Chapter Text
Halloween had never really stood out more than any other holiday for Tony. When he was younger he would go to costume parties and drink himself under the table, but not that many CEOs and shareholders wanted to party like co-eds. The holiday had just become another day of mass email messages and setting JARVIS to dispense candy down stairs for the trick-or-treaters.
But now Tony had people in the tower he could act like an idiot around. Currently he was sneaking up behind Bruce with a rubber spider on a string. He stifled a laugh as he slowly lowered it on to the book Bruce was reading.
Bruce snapped the book shut on the spider. “Really, Tony?”
“Really.” Tony laughed. “Happy Halloween! Have you seen Thor? I wanna prank him too.”
Bruce turned his head and smiled. Tony’s laugh was contagious. “Ah, now that’s just mean. He’s still getting used to being human.”
“All the more reason to show him what human’s do for fun.” Tony smiled, showing off a pair of plastic fangs. “Vleh. I vant to suck your blood!”
“Don’t joke like that in front of him; he’ll try to cut your head off.” Bruce turned back to the table, pulling the spider out of the book and handing it back to Tony. He put his book down along with his reading glasses and pulled himself off of the couch. “I didn’t think a hunter would be so excited about Halloween.”
Tony popped the fangs out of his mouth. “It reminds me of a time before all this mess. When vampires were sexy and shilled to middle-school girls, not trying to kill me. Plus...I finally have people around I can play pranks on, like you and Thor. Clint’s okay, but Natasha disarmed all of my pranks last time… It’s no fun.”
“I’d hate to break it to you, but I’ve never really celebrated Halloween. Your best chance is probably with Thor or Steven.”
“What?” Tony jumped onto the couch. “You never ate candy till you wanted to throw up? Your Mom at least dressed you up right? I bet you were a little nerd. For some reason I can see you going as a traffic cone for safety.”
Bruce flicked the spider into Tony’s face. “Very funny. No, I never dressed up for Halloween. My parents… didn’t celebrate it.”
“Oh...They were one of those lame parents that thought Halloween was evil, huh?” Tony laughed. “Imagine what they would say if they knew you’re roommates with an angel.” Thor wandered out of the hallway. “Right on cue. What candy should he have first? Chocolate or pure chemicals?”
Bruce rolled his eyes and then turned to Thor with a smile. “Hey, Thor. How are you?”
“Well, I suppose.” Thor sighed. “Everything looks dull compared to my vision as an angel. Was the world always so orange and black?”
Tony laughed. “No man, its Halloween!”
Thor looked between the two in confusion until Bruce sighed.
“Humans in several countries celebrate a holiday called Halloween. Its apparently based on folklore from centuries ago. People dress up in costumes to be whoever or whatever they want to be and get and give candy.” Bruce looked pointedly at Tony. “I think its just a way for corporations to make more money by using folklore as a front.”
“Ah, yes.” Thor smiled slightly in recognition. “I remember humans celebrating harvest festivals about this time. So is that what is happening now? And you said you believe corporations are responsible? Does that mean Sir Stark is at fault as well?”
Bruce scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “I meant corporations that sell everything that has to do with Halloween.”
Tony gave Bruce a shove. “Don’t listen to him. He’s a spoil-sport! Now the majority of people just drink and party a lot. And candy. Don’t forget candy.” Tony smiled and tossed Thor a candy bar. “Give it a shot. And take the wrapper off...Bruce this one is for you. You look like a chocolate sort of guy.”
“Thanks…” Bruce said as they all unwrapped their candy. Thor took a bite and chewed a few times before smiling.
“Interesting! Its very sweet! I like it,” Thor said excitedly.
“That’s the point of candy.” Tony jumped off the couch. “Kids love it. They go door-to-door to get some from each house. If the house does not give them candy, they get pranked.”
Thor let out a hearty laugh. “Oh, children. I just hope that the pranks are not like those of Tricksters!”
“Not even kids have that much power.” Tony shook his head. “They just throw eggs and toilet paper your house. Though I give out big candy bars. They love me.”
“That’s because you’re just a big kid yourself,” Bruce laughed.
“Do you partake in Halloween with the children, Sir Stark?” Thor asked.
“I’m too old for anything fun.” Tony grumbled. “Halloween is mostly considered a 20 and under sort of thing. Though I am old and rich enough to buy all the candy I want!”
“You’re not too old that you don’t try pulling pranks on people anymore,” Bruce said and picked the rubber spider out of Tony’s hand.
“Well I’m never too old for that.” Tony rolled his eyes.
