Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize, and some you don't...I took a little creative licensing with some elements of mythology and canon.

Summary: Once upon a time, things were perfect, but fairy tales aren't real. The King doesn't rule peacefully, the queen is a monster, the princess isn't some damsel in distress, and the prince doesn't slay the terrible beast. Happily ever after doesn't apply when the Avengers are involved. Now with a Mad Titan breathing down their necks, it will take literally everything Earth's Mightiest Heroes has, past and present, to save not just everyone in the universe...but also themselves.

WARNING: Thor Ragnarok Spoilers...you have been warned!

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To Collision, KHB123, American Dad1, TellYouTomorrow: Thank you for the faves and follows!

Chapter Five

To Keep Pain Away

Xxx

November 17th, 2017

Enroute from Wakanda to NYC Airbase

09:54am

Xxx

Steve adjusted his black and grey uniform, part of him missing the bright colors of his Avengers gear, the rest of him throbbed with nagging guilt and the deep reaching thoughts of worthlessness to the implications the red-white-blue gave off to those around him. The rest of the team were buckled nearby, all of them prepping for landing at the secure location T'Challa and Stark had agreed on.

After leaving the Wakandan facility, Thor had kept his word and contacted the eccentric billionaire in the U.S. Within a few hours, it had been arranged for the refugee ship the Asgardian was leading would land and the people onboard would be able to disembark and receive aid. The UN had agreed to let the rogue Avengers assist with the operations for security reasons, as soon as Thor's ship had breached the Earth's outermost satellite scanners, governments with monitoring capabilities had been struggling to keep everything under control.

The spark notes, as Clint was calling the briefing information Colonel Rhodes and Ms. Potts had send T'Challa and in turn everyone else, were Stark Relief Foundation was assisting with the refugee status of the Asgardian people, until such a time that the Avengers Recovery Organization could take over. Political bullshit with the Accords was holding up the transfer. Somehow Stark was arranging for housing, supplies, medical care, and education for the remaining Asgardians while the UN worked with Thor to determine their fate. All Steve knew for sure, was that they were likely walking into chaos once they landed.

He wasn't wrong, the Wakandan Aircraft eased to a soft stop on the edge of the airfield, the majority of the blacktop dominated by an alien ship that had a swarm of black SUVs, armed guards, and black-out tents surrounding it. While Stark had likely done his best to keep the press away for now, there was no guarantee something wouldn't slip up, even Rogers had to agree that wasn't what was needed right now.

A tinted window van met them immediately, keeping the Avengers concealed before transporting them into a transfer tent where Colonel Rhodes was waiting for them with tablets and ear pieces.

Steve grit his teeth, forcing any ill thoughts or apologies to the back of his mind as he climbed out of the vehicle. "Colonel."

"Captain."

Rogers barely nodded, not certain what else to say, no one else shared more than a bare minimum greeting with War Machine, Wanda wouldn't even look up after seeing the black braces strapped over the Colonel's legs and torso.

Rhodes didn't comment on the animosity, stepping forward with the comm. links and tablets, "Due to the sheer size of this operation, the UN has forgone their initial plans of having each of you assigned to a supervising Avenger, that and for the Asgardian's sake, we have been asked to portray a united front. Anyone who has issues with that, hop back in that van right now and you will be escorted to a holding facility for the time being."

While he might not have intended to stare right at Rogers while saying that, Rhodes' gaze locked with the Captain's with fierce determination. Receiving a tight nod as the blonde accepted the tablet and ear piece, the Colonel went on. "Thor is gathering his people in the main deck of the ship; security teams are currently ensuring the disembarking point is covered and safe from cameras; SI relief volunteers are preparing the current housing location; you all will be assigned to a bus to assist with transporting refugees from this location to the next alongside someone who is able to speak the Aesir language."

