece. Well, now that she's in Italy, it's doubtful she'll fly all the way back here just for a single day."

"Yeah, makes sense."

"So..." Tony jumped in, "we're taking the party to her and crashing Hill's mission in the process."

Cami forced herself to perk up a little. "What? We're going to the health summit party?"

"They invited me months ago," Tony said. "I made some sizable donations to a few new research studies. So, I called the committee up, told them I would be in the area after all and asked for permission to have some guests come with me for the event."

Cami was still having trouble keeping up. "How did you get this past Director Fury?"

"We can explain on the plane," Steve said. "Put some extra clothes together for you and Sif, OK? I'll grab some for Loki."

"I'll find clothes for Clint," Tony said, moving for the door. "Is Natasha packed for Greece already?"

"Um, I think so." Cami pushed to her feet again, calling after him, "Hill's going to hate us, you know."

"I don't care!" Tony yelled back, sounding almost too happy.

"You are really unsteady on your feet," Steve said, taking her gently by the shoulders. "What happened to you?"

Cami looked up at him, feeling a flutter of an emotion that could have been fear, she wasn't sure though. She read the candid concern in his eyes. "Honestly, Steve, I don't know."

- - - - -

The time difference was a killer. Agent Hill's team arrived in Naples around five o'clock AM local time, which was six hours ahead of the helicarrier. The team was picked up from the air strip by private vans and driven to the hotel where they checked in and promptly fell into their beds, the guys sharing one room and the girls another.

Clint's alarm clock went off at eleven and it took every ounce of his will to get out of the bed. Mike lounged in his own bed, stretching and rubbing his face while Clint grabbed some clothes and dragged himself off to the shower.

"Time to get up," Clint said to Loki as he passed the couch where he'd chosen to sleep rather than share a bed. Clint didn't get a response, but he didn't wait around for one either.

Clint managed to keep his shower short, so there would be hot water left for someone else. He dried off, pulled on his boxers and uniform pants and vacated the bathroom.

Mike was sitting at the end of his bed, staring at Loki as Clint emerged.

"Uh, Clint, he's not waking up," Mike said. 

Clint stepped over to Loki and nudged his shoulder. "Hey, Loki, it is time to get up already."

"I tried that... and shaking him," Mike said with an edge to his voice. "He did this in Arizona too, remember?"

Clint frowned. "Are they up next door?"

"Yeah, someone is. I heard their shower."

Clint stepped into the hallway and rapped on the girls' door. Maria answered in a field agent uniform, but with no makeup. Her dark hair was down around her shoulders and still damp.

"I need to talk to Nat," Clint said.

"Tasha," Maria called over her shoulder, "it's Clint."

Natasha padded up to the door still in her pajamas. "Is something wrong?" she asked as soon as she saw Clint's expression and lack of a shirt.

"Come here a sec," he said and led her into the other room. 

Only after he'd shut the door behind them did he gesture to Loki and explain. "We can't wake him up. Did Cami tell you there was anything wrong with him sleeping or waking up lately?"

"No. She hasn't said a word."

Natasha knelt down beside the couch so she could examine him a little more closely. 

Clint collected his com device from the side table, slipping it into his ear and activating it. "This is Agent Barton, I need a line to Trainee Barton."

"It's only five o'clock there," Natasha pointed out. "I doubt she's up."

"Uh, Sir," the operator said, "Trainee Barton isn't on board."

This news surprised him. "Then where is she?"

Director Fury's voice broke into the line, "Clint, she's on a classified mission with Stark and Captain Rogers."

"You're kidding right?" Clint asked, trying for a tone of levity, despite his frustration. "I'm a top level agent," he reminded Fury. Very little was above his security clearance any more.

Nick didn't explain further. "Hang on the line. I'll see if we can patch you through to her."

While he waited, Clint informed his companions about the unexpected turn of events.

"Seriously?" Natasha asked, looking equally annoyed.

Finally a new voice came on the line, but it wasn't Cami. It was Tony. "Hey Clint. Your sister is asleep right now. Is this urgent?"

"Yes, it is," Clint said pointedly. "Who the hell gave you permission to drag Cami off on some mission without checking in with me? She's in training; that is why she isn't here with us right now."

"Whoa, try taking it down a notch. Steve and I thought she could use some distraction since you guys took off and left her alone with Evil Loki Look-a-Like on the loose. At least she's under our protection right now and getting some girl bonding time with Pepper."

Oh God, Clint thought. We did leave her alone. What the hell was I thinking?

Surely Fury would have said if something had happened.

Clint asked, "You took your girlfriend? What sort of mission is this?"

"I'd like to tell you, but it's classified," Tony quickly responded.

"Bullshit, Stark. Stop wasting my time and put Cami on." 

It still seemed to take forever for Cami to pick up the line. She sounded groggy. "Hello?"

Clint decided he'd better calm his tone. "Hey. We have a problem with Loki."

Cami's response was quick and animated. "Oh no! He's asleep, right? I totally didn't think about this when you guys left. I should have told you."

"Geez, how often has this been happening?"

"Every morning since the snake incident," she admitted guiltily. "Loki never wants to talk about it. He's annoyed that everyone knows his business all the time."

"OK. Tell me what to do?"

"I don't know. I just touch his face and talk to him. Sometimes I cuddle up and give him some kisses. It always takes a while though."

Clint frowned at Natasha. "I'm definitely not doing that."

"I don't know if he'll wake up on his own," Cami insisted. "Someone has to try. Ask Nat or Sif."

Clint pulled the communicator out of his ear and passed it to Natasha. He said with agitation, "Here, you talk to her."

Natasha took the com, placing it in her ear. Then she told Cami to fill her in.

"Go ahead and get your shower, Mike," Clint said. "Cami says this could take a while."

Mike grabbed his stuff and went into the bathroom.

Natasha found Loki's communicator with his gear, set it and carefully placed it in his ear before climbing on the couch and stretching out on top of him and his blanket. "Alright," Nat said, sounding skeptical. "He's got his com. Let's give this a try."

Clint sat on the edge of the bed, watching as Natasha gently caressed Loki's face and intermittently ran her fingers through his hair. Clint knew she had done far more with complete strangers on some of her missions, but this felt completely different to him. Right then, all he could think about was how badly he wanted it to be him underneath her powerful body, her soft touches on his flesh and her breathing against his cheek. He wanted it very badly, more than anything else he had wanted in years.

There was a knock at the door. Clint took a moment to collect himself then opened it just enough to see it was Maria. "Um, we're kind of having a team thing," Clint said in response to her questioning look. He did not want to have to tell Maria that Loki was pulling a Sleeping Beauty during her mission. 

"Why? What's going on?"

"It's OK. Nat and I will handle it. We're his immediate supervisors," Clint said, hoping she'd think Loki was just throwing a tantrum or something similar. He certainly did not want her to see what Natasha was currently doing.

"We have work to do," Maria reminded him sternly.

"We know," Clint said, nodding in agreement. "Just give us some time here, OK?"

Maria was none too pleased. "Sif is done in the shower. Tell Natasha she can have it when she's ready."

"Thanks. I'll let her know." 

Clint promptly shut the door again. As he turned, the envious thoughts came rushing back again at the sight of Natasha with Loki. He could only imagine how angry he'd be feeling right now if Loki was awake and reciprocating those touches. At least she wasn't kissing him as Cami had suggested.

Trying to distract himself from the scene, Clint continued getting dressed, but it was hard not to look.

After awhile, the water turned off in their shower and Clint was dreading what Mike might think or say about this situation when he came out.

"Cami," Natasha said suddenly into the com, "I don't think this is working." She listened then slowly climbed off Loki, pulling the communicators from both his and her ears. She dropped Loki's com device with his stuff and held out the other to Clint.

"Hill says you can have the shower now," he told Natasha, taking the com from her.

She nodded. "I've got to get ready. Let me know if we're saying anything to Maria or Sif." 

Natasha let herself out.

Clint jumped back on the line with Cami. "Sorry Sis. I don't know what else to do unless I try slapping him around."

Right now, I bet I could manage it with minimal guilt, he thought.

"OK. Is Nat still on the line?"

"No, she had to go."

"What room are you in?"

"Why?"

"JARVIS got the hotel address from S.H.I.E.L.D. Tony says he can fly me there in about thirty minutes, but you can't let anyone else know we're coming."

"Do I want to know where you guys are and what you're up to?"

"It's a surprise. Please don't blow this for Tony. He's putting a lot of effort..."

"OK. OK. Whatever. We're in room 156. Just get here."

When the girls were ready to head over to the restaurant, Clint sent Mike with them, promising to drag Loki along once he was ready. Luckily, he avoided letting Hill see into the room and his co-conspirators were great at distracting her.

Cami arrived at his door within minutes of their departure. Clint noted that she was dressed in casual civilian clothes and trying to tame her windswept hair.

Clint let her in, returning the hug she offered in greeting. "Stark didn't really fly you across the world in half an hour, did he?"

Her answer was soft and tired. "No, we jumped out of a moving plane though. That was pretty terrifying."

Clint chuckled before he realized she was serious.

Cami walked over to Loki, tossed back his blanket and quickly got comfortable on top of him. "Time to wake up," she said, cupping his cheek with her hand and kissing him softly. "Come on; we can't keep doing this or you'll be grounded soon too."

Clint knew he should probably go shave and leave them alone, but that thought was overridden by his curiosity. If this worked, he wanted to know why Cami could manage to wake Loki, but Natasha couldn't.

Cami continued to speak softly to Loki, making promises and downright begging between the kisses and the caresses. "You're making me look bad," she accused playfully.

"Are we screwed?" Clint finally asked when too much time had passed in his opinion.

"No, I think I'm slowly getting through," she insisted. "He always takes a deep breath before he opens his eyes. Once he does that, I'm outta here. Best to not let him know I was here at all."

Clint stared at her, trying to understand her logic. "OK. If you say so, but..."

Cami had returned her attention to Loki. She slid down, lifting his shirt to kiss at his scarred abdomen above his waistband. "Fine," she suddenly threatened, "I'm going to suck your cock and you'll miss out on all the fun." 

"Cami Rae!" Clint exclaimed. He was beyond shocked and expected their parents to strike them both down dead from embarrassment.

Just then Loki took in a big breath of air and, true to her word, Cami bolted from the room.

- - - - -

When Loki opened his eyes, he was convinced that he'd see Cami there, but she wasn't. For a moment, he even thought he could feel her warmth and kisses and smell the scent of her shampoo. Finally he remembered that they'd left her on the helicarrier and his mood darkened a bit.

Clint was standing nearby with an odd expression of discomfort. He said with authority, "Let's go. We're running late."

By the time Clint and Loki got to the restaurant, the others were finishing up. Natasha had ordered them some sandwiches to go. So they ate quickly while the team climbed into the vans for the drive over to the consulate. 

Every time Loki caught Maria looking at him during the ride, she was frowning and giving him dagger-eyes. He hadn't said more than a few sentences to her since they left the helicarrier and none of them had been impolite. He had to assume she was angered by their tardiness earlier among her other reasons to dislike him.

When they arrived, Hill got them through security. Then they were met by a member of the consulate staff.

"The party officially starts at seven," the older, dignified woman said, walking them into the kitchen area. "The caterers will arrive at six and the musicians right after that." From there, they continued into the immense ballroom where there were two large staircases leading up to a long landing. At the other end of the ballroom was a decorative stone arch with the main entry hall beyond.

"We'll have guards at all entry points," the woman said. "There are a lot of offices, storage rooms and such on the second level so patrolling guards will help keep guests in the ballroom area."

Hill thanked the woman for her help then turned her attention to the group. "Natasha and Sif, head over to the caterer's and do a thorough inspection on the food, employees, vehicles, the whole thing."

"Yes, Ma'am," Sif said, accepting some paperwork from their escort.

Natasha's sole comment was an excited whisper to Sif about free samples.

"Clint and Mike, take a walk around the building and the neighborhood. Check out security measures and the guard placement for tonight. Make sure everything is sealed up tight."

The men nodded.

"Loki and I will confirm the background checks on all the guests, musicians and consulate staff."

Everyone took off to handle their assignments. 

Loki and Hill walked up to the security office where all the camera feeds for the building and grounds were being monitored. The room had several computer terminals set up and they were each assigned one. Once they were assured they had the most current lists of names, Loki and Maria got to work.

Loki lost himself in the task, flexing his mental muscles and newly acquired knowledge to the point that he completed his lists ahead of schedule and moved on to help finish up Hill's.

"Oh," Maria said, suddenly breaking the hours-old silence, "Tony Stark is on this list."

Loki looked over, reading her screen. "Why is that surprising?" he asked. From what he knew about Stark, he was considered quite the celebrity and humanitarian.

"I guess it's not. They have Anthony Stark and five guests listed here. How am I supposed to do a background check on five unidentified people?"

"Is he daft enough to bring strangers to a function such as this?"

"Well, we are talking about Stark," she answered with a look of disdain.

"What do you suggest?"

She gave it some thought. "We'll have to do spot checks when they arrive then. The team can keep an eye on Stark's guests until we give them the clear. Of course, he might not show at all. That would be typical of him too."

The team rotated out to the hotel in couples so everyone could get ready for the party and still have someone managing things at the consulate. Loki and Maria were the last ones to leave and return so they were walking into the consulate as the first of the guests arrived. 

Loki wore a white tuxedo jacket and dress shirt with black pants, vest and bow tie. Maria wore a backless, curve-hugging, white dress with a long, revealing slit up her thigh.

"Everyone report in," Maria said into her com, rushing through the kitchen for the ballroom.

Loki kept close, but at least a stride behind her. He was amused that she was moving so quickly in such a tight dress and uncomfortable looking shoes.

"We're on the landing near the hall to the bathrooms," Clint answered. "The guards are all in place."

"We're near the tables of hors d'oeuvres," Mike replied next. "Sif says she recognizes all the catering staff. Oh, and she is already breaking hearts in this spectacular gold dress."

"Hey, why do you think I'm hiding Natasha up here? The sharks are circling already," Clint joked back.

With an audible sigh, Maria stopped in the doorway of the ballroom and turned to wait for Loki. "We're going to stroll by the orchestra first and make sure we recognize everyone. Did we inspect the instruments as the musicians arrived?"

"Yes," Natasha said, "and we had the security staff match the musicians against your records already."

"Oh, good," Maria said, once again coming to a stop while she tried to decide her next move.

A distinguished, older man's voice announced the arrival of more guests, during which, the orchestra stopped playing. Then the music resumed once they had stepped through the stone arch to enter the ballroom. 

A waiter offered Loki and Hill a selection of finger foods from his tray. Maria shook her head, but Loki took one when he recognized they were serving his favorite food, gravlaks, with a yellow sauce on a thin cracker.

Maria rolled her eyes at his apparent appreciation of the food.

"Shouldn't we mingle and try to look like we're guests here?" Loki asked. 

"The party just started. I'm not ready to let my guard down so soon."

Loki said with scathing sarcasm, "Let us just stand here. That won't look suspicious at all."

She glared at him in response.

The orchestra started into the first dance of the evening and Loki spotted Sif and Hopper walking out to the center area of the room with a handful of other couples. While he watched them dancing, his mind drifted to Cami. 

She would have loved this and been far better company than Agent Hill, he thought.

Over the next hour, Loki followed Hill around with irritation, swiping gravlaks at nearly every opportunity and graciously accepting hand-offs of champagne from his teammates, who apparently thought he would need the alcohol to get through the rest of the evening.




Mischief Makers Ch. 06



"Something wrong with your champagne?" Natasha asked Clint, joining him in the corner of the ballroom farthest from the orchestra.

Clint looked down at the glass in his hand. He guessed that he'd been carrying it around for almost an hour now. "No," he said, but still didn't partake of any.

Natasha stepped close, right into his personal space, and stared until he met her gaze. "You're moping."

"I just... have a bad feeling," Clint said.

Her expression softened. "OK. Explain it to me."

He studied her beautiful green eyes and the patient concern on her features. He collected his thoughts, wanting to make sense of them before he spoke, but having difficulties. "It feels like we're missing something important."

"All of our schedules have been thrown off lately," Natasha said. "Training Loki and Cami has us a little out of the loop. It will work itself out."

"No, that's not it." Clint shook his head. "This feeling, it nags at me like I've forgotten."

"Forgotten what?"

"I don't know and that worries me."

"Hey," she said gently, reaching out to straighten his tie that he kept fiddling with, "we're in Italy and don't have to work for my birthday. Can we just try to have some fun with our friends?"

"Uh, yeah," Clint said, looking guiltily at his champagne. "I'm sorry. Guess I'm just stressed out."

She reached up and rubbed at his forehead, hitting the tense spot exactly.

The party was winding down so the committee announced the last dance of the evening and the orchestra started a slow, romantic melody. Couples flocked to the dance floor, including several members of their combined group.

"Is Hill mad about all this?" Clint asked, seeing Maria and Steve standing together, watching the room.

"She didn't say so, but... you know." Natasha said, taking a step back.

Clint realized that he'd broken the moment by changing the topic. Now that it was done, he immediately wished he could undo it.

"You look great," Clint told her, his eyes skimming down her figure and back up to her eyes again. "I should have said so earlier."

Her smile brightened as she took the chance to ogle him back. "You look good too, Handsome." She took his champagne, drank half of it and handed the glass to a passing waiter. "Let's go, Barton," she said with authority, taking his hand. She pulled him out to the dance area. "I'll even let you lead."

Clint drew her close, gripping her waist as she slipped her hands up his chest and around his neck. They started to move. He stared into the depths of her intricate green eyes, drawn in by the balance of confidence, cunning and curiosity he could see there. In a way, he was almost afraid of her, which was intriguing since he trusted Natasha Romanoff more than anyone else he knew.

"That's a pretty intense look," Natasha commented after observing him for a little while. "Everything OK?"

No, it's not, Clint thought. His gut told him that there was something big going on, yet he was allowing himself to be distracted by her. 

The lights reflected off her eyes like they were jewels. He admired the gentle curve of her bared neck down to her shoulder, and the way the purple dress hugged her toned and sensuous body. Her subtle perfume tickled his senses and made him want to track down the exact spots on her flesh where she had applied it so he could get closer and inhale the concentrated effect.

"Well?" she asked when he stared at her too long instead of responding.

He stopped moving, the music forgotten as his mind contemplated an important question - did he have the guts to speak his heart to the woman he desired above all others, even if it jeopardized their working relationship?

"You wore this purple dress for me, didn't you?" he asked, surprising himself with the question because his tone sounded so serious. He wasn't teasing or lightly flirting like they did on rare occasions.

Her steady gaze and smile faltered enough to catch his notice, and she fidgeted just a bit in her hips, which he felt with his hands. She didn't say no, make a joke, or even flirt back. He'd stunned her. Clint hated himself for disarming her like that, yet felt some exhilaration at the prospect of what the accomplished feat could mean.

Seconds passed in heavy, meaningful silence, before Agent Hill broke the com line. "Barton, Romanoff, the guards are starting to clear the second level. Supervise their efforts."

Clint slowly moved his hand from Natasha's waist to activate his com. "Roger that."

"I'll take the left corridor," Natasha said to him suddenly. She stepped back, pivoted and headed for the stairs, casually regaining confidence in her frame as she got further away from him.

- - - - -

As was becoming her custom, Hel made Loki wait among her subjects for what seemed like days before she finally made her appearance.

"I am tired of this game, Hel," Loki said. "Tell me his plans."

"He wants you guarded from death. Nothing more has been asked of me."

"It cannot be that simple. You have to tell me what he promised you in return."

"I do not," she said with determination and frowned deeper.

He muffled a growl, trying to maintain some manner of civility with her. "I am your father. Shouldn't I know what my daughter desires?"

"Your interest after all this time is far from touching."

Her words stung him and he doubted he masked it very well since her eyes were studying him with an intensity that indicated she could see him, even though he appeared to have no physical form from his own perspective.

"I sense changes in you," she said with deep consideration. "Why?"

It hardly seemed fair for him to answer her question when she repeatedly refused to answer his; yet, he found the words slipping out much easier than he would have expected.

"I had an unfortunate run-in with a blood sorceress," Loki admitted. 

Hel's interest was piqued. "What happened?"

"She tore me apart. She took my strengths and gave them all to that perverse double of me."

Hel drifted a little closer. "But where did this 'double' come from, Father?"

"I conjured him as nothing more than a complex illusion, and Jahla used my blood and seed to give him life. I believed her when she said she could permanently free me of Odin's spell by moving it to the double. He was meant to be the one who was weak - not me." There was tightness in his chest with the weight of this confession.

"So he is half of you," she clarified. "Your soul has been divided."

"More than half, I'd say," Loki said bitterly. "He has all my magical abilities and others that he's developed on his own."

In that moment, she almost looked a little sympathetic. 

"Though blood magic is very powerful, it cannot do to a soul what you are claiming," Hel said firmly. "You speak of spirit magic."

"How do you know this?"

"Is my magic not similar? I control the spirits here. This woman must have some power over living souls."

"Blood and spirit magic;" Loki pondered aloud, "how would someone counter such a combination?"

Hel backed away, drawing up the hood of her cloak.

"Wait," Loki called. "I need your keen insight on this matter, My Dear. Please?"

"I am done here. I have the information I need."

"What information?" he asked with renewed irritation. Wouldn't it be just his luck that his own daughter was using him when he thought she might really care about his plight?

She turned away, choosing to ignore him.

"He has hurt people I care about," Loki pleaded with her. "Let us negotiate our own contract."

Hel paused, floating on the mists. "He will not hurt her again," she said in a soft, almost tender tone that was a bit uncharacteristic of her and caught Loki off guard.

"Explain," he demanded.

"He said she was beautiful and that you prized her above all others."

"What part does Cami play in your bargain with him?" Loki asked heatedly. "What do they want from her?"

Long moments passed in silence with only the random groans of the dead to fill them.

"Hel," Loki pressed, "give me an answer."

"I hope you truly have changed," Hel said, swiftly abandoning him.

- - - - -

Cami stirred awake because her bladder was aching insistently. She turned on the bedside lamp, threw back her covers and carefully slid down to the floor. It took her a few moments to find her robe in her suitcase, but she managed and pulled it on over her bra and underwear.

Someone had set Loki's bag from the hotel outside her door and she nearly tripped on it in her rush. She moved it over with the other luggage and continued to the bathroom, finding it unoccupied.

When Cami returned to her room, she locked the door behind her again. She discarded her robe on top of the pile of Loki's dress clothes.

Loki appeared to be resting peacefully. It was still early morning by Naples time, but Cami decided she would try to wake him.

It was then that she realized she had no memory of them having sex. In fact, her lack of memories after entering the bedroom made her worry that she'd fallen asleep on him. This theory seemed even more likely when she spotted the unopened box of condoms on the nightstand.

She climbed back up onto the bed, shifting covers out of her way until she reached Loki, dressed only in his boxers. Cami straddled his hips, stretching out on his chest. She had to strain just a little bit to reach his mouth, the reality being that he not only had long legs, but was also longer in his torso.

"You know," she said, starting to caress his face, "these little talks can be nice. I tell you stuff that I don't want to share with anyone and my reward is that you wake up, being all sexy and sometimes sweet... and for some reason you only wake up for me. It's such a romantic notion - Loki the Sleeping Prince. You're all mine until you close your eyes. Then the evil Sandman drags your consciousness back to his domain."

Cami knew she was being ridiculous, but Loki wasn't in a position to care or judge her little fantasy.

"I think I was dreaming about the Jotunheim last night," she told him. "Everything was rocky and covered with ice. The cold seemed so real and I felt a profound sadness there, which made me think of you."

She gently kissed him. "I wish I could help you," she said, staring and studying his relaxed features, "but you need something that all the hugs and kisses in the world can't replace. That's why..." She paused, feeling instantly too emotional to admit out loud that she knew he would be compelled to leave her some day and she wouldn't be able to change his mind.

His sudden, deep intake of breath startled her and Cami sat back to give him some room. Since Arizona, he'd never awakened this quickly.

Loki rubbed at his face and opened his eyes, focusing on her. "Are those tears?" he asked with concern, gripping her legs to help him sit up. "What happened?"

"Nothing," she said, shaking her head of messy hair and wiping her eyes. "You caught me confessing. I tell you secrets while you're asleep."

He smiled with uncertain amusement. "You cannot tell me these things while I'm awake?"

Again she shook her head. There were no good words to explain the significance of the ritual to him.

"I don't tell you things too," he admitted, looking down between their bodies and rubbing her thighs.

She smoothed his hair. "I'm sure you'll tell me when you're ready."

His gaze skimmed up her body and he looked at her as if he was seeing something he'd not noticed before. "I've never met anyone as accepting as you."

Cami shrugged. "I know I can't always help or change things."

"But you do change things, all the time. Clint and I joke about how Cami always gets what she wants."

"I don't think things happen just because I want them to. There are smarter and wiser people around than me. Sometimes I just have to point out a fact or possibility for someone to make a different call."

Loki reached up and took a hold of her chin as he drew in close enough to almost kiss her. "You've said on more than one occasion that you don't think you're very smart, but I easily recognize your intelligence," he said. "You are capable of great things. Perhaps you should stop trying to be what others think you should and trust your own instincts."

She stared at him, feeling unnerved and vexed by his words and haunting eyes. It wasn't that long ago that she was the one giving him a pep talk, trying to make him see just how useful he was despite the loss of his magic.

"Sometimes you have to play by the rules if you don't want to end up alone," she said sadly. 

"You won't be alone," Loki tried to assure her.

Cami drew back and climbed off him. She settled on the mattress, turning away onto her side.

Loki curled up against her back, wrapping his arm around her waist and softly kissing her shoulder. "I apologize for the lecture. Though, I meant every word." 

Cami quietly mulled over his words and noted the loss of his touch as he left the bed.

"Bathroom is to the right," she said, assuming that was where he was headed as he stepped into the hallway.

Loki returned a few minutes later, gesturing to the clock as he sat beside her. "Isn't it a little early for us to be up?"

"I wanted some time alone with you before the day got crazy," she said. "Plus, you woke up really fast this time."

"Then I was obviously eager to be with you too," Loki said.

She nodded, but frowned. "I'm really sorry about last night."

He looked at her quizzically. "Why? What happened?"

Cami picked up the box of condoms and held it out to him. "Apparently nothing happened last night. I must have fallen asleep or something. Why don't you know?"

He took the box, giving it only a few seconds inspection. When he spoke, there was an edge to his voice. "My memories of last night are scattered and unclear."

"Oh."

"Perhaps I had too much champagne."

Cami felt sorry for him because he looked so confused. She pulled him down next to her and embraced him. 

"I remember that you weren't feeling well at the party," he said. "You look much better now."

Cami ran a hand through her tangled hair. "I think you have an ulterior motive for that compliment. I know I look terrible."

Loki looked sexy as hell as he smiled at her. Cami let him shift positions, settling his larger frame on top of hers. 

"I'm ready to make up for last night," Loki said, leaning in to deliver slow, warm kisses on her shoulder. "Any objections?"

Cami could not deny the immediate rush of arousal that he caused within her body. If she hadn't known he was mortal, she would have sworn that he'd just cast a spell on her.

- - - - -

"I haven't done this in a while," Cami warned Loki. "I guess I'm a little nervous, and I might not last long the first time."

Since she brought it up, he felt within his rights to ask, "How long has it been?"

"Over a year."

It had been even longer for him - almost two years, he realized. He wouldn't admit that to her unless she asked.

He gave her a kiss, letting it deepen and grow of its own accord as Cami's nerves settled. With time they fell into the comfortable familiarity from their make out sessions, yet with the excitement of just how far they were planning to take their passions.

Loki slipped his hands around to unhook her strapless bra. He tossed the garment aside before shifting down to stimulate her supple breasts. He stroked and sucked her pink nipples in turn to get them hard and then further teased the nubs with his tongue while Cami trembled and her breathing quickened.

She squirmed beneath him and he could tell she was trying to untangle her legs from his. He moved off of her and stretched out against her side, nudging apart her thighs with his right hand. He cupped her mound through her damp underwear, giving her a caress, which made her jump.

"So sensitive," he commented with a smile, leaning in to capture her mouth with a penetrating kiss. Her tongue wrestled with his as she bucked gently against his hand. 

Loki moved down to slide Cami's panties slowly off her body. After depositing them over the edge, he slipped between her legs.

He admired her glistening folds for a few moments before leaning in to touch and taste her with his tongue. Cami shuddered and fidgeted as Loki licked eagerly at her slit and reveled in her intoxicating scent. Then he decided to be more assertive and delved in, exploring her sex inside and out. He stroked and applied pressure to her sensitive bud as Cami's breathing came and went in rushes. Then Loki pushed his strong tongue through her opening to first caress and then assault her tender tissues as he feasted on her plentiful juices. 

Loki gripped Cami's thighs in his arms to keep her close as she tried squirming away from him when the sensations grew stronger. He wanted to push her just a bit past what she thought she could handle. Moments later, her whole body tensed and she bucked violently in orgasm, while she smothered her scream in the pillows.

"Oh my God," Cami uttered as she panted and shivered in the aftermath. "You are amazing."

Loki felt tremendous accomplishment from her reaction. He licked his lips and crawled up her body, purposely pressing the bulge in his boxers against her wet and quivering heat. He admitted with a sly grin, "I couldn't help myself."

"I'm not complaining," she giggled and shook her head. Pulling him down on top of her, Cami kissed him passionately, gripping him tightly around the back of the neck and tangling her fingers in his long hair.

Even Loki was panting when the intense kiss broke. "You're welcome," he said, continuing to grin at her enthusiasm.

"Lie down," Cami said, sounding very comfortable ordering him around. "Your turn."

He complied, taking her spot as she rolled out of the way and onto her knees.

Cami immediately tugged off his boxers and also took some time to inspect him. Already very aroused, he was visibly longer than the average human male and from her expression, Cami noticed.

"You have a scar here," Cami said, lightly touching the side of his scrotum with her fingertips.

He knew the spot, but his memory immediately clouded over as he thought about it. Loki said with exasperation, "That's not exactly the reaction I was expecting."

"I'm easily distractible," she said in her own defense. "That scar looks different than your others."

He tried not to sound too annoyed as he said, "I don't think now is a good time to talk about this." He decided not to mention that he couldn't talk about it with less-than-intact memories.

"Mood-killer, huh?" Cami teased, not appearing to expect a response from him.

She stroked his length tentatively at first as she kissed at his chest and stomach and then took him in hand with a firm grip. She certainly did not appear intimidated, especially when she leaned over and licked the head up one side and down the other, sending a strong jolt of sensation straight through him.

"How long has it been for you?" Cami asked, eying him.

"Almost two years," Loki said. "That's a while for me."

She nodded and her lips curled up in a mischievous smile as she started at the base of his penis and licked the underside all the way up to the tip, causing him to inhale deeply.

"So sensitive," she purred at him and closed her lips around the head.

He sounded a little apprehensive as he asked, "You're going to torture me, aren't you?"

"Are you into that sort of thing?" she released him to ask. "Should we compare kinky lists?"

"Maybe later," he said quickly, but actually thought, definitely later.

She started working his shaft with her hand, pumping him with just the right pressure in her grip while she licked at his scrotum.

Loki tried to stay relaxed and not let the sensations get the better of him so quickly. It was a difficult task. She was marvelously good at this.




Mischief Makers Ch. 06



Cami slipped him into her mouth, taking more of his length this time and tantalizing the flesh with her warm saliva and skillful tongue as her hand continued to move from his base to her mouth. Then she pulled back, dragging her full, wet lips across every inch to the tip, which she licked before reversing course and reclaiming him again.

Loki was in absolute bliss as she did this over and over again. Then she picked up the pace so her head was bobbing and more of his length was disappearing into her mouth and throat. When he couldn't stand it anymore he started to gently thrust upwards and Cami quickly adjusted to match the movement. She was staring up at Loki with such lust that it quickly pushed him to release.

"Now," he barely managed to say right before his eyes clamped shut, his toes curled and he exploded with a loud moan, losing what felt like a lifetime of tension along with his hot semen down her tight throat. His mind blanked and an overwhelming peace settled over him like he had finally achieved death.

Cami lulled him out of this state of exaggerated euphoria by going after his scars with her insistent kisses and causing small firings in his brain's pain receptors.

"Don't fall asleep," she warned him. "I'm super horny now and the next closest unattached guy, who isn't my brother, is Steve."

Loki opened his eyes and smiled at her playful expression. "I don't think the good Captain would be able to look anyone in the eye for days if you performed like that on him, My Dear."

"Oh, so you liked it," Cami said with a touch of sarcasm. "I thought you might have since you almost fainted."

"I did not almost faint," he insisted, feeling a little irked by the accusation.

"You got pretty relaxed. I thought I might lose you."

Loki decided that he'd better take her teasing in the manner it was intended, which he was fairly certain was to boost her own confidence, not attack his own.

He admitted, "You were glorious."

Cami appeared to appreciate the compliment even if she was still in a mood.

"Am I being a brat?" she asked, softening her tone a little and shifting forward on his chest. 

"Yes, but you're my brat, and I..." He hesitated, realizing that the word 'love' was right on the tip of his tongue and was likely to be followed by the word 'you'. He didn't know if he should say that to her when even he still questioned and pondered aspects of their relationship. 

"You what?" she asked, still being playful.

He couldn't seem to bring order to his thoughts, but didn't want to leave her waiting too long. "I... forgive you for teasing me."

She smirked at him. "Hey, if you want to get me back, I have a particular spot where you can tease me all you want."

Loki laughed heartily. "That was far from subtle."

"Sometimes bold and blunt is better," Cami said. She laid into him with desperate, hot kisses, offering her breasts for his touches and stroking him until he was soon hard again.

Loki rolled over and retrieved the box of condoms from the nightstand. He ripped open the box, separated out one blue packet and left the rest on the stand.

"Want me to help?" Cami offered as he opened the packet.

"I have the situation well in hand," he assured Cami, making her chuckle - even if he hadn't purposely tried to be funny.

He completed the application and took a few moments to let himself enjoy Cami's beautifully-toned body before drawing near again, watching her for signs of just how she preferred to do this. At this point, he would deny her nothing she wanted.

Cami snuggled up against him, looking more sentimental than he'd expected after the teasing. "I know our bodies don't exactly match up cause I'm short and you're so tall, but I like being close during."

Loki took in the space available to them, then gripped Cami at the hips and pulled her more toward the center of the bed. Cami flattened out on her back, and Loki slipped a pillow under her hips then positioned himself between her thighs. He asked if she was comfortable, to which she replied that she was.

With Loki's initial strokes, he slid his length along her folds, collecting her lubrication and feeling her tremble and jump while she bit anxiously at her lip. Then he touched against her entrance, pushing forward. At first her petite body resisted, but with some added force he slipped in, causing Cami to momentarily tense up.

Loki froze while she took in some deep breaths. He was feeling a little guilty that he hadn't taken the time to prepare her properly. A tongue was far from adequate when she hadn't been with anyone for so long.

He found the best position for his legs before lying down so they could be close like she'd wanted. He did have to tilt his head and arch his back some so he could get a decent view of her features. 

When she relaxed again, Loki started to move, establishing a slow rhythm, but with a variance of shallow and deeper thrusts.

Cami held him gently, lightly rubbing at his back while she nuzzled his shoulder and made little noises of appreciation that made him smile.

He tried to stay aware of her breathing, body tension and responding touches as he gradually increased the speed of his thrusts. Occasionally, he would surprise her by going slower, faster, deeper or less deep than he had been with the previous strokes, which effectively teased and escalated their building arousal in turn.

Even through the latex condom, the building friction and heat was wonderfully effective on him. So, when he felt her arms tighten around him and she was panting desperately, Loki responded by shifting his position just enough to change the angle of penetration. This way he could better stimulate her while he picked up the pace and force of his thrusts.

Cami gasped and started to buck her hips up to meet him. "Are you close?" she asked, tilting her head back to look at him. There was a beautiful, healthy sheen of sweat on her cheeks and forehead.

"I'll come with you," he panted, hardly able to speak with the tremendous sensations they were creating together. He hoped he would be able to hold out. "Warn me."

"Soon," she said, and gave a little whimper. "Very soon."

The moment came within seconds with Cami screaming his name and him moaning something that almost sounded like hers as their bodies lurched then slowly broke down into shudders. Cami wrapped her legs around Loki and begged him to remain in as long as he could through the aftershocks of her orgasm.

He caressed her, admiring how innocent and alluring she looked, even with her damp, tousled hair, flushed cheeks and their mixed scents thick in the air.

"We don't want the condom to slip off," he finally told her, gently breaking the hold so he could withdraw from her and dispose of the 'evidence'.

When he returned to the bed, Cami had rolled off the pillow. She turned on her side, cuddling up to him as he smoothed her hair and kissed her drooping eyelids. "Are you alright?" he asked tentatively.

"I'm sleepy and satisfied," she said with a smile, but didn't open her eyes. "Are you sure you weren't the God of Sex instead of Mischief?"

You're absolutely adorable, his mind wanted to tell her, but his actual, tired response was simply, "I'm sure."

Cami dozed off immediately. Loki managed to pull a couple layers of covers up over them before he drifted off too.

- - - - -

When Clint was awakened by screams and moans from down the hall, he realized it had been stupid for him to choose a room remotely close to his sister and her boyfriend. 

He glanced at the digital alarm clock and saw that it was early. Since his internal system was thrown off by the time change, he wasn't sure if he could go back to sleep or not. He pulled a pillow over his head, attempting to clear his mind and relax, but ultimately realized after several minutes that it was futile. So, he left the bed, pulled some items from his bags and headed for the bathroom to take a shower.

Natasha's clear toiletries bag was resting on the counter. Clint could see her bottle of perfume tucked in with the diverse selection of beautification products, and he grinned at the memory of how great she had smelled at the party. 

He used the facilities, undressed and stepped into the shower, thinking about the awkwardness during the drive from the consulate to the hotel the previous night. Natasha had climbed into the adjacent seat, but avoided looking at him. Then she pulled the same act for the ride to the rental house, suspiciously keeping her gaze averted as she took in the city outside the van's darkened windows.

Clint needed to talk to Natasha, though he had nothing prepared. He just knew he had to set it right somehow and that meant getting her attention before she left for Greece that night and when they weren't surrounded by people. Maybe it wouldn't be completely impossible if she didn't actively hide from him.

Clint didn't linger in the shower. He felt rushed and anxious even though he was technically on vacation leave for the day and should be relaxing.

As he padded back toward his room, Clint spotted Natasha's bedroom door ajar and the light was on. He approached then knocked softly. 

"Come in."

He peeked inside to find Natasha was standing at the window beyond the bed. She was wearing a silky red robe and calmly running a brush through her curls. She didn't even look his way as she said, "They woke you too, huh?"

Clint entered and shut the door. Hints of embarrassment warmed his face, making it even harder to talk with his own desires so close to the surface. 