“Sir,” JARVIS interrupted. “There is a letter that claims to be urgent addressed to you. I am sending it up now.”
“It’s too late for the mail to run. It’s almost dark.” Tony walked over to the elevator and soon came back with an envelope in his hands. “No return address… wierd.”
“So its either related to the hunting business or somebody sent you a death threat as a CEO?” Bruce sighed, half-joking.
“I’ve gotten worse, but just in case its something dangerous, you open it Thor.” Tony passed off the letter and ran over to the other side of the room.
“He’s human, Tony,” Bruce said, giving Thor an apologetic look as he took the envelope from him. “I’ll open it.”
Bruce opened the envelope and pulled out a letter. He read a few lines and frowned.
“Whose it from?
“Who do you think?” Bruce held up a letter and Tony did not even have to touch it before he recognized the straight lines of Loki’s handwriting.
“‘Dearest Stark, Banner, and former angel’.” Tony began. “‘I have planned a game for you and all in your fair city.’ Well that’s just great. ‘Do come to Central Park before the sun sets. If you are late you will miss all the fun.’ What the hell does he mean by ‘fun’?”
“Probably something that only he would find fun,” Bruce said as he dropped the envelope onto a table. “This just reeks of a trap.”
“Aye,” Thor agreed. “But what would happen if we did not show ourselves before him? He might harm innocent lives in vengeance.”
“He’s not a vengeance sort of guy…” Tony groaned. “But we should probably go anyway and see what he wants… Maybe he just want’s candy and then he’ll go away.”
“I doubt that,” Bruce sighed. “We better at least go prepared for anything.”
They certainly were not alone on their way to Central Park. Hundreds of people were quickly making their way to the park entrances. Once they got close there was a table with a Stark Logo lining the sidewalk around the park. On the table was a Starkphone and a backpack, free for the taking. Tony eyed it suspiciously and picked one up as he passed, following the lead of the people around him and the advice of the sign that read ‘For the game’.
“It looks like one of yours.” Bruce said quietly as they followed the rest of the crowd.
“It is one of mine!” Tony sighed. “This one was a reject model, I didn’t like the design.” He started swiping through the screens. “It has preloaded software on it I didn't write...I didn’t even approve it….I don’t think I did anyway. I don’t remember my company hosting a community game, let alone give out free phones so people can play.”
“So, this has something to do with Loki then, huh?” Bruce said quietly as they further blended into the crowd.
“That or someone is about to get fired.” Tony looked up at the crowd. “Or not...People really seem to be loving this...May be this could be a good PR stunt.”
Once they got inside the park they were soon approached by Lust. His demeanor was the same stoically blank look as ever, his hair still long and messy, and his vacant, exhausted looking eyes would not stop staring at Tony. The only part of him that was festive was a small pair of stuffed black horns sittin on top of his head and some leathery black wings on his back with a matching thick scaly tail. Likely Loki dressed him up to look like a dragon.
“There is the man of the hour.” Loki said with a smile walking behind Lust. “I have need of you.”
“Do not dare even think of harming Sir Stark,” Thor said, glaring at Loki along with Bruce.
“I swear on my honor,” Loki said holding up his hand. “No human shall die in my game. Besides, I am within my rights. Stark belongs to me. Isn’t that right?” Loki looked down at the spot Tony’s chest where the light of his soul was shining dimly.
Tony looked down and shook his head. “He’s right Thor...Don’t have much of a choice, really. What do you want, Loki?”
“Just for you to be a good boy and start off my game.” Loki smiled and started to walk towards the main stage. Tony followed begrudgingly. “Just follow the script I give you.” Loki put his hand to Tony’s head and suddenly a wave of information filled his mind. “And then you are free to go for the time being.”
Tony rubbed his temples and sighed. “I hate you Loki.”
The moment Tony stepped on the stage something changed. His scowl changed into a joyous grin and he was soon waving at the crowd below him. He laughed and smiled and soon grabbed the microphone. “Welcome to the first annual Stark Industries Halloween Hunt!” The crowd cheered for a bit before letting Tony continue. “You all got your complimentary phones right? Cause you're going to need them for the game. And for that, I’ll give the mic over to Luke Laufeyson, Head of Sales and Marketing for Stark Industries and this year's…” Tony almost broke his enthusiasm. “Halloween King.”
