Chapter Text
Thor, along with his friends from both Asgard and Midgard, walked steadily through the underground dungeons. On one hand, he wanted to reach the destination as quickly as possible, but on the other, he feared what he would find there. Sif was leading the way with a torch, and Fandral, holding another torch, was at the back of the group. This part of the dungeons was mostly empty, and the only occupied cell was so secure that no guards were needed. Thor involuntarily swallowed, imagining spending more than a few hours here.
- It's pretty gloomy here. - Tony Stark, who hated prolonged silence, remarked.
- A perfect place for that psychopath. - Clint muttered quietly. Natasha looked at him, but her face showed no emotion.
- These are the dungeons for the most dangerous criminals. - Sif explained.
- Well, I must admit I thought that as a member of the royal family, Reindeer Games would get off easier. - Tony stated, causing a brief silence. His human friends agreed with him while the Asgardians tried to decipher the mysterious nickname.
- Yes. - Volstagg finally broke the silence. - The severity of the punishment surprised everyone.
- Loki committed a terrible crime, and his punishment had to be appropriate. - Thor stated confidently.
- You were exiled for three days for the same thing. - Fandral muttered, but Thor either didn’t hear or chose not to respond.
They walked in silence for a while when suddenly they heard loud laughter. Everyone jumped a little at the sound of the mad cackle.
- We’re getting close. - Sif whispered, swallowing hard.
They continued in silence, interrupted only by fits of laughter.
Finally, in front of the last door, they heard a voice.
- Have I told you about the time I was in Egypt with my buddies? - They all stopped, listening to Loki’s cheerful voice, which was interrupted by bursts of laughter. Most of them didn’t expect such a joyful tone. And with whom was the would-be conqueror of Earth conversing?
- We were walking along the Nile, and suddenly one of them says to me, “Look at that cool snake.” I started looking around, and he says, “You’re standing on its head, idiot.” - Another burst of laughter.
- I really was, and I stepped on it so awkwardly that the poor thing’s eyes popped out. - He said through laughter.
- Of course, we took it with us. It tasted like chicken, and a belt made from its skin is probably still lying somewhere in my closet. - And another chuckle. The group in front of the door looked at each other uncertainly. Thor grabbed the handle and began to open the door.
They all heard a snake’s hiss, followed by the prisoner’s laughter.
- If you want, I can describe exactly what it looked like. Maybe it’s some relative of yours.
The door opened surprisingly quietly, and they all peered inside. They all held their breath at the sight in the cell. A man, only wearing loose pants, was motionless, tied to a rock. His hair, dirty and disheveled, hung freely. However, the most striking feature was the man’s face. In many places, it was burnt and marked with greenish wounds, yet it was twisted into a mocking smile. No one dared to say a word, staring at the would-be conqueror of Earth, who evidently didn’t see them.
- Don’t want to hear it? Have I told you how that idiot Hercules supposedly strangled two snakes in his cradle? Aegir told me. He was supposedly in the area at the time. Can you imagine? An infant. Those two sneaked up on the kid, and got nothing! Do you know what nothing is, crawler? Or maybe you know what crap is? Have you ever crawled into any? - There was another hiss, and two drops fell onto Loki’s scarred face, causing him to chuckle.
- Loki? - Thor finally broke the spell of silence, staring in horror at his brother. The black-haired man instantly stopped laughing. His face briefly showed surprise. After a moment, however, a wide grin appeared on his lips.
- Ah, Odinson. Have you come to gloat? Or maybe it’s finally time to change my punishment. I swear, three years tied to a rock with only this snake for company gets boring.
- Oh God. - Tony, his face green, turned away and bent over. Bruce immediately came over to check if he needed help.
They all heard a hiss, and a black shape lunged at them. Loki started laughing again. But before the snake could bite anyone, Sif swung her sword, severing the serpent’s head. Loki calmed his laughter and now looked at the woman with a wide smile that looked terrifying on his scarred face.
- Oh dear Sif. You killed my roommate. Who will I talk to now?
- Loki, brother…
The prisoner’s face immediately darkened, and he looked angrily at Thor.
- I am not your brother, Odinson. - He spat on Thor’s boots. The Thunderer opened his mouth, ready to argue with the black-haired man, but Steve stepped forward.
- We need your help, Loki. - He said calmly. Loki looked at him in shock, then burst out laughing.
- You… You need my help? - The fit of laughter lasted about a minute. - Tell me, mortal, why should I help you?
None of the Avengers had an answer to that. It was known from the beginning that convincing Loki to help would be difficult, but Thor insisted that his brother could redeem himself.
- The Chitauri have attacked the 9 realms. - Thor finally spoke. - You know them. If you help fight them, your punishment will be changed to exile. You will be free, but you will never be allowed to return to Asgard.
Loki seemed to think about it for a moment. After two minutes, he simply spat on the golden-haired prince’s boots again.
- I’d rather stay with the snake. Can you get me a new one? This one seems worn out. - He looked at the headless reptile.
They all stared at the dark-haired man in shock. It was obvious that he was angry and had no reason to help them, but they were offering him freedom. And instead, he wanted to remain in eternal torture?
- You know? I have just one request. I’d like a window so I can watch Asgard burn. - He spat the sentence out with hatred. They all shuddered. No one said anything for a moment, and Loki closed his eyes, pretending no one was there.
- Loki. - Sif spoke quietly, drawing everyone’s attention. Loki looked at her. - They attacked Álfheim. - Loki’s eyes widened. He shook his head slightly and silently mouthed “No.”
- Sigyn is alive. But you know she won’t leave them.