"Yeah," was all he managed to say.

When she didn't continue, Clint had to consider his options. Finally, he said, "I think I should apologize."

Natasha lowered the hairbrush, but didn't turn away from the window. She answered with a soft, "No."

"You've got to let me do something," Clint insisted. "I don't like this tension, and I know it's my fault. I'm really sor..."

"Shush," she interrupted, suddenly turning his way. Though she hadn't raised her voice, she still sounded angry. 

Clint fell silent. He wasn't hurt or offended as much as stunned.

Natasha came within a few feet of him and tossed her hairbrush on the bed. "You caught me off guard at the party. So, what? Good for you." 

Clint was frustrated that she was reacting this way. It compounded his guilt. "Nat..."

"Wait until I'm finished," she softly demanded. "How did you know that I wore the dress for you?"

Wait. Clint thought, She really did wear it for me?

"You know I like purple," Clint stammered, unsure what more he could say.

"I have plenty of purple stuff in my wardrobe. Why ask me that last night?"

Her eyes and features were so active with emotion that Clint knew he could get buried in the effort to dig himself out of this hole. Plus, she had the potential to seriously hurt him if she wanted.

"I don't know."

"Yes, you do. You're not quite good enough to lie to me."

Clint was desperate for the right words to fix everything, but none appeared. So, he had no choice, but to speak the truth and accept the consequences. "I wanted it to be true," he said, trying not to chicken out and break eye contact with her. His stomach tightened, adding to his discomfort while she stood silently considering him.

She asked him firmly, "You do know that Cami, Loki and your buddies have been manipulating you, right?"

Clint had no idea what she was talking about, but just the thought of what she was suggesting put him on edge. "I guess not," he said gruffly.

Natasha's tone had softened by the time she spoke next. "Cami's been very curious about our relationship since she arrived. She wants us together, and you know how she can be when she wants something."

He felt foolish and angry to be on the spot like this and so ill-prepared to defend himself. 

Clint said, "You've been on my mind lately. Too much, in fact, and now you tell me that my sister has come up with an elaborate scheme to bring us together." 

"Considering how effective their efforts have been," she said, "I bet Loki was the mastermind."

Clint huffed and looked down, noticing that his hands were clenching into fists. "God, Nat, how long have you known?"

"I've been suspicious for a while," Natasha admitted, also looking a bit unnerved.

Clint shook his head and backed away from her. There was hot emotion expanding in his chest as he asked, "Why didn't you warn me that this was happening?"

Though he'd asked the question, Clint didn't know if he could handle the answer. So, he actually turned away and gripped the doorknob before he sensed her move up behind him. He looked over his shoulder, feeling the softness and warmth of each fingertip as she lightly touched his bared back.

"We've been friends a long time. Obviously, I didn't like that you were being deceived," Natasha said, her voice and gaze full of conflicting emotion.

"If I can't trust you, my sister or friends to have my back, well... I give up."

Natasha whipped around him, pushing the door shut as Clint started to open it.

"I wanted it to be true," she confessed with wide, fearful eyes, borrowing his own words.

Clint stared intensely at her.

Natasha was attempting a brave face, but Clint could see that her emotions sabotaged her efforts. "I don't want to be just friends anymore," she said. "I kept looking for clues that you might feel the same way, but you're so damn distracted by Cami and missions and a million other things. Of course I let them try their plan, because I had to know."

Clint's mind was slow to compute. Her words played over and over in his mind as memories and feelings about her flooded in to add to the confusing mix. Why he thought he could feel her warm flesh or the softness of her hair when his hands weren't on her, was disorienting and vexing. He could also smell the scents of her rose perfume, favorite shampoo and body lotion too strongly in his nostrils.

"Please say something," Natasha said, appearing so vulnerable and afraid that she almost didn't look like herself.

Thoughts and sensory data overloaded Clint to the point that he couldn't form words. He released the knob, snatched Natasha around the waist and pulled her against him. He took hold of her at the back of her delicate neck with his other hand and pressed his mouth urgently to hers. 

He felt Natasha quickly respond, injecting her own desire into their kiss as she grabbed and held him eagerly with both arms.

"I want you so bad," Clint whispered in her ear as he went after her throat and neck with his kisses. 

Then Natasha suddenly let go of him and tried to pull back. "Wait. We can't get carried away," she said in a near panic. 

"What?" Clint tightened his grip on her and growled with lustful agitation. "Now you want to stop?"

"The whole house could hear us." 

Clint backed Natasha up to the door, attacking her mouth between quick exchanges. "It's OK. We'll work it out," he promised.

He felt her arms slide up under his and gently push at him as she squirmed. "Clint, I'm not on any birth control. Please?"

Clint refused to release her, so he shouldn't have been surprised when Natasha decided to resort to dirty tactics. She tickled him along his ribs, having no doubt discovered the sensitive spot years ago and stored the tidbit away in her memory for a moment such as this. As soon as his grip broke, she ducked away, taking refuge on the other side of the room.

Clint was annoyed by this underhanded maneuver, but also realized that she could have done far worse to him. "You are a tease," he accused, leaning back on the door and inhaling deeply to help even out his breathing.

"We're too smart to give in haphazardly to lust," she said, seeming to be convincing herself while she tried it on him.

This isn't happening, Clint thought in dismay. His whole body ached for her, not just in his groin.

"Naaaaat," he whined softly, sliding down the door until he was sitting on the floor, "how can you do this to me?"

Natasha took a step toward him then stopped, obviously not trusting herself to get too close. She chose to sit down too, tucking her legs underneath her. "I'm sorry. If I'd thought... I would have been prepared." 

The torture dragged on with neither of them speaking, only panting and staring. Natasha wiped tears of frustration from her expressive green eyes. 

Clint was fresh from the shower, yet sweaty now like he was going through a forced detox and Natasha was his drug of choice.

"I stopped carrying condoms a while ago," Clint admitted quietly when he felt more in control. "Didn't see the point, I guess."

Natasha nodded, seeming to understand exactly what he meant.

"The minute we do this, you know it's going to be all over S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers," she told him with a morose expression.

Clint was uncertain as he asked, "Do you want to back down and never speak of it again?"

"No, of course not."

He was relieved that she had been so quick and decisive with her response.

"We'll be in town all day, then you leave for Greece tonight. What am I going to do?" 

"Why not come with me?" she suggested. "Let Loki and Cami watch over themselves for a while."

Clint instantly chuckled. "Why do we watch them so closely anyway?"

Natasha shrugged. "Did you hear the first thing I said?"

"Yeah. At least, I think so." 

"I asked you to come with me to Santorini."

"There's no way I can refuse that offer, but you have to clear it through Maria and Nick for me. That is one conversation I want to avoid."

She relaxed then. "Deal."

Clint climbed to his feet, feeling overwhelmed emotionally, yet mentally disconnected and physically tired as he opened the bedroom door.

"Another shower?" Natasha asked knowingly.

"Yeah. Gotta clear my head." He did look longingly back at her and her disheveled appearance before shutting the door behind him.

- - - - -

While Cami showered, Loki chose to lounge in bed, listening to the sounds of people moving about the house. He realized he would have to find a way to endure or avoid the discomfort of Thor's company as well as deal with such a large group dynamic over extended hours in unfamiliar territory. Surely the day would be nothing short of terrible for him.

When Cami returned, she sent Loki to take his own shower, which he could have drawn out for a while to waste more of the morning, but he could tell from the collection of toiletries on the counter that they were not the only ones using this particular bathroom.  

When he got back to their room, Cami was straightening up the bed and their discarded clothes, having already dressed in a casual white blouse, dark blue jeans and what she called her walking shoes.

"Is that how everyone will be dressed?" Loki asked her, opening his suitcase and inspecting the clothes Steve had packed for him. Clint had provided Loki with casual Midgardian clothes back at the helicarrier, but he always wore his uniforms when not in sleeping attire.

Cami nodded. "You've got jeans in there right?" She walked over to the bed to peek in his suitcase.

"The material is strange," Loki said, hinting with his tone that he wasn't likely to wear the jeans.

"OK. Whatever makes you comfortable since we'll be out and about most of the day, I think."

Cami turned back to the mirror, frowning at her reflection. "I'm going to find someone to braid my hair before breakfast. It's driving me crazy."

Loki contemplated his options as she departed. His less-than-eager attitude about the day's prospects was hindering him from deciding what he was going to wear. In a way, he was protesting simply through his inaction.

Finally, Loki pulled on his black uniform pants and shoes, a white t-shirt and a gray lightweight jacket to hide the scars on his arms. He also grabbed his wallet that Steve had the foresight to pack for him.




Mischief Makers Ch. 06



He took a moment to look himself over in the mirror. He would pass inspection, but didn't really like the jacket. He missed the weight and style of his old leather garments, which would likely look out of place anywhere in Midgard.

Loki used his agitation to bolster enough courage to make the trek to the kitchen. He found Steve and Maria in the sunroom, enjoying the view while they talked quietly. Steve offered him polite greetings as Loki passed through, which he acknowledged with a nod, realizing that he probably looked as unhappy as he felt.

Even from the top of the spiral staircase, he could hear conversations in the kitchen below. He descended the stairs to find Cami, Jane and Pepper managing the food preparation while the others chatted at the nearby table. Natasha was notably absent.

Loki didn't think he'd be much help with the food, and he didn't feel like joining the group at the table. When Thor looked up, noticing his arrival, Loki chose to continue out the back door to the large deck, taking the ramp down to stand at the edge of the sand.

He heard soft footfalls in pursuit. 

"Please don't," Cami pleaded gently, walking down to stand beside him.

Loki didn't turn her way. Even the energy it would take to feign a smile was more than he was willing to offer right then. "Don't what?" he asked.

"You saw Thor and immediately walked away," Cami said. "Give him a chance. He's your brother."

"In fact, he's not," Loki said heatedly. "Really, you should stop calling any of them my family."

When he peeked at her, Cami's features had tightened. She swallowed hard before she looked down, dropping her chin almost to her chest.

Her wounded expression further frustrated him because it seemed so unfair and manipulative that she could rebuke him so effectively without saying a word.

Cami spoke softly. "You are punishing them and yourself because your family situation isn't perfect. They love you, even when you hurt them."

"You don't understand," Loki said, sounding harsh.

"Odin and Frigga chose to take you in and raise you as their son. No family ever chose to keep me," she said sorrowfully. "So, no... I don't completely understand." 

Cami turned, walking briskly away along the beach.

Loki's heart felt heavy as he stared out over the sand at the water of the gulf and the golden sunrise beyond.

"Want me to go after her?" Natasha asked, startling him as she approached from the opposite side. She was strolling barefoot, carrying her sandals by the straps.

"I don't know," he admitted. "I suppose you heard."

"Yeah. Sorry; I..."

"It doesn't matter." It wasn't Natasha's fault that Loki had failed to notice her nearby. 

Natasha held up her free hand to block the sun from her eyes. "Cami has unreasonable expectations sometimes. You don't have to force a relationship with Thor just to make her happy. Go ahead and hate him if you really feel that way."

Hate. Love. The two were not mutually exclusive, no matter how much Loki wanted to believe that notion when it came to Thor.

Cami had made it so far down the beach already that she almost appeared to be a small child, which brought to mind her youth. "I will probably apologize," Loki said.

"Up to you." Natasha stepped onto the ramp, but reached out to lightly grip his arm. "Nothing about her childhood is your fault."

He admitted softly, "I realize that."

"Let me know if you need backup. I've been dealing with her moods for a while now and Clint can help too."

Loki nodded. He did appreciate her offer.

"Oh, and if you choose not to come today, I'll understand," Natasha added. "Even I'm intimidated by what Tony considers a 'small' gathering of friends."

Loki realized that she had just confessed at least one reason for her solitary walk. He stood there, watching her slowly approach the house until she finally disappeared inside to the crowded kitchen.

Cami was sitting in the sand as Loki walked up and settled beside her. Because her hair was braided, she couldn't hide that she had been crying so easily this time.

She said after awhile, "I should not have made this about me."

He chose not to respond, though she gave him ample time to do so.

Cami leaned close, resting against his shoulder. "Thor is proud of how hard you've worked at S.H.I.E.L.D. Why can't he have a chance to tell you so?"

Loki saw truth in her features, even if it was only her own belief. Of course, Cami's words did not magically heal the anger and aching inside of him or wash away painful memories that he could recall with such clarity after so many centuries.

"Even if that's true, I can't just turn these feelings off."

"I get that. I really do, but Thor isn't here to torment you. He and Jane were invited to the party. Tonight or tomorrow he'll be gone," she said, appearing to sadden even more.

"I didn't realize you and Thor were such good friends now," Loki said softly. "Perhaps that will make me even more jealous."

Cami took his hand in hers and kissed it tenderly. "I'll always be yours."

She said it so sincerely that he could not doubt her, and didn't want to.

Cami sat there with him for a long while before she climbed to her feet and offered him a hand up. "Come on. You're probably as hungry as I am."

Loki stood, dusting the sand off his pants.

Cami pulled him along. "What can I do to make today easier?"

"Could you be suggesting a bribe?" he asked, with a stir of interest.

She smiled widely. "I guess; if that's what it's going to take to keep you sociable today. Do you have something in mind?"

"Leather," Loki said instantly. "Something black. A coat perhaps, because I don't like this one."

Cami giggled. "OK. I've heard Italy is a great place for leather jackets. It's probably going to be a bit expensive though."

"What else am I to spend my wages on? S.H.I.E.L.D. has provided everything I've needed thus far."

Cami continued to laugh at him as she said, "Alright. Mission accepted. We'll hunt down a black leather jacket for you while we're out. I know Pepper and Jane were both stoked about shopping. I'm sure we'll see our fair share of stores today."

The group was eating and discussing plans when Loki and Cami returned to the kitchen. Two seats had been saved at the end of the table between Natasha and Pepper. People started passing the food as they sat down.

Loki tried to keep his gaze on his plate or on those seated closest to him. By doing this, he didn't actually see Thor near the far end of the long table.

"I think we should split up," Steve said. "Between Thor and Tony, we're bound to get recognized by someone. We could inadvertently blow the covers of the field agents if people start taking pictures of the group."

"Steve's right," Maria agreed. "I don't know why Fury let you guys do this."

"Oh, come on," Tony said, sounding irked, "Who is going to recognize Thor wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt?"

"The first time one of us calls out his name bystanders will clue in pretty quick," Steve argued.

"I think you're a little paranoid," Tony said. "Thor is a common enough name in some countries."

Maria leveled Tony with a hard look. "Not in Italy. I think he'll have to use his alias today. Thor and Loki both."

"Alias?" Jane said with confusion.

"Donald Blake," Maria said.

"You still use my ex-boyfriend's name as your alias?" Jane asked. Her agitation was evident. "I refuse to call you Donald or Donny all day. I'm likely to develop a complex."

Natasha asked, "What about you, Tony? Have you got a plan?"

Tony gestured to himself, "Why do I need a plan?"

"Gee, I wonder..." Natasha said shrewdly, cocking her head and slipping a bite of her fruit-filled crepe into her mouth.

"You do tend to draw attention to yourself," Clint said to Tony.

"Wear your sunglasses and maybe a hat or something," Pepper said. "An alias might be necessary too."

Mike joked, "If half the group is using aliases, I am going to need a cheat sheet to keep track." 

"Maybe we should just avoid using names all together then," Natasha suggested. "No one's cover gets blown that way."

Loki was listening to all this as he ate, already convinced that the day out together was bound to be a complete failure, with or without his contributions.

He noted a spark of mischievousness in Clint's eyes as the archer blatantly stole a gulp of Natasha's coffee. She in turn issued a silent threat with her eyes while grasping her butter knife in a menacing manner.

Loki glanced toward Cami to see if she'd noticed this behavior. Apparently she had because there was a hint of a smile in the corner of her mouth as she sipped her own coffee.

Their hired guides arrived at the house a short time later to take them to see the Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Restituta, where the group gaped in awe at the gothic architecture, historical statues and busts, as well as colorful frescoes and other figurative artwork.

Loki did not share such a strong fascination with the old cathedral as others in the group. There was a lot about Midgard's religions and history that had consistently failed to interest him through the centuries. He assumed that mortals were drawn to things and places that predated themselves as if a connection could be made to times long passed. 

To fend off his boredom, Loki stealthily studied Clint and Natasha through most of the tour. They were noticeably uncertain standing together, yet more attentive and playful than usual.

"I do believe something has happened with those two," Loki whispered slyly to Cami as they followed the group out to the bus afterwards. 

"Does it seem like they are both taunting and avoiding each other?" Cami asked.

"That's an interesting description," Loki admitted. "It certainly appears that they could be doing just that."

Clint and Natasha continued to act oddly as the group visited two different museums to see more art and then archeological discoveries. 

Again, Loki had little interest in the tour material. He was actually beginning to wonder if the promise of a leather jacket was worth this complete waste of his time. He was regretting that he hadn't tried to talk Cami into staying in bed with him all day instead.  

"Thank you," Cami said as she appeared out of nowhere to snuggle up to his side.

He wrapped his arm around her. "For what, My Dear?"

"I can tell you are immensely bored, yet you haven't complained at all," she said. "I think we're going to lunch next then on to shopping."

He nodded.

"I've decided that we were louder than I realized this morning," she said with a naughty grin, "and everyone's trying not to let on that we woke them up at that ungodly hour."

Loki smiled and smoothed down some wisps of hair that had escaped from her braid. "Privacy is a precious commodity," he muttered.

It wasn't long before Tony started herding the group together to leave. He gestured for Loki and Cami to come over whilst referring to them as Thumper and Bambi, two names which meant nothing to Loki, but caused Cami to glare at Tony in return.

Cami told Loki as they moved toward the group, "Thumper and Bambi are cute and innocent cartoon character animals. Though, I'm sure he is using their names in this case as sexual references." 

The restaurant where they ate was a small, family-owned establishment, which their guides assured them was between two of the better, yet less frequented, shopping areas by tourists. Tony enthusiastically insisted on ordering more than half the menu, which caused chaos for the staff and prompted the owner to lock his doors so their private gathering wouldn't be disturbed.

Much like the grand feasts of Asgard, trays of food were paraded out of the kitchen at regular intervals as the group ate their way through mountains of bread, pasta, meats and cheeses in delicious combinations that had Loki consuming nearly as much food as Thor or Steve were managing to put away.

"Loki, I've never seen you eat this much," Cami said with concern.

His mouth was full at the time or Loki would have responded to her. Instead, Thor beat him to it.

"Don't worry, Cami," Thor said with a wide grin that appeared to be more comical than contemptuous. "Loki was raised in Asgard and there is little more our people do better than eat."

"Oh, I remember," Cami said adamantly. She gestured to the food that was yet to be touched. "I think we could use Volstagg's help about now."

Loki nearly choked, unable to contain his urge to laugh along with Thor and Sif.

The owner approached, asking if anyone wanted dessert. Groans caused by overindulgence immediately arose from the majority of their group members up and down the long table. 

Tony and the owner walked off to settle the tab while everyone else collected their things and wandered outside to enjoy the fresh air and spring weather. 

There were some women and their children seated across the way. The assemblage included much younger children too, and it didn't take long for Pepper to start fawning over them and insist that some of the others come admire the dark-haired darlings as well.

"Oh dear," Loki said softly when Cami's attention was also drawn that direction. "You do realize they're only cute for so long."

"I bet if you raise them right, they'll seem cute forever," she said in a mildly challenging tone. "I like kids, even if you don't."

It wasn't that Loki didn't like children. They just required so much attention and effort, which were two things that he had never excelled at much. His own children were especially known for being troublesome.

Loki was considering if he should breach the topic of his children with Cami or not when she suddenly called over Stefano, one of their guides and the limo driver from the previous evening, and asked him about good stores to shop for a leather jacket.

It became readily apparent that the group was splitting up to do their shopping. So, they decided on a time and place to meet back before everyone dispersed.

Loki was grateful to have some time alone with Cami as they strolled casually south and then west for a while, following the directions Stefano had given them to find the shop of one of his close friends who specialized in leather goods. 

There were some small groups of other tourists moving between the shops, but they were too engrossed in their own Naples' experience to pay much heed to them.

Cami spotted the leather shop's sign and eagerly pulled Loki forward. As they stepped in, Loki noted that the inside of the shop smelled wonderfully of treated leather. He had to assume that similar chemicals were used both in Midgard and Asgard for the process as the smell was all too familiar and hauntingly comforting. 

The owner, a man in his sixties, stepped out of the back to assist them. He showed them his varied selection of stylish jackets, encouraging Loki to try on as many as he wanted. There was no need to do this, however, as Loki spotted the style he wanted right away and only tried on a couple before he found the right size for him.

"Oooh sexy," Cami openly flirted.

Loki winked back at her then reluctantly gave up the coat so the owner could bag it.  At the register, Loki dispensed nearly every dollar in his wallet to secure the payment.

"Happy?" Cami asked as they walked out of the shop.

"Very," was Loki's cool reply.

"Let's head toward the bus. Maybe we'll run into someone who'll have some clippers or something we can use to take the tags off."

They had only begun the walk back when Cami unexpectedly halted. "Ummm..." Loki could see apprehension and confusion settling into her features as she looked at him. "I just remembered..." Again she had difficulty completing her thought.

"What is it?" he asked, leaning closer.

Then he quickly felt and knew what she was failing to express, for the memories simply popped into his mind, immense and detailed blocks of time and facts that seemed to stretch and strain his consciousness and intellect to the point of aching.

"Oh no," Loki said with dread, trying to do a form of mental triage on the images, emotions and sensations that flooded into him. "We should not be alone. Let us find the others quickly."

- - - - -

For Clint, it was a day that never ended. They were in a clothing store and Natasha was in the dressing room, trying on outfits. To distract from boredom, Clint was already thinking of the waiting villa on the beach in Santorini.

An ashen-faced Tony knocked on the window behind Clint, grabbing his attention. The billionaire had a cellphone up to his ear and gestured urgently for Clint to come outside.

"Nat, something's up," he called back to the dressing area. "I'm heading out." He gave the other customers little thought as their curious looks followed him.

Steve and Maria had joined Tony too as Clint walked up. Tony handed his phone to Maria, indicating there was someone waiting to speak with her on it and pulled Clint aside. "God; I don't know how to say this," he began, forcing eye contact. His dark brown eyes were conflicted and sorrowful. "Fury just reported that they found blood and traces of organ, skin and muscle tissue in Loki's room back at the carrier. Forensics checked everything twice..."

Clint was speaking before most of what Tony said had time to sink in. "Blood from whom?"

"It's Cami."

"No," Clint said. He took a step back. "They're wrong. Cami's fine."

"The doctors are fairly certain she couldn't have survived an attack like this without immediate medical attention."

Pop. A memory overtook him - an event that he'd forgotten completely.

~~~

"Are you so sure you want to get involved in this?" the Bad Loki had asked, rising from a crouch to his full impressive height. "I'm not quite the same as when we parted last. This is an entirely new game with much more powerful tricks."

"Oh, I don't doubt it," Clint had countered, purposely keeping his gaze from wandering to the bound and naked Loki on the tiled, shower room floor, "but he's my responsibility and I just can't stand by and let you hurt him."

~~~

Clint shook his head, attempting to clear his mind as more memories surfaced. A strong, yet hesitant hand touched his shoulder and it took great willpower to dismiss the influx of information and turn his head to see it was Natasha.

"We left her alone in the suite," Natasha uttered in disbelief, her lip quivering. "How could we forget to protect her?"

"The other Loki has been playing us all," Steve said stiffly. "I thought something was wrong. Cami didn't look right when we went to pick her up, but I didn't see any blood."

"Obviously the Bad Loki hides what he doesn't want us to see or remember," Tony said softly.

"Is this Cami a double too?" Maria asked as she ended the phone call. "Or the Bad Loki in disguise?"

Clint clenched his teeth and tried to think back over every interaction with Cami since she'd showed up in Naples. At the consulate she'd only danced the one waltz, though he knew she loved dancing. She'd been in such a hurry to get Loki alone and away from everyone else. At the hotel, only she had been able to wake Loki, which hinted at magical involvement.

Is my sister really dead? he pondered, feeling a crushing weight at his core and an instant throb in his head.

Clint asked in a strained whisper, "How can the doctors be so sure? They didn't find her body, right?" 

Tony said firmly, yet with some sense to try and be delicate, "Clint, forensics says she would have sustained massive internal damage. It would have taken a miracle." 

"We've got to find our Loki. He could be dead by now," Steve interjected. "Which direction did they go?"

Maria spotted Mike and Sif coming out of a shop that sold specialty chocolates. "Get everyone together," she ordered, waving the couple over as she caught their attention.




Mischief Makers Ch. 07



After some observation, Loki decided Dr. Lloyd was agitated by the number of people lingering in his infirmary, yet he remained civil while managing his staff and the few patients present.

Loki stepped forward, eager for news, when Frigga came out of the back room where Cami was resting.

"She has yet to regain consciousness," the queen reported, "but we have given her a thorough inspection and do believe she is our Cami."

"Her samples all matched," Dr. Lloyd agreed, holding up his copy of the DNA report.

Clint was visibly baffled and overwhelmed. "How can that be? She was using abilities that Cami never had."

Odin came through the doorway. "I think I can address that question. Is there somewhere more private where we can talk?"

Dr. Lloyd offered them the use of his office.

Fury, who had just checked back in, also joined them.

Once they were seated, Odin turned his full attention to Clint. "There is a term we use for individuals born with a natural attunement to magic. We call them Sensitives, and in many cases they are identified and trained at a young age in the traditional rituals and spells of their people."

Loki understood this information, but also knew where the conversation was heading. It wasn't going to be a pleasant dialogue. He noted that the worry had yet to leave Clint's expression, like he sensed it too. 

Clint clarified, "Cami is one of these Sensitives?"

"Yes, I believe she is," Odin said, "and because she has had no magical training, it's quite possible that she's aged beyond the ability to proficiently harness and use her power."

"That's not promising," Nick Fury said. "It sounds dangerous, actually."

"It can be," Odin said. "We unintentionally exposed her to various forms of magic during our interactions with her. If she'd never come in contact with us, not been tainted, I doubt anyone would have ever realized she was gifted." 

"I get that this is really bad," Clint admitted, "but what are we going to do about it? Can this condition be fixed?"

"No."

Loki scoffed. "Now that isn't true. Is it, Father?"

Odin met his gaze, but said nothing.

"Could you suppress her magic;" Clint asked, "like you did to Loki at his trial?"

"I could try," Odin admitted, stroking his beard and looking apprehensive.

Loki said bluntly, "This is not a decision to be made by any of us."

"This discussion will have to happen eventually," Fury said. "We should be prepared for the worst."

Loki said, "We have to give Cami the chance to control her power herself. She doesn't need anything more needlessly taken from her." 

"Her seizure knocked out every electrical device we had in that section of the ship," Fury pointed out. "The cost of repairs aside, I cannot endanger the lives of my crew. What if she has a more destructive incident when we're in the air?"

Loki turned away, too agitated to continue the argument. He let himself out of the office, crossed to the back room that had once been his own, and approached the bed. He noted that Frigga had loosened Cami's braid and smoothed out her long hair on the pillow. Even though she slept, there was a frown on her features.

"I will give you some privacy," Frigga said, slipping out of the room. 

Loki sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand.  "I'm sorry, My Dear," he muttered. "I'm sure most of this is my fault."

The pattern of Cami's breathing changed and slowly she opened her eyes to look at him.

"I'm in trouble again," she said in a soft, regretful tone. "I didn't mean to..."

"I know."

She turned her head to take in the room. "I'm in the infirmary, yet I still have a headache. That's not a good sign."

"I have something important to tell you," Loki said. "It appears that you were born with the ability to use magic, but had the unfortunate luck to live in Midgard where magic hardly exists anymore."

Cami stared at him like she wasn't sure what to make of this information - or even if she believed he was speaking the truth.

"You are what they call a Sensitive."

There was a spark of recognition in her eyes. "Jahla called me that when they took me to the ice caves to be healed. She seemed upset by it."

"Really?" It didn't make much sense to him why Jahla would be concerned.

Cami nodded, taking some time before asking, "So, what's the bad news?"

He wondered by what means she had come to this conclusion. Had she read something in his expression or voice?

"It's OK. I'm used to constant problems," she said. "You told me I'm a mage, and I immediately doubted that I would be heading to Hogwarts."

Loki let his frown take full form. Besides him not understanding what she was saying, her sarcastic tone was bordering on rude.

Cami sighed at his expression. "Just tell me."

He carefully explained how important it was for Sensitives to be trained at a young age to manipulate magic. "Their concern comes from the fact that you are so old and have never been trained," Loki said.

"Asgardians live for a really long time. How can they compare my measly twenty-one years against that?"

Loki had no answer for her and that saddened him. "Tell me what you want," he said. He would do anything to ease her burden.

"I just need a chance to breathe," she said sadly. "I think I never should have climbed on this roller coaster."

Again, Loki didn't have a reference, but he could understand her underlying meaning.

It was a short while later that Nick Fury, King Odin and Dr. Montoya walked in together.

Cami asked immediately, "Are you sending me away?" 

"Do you think we should?" Fury asked.

"No." Cami sulked.

"We have to take your safety and that of the crew into consideration," Dr. Montoya said. "This is a highly stressful environment for you to be in, Miss Barton."

Nick said, "With everything that has happened, wouldn't you prefer to get away?"

"No," Cami repeated. "I want a chance to graduate and actually contribute around here. Important things are happening."

Loki stood, turning to address the trio. "Let me try to train her."

"Son," Odin said, his expression grim, "even with Hel watching over you, Cami could still unwittingly cause you serious harm. We'll take her to Asgard and see what can be done."

Loki raised his voice in agitation. "She hasn't hurt anyone."

This fact didn't appear to change their thinking.

"He needs me or he'll get trapped in Niflheim," Cami said. "You can't make me leave him to that."

Montoya telegraphed an 'I told you so' look to Director Fury.

"What?" Cami asked, staring down the psychologist. "You don't believe that he needs me?"

"Actually, I don't think you two are capable of keeping work and your personal lives separate," Montoya said firmly, "but my opinions and concerns have already been disregarded." With no further comment or even a glance at those around her, the doctor left.

Fury closed the door. "The Council is very concerned with the whole Bad Loki and Jahla situation. They've authorized me to work in conjunction with Asgard to investigate their activities, determine their location and deal with them in whatever manner we can. So, in the interest of good relations and cooperation, I am reinstating Cami to the Mischief Makers and temporarily reassigning the team to Odin's command. You're heading back to Asgard."

"Heimdall isn't going to like this," Loki said, mindful of the gatekeeper's tendency to hold firmly to the laws of the realm.

"Yes, well... there have been some recent changes back home," Odin said. "I've got troubling reports coming in, my inquisitors are spread thin and I've spent too much time on Midgard as of late."

Fury added, "Clint has gone to tell Natasha. The team needs to submit their equipment requests right away so we can pull together what you'll need for the flight to New Mexico."

Loki asked Odin, "Is it a good idea to transport Midgardian technology through the bifrost? Or into Asgard at all?" He was fairly certain it had never been attempted.

Odin's reply was unconcerned. "I do not foresee any problems."

"When do we leave?" Cami asked.

"In the morning," Fury said. "Get yourself cleared through Dr. Lloyd then report to your supervisors."

"Yes Sir," Loki and Cami said together then exchanged troubled looks.

- - - - -

Clint found Natasha in the team suite. She was sitting on her bed and unpacking her suitcase.

"So much for the birthday retreat, huh?" he said.

"I never should have hoped," Natasha replied with a sad, yet accepting smile. She patted the mattress beside her.

Clint took the offered spot, leaning into her as she put an arm around him.

"Any news?"

"I don't know where to begin. I've really messed up."

"She is Cami?"

"Yeah. She's supposed to be some kind of natural born magician. King Odin says she could be dangerous."

"Why?"

"Some bullshit about her being too old to safely learn magic. It's just going to be another point of contention."

"What do we do?"

"I don't know." Clint pressed his palm to the ache forming in his forehead. "Maybe she won't even talk to me."

"You have to give it time."

Clint accepted this as good advice.

"We've got a mission. Fury is sending the team to Asgard to help Odin run his spy network and organize intel a little better. Apparently, there's been an influx of trouble in some of the realms and he needs help determining what all can be traced to Jahla and the Bad Loki."

Natasha responded, "You know, I should be excited about this opportunity, but..."

Clint could relate. "I know. It's a bit daunting and not exactly a welcome relocation right now, but we've gotta do it. Oh, and Fury put Cami back on the team. I think Odin insisted."

"Well that's something," Natasha admitted.

Clint indicated her open luggage. "We'll all be swapping out for gear and uniforms." 

Then a small box, partially wrapped in bright, colorful paper beside the suitcase caught his attention. "Is that a birthday present?" 

"Ummm... yeah, actually. Security found it in Cami's luggage during their search. Hopper brought it down, along with this," she said, pulling a receipt from her pocket and holding it up for him to see.

Clint skimmed the tiny print. "Condoms?"

Natasha pointed out the name of the store. "Cami and Loki bought these in D.C. at the sex shop before the Drago mission. Look at the box."

As soon as Clint picked up the box and slipped it out of the wrapping, his gaze fell on the bow and arrow logo and he started to laugh. 

"Yeah," Natasha said with a smirk. "Not subtle."

"We really could have used these this morning." 

Natasha avoided his gaze, quickly changing topic. "I inspected Loki's room when I got in," she said. "The cleaning crew did a good job. I think they must have thrown out most of his books though."

Clint got up, heading to see the room for himself.

His first impression was the strong bleach odor, which he could smell before he had the door completely opened. The walls had been scrubbed to a bright white, the carpet was obviously new and the bed had fresh linens and blankets. As Natasha mentioned, the books that generally littered the bed were gone. Only Loki's shadow grimoire remained, resting on the corner of the desk.

Clint expected to feel anger as he stood in the doorway of the room where his sister had been viciously tortured, but he determined it was guilt he was feeling overall. It wasn't long and he had to step out of the room.

The team met up for dinner in the mess hall later. Clint and Natasha had already started an equipment list and Loki had some ideas of his own after a quick look over of the agency arsenal and supply inventories.

"Are you going to say anything?" Natasha asked Cami, who was slouched in her chair, staring blankly at the tabletop. "Some input would be nice."

Cami's words were laced with restrained anger when she muttered, "I want my gadgets back." She picked a bit at her salad before adding, "Shouldn't my restriction be lifted soon anyway?"

"Yeah," Clint agreed. "It's been about two months, you're right."

Cami chose not to look at him, which shouldn't have been a surprise.

"We'd better request some parts for her," he said to the others. "So she can tinker."

Natasha pushed the computer over to Cami. "Add what you want."

Clint watched Cami's eyes settle on the screen and then almost instantly glaze over. In fact, she looked tired and on the verge of tears.

"How's the migraine?" Clint asked softly. He'd taken a few pills for his own headache a short while ago.

"Bad," Cami uttered. Then she rose from the chair. "Never mind the stuff. I don't want it after all."

Loki reached for her, but Cami stepped away, moving quickly to leave the mess hall. He said, "Apparently there is something I do not know."

"Before you arrived, Cami got busted stealing parts from the tech workshop. She was kicked from the class and put on a two-month restriction," Clint explained. "The kid really likes gadgets. So, it's been hard on her."

Loki picked up the abandoned computer. "Do you know what she'll need?"

"Not really," Clint admitted.

Natasha shook her head. "I use gadgets, but I don't know the technical stuff like Cami does."

"Who was her instructor?"

"Dr. Bohini," Nat said. "He runs the workshop."

Noting that none of them had been eating for several minutes, Clint asked "Are we done here?"

"I believe so," Loki said. "Can I take this? I want to visit with Dr. Bohini. Then I'll submit the list for approval."

"Fine with me," Clint said. "Just get it in as soon as possible."

Everyone had stuff to do. So, when he found himself alone, Clint decided he'd better talk to Mike. As his second-in-command, Hopper would have to take over Hellhound business again while Clint was away. 

Clint inquired of Mike's location and was directed to his quarters. As he approached along the long corridor, Clint spotted Sif already standing at Mike's door, looking forlorn as she waited for a response to her knock.

He'd been told that Sif was returning to Asgard with them, but hadn't thought far enough ahead to realize the couple would be separated. Clint stopped, watching as the door opened and Sif was allowed inside. He readily chose not to burden Mike with work-related stuff at the moment.

People in the corridor were giving him strange looks as Clint stood there, trying to decide where to go. Unless he came up with something else quick, he knew he was likely to end up at the range. There was always paperwork of some sort awaiting his attention, but Clint loathed using his time up in that fashion, especially when it wasn't likely to keep his mind off his troubles.

"Agent Barton," a voice said through his communicator.

"Yeah?"

"Trainee Barton is requesting to make an out-of-agency phone call."

"To where?"

"The residence of Robert and Joyce Murphy."

"Those were her foster parents," Clint said, since the operator probably didn't know that.

"Can I authorize this call?"

"Yeah. Go ahead."

"Shall I patch the feed through to your communicator?"

"No. I think I know pretty much how that talk is going to sound. Barton out." Clint deactivated his com. Obviously, if the switchboard had to go through all of that over a phone call, the security office still had a flag on Cami's records. He thought he'd better take the initiative to pay them a visit and get some details worked out.

- - - - -

Loki was seated at Cami's desk when she arrived at the suite after midnight. He looked up from the pages of the grimoire with tired, red eyes.

"Why aren't you in bed?" Cami asked.

He sounded too tired to be cross. "I can ask you the same."

"I needed to keep moving. It helps... sorta."

"You haven't packed and we are leaving early," Loki reminded her. He put the book on the desk, pushed to his feet and drew close. "Are you angry with me?"

"No." Cami couldn't meet his eyes. So, she just allowed him to hold her.

"I want to understand," he said. "I want to help."

There was too much going through her head to explain, and she suspected the words wouldn't help ease him anyway. She asked, "What do I need to pack? Is there a list or something?"  

There wasn't an exact list. S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't tell her how many pairs of socks to take, for instance, but Loki did help focus her wandering thoughts so she could complete the task. Then they climbed into bed for a few hours of rest.

Natasha woke Cami promptly at four. 

It took Cami about ten minutes to wake Loki before pulling him into the bathroom where they succumbed to bouts of kissing and soapy caresses while sharing the shower. Unfortunately, there wasn't time for much fun because of the team's quickly approaching departure.

They shuffled around getting ready and hauling their bags out to the living room. Cami also grabbed her training staff.

"Nice," Natasha said to Loki, eying the new leather jacket he was wearing instead of his usual uniform one.

"We got it from a specialty leather store," Cami said factually. She was truthfully a little jealous of the coat, especially since Loki looked so sexy in it.

Sif stood off to the side, dressed in her attire for Asgard with the addition of a slender gold chain around her neck, which she was fingering distractedly. Cami hadn't seen her wear the chain before.