Going on before anyone could ask, Rhodes answered the silent question, "The translation method Thor calls 'Allspeak' is a low grade magic trick, it apparently comes naturally to everyone, but it does take a while to kick in so many of the Asgardians aren't able to understand English at the moment. By the time the information meetings start over rooming assignments and supply details, the majority of the population will be able to understand us enough the translators will not be necessary. You are being flat out ordered by Thor to not interfere with these people, you are security and immediate first aid responders only. Medical teams are on stand-by and expecting any injuries noted or treated to be relayed to them during transportation. Any questions?"

Rogers remained quiet, Scott however did not.

"Where's Stark in all this? Romanoff and Vision?"

Natasha stepped into their tent alcove as if on cue, dressed business casual except for the gun-utility belt on her hips and ear piece poking out from her bleached hair, "Vision is monitoring media outlets and the communications channels to ensure privacy, he's on site with SI techs in the city at the UN offices. I'm going with Wanda here and Thor's companion Valkyrie on the buses transporting widows, mothers, and children needing immediate medical attention to the next location. Rogers and Barnes, you two are assigned to the bus moving the remaining soldiers. Lang and Wilson, you two will be split up with Rhodes and few others on the remaining vehicles that will be taking multiple trips, your translator will be accessible via radio, she will be staying on ship with Thor until everyone has disembarked. Once you've gotten everyone to the Tower and in the right areas, you will be directed to a side room to wait for the rest of us to gather and regroup for the next assignment."

Her tone left no room for arguing, and everyone clicked on ear pieces and began to move, not that Lang could keep quiet, "Widow…where's Stark?"

She glared lightly, flicking his tablet on with a sharp jerk of her hand and the familiar SI programming came to like and showed a long list of names and the communication links to others, "Stark's running all of this, he's already at the Tower with the first group needing emergency care-"

"The Tower?"

Rhodes sighed, meeting Steve's confused gaze, "Tony bought back the Avengers Tower after a big mess, you'll be briefed later. But with it being empty and easily securable, it's becoming the temporary refugee location until another more suitable location can be established. The UN is going haywire right now, so don't question it."

Natasha didn't allow any further discussion, shoving Steve a tablet with a glare, "Now shut up and let's go."

Xxx

It wasn't until almost one o'clock in the afternoon that the two busses Steve and Bucky were supervising headed out from the airbase. Not surprising, the seventy-eight men who were the bare remainders of Asgard's army were shell shocked. Rogers knew that attitude all too well, scared, worn down, angered, grieving, and defensive. Wanting to protect their people, even if most of them were too injured to do much more than hobble onto the busses. But they were stubborn enough to ensure they were some of the last to leave the ship to ensure their King was safe. From what Thor had told Steve over the years, these men were not even close to the original rank numbers, most were rookies or elders, a rare few of them were actual active duty soldiers who had been home healing from previous wounds before Asgard's devastation. The palace guards, the elite warriors, were completely destroyed, no survivors had made it off planet.

Choosing to let Bucky supervise the less full bus, a few empty spots being filled with a handful of volunteers traveling to assist the larger group of people at the Tower, Rogers took his place at the head of his bus, looping his wrist through an overhead strap as he tried to keep the sympathy off his face. Striving for gentle reassurance and sturdy confidence was harder to maintain than he thought, especially with the handful of questions some of the more outspoken Asgardians were throwing at him, the few in broken English he was able to limp through meager explanations, the others he could only shake his head and mime the men to wait for the group's translator. A low voice cut over the radio chatter, judging by the quieting of questions from Bucky's group, the translator was getting ready to have them leave.

Barnes had managed to pick up just enough Aesir in the last couple hours to limp through a few conversations, giving a lot more reassurance than Steve was, especially when the last person boarding Steve's bus was someone the captain had no desire to see let alone share a bus with for over an hour.

At least their appearance distracted the bus's occupants from Steve stiffening and reaching for a weapon, Loki meeting his gaze evenly as he climbed the vehicle's steps and nodding to the driver.