Loki pranced on stage soon followed by Lust with little applause, but enough to keep his ego afloat. “Thank you Mr. Stark. The rules of the game are simple.” Loki explained. “Throughout the park I have hidden monsters. You are all going to hunt them using these.” Lust held up a backpack and started pulling out items as Loki described them. “This bag contains your hunting equipment. Your generously provided Starkphones contain the known weaknesses of each monster and how they should be defeated. You will have various ingredients to bind the beasts: salt, holy water, what have you. And you will slay them with this.” Lust pulled out a colorful gun and handed it to Loki. “One hit and the monster is slain and the points are added to your team’s score. And do not worry.” Loki absently shot Tony in the leg. The shell of the bullet cracked and spilled a mixture of salt, silver shavings, and holy water onto his pants. “The ammo is perfectly safe for humans. You have until midnight to kill as many monsters as you can. The team with the most points gains the Halloween King’s favor, which can be exchanged for something very valuable. Isn’t that right, Stark?”
“Sure is.” Tony said slowly once the microphone was close enough to catch his voice.
“So have fun everyone! And remember, that this is a night for monsters. So do try not become one yourselves. And play nice. There are plenty of supplies hidden around the Park.” Loki looked over to Tony with a smile. “Let the hunt begin!” Loki fired once in the air and the crowd quickly began to disperse.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Bruce muttered as Tony came back over to him and Thor. “His game is to make people hunters?”
“Apparently.” Tony said rubbing his head. “I hate when he does that to me…”
“But you performed your role so well.” Loki said with a smile. “I’m so glad you received my letter in time.”
“Do you really think we’re playing your game?” Bruce asked. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Oh, but you have to.” Loki pointed to the phones in each of their hands. “You agreed when you turned on the device. There was a terms of service you agreed to correct.” Tony’s face fell. Loki grinned. “I added a provision. You and everyone playing have agreed to loan me their souls for the duration of the game. If you wish for rights to your soul returned, you will have to make sure my game ends in the proper manner.”
Bruce scowled and Thor frowned. “All we must do is hunt monsters then?” Thor asked.
“That is all.” Loki smiled as Lust tossed each of them a backpack of supplies. “I might throw a few surprises around during the night, just to keep things interesting. And I expect that you will win this night. I would hate for experienced hunters to lose to novice children. Winner receives a free wish from a demon, after all.”
“The only wish I would make is to send you back to Hell permanently,” Bruce muttered as he caught the bag.
“Win and I might just have to grant that wish.” Loki grinned. “But I must take my leave. I have a game to run after all. Do try to keep the monsters at bay.” Loki could not stop a laugh from escaping his lips as he vanished from sight.
As the sun finally set and the lights buzzed to life in the park Tony could not help but feel a hollow twist in his stomach. He could not shake the feeling that there was something more to this game than Loki was letting on.
“Well, we might as well get started,” Bruce said with a sigh, grabbing a gun and a blade and shouldering his bag. He looked over at Tony. “Are you alright?”
“I don’t know…. I guess.” Tony rubbed his stomach once and picked up a bag. “ I think I might of had too much candy is all. You ready to go on your first hunt as a human, Thor?”
“I only hope that my skills have not disappeared along with my grace,” he said with a hint of sadness and grabbed a blade, shouldering his own bag.
“I doubt losing your angel card get’s rid of an eternity of fighting experience. I mean, have you seen your arms?” Tony added, as he digged through his own bag for a weapon before his paused. He pulled out a pair of plastic vampire fangs. “The Hell? Do you all have Loki’s stalker gifts in your bags too?”
Bruce and Thor looked at each other and then pulled their bags off and looked in them.
Bruce frowned at the wolf mask in his hand. “I don’t remember seeing this in the bag before.”
Thor pulled out a headband with devil horns and grimaced. “Is this supposed to be a joke?”
“You know Loki just did it to make you angry, buddy.” Tony sighed. “Well...let’s get into the holiday spirit.” Tony worked the fangs into his mouth. They fit surprisingly well, much to Tony’s dismay. “Has Loki been making molds of my mouth?” Tony pulled the fangs out and looked at the molding. “I need to update the warding in my room.”
Thor grimaced as he put the headband on. Bruce just looked at the mask and twirled it in his hand. “How am I even supposed to see in this thing?” he asked but still slowly put it on.
“Just push it to the side.” Tony said as he popped the fangs back in and chomped his teeth a few times to make sure they would stick. “Thor...You don’t have to wear the horns. They are a bit insulting right?”
Bruce pushed it to the side of his head with a shrug. Thor continued to frown. “I… I will not be brought down by a lowly demon,” he said, as he slowly looked up with a rising look of determination. “I am only doing this to celebrate a human festival with my friends.”
“Okay Thor.” Tony said slowly. “As long as you feel okay with it all. Come on. Let’s get a hunting!”