Clint came out of his room, looking as exhausted as the rest of them. "Give me some strong coffee and you've got an instant pilot," he joked. He set down his bag. "The jet is prepped on the flight deck. Do we want to try and eat at this hour or just pack something and get on our way?"

Natasha said, "I think Mike was going to meet us for breakfast."

Sif nodded. "He said he would try."

That settled the issue quite nicely. Once they handed off their luggage to be stowed on the jet, the group met up with Hopper for stuffed french toast with strawberries, Sif's favorite Midgardian breakfast. 

They also ran into Tony, Bruce and Jane who had yet to go to bed since their collaboration on the magic detection device had started the previous day. Luckily the kitchen had prepped a wide selection of coffee.

"Hey, keep my boys and girls out of trouble," Hopper requested of Sif as they said their farewells on the flight deck.

"I will try," Sif promised and gave him a long hug.

Cami didn't know how Sif managed not to shed a single tear, because she was certainly sniffling over the possibility of Mike and Sif never seeing each other again.

They boarded the jet soon afterward when Clint was informed that an inbound aircraft needed their spot. All-in-all it was a smooth take off and flight to New Mexico during which the girls were dozing in and out a lot.

"Why don't you close your eyes?" Cami asked Loki. "You know I'll wake you when we get there."

"I'm not so interested in seeing more of the wintery wastes of Niflheim right now," he answered with a wan smile.

Cami asked gently, "How is Hel? Did you speak with her last night?"

He considered her for a moment, appearing to lose even more enthusiasm at the prospect of having this particular conversation.

"No. She is angry with me, I imagine."

"Not a good relationship, huh?"

Loki stared off, choosing not to reply for so long that Cami thought they were done speaking.

When he did continue, his voice was low and distant. "She's trapped in Niflheim, appointed queen to the spirits of the unworthy dead who were refused a place in Valhalla. There is a barrier of energy that surrounds her domain and usually anyone who crosses it becomes trapped as well. No one purposely goes to Niflheim - at least, not after I ended my visits centuries ago and before my double went to make his bargain with her."

Though Loki had her attention and sympathetic ear, Cami did notice that Natasha and Sif were listening now too.

"What is she like?"

"Only half of her body lives and is beautiful. The other half is dead, slowly decomposing over the centuries. Hel is powerful, shrewd and so very, very stubborn."




Mischief Makers Ch. 07



Cami said sincerely, "That sounds like a harsh existence." 

Loki leaned his head back then, tending to his own thoughts.

Clint put the jet down along a flat stretch of desert outside of Puente Antiguo near the bifrost site. Three trucks were waiting for them with the remaining gear and equipment Fury had promised. When the first opened and an STAV rolled down the ramp in front of them, Cami nearly cheered.

"Jamie!" she called out in greeting as Jamie Tripp popped out of the cockpit to wave at them.

"Mr. Stark says to go easy on his babies," Tripp said. "We installed all the energy collecting and saving equipment available for these two. I'd keep the actual fuel for emergencies and just let them run off the solar power and such." He walked up the ramp of the second truck to drive out the other STAV, which had been fitted with a detachable cargo trailer where they loaded their baggage and supplies from the jet.

Clint stepped over to speak with the other men on site and get any special instructions for the third truck, which was a little smaller than the other two. Packed with equipment, that truck was coming with them as well.

"Stark mention to you where we're going?" Natasha asked.

"Nope, but the locals sure have some interesting stories," he said, indicating the distant town with a jerk of his head. "I thought they might correlate some."

There was a detailed plan of how they were going to move all this equipment and themselves through the bifrost. Loki was hesitant to let anyone actually sit in the driver's seat of any vehicle while in transit. So, he and Clint stepped up first with Loki calling respectfully for Heimdall to open the bifrost.

- - - - -

A sound much like a roll of thunder directly above them drew Clint's attention skyward. The clouds were actually starting to swirl and there was a flash of lightning that seemed to imbue them with a light green luminescence.

Clint barely had time to doubt the brilliance of this plan when there was a blinding flash, a crashing wave of light, and he was suddenly yanked off his feet. He couldn't guess at the speed he was traveling, but by the time he calmed and actually took in the magnificence of the journey through space, the trip was basically over. 

His forward momentum reversed so quickly that Clint felt a tremendous strain on his body. He fell to his hands and knees upon a hard, metal floor, slowly gazing upward to see a towering, dark-skinned man in menacing gold armor looming over him with a huge sword.

Clint attempted to rise, but fell on his butt instead, having not quite regained his equilibrium. Loki stepped over to offer Clint a hand up and steady him.

"So, this is your bifrost, huh?" Clint asked, casting a nervous look around, taking in the dimensions and design of the massive, magical machine with moving parts, which were slowly coming to a stop.

Loki gestured to the swordsman. "Clint Barton, this is Heimdall the All-Seeing Gatekeeper of Asgard."  

"Thank you for the lift," Clint said in earnest.

"Per Asgard's newest law, I welcome you, Clint Barton of Midgard, to the Realm Eternal," Heimdall said, though his deep voice, taut features and intimidating stare were not at all welcoming in Clint's opinion.

To Loki, Heimdall said, "That includes you as well, Your Majesty... for now."

Loki nodded and looked away, obviously disturbed to be reminded of his banishment.

"They are nearly ready," Heimdall reported, seeming to stare right through Clint and Loki.

"Let's make some room," Loki suggested, guiding Clint over behind Heimdall who stood on a platform with a pedestal at its center. "We've never pulled vehicles such as these through the bifrost before. Wagons and chariots, yes, but those always come with horses to stop them."

"I think we're good as long as nothing slips them out of park."

Clint was in awe as the structure began to move again, quickly picking up speed. He didn't dare move an inch as forks of electricity zigzagged all around them. Again there was a flash of white light and suddenly two blurs rushed at them through the tunnel thing, becoming recognizable as the STAVs only as they came to a safe rest on the metal flooring.

"That was really cool," Clint said with only somewhat controlled enthusiasm.

"It will get old after awhile, I'm sure," Loki said then rushed forward to dive into the cockpit of the nearest vehicle. Clint went to the other, following Loki as he drove it out of the bifrost and parked it beyond the immense golden sphere upon a glimmering road that stretched to the walled kingdom of Asgard in the distance.

Clint climbed out of the STAV to stand upon the rainbow bridge that Cami had described after her visit. To Clint the bridge looked like it was formed from a kind of thick, layered crystal. 

"Hey, how much weight does this thing hold?" he asked Loki as they walked back.

"I don't know," Loki admitted. "We've marched hundreds of armored men and their horses across it with no concern."

"Oh. OK. Good to know." 

The equipment truck arrived next and was also driven out to wait on the bridge.

"It is good that they built this bifrost larger than the last," Loki mentioned. "The truck wouldn't have made it through the doorway otherwise."

Cami, Natasha and Sif arrived last. Like Clint, Natasha had a hard time keeping her footing and might have toppled if it weren't for Sif's quick reflexes. Though she technically didn't fall, Cami eased down to her knees and held her head in her hands as she took in deep breaths.

The men moved in to render assistance as Heimdall greeted Sif.

Sif returned the greeting. "These are our S.H.I.E.L.D. allies from Midgard."

"I have met Clint... and Cami, of course."

Cami offered him a weak wave as Loki helped her up.

"This is Natasha Romanoff," Sif said, holding her by the shoulders.

"Welcome to Asgard," Heimdall replied, not sounding nearly as insincere this time, Clint decided. Though, apparently, the scary voice was normal for him.

"Thank you," Natasha said, seeming to size him and the bifrost up in turn. 

"King Odin approaches on Sleipnir," Heimdall informed them, turning to cast his gaze out of the structure. "He will escort you through the kingdom to the palace."

Clint took Natasha's hand and walked her out, making sure she was steadier on her feet.

"Wow," Natasha said, inspecting the crystalline bridge and peeking over the edge. "That's humbling."

Clint also took a moment to peer off into the openness of space and quickly agreed.

"That's not a good place to linger," Loki said uncomfortably, and gently pulled both of them away from the edge as Odin rode up on a large and muscled, black warhorse that boggled Clint when he realized it had twice as many legs as was natural for a horse.

"Wicked ride, Your ajesty," Cami said with a wide grin. "I did not see THAT the last time I was here," she told Loki, who looked a bit unsettled by her excitement.

"I assume that is a compliment, for Sleipnir is a very special horse," Odin said. "There is none faster, stronger or smarter in all the nine realms."

"Alright;" Clint prodded, "let's get moving. Cami ride with Loki. Nat take Sif with you."

Loki and Natasha drove the STAVs behind Odin's horse with Clint bringing up the rear of their precession in the truck. The tall gates stood open and crowds of people lined the streets, leaned out of windows and gathered on grand balconies and rooftops to see them pass through. He realized that some of the citizens were smiling and waving or at least looked pleasantly curious, while others appeared more suspicious and apprehensive. 

The unexpected parade through the streets put Clint on edge and rightfully so. An agent knew better than to start a mission by announcing to everyone that he was a spy, and though Odin probably didn't do that exactly, the king certainly wasn't keeping them a secret. Clint decided it would be important to find out just how much Odin had shared with his subjects about S.H.I.E.L.D.

Considering the enormous task before them, Clint was in a horrible mood and wanted everyone to shut up and listen to him. Of course, it wasn't going to be that easy. There were debates breaking out over everything. The first being the room in the palace they were going to use for their command center. Odin had prepared a spare reception room with big windows for natural lighting, but Clint doubted any of them wanted the sun glaring on their screens or in their eyes when they were working on the computers? On the other hand, they had to conserve and manage power usage whenever possible, which ultimately made the windows necessary. 

Clint pressed the need to get their solar panels installed, while Cami and Loki argued that if they got the computer systems up and running first, they could begin the time-consuming task of entering Odin's intel from his inquirers into a database.

"We don't want to run too long on the batteries alone," Clint said.

"Yeah, but we're losing daylight," Natasha pointed out. "By the time we install the panels, there won't be much light to put to use. Let's unload the workstations."

Luckily, Odin and Sif had business awaiting their attention. So, once Clint turned down the king's offer to have the servants assist with the truck, the Mischief Makers were finally on their own.

For the next few hours, they assembled workstations and started hooking up and testing their electronics, which didn't agree too well with Cami's constant headache. The result was her whining more than usual and Loki being extra distracted by her.

"Maybe we should find the flashlights," Natasha said, "before we venture into the back of the truck for anything else."

Loki was standing at one of the workstations and turned to say, "The servants will be around to light the braziers anytime now. They will bring lanterns if we ask."

Clint made a face at the thought of the servants moving in and out of their workspace and around the equipment, but tried to cover it up by wiping sweat off his forehead when he realized everyone was watching him.

Cami complained, "This would have gone a lot faster if we'd accepted Odin's offer to have his people help unload the truck."

"We don't..." Clint started to say then corrected himself. "I don't know these people, their motivations, their allegiances, anything. We're in the middle of a freaking security nightmare, if you haven't noticed."

Alright. There... I said it, he thought, knowing his comments wouldn't go unchallenged.

"You just have to get to know the palace staff," Cami seemed to lecture him. "We can't distrust everyone all of the time."

Natasha spoke before Clint, but said exactly what he was going to say. "Cami, this isn't the helicarrier. You're acting naive."

"Loki and I have experience with these people. You are supposed to trust our judgment as teammates."

"The palace is more secure than you realize," Loki said. "Heimdall looks in frequently. Odin can detect things that most can't, and he doesn't let just anyone live and work here. In fact, I'm sure the guards and servants find our presence equally unsettling."

"Are they more worried about us or YOU?" Clint countered, purposely snapping. He regretted it though when Loki's tall frame fidgeted and his gaze fell. 

Also, Loki's hesitation was too profound to be ignored before he admitted, "You're right. My presence complicates things immensely."

Cami shifted her focus from Loki to Clint, looking angry and uncomfortable. She put her hand to her chest and stepped cautiously away from the panel she had been wiring. "I'll leave you guys to finish this argument," she muttered and headed out the double doors, grabbing her staff from the trailer as she passed the STAVs.

Loki and Natasha stood in silence, looking, but also not looking at him. 

Clint was aggravated by the whole situation. He understood that Odin had requested their help, but somehow it felt more like Fury had handed them off merely to get Cami and Loki out of his non-existent hair.  

He said to them, "I know this sucks. I really don't think any of us want to be here right now, but we've got to get our shit together." When they chose not to respond, Clint added, "Why don't you two install the software. I'll lock up the truck for the evening and check on Cami. Then we'll start on those reports."

Clint could have wandered the grounds for hours looking for his sister if some helpful guards hadn't pointed him in the direction of the training area. From the sound of it, Cami was not alone, which Clint confirmed when he found Sif and Cami sparring inside a large courtyard. 

The tale of David and Goliath came to mind as he watched them. Sif was going easy on her, but Cami still blocked and attacked more confidently with her staff than Clint had seen in any training at the helicarrier.

Suddenly they sensed him. Cami backed away from Sif before sneaking a peek at Clint and turning away altogether.

Sif lowered her staff. "You are doing very well," she said proudly to Cami. "I'm sorry, but I must go. I promised the Warriors Three that I would meet them for drinks and to share stories of Midgard."

"It's OK," Cami said, giving a little half-shrug with her shoulder. "I have to go too."

"Another time?"

"Yeah. Of course."

Sif set her staff on a nearby rack and nodded respectfully to Clint as she walked past him out of the courtyard.

There were several moments of silence before Cami sighed loudly and turned back to face him. She looked defensive like he'd insulted her. 

"I didn't say anything."

"Then I won't either." Cami moved around him for the exit.

"Hey, wait a sec," Clint said, following after her. "I know things haven't been easy, but you can't pout every time I make a decision or observation you don't like. You requested me to be in charge of this team, remember?"

Cami kept walking and didn't even look back at him, though she did respond rather flippantly, "Fine. You're right. I'm wrong. Please don't lock up or disown me again."

Stunned by her words, Clint slowed his pursuit to contemplate and internalize what she must be feeling, which caused emotions that were too powerful to be ignored.

"Cami!" he called after her, rushing to catch up. "Stop and talk to me."

She didn't slow, but his longer strides carried him to her within moments. He reached out and took her arm. "Stop," he repeated, planting his feet.

Cami came to a sudden halt and slipped her arm from his grasp. She pushed her hair out of her eyes, tucking it behind her ears to reveal she was flushed and spilling tears in long trails down her cheeks.

"I don't know where to begin."

"You are supposed to help and protect me."

"Yes," he agreed, unable to say more as he nearly choked on a swell of intense guilt and wondered just how much worse Cami's pain was in comparison.

"I thought I wanted to be like you, to work for S.H.I.E.L.D. and help people."

Though she paused, Clint didn't jump in. He tried to swallow and hear her out while he searched for the right words.

"Fury has basically banished me to Asgard. At this rate, I'm not going to graduate. So, I'm a failed agent, a broken mage, a disappointing sister AND a burden on my boyfriend, who would probably leave me if he could."

"Most of that isn't true." Clint stepped closer and attempted to touch her shoulder, but she backed away, prompting him to keep talking. "You are amazing, ya know? Someone less strong, less determined would have quit by now under all the strain you've dealt with. You keep trying, which is one of the things Nat and I love most about ya."

"I don't know where I belong," Cami confessed, then winced and gripped her chest. "I want someone to finally keep me instead of leaving or sending me away."

"I AM keeping you," Clint desperately promised, but his tone still sounded angry, he realized.  

He made another step toward her, but she skillfully flipped up her staff, planting the end at the base of his throat to keep him back.

"Don't," she demanded. "I'm trying to calm down before something bad happens. Just walk away, like you always do."

It pained him to realize how much he had and was still hurting her. "I'm sorry," Clint muttered and promptly left her presence. He heard her sob once more before he got too far away.

He made his way back to the command center, choosing to ignore the looks from Loki and Natasha as he busied himself stacking their empty equipment boxes in the corner.

"Where's Cami?" Natasha asked.

"Cooling off," Clint said.

"Should one of us go talk to her?" 

"She acted like she wanted to be alone. We'll get more done without her complaining anyway," he said, knowingly venting anger and upset into his words.

You're an ass, he told himself, but couldn't help it. Why did everything have to go so wrong?

- - - - -

Cami walked the grounds appreciating the breeze that danced across her skin, carrying the sweet smells of the flowers as the warmth of the day ebbed. Her mind was clouded with the migraine and her unfocused thoughts. At least the physical activity calmed her emotions and the burn in her chest some.

She covered a lot of ground as she walked, nearing a small pavilion quite a ways from the palace when she realized that the brightest stars were already peeking through the dimming colors of the heavens. She would have to run to avoid getting stuck out in the encroaching darkness, but as she started back, she sensed something that made her stop. It hadn't been a sound, smell or a perceived movement. It was a subtle twinge in her core that she could have dismissed, but didn't.

Cami's instincts told her that the twinge was a warning that she was not alone. She scanned the area as she turned cautiously in a circle.

"Very good," a smooth voice praised.

Following the sound, Cami caught sight of the Bad Loki standing in the entry of the pavilion, looking pleased. "I hoped you would be attuned enough to feel that."

"What was 'that' exactly?" Cami demanded, continuing to shift her gaze just in case the Loki she did see was only a distraction.

"I was politely announcing my presence. It's a very old custom among mages." He picked a blue and white flower from the plant growing up the metal lattice beside him then stepped down on the grass, strolling casually toward her.

Cami started to panic as he drew closer, intensifying the pain in her chest.

He stopped a little more than an arm's-length away, holding the flower out to her.

Cami felt that he was much too close for comfort. She planted her staff between them, but assumed it wouldn't be enough to keep him back. Plus, he'd likely pursue if she tried to flee. 

With a flutter of uncertainty, she said, "No thanks. I don't accept gifts from strange men."

"How can you suggest that I'm a stranger?" he gently chided. "Have I not made a strong enough impression on you?"

"I said you were strange, not a stranger," Cami clarified. "What do you want?"

He dropped the flower into the grass at her feet. "You wandered out here away from Odin's immediate protection. I assumed you were luring me in for some purpose."

It would be stupid to admit that she'd walked away from her team without thinking about the consequences, but that also left her with nothing to say short of making up a quick lie, which she figured he would see through anyway if he wasn't reading her mind or some other wizards' trick.

Cami didn't realize she was rubbing at her sternum until Bad Loki inquired, "Is the pain terrible?" He was watching her closely, but looked too cheerful to be genuinely sympathetic.

"You don't really care," she said. "I think you gain pleasure from my discomfort."

He chose not to respond to that comment. He started a slow walk around her. "Does Odin have a plan for your predicament?"





Mischief Makers Ch. 07



Cami turned, tracking him because she was determined not to let him out of her sight. "If so, he hasn't shared it with me. What do you know about it?"

"Probably more than he does really."

"Did you do this to me?" Cami gently accused, reading something in his expression that made her think it could be true.

"Sensitives are born, not made," he said firmly.

"So, no; you didn't do something to me that attributed to this mess?"

"Well, of course I did," he said. "Every spell I've used on you tipped the balance a little more. Odin, Frigga, Jahla, even your pathetic lover - all of us can share the blame."

"What do you think Odin will do?" She surprised herself with the question.

"If you do prove dangerous, I assume he will take your power away or orchestrate your timely demise," he said pointedly. "You might think the King of Asgard is an inherently benevolent being, but he does have to consider the greater good."

His words upset her, and Cami had to stop herself from arguing with him in Odin's defense. Of course, Bad Loki would likely lie to her for his own amusement. 

He reached out as if to caress her and Cami jumped away from the touch, her fear converting to anger. 

She said vehemently, "You don't get to touch me ever again!"

"Such fire," Bad Loki said with admiration, his eyes brightening. "I have no plans to hurt you in the near future."

"I don't believe that. Loki says there is very little good in you, and you're a famed liar."

He really did seem to be enjoying this talk, not that Cami could tell why since she was insulting him. He said in a conspiring tone, "The story would be very different if I didn't have need of you. I'm not going to hurt you. I thought I made that plain."

"You cut me open!" 

"That lesson wasn't for you," he explained casually, acting as if this simple explanation would fix everything.

"Fuck you," Cami muttered. "I don't want to play a part in your evil plans. Why can't you go make your mischief elsewhere and leave me and my friends alone?"

He grinned widely at her. "I do believe I feel a proposition in the works, My Dear. Shall we?"

"What?"

He obviously enjoyed her confusion. "You want me to go away. So, I'm entertaining the chance of making a deal between us."

"Who are you, the Rumplestiltskin of Asgard? You'll just find a way to screw me over. No way!"

"We could include a stipulation for your 'Sensitive' situation."

"I said no."

"You haven't even asked what I want in return," he said, daring to slip forward so his front was touching her hand that held the staff. He was inches from her at best, looking down with a suggestive glint in his cunning green eyes.

"Ewww!" she said with disgust, retreating from him.

"Didn't you make the offer to, as you put it, fuck me?"

"That is not what I meant, and I think you know that."

"You should choose your words more carefully," he said. "One might take advantage." 

"Loki is my lover, not you. And there's not going to be a deal," Cami insisted.

He looked mildly disappointed. "Then I suppose we have nothing more to discuss."

The sun was low on the horizon, casting an orangey glow on him and the surroundings. Cami noticed movement on a distant hill, yet tried not to let her eyes shift too far and alert him as she inquired, "Why did you let us have our memories back?"

He studied her in consideration. "That was also a lesson, but not only for you," he said, turning his head to gaze momentarily over his shoulder as Clint and Loki topped the next closest hill on horseback.

"Explain the lesson I was supposed to learn," Cami pressed.

The riders were slowing as they neared instead of charging forward to her rescue, which clued Cami in that Clint and Loki couldn't see him standing there with her. 

"Give it some thought. I'm sure you're capable," Bad Loki said, waiting until the horses were fairly close before he left in a blink.

With his departure came an intense wave of relief that forced Cami to take in a deep breath right before the horses stopped in front of her.

Clint looked angrier than he sounded as he said, "It's a little late to be out wandering. I'd prefer not to have to lecture you about being careless and worrying everyone."

"I still remember how that lecture goes," she insisted, dropping her gaze to the grass and discarded flower. In light of Clint's anger, it seemed a poor moment to bring up her conversation with the Bad Loki.

Loki dismounted and pulled her close. "Did the walk help?"

"Not nearly enough."

Clint said, "We should go. Odin and Frigga are expecting us to join them for dinner."

Loki noticed the flower, picked it up and tucked it behind Cami's ear before boosting her onto his horse. Then he climbed up behind her, took the reins and led the way as they turned back toward the palace.

"Do I have to go?" Cami whined as they turned the horses over to a stable hand. She let every ounce of her misery seep through on her features and in her voice. "There's going to be tension and probably more arguing."

Clint looked at Loki, seeming to delegate to him the chore of handling her question. 

"I'm sorry, but the king wants to see all of us," Loki said, then led the way to the royal couple's suite.

Clint and Odin dominated the majority of the conversation at dinner, discussing, disagreeing and ultimately compromising over security issues. Frigga had a lot of questions, Natasha offered various suggestions to the hard issues, and Loki prioritized and estimated how long it would take to complete certain tasks ahead of them.

Cami did none of those things. She was suffering in silence, agitated by all the talking that really seemed to produce so few results. If she hadn't been numbing her headache with generous sips from her wine glass, which the servants kept refilling for her, she wouldn't have endured it as long as she did.

Finally, she interrupted yet another debate to ask Odin wearily, "May I be excused, Your Majesty?"

Odin turned his attention on her and offered his first real smile of the evening. "Yes, Cami. I'm sure you've had a tiring day."

"I think I will turn in as well," Loki said instantly, rising from his chair.

"See you tomorrow," Clint said to them and then emphasized, "early."

Frigga and Natasha also wished them a good night and the couple slipped out to the main corridor, which was lit by freestanding or wall-mounted braziers about every fifteen feet.

"Thank you, My Dear," Loki said as they walked through the alternating lit and shadowed sections. "I thought we would be stuck at that table all night."

"It was pointless for me to be there," she said, leaning against his side. "I couldn't pay attention."

"Do the medications Dr. Lloyd gave you not help with the pain?"

"They do," she explained, "but not for very long. I can only take them every six hours and now I've been drinking and shouldn't take them at all."

He frowned at her. "I did notice the amount of wine you had. You'll probably feel much worse in the morning."

Loki turned off the main corridor into an entry that seemed familiar. Cami froze, watching as Loki opened the center door and stepped inside.

"This is your suite," she said with apprehension.

He looked surprised by her reaction. "Where else did you think we were going?" He walked back out and took her hand.

"I don't think I should stay in your rooms," she said, standing her ground. "It's your place to go when you want to be alone."

He considered her for a moment then scooped her up enthusiastically and carried her inside. "You're right," he said, kicking the door closed with his foot and walking on through the sitting room. "This is also where I eat, sleep, study, bathe, dress and occasionally make passionate love to a beautiful woman."

Cami was laughing at his whimsical take on her objection as they entered the bedroom/study area. 

"How many women?" she dared to ask.

He laid her out on the bed and settled on the edge. He was trying to squelch his own playful smile, but not succeeding very well. "In this bed?"

"Yes."

"You're sure you want to know?"

"Uh huh."

He swooped in, giving her a long, seductive kiss that made her jump at first then slowly relax into the softness of the bed.

"Mmmm... Nice try. I still want to know," she teased when they parted. "Did you lose count of them?"

"No," he said, appearing amused that she thought that. Then his expression became more serious and sincere as he said, "There's only been two others in this bed before."

Cami was surprised by the number. "Can I ask who?"

"If it really matters." His amazing green eyes were so soulful as he added, "You don't have to stay with me, but I want you to."

Cami sat up, resting against the bed's thick headboard. She asked, "You aren't worried that I'll hurt you with my magic?"

"No."

"Well, I think you're being foolishly optimistic."

"Optimistic that you'll not hurt me or that you'll stay?"

God, he's got the sexiest grin, Cami thought, practically melting under his gaze. She could try and fool herself that there was still a choice to be made, but she would have put up some semblance of a fight when he was carrying her in if she hadn't wanted to be here.

"I need a bath before anything else," she said, tugging at her uniform shirt. "I feel all kinds of gross in my clothes."

"You say the most charming things," Loki teased with a slow shake of his head. Then he looked toward a doorway which Cami had yet to see beyond, calling for Igus.

The elderly servant appeared almost instantly, causing Cami to realize with unease that he must have been nearby all along.

"Lady Camille has decided to stay the night," Loki told Igus. "Start a bath for us."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Igus said with a bow then disappeared through the doorway just as suddenly.

"Lady Camille?" Cami questioned.

"It's come to my attention that the servants believe we are pledged to be married," he explained. "Lady Camille is what they've taken to calling you as part of your higher standing."

Cami went from surprise to mild agitation. "You're letting them continue to think that? Why?"

"I didn't see any harm in it. If anything, an arranged marriage probably helps them to accept the team's presence in Asgard. I doubt Odin has told them that much about S.H.I.E.L.D.'s reasons for being here."

Even coming from him, the explanation was a little ridiculous, but Cami didn't think Loki was to blame for the rumor or that he was trying to use it to manipulate her in some way. 

"You're going to have to tell Clint, Natasha and your parents before they hear it from someone else and thinks it is true," Cami said.

Igus stepped into the room long enough to let them know that the bath water was running and to ask if they needed anything else before slipping away again.

"Wow. He's so fast and quiet," Cami said, scooting to the edge of the bed to tug off her shoes while Loki also began to undress.

"The servants are trained to be efficient, yet mostly stay unseen."

"Like spies," Cami noted.

Loki thought over the comparison. "Yes, I suppose."

"I guess I'll have to get used to having him around." Cami had stripped down to her underwear easily enough, but hesitated after that. "Are we sure he's gone?"

"He'll come around tomorrow after we're up to collect our clothes, unless we call for him before then."

Loki apparently had no qualms getting naked. He dropped his boxers on the pile of their clothes then reached around to unhook Cami's bra, which she clung to and refused to let drop.

"Why so shy?" he asked softly. "I thought the wine would make you less inhibited. Have you made yourself paranoid with your 'servants as spies' analogy?"

"Maybe," Cami admitted with a touch of embarrassment.

Loki was probably teetering between exasperation and amusement as he led her into the bathroom where a large bathtub of steaming water awaited them.

"That tub is way big," Cami said in awe. "We could fit at least a third person in there with us."

"Not tonight," Loki teased, as if she had been making a suggestion or request, which instantly made her think regrettably of her encounter with Bad Loki. 

He climbed in, turned off the flowing taps and looked at her expectantly.

Cami shrugged off the straps and let the bra fall before sliding her panties down. There were thick, black rugs surrounding the tub and her tender feet were glad for the softness as she stepped forward off the stone flooring. She turned and hopped up to sit on the tub edge before swinging her legs up and over.

- - - - -

Loki loved to watch Cami move whether she was nude or not. Even when she was being self conscious there was an underlying grace, discipline and strength in her limbs that she probably didn't recognize. He assumed it had something to do with her dancing background.

She perched on the side of the tub with her feet dangling, giving him a few moments to admire her physical endowments in the glow given off by the fires that lit the room. Her long, hazelnut brown hair framed and partly concealed her beautiful breasts as the tresses tumbled across her smooth skin with every little move she made.

Loki took Cami's slim waist in his hands as she turned away and slipped down into the water. He helped her settle between his legs then pushed her hair out of the way so he could knead tension out of her neck and shoulder muscles.

Cami groaned softly and leaned forward to rest her face on her raised knees.

When she was relaxed enough to his liking, Loki lathered her soft flesh with scented soap then rinsed her off in turn before laying her back against his chest and doing the same with her arms and front, giving her breasts special attention.

"I'm falling asleep," she warned him with a content hum to her words.

Loki slid his right hand down her abdomen between her slightly parted thighs, causing her to fidget a little as his fingers settled on her sex. "Will this help wake you up?" he whispered, giving her a caress.

She moaned agreeably as her legs fell open to allow him room for exploration.

Loki tickled her with slow, sweeping motions of his fingertips before moving deeper to stimulate the more tender flesh. He eased a finger inside of her, making slow circular motions while keeping his thumb working at her clitoris.

Cami moved his other hand off her stomach, resting it on her right breast as she arched up, pressing the nipple into his palm. She slid her hands down his legs, curling her fingers around to get a loose grip near his knees as she moved her pelvis in rhythm with his ministrations.

Loki kept the stimulation slow, planning to ease her into an orgasm. He leaned down to capture her mouth in a probing kiss while he worked both sensitive areas with his hands. The combination was just what she needed as her breathing quickened and her body tensed in anticipation of release. 

Then her skin suddenly felt much hotter against his. She broke the kiss with a cry of distress and tried to escape his hold.

A figure appeared beside them adding to the commotion. Loki barely caught a glimpse of Bad Loki before black tendrils ensnared and flipped them up and out of the tub. 

He landed hard on the stone across the room, but managed to ignore the jolting pain to glance up and see Cami convulsing on the floor. Electricity crawled across her body like dozens of small white spiders, leaving red and black burns on her wet flesh.

"Are you an imbecile?" Bad Loki roared at him. He turned and approached Cami cautiously. He waited as she stopped moving and the electricity died down to random sparks that eventually dissipated.

Loki rushed over, getting down beside Cami as Bad Loki crouched too. He could see she was taking in breaths, but held his own in fearful anticipation. He was visibly trembling as he inspected the trails of nasty burns.

"Her power is affecting her body's innate electrical current. You could have killed her and seriously injured yourself in the water." 

Then the double ventured to touch her face. "She'll live," he reported after torturous moments and rose back to his feet.

It was hard to do it, but Loki offered a soft, "Thanks," just the same. He had to acknowledge the lifesaving act - even if Bad Loki's reasons for intervening were presumably self serving.

The double's anger flared again as he said, "You tell Odin to find a solution to her problem or I will. I have been generous to allow you this freedom, but if you can't keep out of trouble, I will be forced to remove you both from S.H.I.E.L.D. and Odin's care."

"Leave her out of this," Loki pleaded.

"The choice is not mine."

Loki's desperation grew. He wanted so badly to understand. "Is this about Hel? What did she ask from you?"

"You'll have to ask her that yourself. I promised to be discreet."

"I'm surprised she trusts you at all."

The double's eyes narrowed. "Insulting me while I'm in this foul mood is not advisable." He opened a dimensional space and pulled a blood blade, holding it where Loki could see it. "Jahla can always use more blood, but it would be a pity for Cami's wounds to go untreated until morning when Igus discovers you both here unconscious in a pool of your blood."

The mention of the old servant brought him to his senses.  Loki got up, hurrying through the suite to the entry. He yelled across the corridor for Igus, who stepped out of his own doorway seconds later.

"Cami is badly hurt. Summon the healers... and the king."

Igus bowed and rushed off to follow the orders.

Loki pulled on his uniform pants and grabbed a robe from the bedroom. He was actually surprised to find Bad Loki still standing guard over Cami when he returned to the bathroom. 

Afraid to move her, Loki draped the robe over Cami's body.

"I suggest you get her to a competent spirit mage," Bad Loki said coldly. "It's a reasonable place to start, I would think."

Loki didn't know how to respond. All this helpfulness was so out of character for him. "Odin will be coming. Are you leaving or staying?" he snapped.

The double sneered, eliciting a small, contemptuous growl in return before he disappeared.

- - - - -

Clint and Natasha were saying goodnight to the king and queen when an elderly man came rushing into their suite. 

"Your Majesties," he said in a gasping panic, "Lady Camille is seriously injured. I have called for healers, but Prince Loki is asking for you as well."

In a flash of bright light, Odin was gone.

"Come," Frigga said urgently to Clint and Natasha, dashing out into the corridor alongside the messenger.

After a mad dash through the hallways, they entered Loki's rooms to find Cami unconscious on the bathroom floor, surrounded by people who weren't as interested in concealing her nudity as examining the nasty burns that appeared to mark every part of her body. 

Clint moved back to the bedroom where Odin had cornered Loki and was laying into him furiously.

"What happened?" Clint demanded as he drew near to them.

Loki looked absolutely sick with guilt and worry. When he hesitated, Odin answered for him, angrily exposing the couple's sexual escapade and the Bad Loki's fortunate intervention as they had been explained to him prior to Clint's arrival.

Clint didn't know if he was angrier with Loki's carelessness or Odin's lack of immediate attention to Cami's condition. Either way, words failed to form through the pounding in his head, which was actually making him feel a bit dizzy.

"My double suggested we take her to a practitioner of spirit magic," Loki said. 

Odin looked surprised. "That's a good idea."

"Hel and Jahla are the only people I have ever met with that sort of power."

"There aren't many of them," Odin said. "In times past, both blood and spirit mages were often hunted down and murdered by those who felt they caused ailments and madness in others. Those were dark times with long lasting ramifications."




Mischief Makers Ch. 08



Natasha had her own room next door, but for the second night in a row she appeared and crawled into bed with Clint. She snuggled close, tucking up against his side with her head resting on his shoulder and lightly scratched at his chest with her fingernails as the bedside candle reflected in her stunning green eyes.

"Do you think humans are ready for all this?" she asked, finally saying something after the stealthy entrance. "I mean, ready to be active members of the cosmos?"

"Probably not," Clint admitted. His focus shifted a bit as he continued. "Odin knows that the team is going to have to do some serious traveling and interacting if we're going to get the intel we need. With a culture shock of this magnitude, at least one of us is bound to stir up trouble in some way."

Natasha was quiet again for a while, urging Clint to ask what was on her mind.

"This is magic and monsters all over again and we're still not trained for it. We're going to be on the front lines against a more powerful Loki. What if...?" Emotion flooded into her voice as she struggled to get the words out. "What if he actually succeeds at killing you, one of our friends, or all of us?"

To see genuine fear in the eyes of the highly disciplined Black Widow was profoundly disturbing. 

Clint turned toward Natasha, gathering her against his frame before softly kissing her forehead, temple and then earlobe. His hands slipped under the back of her sleep shirt, caressing and rubbing at her silken flesh with devoted tenderness and skill.

She accepted his caresses and kisses, but didn't initiate anything herself. Clint didn't mind, because her warmth and smell were more than enough for him. He kept her close, kissing and kneading away her tension until she was limp and drowsy in his embrace. Then he carefully untangled from her long enough to scan the room one more time and blow out the candle.

In the morning Clint woke with a headache right behind his eyes and to find Natasha had already slipped away. He climbed out from the light covers to sit on the edge of the bed, rubbing at his brow and groaning softly. Headaches were becoming common for him now, at least one a day, it seemed. He was actually thinking he might need to have his eyes checked in case some change in his visual acuity was attributing to the problem. 

Oh geez, Clint thought. How degrading would it be if he had to actually start wearing contacts or glasses? He would opt for surgery first if possible.

He got ready for the day and decided to visit Cami at the healing room. Dr. Lloyd had reported that Cami's burns were already showing considerable improvement. Unfortunately, he and the healers had no guess as to when she would actually regain consciousness. Apparently she was in a deep coma state.

Loki was sleeping on a bench beside Cami when Clint arrived in the healing room. There were no healers around right then and only minimal light from the few braziers they'd left burning through the night and the soft glow off the pool of water at the room's center. 

Sif had told him that the water had magical properties and they used it for making medicines. As he recalled this fact, he patted down his pockets to find that he'd distractedly left his painkillers somewhere back in his room. 

There was plenty of soft seating for him to choose from if he decided to hang out awhile, but Clint actually moved toward the pool, lowering himself to one knee on the hard stone at its edge. He studied the water with its golden luminescence, wondering if it enhanced the body's natural healing ability or held a secret ingredient of its own. 

Clint tentatively reached out and slipped the tip of his fingers into the water. He was surprised to find that it was so cool despite the warm, almost stuffy temperature of the windowless room. He withdrew his fingers and studied the water on his skin as it ran down and dripped from his hand. It didn't look any different than tap water to him.

He heard the door open and Odin offering a friendly greeting as he moved into the room. Clint stood and crossed to stand by the king as he looked over the sleeping couple. "It's a good thing you're able to help Loki," Clint said casually. "I don't know what we'd do without him. He processed four times more reports yesterday than Brandon or Bruce. He's practically a machine when it comes to that stuff."

Odin nodded, looking deep in thought.

Clint waited a few moments then decided his presence was interrupting. "I guess I'd better go find everyone. We've still got tons to do."

"Wait," the king said softly, shifting his gaze to Clint as he froze. Then Odin looked away, scanning the room as he turned. "Come out, Loki," he said sternly. "I can feel you here."

Clint pulled his sidearm, holding it at the ready and also took in the room with its many shadows. With the rush of adrenaline that hit him in the next second came a stabbing pain and crushing pressure in Clint's head, which made him grimace and curse as it blurred his vision. He blinked hard and rubbed at his eyes with his free hand.

"It was an innocent test to see how close I could get," Bad Loki's voice said from Clint's left, but when he turned that way he could see nothing through the blur, not even a hazy patch of color to distinguish a form from the tapestries or walls.