"Touch me and they'll riot." Loki stated, voice low and steady, but hard enough to make it crystal clear any action against him would result in Rogers likely dying in minutes.

"I'd rather just shoot you."

Loki shrugged, adjusting his stance to remain balanced as the bus began to move, the engine humming and covering their conversation further as the refugees called out to the dark haired Asgardian, "Your choice Captain, just know I've had enough with Death this last month and would prefer not to call for her presence any further than inevitable. I am here for Asgard, let us leave it at that."

Steve glared, but removed his hand from the gun, "One wrong move Loki-"

Steel-cold green eyes narrowed at the Captain's blue, "Likewise Captain."

Nodding to show he was stepping back, but not backing down, Rogers watched Loki almost seem to collect himself before addressing the bus, "Stille!"

With the one word, Loki gained complete control over the men, including those listening via radio on the other bus as they traveled, spending the vast majority of the trip speaking in Aesir and answering questions. The steady tone and lack of hesitation made it clear Rogers was the late comer to the operation, Loki knew a lot more about the plan, it was plainly obvious when twenty minutes out from the Tower the demigod switched flawlessly into English, continuing to explain about the assistance awaiting them ranging from healers for medical care to meeting rooms for information and supplies. The Allspeak must have started to kick in.

Another tent was waiting for them at the front of the Tower, the busses pulling under the heavy covers quickly to avoid the crowds of people local police were containing as best as they could. Before the last window disappeared into the shadow of the tent, Steve could see Natasha and Pepper out with gathered media running damage control with a couple others in suits from the UN, one of them was T'Challa.

Loki climbed off the bus almost before the brakes had locked, taking up position outside so both busses could see him fully, Steve guided everyone off, relaying information to the medical volunteers waiting for those in need. Once off the bus, a wave of sharp energy almost shocked the Captain, earning a look of actual understanding from Loki as Bucky rubbed at his temples as well.

"Protective wards, as well as a basic translation spell, it envelops all of the Tower, Stark apparently had it put in place, makes it easier on the volunteers as Allspeak has a tendency to give out when the user is under stress." Loki's blank explanation was met with a quick nod, and Steve had to blink several times to get his vision to settle. Every volunteer had a labeled shirt, the foreign runes written in blocked sharpie on the fabric, the longer Steve looked, the letters blurred into English to read designations saying-medical-information-security-supplies…etc.

"Give it time Captain, the spell is so large it will take time to settle." Again Loki's almost monotone voice earned a nod, but the demigod didn't make it to walking towards the Tower entrance like he'd intended, stumbling as if struck and almost dropping to his knees before Bucky grabbed an arm to keep him upright. Rogers' hand dropped to his gun, but it wasn't needed, Loki eased himself upright again silently, nodding to Barnes as he eased away from the support. For a split second, Thor's adopted brother looked anything but regal.

Xxx

Xx

Xxx

Former Avengers Penthouse Floor

November 18th, 2017

03:48 am

Xxx

He hurt…aching feet, throbbing legs, pounding head, and spine complaining with a vengeance about all the heavy lifting he'd been performing. Yes, technology was helpful with auto-carts and lifts, but with all the people moving about, robots became a nuisance very quickly so manual labor was necessary. Not that he'd complain, at least at the current second, Thor was much worse, even if the demigod had gotten a few hours of sleep two nights ago…

Tony Stark was running on wisps of fumes, now being up for close to five days with copious amounts of caffeine, but after all the chaos and mayhem…things had finally settled down.

All Asgardians had fresh clothing, hot food, a fast rundown on very basic Earth technology, and a warm bed. Those needing medical care were either tucked into the infirmary with around the clock care, or cared for and sent to rest. Thor's warrior friends from a different planet had been assigned to the new king's former floor in the Tower.

