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to the Bifrost that next morning, hopeful. He was hopeful they had his scepter waiting for him, so he could rid himself of the girl and move on with his plans. 

He had already been taking too long. 

Using Heimdall's enchanted equipment, he looked down at his target. The Avengers were gathered together in Stark Tower, around an object. 

His scepter.

Loki's face lit up, a wave of relief washing over him. He was starting to fear they wouldn't be able to give it to him, and he'd have the girl around permanently. That thought wasn't too bad at first, until he really thought about it. The responsibilities that had fallen in his lap, he had no room to be accountable for someone. He had to only be accountable for himself. 

Loki decided to travel to Earth right then and there. He had no time to waste. He activated the Bifrost, and let himself fall into the portal. The rainbow glisten of the tunnel-like portal shined brightly as he shot down toward Earth. 

He landed on the street right next to Stark Tower, looking up at the building. He transformed himself into a very basic looking man on his way to work. Getting into the building wouldn't be difficult, as they were expecting him. 

<>

In Asgard, Alex awoke with ease. She had slept well, for the first night that week. She couldn't tell how long she'd been in Asgard, since time seemed to pass differently. The days in Asgard felt longer, but maybe that was because she was constantly around someone who stressed her out. 

She stood up, noticing her breakfast was already on the table. She ate, and changed. She pondered what she should do, since it was apparent Loki had no plans for her. 

She decided she would read. 

So, Alex grabbed a book, sat on the chaise, and opened it. The Art of Combat. She laughed, and flipped the page. 

Suddenly, the door opened. 

"Loki, I've been looking all over for you--" 

The woman stopped dead in her tracks when her eyes landed on Alex. Closing the book, Alex's eyes widened. The woman looked taken aback, furrowing her brows. She had long, curly, strawberry blonde hair. She wore a beautiful dress, and was most definitely not a servant. Not by how she addressed Loki as simply 'Loki', and not 'King Loki'. Meaning, she must be--

"I'm sorry, who are you?" The woman asked, pulling Alex out of her thoughts. 

She stood up, smoothing her dress nervously. "I'm Alex," 

"Alright, Alex, what are you doing in my son's quarters?" 

"Well, I, um, I'm kind of his prisoner?" 

The woman sighed, rubbing her tired face. "I see." 

Alex awaited for her to become harsh, to berate her because she didn't belong in Asgard. She was a human, and no doubt out of place among gods. 

Suddenly, the woman's demeanor did change. However, it became warm instead of hostile. "Come with me, darling, let's take a walk." 

Alex nodded, following the woman. She opened the door with ease, as if the charm was instantly gone. They walked down the corridor, toward the gardens. 

"Has Loki spoken of me?" The woman suddenly asked. 

"No, he hasn't....would I be correct in assuming you are his mother?" 

The woman smiled. "He might not say I am, but I am. My name is Frigga, my apologies for not introducing myself sooner." 

"It's nice to meet you," 

"So, do tell me what you did to land yourself as my son's prisoner." 

The pair sat on a bench in the garden, and Frigga leaned toward Alex, eagerly listening. 

"I'm from Earth. He came down to my planet, and well, tried to destroy my city. When he couldn't, my team took his scepter from him. I'm not sure what the scepter does, but he desperately wants it back. So, he took me as ransom," 

"I see. I'm sorry he brought you here so abruptly. He's never been one for manners. As for the scepter, I'm afraid he has no intention of using it for good." 

"Excuse me for saying so, but you don't sound very alarmed." 

"My child, I know many things and possess many skills in the art of witchcraft. I know there is nothing to fear when it comes to my mischievous son." 

Alex processed this. So, Loki got his powers partly from his mother. She wondered if she should tell Frigga of the powers she possessed, or if that was information that could hurt her. 

"I know what you can do," Frigga smiled. "I can sense it, the abilities you harbor." 

"Why has Loki strayed so much?" Alex blurted. 

Frigga sighed. "He has endured so much. He feels unloved, though that is far from the truth. I only wish he could see I love him no less for what he really is. If anything," She paused, looking away from Alex and toward the castle. "I love him more." 

"He's lucky to have a mother like you," 

Frigga looked at Alex with a glance Alex couldn't decipher. Frigga could sense a great deal of power in this girl, and knew she had the capability of bringing light to Loki's life. She was both gifted and burdened with the power of seeing with beyond just her eyes. She knew Alex didn't know it yet, but she would become crucial in many decisions Loki would make. 

"You're safe here, in Asgard. You may not feel that way with Loki, but know you are." 

Alex did not know how to respond to this. She felt that Frigga had deeper meanings behind everything she had said, but she didn't understand any of it. Frigga was just as confusing as her son.

Then, suddenly Frigga said, "I am, however, confused on why Loki has gone to Midgard without you." 

<> 

Loki had managed to sneak his way to the top floor of the tower, prepared for what lied behind the door. 

He entered the room, and saw only Tony. 

"Reindeer games, what a pleasant surprise." 

"Let's skip the pleasantries, shall we? Where is what I demanded?" 

"I'll ask you a better question: where's Alex?" Tony's tone rang stern. 

"I'll bring her to you once I've been given my scepter." 

"Clearly, you don't understand how tradesies works." 

"How stupid do you think I am, Stark?" Loki spoke. 

"Do you want my honest answer?" 

"If I really wanted to, I could kill you right now." Loki growled. 

Tony chuckled. "Then I couldn't take you to the top-secret room where I'm keeping your scepter, now could I?" 

Tony gestured for Loki to follow him, and Loki followed apprehensively. They entered the laboratory where Alex used to work daily. Loki's eyes immediately went to the object in the center of the room. Instantly realizing it was a trap, he had to think quickly. 

He slowly turned to Tony, only to see more faces. 

"You were supposed to bring Alex." Steve said, all suited up. Standing tall at his side, Nat, Clint, Thor, and Bruce all looked upon the god.

"It's lovely to see you all again." Loki smugly said. "And you were supposed to give me back my scepter." 

Loki waved his hand lazily, and the object malfunctioned, the hologram glitching. It was gone in an instant, revealing the fake scepter. 

"You think I don't know my scepter from a decoy? I can feel it when the power is near, but you wouldn't know about that, would you, Stark? Or, any of you, for that matter? None of you possess an ounce of magic. It strikes me as confused why you are apprehensive to take her, who's more powerful than any of you." Loki spoke, crossing the room. 

Steve clutched his shield as Loki neared them. 

"If you try to trick me again, Stark," Loki spoke grimly. "I'll kill her."

Bruce angrily lunged at Loki, who swiftly took out his dagger. In one quick move, Loki slashed his face. Bruce fell to the ground in pain, and Natasha ran to his aid. 

"My scepter, or she's dead." 

In that moment, Loki teleported back to Asgard. He was gone in the blink of an eye, and they were all left dumbfounded. Bruce's face was profusely bleeding, with Clint and Nat trying to stop it. Steve looked at Tony with a look of panic. 

Tony simply stood there, his heart filled with no hope of getting Alex back. 

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