"Come out," Odin said again. "I'm in no mood for your tricks."

"Well, if you can't pinpoint me at this distance, I see no reason to actually comply. Did you ever imagine that I'd become powerful enough to elude the All-Father?"

"What can I say that will convince you to end all this madness?" Odin asked. "Have you no higher purpose than to cause pain and suffering everywhere you go? Can you gain no satisfaction otherwise?"

"Such eloquent words and profound questions," Bad Loki said in a tone that teetered on condescending. "I have no desire to ponder them. I simply do as I want, when I want and to whomever I want." 

Clint continued to try to track him by sound alone, realizing that he wasn't just circling the room, but jumping from one side to the other randomly. 

"This is not the attitude of a king's son, born to great power and entrusted to nurture and protect his people," Odin said, his voice a building rage.

"The irony of your words astounds me, being what I am. You have HIM, poor, weak, GOOD Loki, as your stolen son. Let him grovel for your forgiveness and serve the endless demands of the Asgardian people. I'll have none of it."

Clint kept shaking his head, blinking and wiping his eyes. He still could not make out the details of the room, but a quick flash of clarity showed him not what was before him, but outside the room. Natasha, Kotter, Stott, Sif, Queen Frigga and a handful of palace guards were running urgently down the corridor when suddenly the interior wall exploded, crushing and tearing into them with deadly force. It was a momentary glimpse that distracted and perplexed, then fleeted away, leaving Clint effectively blinded again. 

"If you will not see reason, then you leave me no choice," Odin warned, reverting back to an eerie calm. "For the good of the nine realms, I sacrifice myself to your destruction."

"No!" Clint screamed, overwhelmed with an urgent, undeniable providence. He threw himself toward the blur of gold and felt the impact as he collided with Odin's broader frame and the floor next. His senses caught the king's undignified growl of surprise, Bad Loki's laughter, a slight rush of air past his head, multiple footfalls in the corridor outside and the slight creak of the door as it opened and blurry forms invaded the room.

"Where's Loki?" Natasha was yelling. "Was he here? Heimdall said he couldn't see into this room." 

"He's gone," Odin said, sounding bewildered and cross all at once.

Clint tried to sit up, but his head swam with pain. He covered his face with his hands. Each rush of blood into his head made it feel like an inflating balloon.

"Clint," Kotter asked, "are you alright, Man? Are you hurt?"

"No; just... get the doc for me, OK? Hurry. My head feels like its going to explode."

A confusing and debilitating disorientation came over him. He saw nothing. Sounds and smells hit his senses like mini sledge hammers, driving him mad. In time something cool and wet rested on his forehead. He felt the temporary squeeze of a blood pressure cuff on his arm and the terrible, piercing hiss it made as it deflated. There was a lot of sound, seemingly directed at him, but he could not discern the purpose of it, so he groaned and shook his head in return. Something small pinched the crook of his arm and gradually the pressure eased in his forehead and around his eyeballs.

The familiar-sounding voice of an older man drifted through the remaining chaos. "Sleep now, Agent Barton," it said with authority, issuing an order that Clint couldn't have defied if he'd wanted.

- - - - -

For hours the team worked on the inquisitor reports and compiling the missing persons list as Clint had requested the previous day. They kept their talking and distractions to a minimum until the queen arrived and insisted they pull themselves away to get a decent meal. She then reinforced this request by having servants deliver large trays of appetizing food directly to the command center.

"Walk with me," Natasha said, handing Loki a sandwich before grabbing one for herself and steering him toward the outer doors.

Loki didn't feel that hungry, but ate anyway as they strolled quietly toward the gardens. Loki assumed she would want to talk about Clint's situation, now that they'd discovered he was also a Sensitive.

Natasha spoke first, though she sounded less assured of herself. "Maybe we should have Odin intervene with Cami and Clint."

"Have him suppress their magic?" Loki clarified.

"Yeah, before anything else happens."

"I suppose," Loki said, but he wasn't convinced he had the right to make that choice for either of them or if that was what he really wanted.

"We care more about them than anyone else here," she continued, seeming to have read his mind. "Clint and I..." She struggled with the words, finally admitting as she looked away, "we're together now."

Loki nodded, noting the change in her tone that hinted this information was to be considered a close-kept secret.

When he didn't comment on her suggestion, she continued her argument. "Clint has a successful career in S.H.I.E.L.D. with plenty more years ahead of him. He doesn't need magic."

"I understand, but if a spirit mage could help him."

"No. I think you prefer that solution because you miss your own powers."

Loki gave a loud, irritated sigh. He wanted to believe his intentions were less selfish than that, but he actually wasn't sure what motivated him to disagree with her wishes. 

He gazed into the sky to avoid her critical eyes, seeing dark clouds on the horizon above the West Forest. He naturally thought of the threat of rain first before two dark, distant forms against the sky caught and held his attention. The two winged creatures were different in size, color and even species, yet flew side-by-side.

"Birds?" she asked.

"No," he said with a knowing smile, "not just mere birds." He stepped away from Natasha, letting out a loud whistle and held up his bent arm in front of him. "Put up your arm," he said. "Let them land."

Natasha obeyed, but with visible worry.

Loki whistled again and the birds went into a controlled dive for several dozen feet then evened out as they slowed. The larger of the two birds was a female great owl of white, brown and gold coloring, which landed heavily on his arm. She screeched a greeting before leaning close to gently touch the side of Loki's face.

The other bird, a female black and white hawk swooped in to perch upon Natasha's arm, tilting her head in thoughtful consideration while Natasha watched cautiously.

"It is so good to see you," Loki told them, fondly caressing the owl's feathers with his free hand.

The owl jumped away, transforming its entire body mid-fall so as to land upon humanoid feet. The hawk followed, also changing form. The sunlight shimmered upon their now long, golden hair and lit up their Elven features as the women offered Loki enthusiastic hugs.

"We were so pleased to hear you'd returned," Mitzi, the slightly taller of the two women said. Her tone sounded like she was smiling, yet Loki couldn't see her features with her face pressed up against his chest.

"It's been a while," he admitted, holding them tight.

"Shapeshifters," Natasha said, her eyes growing brighter with understanding. 

"Yes, it's a talent that runs in their family. Mitzi and Diani are Rosner's twin daughters," Loki explained. "I don't see them very often, but I've known them since they were children."

"We've come for assistance," Diani said, her expression turning serious. "We were traveling through Alfheim with our father when we received the King's request. There are rumors of a spirit mage in the Zovodna Clan of the southern province. So, we headed there directly to investigate."

"We ran into a Jotun raiding party on the way," Mitzi added. "They tried to capture us. Father held them off while we escaped."

"Then you do not know his fate?"

Diani answered, "No, we came straight away through the secret passage you showed us in the Home Wood."

Loki called into his communicator for Heimdall, grateful that the gatekeeper had agreed to use the S.H.I.E.L.D. technology to interact more easily with the team. "Rosner has been attacked by Jotun trespassing in Alfheim. Can you see him? Is he alive?"

After a long pause, Heimdall reported, "Rosner is in a Jotun village near the crossing into Alfheim. He is being held as a prisoner in their pit."

Loki shared this news with the others. "We should report this to Odin," He said, leading the group urgently back toward the palace.

Natasha activated her own communicator as she fell in step behind them. "Kotter, pull the team together in the command center for a briefing," she ordered. "We'll be right there."

The king was waiting with the team when Loki and Natasha arrived with the twins. After quick introductions, everyone was apprised of Rosner's situation and they began to discuss their options.

How effective is diplomacy going to be with these Jotun?" Dr. Banner asked.

"Likely not at all," Odin answered. "These particular Frost Giants are on the outskirts. They are used to being out from under Queen Farbauti's ruling thumb. At least with her, we could attempt to negotiate."

"Will you demand his release?" Sif asked Odin.

"We do not know what has caused the Jotun to take these aggressive actions," the king said. "Perhaps it was a simple act of opportunity." He turned, setting his gaze on Dr. Montoya. "Any suggestions?"

The psychologist's eyes momentarily widened. Clearly she hadn't expected the question. "You're right. We need to find out their motivations. Is there anything they might need that we could offer as a trade for the spymaster?"

"Nothing comes to mind. They are highly self-sufficient and used to taking anything they want."

Natasha asked, "Could we attempt a stealth option? A jailbreak?"

"If they catch us," Loki said gravely, "the situation will become much worse. We must be cautious." 

Odin paced and stroked his beard.

"Perhaps the Zovodna could give us information," Mitizi said. "They sometimes hunt in the Jotunheim."

"Zovodna embrace their connections to nature and animals more than some other clans," Loki said. "Politics are a fleeting concern for them at best. Even an appearance from Odin could vex more than impress them."

"While that's true," Odin said, "Asgard has had good relations with them in the past. If the Zovodna have a spirit mage in their village, then we do need to speak with their leader."

"Are we going big or small group for this?" Kotter asked. He eyed the twins with apparent interest. "I wouldn't mind a little 'cultural exchange' with the Elves."

Diani stared back at Kotter, studying his amused features as she appeared to ponder his words. There was no change in her own expression as she told him, "They will see us coming no matter how many we number. Zovodna are at home in their forest and protect their borders well."

Loki said, "I heard once that it is better to approach with your weapons visible rather than hidden."

"True," Mitzi said.

Diani concurred. "They don't like surprises."

"Sounds like the team might need a crash course in Zovodna etiquette," Natasha suggested. "I don't much like surprises either."

Odin gestured for everyone to find a seat or otherwise get comfortable for what could be a long briefing.

- - - - -

As Cami hung in limbo within the cold, shadowed hall of Niflheim her thoughts streamed along predictable paths. There were enough bad memories to fill volumes, but every dip she made into that pool of misery eventually led to something hopeful and happier like living with the Murphys, reuniting with Clint and meeting Loki.

This is a test, Cami decided. Hel wants to see if the loneliness will break me.

Hel had taken her from everyone she loved and needed, and as she thought about the people in her life, Cami came to the conclusion that either her brother and friends didn't know she was in Niflheim or they couldn't save her. This possibility sparked a small, yet powerful flame of purpose within her core. Instead of cringing away from the overpowering cold, Cami ventured in, clearing her mind and casting aside her uncertainty to explore the totality of the situation. 

Cami soon discovered that the cold was comprised of the collective woes of innumerable souls. Loki had told her that people didn't come to Niflheim on purpose, yet so many spirits dwelled here, feeling lost, forgotten and, in some ways, cheated and angry. Cami could almost feel them as individuals - mothers, fathers, sons and daughters all without the comfort or promise of hope. It was heartbreaking.

Suddenly a great force latched onto Cami, yanking her consciousness back through the dense cold into the hall. Hel stood before her without the hood and cloak to hide her shocking appearance. The firelight from the nearby brazier flickered on her skin, revealing every fine or grisly detail.

"What were you doing?" Hel asked heatedly.

Cami tried to muster up her anger and assimilate Hel's frightening expression at the same time. Finding words was difficult, but she finally answered with a vehement, "I'm going back to my body as soon as I can figure out how."

Cami's mind seemed to shudder and suddenly she was in a bright light which rapidly dimmed to more of a twilight gloom to reveal she was no longer in the hall surrounded by the serpents. In their place stood masses of decomposing corpses as far as she could see in every direction, all with their rotted faces turned toward her.

"You don't approve of my hall. Perhaps you will like this better. This is what my father sees every time I pull his soul here," Hel said factually from beside Cami. "This exact spot is where I put him on display for my subjects"

Cami searched the gazes of the nearest souls with trepidation, already sure that this was far worse than the snakes.

"Why put Loki on display?" she asked uneasily.

Hell said, "Tell me what you want from him first."

Cami caught the implied accusation. "Only his company."

Hel drifted a few yards away above the heads of the crowd. "He has been a wealthy, powerful and influential man in the past. Perhaps someday he will have that back."

"You think I care about that stuff, but I don't," Cami insisted, feeling unnerved by Hel's interrogation and the silent audience. "I like him the way he is right now."

"Strange, I almost believe you," Hel said, facing her again.

"Now answer my question. Why do you put him on display?"




Mischief Makers Ch. 08



"He likes attention."

"No, not really," Cami countered knowingly. "Perhaps in the past..."

"You think you know my father better than I do?"

"He's different now. I'm sure you'd see his kinder side if you weren't plotting against him with the Bad Loki and Jahla."

"I am serving my own interests. That does not mean I wish him ill will."

"And Bad Loki?"

"I care not about the double's plans."

Their discussion was getting them nowhere, which only added irritation to Cami's anxiety. She cast a long gaze around. "Why are they staring at me? Haven't they got something better to do?"

Hel suddenly laughed, her voice lively, warm and truly beautiful. Cami thought it might be a wonderful voice for singing since even her laughter was so melodic.

"I guess that was a dumb question," Cami said. The embarrassment was made worse by the fact that she couldn't walk away, hide her face or close her eyes against the onlookers.

With another sudden shudder, they were in the hall again, and the snakes returned to hiss and keep her company. 

"Why do they do that?" Cami asked. She would be more frightened of them if she was actually inside her body and vulnerable to attack.

"When my father destroyed that serpent in Midgard, part of it went into you. They are drawn to that energy and the warmth of your living soul."

"The other snake seemed to like me. These just hiss," Cami complained.

A deep laugh rose up from the back of the hall. Hel turned, clearing Cami's line of sight enough to reveal Bad Loki standing at the mouth of a shadow portal. He strolled toward them with a playful grin. "Are you two bonding?"

Sounding irritated, Hel asked him, "What do you want now?"

"Do I need a reason to visit? I was just curious," he said. "Pulling Cami's soul here actually furthers you from your goal, doesn't it?"

"I thought your description of her attributes seemed a bit overstated. I merely took advantage of the opportunity to get a look at her myself."

Interesting way to justify a kidnapping, Cami thought, if stealing someone's soul counts as kidnapping.

"So, what do you think?" he prodded, appearing to sincerely want to hear Hel's opinion.

"She's flawed."

Cami was both amused and offended by Hel's brief assessment and criticized, "Your idea of how to treat a guest is appalling."

Bad Loki was back to laughing. He'd come close enough to have to step over and around the piles of coiled serpents. "Now, now, girls, let us try to get along," he chided.

Hel was staring at Cami, which was quite unsettling. Pointing in her general direction, Hel said, "Look into her essence. She is tainted."

"She HAS been exposed to all sorts of magic recently," Bad Loki said, reaching Hel's side and leaning closer to examine Cami too. After several moments, he admitted, "I don't see anything."

"There's a ripple of foreign malevolence in her," Hel tried to explain to him.

Cami asked, "What does that mean?"

When Hel didn't respond, only continued to stare intently, Bad Loki repeated the same question.

Hel explained, "She's cursed."

"Oh that," he said, suddenly acting unconcerned. "It's only a stimulus to encourage the behaviors and results we want. It's relatively harmless."

Hel frowned at him. "THIS is a curse of ruin and bad luck. I believe it is further unbalancing her magic. It would appear that Jahla means to kill her."

Bad Loki growled with a fervor that sent snakes slithering off in various directions. "That jealous, ungrateful witch!" he roared, then fell silent to take in deep breaths of air.

Cami looked between them, feeling fear once again smother what remained of her anger. "Can you remove it?" she asked Hel.

"My powers are limited against living souls," Hel said factually, slipping back into a somber calm. "It would be unwise for me to try something that complex without killing you first."

Before Cami really had time to react to Hel's deadpan comment, Loki interjected, "Let her return to her body in Asgard. Odin will try to help her. Unless, of course, you've changed your mind about using her." He casually kicked a serpent off his boot before meeting her eyes again. His tone was laced with mild agitation as he said, "It is a little late in the game to be swapping out pieces."

"Maybe you should worry about Jahla," Hel suggested icily, "since it appears that she has no interest in helping fulfill your promise to me."

"I will," Bad Loki said starting back for his portal, "but remember, My Dear, we need Jahla if we're to do this."

Hel waited, looking back only to see the portal close after him.

"Why do you keep me here?" Cami asked softly, thinking she must sound quite pitiful. "Are you punishing me?"

"Perhaps it has nothing to do with you at all," Hel said. "Are you always so egocentric?"

"No," Cami answered, her voice withering.

Hel did have an interesting point, Cami realized. She was looking at this whole situation from only her own perspective. Hel had been trapped in Niflheim for numerous centuries. 

Cami tentatively said, "You must hate it here."

Hel's gaze shifted from Cami to scan the hall. "This is my home," she stated simply, but there was no warmth or passion in her forced words.

"I bet it's hard to appreciate a home that you can never leave or choose to come back to," said Cami, trying to balance her tone between being delicate and bold. 

When Hel remained silent, Cami didn't push the point. What did she know about having a real home anyway? She had a bad feeling that she might never get out of the Underworld.

- - - - -

Clint hadn't dreamed of his dad much in recent years and certainly not in such vivid detail. His dad looked just the way Clint remembered him, tall and strong with tired eyes from working so much overtime, features that always seemed to be smiling, and hair just starting to show gray around his temples. 

There was a younger version of Clint in the dream too, not nearly old enough to be considered a teen, but plenty tall enough to fool people who didn't know him. 

Father and son were standing at the viewing window of a hospital nursery, staring down through the glass at a rosy-skinned newborn with pudgy features, wrapped in a pink blanket.

"Whatcha think?" His dad asked, giving the young Clint a playful nudge. "Your baby sister is pretty cute, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess so," Young Clint said, looking uncertain. "I would have settled for a dog or a new bike instead."

His dad laughed loudly and mussed the kid's hair. "You'll grow to like her in time. Think of all the stuff you'll get to teach her, and she's going to worship the ground you walk on, Son."

The scene went dark and a chill washed over Clint, stealing away the lingering warmth of the moment with his dad. After a brief wait, his surroundings brightened enough to reveal he was now inside a large stone building lit partially by a large brazier near the far end. There were strange, smoky snakes collected by the dozens around a hovering white form of radiant energy.

Clint found himself moving toward the form, overcome with a strong curiosity that quickly gave way to shock when he recognized his sister's features, nearly washed out by the light she gave off. Then her terrified, disembodied voice called out, pleading for someone to rescue her.

Again the scene changed quickly, going dark before switching to something new. This time he was standing in what looked very similar to the Mischief Maker's suite back on the helicarrier. The furniture and carpet were different, but the layout was exactly the same.

Sitting in front of him on a couch facing the opposite direction, was a man with short, brown hair. Clint stepped up and to the side, soon recognizing his own build and features, which were partly hidden beneath a pair of dark sunglasses. A voice recited a mission report from a compact computer he was holding in his hand.

The lock released on the suite door, followed by Natasha's familiar voice calling out, "We're home."

"How was Asgard?" the seated Clint asked, turning his head ever so slightly and pausing the audio playback on the computer.

"Beautiful as always."

There was a sound of short, rushing strides across the carpet, then a small boy, probably only three years old, came around the side of the couch and hurled himself into the other Clint's lap, causing him to groan as he feigned being hurt. He joked, "Geez, you weigh a ton. What have they been feeding you in the Realm Eternal?"

"Daddy," the boy said with bright and expressive blue-green eyes, "Untle For gived me a pony. A blat one."

"Black? Wow, Kiddo, that's so cool," his father said with a wide grin. "Where are we going to keep a horse?"

Natasha walked up, tossing her jacket over the back of the nearby armchair. Her hair was longer and she wore casual civilian clothes. "The horse is going to stay in Odin's stable," she answered, sounding weary. "Hey," she said to the boy, "take your bag in your room for me."

The boy climbed down, dashing off to follow the request and disappeared into the center room on the right side.

Natasha eased onto the couch with him. "Everyone missed you - especially Cami."

"I wasn't up to making an appearance this time. Maybe for her birthday."

Natasha was frowning, but he didn't seem to notice or perhaps chose not to react.

He asked with concern, "You had them test him again, right?"

"Yeah. No symptoms."

"Good."

"Have you seen anything you want to share with me?" she asked, tapping his forehead right above the bridge of his sunglasses.

He tensed up as he sought out her hand to hold within his own. "No... except you're mighty beautiful."

"Past, present or future me?"

"All of you," he said, kissing her hand. 

The dream faded into black.

Clint woke when he felt a firm squeeze at his shoulder. Slowly his eyes focused on the queen. Clint was both elated that his eyesight had returned and discouraged by the dull ache in his head.

"How are you feeling?" Frigga asked.

He slipped his legs off the bench to sit up. "Not so great."

"Tell me what you've figured out," Frigga said, handing him a plate of food. "I'll try to fill in the rest."

Clint took the chance to eat some while he thought over what he should say. Admittedly, there was a part of him that wanted to get angry with her and make all sorts of spiteful accusations about how Asgard's royal family had screwed up his and Cami's lives, but when he looked at Queen Frigga, he saw her sincere concern and willingness to help. There was also the fact that she was the mother of two of his close friends. He knew he would have to find some other outlet for his frustration.

Since they were alone, aside from Cami, Clint decided not to let his discomfort stop him from getting the issue out on the table. "When Odin said he was going to destroy himself to take out the Bad Loki, my vision was blurred, yet I saw the hallway outside this room in my mind. You, Natasha and some of the others were running to assist us, and there was an explosion that took out that wall." Clint pointed across the room to the wall with the entry. "People were hurt. Badly hurt. I think some even died."

"Odin was bluffing," the queen said. "He hoped to lure the double closer with the threat of killing Cami and Loki along with himself. Perhaps something would have gone wrong with his plan, and that result is what you saw."

"Like a psychic vision?"

"Yes."

"Can dreams also be visions?"

"They won't always be," she said with a knowing look. "It takes time to learn the difference."

"I take it you see things too?"

"All my life. Seers are rare and the power of providence is perhaps the most addictive and destructive use of magic. I have seen and shared things with others that I wish I had not. The lives of so many can be affected by how individuals choose to use their knowledge. We can actually cause something to happen by the actions we take in trying to stop it."

Her insights were not comforting, but Clint appreciated how candid she was being with him. "Should I tell you what I saw in my dream?"

"If you would like." 

He told her of the scene in the hospital first since that is where the dream had started. Frigga was listening so intently to his every word, that Clint found it quite easy to talk with her. 

"I guess the hospital stuff was probably more of a memory," he concluded.

"Sometimes it is good to be reminded. The past is where we learn our most valuable lessons."

Clint probably would have brooded this over for a while if she hadn't been patiently waiting for him to go on. "After that I was in a large, stone building. It was very old and there were these snakes that looked like they were made out of smoke or mist or something like that."

"The shadow serpents of Niflheim," the queen suggested. 

"Niflheim," Clint repeated, thinking deeply. "I saw Cami there, only she was white and luminous like my people would think of an angel. She was really frightened and calling for help because she was trapped."

Frigga got up and moved to sit at Cami's side, placing one hand on her forehead and the other upon her upper chest.

"What?" Clint asked. He abandoned his plate and stepped over too.

Frigga's eyes were closed. She was concentrating, but finally she answered him. She said softly, turning pale before his eyes, "I think Cami's soul has been removed from her body."

"Completely removed?!"

"Not quite, obviously, or she'd be dead." Frigga pointed toward a pile of fresh linens and blankets. "Bring one of those heavier blankets over," she ordered.

Clint retrieved a blanket, but his mind was full of questions. "Are we taking her somewhere?"

"Yes. We're going to Niflheim." 

Clint reached for his communicator, but stopped when Frigga flashed him a look of warning. 

"This is something you and I alone are going to do. Hel is very displeased with the king and her father. I will talk to her."

Frigga wrapped Cami in the blanket then picked her up like she was a weightless, life-sized ragdoll.

"You will need your bow and a warm coat." 

"I kinda doubt I can hurt a half-dead goddess with an arrow. Loki even caught one I fired at him once."

"Hel's strength is her intellect. Her physical body can be injured and she knows it. The bow will only be for a deterrent unless things go badly."

"My main bow is in the command center. My backup is in my room."

Frigga urged him to take the lead, but avoid as many servants as possible. "We will get the bow from your room then continue to the stables. Undoubtedly, someone will see us, but your team is distracted at the moment and we just might get away if we hurry."

It wasn't that Clint had never rushed off on some unauthorized mission before, but nothing compared to the idea of realm hopping with the intent to infiltrate the Underworld. 

By the time they reached the stables, at least a dozen servants and guards had given them curious looks or come right out and asked if they needed assistance. Frigga handled these interactions with a quick wit that allowed them to keep moving.

"Is that charm of yours going to work on Heimdall?" Clint asked.

"We're not taking the bifrost," she said, rushing up to the largest stall where Odin's horse Sleipnir was stabled. "Can you saddle and bridle a horse?"

"Yeah, I spent every summer at my grandparents' ranch until they passed away." Clint opened the gate and stepped into the stall, taking in the massive eight-legged creature. 

"Sleipnir," the queen called respectfully to the horse, "we need your help."

The horse walked over to her, seeming to take interest in Cami cradled in her arms.

Clint took the opportunity while the horse was distracted to put the saddle on him. Then when he approached with the bridle, the horse turned obediently and even lowered his head to quicken the process. "Good boy," Clint said, patting Sleipnir's nose.

Frigga gave Cami to Clint while she climbed up on the horse, then took her back while he carefully mounted in front of her and took the reins. 

"Hold on tight," the queen said to Clint, then spoke directly to the horse. "Take us to Niflheim, Sleipnir. Take us to Hel."

The horse eagerly leapt forward into the center aisle of the stables, turned and took off at a speed unlike anything Clint had experienced from a dead start before. He was clinging tightly to the reins and with his legs to keep from falling as they sped across the grass away from the palace. It wasn't long when Clint realized that they were running right off the ground and into the air. He dared to peek, and did see the horse's broad hooves landing and pushing forward on the very air itself. 

"Unbelievable," Clint said with fearful exhilaration as Asgard was soon left behind them and the colors of the sky melted away to the black of space. Clint tried to enjoy the nerve-racking ride past worlds and astral phenomena beyond what he knew he would be able to describe later as it all seemed to flash by them so quickly.

As they approached Niflheim, it looked as gray and lifeless as a rock partially hidden beneath dark clouds. Frigga warned him about the wall of energy surrounding the realm right before they passed through. A wave of magic swept over them, leaving a subtle tingling on Clint's flesh that lingered like a persistent itch as Sleipnir continued to descend upon the nightmare that was the Underworld. To Clint's horror, the dead milled about like mindless sheep upon the endless landscape of rock, snow and ice. Decay had stolen their unique features, leaving each as unidentifiable as the next.

"My God," he said, too overwhelmed with instant fear, despair and the fierce bite of the frigid air on his hands and face to put more of his thoughts or emotions into words. He forced these distractions aside as his training had taught him to do.

After a gradual descent, Sleipnir's hooves met ground once again. He slowed his speed as they approached a single stone structure.

"This is the Hall of Justice," Frigga told Clint.

"Why is it called that?"

"As the queen of the realm, it is Hel's duty to judge the deeds of each soul that comes to Niflheim then decide which existence that soul will have through eternity. Niflheim has multiple levels of paradise and torment for Hel to choose from."

"So, these are the sinners?" Clint asked. "They don't get to go to some version of paradise?"

Frigga's tone was tense as she said, "Actually, these souls await their judgments. Many have dwelled here for centuries, but Hel refuses to judge them."

They reached the hall and came to a halt at the large double doors.

"Stay close to Sleipnir," Frigga said, sliding down from the saddle, still clutching Cami against her. "We will not be able to leave if we become separated from him."

Clint dismounted as well and gently patted the side of the horse's massive head. "You'll make sure we get out of here, right?" Clint asked. He was counting on Odin's word that Sleipnir was smart enough to understand him. So, it was a relief when Sleipnir's head lifted then lowered in a recognizable nod of agreement.

Clint walked up and pushed open one of the large, yet relatively lightweight doors. The air that wafted from the opening smelled to him like an old musty tomb.

Frigga led the way in. Clint and Sleipnir stayed just a few strides behind her. Snakes littered the floor and crawled up the stone around them, but most amassed at the far end of the hall around Cami's brilliant spirit and a tall woman with long, dark hair who slowly turned to reveal herself.

Clint knew what to expect, but he decided that a simple description wasn't nearly good enough to prepare a person for their first meeting with the Queen of the Underworld. Hel was terrifying in appearance, even for Clint, who had a strange fondness for zombie movies. The initial shock was hard to manage, but Clint jammed it away inside, determined to be the dependable soldier for Queen Frigga, who looked stately and unaffected.




Mischief Makers Ch. 08



Hel said, "I haven't seen you in ages, Grandmother. You look well."

"As do you."

Mindful of the snakes, Clint moved out of Sleipnir's shadow to stand closer to Frigga where he could be seen. Hel watched his approach, shifting her gaze between his bow and features.

"You brought an assassin into my hall," Hel said with a wicked, split smile. "How interesting."

The eyes of Cami's spirit also watched Clint. "Be careful," she softly warned.

"I do not know you," Hel said to Clint, "but I sense..." Her gaze lowered and her head moved just a fraction of a turn back toward Cami.

"Yeah," Clint said with a touch of boastfulness and implied threat, "I'm her overprotective and easily agitated big brother."

Again Hel smiled. 

Clint wondered if she'd still be smiling if he actually drew his bow.

Shifting her hold on the bundled body, Frigga pulled back the edge of the blanket to reveal Cami's burn-scarred face. "We have come for her soul."

Hel took in the body for a bit before turning to look back at Cami's spirit. "We'll have to tell them." 

"Tell us what?" Clint asked.

"I have been cursed with bad luck," Cami uttered. 

"Jahla did it to upset her magic," Hel explained. "If I restore her, the curse could kill her."

"Are you saying you did this to save her life?" Clint asked, thinking that no child of the God of Mischief should be trusted.

"No," Hel said.

"Then why?" Frigga gently asked.

"Because I could."

"Bad Loki has been telling her about me," Cami said. "She said she was curious, and I think she's feeling lonely."

Hel laughed suddenly and shook her head. "Humans are so quick to jump to conclusions," she scoffed. "I have many souls in my kingdom."

"When is the last time you spoke to any of them?" Frigga challenged. "You are negligent in your duties as queen." 

"Niflheim is my realm." Hel insisted bitterly, "No one cares what happens here."

"Did you think you could do this and not get a response from Asgard? You have taken a soul that does not belong to you. Restore her," Frigga said, her tone authoritative.

"And if I won't?"

Clint kept his look menacing as he pulled the bow off his shoulder. He reached back, lightly gripping an arrow in the quiver.

Hel showed little concern, but after some time spent evaluating Clint's decisive stance, she said, "Very well."

Perhaps Clint expected Hel to produce some amazing magical effect, but Cami's spirit simply dimmed then was gone.

Frigga stared desperately at Cami's features, adding to Clint's own worry. Finally, Cami's eyes shifted beneath her lids and gradually opened.

The snakes started toward them.

Clint readied an arrow and aimed at Hel. "Keep your pests back," he demanded.

Hel casually waved her arm and the serpents scattered for the far walls of the hall.

Clint felt Sleipnir nudge his back, causing him to wonder if it was a gentle warning not to fire on Hel or a suggestion that it was time to go. He slipped the arrow back in his quiver and shouldered his bow in time to receive Cami from Frigga.

The queen approached Hel, reaching out as if to gather her in an embrace.

"Don't bother," Hel said, stepping away.

Frigga frowned and stiffened. "Have you a message for Odin or your father?"

Hel approached Sleipnir, and the horse eagerly moved forward to nuzzle her hands and face. She placed a kiss on his nose then wrapped her arms around his thick neck, holding on to him for several moments. "Tell my brothers that I miss them," she said coldly and then quickly withdrew, stepping into a mist that inexplicably flooded the hall.

"See?" Cami said to Clint, looking sorrowful.

"Yeah, I see," he said. There was a fierce spark of emotion that burned in his chest as he held Cami a little tighter, and it did not completely abate before they rode unchallenged out of Niflheim. 

- - - - -

Natasha stared off across the palace grounds while she took in all that Clint had shared about Hel, Niflheim and his recent visions. Clint was mindful that the team was preparing to leave for Alfheim, but he didn't want to rush her. 

"Tell me what he looked like," she eventually said.

The boy. That was where her mind had fixated.

"He had light brown hair and some freckles. His eyes were blue-green like mine." Clint gave a shrug. "I don't know. He was little and the cutest thing I've ever seen."

This comment made Natasha smile. 

"Maybe you shouldn't come with us to Alfheim," she said tentatively.

He tried not to be annoyed by her concern because he knew she had both his and the team's welfare in mind. There was always the integrity of the mission to consider, but he wasn't going to stay behind. "I'm fine," Clint insisted, choosing not to mention that he'd taken more painkillers for his latest headache since it would only worry her. "We need as many drivers and soldiers as we can get."

"No, you are not fine." 

Clint reached out to grip Natasha at the hips and pull her close. "I'm touched that you're so worried about me, but you know I'm a terrible patient. Leaving me here in the healing room just isn't gonna happen."

She stepped back out of his reach. "You're going to end up blind."

He outwardly showed his irritation for only a moment. "We don't know that for sure."

"The dark glasses, reports read over the computer... it seemed pretty clear to me. Frigga warned you that this power will be addictive. Have Odin take it away now before you can't help yourself."

"I will, but not yet," Clint pressed. "If I can get a handle on it, even for a little while, it could be the advantage we need against Jahla and Bad Loki."

Natasha studied him with worried, conflicted eyes. "Clint, your sister nearly died because of her power. Don't take the risk."

"I AM coming to Alfheim. So, please tell me how we're going to work this out." 

"You could try not being a stubborn jerk."

"I'll work on that. Come on," Clint urged as he slipped past her. Natasha trailed behind him as he headed back to the command center and moved purposefully between their weapon crates finding his main bow, which had the laser sight, and checking the specialty arrows in his quiver.

Sif and the spymaster's daughters hurried into the room shortly and approached Clint and Natasha. "We found a shopkeeper who had the festival necklaces," Sif reported, holding up a handful of colorful, metal charms.

"Gather round guys," Clint called out, demanding everyone's attention from their current tasks.

Natasha asked, "You're sure the Zovodna are going to know what these mean?"

"Yes," Diani assured her. "These necklaces are commonly worn at large events to identify people."

Sif sorted out two golden sun symbols and handed one each to Lloyd and Montoya. "It is the symbol for sages and healers," she explained. Next she passed out rectangular charms of dark blue with an x shape in the center to nearly everyone else who fell solely into the warrior category.

Diani and Mitzi slipped on their own red triangular charms then offered the same to Loki and Bruce. 

"I'm not so sure I should be wearing a shapeshifter charm," Loki said uneasily to Clint.

"You agreed we should be completely honest with the Zovodna to avoid misunderstandings," Clint whispered back. "The twins know you lost your abilities and still didn't ask. Maybe the Zovodna won't either."

Clint examined his mage charm with interest. It was a purple circle with swirling designs inside. In that moment, he thought he must be feeling the same uncertainty Loki did. 

"We're down a STAV without Cami to drive," Stott pointed out. "We don't have enough seats for this many and the cargo trailer isn't designed to comfortably carry passengers."

Natasha jumped in to organize things. "Banner, Shale and Montoya are going to remain here with Cami to handle her debriefing, monitor the command center and keep S.H.I.E.L.D. informed as necessary."

"Mitzi and I can fly," Diani offered. 

"It will be easier for us to scout ahead that way," Mitzi added.

Sif handed a purple mage charm to Bruce. "It's for Cami," she explained.

"If we get a chance to speak with the spirit mage, she might need it," Clint said.

Bruce nodded and pocketed the necklace.

King Odin stood near the door to the corridor, preparing to leave on his own business. "Heimdall will keep me apprised of your progress," he said. "I wish you luck."

The group grabbed their gear, loaded up and drove out to the bifrost where Instead of taking alternating trips to get everyone and the vehicles to Alfheim, Kotter talked Clint into transporting occupied vehicles, which gratefully resulted in no injuries or equipment damage, just some unsettled nerves.

"Eyes and ears alert," Clint said through the open com line as the silver vehicles started across the grasslands of the southern province of Alfheim. "Save your fuel. Run off the batteries for now and get your displays up."

"I'm attempting to track heat signatures," Stott said. "It's hot out there."

"The temperature isn't much hotter than Arizona," Clint pointed out. 

Kotter added confidently, "The instruments can handle it; they just need to recalibrate after being in Asgard."

"On solar power we're gonna max out at about sixty miles an hour," Clint commented as he caught up with Loki who was leading. "How far do we need to go to reach this village?"

"Not quite that far, but we don't want to outrun Diani and Mitzi," Loki said. "I don't suggest speeding up until we reach the road at the edge of the grasslands."

The group settled into the long drive with Sif and the Warriors Three filling the time with humorous stories of their past journeys into Alfheim. Then Loki finally broke into the line to report that their destination was ahead and the twins were circling.

"We've got a few heat signatures beyond the tree line," Stott reported.

"OK. Let's park 'em," Clint said. "It's time to get serious and remember our manners."

The group unloaded their gear as they climbed out of the STAVs, making sure that all safety measures were in place before laying everything out on the ground in front of them. This was to be a show of good faith and attempted transparency, which, according to the twins, would win them points with the Zovodna.

"They will watch us for a while," Mitzi said, scanning the trees then seated herself next to Diani.

"Alright," Clint said, shrugging to the team. "Let's get comfortable."

Only about a half hour passed, but with the humidity and sunlight directly on them, time seemed to drag on. They were sharing canteens of water when Clint noticed movement at the tree line and Natasha said, "We're on."

Everyone's gaze shifted toward the forest to see a group equal in size to their own striding from the shadows and concealment of the trees. The Elves were wearing minimal leather garments. Their tanned, bared skin was marked with natural colored paints for camouflage and each of them held out their weapons, which consisted mainly of knives and bows, so they could be seen.

"Everyone stand slowly," Diani told them, "then step back from our weapons."

Clint tried to be calm as he followed these instructions. He dropped the canteen in his hand beside his bow and quiver before backing away. On his left, Natasha's expression was convincingly brave. To his right, Loki didn't look as confident. 

One of the Elves, a tall and lean man with two white and brown striped feathers tied into his long hair, started to speak while he was at quite a distance, but still moving forward. His language sounded strange and his words were authoritative.

"He wants to know who the group leader is," Diani said.

"Clint is the leader," Natasha instantly replied.

Diani passed this information along as Clint took a slight step forward.

A long exchange followed with Diani speaking to the Zovodna and Mitzi translating quietly for those in Clint's group who didn't understand. An explanation of who they were, where they came from and what they wanted was slowly and cautiously offered amid questions, inspections of their gear and lots of critical looks from the Elves.

"You understand any of this?" Clint whispered to Loki.

"Diani has been telling them about yours and Cami's condition."

"Good."

Loki's expression changed unexpectedly in response to Diani saying his name. Clint watched his friend tense up.

"What?" Clint asked, but Loki hesitated in answering as there were reactions of surprise coming from Sif and the Warriors Three. 