While the rest of the Tower was finally getting some much needed rest, Stark was sipping at a tumbler of scotch, lounging on one of the couches in the living room area of what used to be the Avengers common floor. Thor was supposed to be sitting on the couch next to him, instead he'd fallen sideways at some point and was now sprawled on the furniture half-asleep.

The elevators opening didn't receive a reaction from the billionaire, but someone walking closer did, at least when they spoke.

"Stark-"

"Care for that drink now?"

Loki huffed softly, but took the bottle when Stark held it up, pouring himself a tumbler and passing the bottle to Romanoff behind him, "Don't mind if I do."

Stark looked up at the deadliest woman he knew, eyes trying to read her impassive face and getting nowhere, "All accounted for?"

"All clear," Natasha replied, perching on the back of Stark's couch while everyone else who was currently or had formerly been considered an Avenger found seats nearby, "T'Challa is staying at the New York Embassy for the night, he has further help flying in tomorrow morning. Pepper has a press conference set up for tomorrow afternoon to set things straight, and someone left a message for you in your office about-"

"Thor Odinson."

Stark was the only one other than Thor and Loki who didn't react to the new voice, the owner having appeared via a sparking ring in the middle of the room. Three guns, one bow and arrow, two spider bites, and one human in a shrinking suit stared down the intruder.

Thor simply leaned his head up enough to see the new person across the room, lightly kicking Loki's side where his adopted brother had sat down next to Thor's feet. "Oh…it's you…was wondering how long it would take you this time." With that Thor let his head drop back to the couch, ignoring the glare Loki shot him before the dark haired demigod turned to face the man staring back.

"Half-rate." Loki glowered at the tunic wearing man with a cloak that wavered without wind.

The newcomer rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as the portal ring snapped out of use, "I thought I made it clear you were not to come back."

"No, you said and I quote 'leave promptly', I left." Loki's snark earned a chuckle from Stark, and Tony sat up to take the scotch bottle from Romanoff to fill a new tumbler.

"You must be Doctor Strange, Thor mentioned you, think you could drop Reindeer games again?" Tony jested, throwing Thor a wink when the blonde glared at him.

The god of thunder simply groaned, rubbing at his remaining eye, "I'm too tired for this. Strange I ask you at least let me sleep before you make an attempt on my brother's life, I'd rather be conscious if one of you is going to call for a duel."

"A what?"

Loki snorted, "A duel Captain Rogers, two-person combat used to determine-"

Steve growled, "I know what a duel is-"

"Then act like it!" Loki might not be the god of thunder, but his voice held a roar in it as he stood, fists at his sides as he glared at the bearded captain. Sam moved to get between Steve and Loki, but Bucky held him back, shaking his head sharply to let them be. "Do not act like you do not know what I speak captain, I do not have the time nor the patience to tolerate your prattle. And I certainly will not allow any-"

"Loki!"

Thor might have been utterly exhausted, but he was alert enough to wrap his arms around his adopted brother when the god of mischief lost his voice, spasming like he'd been tazed before going limp in Thor's arms.

"What the hell?" Clint's question went unanswered, at least until the tunic wearing Doctor Strange stepped forward and helped Thor ease Loki onto the vacated couch to examine. Loki's long body jerked painfully like a seizure, slowly settling down until he was left half-conscious and panting for breath.

"He's not going to explode, if that's what you're asking." Doctor Strange, kept a hand on Loki's chest, the other carefully checking his pulse and eyes before stepping back to let Thor keep him from lolling off the couch, "He's drained."

"Uh yeah Doc," Sam snorted as he dropped back to his seat, nudging Steve to do the same as everyone else slowly relaxed, "We're all pretty fuckin' exhausted."

Doctor Strange shook his head, fingers flashing in front of his chest briefly before a glowing sigil appeared in midair, with a nod from Thor he pressed the sigil into Loki's torso, the light spread out over the demigod's body, settling into his skin with a soft hiss. "Drained as in magic wise, like a run-down battery. Something I suspect is not easy for the likes of Loki to achieve."

Thor huffed, settling his brother on the couch better before standing back, "I have not seen him like this in centuries, Loki has never allowed himself to get this close to such exhaustion in an age."

"So much for all powerful. Would be easy to lock him up like this, and a lot quieter." Clint's jest earned a sharp glare, Thor making to step forward and retaliate before Stark got between them.

"Eh no…no locking people up, no fighting, and no duels. Capiche?" Tony glanced at Loki's still form, his body slightly shaking like he was cold. "Believe me, we're all pissed off about New York and Loki, but that's not the issue here guys. Hell it's not even in the top ten. Besides, not like he can do a whole lot running on empty right now can he? Right Doc?"

Strange just sighed, shaking his head in agreement, "He's got nothing right now-magic wise. Physically, besides tired like the rest of us-"

"And just what have you been doing! Who are you?"

"Physically," Strange ignored Scott's questioning, "He's fine, mostly. Still able to hold in a fight, though I think all of us want to avoid that. And as for introductions, I'm Doctor Steven Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, Sorcerer Supreme and Guardian of the New York Sanctum Santorum. I guard earth from threats like Loki here or others who-"

"And where were you during New York?" Steve interrupted, the only one not settling down as he tried to step closer, this time Bucky held him back, yanking hard enough to actually move him backwards instead.

"Performing surgery on a twelve year old girl's brain." Strange growled out, glaring at the captain, "I didn't get this job until about a year ago."

Col. Rhodes snorted abruptly, laughing a bit with a snide tone to his voice, "You're that neurosurgeon who got in a car accident. I sent my medical records to you for an eval so you could fix my spine."

"And you are the military soldier with the experimental armor. While I turned you down then, I am glad to see you've regained mobility." Strange spoke with something akin to humility, or at least as close as he could get staring down people who still didn't really like him at four in the morning.

"Dr. Stephen Strange," Natasha let a grin cross her face, smirking outright when the man looked to her, "Zola had you pegged in his algorithm as a threat. You're welcome by the way."

"Oh right…thanks for destroying those helicarriers. I think." said Strange.

"Alright!" Tony clapped his hands abruptly, "So main point, Loki's not going to magically blow us up tonight right?"

"No-"

"And everyone from Thor's planet is tucked in for the night?"

"Yes, but-"

"And, there is no immediate threat going to go after anything within our obtainable reach for the forseeable future?"

"No, but Stark-"

Tony held up a hand, "Then I say let's all just shut up. And go to bed. There's a shit ton to do tomorrow before the other UN reps get here and there is not enough coffee in the world to keep me up another night. Rogers, you and your guys have assigned rooms on the other side of this floor, I suggest you all use them. Everyone else, the other wing is ready to go, rooms are all stocked and labeled. Doc, good to meet you, I'm going to crash-no magic fights on the sofa."

While Tony wasn't one for leaving a party early, this time he bugged out quickly, disappearing before anyone could stop him. Sam, Scott, Clint, and Rhodes took him up on the offer of beds, heading down their respective hallways. Wanda and Vision had disappeared earlier before the discussions had begun.

Tasha and Clint shared a nod before leaving themselves, the blonde woman handing the archer a cell phone with a barely repressed grin and a quick hug. At least they still got along.

While Bucky was the only one not looking like he wanted to kill anyone immediately, he still kept a hand on the back of Steve's suit, able to grab and hold him if needed as Thor sagged onto the arm of the couch Loki was laid out on. Doctor Strange stepped back period, giving everyone space as he crossed his arms with a stifled yawn.

"As much as I have never respected Stark's reputation, he has a point Captain Rogers. None of us can be fighting amongst ourselves, not when what remains of Asgard is in need. As much as my training dictates I send Loki as far away from Earth as I possibly can-up to and including placing him in a different dimension entirely, he is necessary. Nor will the Asgardians likely tolerate any harm coming to their Prince."