Clint looked between them for an explanation. "What?"

Sif said, "Diani told them that Loki and Cami are to be married."

Clint confronted Loki. "You two are engaged?!"

Mitzi said, "The messenger that delivered the king's request told us the news."

"That is a rumor," Loki said with slight desperation and obvious discomfort to have the entire team staring at him.

Clint tried to firmly clarify, "Then you're NOT engaged?" 

Before Loki could answer, the Elf with the feathers stepped closer. He spoke harshly, gesturing between Clint and Loki.

Mitzi said, "He wants to know what you two are saying."

Clint answered in a bit of a huff, "He didn't tell me anything about an engagement. So, I'm trying to decide if I should forgive or shoot him."

Loki frowned and narrowed his eyes as Diani translated.

The Zovodna studied Clint and Loki in turn; then suddenly they were smiling and chuckling, finding amusement in the interaction. The Elf with the feathers spoke amicably, letting the group know through the twins that they would be allowed to accompany them to the village to speak with their leader, Saizon.

Eager to move on with their mission, Clint let Loki walk away without further discussion.

Driving through the dense forest was a little tricky - even with the Specialized Terrain Assault Vehicles, because they didn't want to carelessly tear up the terrain. Since their displays warned them of obstructions and severe changes in the path ahead, options for safe passage were found and navigated. 

Some of the Zovodna rushed ahead to inform the village of their arrival while others actually rode along to get an up-close view of the technology. Either way, those who traveled in on foot made somewhat quicker progress.

The Elf with the two feathers was named Trawick. He chose to ride in with Clint and gave him an impressed smile once they parked and climbed out. He carried a wooden bow and hand-stitched leather quiver and insisted through his hand signals that Clint should bring his own bow along.

"So far so good," Natasha said to Clint as they met up again for the last few strides into the village proper past huts made of mud, grass, branches and logs.

Clint cast a severe look over his shoulder at Loki. 

"Don't get all bent out of shape," Natasha said, momentarily touching his forearm. "I'm sure Cami would have told us if he'd proposed."

The center of the village was packed with people as the team filtered in with their guides. The clan's leader, Saizon, was quite elderly in appearance, which apparently meant he was impressively long lived. To Clint's relief, Saizon spoke the Common tongue of the realms.

"My warriors have told me of your need," Saizon said after a quick introduction to Clint. He called into the crowd, gesturing for two of his people to come closer. "This is Jorn, our spirit healer, and his mate Mahlora, who can make blood magics. They will try to help you and your sister."

Natasha stood at Clint's side and he could tell her mind was at work evaluating the coincidence of finding both a spirit and blood mage among the Zovodna.

"Thank you," Clint said to Saizon, Jorn and Mahlora. "We are mighty appreciative."

"We have never met anyone from Midgard before." Saizon sounded pleased as he said, "Your group has been respectful of our ways, and we will not turn away new friends. My people will prepare a celebration in your honor."

Clint was willing to pursue a friendship with the Zovodna. In his opinion, Earth could use as many allies as possible in the nine realms.

"We should send for Cami," Sif said to Clint and Natasha. "With haste, she can get here before nightfall."

Of course, Loki insisted that he be the one to return to Asgard to fetch her, but Clint did not agree. Queen Frigga had made it clear that both Clint and Loki were to stay away from Cami because they might trigger another incident with her cursed magic.

"Then I will go after Lady Camille," Mitzi volunteered. "I can carry her swiftly in my horse form."

There was further debate, but finally Clint and Natasha agreed that Mitzi would go. The one stipulation was that Cami would report in periodically on a com once they had arrived in Alfheim and were in range. With a nod of agreement, Mitzi sprinted out of the village and took to the air as a hawk just before she got out of Clint's range of sight.

"Heimdall, if you can hear me," Clint said, looking up into the canopy created by the trees that significantly helped to block the hot sunshine. "Mitzi is coming for Cami. The Zovodna are going to try to help."

Natasha and Dr. Lloyd followed as Jorn and Mahlora led Clint to their hut. They were older members of the clan and spoke some Common. So, between them, they could understand most of Clint's concerns and answers as they asked questions.

"In Midgard," Jorn said, "the people do not live long. Yes?"

"Well," Clint said, feeling oddly offended by the question, "we're kinda used to it. Some people can live as long as a century, but most don't."

Jorn asked, "How many years are you?"

"Thirty-two."

Jorn put his hand in the center of Clint's chest, but Mahlora was staring with great focus into his eyes.

"His eyes hurt," Mahlora said, and then continued in a rapid flood of Elven words to Jorn.

Clint asked, "What about my eyes?"

"She says your magic is too strong and wild. It has damaged your eyes," Jorn said gently. "The more you use the power, the more damage will be done."

Natasha shot him a critical look from where she stood off to the side.

"The visions just happen. I don't have any control over them."

Mahlora nodded, looking grim.

Dr. Lloyd asked, "Is there a way to repair and stop further damage to his eyes?" 

The couple collaborated in their native tongue, leaving Clint to worry as their tones hinted at the gravity of the situation. Jorn said finally, "We do not know. We can try to fix the damage and focus his power more."

Mahlora pulled a knife from her belongings. "I need blood." She pointed to Natasha, asking Clint, "Use her?"

"No," Clint said instantly and stepped protectively in front of Natasha who looked a little disconcerted. "Just use mine." 

"Is the knife needed?" Dr. Lloyd asked. "I can draw blood and cause far less injury."

"The blood blade is magic," Jorn explained. "It will make the spell stronger."

"Whatever," Clint said. The longer they delayed this, the more time he had to think, worry and doubt. He did as they asked, lying down on the woven mat indicated.

Dr. Lloyd gripped his med kit, looking alert and uneasy as the Elves knelt down beside Clint.

"What are you going to do to him?" Natasha asked, also getting down.

"Only what is needed," Jorn promised. Then Mahlora leaned close to start the first cut on Clint's forehead.

- - - - -

It had been hours since Cami had returned from Niflheim and the team had left for Alfheim. After informing her of Clint's condition and the team's mission, Bruce and Dr. Montoya had subjected her to their own version of good cop/bad cop while they debriefed her about the events between Bad Loki's attack on her at the helicarrier and the rescue from Hel in the Underworld. 

Cami endured the stress and blow to her confidence as long as she could, but finally broke into silent tears when Dr. Montoya gave her yet another critical, disappointed glare and scribbled fervently in her notebook.




Mischief Makers Ch. 09



When Cami asked Jorn and Mahlora to explain the extensive procedure they intended to perform on her, Loki knew he should have discouraged it. Cami was already in a poor state of mind, having spied Mahlora's blood blade when they arrived. 

Through the preliminary examination, Cami stayed close to Loki's side, tightly clenching his hand. He also noticed she was biting on her lip hard enough to cause red marks to appear. So, he repeatedly had to whisper in her ear to encourage her to stop. 

When Cami's breathing progressively got quicker and she was starting to rub at her sternum, Dr. Lloyd sat her down and pulled out his cuff to take her blood pressure while Jorn, Mahlora and Loki stepped out of the hut to speak quietly.

Mahlora said immediately, "She is scared."

"She was attacked and badly hurt with a blood blade before," Loki quietly disclosed in Elven so Cami couldn't possibly understand if she overheard him.

Jorn said with urgency, "Tell me about this woman that put the curses on her."

Loki hesitated, needing a moment to comprehend. "Curses? You mean she has more than one?"

"The bad luck is bound to her soul," Jorn said. "The other is a controlling curse that is bound to her flesh." 

"What kind of controlling curse?"

"We do not know," Mahlora said.

Jorn promised, "We will remove both before we work on her magic. Please, who is this Jotun woman with such power?"

"Her name is Jahla and she is only half Jotun. Her mother was a Light Elf slave."

"Do you know the slave's name?" Mahlora asked.

"No, I don't," Loki admitted.

Looking anxious and a little sick, Jorn told Loki, "We sensed familiar energy in these curses that made us think we could be connected to this Jahla woman. I think her mother was our eldest daughter Lorna. We lost her in a raid by the Jotun many years ago. She had both blood and spirit magics."

"I'm sorry," Loki sympathized. "Jahla told me that her mother died in the hunters' village a long time ago."

Loki left Jorn and Mahlora to speak quietly between themselves and stepped back into the hut. 

Cami had pulled her knees up to her chest. "I can't do this," Cami said immediately to Loki, her eyes wet and pleading.

Loki asked Dr. Lloyd, "Can you give her something to help calm her?"

"We shouldn't expect her to make it through this procedure awake," the doctor said. "I suggest we put her out and closely monitor her vitals."

Feeling that Dr. Lloyd did offer the safest option, Loki agreed.

When the couple returned, a younger man and woman with similar features entered the hut with them. Jorn explained, "Our children will help. The task will go faster."

Loki noted that Cami focused on the younger man as he also had a blood blade.

"We need much blood," Mahlora said. "Your people will help?"

Dr. Lloyd looked up from the syringes he was preparing. "How much blood?"

Cami had started to shake and quietly sob, obviously terrified. So, Loki asked the group, "Can we have a few minutes please?"

Jorn moved his family out again. Dr. Lloyd stayed only long enough to give Cami some injections, one of which would help ease her to sleep.

Cami leaned heavily against him as Loki sat beside her. She asked, "Don't tell anyone that I carried on like this, OK?"

It bothered Loki that she was concerned with such an unimportant thing, like it wasn't acceptable for her to react emotionally to a life-threatening situation. Of course, lecturing her on the subject wasn't going to help, and it worried him to see her frightened. So, he made the promise and held her securely until she slept.

When the collective returned, Loki knew he had to leave. The hut was small and now that Cami was unconscious, he was the least necessary person there. He exchanged a meaningful look with Dr. Lloyd before he stepped out. Then he sat on a stump around the side of the structure to wait.

Agent Stott was trained as a secondary field medic and proficiently made the rounds for Dr. Lloyd, collecting vials of blood from their teammates. After Gary delivered the vials into the hut, he reported that Cami was doing well and tried to get Loki to come over with the rest of the team.

Natasha had authorized Kotter and Stott to lead a scouting party into the Jotunheim in the early morning hours to collect some intel on the Jotun village where Rosner was being held. The twins, Hogun and Trawick had accompanied them.

"We're talking mission options and going over the video footage we captured," Stott said.

Loki shook his head. "I feel I should be here for Cami."

Gary understood and didn't press, just headed off to rejoin the others. 

Loki was so distracted with his troubles that he didn't notice the passing of time or when a dark-haired girl of five or six years of age approached him. "Prince Loki," she said sweetly, drawing him out of his reverie. Her dark brown eyes were hopeful as she asked in Elven, "Can I give blood for your princess?"

"Dear One," Loki replied tenderly, his already heavy heart instantly swelling, "I do not think your parents would approve."

Her disappointment was evident as she cast her gaze over to a large group of children peeking out from behind a tall woodpile and shook her head at them. Their anxious features fell, which further stirred the emotion within Loki's chest.

"Come here, Children," he called out, and they rushed from their cover to stand humbly before him, fidgeting under his inspection. "Lady Camille will be touched to hear that you wanted to help. She likes children very much."

The first girl to approach told him sorrowfully, "The fire-hair woman said the Jotun witch stole the princess' beauty and now she is sad and wants to hide away forever."

Loki didn't know what to say to this. The children all appeared so brokenhearted.

Jorn's son stepped out of the hut, turning to address the children. He was smiling as he said, "Come with me to see Saizon."

The children scurried off on the son's heels to visit with the village leader, leaving Loki once again with his own thoughts. When Jorn's son returned, he was alone and carrying a large satchel. He gave Loki a respectful nod before slipping back into the hut.

Clint wandered over a bit later to check in. "I thought they'd be done by now," Clint said with a look of concern. Then he added, "We've been going over the rescue plan."

"I assume I'm driving," Loki said. Even though he'd been training with Natasha, he didn't feel so confident about the possibility of getting into an actual fight with a Jotun since he only had human strength and speed now.

"Yeah. I'm thinking about leaving Cami here tonight?"

Loki said firmly, "She's a skilled driver. If she feels up to it, this could be a real opportunity for her to contribute."

With a nod, Clint said, "That's what I thought you'd say. I haven't made up my mind yet."

Jorn stepped out of the hut first, followed by his son and Dr. Lloyd. 

Loki jumped up, eager for news on Cami. "How is she?"

Dr. Lloyd said, "There were a few tense moments, but overall Cami did really well, especially during the last leg of the procedure. She actually woke quicker than I expected."

Jorn admitted, "We do not understand the full nature of her magic. It is strong and willful, but we did finally contain it."

"Any side effects that you foresee?" Clint asked, looking uneasy.

Jorn shook his head. "Find her a good teacher," he advised.

Cami soon emerged from the hut, hidden beneath her cloak. To Loki's surprise, she was walking without assistance.

"The cure isn't supposed to be worse than the disease, right?" Clint said as he drew up beside her. "How are you feeling?"

Cami raised her head and pushed back the hood to show them scar-free and healthy features.

"Wow," Clint said, a bit bewildered.

Loki moved close to caress Cami's cheek and inspect her skin more closely. He said to the mages, "You said you wouldn't be able to heal the scars with everything else."

Jorn's son said with a proud smile, "The children convinced the elders to give the needed blood. They said every princess should be beautiful for her wedding day."

Jorn translated this into Common for the Midgardians' benefit, then added cheerfully, "May you have a blessed union." 

Loki didn't dare admit that there was no wedding in the works after all they had done for them.

Cami thanked the family. She was smiling and got a little teary-eyed as Loki embraced her and pressed a light kiss onto her forehead.

"Incoming," Clint warned with amusement as a herd of children came running around the woodpile toward them.

Cami's eyes lit up instantly. "They're adorable!" she exclaimed, stepping away from Clint and Loki to get to them. She eased onto her knees then sat back on her heels, putting her a little bit shorter than the children as they crowded close to look and touch her face, much like Loki had been compelled to do.

"Forgive their excitement. They have never met a prince and princess before," Jorn explained. "They only hear about them in old stories of faraway lands." 

Cami showered each child with affection, brightening their smiles and making it hard for Loki to try to tear her away. "Lady Camille must rest," he said gently, apologizing when the little ones grew sad. 

"I don't feel that tired," Cami told him, her eyes and expression alive with a vibrant energy.

Loki turned to confer with Dr. Lloyd, who seemed exhausted in comparison. "She looks good to me," the doctor said.

Clint urged, "Let her play if she feels up to it."

Loki helped Cami stand then stepped back from the group of admirers. The children deserved her attention; so he asked them to get Cami some food and show her off. "Have fun," he said as the little ones took her by the hands and edges of her cloak and guided her deeper into the village.

Dr. Lloyd and Jorn's family followed, ready to eat and relax. 

Once they were alone, Clint stepped closer. His features quickly tightened as he said, "So much for us being completely honest. This rumor is getting out of control."

Loki had really hoped to avoid this discussion, but knew it was in Clint's nature to be direct about issues that worried him. He asked humbly, "What do you want me to say? I didn't start this lie, and I realize that I should have put a stop to it earlier, but in light of everything, the rumor has benefitted us."

"Yeah, but what happens if Cami gets too comfortable with the idea?"

Loki firmly insisted, "We are not getting married."

Clint's frame remained stiff. "You better make sure Cami understands that in the nicest way possible. My sister does not need the centuries of baggage you come with, My Friend."

It took a great force of will for Loki not to lose his temper. Clint used the word friend, but everything else he said cut swift and deep, wounding Loki's pride. The archer was basically admitting that there would always be something about him unworthy of Cami. 

Loki said heatedly, "I have lived a long time and made many mistakes, but I don't think I should have to spend the rest of my short, mortal life apologizing for the past." 

"You haven't apologized for anything," Clint said, also escalating his tone. His eyes grew hard and piercing.

"Is that what this is about? Can I not be judged by my current actions? Have I not worked hard and shown loyalty to you and my teammates?"

This argument only ruffled Clint's feathers more. He said, "I'm not talking about your service to S.H.I.E.L.D."

Since Clint was going to so easily disregard his point, Loki decided the discussion needed to end before he became angry enough to do or say something he would regret. "Permission to be excused?"

The question threw Clint off momentarily. "This is just a talk between two guys. I'm not your superior right now."

"It doesn't feel like 'just a talk' to me," Loki replied. Then instead of walking away as he first intended, he stepped right up to Clint. Since he only had a few inches height on Clint to put to use, he tried to make it up with his expression. "I will only say this nicely once more. Your sister and I have made no promises to marry. So, you can abort your preemptive strike."

Clint's anger escalated with the attempted intimidation, but he also looked a little embarrassed by Loki's insinuation. He glared, saying nothing more as Loki turned and walked away.

When Loki strolled into the center of the village, he found that the Zovodna had gathered for another elaborate meal. He intended only to check in on Cami and the rest of the team then perhaps continue down to the river to hide out. However, Dan Kotter reached up and snagged his arm as he passed by, using the element of surprise to successfully pull Loki off his feet and into a clumsy landing in the grass between him and Fandral.

"Oops," Kotter said instantly, but his tone revealed his amusement at the intentional move.

"I think you could use a drink," Fandral stated, slipping Loki a cup of some unknown beverage.

Loki leered at Kotter, but it quickly became clear to him that he and Fandral were attempting to be lighthearted to ease his poor mood.

"Hey, we're gonna have some challenges between the two groups. Kind of a pre-mission competition," Kotter told him. "Stick around. It could be fun."

Loki wasn't enthusiastic with the interference in his own plans to be alone, but realized his absence from the gathering could cause Cami unneeded stress. "Very well; for a little while."

"Clint giving you a hard time about Cami?" Kotter asked knowingly.

"When doesn't he? He creates conflict where there needn't be." It felt strangely freeing for Loki to finally say this out loud to someone.

Fandral lifted his own drink, gesturing across the gathering to where Cami, Sif and the twins were seated and surrounded by little girls. Cami was meticulously parting and tying up the Elflings' long hair in her maddening piggy tails. 

"She is a fine woman," Fandral said, "but is it worth constantly fighting Clint to possess her?" 

Loki took some offense to the idea that anyone could own Cami, like she was a mere object. The crime lord Victor Drago had confessed to wanting to collect her, and though Loki had taken particular satisfaction in injuring him, it was unsettling to realize that Drago and his old self weren't that different. Loki knew he had often been attracted to intelligent women who were difficult to charm and bend to his will, but it had been the challenge that fed his need more than actually collecting the prize. 

His connection with Cami had proved very different than past relationships, which were marked by constant disagreements, lies and power games. 

"Clint is just being protective. She's all the family he has left," Kotter said.

He understood Dan's point, but it was never Loki's intention to take Cami from Clint.

The competition began shortly with a wrestling match between Volstagg and four of the larger Zovodna males.

"Four against one; how is this fair?" Kotter asked with concern.

The Elves rushed at Volstagg, only to bounce off his massive torso and stumble around before he toppled three of them with one mighty shove with his broad shoulder.

"You're right," Fandral agreed with a grin. "They need twice as many men if they're to have any chance."

Kotter had a good, long laugh at this while Volstagg easily put his opponents in their place.

After a few more wrestling matches with Natasha, Sif and Kotter winning theirs and Fandral doing pretty well for being mainly a swordsman, the focus switched to archery and nearly everyone had to move to make room for the positioning of the targets.

"Go easy on them," Loki heard Natasha tell a silent, joyless Clint as he joined Hogun, Trawick and several others at the firing line. Clint switched off his bow's lasersight in the spirit of fairness, but was just as impressive without it, earning admiration from the Zovodna as he out shot his opponents through each round. Unfortunately, he didn't appear to be enjoying himself at all.

In the final, Clint competed against Trawick on some pretty advanced shots while the crowd roared. Cami and Sif led a group of enthusiastic children in a chant of "Hawkeye! Hawkeye!" What a tremendous ruckus it was, and when Clint won, the Zovodna were noticeably in awe of him.

A knife throwing competition followed next. Loki had no intention of participating, but Natasha dragged him out with her while Kotter made a mad dash to retrieve his blades for him. "Come on, Loki," Natasha insisted, "help represent the team."

"I really do not want to do this," he said, feeling overwhelmed by the crowd.

"Don't be a stick in the mud. The kids are already cheering for you. Look."

The mass of children seated on the sidelines were indeed calling out his name as Cami winked and smiled encouragingly at him. 

Perfect, he thought. Now he had no choice but to compete.

Kotter returned, handing off Loki's knives and joining the rest of the team to watch.

Even with his attention divided, Loki still managed to progress through multiple rounds before Natasha edged him out by the tiniest margin to continue to the final. Natasha ultimately lost against Trawick, who was a nearly flawless knife thrower. Natasha did handle the defeat with great poise and sportsmanship though.

During the break from the events, the musicians began to play and people were getting up to dance. The Zovodna had a diverse style of dancing that looked savage with sharp quick motions one moment, then transitioned into smoother, fluid movements the next to match the dynamics of the music. Like many cultures in the nine realms, dance was just another form of storytelling and this particular dance appeared to be a clan favorite.

Fandral leaned close to Loki to suggest importantly, "You might want to go over there. Cami has been looking your direction."

Loki didn't understand to what urgency Fandral was eluding. Cami was watching the dancers with fascination and cuddling the armload of children piled into her lap. Why would she suddenly want or need him?

"Oh," Kotter said after a few moments of observation. He grinned, sounding insightful as he said, "Yeah, you should definitely go over there."

Cami did flash Loki a grin when he focused his gaze on her again. Perhaps it was because she was surrounded by distracting little ones that he was having such a hard time interpreting what his companions claimed to see in her look.

Fandral's grin widened at Loki's confusion. "Surely with all your experience with women, you must see that look she is giving you."

"What look?" Loki demanded. He wondered if they were back to teasing him.

Dan explained, "Most women have this natural maternal instinct, which is great for kids, but it also has a flipside that benefits us guys too. She might look all content sitting over there, but I bet her hormones are whipping into a frenzy, and those little looks she keeps giving you are like distress calls."

Loki finally caught on and started laughing before Kotter even finished explaining his theory.

"I'm serious," Dan said pointedly, but chuckled as well.

"Quite right," Fandral said. He nudged Loki with his shoulder. "You are her prince. You must rush to her rescue." 

"In the mood he's in right now, Clint would likely shoot me if he found out I'd spirited her away for such activities," Loki argued.

"Don't worry about Clint," Dan said. "The whole team's got your back on this. We'll keep him occupied."

Fandral was nodding and added, "If he does find out and tries to start trouble, we'll just have Volstagg sit on him." 

That image made all three of them laugh. 

Loki let Fandral steal back his now empty cup so he could climb to his feet. "You two are bad influences."

"You're welcome," Kotter called after him.

Making his way through the crowd, Loki stepped into a free space directly behind Cami, crouching down to whisper in her ear, "Mind if I interrupt?"




Mischief Makers Ch. 09



She quickly cleared her lap, sending the children off to dance before turning his direction. "Nope; I don't mind at all. My work here is done," she said, gesturing to the many children sporting her hairdo handiwork.

"There are never enough piggy tails," Loki commented approvingly, then noticed Sif's attention was on them. He said to her with a mischievous grin, "Wouldn't you agree, Sif?"

The warrior took in Loki's playful expression then shook her head at him with mild exasperation. "I still haven't forgiven you completely," she admitted, making it clear that she knew exactly what he was thinking.

"Oh, but you're a stunning brunette," he told her honestly.

"What are you two talking about?" Cami asked.

Loki waited to see if Sif wanted him to explain.

"When we were children," Sif began, self-consciously pulling at her dark tresses, "I often wore my hair in a similar fashion to these pig-e-tails, as you call them. Loki chose to cut them off once while I was sleeping."

"What?!" Cami said, looking horrified.

"Sif had beautiful golden hair then," Loki continued to explain. "My parents made me go to the Dwarves to have magical hair forged for her from our purest gold, but when the Dwarves found out that the jewels I gave them for payment were only rocks with an illusion on them, they tainted the magic and the hair turned dark upon her head, never to grow back any fairer."

Though Sif's expression was mostly amused as Loki shared this tale, Cami was frowning.

"Did you really do that to her?" Cami asked as if she couldn't quite believe it.

"I did," Loki admitted, though he subdued his smile and replaced it with a look of regretful repentance.

"It's alright," Sif told Cami. "We were children, and it was long ago."

Cami was still somewhat upset. "So that is why you think piggy tails are funny?" She touched her own short hair, sadly reminiscing.

Loki stood, offering her a hand up, which he was glad she accepted because she did look somewhat vexed and disappointed in him. He swiftly drew her away from the crowds.

Cami asked softly, "Why did you cut Sif's hair?"

Their tent was in sight, but Loki slowed his pace, aware that her mood wasn't right for them to arrive at his intended destination yet. 

"She doesn't know this, but I was jealous," he admitted. "I fancied her, but she favored Thor, of course."

"Oh. First crush?" Now she appeared to understand, and as he hoped, her expression turned more sympathetic. "Frigga told me you were a sensitive kid."

For a moment, he wasn't sure how to feel about this confession. She hadn't asked him many questions about himself, and had seemed willing to wait until he was ready to disclose such details. Now, for reasons that he did not know, she was taking a more active interest in all aspects of his life.

"Have you been meddling again, My Dear?" he teased her.

When she suddenly tensed and uttered a soft, "Maybe," Loki realized she'd taken him too seriously.

"I have to tell you something," he said, using a poignant tone lacking critical undertones because he needed to get her off edge if this was going to work out like he hoped.

"Yeah?" Cami looked up at him with uncertain eyes. 

She was a gorgeous, compassionate and intelligent young woman with more insight and talent going for her than most Asgardians many centuries her senior. It shouldn't have been difficult to say three little words to her, but when Loki opened his mouth, nothing escaped past the unexpected tightening in his throat.

Cami's gaze moved over his features and silent, conflicted stare. "What is it?" she asked with gentle encouragement.

"I... " 

Curses! Why can't I speak? Loki raged internally and cast his gaze about seeking inspiration and courage, but losing hope.

Loki was an acclaimed connoisseur of words and masterful weaver of intricate lies and schemes. He should not have been rendered speechless by such a simplistic declaration as 'I love you.'

Cami suddenly grabbed the lapels of his jacket, pulling him down and pressing her lips eagerly to his. "You're so cute when you think too much," Cami whispered. Then she pulled him toward their tent.

Immediately upon entering, they found the hot, humid and stagnant air in the tent was taxing to breathe. So, as Cami and Loki frantically wiggled out of and tossed aside their clothes, they were quickly panting and sweating.

"Ugh, this heat is unbearable," Loki uttered, settling on the air mattress.

"This might have to be a quickie," Cami said, agreeing with him as she searched her pack. "I don't think I can stand it in here for long." 

Cami grabbed a condom packet from the box, crawled forward and anxiously straddled him, flattening his awakening arousal under her weight. She ground down then rocked forward slowly, gently sliding his length along her labia.

"Now that is a dangerous game you play," Loki warned her with a grin. He sat up just enough to reach her throat with his mouth and began to lick at her hot, salty flesh. 

She leaned back, offering her breasts to him. Her nipples were already hard as he grabbed her by the butt, lifting her up so he could press his mouth to the nubs, flicking and swirling over and around each in turn with his tongue, making her gasp.

Cami leaned forward again so she could capture his mouth in an urgent kiss that grew in intensity as she confessed with her lips and tongue a raw, animalistic desire. Then, as soon as Loki lowered her back onto his lap, Cami ground down on him again, making him very aware that she was wet and waiting. Her hungry, blue-green eyes beckoned as she teasingly bucked her pelvis so that his hardened member touched right up against her opening.

He saw the threat in her eyes and knew he must take action before they lost control. Plucking the condom packet out of her hand, he quickly, yet cautiously rolled them over so he was now on top. Then, pushing back onto his knees, Loki tore open the packet, cast it aside and rolled the condom on.

"Intimidated by a girl on top?" Cami asked with a sultry tone meant to illicit a response.

He took hold of her legs, further parting and lifting them as he pressed the head of his penis to her entrance. With a devious smile, he said, "Try to take it back if you want it so badly," and pushed forcefully into her warm womb.

She tensed but returned his look with a determination that thrilled him.

Cami clenched his sides with her thighs and planted her feet on the backs of his calves. She pushed up, grabbing him by the back of the neck and pulling him down as their bodies started to fall to her right.

Loki put out his hand, stopping the fall and attempted roll and steadied himself with his knees. "Nice try," he taunted Cami, ravaging her mouth and making an awkward thrust into her that had the desired effect as she growled lustily and dug her fingernails into his neck.

Snatching her hands, Loki secured them above her head. Then he met her fiery gaze again and started a rhythm of rough, jabbing thrusts.

Cami moaned and growled as her sweaty breasts jiggled and her hips bucked up to meet him. 

"Do you need a reprieve, My Dear?" he asked, daring her to admit any sort of weakness as he fervently pounded her.

"Give me something I've never experienced before and we'll talk," she countered, muffling another moan. "At this rate, I'll pass out from heat stroke first."

There was a rush of cold, frost-kissed air as Loki shifted into his Jotun form. Cami startled and gasped again, releasing her hold on him with her legs. The temperature of the tent dropped considerably and Cami's sweat-drenched body immediately shivered.

"How's that?" Loki asked, grinning slyly.

She winced and threw back her head. "Ow; frostbite," she managed to say. 

Loki had stopped thrusting because she was suddenly so hot. He quickly regulated his temperature, going as warm as he dared to balance them out. "I'll try to keep my temperature higher. Just tell me if I get too cold again."

Cami nodded, looking unsettled but trusting. "My insides are tightening up."

"I can switch back," he offered, still being playful.

"No way," she said emphatically. "You don't win that easily." 

He was only barely inside her. So, he gripped her hips and eased in deeper with slow, steady force. He hissed softly, "You feel so... tight and... hot."

Cami was shivering and there were hints of pain in her features as he started a new rhythm. She was bravely holding her tongue, not admitting her discomfort. Then she surprised him by suddenly grabbing a hold and executing a roll that nearly sent them into the wall of the tent.

Now back on top, she gasped, trembled and gave him a bragging smirk. "Thought you had me, huh?"

Loki loved her tenacity, sense of adventure and willingness to play this game with him. "Obviously I underestimated you." He sat up, allowing the radiating chill off his face to skim hers, then slowly moved lower to stimulate her neck and throat the same way, watching small bumps appear on her flesh.

She put her arms around his neck. When she began to move, he let her set the speed and angle of the penetration then did his best to assist her. After starting and stopping so many times, he was ready to see this through to the end. He didn't hold back or try to regulate his own desire as Cami bounced and bucked, riding him with a desperate, overwhelming need that surpassed anything as trivial as decorum or pain.

As the sensations grew stronger, Loki and Cami got more verbal, but tried to muffle their outbursts. "How close are you?" Loki panted, feeling his own release quickening.

Cami was slow to answer and didn't open her eyes. "I'm too cold; just can't get there," she admitted with a sad shiver. "Finish without me."

Never would Loki accept such a suggestion from her. He shifted out of his Jotun form mid-stroke, shocking her womb with his unexpected heat and pushing her instantly over the edge. She buried her face against his neck to help squelch her scream as he came too with a loud, guttural moan.

The stifling heat had returned instantly, but Loki and Cami maintained their embrace through her post-orgasm shudders and retreating shivers.

"Are you alright?" Loki whispered after she'd settled. Her head still rested on his shoulder and he touched the side of his head to hers. "Did I hurt you?"

Cami took in some deep breaths then kissed softly at his ear before whispering fearfully, "I think the condom broke."

- - - - -

How can this be happening to me? Cami thought.

If Loki was speaking, she didn't hear him. When he laid her down on the mattress and moved away, she looked for him - only to have her vision blur with stinging sweat and beginning tears. 

"The condom did break," Loki confirmed in a soft, mindful tone, returning to her side as she wiped the moisture from her eyes with a handful of her discarded cloak. "We'd better sit you up."

The tears came again in a rush as she moved with his assistance. He was probably repeating himself as he gave her instructions because her mind kept hazing over and she knew he was doing far more than she was managing to do for herself through the clean up and getting dressed in their uniforms.

The tent was still hot and now pungent with the smells of perspiration and sex, yet Cami hesitated to follow as Loki stepped out.

"Come on," he urged, turning to offer her his hand. "We should chat with Dr. Lloyd."

"No, I can't," Cami insisted with a whimper. "What if he tells Clint?"

"I'm sure that the doctor is bound to keep such matters to himself."

"But everyone's going to see that I'm upset. Don't make me; please?"

Loki let his hand drop, studying her for a long moment. Finally he nodded and hurried off to find the doctor himself.

It was just desperate, wishful thinking on their part that Dr. Lloyd would happen to be carrying around emergency contraception meds in his field kit. It was bad enough that this was Cami's first ever condom mishap, but being told she'd have to wait until they returned to Asgard to get the pill was troubling. Even Dr. Lloyd agreed that timing was important in these situations.

While Loki and the doctor were making some discreet inquiries among the Zovodna for any remedies they might have, Cami went for a walk around the edge of the village. She detoured by the river to wash her face in the cool water while she tried to organize her thoughts. She realized that Loki had been so quick to rush off in search of a back up plan that they hadn't actually talked about the worst case scenario. Maybe Loki's urgency to find the doctor after their encounter summed up his feelings.

Natasha and Gary were working around the STAVs when Cami approached. An odd sensation prickled inside her chest and grew more pronounced as she honed her attention in on the vehicles. Cami touched the hood of the closest car and her mind instantly drifted to images of the internal systems. She'd seen pictures before, but realized that these were more detailed than the ones they'd shown in their class back at the STAV training facility. Plus, Cami had the distinct impression that she understood better now how the images came together as a whole functioning system.

Loki strolled up and placed a cup in her hand. "Drink this," he said softly to her.

Cami choked down the thick, bitter liquid then followed it with several gulps of water from his offered canteen. "That was awful," she uttered, making a face. "What was it?"

Aware that Natasha was watching, Loki chose not to respond, which made him look guilty of something.

"When does the team leave?" Cami asked in a weak attempt to draw Natasha's critical stare from Loki.

"A little after sundown," Natasha said.

Gary turned off the farthest STAV and stepped out of the cockpit. "Looks like they got enough light through the breaks in the canopy to mostly charge the batteries. We might still want to pull them into direct sunshine for awhile."

Natasha opened her com line and the prickling in Cami's core traveled swiftly up into her head. "Clint, do you want us to pull the cars out to charge the batteries?" Natasha asked, but seemingly in stereo, as Cami could hear her words in duplicate, almost perfectly synchronized.

Though she had no communicator of her own currently, Cami actually heard Clint's response as clearly as if he was at her side. "Sure. Dan and I are heading your way. We'll help."

Again Natasha's voice was doubled as she said, "Loki and Cami are here with us."

"Good. Be right there."

Loki leaned close, noting something in her expression that apparently concerned him.

Cami said, "I think I'm connected to the coms. I could hear Clint talking back to Nat."

Natasha looked to verify that Cami didn't have a communicator in her ear.

Loki suggested to Natasha, "Let's test it. Get Clint back on the line."

The prickling sensation returned to Cami's head as Natasha opened the com again. She said, "Clint, please respond."

"Yeah," Clint said, sounding amused. "We're almost there. What's up?"

Cami nodded to indicate that she could hear Clint.

"We're testing a theory," Natasha said. "Have Dan jump on too."

After a brief pause, Cami heard Dan say, "This is Kotter." She nodded to Natasha again.

"Well guys," Natasha reported, sounding impressed, "it appears that Cami can access our com signals without a communicator."

"That's sweet!" Kotter exclaimed.

"Dan's excited," Cami said to Loki with a chuckle. "Of course, he's always easily entertained."

"Hey, I heard that," Dan said.

"Me too," Clint added. "Loud and clear."

"And she still doesn't have a communicator," Natasha said.

Clint and Dan came into view, studying Cami as they walked up.

"What does this mean?" Clint asked, looking between Cami and Loki.

Cami admitted, "I'm not sure yet." She turned back to the STAV, resting her hand on the hood. "I get something here too. There are images and a sort of familiarity with its systems."

Everyone's eyes were on her, but no one spoke immediately. Then Loki pointed out, "Nearly every incident she's had with her magic involved machinery of some sort."

"A technology mage," Kotter speculated, smiling widely. "Now that would be seriously cool, Cami."

"I want to try something," she said, placing her other hand on the car as well.

"Wait," Clint said. "Jorn said we should find you a teacher. I don't think you should 'just try' your magic on a multi-million dollar piece of equipment."

Cami took her hands off the STAV and jammed them in her pockets, trying to mask the hurt his lack of confidence in her had sparked.

"Clint," Loki said, "if she's truly a technology mage, trial and error could be her only option."

After some thought, Clint said to Cami, "We've got a ton of gadgets and stuff in the cargo trailer. We'll pull out what we're planning to use tonight and you can experiment with some of the rest away from the village."

Cami agreed, cheered a little by his offer.

While they charged the STAVs to full power in the sunlight, Clint and Natasha tried to bring Cami and Loki up to speed on the rescue plans, which relied heavily on surprise, nonlethal attacks. There was also the issue of trying to recover the twins' weapons, magical family heirlooms that were left behind with their father when they fled the Jotun attack. For the most part, Cami caught the basics, though her mind was wandering a lot.

A little later on, Clint and Loki pulled her and a small trove of gadgets out to the edge of the forest. Cami took the items out of the boxes with care, giving each at least a few moments inspection before laying them out on the ground.

Clint was perched on a log a few yards away, staring off into the forest. Loki sat near Cami, his knees pulled up so he could rest his arms on them. At first, it appeared that he was watching her, but she soon realized his mind was also elsewhere.

Cami could sense the tension and asked, "Have you two been arguing?" It was a shot in the dark because both of them had plenty of things to worry about.

Clint relaxed his features some, but kept his gaze averted while Loki silently picked dried flakes of mud off the side of his shoe - neither one denying it.

Cami picked up a pair of high tech binoculars, fiddling with the buttons. "So, I heard a rumor once that I always get what I want." She watched as the edges of Clint's mouth curled slightly and Loki pursed his lips to fend off his own grin. "Well, if that's true, I don't want you guys fighting. For my sanity, at least try acting like friends."

Loki insisted softly, "We ARE friends."

"Yeah," Clint agreed, yet they didn't look at her or each other.

"Good," Cami said. Then she nudged Loki. "You know magic stuff. Teach me."

"Do you get any sensations from these devices?" Loki asked her.

"Yeah. My body kinda prickles. I feel warm and energized," she explained.

"Where would you say the feeling originates?"

"Huh?"

"There should be a point in your body where the magic is generated. The three most common areas for mages are the head, chest or abdomen."

"Oh." Cami thought about it, trying to focus on the movement of the energy through her body.

"I think it's her chest," Clint said. "It is the first spot she starts rubbing when she gets riled up."

Cami realized he was right and agreed.

Loki glanced over at Clint. "Your magic originates in your head?"