"The sorcerer is right," Thor sighed heavily, leaning on his knees to remain semi upright, "Our people will not allow Loki to be sent away, even after all he is done."

Steve huffed, "Thor, the death toll after New York went into the hundreds-"

"And Ragnarok soared into the millions." Thor jerked upright, stalking closer with the fire of an angered king, "My people, my home once numbered in men that could rival this very city in which we stand. Not counting the women and children. The people that now rest beneath our feet in this Tower are all that is left of Asgard. All captain…for whatever reason I surely doubt there are more than a dozen or so on other realms across the galaxies. My people are what yours would call an endangered species and you would quarrel over crimes my brother has atoned for already? I am not here for you to seek justice over past crimes, I am here to ask-nay beg for help for my people. I have lost everything, in the span of a handful of days. And while you may not be able to swallow your pride and put aside your petty grudges, I will not stand for your lust for punishment-"

"Thor." After two years, Banner's voice was still the calm, steady force to cut into a building argument, stopping the demigod with a single word, "Enough."

"Doctor Banner." Steve wasn't sure if he was speaking in shock or relief, but he did back up when the man with seven PHd's stepped off the elevator fully and moved closer.

"Steve's tired like the rest of us, no one is going to harm you or Loki, even if we all have wanted to punch him at least once." Bruce's tone eased Thor's stance enough he didn't look like the was about to tackle Rogers, Strange relaxed too, his hands having formed a pair of glowing disks. To shield or to fight was the big question. "Steve, I suggest you and Sgt. Barnes get some sleep. Dr. Strange and I are on first watch for the night with the security team. Tony will have a schedule ready for everyone later today. Loki, stop faking I know you're awake."

Loki just growled, rolling over to face the back of the couch instead, more than ready to pass out if everyone would be quiet.

Bruce just shrugged, "Suit yourself, last time I checked these windows didn't have curtains. Thor, I was told to pass on a message."

"Yes?"

"A friend said to tell you 'the wards are set for the next few days and not to worry, just recover. And if you need them, the candles are already in your assigned room. Pepper delivered them, not Tony.' I was also to pass along a hug and a kiss on the cheek, but I'm not doing that." Bruce finished with a grimace, earning a smirk from Thor before he turned to his brother, taking one of the blankets Tony liked to hide in his ottomans and dropping it over Loki's still form.

"Don't do anything."

Snorting softly, Loki adjusted the fleece, "Stupid or malicious?"

"I mean anything Loki, just sleep." Thor replied, rubbing at his face as he headed to his own room, patting Bruce's shoulder as he passed.

Steve looked to the shorter man in front of him, "What was that message about?"

"An old friend," Bruce answered vaguely, "One who figured Thor could use a bit of normalcy right now. They left stuff in all our rooms actually but Thor needed to hear that more than anyone else. Strange you coming?"

The doctor turned sorcerer nodded, poking Loki's shoulder until the demigod groaned loudly, holding up one arm without question. With a bit of theatrical flair, Strange formed a glowing green-shackle thing…at least to Steve that's what it looked like, the magic glowed a violent emerald as it was slipped around Loki's wrist, fading into dark grey before it vanished.

"Binding cuff, Loki tries to conjure anything of malicious intent, be it a knife or a spark, I'll know." Strange spoke with a confidence Steve wasn't feeling in regards to Loki, but judging by how quickly Loki's arm retreated back beneath the blanket and how he settled back to sleep, it was worth it for the night.

"Call me if you need any help." Steve's instructions were waved off by Bruce as he and Strange took the elevator down to the security team in the lobby. Bucky silently following the captain to their neighboring rooms as far away from Stark's as possible.

The assassin did stop him from entering briefly, making Steve actually look at him before speaking, "Whose that old friend?"

"No idea…why?"

Bucky shrugged, pausing in his own doorway with a single question, "Loki is too out of it, and Strange just got here. Who put up those wards they were talking about?"

Tada? What do you think?

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