"Yeah," Clint said with a shrug. "So?"

"Your magic will not be affected as much by your emotions," Loki told him. "You will require more mental discipline and the ability to quickly clear your thoughts to manage the power. Cami, on the other hand, will find her magic to be more instinctual and reactive. Strong emotion will actually heighten her power levels."

Though Loki offered to split his instruction between both of them, Clint turned down the offer. He insisted he was just there to get a feel for Cami's abilities.




Mischief Makers Ch. 09



With Loki's encouragement and advice, Cami worked her way through the collection of gadgets using her magic to power them up and manipulate each as much as possible without actually handling them. When she had nearly a dozen such devices running at once, Clint and Loki were speechless and shaking their heads with amazement.

Her mind and body felt alive and connected to her surroundings. Of course there was an active pulse and draw with each device, but she soon distinguished a similar closeness with both Loki and Clint, who were in close proximity to her.

"I think I can feel people too," Cami said tentatively, shifting her gaze to them. "We all have a natural electrical current inside of us, right?"

"True," Loki said.

"You think you could affect bioelectricity?" Clint asked with widening eyes.

"Maybe," she said, feeling a bit freaked at the prospect.

Natasha appeared through the trees, casually strolling in their direction. She stopped in her tracks when she noticed the buzzing and blinking lights from the collection of gadgets at Cami's feet.

"Impressive, isn't she?" Clint said proudly to Natasha who nodded in return. "Cami thinks she might be able to manipulate the electricity inside people too."

"I don't suggest testing that just yet," the redhead said with concern. "Unlike some toys or a STAV, a person can't be replaced."

"Well, yeah," Clint said, his enthusiasm deflating. "I wasn't volunteering."

With a stern expression, Natasha moved on to the matter on her mind. "Kotter has suggested that we break camp now and just head straight back to Asgard after collecting Rosner."

"That would save us some time," Clint agreed.

"He says there was a heavy snowstorm in the Jotunheim this morning that likely obscured the tracks from their STAVs," she continued. "We can't count on that tonight though. If the Frost Giants get mad, we don't want to lead them to the Zovodna."

"Then we'd better get packing," Clint said. "We're losing daylight."

After stowing their tents and gear in the cargo trailer, the group met with Saizon to give heartfelt thanks to the Zovodna for their hospitality, assistance with the planning of the rescue, and for their numerous and tiring efforts in Clint and Cami's treatments.

"We know that Midgard is a young realm," Saizon told the team, "but you are strong people with great love in your hearts. Your kin will always be welcome here."

Jorn and Mahlora pulled Loki and Cami aside as they exited the leader's hut. Jorn boldly placed his hand on Loki's chest while Mahlora took his arm and pushed up the sleeve of his leather jacket to reveal some of his scarred flesh. 

"You are damaged. Why did you not ask for help?" Jorn asked.

Though he fidgeted and had difficulty keeping eye contact, Loki didn't pull away from them. "The scars will heal on their own," he said softly.

"Yes, but your soul will not," Jorn insisted. "Your essence bleeds. Did Jahla do this?"

Loki nodded. He looked so conflicted and embarrassed that Cami grasped his free hand.

Jorn was watching them with sad, yet compassionate eyes. "Where is the missing piece of your soul?"

"Inside a construct of blood and shadow magic. He is my twin in appearance and also our enemy."

"We can't kill him or Loki will die too," Cami told them.

Jorn understood. "What is your plan?"

"We don't have one," Loki admitted, looking more uncomfortable. "They are far ahead of us."

"If you capture this twin," Jorn said, "send for me. I will come."

Cami could tell from the sudden flush of color to his face that Loki was touched by Jorn's offer, though he gave no response beyond a nod.

With a final farewell, Trawick and the children accompanied the team to the edge of the village where the Mischief Makers climbed in their vehicles, choosing to depart along the rocky river bank to help mask their tire tracks.

Alfheim and Jotunheim were separate worlds in the vast cosmos, yet they were connected together and to other realms by mystical passages. It was an underground cave system that joined Southern Alfheim to the outskirts of the Jotunheim. The dark, wet caves were barely wide enough in most spots to allow the STAVs through single file.

Cami could tell when they were getting close to the end of the tunnel as frost and ice were visible on the walls and cave formations around them. Also, as it got colder outside, her STAV was automatically regulating the cockpit temperature as well as traction control and sensor readings, which Cami actively monitored. 

The rescue plan consisted of five phases if you didn't count the planned retreat at the end. Cami was glad that Clint didn't ask her to repeat the order like he had in D.C. because she was just too unnerved to concentrate. She did recall that phase one was to track and take out the Jotun's hunting patrols. So, as soon as they had cleared the confines of the cave and could put their sensors to best use, the team started across the snow for the distant range of hills that surrounded the village in a loose crescent shape. They were on quiet running with no headlights, having to rely on their readouts to navigate the rocky, uneven terrain.

They detected their first patrol as they approached the foothills. Clint, Loki and Cami pulled their STAVs into the cover of the trees while the others continued west, away from the patrol, in search of the path Kotter and Stott had discovered through the hills that morning.

"Maybe Mitzi and Diani should scout a little," Cami suggested, turning to see the twins nod their agreement from where they were cramped into the shared backseat.

"Good idea," Clint whispered quickly.

The sisters were out of the vehicle as soon as Cami popped the cockpit, scurrying up the incline with surefooted agility for higher ground. 

In the few seconds the top was open, freezing air rushed in to steal away Cami's breath and make her shiver in her thin uniform jacket.

"There's only two of them." Clint said, downplaying the threat of the patrol. "We've got this." Clint and Hogun climbed out of the lead STAV, quickly donned S.H.I.E.L.D.-issued cold-weather coats and grabbed their bows.

"Zero fatalities," Natasha reminded them quietly.

"We're using the treated arrows," Clint reassured her. There was com silence for several minutes while the archers tracked their prey. "Targets down," Clint soon reported, then followed a bit later with, "Loki, can I get you and Dr. Lloyd up here for a quick opinion. Maybe we hit them a bit too hard with this stuff."

Loki and Dr. Lloyd vacated their STAV, leaving Cami alone with all three vehicles while they hoofed it along the foothills to catch up with Clint and Hogun.

Kotter reported, "We've got life signs to the northwest of us."

"They're a ways off, but coming this direction," Stott confirmed. "I'd say from these sensor readings that this is a single rider on one of those woolly elk things we saw in the village earlier. He is covering significant ground."

"E.T.A. to your position?" Clint asked.

"Three or four minutes," Stott confirmed.

Kotter said, "Gary and I will park and find a good sniping position. We'll attempt to drop the rider and mount together. Do we have a determination on the sleep toxin?"

"Doc and Loki say we're good to go with the predetermined dose," Clint said as Cami saw him, Hogun, Loki and Dr. Lloyd return through the trees.

Once they were loaded up again, Cami's group continued slowly along the hills until they reached the end.

"We're good here," Kotter soon reported.

Both groups were cautiously narrowing in on the village. When Kotter's group detected and skillfully dropped another patrol a few minutes later, Natasha speculated, "The Jotun must be expecting something."

Stott said, "All of our guys were carrying horns; probably to signal the village." 

Clint said, "We'll stick to the plan as long as we can."

Cami stopped the slow crawl across the snow when the twins flew close enough for her sensors to pick them up. They circled as she opened the cockpit then shifted out of bird form to drop onto their feet and climb in.

"There are at least four more patrols in the hills on the far side," Mitzi reported to the team. 

Diani added, "And several guards are moving about the village."

"We need to hurry this up," Dr. Lloyd said pointedly, "or we won't be clear of the area when those first patrols we encountered wake up."

"Then I say we focus on the guys in the village," Kotter said. "If we spread out a bit, maybe we can take the guards out all at once."

Clint agreed and quick adjustments were made to the plan. They drew in as close as they dared to the village before leaving the STAVs. Cami pulled on her winter coat, grabbed her staff and quickly fell in step behind Clint and Dr. Lloyd, keeping low and watchful while Loki and Hogun took the twins with them toward the back of the closest lodges.

The structure where Cami, Lloyd and Clint found cover had a distinct odor, even in the frigid temperature. It had to be the community's outhouse, and its proximity to the giant pen where they kept their animals probably wasn't a coincidence. Cami fought the urge to hold her breath as she eyed the massive and furry white elk creatures within the nearby pen that were acutely aware of them too. She noted that their impressive antlers were at least as wide as they were tall, about twelve or thirteen feet.

"Give me locations, numbers," Clint said through the com, "and call your targets."

A flood of information came in from the group and Cami was at a loss to make heads-or-tails of it all. She could do the math though and realized they were dealing with eight guards, three more than they had snipers. 

Clint, Dan and Gary swapped ideas for a few seconds, using soldier shoptalk to assign the additional targets based on the locations of their shooters. Then Clint stood. "On a three count," he whispered as he stepped around the edge of the outhouse and took aim at his first target.

Two bows, three silenced tranquilizer rifles and eight falling bodies didn't make enough sound to stir the sleeping Frost Giants in their towering communal lodges. All that followed was some agitated grunts from the fidgety elk.

"Nice," Kotter complimented the team. From his tone, Cami could tell he was grinning.

"We're a go for phase three," Clint said in his no-nonsense tone. "Runners and fliers move in."

Finally, Cami got to do something. She climbed to her feet, moving around the side of the outhouse away from the animals and rushed across the snow-packed and sporadically muddy ground to the first of the four lodges. Noting Sif's form as she slipped in front of the adjacent lodge, Cami drew a small canister from her pocket, turning the cylinder so she could open it one-handed on command. 

"Everyone in position?" Clint soon asked.

Cami added her guarded, "Yes," with the others.

"Go."

Cami took a deep breath. Then with a flick of her fingers, she pulled the pin and opened the valve. Gas filtered out as she tossed the canister through the gap beneath the door. She backed away to the corner of the building to wait and capture some fresh air in her lungs.

Amid rising shouts from inside, the door suddenly opened and a large, gasping figure stumbled out and quickly collapsed. A second Frost Giant emerged through the wafting gas. He was holding a piece of cloth over his mouth as he stepped over the first Jotun, but was quickly dropped by one of Clint's treated arrows that struck him in the bicep.

Clint said through the com, "Hold for ten more seconds everyone."

Since they'd gassed each lodge from multiple sides, most of the Jotun weren't likely to make it to their feet before passing out.

The animals were still grunting and bellowing in their corral, making Cami more uneasy with all the nervous adrenaline streaming through her body, but she figured there was a good reason that Clint wasn't shooting or gassing them too.

Clint finally said, "Go for phase four."

The twins and the other runners moved from their positions around the lodges to converge on the pit while the snipers kept watch.

Cami, however, walked up to the unconscious Jotun in the doorway of the lodge. She estimated they were a little over ten feet tall. They had rugged, muscular builds. The size of their hands alone made her uneasy and she noted that their markings were different than Loki's and even each other.

Natasha said, breaking the com silence, "Rosner is alive, but we have a problem. The Jotun constructed a cover over the pit from tree trunks, metal, roots and rope. They're keeping it in place with large boulders set on the corners."

"Some precise shots from an STAV could cut that cover into pieces," Stott offered.

"It would have to be very precise," Sif emphasized. "We don't want to accidentally drop debris on Rosner." 

Natasha said, "Maybe we should try to pull this cover off with grappling lines and winches on some STAVs."

Kotter offered his approval. "We get the weight off the corners and I bet the winch idea will work perfectly."

Clint and Dr. Lloyd passed Cami en route to the pit and she fell in behind them.

"Dan, Gary, bring in your cars," Clint ordered. He stepped up to the twins. "Mitzi, Diani, we're gonna have to leave in a hurry. Look for your weapons now if you're going to. The rest of us will try to get those boulders off."

The Elves split up as they moved back to the lodges.

It didn't take very long for the group to realize that the boulders were too heavy to budge, even with the combined efforts of their strongest members. So, the Asgardians began chopping away at the sturdy cover near the corners with their edged weapons. 

Having successfully cut a slender section of the cover free, Sif slipped her shield through the opening, calling out for Rosner to use it to protect himself.

Stott and Kotter pulled their STAVs into position. Clint and Natasha securely attached the grappling lines to the cover and ordered everyone to move back.

The cover creaked and cracked along its weakened points then finally broke free of the boulders and was dragged off the dark pit. 

Natasha and Clint pulled their flashlights as the group gathered around, soon revealing that the pit had steep, smooth walls. The man who peeked out from under Sif's shield had the same fair hair as the twins, yet it was short and matted with dirt and dried blood. His features and garments were also filthy, adding to his battered appearance.

Loki asked him, "How badly are you injured?"

Rosner seemed to tense as he recognized Loki's voice. "I am not seriously wounded, Your Majesty."

"He looks weary," Sif said. "Shall I climb down?"

Clint had detached the winch lines from the cover. He hooked the line from Kotter's vehicle to his belt. He stepped to the edge of the pit, holding the other line carefully with his gloved hands. "I got this," he said and skillfully repelled down to the spymaster.

"King Odin sent you?" Rosner inquired as Clint approached and helped him to his feet. 

"Yes. We are the Mischief Makers, Sir, a joint task force from Midgard and Asgard."

The Elf asked, "Mischief? Is Prince Loki your leader?"

Clint chuckled. "Nah, he's really more our mascot."

He took Sif's shield from Rosner, slipping it on his arm and turned to put it between him and the wall of the pit. "Grab on," he said.

Natasha signaled to Kotter and Stott once Clint and Rosner looked ready and the winches steadily pulled them up and out of the hole.

"OK. Last phase," Clint said urgently. "Find every last gas canister, tranq dart or arrow we used here in the village. Then we'll load up and get out of here."

"Uh guys, we have inbound patrols from the north," Kotter suddenly reported.

"Guess we made a bit too much noise," Stott said as three loud blasts from a horn echoed in the distance.

"We are officially out of time," Natasha commented as Mitzi and Diani rushed up. 

Mitzi carried a black-handled longsword with distinct symbols etched into the blade. Diani held a similar styled dagger, but sheathed it before joining Mitzi to embrace their father.

As he rushed past her, Clint asked Cami to head to the north side of the village and drive in Natasha's STAV since that was the direction the patrols were approaching from. "Be quick about it," he snapped.

Cami started to run, letting her prickling senses guide her through the darkness toward the car. Though there was some soft moonlight to assist her, she didn't see the larger form until it was upon her. As she turned, a strong blow connected with the side of her face and her vision temporarily blacked as she fell in the snow.

The attacker's crunching footfalls rushed past her. Then moments later, as Cami fought to clear her head, she heard and felt the STAV power up. She looked up to see the vehicle head toward the back of the village.

"Where are you going?" her brother's voice demanded through the com line. 

Cami forced herself to focus. "That's not me. I got blindsided. Didn't see who it was."

"Shit. Are you alright?"

"No. I'm pissed."

Suddenly there was a burst of light artillery fire and a section of roof was blown off one of the lodges near the center of the village.

"Everyone, switch to the alternate com line," Clint ordered. "Kotter, Stott, disable that vehicle before he brings down the whole place."

Kotter and Stott chased after the rogue driver in their own vehicles, peppering their target with bullets and managing to scare him off a ways so he couldn't continue to fire on the lodges. "I don't think STAVs were meant to fight each other," Stott said. "Our main weapons deflect off the armor."

"Who is this guy?" Kotter growled.

Thinking of the approaching Jotun patrols, Cami pushed to her feet, pressing a handful of snow against her aching cheek as she retrieved her staff and hurried back. 

"The lodge is burning," Sif reported urgently as orangey-red flames spread across the damaged roof. "We'll never drag all the Jotun out in time."

Cami yelled to Clint and Loki as she ran past them, "We can use the foam." 

She was panting by the time she reached her STAV on the opposite side of the village. Cami jumped in, powered it up and sped off. She didn't even wait to come to a complete stop in front of the lodge. As soon as the system told her she was within range, she launched a stream of fire suppression foam to start coating the roof. 

Clint and Loki pulled up and quickly helped finish off the flames. Her brother sounded pleased as he said, "Good thinking."

Kotter warned them, "He slipped by us. He's heading back your way, and he definitely knows what these vehicles can do. Loki, Man, please tell me you know the override procedure for the STAVs."

"Yes. I read it in the operator's manual. What number is the vehicle?" Loki asked.

"Four."

"I'll have to find which line he's using if he hasn't disabled the on-board communications."

"Just broadcast on all of the channels," Clint said as he sped off to intercept the battling STAVs.

"Clear the coms," Loki said, then steadied his voice. "Sierra, Tango, Alpha, Victor, 4. Acknowledge override authority." After a brief pause, Loki repeated the command then reported, "He must have switched off the link."

"Can you hack his system from your vehicle?" Cami asked.

"It will take time. Think you could reactivate the link for me instead?" 

She was surprised by the question, but recognized the opportunity Loki offered. "I'll try," she said.

Cami climbed out of her vehicle to help unclutter her faculties. She focused on the magic in her chest and felt a strong responding prickle. She let it expand, quickly becoming an overwhelming sensation that made her whole body tense with energy. Then she sent out a wide scale pulse, which caused information from all six STAVs' systems to instantly flood her consciousness. 




Mischief Makers Ch. 10



For the last week, Cami's teammates had been traveling all over the nine realms with Rosner's inquisitors, following leads and gathering intel on people and magic artifacts that had gone missing over several months. 

With Loki off world so much, Cami had been sleeping alone nearly every night. 

She stirred at the sound of Loki's voice in the sitting room.

"It's late," he was saying. "Is something wrong?"

"I chose to stay close when Lady Camille went to bed crying," Igus replied. "You look like you've had quite a harrowing trip. May I suggest some food and a bath?"

The responding chuckle was soft and weary. "For Cami's sake I'll agree to the bath."

Igus entered and crossed through the dark bedroom so stealthily that Cami barely noticed before he was in the bathroom, lighting the braziers and starting the water running in the tub.

Loki came in and sat on the bed to remove his shoes. He was trying to be quiet and function with only the light filtering in from the bathroom. He stank of sweat and campfire.

Cami said softly, "I'm awake."

"My Dear, it's very late."

"Don't you mean very early? Sunrise is in a few hours."

He stood, shedding his clothes. "Igus mentioned you've been crying."

Cami sighed and sat up with a witty, "I knew he was spying on me."

Loki chose not to explore that topic with her again.

"Want to talk about why you were crying?"

Between being left off the missions and losing Bruce back to the helicarrier to work on the magic detection device, Cami had been feeling useless and abandoned. The whole mentor thing hadn't really turned out, and Cami realized she felt safer when Bruce was on the same side of the universe as her.

Also, a few days ago Nick Fury had informed the team that Marcus Rodriguez was missing. He was a super sweet, genuine guy and one of Clint's Hellhound teammates. His specialization was demolitions, yet he had been handpicked to train with them in Arizona on the STAVs.

Marcus had also been on the last security detail that moved Loki's staff and now it was missing too. So, everyone assumed that it was a mind controlled Marcus that had tried to steal the STAV in the Jotun village during the rescue of the spymaster.

"It's a number of things," Cami admitted. "Marcus, Bruce... other stuff."

Igus stepped back through, gathering up Loki's pile of clothes in passing.

Loki lingered at the bedside for a bit before walking into the bathroom.

Cami gave him a chance to get settled in the tub then wandered in. She slipped out of her sleep pants then climbed up behind him to sit on the edge of the tub and help lather his wet hair.

"When are you expected back for duty?"

"I'm not sure. Nearly everyone is heading to bed right now. We have a working theory that Clint and Rosner are going to discuss with the king."

"Can you tell me?" she asked, unsure if he could because it was becoming more apparent that she was being purposely separated from the team's duties. She'd occupied herself working on gadgets, practicing her staff skills and tormenting Odin's people with her choices in music.

"These magical relics that have been taken, we believe Bad Loki is using them to mimic the powers of other mages that he is impersonating. It's a pattern. A powerful mage disappears from one realm only to appear in another to wreak havoc. To put it simply, we think he is priming the realms for an all out war."

Considering how tired they both were, Cami wasn't going to hold it against him that he wasn't making much sense to her. She tried piecing the information together before asking, "Why was he impersonating the mages?"

"Some might be dead, but since we know he only recently acquired Thanos' scepter from S.H.I.E.L.D., he probably didn't have control of them. He had to execute the realm attacks himself."

"So, it's not just about killing the Jotun anymore."

"Right, which makes sense why Jahla might not be happy with him."

Cami took that comment to mean that he'd read the report Bruce and Montoya had submitted after her debriefing.

She washed his back, noting the improvement in his scars before tentatively asking, "Any talk of having to postpone the wedding?"

"Not that I've heard. Of course, no one dares say anything that might upset Natasha, even Dr. Montoya."

Cami felt compelled to mention, "Montoya has been antsy lately."

"I hadn't noticed."

"I realize that everyone's entitled to their issues, but it just seems extra weird in her case."

He slid into the water to wash the soap out of his hair and rinse off. As he sat back up, he gripped the tub edge and turned carefully so he was facing her and kneeling between her thighs. Pushing his dripping hair off his forehead, he considered her, visibly conflicted.

Her mind was plagued with possibilities of what he was about to say, including the chance of being removed from the team again or Odin deciding to suppress her unruly magic. The king and Fury might be planning to move her somewhere else since Loki didn't need her to wake him now. Or, maybe Loki was tired of her meddling and excessive whining lately and wanted to break up with her.

"Uh oh."

He frowned. "Do you know what I'm going to say?"

"No, but from your look it can't be good."

He laid his hands on her bare thighs and continued despite her objection. "I spoke with Dr. Lloyd for a few moments when I got back. Your menses didn't start after taking the medicine."

Loki was always attentive, yet it bothered Cami how factually he stated this when he'd spent so much time away from her on missions this week.

Her stomach clenched as she trembled under his touch. "That's bad, right?"

"It's not definitive proof of pregnancy, but very unusual. How have you been feeling?"

"I'm fine, just stressed. Being emotional doesn't mean I'm pregnant." She growled because his expression only grew more concerned. "I don't need anything else to worry about."

"I agree, but perhaps we'll both feel better if we discuss the issue."

Instead of being relieved that he wanted to talk, Cami was getting riled up and didn't think she'd be able to put forth her best attitude. "Not right now. We don't know anything yet."

"Ignoring the situation will not make it go away."

Cami felt her magic spark and lightly burn in her chest. She promptly pushed away his hands and climbed down from the tub, retreating to the bedroom where she grabbed her robe and then fled the suite.

- - - - -

The amount of information they were dealing with boggled Clint, but once Loki, Rosner and Brandon had analyzed and generalized the data, the situation was simple enough to understand. Bad Loki was stirring up trouble to get the realms to distrust each other.

"What's our next move?" Clint asked after Rosner had finished the explanation for Odin.

The king was pacing and stroking his beard as he contemplated. "To stop a war, Agent Barton? I think we've already made considerable progress. We informed representatives of several realms of an escalating situation and cautioned them against hasty reactions."

Rosner said, "I'm not disagreeing with your assessment, King Odin, but the realms are uneasy by the sudden alliance between Asgard and Midgard. Many of these leaders have never laid eyes on Humans or their technology before this week. There are stories circulating that you sanctioned an attack on a Frost Giant settlement by the Mischief Makers. Circumstances notwithstanding, we must be very cautious."

Odin stopped his pacing to address them. "Asgard has always protected the realms from harm. I think our recent efforts reinforce that position."

"We haven't attempted any communication directly with the Jotun," Dr. Montoya said pointedly. "They have as much to lose as any other realm, don't they?"

Clint tensed, once again wishing that Odin hadn't allowed the psychologist to join this meeting. Montoya always seemed eager to take a jab at authority figures.

"Relations are strained with the Jotun," Odin began to argue.

"You promised to make the effort," Montoya countered. "You claim no bias against them, but your lack of action says otherwise."

"Dr. Montoya," Clint angrily spoke up, "I think you forget yourself. WE represent S.H.I.E.L.D. and Earth in these matters."

"I know you are not so narrow minded, Agent Barton, to believe that political rhetoric."

Rosner stepped forward, breaking the line of sight between Clint and Montoya. The elf addressed Odin, but made sweeping glances to everyone as well. "Sire, obviously you had to be firm and decisive with your actions against the Jotun and their transgressions in the past. You and I have spoken in length about the unification of the realms and how we would assist in forging those alliances, but this 'Bad Loki' has forced our hands. Asgard must show a strong, cooperative front with ALL the realms, especially if he is now conspiring with the Queen of the Underworld."

Odin was receptive, yet agitated. "Any delegation I send into the Jotunheim could meet death or worse."

Montoya said instantly, "Send a small, harmless group to deliver a message. I volunteer to go."

Clint laughed and couldn't contain his contempt. "You are not harmless, Doctor."

Montoya glared back, but her expression quickly turned more amused as she gave the comment some thought.

Determined to keep on task, Rosner said next, "I was reviewing the statements made by Lady Camille about her visit to the caves in the Jotunheim. According to her, Bad Loki claimed to be holding children prisoner."

"Yeah," Clint said, "but any missing children in the reports have been accounted for now."

"Perhaps these children are from a realm that would not report such a happening," Rosner suggested.

Odin agreed. "We have not had a strong inquisitor presence in Midgard for at least a thousand years."

"The same is partly true of the Jotunheim," Rosner said. "The Giants are too territorial and suspicious."

"It's sad to admit," Clint said, "but there are numerous missing children on Earth. Some are never found."

"All the more reason to speak with the Jotun," Montoya argued.

"Let us continue this later," Odin said, purposely taking a deep breath and turning away from them. "I think we all could use some rest."

Clint welcomed the suggestion as the team had been running on very little sleep for days.

"There is still the matter of the incident with the Dwarves," Rosner said, bringing Odin back.

"I thought Diani smoothed that over," Clint said.

"Ogalfus is demanding a formal, public apology from Agent Romanoff and the All-Father."

"He insulted both her and your own daughter."

"Even so, Agent Barton," Rosner said, "your people should show more restraint if they're going to travel and interact with representatives of the other realms."

This was turning out to be a great reminder to Clint why he was a better soldier than a diplomat. "She didn't actually hurt him. I think that showed quite a bit of restraint. I probably would have decked him if I'd been there."

Odin ended their heated exchange by simply lifting his hand. He said, sounding weary, "One Dwarf's wounded pride is far from our highest priority. Give Ogalfus some time to reflect on his own actions for now."

Clint left the king's suite and headed for his room. Natasha wasn't there. So, he stepped into her room, finding her surrounded by piles of white gowns.

"Maria went all out, huh?" He managed not to laugh at Natasha's overwhelmed expression, but she noticed his smile.

"I guess she really appreciated me naming her as the maid of honor."

Clint nodded. "Have you narrowed down the choices?"

With a shake of her head and a shrug, Natasha came to him, easing into his offered embrace. "Do you think I hurt Cami's feelings when I chose Maria?"

"I doubt she expected you to ask her."

"Maybe we should have just eloped. I swear if I have to decide anything else, I'm going to scream."

Clint drew her out into the corridor, respectfully asking a passing servant if she could find someone to tidy up the dresses and put out the sconces around Natasha's room.

"Of course, Lord Barton," the woman said and went to handle the task herself.

Natasha chuckled at Clint's scowl and pushed him into the other bedroom. "You don't like being considered nobility through association?"

Clint was sure she knew his feelings. "Loki hasn't tried at all to make this rumor go away."

"Odin and Frigga don't seem bothered by it," she said, kicking off her shoes and wandering toward the bathroom, "and Cami's not taking it seriously anyway."

Clint started to undress. "How do you know that?"

Natasha called back, "She's surrounded by wedding stuff, but she chooses to hang out in the workshop or practice her staff."

"I guess you're right."

Their discussion could have easily drifted to the topic of Cami's recent problems and the joint decision by Fury, Odin and Clint to discreetly remove her from active duty. Clint wasn't eager to cover that ground again. Natasha had made it clear that she didn't agree with the decision, but she understood that there just wasn't a good alternative with everyone being so busy.

Clint climbed into bed and Natasha soon joined him, dressed only in one of his sleep shirts and panties. Since they'd decided to wait until the wedding night to be intimate, Clint found her tempting attire quite cruel. Maybe it was her way of testing his resolve or punishing him over Cami. Either way, this wedding couldn't come fast enough for his liking.

- - - - -

The path to her workshop was becoming almost second nature to Cami now. The servants and guards she encountered along the corridors addressed her respectfully, always asking if they could be of assistance. All the attention was one of the perks and curses of being Loki's rumored betrothed.

Cami was temporarily stunned to find the fires burning and Odin standing at her worktable when she entered the room.

"I was curious about your creations," he said in explanation to her questioning look, "and I wanted to speak with you."

"You knew I was up?" she asked, praying that he hadn't heard any rumors of the possible pregnancy.

"In a way." He stiffened and his gaze was calculating. "You are in a difficult position."

"How so?"

"You're here with the team, but limited in what you're allowed to do. You possess strong power, but have no teacher to help you master it."

"Loki has been..."

Odin interrupted harshly, "He hasn't the time to devote to your training."

Cami couldn't recall Odin ever acting this cold with her. It made her wonder if she'd done something to upset him. Maybe he regretted ever bringing her to Asgard.

"I have done everything asked of me, Your Majesty. I just..."

He seemed to poke fun at her as he uttered, "You want to help and have a chance to show that you're actually good at something."

Cami tried to sound unaffected by the emotions burning in her chest that were further provoking her magic. "At least I'm trying."

"Your best efforts fall short, Cami. S.H.I.E.L.D. has let this farce go on much too long and all for your brother's benefit."

"What do you mean?"

"Loki took over Clint's mind, using him as a weapon against his own people. Your brother killed several agents and even went after Agent Romanoff. He's been treading on thin ice ever since, trying to put his fragile psyche back together. Fury only brought you in as a tool in that process. You're nothing like him and they should know better than to let you graduate."

It felt like Cami was going to choke on her own tightening throat and the prickling sensation creeping up from her chest. It hurt to push out the words. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Excellent question," a voice called out from behind her.

She turned to see another Odin in the doorway and Frigga standing with him. She noted that this king wore armor and was wielding his royal scepter.

"Cami step away from him."

A shadow tendril seized Cami's arm, yanking her off balance. She fell hard, but looked to see the image of the Odin nearest to her fade away to reveal Bad Loki.

"Release her," Frigga demanded, trying to come around Odin, who blocked her.

Bad Loki was smiling confidently as more tendrils snaked out of his sides to coil around Cami's limbs and drag her close until she was struggling futilely at his feet.

"You are not welcome in Asgard," Odin said sternly, pointing his scepter in their direction.

"You don't seem able to keep me out."

"We are growing wiser to your tricks. Tell me what you want from this girl."

"I've come to collect her. Danger approaches and someone has to keep her safe."

Frigga scolded, "It is you who puts her in danger with your schemes and lies."

He insisted, "I wasn't completely lying to her."

Odin took a decisive step forward. "I command you to release Cami and leave Asgard."

"I don't think so. I fear you no more, Odin."

Dark energy gushed from Loki's palms, flowing down his fingers and onto the floor in spreading pools on either side of him that began to writhe. The black blobs expanded and grew while transforming before Cami's eyes into simple, yet large, bestial forms - one a wolf, and the other a serpent.

In her panic, the building energy in Cami's core crackled and surged through her system, seeking out the areas where the tendrils held her. Then, with a prod from her, the power shot out of her flesh in a brilliant white flash that dissolved the tendrils and caused Bad Loki to howl in pain.

Cami rolled away just as the black wolf was dodging a blast of energy from Odin's scepter. The construct crashed into and toppled the worktable, which Cami had been counting on for temporary cover. So, she kept moving, managing to scramble to her feet right before the wolf rushed through her legs, lifting her up then dumping her back on the stone with a jolt.

Another tendril caught Cami around the wrist while she was reeling from the pain, but she dispatched it with another bright flash and resulting scream of pain from Bad Loki.

Odin was keeping the wolf and snake busy with blasts from his scepter, but he wasn't firing directly at them as they kept moving to flank Cami.

Get out of the line of fire, Cami told herself, but figured attempting to bolt would prompt another rush from the wolf. I need a distraction, she decided.

Her gadgets and spare parts were scattered on the floor beyond the table, but she could feel each of the finished devices tethered to her prickling magic. With a desperate prod from Cami as she jumped to her feet, a handful of small explosives, smoke bombs and a shrieker went off, adding to the chaos.

Cami hurried to get clear. She rushed to the queen, who wrapped her arms around her in a protective embrace.

"Take her away, Frigga. Quickly," the king ordered.

"No! Don't leave him," Cami protested as Frigga pulled her through the doorway and into the hall.

In her panic, Cami's magic connected to the queen, reacting with the reservoir of ancient power inside her body. The magic started pulsing outward in strong waves like an accelerated heartbeat would push blood. Immediately, Cami's head swam and legs gave out. Frigga also fell, gasping and clutching at her chest.

Through pained, frightened tears, Cami saw Loki and a group of guards enter the corridor. They ran forward to assist, only to collapse as they neared, reacting to Cami's rampant magic.

Loki searched out her gaze. "Breathe," he gasped.

Cami tried to force a deep breath. Her body hurt, straining to hold together against the pulses.

The next group to round the distant corner included Clint, Natasha, Rosner, the twins and more guards.

"Stop!" Cami yelled, holding up her shaking arm to warn them off.

"We need to get to the king," Rosner shouted.

Cami's stare settled on her brother as he drew an arrow from his quiver, set it in his bow and aimed at her.




Mischief Makers Ch. 10



"Clint!" Natasha screamed, but it was too late.

There was a streak of silver, a whoosh and then a stinging slice across Cami's cheek and ear. She flinched and reached up to touch the side of her face. Her fingers slid through something wet and warm as her vision darkened.

- - - - -

Loki felt the crush of Cami's magic ebb as she slumped to the floor. He crawled the last few feet to check her pulse and breathing as the queen rolled her over.

"The double is trying to take Cami," Frigga urgently informed the group.

Clint led the charge past them, shouting to Loki, "Get her out of Asgard. Don't tell anybody where you're going either."

Loki knew Cami's wounds looked worse than they really were because the head always bleeds more than some other areas of the body. He was more concerned with the sleep toxin from the arrow. It had been measured and applied based on the weight and size of the average Jotun, not a petite Human girl. Unfortunately, Loki doubted he had time to confer with Dr. Lloyd because of Clint's compelling order to action.

With Frigga's assistance, Loki pulled Cami into his arms and stood.

"Sleipnir," the queen suggested and they headed in the direction of the stables.

They stopped at the healing room since it was along the way to grab a blanket for Cami. Frigga also collected a small vial of water from the pool, which she pushed into Loki's pocket once he and Cami were securely in the saddle.

"Where can I take her where he won't follow?"

Frigga shook her head at him. "It must be somewhere he doesn't know."

"Mother, he knows nearly everything I do."

"Exactly," she affirmed and strode importantly away.

"Cami is in danger," Loki told Sleipnir. "Get us out of here."

- - - - -

The shrieker sputtered out as Clint cleared the doorway into the workshop, sending a fleeting thought of Cami through his mind.

He saw that the king was a few strides to his right, tracking and firing his scepter upon two large black animals that were quick enough to evade his blasts. Bad Loki stood beyond the taunting beasts with an angry, focused expression. Clint guessed from his slight hunch that he had taken some damage, though there was no visible wound that the archer could see.

"Dark fiends," Odin called out knowingly. "Only magical weapons will harm them."

Clint's choice of targets was limited by this information. He aimed for Bad Loki, whose gaze seemed frozen on Odin. The arrow flew true at his chest, but at the moment of impact kept flying straight through him to strike the back wall.

An illusion! Clint thought, mentally cursing as he scanned the room. Where is he?

It started as a twinge in his brain, not really a pain as much as a warm pressure that expanded outward to settle into the back of his head and also his eyes. He blinked as his vision was temporarily sensitive to the light and then took in the room again. 

To his left, Natasha and Rosner attempted to push back the wolf creature. The spymaster was in his predatory cat form, yet Clint could see a ghostly image of his Elven self encased within the cat. Diani circled around to help close the wolf in and her dagger seemed to be on fire with dark, dancing flames that he hadn't seen before.

Clint's eyes followed Mitzi and the guards as they rushed past him. The Elf was wielding a similarly blazing longsword. She made a striking motion at the great serpent as it lunged at the tiring king, slicing it across the snout and causing it to hiss and recoil in pain.

Then Clint caught sight of movement past Odin's group. A ghostly image of Bad Loki stalked toward them, drawing his blood blade with a wide, eager smile and his eyes shifting as if he was still making a choice of his target.

The archer drew and fired the next arrow in his quiver as there was no time to prepare a trick one. It passed behind the king and Mitzi, but flew over Bad Loki's head as he suddenly dropped low to evade it.

"Odin, watch out!" Clint called, advancing as he launched another arrow that Bad Loki caught with a sneer and snapped between his fingers.

"Why can you see me?!" Bad Loki growled and threw his knife, which Clint almost didn't dodge in time.

With his attention on Bad Loki, Clint didn't see the snake. It batted him hard against the wall with its tail. Then he fell onto his hands and knees, losing his grip on the bow and having to blink again to clear the stars in front of his eyes.

Odin's group came at the snake, stabbing and blasting until it retreated.

Grabbing his bow and glancing up, Clint searched again for Bad Loki, but only saw the frozen, hollow-looking illusion for a split second before it disappeared.

Sif and the Warriors Three led more guards as they rushed into the room to surround the great, black beasts, keeping them agitated and confused until they could be slain. Then the beastly bodies melted into pools of energy that saturated into the stone flooring, leaving a dark stain.

Clint climbed slowly to his feet, feeling dazed and battered. His right shoulder hurt where he'd struck the wall and his eyes were starting to strain under the stress of his enhanced vision. He rubbed at his eyes and felt the pressure slowly ease away.

"Is the double gone?" Odin asked, turning to Clint. "You could see him."

"Yeah," he said, effectively answering both questions. "I could also see Rosner inside his cat shape and the magic on the weapons."

Natasha moved to his side. She clutched her right wrist, but inspected him with concern.

There was a shout from across the hall. Kotter dashed into the workshop. His eyes were big and he was shaken as he managed to say, "He got Shale."

The group hurried into the command center where Agent Stott was examining Brandon Shale who lay in a fresh pool of blood. His throat, chest and stomach were cut open and his lifeless eyes stared up from blood splattered features. His sidearm was still in its holster.

Stott gestured to Shale's throat. "He couldn't have even tried to scream for help."

"He was alone in here?" Sif asked solemnly.

Clint nodded. "During emergencies, Brandon's standing orders were to secure the command center," he said. "Looks like Bad Loki didn't just leave like I first thought."

"We should have everyone fall in for roll call," Kotter suggested with urgency.

Clint nodded again. There was terrible anger gnawing at his chest and building like it was going to erupt. He said, "Not here. In the dining room or wherever. Everyone out." When they didn't move quick enough for him, Clint barked, "Now!"

Even Natasha jumped to follow his order, leaving him in the room with Odin and Rosner.

"I'm so sorry, Agent Barton," Rosner said. "How long had you known him?"

"Doesn't matter," Clint said. No one deserved to die like this.

- - - - -

Sleipnir wandered along Yggdrasil's branches for awhile, waiting for Loki to give him an actual destination.

Loki was cold, exhausted and a bit out of sorts. They had nothing with them. So, Loki rationalized that they needed to find both a place that his double wouldn't know about, but also where they would be welcomed and offered assistance, which had to be why he thought tracking down the residence of the Murphys was such an inspired idea when it struck him.

He couldn't contact S.H.I.E.L.D. for that information without going against Clint's order and since he honestly didn't know where Cami or Clint had grown up on Midgard, Loki had no choice, but to force Cami to awaken. He pinched at her sensitive neck until she flinched; then he shook her awake.

"Cami, where do the Murphys live?" he asked, trying to keep her attention by raising his voice.

"Cedar Falls," she softly answered. "In Iowa." Then her eyelids drooped and she nestled deeper into her blanket against him.

Midgard was a large realm. Even with Sleipnir's speed and Loki's basic knowledge of the United States, it still took them hours to find their way with the threat of the revealing sunrise chasing after them.

Once inside Cedar Fall's city limits, Sleipnir hid and watched over Cami, while Loki found the address for Robert and Joyce Murphy in a phone book he borrowed from a cashier at a convenience store. Luckily for Loki, the sleep-deprived, yet savvy young man knew of Eagle Ridge Road and was able to give him directions that weren't too obscure to follow.

Loki and Sleipnir soon stood in the street in front of the Murphys' two-story home. The sky was brightening and Loki knew it was only a matter of time before someone came along or looked out their window and spotted the massive eight-legged warhorse.

"You must go," Loki told Sleipnir. "Don't ever return here - not at anyone's request; even mine."

The horse was reluctant to obey, but finally departed after Loki returned his insistent nuzzle and begged a second time for his discretion.

Loki climbed up the steps onto the covered porch, noting the wide bench seat suspended by chains next to him. He decided to lay Cami out there before pressing the doorbell. As he suspected, it took some time and another signal of the bell before the innards of the house started to light up and the door opened.

The man standing in front of Loki in his bathrobe and slippers was nearly as tall as he was, with broad shoulders like Thor's, but also had a bulky gut. The hair on his head and in his thin mustache and beard was more gray than brown. The wrinkles around his large blue eyes and the weathering of his skin marked him as probably being in his mid to late fifties.

"Robert Murphy?" Loki asked, just to be sure, though he recognized him from the photograph he'd seen in Cami's room.

"Yes," the man said, nodding as he took in Loki's hastily-donned clothes and his windblown hair.

"We've never met," Loki said with a touch of rising uncertainty, "but I was told you know my..." He had to search for a word to convey a just description of their relationship. After a brief hesitation, he finished with, "fiancée," liking it much better than the silly word 'girlfriend'.

Mr. Murphy looked toward the bench seat as Loki gestured, but had to come out of the house to get close enough to see the sleeping beauty. "Oh my, Cami," he said with wide eyes and tender, bewildered excitement.

"She needs some minor medical attention," Loki told him, turning her face away from the blanket to reveal the still oozing slice on her cheek. "May I bring her inside?"

"Yes, of course," Mr. Murphy said, rushing ahead to hold open the door. "Put her on the couch," he said, gesturing to the room on his right as Loki entered, carrying Cami. "I'll get my wife and our first aid supplies." Then he hurried up the nearby staircase, calling out, "Joyce, come quick! Cami and Thomas are here."

Thomas? Loki thought. How does Mr. Murphy know that name?

He decided it was a bit premature to start panicking. He had no idea if Bad Loki even knew he had an alias and it was more plausible that Cami had mentioned him to the Murphys than Bad Loki having the foreknowledge of them coming here.

Loki laid Cami on the couch, but situated her to keep the bloody section of the blanket away from the cushions. Cami had really only been grazed by the treated arrow and hours had passed since. So, Loki was hoping that she'd come around on her own soon.

After the impressive size of Mr. Murphy, the slender and much shorter stature of Mrs. Murphy was surprising. She had a reddish-brown mane with some hints of gray, a few, loosely defined wrinkles and rather intriguing hazel eyes that exuded sincere interest and warmth as she approached and introduced herself.

"You are Thomas? Cami's boyfriend?" she asked with the same respectful enthusiasm that her husband had shown.

Loki nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Murphy."

She offered him a seat then sat on the available edge next to Cami to give her cheek and ear close inspection. Her expression turned more concerned. "Is this a knife wound?"

"Arrow," Loki said, watching her puzzle and frown at the answer and decide not to inquire further.

Mr. Murphy returned with a damp hand towel and a long plastic box with a handle. He set the box on the end table and opened it to reveal a varied collection of bandages, cotton balls, medicine tubes and bottles inside.

"Do you think she'll need stitches?" Mr. Murphy asked his wife, handing her the towel.

"No. The cuts aren't that deep."

Loki didn't pull out the vial of water Frigga had sent with them. He decided to let the Murphys care for Cami. It was especially endearing to him to watch them crowd around, fawning over her with their adoring eyes and soft touches.

In no time, Cami's scratches had been cleaned, treated and covered with adhesive bandages.

"Would you like a cup of coffee, Thomas?" Mr. Murphy asked as he pushed up from where he knelt beside the couch and onto his feet.

Now that he was sitting in the soft armchair and actually warming up, Loki did realize that fatigue was creeping in. He considered accepting out of courtesy and in the hope that the beverage would rejuvenate his senses some.

"Don't start that, Bobbie," Mrs. Murphy gently chided. "You'll try to chat his ear off. Let Thomas rest first. Coffee later."

Mr. Murphy took this playful ribbing in stride.

"You two don't have any bags?" Mrs. Murphy asked.

"No. Our departure was sudden."

"Don't worry," Mr. Murphy said. "We'll work that all out. We're just glad to meet you, Thomas, and to have Cami home."

Loki carried Cami up the stairs, following behind Mrs. Murphy as she led the way to their guest room, which she explained had once been Cami's, but remodeled almost a year ago. The bedroom was a little smaller than the ones in the suite back at the helicarrier, decorated in green and brown hues with light cherry wood furniture.

Mr. Murphy took the bloody blanket and robe from him as Loki unwrapped Cami. Then he drew back the covers so Loki could slip her into bed.

"You two have your own bathroom through there," Mrs. Murphy told Loki gesturing to the adjacent door. "There should be plenty of towels in the closet."

"Thank you."

It felt like they deserved so much more information than he was offering. Loki could see the questions in their eyes, but they were affording him extra trust and consideration because of Cami.

"Come down after you've had a chance to catch some winks," Mr. Murphy said.

Loki shook Mr. Murphy's offered hand, thanking them both once more as they vacated the room. Then he shut the door, switched off the light, undressed and climbed in with Cami. Her breathing sounded more natural now and since he was too tired to think on his troubles and was convinced that they were safe, Loki let himself sleep.

- - - - -

Clint slumped in the chair, rubbing his forehead and blocking the glare from the monitor. The canvas walls of the tent shuddered around him and the flap fluttered with the dry, early morning breeze. He was listening to the director's report through a headset as he gazed out at the men loading the standard, black and silver coffin into his supply truck.

"Was Shale married?" Clint interrupted the director to ask.

"I don't know," Fury admitted. "Personnel is handling the details."

"I never asked him," Clint said, his tone a little angry. "Brandon showed up early and stayed late, never complained or questioned any order I gave him, yet I didn't take the time to ask the guy about himself or even properly thank him for his contributions."

"Clint, you've lost men before. Don't take this so hard. Have you slept? You look exhausted."

He put his hand down and straightened his posture. His eyes flitted to the video camera perched on top of the monitor then back to Nick's image and chose not to respond.

"Maybe the team should come home," Fury said, offering the out that Clint had expected.

Though part of him genuinely wanted to agree, there was a pang of guilt that flared his anger and made it impossible for him to do so. He was a soldier after all.

"Sir," Clint said, "without our help, Odin and Rosner might not have discovered what was happening until it was too late."

"I think we've contributed all that we can."

"Failure is not an option. How many times have you told us that?"

"We have to take care of our own planet and people. If King Odin isn't capable of keeping my people safe, how can I ask any of you to remain under his command?"

"Odin is trying to foster cooperation between the realms. What message does it send if Earth chooses to run away? We are part of this universe whether we like it or not. We can't just hide and hope that someone will fix the problem for us."

Nick was silent and his look agitated. Finally he asked, "Would we even be disagreeing about this if it wasn't for yours and Cami's connection to the enemy?"

Clint covered the microphone on his headset as he cussed under his breath.

"You're compromised," Nick said. "Surely you realize that."

"Is that Montoya's opinion?"

"She hasn't said anything I didn't expect to hear."

"Meaning, Sir?"

"Cut the crap, Clint. You're just going to quit if I remove you from this mission, which won't do either of us a fuck of good. So, please give me at least one iron-clad reason that I can take to the Council for why S.H.I.E.L.D. should continue to support Odin."

Clint took the time to think, suspecting Fury would disregard anything he said too hastily. "Well... I think we can win."

Nick looked surprised. "You're going to have to elaborate," he insisted.

"I don't think Bad Loki would have bothered to threaten us if we didn't have some advantage. We just found out that Cami's power can hurt him and I can see through his illusions. Loki knows him and at least the basics of his spells."

"We don't currently know Loki and Cami's whereabouts."

"That's true, but right now it's better that we don't."

After a long pause, Fury asked, "Who do you want?"

"Everyone you can spare."

"Alright. Your wedding gift will arrive any minute. That ought to help some."

"Wedding gift?"

Fury smiled. "We'll be in touch."

Clint offered a salute then cut the camera feed. He noticed the sound of approaching aircraft engines as soon as he pulled off the bulky headphones. The tent shuddered and the dirt kicked up around him as Clint stepped out to see a large transport plane, a modified Boeing C-17 with pivoting engines, making a vertical landing several yards outside the base camp.

The supply officer walked up, holding out his clipboard to Clint and requested his signature on the documents.

"I didn't know we still used those," Clint commented, tilting his head toward the Boeing.

The officer shrugged. "It must be carrying something important. Commander Hill said to keep you here until it arrived." He moved away to help load the last of the crates.

Within moments of touching down, the ramp lowered and a dark SUV drove out. Clint watched as it approached and pulled up beside him. The darkened front passenger window slid down, revealing Agent Phil Coulson who said casually, "I heard I'm invited to a wedding."

Clint grinned, pulled open the car door and eagerly embraced his old friend and mentor who stepped out to hug him back.

"God, it's great to see you," Clint said before releasing him.

"The director passed your request along, which I'm honored to fulfill, by-the-way. Then we found out recent events have left your team overworked and short on technicians." The other doors opened and five more people climbed out of the vehicle. "My team has been briefed on your mission and unanimously voted to offer their assistance."

Clint took in the faces before him, noting the hopeful determination in the features of the youngest members. Geez, half the team are just kids, he thought uneasily.

Phil gestured to each person as he introduced them. "Specialist Melinda May - pilot, mission operations and my second in command, Specialist Grant Ward - combat and espionage, Dr. Leo Fitz - weapons engineering and technical science, Dr. Jemma Simmons - xeno and biochemistry, and Trainee Skye - she hacks things."




Mischief Makers Ch. 10



Clint recognized Agent May. He nodded in greeting then followed Coulson as he moved away.

"It's your call," Coulson said privately. "I told them not to expect anything."

Wondering if this was an all-or-nothing deal, Clint said, "You heard about Brandon Shale? Your techs are awful young and wide-eyed."

"They know what happened. Fitz already has some ideas to improve security."

Clint turned, studying the team's features again and contemplating. "You know, I'm not even sure I want you here now," he admitted. "I kinda feel like I'm serving you up on a silver platter."

Coulson didn't flinch. "I'm not scared of him."

"That definitely worries me," Clint said emphatically. "This Loki is super-concentrated bad."

"Fury has kept me in the loop on everything about Thomas Murphy and his evil twin. I'm still here, offering my friends all the help I can give."

Though he was frowning, Clint couldn't deny the calm that Coulson's confident presence provided him. "You always choose the best, right?"

"I do."

"Alright. Have them grab their gear."

How many times had Clint traveled across the cosmos lately? Dozens, at least, and the process still astonished and scared him in a way that was humbling and inspiring at the same time. He smiled reassuringly at Skye who was fidgeting off to his left. "Don't close your eyes," he told the group. "It's a short trip with an amazing view."

"Should we be holding our breaths?" Dr. Simmons asked.

He couldn't help chuckling at her timid concern. "It isn't necessary."

Agent May parked their packed SUV at the edge of the bifrost target site next to the supply truck and joined the group. The vehicles would be sent up after them.

He waited until he was certain they were ready then lifted his face to the sky. "Heimdall, we've got some new recruits. Kindly open the bifrost."

Maybe Clint should have told Simmons to hold her breath after all, because he was fairly certain she was the one screaming for the majority of the trip.

He steadied himself as they landed and reached out to grab Skye as she started to topple. Everyone else ended up on the floor.

"Sorry," Clint said. "Should have warned you about that."

Given a minute and some helpful hands, the team managed to get upright again.

"Everyone, this is Heimdall, the Gatekeeper of Asgard. He's waiting to hear your names. So, don't be shy."

After the introductions and retrieving the truck and SUV, Clint escorted them through the city to the palace. They'd barely unloaded from the vehicles when Natasha stepped out of the command center to embrace Coulson and get the story behind the arrivals. 

Natasha had some of the same reservations Clint had, but once Fitz, Simmons and Skye got an eyeful of the command center, their boundless ideas and rapid speech patterns couldn't be easily silenced.

"You get used to them," Coulson said. "They're extra excited at the moment."

"Understandable," Natasha said and turned to Clint. "Go get some sleep. Kotter, Stott and Fandral are taking the next shift. I'll ask Sif and the guards to help with the truck."

"Get the coffin to Dr. Lloyd as soon as possible, OK? Hey, when are you sleeping?"

"Soon, after I settle these guys in."

Coulson promised, "We won't keep her long."

There were extra patrols in the corridors as Clint walked to his room. He didn't bother changing out of his uniform or even crawling under the covers as he stretched out on the bed. Doubts and worries plagued his mind as he drifted into a much needed sleep.

Frigga had told him that it would be hard to tell the difference between dreams and visions, yet Clint was certain the stone cavern where he appeared was the backdrop to some important happening. There were multiple archways with different designs carved into them and when he heard a woman's sob and the cry of an infant, he followed the sounds through the closest opening, down a short passage and into another space with a large, stone bed draped with animal hides. The room was lit by patches of glowing ice along the engraved walls.

There were two Jotun females on the bed, one lying between furs and the other sitting on the edge in a leather dress. They had long, dark hair with similar features and skin markings. Their attentions were drawn to something tiny the first woman held in her massive arms, which Clint realized was a baby when it let out a wail in response to its mother's own sob.

"Do not cry, Farbauti," the sitting woman said. "If we stay here, the Asgardians will not find us."

"He is too small," the woman in the bed insisted, her words full of emotion. "Laufey demanded I kill him."

"I will explain to the king that the child is special," the other woman said, reaching to gently caress the baby's head. "See how his markings change when I touch him? He will be a powerful shifter."

The mother scooped up the baby in her palm and held it out, which caused the baby to flail and cry. "Laufey will not listen. You must take him out of the Jotunheim, somewhere his size will not be a weakness. Teach him to hide his appearance and tell him every day how much I love and want to protect him."

The other woman reluctantly took the naked infant, holding him close to her. "I will do this for you, my most beloved sister. Where should I go?"

"The passage to Midgard might still be open if Odin's men have not reached the temple. It leads to cold lands. Surely the simpleminded Humans will be easily charmed by your cunning."

The woman stood, but paused to lean in and press her forehead to her sister's. "Someday, when he is older and stronger, I will return your son to you," she promised, then hurried past Clint and out of the cavern.

Clint's surroundings temporarily darkened, slowly brightening to reveal another cave of ice and stone. This time only a small lantern with an eerie green flame provided any light. He realized he was standing inside a sort of circular prison. There were cells carved out of the stone with a staircase along the distant wall, leading up to an opening.

A tall form stepped out and descended the stairs.

"He's coming," a girl's voice warned from one of the cells and the space somehow grew quieter except for the heavy footfalls on the rock.

Clint recognized Bad Loki as he drew closer to the lantern, carrying his scepter.

"I come with good news." When he was met with only silence, Bad Loki asked with a tone that teased at benevolence, "Who is ready to go home?" He turned, eying the cells. "I offer freedom to one of you. Who wants it?"

"It's just a trick," a voice spat back.

Bad Loki moved to where this accusation had come. The blue gem of his scepter glowed brightly, revealing a Jotun male close to seven feet tall who quickly shied away from the bars to the back of the cell.

Clint estimated from the team's research that the boy would be in the developmental range of a ten or eleven year-old Human child.

"Are you their leader? The one who suggested this little adventure - an expedition into the caves? Well, brave boy, I'll give you some time to talk it over with your friends. Decide who is leaving with me or I'll assume you are volunteering."

Clint suddenly realized that he should be trying to get a head count on the number of prisoners in the cells, but the extra light from the staff dimmed as Loki moved back for the stairs and the scene switched again.

There was immediate motion nearby as the new location appeared around him. His first impressions were of a large, darkened room with beds and other small pieces of furniture. The movement was a short form like a young child walking away from him. The figure had long, dark hair and was wearing a flowing garment like a dress or nightgown.

Clint followed the form cautiously from the bedroom into a large bathroom with a small fire burning in a centralized brazier. The room seemed familiar, yet Clint didn't take long to ponder this as the child continued through another doorway and he pursued her into the much darker space.

The child skillfully climbed the heavy frame to get into bed with another figure, who was also obscured from his inspection by the low lighting.

With a sniffle, a woman inquired tenderly, "Did you have a bad dream?"

"No," said the girl. Her sweet, worried voice asked, "Why you crying, Mommy? I was bad?"

"Oh no," the woman said with an emotional gasp. The larger form moved and there was a bright spark before a bedside lamp came on.

Now it was Clint's turn to gasp. These were Loki's rooms, the woman in the bed was Cami and the girl nestling into her embrace had light blue skin with Jotun markings and pale purple-red eyes. He guessed she would be three years-old by Human standards.

"I'm just sad tonight," Cami told the girl. "I am missing people I have not seen in a long time."

"Uncle Clint?"

"Yeah."

"And Daddy?"

Cami's lips pursed, jaw tensed and eyes grew wet with renewed tears. When this caused the girl to frown, Cami pulled her closer.

The girl wiped at her mother's tears, patted her hair and cheeks and gave her a precious kiss on the face before pulling out of her arms and scooting off the bed. "I be right back, Mommy," she promised and scurried the direction she'd first come.

Clint stepped around to the other side of the bed, watching Cami run her hands through long, tangled locks while she took deep breaths and slowly blew the air out between quivering lips.

The girl returned momentarily, carrying a wooden box that was almost too big for her to handle alone. She also came around the bed, walking carefully until her mother could take the box and help her back into the bed.

Clint leaned in to read the writing painted on the lid of the box. It said Edith F. J. Lokidottir.

Together the girls pulled photos, trinkets and a small, touchscreen tablet out of the box. Most of the pictures Clint saw were probably copies from Loki's S.H.I.E.L.D. file, but one was a posed shot of Loki, Cami, Natasha and himself at what had to be his wedding based on the nice clothes everyone was wearing and Natasha's white gown with delicate purple trim and accents.

"Please make it work," the girl begged, pushing the power button on the tablet repeatedly. "Bat-ry died again."

With a single touch from Cami, the screen lit up and the girl easily navigated the menus until an audio recording of Loki's voice started.

"Edie, this is your father," the device played. "I'm recording this because we'll never get to meet. I'm sure you'll hear many stories about me and most of them are probably true. The one thing I need you to believe more than anything else people might say, is that I love you very much and would be there with you and your mother right now if I could..."

- - - - -

Soft snoring, the feel of cotton sheets against her bare and bruised legs, warmth, light and colors all flooded into her senses when Cami woke. She turned on her side, causing some mild pain in her lower back and examined Loki's relaxed features. She smiled at the snoring, thinking it cute. He'd never done that before, and she decided it had to be a sign of exhaustion.

Cami rubbed at her eyes before taking in the room, finding aspects of it that seemed familiar. She folded back the covers and eased off the bed to walk stiffly to the window and open the blinds. Once her eyes adjusted to the sunlight and swept the front yard and street visible through the pane, Cami knew.

For about five years this had been her window, her bedroom, her house... her home.

She wandered into the adjacent bathroom to relieve her aching bladder. Also, she inspected the bandages on her face, multiple bruises from Bad Loki's shadow tendrils and a cluster of dark purple marks on her neck that reminded her of a hickey.

When Cami returned to the bedroom, Loki was sitting up on the edge of the bed and running his hands through his hair.

"Did I wake you? I'm sorry."

"Come here," he said softly and pulled her close as soon as she neared. He also took in her bruises, moving clothes out of his way and turning her gently as he inspected practically every inch of her and grumbled when she winced.

"I'm OK," Cami insisted. "When did we get here?"

He checked the digital clock at the bedside. His eyes looked so tired. "A few hours ago."

"You should go back to sleep," she said, but he must have anticipated her saying this for he swiftly dismissed the suggestion with a shake of his head.

"Listen," he said, lowering his tone. "We are in hiding. No one is supposed to know we're here. I want you to enjoy this chance to visit the Murphys, but we have to be careful."

"Clint doesn't know?"

"No."

"S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"No one, other than Sleipnir."

"Did you tell Joyce and Bobbie this?"

"They will probably guess from what little I did say. They called me Thomas. You didn't tell them anything sensitive about me, did you?"

She hadn't detected any anger in his tone, but Cami tensed. "No," she promised. "This is going to suck. I hate lying to them."

He kissed her hands and got up to dress.

She found her robe hanging on the doorknob and gratefully pulled it on.

Cami heard voices as soon as they stepped out into the hallway. She led the way to the main level and back area of the house.

The Murphys were seated at the kitchen table, sipping coffee while they chatted and collaborated over the newspaper crossword puzzle. Joyce jumped up from her chair as Cami and Loki cleared the doorway, pulling Cami into a strong hug that kept her a willing prisoner until Bobbie approached to steal her away.

Suddenly everyone was talking at once then apologized and silenced with nervous smiles.

"I think you two could use some breakfast," Joyce said.

In no time they were gathered around the table drinking coffee and eating Joyce's cinnamon french toast with rich, maple syrup and powdered sugar.

Bobbie was concentrating on his crossword, leaning forward with pen in hand and the tip of his tongue sticking out of his mouth under his mustache.

"Hard one?" Cami guessed.

Bobbie nodded. "Are you any good with words?" he asked Loki.

"Sometimes," he said, causing Cami to snicker.

"I need a seven-letter word that starts with the letter I, meaning dull or boring."

"Insipid," Loki suggested.

Bobbie scratched the word into the squares. "Perfect."

"I told you he was smart," Cami said. Her hand slipped under the table to rest on Loki's thigh. "He's good at remembering things too."

Loki offered her a small smile in return for the unexpected praise.

Joyce said, "Cami told us that you're an intelligence analyst."

"That's correct."

"What is that exactly?"

"I piece together information from various sources to help solve problems and answer difficult questions."

Cami added, "His mom told me he has liked puzzles and riddles since he was little."

With the mention of his mother, a whole batch of questions came up about Loki's family that had to be carefully addressed. As Loki weighed his answers, Cami pondered the effectiveness of using parents (or foster parents in this case) for an interrogation tool. In light of their sincere interest, Loki reluctantly shared that he had been adopted into an influential and dysfunctional family. Even Thor came up in the conversation, but at least Loki thought to call him Donald, after his alias Donald Blake, instead of accidentally outing himself as a relation to the famous Avenger from Asgard.

Apparently, there had already been talk of a shopping trip to get some clothes and toiletries for them before they awoke. So, Bobbie was able to rescue them from more uncomfortable questions by reminding Joyce of the errand.

"We need to keep a low profile," Cami told them, getting up to clear the dirty dishes away for Joyce who was starting a shopping list.

"Where are your pants?" Bobbie teased her. "Surely you can afford bottoms - even on an entry-level government salary."

"I'm not sure what to say," Cami admitted, looking down at herself. He'd been kind not to mention the bruises on her legs. At least the short robe hid her panties.

"Put on a new pot of coffee," Joyce told Bobbie. She gently herded Cami out of the kitchen as she offered, "You can borrow some of my clothes."

Joyce sat on the edge of the bed while Cami sifted through her closet and drawers. She asked, "When did you cut your hair?"

Cami steeled at the question, slowly answering, "Last week. I don't like it."

"You've never worn your hair short. I bet some highlights and a little curl would perk it up." Joyce paused, probably discerning from Cami's expression that this was a sore subject with her.

Switching topics, Joyce gave Cami a coy, conspiring look and said, "Thomas is handsome and polite. I like his accent."

"He IS great," Cami admitted, smiling appreciatively and brought her selections to the bed with her. She pulled on a pair of jeans that were big, but the addition of a belt helped.

"He's older than I expected."

Though she managed not to sigh or growl, the eye roll totally happened before Cami could help herself. "Clint had issues with that at first too."

Again Joyce decided to move on. "How is Clint?"

"Good. He's getting married in a few days." 

And I probably won't be there, Cami thought sadly.

"That's wonderful," Joyce said, but her smile faded as Cami pulled off her robe and shirt to reveal even more bruises.

Avoiding direct eye contact, Cami slipped on the borrowed bra and blouse then sat beside Joyce to put the socks on.

Her tone was low and shaky as Joyce asked, "How did those happen?"

"Job-related injuries."

This fact did not ease Joyce's concern. She reached out to touch Cami's cheek. "And this one too?"

Cami shrugged and a significant silence followed. She didn't want to think about those last moments in the palace corridor with Clint aiming his arrow and the terrible realization of what was about to happen.

Her chest tightened and hot tears came out of nowhere, blurring Cami's vision and running down her flushing cheeks. Knowing that she couldn't talk to Joyce about everything that bothered her only escalated the emotion and made her bawl.

"Oh, Honey," Joyce said tenderly, "what's wrong?"

No, no, no! Cami thought as her magic sparked and began to detect and connect to every appliance and device in the house. Pain flared inside her ribcage, causing her to cry out and clutch her chest.

This dramatic break down frightened Joyce. She hurried from the room, yelling downstairs, "Thomas!"

Cami was grimacing and fighting for air when Loki rushed into the room with Bobbie and Joyce following close.

"You're alright," Loki said immediately, gathering her into his arms and drawing her up so they were chest to chest and her feet were dangling. He rested his head against hers as she buried her face in his neck with another pain-induced sob. "Breathe with me," he urged, inhaling deeply.

It hurt, but Cami obeyed. Then pushed the air out when he did.

The prickling was still strong and spreading from her chest. She felt it connect to Loki and he momentarily tensed then drew in another breath, which she matched.

Cami wrapped her shaking arms around him, grateful for his strong hold as he started a graceful, calming sway and slow turn, like they were dancing to a lulling, romantic melody.

She lost herself in the feel of their rising and falling chests and his controlled breaths skimming over her ear until the power withdrew from its exploration and back into her core.

"Very good, My Dear," Loki said. His voice was so smooth and calm. "Let it pass. You will be alright."

He stopped moving and just held her.

"I'm sorry," Cami whispered when the lingering pain in her chest had dulled, leaving her a little drained. "I got upset. It was a stupid thing."

"You recovered marvelously," Loki whispered back.




Mischief Makers Ch. 11



For Clint, having Phil Coulson around to manage things was the best wedding gift he could have imagined. Coulson was cool under pressure, demanding of excellence, and had the finesse needed to collaborate with Odin and his spymaster, which helped alleviate some of the stress on Clint so he could focus more on the team.

As promised, Director Fury delivered them a small legion of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s best soldiers with the Avengers included. 

When Clint went out to the bifrost to meet them, he took Coulson with him for added dramatic effect. So, the thrill of the space trip was instantly trumped by an unexpected reunion. 

After the initial confusion, Thor strode forward, placed his hand on Coulson's shoulder and expressed his great pleasure at seeing him again.

Pepper took a moment to recover from the shock before releasing Tony's hand and rushing to embrace her friend. She was softly crying and had barely released Coulson when Tony stepped up. Stark's look was angry and conflicted. "Stupid spooks and their secrets," he uttered, then gave Phil a quick, awkward hug that was as uncomfortably comical as it was touching.

"You must tell us the tale of your triumphant victory over death," Thor insisted once the group had been introduced to Heimdall.

Phil looked unnerved. "That is a story for another time. Right now we have work to do."

It was two days later, after another uneventful trip to the Jotunheim that Clint complained to Phil and Rosner, "I think we're going about this wrong. The sentries won't let us near the capital, let alone speak to Farbauti."

"This isn't our call," Coulson said. "We've told the Frost Giants what we know and what we want."

"They aren't listening," Clint insisted.

"Lack of response doesn't mean they're not listening."

"They don't trust us. We need Montoya."

"Have faith, Agent Barton," Rosner said from the back seat. "Farbauti is no fool."

As they approached the palace, Clint noted Mike Hopper and Sif walking along the line of various transport and assault vehicles parked at the edge of the palace gardens. It cheered him to see them together.

Clint spotted a large group of people standing around the workstations when he, Coulson and Rosner entered the command center.

Casually wrapping his arms around Natasha as he peeked over the top of her head, Clint asked, "What are we looking at?"

Skye directed the group's attention to the computer terminals and responded, "We scanned the pages of Loki's spellbook into the computers because it's kind of like his playbook, and we thought it would be good for everyone to know his tricks. Well, not only did we convert all the script into text files, but we made digital copies of the pages themselves." She gestured to the image on the screen. "This page has a weird shadow on it."

"Scanning error?" Maria Hill suggested.

"No," Dr. Fitz said. "We scanned that particular page three times. A similar effect appeared each time."

Skye brought up all three images on the screens, pointing out a faint, grayish blur at the bottom of each page.

"The grimoire is imbued with raw shadow essence," Odin said. "Perhaps it is simply interfering with the machinery."

"If that was true," Tony said, perking up from his own terminal beside them, "all or most of the scanned images would be distorted."

"Where's the book?" Clint said, not seeing it anywhere.

"Bruce and Jane have it in the workshop taking readings," Tony said. "We're trying to set the detection device to Bad Loki's distinct signature."

Natasha asked, "How are you doing that exactly?" 

"We took samples of those marks left on the floor from the dark fiends. Also, Dr. Simmons pulled some DNA off the arrow that Bad Loki broke and matched it with Loki's medical file and the skin traces Dr. Lloyd collected from under Brandon Shale's fingernails."

Fitz said, jumping in, "We're interfacing the magic detection device to the new security sensors. Essentially, if Bad Loki dares show up again, the system will activate specialized force fields around him."

Clint clarified, "He'll be trapped?"

"Yes and no. He won't be able to move through the force fields, but we can't stop him from leaving."

"So, the detection device is here?"

Tony nodded. "One of them is here. We have three now - this one, another on the helicarrier and the third at Stark Tower."

Clint was astounded. "You've been busy."

"Cami's insights helped a lot and Fury pulled together an impressive crew of engineers to assist us. Now if we can just finish programming and installing them..."

The group followed as Tony headed across the hall, past the posted guards and into the workshop where Thor watched Jane and Bruce tinker with a tall, yet compact machine with blinking readouts, touch-screen interfaces and surprisingly few cables running to and from it.

Hill asked, "How long until its ready?"

JARVIS' precise response was, "At the current rate, this device will be operational in two hours twenty-five minutes."

Tony pulled the shadow grimoire out of the scanner beside Jane and walked it over to them.

Noting an encouraging look from Odin, Clint reached out and took the spellbook, placing it on the worktable in front of him. He flipped through the pages as people crowded around. He finally found the page in question, which described the self-duplication spell. Clint activated his magic and blinked through the resulting pressure in his head. When his vision cleared and settled on the grimoire, he saw in large script at the bottom of the right-side page four simple words: Remember the Master's Rule.

Clint read the words aloud to the group.

"The Rules," Rosner said with worry. "There are so many."

Odin nodded distractedly. "As far as I recall, no one has ever collected them all in one place. We'll have to search."

"What are the Rules?" Clint asked.

"Exactly what you might think. There are rules to the workings of life, death, magic, science, knowledge... every aspect of creation and destruction. For instance, when Loki invoked the undoing of the shadow serpent, the Destroyer's Rule went into effect."

"To bring about the end of another is to lose part of yourself," Thor quoted. "That is the Destroyer's Rule."

"I do not know the Master's Rule," Odin confessed, "but if it was noted on that particular spell and obscured by powerful shadow magic, we must assume Loki's double does not want us to discover its meaning."

"Then we must search it out," Rosner said. "Can I have access to Loki's library?"

Odin agreed, admitting that he and the queen hadn't had as much time to look through Loki's books as they'd hoped.

"We can help," Hill said.

The group returned to the command center in time to intercept a call from Heimdall over the team line. "I regret to report that the hunters' village on the outskirts of the Jotunheim is no more."

Clint asked, "What do you mean 'no more'?"

"There appears to have been a large explosion. Nothing stands or stirs within the village boundaries."

Rosner said with care, "Could Midgardian weaponry have played a part in this tragedy?"

"Bad Loki has Marcus Rodriguez," Natasha said, "and explosives are his specialty."

Clint insisted, "We should have Dr. Montoya explain our side to the Jotun before Queen Farbauti finds out first."

Rosner drew Odin away for a private deliberation. Tentatively, the king gave a slow and pensive nod and ordered the guards to fetch the psychologist from the dungeons.

Coulson sent his techs across the hall to assist Dr. Foster when Montoya arrived so Thor, Bruce and Tony could be present.

Drawing over two chairs, Coulson offered the nervous Montoya one and then sat so they were facing each other at the center of the collective.

"We've been colleagues for almost ten years," he said to her. "I never would have guessed you weren't who you claimed."

"I've lived on Midgard for over a thousand years," the doctor told them. "I learned to blend in."

Hill picked up a handheld computer from the workstation beside her. "Your file says you were abandoned on the streets of Mexico City at the age of five."

"Every fifty to sixty years, I start over with a new identity in a new location. I've had plenty of time to travel your realm, learn your cultures and position myself where I wanted."

"You've been spying on us," Hill accused.

Phil added more delicately, "That sort of thing can be hard to forgive."

"Spying for whom?" Montoya asked. "I took refuge in the agency, hopeful that I would find a way home some day. What would Frost Giants do with intelligence reports or classified codes? The Jotun would never attempt an attack on a technologically-advanced Midgard."

Mindful of the casual tone Coulson was trying to establish with her, Clint approached and crouched down beside them. "The hunters' village has been destroyed in an explosion. We assume Bad Loki did it."

She nodded, continuing to look perplexed.

Clint said, "I know you're not a bad person. In my vision, Farbauti asked you to take her baby to Midgard to save him from being killed."

Montoya studied Clint's features, fending off emotion. "Yes, but I failed her," she admitted.

"Tell us," Thor prompted.

"We were at war with Asgard. The first of Odin's men had reached the temple when I arrived with the baby. They chased me as I ran to the portal. I suffered a head wound and fell. Only when I awoke in Midgard did I find that the baby wasn't with me."

"You dropped him," Odin uttered, his gaze low and staring off into memory.

Montoya countered just as softly, "And you took him."

Hill stepped up behind Coulson's chair. "You're talking about Loki, right?"

Clint noticed Rosner's surprise.

"Is this true?" the Royal Inquisitor asked. "Loki is Farbauti's son?"

"Yes," Odin said.

Rosner's brow furrowed and his tone hardened. "You never entrusted this important information to me and yet these agents of Midgard appear to know the story."

"What difference would it have made?" Odin asked.

Thor said in a sad, telling tone, "If anyone deserved to know, it was Loki."

There was a long, respectful silence before Montoya stood to address Odin. "The team will need safe passage into the Jotunheim. Let me speak to Farbauti."

The king walked through the collected group to Montoya. "I assume you will not return once you have reunited with your sister."

"There is no reason to return if only a prison cell awaits me."

Odin looked to Maria. "Should I release her, Commander Hill? Her knowledge is more dangerous to S.H.I.E.L.D. and Earth than Asgard."

Hill took the time to shift her gaze between the Avengers, offering them each an opportunity to voice their opinion.

Bruce put it best when he said, "She's really only guilty of hiding her identity. Under similar circumstances, I'm sure most of us would have done the same."

"I want to go home," Montoya said, "but I won't put the lives of these people at risk to do it."

With some consideration, Hill said, "Alright; let her go."

There was a delay while some clothes were found to accommodate Montoya's Jotun form. Then Rosner was sidetracked with some inquisitor business and asked that his daughters be allowed to go in his place. So, finally a small group headed out, leaving the SUV outside the bifrost and Montoya waiting until the last moment to change her appearance and attire.

This time when they landed at the bifrost site outside the Frost Giant capital, the guards were visibly shaken to see a Jotun. Montoya told them who she was and requested an audience with Queen Farbauti. One of the guards hurried away and returned within a half hour to escort them.

Clint was using his magical sight to scan their surroundings as they moved through the cold, desolate landscape and into the elaborate caverns these Jotun had carved out of the cliffs and mountains. He took particular interest in the decorative stonework as they entered the Queen's throne chamber.

Seeing her now for the second time, Clint decided that Queen Farbauti was quite stunning for a Jotun. Her thick, black hair went easily to her waist and was adorned with long chains of polished rocks and gemstones. She wore a dress of dark gray fur and black hides, but no footwear.

The guards flanking the throne gripped large clubs of rock and ice and fidgeted uneasily as the queen stood and moved forward to get a closer look at the group and the charm necklaces they wore.

Montoya bowed. So, everyone followed her example.

"You do have the look of my sister," Farbauti said, inspecting Montoya closely and reaching out to touch the side of her face.

"I have no secrets from you."

Shortly, the queen's expression brightened. "I will speak with my sister alone," she said and ushered Montoya away before any of them could get a word in edgewise.

It was at least two hours, likely longer, before the sisters returned. "Clint Barton, approach," Farbauti commanded as she retook her throne.

Clint moved closer, stopping at the midway point.

"You attacked one of my settlements."

Clint desperately wished that Coulson or Diani was handling this. Trying to keep sincere and dignified, Clint said, "We rescued our man and left. This new attack wasn't our doing."

"I have the gift to read minds, Clint Barton. Did my sister tell you?"

"No, I didn't know that."

"Does that concern you?"

Mindful of the many secrets S.H.I.E.L.D. had entrusted him with over the years, he answered, "A little bit."

"Ashaunti tells me that you are a seer, and..." her tone softened, "a friend of my son."

"Yes."

"Will you submit to my examination?"

Clint turned to look at his companions.

"Queen Farbauti," Coulson said respectfully, "Clint possesses knowledge that is important to the safety of our people."

"Do you fear for him or the knowledge he holds?"

"Both. He is a friend."

Montoya leaned close to the queen, whispering in her ear.

"You wish permission to pursue this 'Bad Loki' in my kingdom," the queen said. "That will not be granted unless I am allowed to view these visions you've had, Clint Barton."

Clint wasn't a big talker. So, her ultimatum gave him just the excuse he needed to take action. Coulson called out with caution and the Jotun guards lifted their clubs as Clint approached Farbauti.

"We need your help to stop Bad Loki's plans," Clint said. "Go ahead. Read my mind."

Clint had been shivering since they arrived in the Jotunheim. Then the queen slipped off the stone throne to sit on the floor beside him and a more intense cold radiated from her that bit at his face and made him flinch.

She said in a smooth, apologetic tone, "I forget how delicate some races are to our chill. I will warm my touch."

There was a noticeable change in the severity of the cold around them when she reached out and rested the heel of her large palm against Clint's forehead. The sensation was comparable to applying ice to an injury.

"Show me the visions," she prompted.

The explosion at Odin's palace. Clint and his dad at the hospital. Cami in Niflheim. Clint, Natasha and their son. Farbauti's plea to Ashaunti. Bad Loki's prison. And finally Cami and Edie. Clint remembered it all with astounding clarity, passing from one scene to the next with an ease similar to switching channels on a television.

"Few can see so much," Farbauti said, pulling back her hand. "Are you sure you will be able to give up this power?"

Clint clenched his jaws, taking time to choose his words. "I have to. The power hurts me, and I made a promise."

She considered him and his companions with intuitive eyes that, though they were deep red in color, still made Clint think of Loki. Rising from the floor to retake her throne, Farbauti called for a messenger. To him, she said, "We have a traitor to the realms hiding in our kingdom and scheming against us. Make it known to all our people that the forces of Asgard and Midgard are coming to rid the Jotunheim of this menace. There is to be no quarreling with them."

"As you command, My Queen," the messenger said, bowing deeply, but looking troubled as he departed.

"You have our utmost respect and appreciation, Your Majesty," Diani said. "May we take our leave to deliver this news to the All-Father?"

"You may go," she said, then gestured to Clint. "This one will stay."

"Why?" Clint asked, purposely speaking loud and fast enough to interrupt his group's objections.

"I know where his dungeon is," Farbauti said. "He dares to hold Jotun children in the bowels of my own city, directly under our feet near the same cavern you saw in your vision."

"Let us help," Mitzi said, speaking for the first time since they'd arrived.

"No more may enter the capital without my permission," Farbauti insisted. "I wish Clint Barton to join my warriors in this task. He will watch for the traitor and his tricks."

"We cannot leave you here alone," Mitzi told Clint.

Diani concurred. "Odin and our father will be vexed."

"And Lady Natasha," Mitzi added.

"I'll return to Asgard," Coulson decided, "to let everyone know what is happening."

Mitzi said, "Diani and I wish to accompany in the rescue." She slipped her longsword from its sheath at her side, holding it out so the queen could see the black, archaic designs etched into the polished metal. "Bad Loki is a creation of shadow magic and, therefore, should be susceptible to damage from our specter blades."

Farbauti looked impressed as she said, "You are descendants of the Wraith Hunters. I accept your help."

- - - - -

Cami's dreams were strange, disjointed integrations of too many different ideas, sounds and images. She had the distinct feeling that the complicated weaving was more outside her influence than normal. So, when she managed to awaken and realized that her mind wasn't clearing as expected, she had no choice but to take some deep breaths and start sorting through it all.

Television programs, cell phone conversations, radio broadcasts, satellite imagery, security cameras, the Global Positioning System... the range of input brushing up against her brain was confusing and straining. Her mind felt over stimulated and Cami feared what would happen if she couldn't switch it off.

Though it was late, Loki wasn't in the bedroom, which was becoming too common for him.

Cami slipped into the bathroom to take some painkillers. Then she left the bedroom, making her way downstairs to find Loki standing at the front room window in the dark, looking out at the world beyond the glass. He turned his head to acknowledge her presence as she sidled up and wrapped her arms around him.

"He will follow me," Loki said, as if she should instinctively understand what his mind was pondering.

"Bad Loki?" she guessed.

He nodded. "No matter where I go."

With a low wince, Cami pressed her forehead against his chest. "I can't take this," she said. "My magic won't behave."

He kissed the top of her head and took in a deep, bolstering breath before suggesting, "We should leave."

Cami was thinking of the Murphys and regretting the circumstances surrounding the brief visit. "Yeah," she said and rubbed her temples. 

They returned to their room to change, not talking about a plan or anything else. Though, Cami suspected he was mulling over something profound and wondered how long he'd make her wait to reveal it.

Cami and Loki heard when Joyce and Bobbie stirred in their room and got up. Cami opened her door and stepped back in silent invitation for them to enter.

"Taking off?" Bobbie asked, walking in behind Joyce and filling the doorway with his large frame.

Cami couldn't meet their sad, questioning gazes. "It's complicated."

"We're very grateful for everything," Loki was quick to say, "and it was nice to meet you both."

When Joyce pulled her into a tight, lasting embrace, Cami's emotions got the better of her. She softly begged, "Don't be mad at me, OK?"




Mischief Makers Ch. 11



Joyce's voice was heavy with emotion too. "Of course not."

"Do what you have to do," Bobbie said to Loki. "We'll be here."

Joyce finally handed Cami off to Bobbie and went to Loki.

Cami was grateful to see Loki curb his own discomfort to allow Joyce's quick hug.

"You need a few bags so you can pack some things?" Bobbie asked tentatively.

"We're going back to S.H.I.E.L.D.," Loki said. "We'll be fine."

Cami broke Bobbie's hug and wiped at her face. "We should call in then," she said to Loki. "You happen to know the number?"

When Loki said that he did, Bobbie rushed to retrieve his cell phone and brought it to him.

Cami sat on the bed, staring at the floor and wringing her hands while Loki made the call.

Joyce settled beside Cami, reaching over to fluff her hair, wipe away tears and straighten her outfit as if making her presentable for an important meeting. Cami was tempted to mention that S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't care about her appearance, but didn't because Joyce meant well.

"This is Trainee Thomas Murphy. My new authentication code is 8, Bravo, 1, Romeo, 2. I'm requesting extraction for myself and Trainee Barton from 957 Eagle Ridge Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa." 

Cami heard the operator's response amid the other noises in her head. "Your code is verified," the woman said. "Is this a secure line, Trainee Murphy?"

"No."

"State the priority level of your request."

"Four with high probability of escalation."

"Noted. Please hold."

Loki stepped close to caress Cami's cheek and softly say, "Stop biting your lip."

Cami hadn't realized she was doing that. She rubbed at the soreness there, feeling the indents from her teeth.

"You look so tired," Joyce said to her.

Between her tears, worry and the continuous strain to manage her magic, Cami was sapped.

"If this is going to take a while," Bobbie said, "I'll start a pot of coffee."

They went downstairs, once again gathering around the kitchen table, but Loki paced with the phone.

Finally Director Fury came on the line. He said, "We've requested that Cedar Falls P.D. transport you to the regional airport in Waterloo. We're still working on what happens after that, and your police escort is ten minutes out."

Loki stepped clear of the kitchen, speaking low. "I'd like to get moving, Sir. Is there somewhere we can meet them?"

"Just hold tight. We'll get you to a secure facility as soon as we can." 

"I don't believe any location is going to be secure enough. We should rejoin the team."

"Understood. I'll inform your family." After a brief pause, Nick asked, "How is Cami?"

Cami shook her head sadly as Loki turned back to look at her, his eyes questioning. His tone was purposely unconvincing as Loki said, "She's managing." 

"Catch your ride. We'll work through the details and be in touch."

Loki had just hung up and handed the phone back to Bobbie when the doorbell rang.

"That was fast," Cami said.

The group moved to the front room where Joyce promptly opened the door to reveal Dalton Peck dressed in black attire and aiming a handgun. "Move back," he ordered the stunned and paling Joyce before stepping into the house.

Cami reached out to grab and pull Joyce behind her. About the same moment, Loki sidestepped in front of Bobbie.

The burn in Cami's chest intensified. She focused on the energy, trying to keep it contained. She was considering the option of unleashing it instead and hope for an effect that would work to their advantage, but decided not to take the chance with the others so close to her.

"What is this?" Bobbie asked. His tone hardened. "How dare you..."

Loki silenced him with a cautious shake of his head.

There was a figure standing on the dark porch behind Dalton. It moved to enter and Cami recognized the balding head, round features and thin, wire glasses of Arlo Vahdati. He wore a satisfied smile as he took in the group, but settled his gaze on Loki.

"So, now you're British, Mr. Lukin?"

Loki offered him a coy, yet temporary smile. "I didn't recognize your security man before."

"Our options were limited. Truthfully, I didn't expect surveillance on the Murphys to pan out, but we've caught you both."

"To what end?"

Cami was impressed that Loki seemed so calm. Both she and Joyce were trembling.

Vahdati narrowed his eyes and stroked his chin, showing the ugly purple scar Loki had given him on his right hand. "I haven't decided."

Through the open door, Cami saw lights then a dark, unmarked van pull in front of the house.

Dalton noted the arrival and asked, "Are we taking all of them?"

"We have no further use for the parents."

Dalton's gun was already pointed at Cami. "Sorry Joyce," he said, and then ordered Cami to move.

"I suggest you point that my way instead," Loki said as a swift chill filled the room and he was suddenly standing there in Jotun form, his blood-red eyes intense and grin wide.

"My god!" Vahdati cried out and stumbled back.

Loki lunged at Dalton before he could turn his body, tackling the broad man to the floor.

"Run!" Cami ordered, frantically herding the terrified Joyce and Bobbie toward the short hall into the kitchen.

- - - - -

Dalton fought with a vengeance as they wrestled for the gun, proving that he was very strong and agile and prompting Loki to not hold back. He blocked an attempted punch, delivered one of his own then got a good grip on Dalton's wrists. He let his body temperature plummet, causing immediate and severe cold damage to the flesh. Dalton howled in pain and panic as ice quickly formed over the blackened, dying skin. 

Vahdati screamed, "Shoot him!" to his men as he ran from the porch toward the van.

Loki snatched the gun from Dalton's loosening grip and rolled away from him to avoid gunfire that flew through the open doorway. The large, front window shattered, showering glass on him as he flattened out on the carpet. 

Hel will watch over me, he tried to reassure himself.

Mixed in with the loud bangs and destruction were distant sirens and, to his surprise, a rumble of thunder. 

When the men stopped firing to reload, Loki scurried to the corner, sitting with his back to the wall so he could cover the front door. He eyed the still and silent Dalton as his heart pounded and potent adrenaline coursed through his system.

Moments later, there were shouts, more gunfire and loud crashes and crunching of metal from the front yard and street. The unseen carnage was brief, lasting less than a minute. Then a new, larger form stepped into the house, clad in dark blue and silver armor and a long red cape.

Loki lowered the gun, growling as Thor moved urgently forward to ask if he was injured.

His system flooded with anger and embarrassment. "No, I'm fine." Loki shifted back to his human form and begrudgingly accepted Thor's assistance in standing. 

Cami rushed in from the kitchen, sharing a quick hug with Thor before easing into Loki's offered embrace and holding him tight. She admitted, "I was so scared for you."

She was soon followed by the Murphys who were shocked by the destruction of their living room. "What...?" Bobbie started to ask, but quieted when his gaze fell on Dalton's body.

The police arrived with bright, flashing lights and blaring sirens.

"I'll handle them," Cami said. She was dialing the cell phone as she headed out to meet the officers.

"Thomas, what happened to you?" Joyce asked.

Loki turned toward the wall, shamefully avoiding their stares. He could only guess at the terrible thoughts Joyce and Bobbie must be having about him and couldn't quite decipher his own, turbulent emotions. "That thing is what I am... a monster." He nearly choked on the admission, feeling an excruciating stab of self-hatred. 

Thor's hand rested on his shoulder. "He is a Jotun," Thor explained; "born in a land of ice and rock. Magic allows him to take on a human form."

Joyce considered this information with wet and compassionate eyes. She took Loki's free hand in her own, waiting for him to meet her gaze before thanking him and Thor for saving their lives.

"We brought this trouble to your door," Loki said guiltily. He took in the room. "All this damage..."

Bobbie smiled, the uncertainty dissolving from his features. "Don't worry about that. Fixing stuff is what I do."

Having calmed some with the Murphys' acceptance, Loki attempted to recover by joking, "You probably recognize this imposing brute. This is Thor."

"You raised Cami," Thor acknowledged with admiration, shifting Mjolnir to shake hands. "She means a great deal to our family as well."

Bobbie indicated Loki, but asked Thor, "He's your adopted brother, isn't he?"

Thor said, "Yes; he is my brother, even when he doesn't want to be."

Tired of being literally cornered by them, Loki dropped Dalton's gun and slipped past Thor to meet up with Cami and a female officer in the doorway. 

"She needs a statement from you both before we can go," Cami told the brothers. "S.H.I.E.L.D. will handle the rest."

It took about a hour to answer enough questions to satisfy the police. Dalton proved to be the only fatality and was shot by his own people. Thor had been careful while knocking out the other men, though the van took considerable damage.

There was another round of handshakes and farewell hugs and some promises made before the Murphys left with their own police escort to spend a few days at a safe house.

Thor, Loki and Cami traveled north to a bifrost site across the Canadian border in Manitoba and then on to Asgard. 

- - - - - 

Clint had never been this cold before. He was shivering so hard that he heard it in his breathing and it took extra effort to hold his bow steady. Surely this had to be colder than some of the extreme places he'd visited on Earth.

About five feet ahead of Clint, Diani was leading their group in her fox form, which afforded her better vision in the gloomy tunnels and the advantage of more sensitive hearing and scent detection.

Mitzi stayed at Clint's side, carrying both her longsword and Diani's dagger.

"You're gonna have to tell me about Wraith Hunters sometime," he whispered.

"It's a good story," Mitzi told him. "History that many have forgotten."

Three of Farbauti's warriors followed behind with their clubs and two glowing ice orbs. Their distrustful glares and combined chill in the cramped space added to Clint's discomfort.

"That is the way to the prison," the group leader said, gesturing to the left as they reached a junction.

Mitzi stopped at almost the exact moment Diani did and put out her arm to slow Clint.

Diani's head moved to one side then the other, her nose up and ears turning in as she took several moments to evaluate. Finally, she shifted her body to the right, looked back at them and gave a small whimper.

Clint activated his power, straining to see into the darkness beyond the light of the orbs. "What is it?" he asked.

"I see nothing," the leader said, his tone brusque. "Move on."

"What's down that way?"

"Empty rooms."

The Jotun did not look to be in a compromising mood. 

"Watch our backs," Clint said to Mitzi. He gestured Diani to take the lead down the left passage and they soon came upon a lone door at the end. 

Clint approached the door, scanning around its edges for any signs of tampering. "I really hope this isn't booby-trapped," he whispered to Diani who was waiting between his boots. "Maybe you should back up."

Diani complied, slipping around him.

At that point, everything Clint did was slow and methodical. He lifted the latch, pushed open the door and peeked through the doorway at the top stair. He detected nothing so far, other than what might have been a whisper in the darkness below.

As he moved onto the stair, Clint quickly recalled the vision he'd had, focusing on Bad Loki's movements as he had descended into the prison, noting how he stepped and if he skipped any stairs, which he hadn't. So, Clint kept close to the wall and started down, keeping his gaze moving.

"Who is it?" a hushed voice asked.

Clint stopped, his attention now on the small lantern situated on a slender, stone pedestal in the center of the room. The lantern's flame was green and fairly limited, yet magical energy radiated from it.

"Friends," Clint said.

Another voice made a quick shushing sound and warned, "He'll hear you."

Clint reached the bottom and peeked into the first of the cells. He caught faint movement in the darkness and a definite chill coming from that direction. "Hey, I'm Clint," he said, keeping the volume of his voice low. "Can you tell me what's special about this lantern out here?"

The form approached. It was a female Jotun slightly taller than Clint. Her expression grew more fearful as she got a closer look at him and accused, "You are Asgardian."

"I am Human, actually," he explained, "and here to help. Tell me about the lantern."

A second chill washed over Clint as the leader stepped up beside him. "Speak child," he said. "The lantern is magical?"

"Yes. The Bad Man listens. When it shines bright, he is watching."

"Anyone else watching?" Clint asked. He scanned the space again now that his eyes were better adjusted.

"Sometimes. He has helpers."

The leader produced a large master key from a pouch dangling at his side. He slipped it into the keyhole, unlocking and opening the cell door, which creaked loudly and put Clint more on edge.

Diani was standing halfway down the stairs. Clint caught her gaze, pointed to his own eyes then waved her back up to the door. She nodded, seeming to understand that this was a request for her to help Mitzi keep watch. Since she had yet to leave her fox form, Diani had to jump one stair at a time.

The leader made his way around, unlocking each door. The last cell was empty, confirming to Clint that Bad Loki had indeed taken the boy who had spoken out against him.

Seven children gathered at the staircase and started the climb with the Jotun adults. 

Clint waited, willing to go last to avoid being surrounded by the combined chill of the group. He focused on the lantern, which hadn't brightened any, as he backed up the stairs and into the passage.

The Jotun returned the way they'd come, but Clint found the twins once again stopped at the junction, crouched low and looking down the opposite passage.

"We heard a noise," Mitzi whispered.

"Let's check it out." Clint caught the eye of the leader. "Coming?"

Hesitantly, the Jotun gestured the other men to continue on with the children. Then he fell in line with Clint's group as they crept forward.

The passage connected to a cavern with decorative archways leading out of it. The location looked familiar to Clint, possibly the same he'd seen in his vision of Farbauti and Ashaunti.

Then he heard sounds, and turned toward them, stepping through the nearest archway and inching down the short passage. He stopped before he reached the end, flattening out against the wall while he took in the view through the open doorway ahead. Clint saw hundreds of reddish cylinders stacked chest-high in bunches with short fuses.

"What are those?" Mitzi asked uneasily.

"Explosives. Dynamite."

"A trap? Bad Loki knew we were coming?"

"I don't know, but I'm guessing there are enough explosives in there to cause significant destruction to these tunnels."

Again there was a noise from the room beyond and everyone tensed.

Clint continued down, his gaze shifting and his bow ready. He peeked around the left side of the doorway seeing thousands more explosives stacked along the walls and in a large pile in the center of the room. Resting atop or along the base of the stacks were weapons and objects of various functions and sizes. From their glowing auras, Clint assumed these items were the magical artifacts stolen by Bad Loki and that their positioning with the dynamite was intentional.

A sudden growl from Diani made Clint turn his head in time to see her lunge from concealment toward a figure crouched down on the right side. With a leap, the fox sank her teeth into the arm of Marcus Rodriguez who snarled and then slammed her against the jagged rock wall.

By the time Clint got completely turned around, Diani was crumpled on the floor, having been jolted out of her fox form. 

Marcus dashed behind the dynamite pile. Instead of pursuing him around to the right, Clint stepped to the left, clearing the doorway so Mitzi could get to her sister.

"Give up, Marcus," Clint said, "or you're a goner as soon as I get a clear shot."

Rodriguez's flat response was, "I have fulfilled my purpose."

The Jotun cleared the doorway, moving to come around the pile from the opposite side.

"Heimdall," Mitzi said urgently, "Diani is seriously injured and Clint says we're surrounded by explosives called dynamite."

"That's right," Rodriguez said. "I only have to light one of these fuses. It doesn't matter which. The whole mountain could come down."

The tone was too cold for the compassionate Marcus Rodriguez that Clint had worked with for over a year and considered one of his best soldiers. One glimpse at the blue glow in the Mexican's eyes told Clint the truth. His friend was now separated by layers of madness, unable to break free of the double's commands that directed his thoughts and actions independent of his own will.

I know what it's like to be unmade, Clint thought, and he wouldn't wish the experience on his worst enemy.

Clint whipped around the pile, spotted the lighter in Marcus' hand and the bulk of his armored vest and went for the kill shot to the throat. It took two seconds, maybe less, for his body to register the injury before Marcus collapsed, but Clint was too late.

One fuse was lit.

It was a moment for action, but no solution struck him. Even a retreat was out of the question with the amount of explosive power about to be unleashed. 

Then the Jotun snatched the shortening fuse between his large forefinger and thumb and extinguished the flame with his freezing touch.

Clint gasped and gripped at his chest, feeling a rush of relief. "Great reflexes," he complimented the Jotun between deep breaths.

The Jotun appeared amused by Clint's reaction. "Tell your people that the great warrior Mabrun, son of Nagrun, saved your life."

"It's a deal," Clint agreed and crouched down beside the body and spreading pool of blood.

The natural chocolate brown of Marcus' lifeless eyes stared as Clint picked up and pocketed the lighter. "I'm sorry, My Friend," Clint whispered and reverently closed the man's eyes.

Mabrun leaned closer to bathe Clint's features with his corrosive chill. "He was your friend?"

Clint refused to flinch as he met the warrior's harsh stare. "Yeah; he was a good man, when he was himself."

With an accepting nod, the Jotun reached his hand toward the dynamite beside them.

"Don't touch," Clint warned. "Frozen dynamite is usually safe to handle until it starts to thaw, but we can't take any chances. We've got to find a way to get all this out of here and Diani needs medical attention."

"If we can't touch them...?"

"My people can find a way to do it safely, if Farbauti will allow it."

The Jotun stood, looking around as he considered. "We must guard this room," he decided. "Help will come."

- - - - -

Dr. Lloyd met Loki, Thor and Cami at the garden entrance of the command center as they landed. "Anyone hurt?" he asked, making a quick visual inspection.

"You should look her over," Loki said, glancing at Cami with firm insistence.

Cami indicated the adhesive bandages on her cheek and ear. "I got these and some bruises before Cedar Falls."

Lloyd nodded. "King Odin sent word to the Zovodna. Jorn and Mahlora are waiting with Queen Frigga to examine you. Hopefully they will figure out what's going wrong with you magic." 




Mischief Makers Ch. 11



Loki sent Cami off with a quick kiss then followed Thor into the command center where new personnel were bustling about. In fact, an oriental woman Loki had never seen before with determined, angry features strode up and delivered a swift, powerful punch that stunned and scattered his senses.

"Was that necessary?" Thor demanded.

"Oh yeah," was her smug reply. "He's getting off easy."

Loki squelched the urge to cover or touch his throbbing jaw. He blinked until his vision cleared from the pain then his frame steeled and breath caught as he spotted a ghost moving through the gaping crowd.

"I think you've made your point, May," Agent Coulson said. 

He looked quite solid and alive with his almost smile and cool, confident stare. Loki could even smell his subtle cologne, intensifying the memory of their last encounter, which came flooding back to further agitate Loki's unease.

"How?"

"It's classified," Coulson replied pointedly. He looked pleased by Loki's confusion, but said nothing more over several, uncomfortable seconds.

Steve Rogers stepped up. "Sir, with all due respect, now is not the time for this."

"Agreed," Coulson said, though his gaze remained focused on Loki.

"We have news," Maria Hill reported to the whole room. "First, Clint and the twins have found a huge stash of dynamite and magical artifacts beneath the Jotun capital."

King Odin added, "In the past when the city was under attack, the Jotun sent the women and children into the tunnels to hide."

"And now they have no safe place to retreat," Thor said.

"Which leads to our next problem," Maria continued. "Our scouts in the Jotunheim have seen activity in multiple areas surrounding the capital. It appears that Loki and his mages are preparing something, but we don't know exactly what it is, only that he ultimately plans to kill every last Frost Giant."

"Also, Diani has been injured," Rosner said, his features lightly flushing with color. "We need to convince Queen Farbauti to let a rescue team into the tunnels."

The crowd parted as Odin approached Loki. "Make the plans," he said to the commanding officers, "while I speak with my son on this matter." He took Loki by the upper arm, guiding him out to the edge of the gardens as the sun cleared the horizon to start a new day.

"You want me to talk to Farbauti, to forgive her, but you don't have the right to ask that," Loki snapped, his throat tightening. "She cast me out to die!" 

"I can't make you forgive anyone for anything, Loki. I want you to understand the facts that have very recently come to light. There are truths that even I did not know."

Loki stared at him, thinking his open attitude had to be a trick, but not sure what retort to use. So, he allowed Odin to continue, staring at the brightening colors of the grass and flowers as once again everything he knew about himself seemed to unravel.

Odin sensed his doubt at the news. "Agent Barton saw it in a vision," he restated, "and Ashaunti confirmed. Farbauti defied Laufey to save your life."

Loki stepped away from Odin, shaking his head with confusion and disbelief.

"She now knows you are alive and were raised in Asgard by me."

"I'm to be dangled in front of her as an enticement to cooperate." 

Odin kept moving forward every time Loki stepped back. He said, "I'm asking for this favor, Loki, not commanding it." 

"I don't know what to do." He confessed, "When you sent me to serve the Frost Giants, I was brazenly mean and disrespectful to Farbauti, and she never knew my true reason for hating her."

"If you don't feel you can face her, I will send someone else."

"And if she won't agree?"

"We'll do what we must."

Loki pondered and worried as he accompanied Coulson and Natasha through the bifrost. The Jotun guards at the site were big, even for Frost Giants, and made him feel so weak and small.

Coulson did most of the talking with Natasha throwing out some strong points that finally convinced the guards to pass along their request.

Though Loki had not been identified to the guards directly, Farbauti and her sister appeared to know he was coming before he stepped into the chamber. She sat stiffly upon her throne with Ashaunti seated at her right. "Prince Loki," Farbauti said in cool recognition.

Standing tall in his agency uniform, Loki respectfully acknowledged her. "Queen Farbauti."

"Your friends have not returned from the tunnels, though two of my warriors and the children did."

Coulson said, "Those still in the tunnels are in trouble, Your Majesty," and briefly described what had been reported through Heimdall's contact with them.

"Please," Loki said, "allow us to bring in a team to deal with this threat. If those explosives go off, many could die."

There was a quiet deliberation between the sisters before the queen spoke again. "My people feel I am foolish to allow Asgard and S.H.I.E.L.D. into our borders, especially now that your forces have been spying outside our city. I am placing great trust on the word of my sister and the sincerity of Clint Barton that this story of the blood sorceress and your evil-hearted twin is not a ploy to destroy us."

"I am not known for my trustworthiness or good deeds," Loki admitted. "In light of past events, I am the last person to which you should listen."

"Are you here seeking redemption?"

Yes, he thought, and this is an intriguing group for me to be making confessions. 

At the edge of his vision Agent Coulson was watching him, but Loki pushed through rising reservations. "I seek peace with those I have wronged. I also wish to earn some peace for myself as I have done terrible, unimaginable things."

"You have much to atone for," Farbauti said. "Summon your team, but know this, Prince of Asgard, you will face my wrath like none other if you betray me."

- - - - -

Clint was up and pacing again, attempting to keep warm. 

Mitzi and Diani were shivering too. 

Diani's features were pale and tense with pain from her injuries, which included a possible concussion and jaw, neck and back fractures that forced her to remain still on the freezing floor. 

Mitzi stayed close to her, speaking in soft, reassuring tones and trying to share body heat. 

At least Mabrun was being kind enough to keep his distance.

Suddenly Clint's communicator picked up the Scottish accent of Dr. Fitz. "Agent Barton, please respond."

"This is Barton," Clint said, amazed that a signal had reached him under the mountain.

"We're using drones to map the tunnels and relay our com signals. What's your status?"

"We secured the threat, but Diani is badly hurt."

"I've got a team heading your way. I estimate their arrival within five to seven minutes."

"I appreciate the heads up. Thank you."

When the sound of rushing, heavy footfalls in the distant passage reached Clint's ears, he stood and drew his sidearm to cover the doorway.

The first man to come into view was Grant Ward, Coulson's specialist. Ward halted, lowering his own weapon, and then continued into the room when Clint holstered his gun and waved him forward.

Tony, Bruce, Doctors Simmons and Lloyd, Volstagg and, to Clint's surprise, King Odin rushed in.

"Yikes," Tony said from within his Iron Man armor. He turned his head, scanning the room while JARVIS began a detailed analysis of the threat.

The doctors got down with Diani, examining her while rattling off questions about pain levels and testing if she had sensation in her outer extremities.

"Agent Rodriguez is dead - fatal wound to the throat," Ward reported.

Bruce and Odin were quickly, yet carefully, gathering the artifacts and placing them in Volstagg's large arms.

"Steve," Tony said through his com, "the path is clear. We're securing the magic stuff. Group One will be out of here in a few moments."

"Have you decided our move with the dynamite?" Steve asked.

Bruce turned to Tony, activating his own com. "I say we go with the ice."

"I agree," Tony said. "Ask the queen to have some of her mages accompany Group Two."

Clint was listening and watching everyone work, trying to piece together their plan. "Tell me what to do."

Odin and Volstagg drew near. The king touched Clint's arm. "You're leaving with us, Agent Barton." 

"What? Why?"

"Agent Romanoff insisted," Odin said pointedly.

"Diani is in shock," Lloyd said. "We shouldn't attempt to carry her out of here without a backboard and neck brace."

"We're going directly to the healing room," Odin assured the doctor. "No one needs to move."

A bright, whitish-blue flash hurt Clint's sensitive eyes. When he blinked his vision into focus, he found they were back in Asgard within the stuffy healing room beside the glowing, bubbling pool of water. 

Healers rushed forward to assist Lloyd and Simmons with Diani.

Ward pushed up from his knees beside Rodriguez's body, giving Clint a sad, respectful nod.

Sif, Fandral and Hogun stepped into the room, taking some of the artifacts from Volstagg. "We will get these analyzed and to the vault right away," Sif promised Odin and ushered the Warriors Three out ahead of her.

By then, Clint realized that Tony and Bruce had not accompanied them. He stared at Odin, who also started away and hurried to fall in behind him. "Now what?" he asked, his tone a little on edge and desperate to understand as things were happening so fast.

"Preparation," Odin said, walking with quick, long strides. "You might have thwarted the double's plan to use the explosives against the Jotun, but he has other mischief in the works."

"OK. Where do you want me?" 

"Loki and Cami have returned. I suggest you meet up with them and your bride in Loki's rooms. I hear there is troubling news."

- - - - -

Cami managed to hold it together while Jorn, Mahlora and Frigga asked her questions then poked and prodded her magic. She was relieved that no one had produced a blood blade, but now the trio stood around Loki's table referencing old books and speaking gravely in Elven.

The queen pulled Loki aside as soon as he cleared the doorway, showing him the books while the Elves explained their findings.

"This isn't fair," Cami called over to them. She was seated on the bed, clutching a pillow to her front. "You're purposely leaving me in the dark. When do I get to find out what is happening?"

Four sets of eyes shifted to gaze at her, all looking concerned.

The bedroom door opened again, this time admitting Clint, Natasha and Maria.

Cami softly swore because the presence of Commander Hill had to mean she was in serious trouble.

Of course, the new arrivals were eager to hear the diagnosis too. Maria stated that she had important things to do and requested that they quickly bring her up to speed.

"The curses came back," Frigga said.

"Jahla cursed her again?" Clint asked with instant anger.

"No," Jorn answered. He searched for more words, but looked to Frigga or Loki to explain for him.

Loki said, "We've discovered that Cami is an adaptive mage. She can access the energy around her, store and alter it for her own purposes. Unfortunately, once she takes in this energy, whether it is magical or not, it becomes part of her."

Cami's chest ached. "You're saying that I'm always going to be cursed."

There was noticeable silence and an exchange of worried glances.

"In a way," Loki said sadly. 

Frigga said, "Jahla must have recognized the threat you represented. Your power is very rare."

Natasha asked, "Removing the curses again won't help at all?"

"They would return," Jorn said, "and the ritual is not safe for her child."

Maria's eyes narrowed. "She's pregnant?"

Loki stared down Maria's glare. "Yes, she is. Jahla put a curse on Cami to increase the chance of her conceiving. It is my determination that Bad Loki needs the baby to fulfill Hel's wish to leave Niflheim." 

"I don't get it," Clint said, not sounding nearly as angry as he should.

"I think Hel intends to replace the baby's soul with her own."

Cami buried her face in the pillow so she didn't have to see their expressions or let them see her as she took in this news.

Clint promised, "I'm not going to let that happen."

Natasha asked, "Will the bad luck affect the baby?"

"It is difficult to know for sure," Frigga said. "This is not a normal pregnancy. The curse accelerates the baby's development."

"I don't need to hear anything else," Maria said with exasperation. "S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't going to graduate a pregnant trainee who is a habitual underachiever and cursed with bad luck. She's done."

"Now wait a sec," Clint said. "Aren't you being a little judgmental? This isn't all her fault."

"Save me the sob story. She chose to get involved with Loki. Plus, she has always been a liability, and we're not going to forgive her screw-ups any longer."

Cami's burning magic was tethered to the communicators her teammates and Hill wore, and it was tempting to send a vengeful pulse Maria's way, just to see what would happen. 

"She's improved a lot. Give her a chance to work out the issues," Clint begged. 

"No. I won't waste more time and resources on a bad bet."

A moment later the bedroom door shut with a loud bang, making Cami wonder if it was Hill or her brother that slammed it. 

"We'll talk to Fury. Maria..." Natasha began to say when Clint cut her off.

"I know she's your buddy, but you could have jumped in to try and change her mind. Help us out here!"

Cami sat up to take in a deep breath, which did nothing to ease her pain. She saw Natasha's frame stiffen. 

"How dare you," Natasha uttered, her lip trembling. "How dare you say that I don't help YOU, Cami or Loki."

Clint realized his mistake and there was deep regret on his features as he reached for her. "Nat, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

Natasha stepped away, choosing to avoid his touch and avert her gaze as she tugged open the door and hurried out.

Clint turned back to the others, folding his arms and chuffing softly. "We're under a lot of stress and haven't been sleeping well."

"Go after her," Loki urged. "I'll stay with Cami."

With the wedding ceremony planned for that very night, Cami was apprehensive as Clint left. "I think I've been cursed my whole life," she said, acting pitiful and dramatic because, of course, it would be her fault if Clint and Natasha broke up. 

Loki came over to comfort her while the others continued to collaborate over the books. He settled on the bed at her side, saying, "You must be so disappointed."

The truth hurt and it took effort to not cry as she admitted, "I figured I wasn't graduating as soon as Fury sent me away. I don't blame him. I suck at being a field agent." 

He started to disagree, but Cami shook her head, easily silencing him with her look. She had a lifetime of bad luck ahead of her, if it didn't prove fatal. Why feign optimism?

"We'll address each problem in turn." His arm curled around her. "Don't worry, My Dear. You and the baby will be alright."

Cami's tone lacked encouragement as she said, "Maybe if we invest in a horde of lucky charms."

Frigga's gaze shot up from the book in her arms to Loki and Cami. Her features lit up with surprise and inspiration. "A blessing," she said, as if they should have all be thinking the same. "We'll bless you with good luck. Your magic should absorb it just as it did the bad."

Jorn was equally excited by the plan and translated for Mahlora who was soon smiling.

"You know how to do this?" Loki asked.

"In fact, I do," Frigga said.

- - - - -

Natasha was speaking with Phil Coulson in the dining room when Clint found her. Taking a cue from Phil's quick glance in his direction, Clint waited in the doorway for them to finish. 

After a bit, Coulson embraced Natasha then stepped away to address Clint. "I heard about Agent Rodriguez," he said in a soft, regretful tone. "I'm sorry you had to do that."

Coulson would often start a conversation with something poignant and unexpected. Clint didn't want to discuss details. It was going to take time to come to terms with Marcus' death, especially so soon after Brandon.

"Me too," he said simply then cocked his head toward Natasha. "Think it's safe for me to go over there?"

"Yes, but give me a minute of your time first."

Natasha was avoiding his gaze, so Clint focused on Coulson, open to his tidbits of wisdom.

"I realize I don't know all the facts, but I've seen your sister's file. She has a lot of potential."

"She can't pass combat training, Phil, and now she's pregnant."

"I have members of my team that aren't combat trained," Phil said, undeterred. "From what I hear, Cami has great instincts and can easily build rapport with people. More than one of her instructors praised her never-say-die attitude. She also has a natural affinity with technology that impressed Banner and Stark, of all people."

"Hill doesn't see it that way. Cami's had discipline problems and the situation just spiraled with everything that's going on."

"I could harp all day on yours and Natasha's abilities. Even Half Loki is pretty damn impressive," he said with a thoughtful frown. "I truly believe that the Mischief Makers would have raised the bar of excellence within the agency."

"Not that I don't appreciate your compliments," Clint said, "but where is this going?"

"Cami put the team together. She recognized that you and Natasha had the best chance of relating to Loki because of your shady pasts. Fury admitted that it was a great insight."

"She wanted my attention and to save Loki from prison."

"Neither are bad things."

Though none of this sounded like criticism exactly, Clint was tensing. "She's just a sensitive kid. It was dumb luck that Loki came to us in the condition he did."

Phil didn't respond, but the way his head lowered, his mouth pursed and the soft heave of his chest as he took in a breath told Clint that he'd just failed some sort of test.

"I'd better check in with my people," Phil said and moved past Clint to return to the command center.

Clint puzzled as Natasha approached and pulled him tightly to her. He wanted to think through the talk with Coulson, but focused on her.

"Poor Marcus," Natasha said sadly. She was still wiping tears when she asked, "Are you OK?"

"Not so much, I guess, but I shouldn't have snapped at you like that." His fingers kneaded at the tension in her shoulders as they held each other. 

"I'm almost over it," she said, offering a forced smile as he leaned in to tenderly kiss her. "Did you get mad at anyone else?" she asked with care. "You know, with Cami being pregnant and all?"

Clint chuckled and shook his head, understanding her concern. "No, I saw the kid in a vision days ago. So, it wasn't such a surprise, I guess. Otherwise, I probably would have gone ballistic."

Natasha's eyes lit up with expectation.

"Oh no. Not going to say a single word more." He said, "What we do affects the future. I probably never should have shared the other visions with you."

"I'm glad you did. I don't want there to be secrets between us," Natasha said.

Though he agreed, Clint distracted himself by openly admiring her form as she pulled him out of the dining room and into the command center to listen in on the team's planning.

Those collected were looking over video footage that their scouts and Fitz's drones had captured of the enemies' activities outside the Jotun capital. As they watched, Rosner and King Odin were identifying the mages, who were all considered powerful spellcasters of varying types.

"They are preparing rituals," Odin said. He named off the elements as he spotted them. "Circles of protection, power stones..." He hesitated as the scene changed to show a towering portal open up in a turbulent swirl of dark purple and black energy.

"Shadow portals," Thor said. "Are they moving an army or summoning it?"