#and yes I know prisons aren’t the solution but I still feel safer knowing I won’t have to see him ever because he’s locked up

[abbeykb]

Ever just know you shouldn’t be looking something up because it’s bad for your mental health and then you do it anyways?

[thebadchoicemachine]

For the writing prompt, what about ghost!Robin and Catboy!Corpse seeing present day Cornelius/Dream? Like Dream being confused and happy about his Partner and Son’s Ghosts being there and everyone else being v confused about the two random people calling him Cornelius and knowing him from a hundred years ago.

anon im so sorry. This has been sitting in my inbox for months now but I just cannot finish this story. it a really cool idea though. Here’s my incomplete first draft. I just copy and paste it from my wip to here so this is it, notes and cuts and typos and all. 

The idea is Karl shows up when they’re in the prison and they see the false timeline where Cornelius was a killer and are forced to accept he sucks

_________________

- The execution cell was supposed to be merciful, a more civilized solution than being beat to death, but everything about it made Robin gag. He hoped he would never ever end up in it. 

tw: implied indirect suicide, major death but they’re ghosts(?) 

--•-•-*-•-•-- 

Colors and colors and colors wouldn’t stop melting and mixing and swirling. They surrounded him. They were in him. They were him. He breathed them in without breathing, he bled them without blood, he was falling and flying and stood completely still. 

And then it was dark. No, then it was light. White and clean like the marble of a palace Robin knew he would never get to see. 

Where... where was he? He’d won hadn’t he? They’d... killed... him. They’d killed everyone. 

He wanted to die. He had to. There was boiling in his blood he couldn’t ease, he had to die, he needed them to hate him. To end him. The Jester’s Curse. Cursed to be wronged, to be hurt, to be freed. 

He’d always had it, as far as he was concerned. He didn’t know why he resisted for so long. Perhaps, despite everything, he’d enjoyed living at one point. Despite what he was, despite his curse, despite bring a jester, he wanted to live! At some point he couldn’t care less about tricking others into condemning him to the grave. 

After Cornelius, after Cat, he didn’t even fight it nor could he fight for it. He didn’t even care. Even as the ground swallowed him up in flames of the execution he held no harmony. No peace. There was no joy in his victory, there was no meaning to his death. Even in fulfilling it, he’d denied his curse. 

That’s why he was still here, wasn’t it? Jesters want to die, they want to transform, to be released into vengeful spirits of lies and trickery. He was... dead. He was also... still here... why? He knew why. He didn’t think he liked the answer. 

Robin couldn’t stand it. He couldn’t stand to bother mourning anymore. Not himself, not his long-dead family, not his new fath- he choked. He didn’t know know on what, he had no air, no lungs. He just couldn’t finish the thought. 

“We never did make it official, did we?” A solemn, comforting, voice rang out.

Robin spun around. No. What? No, it’s not. It is. He is. Right there. Standing- no, not standing. Neither of them can stand. Not floating either just… there… was Cat. 

Robin felt his eyes fill up with tears, he didn’t know how, he didn’t care. He flew into his friend’s arms. 

“Woah! Ah, be careful, child.”

“H-how,” Robin sobbed into his chest. “How are you…”

“You’re here, aren’t you?”

“I th-thought that was because of my c-curse.”

Cat sighed, gently ruffling the child’s hair.  

“No,” he spoke, finally. “I don’t think that’s why any of us are here.”

“Then-”

“No, I don’t think it’s what happens to everyone either. I’ve been alone as far as I can tell. I haven’t found anyone else. Not even…” he sighed again. 

Robin understood. Cornelius was gone. 

“I’m so sorry, Robin.” Cat tightened his grip. “I’m so sorry for what we put you through. We promised we would give you a better life, a safer one, but we left you in the worst way possible. You were executed because... because of me.”

“Oh,” Robin stared down at his feet. “You... were there for that?”

“No. I wasn’t- I can’t- I don’t know how to explain it, I only know what happened. Exactly what happened. It was like living a story being told to you, as though a nar- narrating...

Narration. Something clicked in both of their minds. Wasn’t there some strange… the spirals… the colors… he didn’t have a name, not one he ever told them. He had simply showed up one day, right before it all began. He wasn’t there, not properly anyway,. but he was there. He was there in the backs of everyone’s minds. He was there as he explained away every awful thing like it was a footnote in a novel. He was there as he made and told truth. He was the Narrator. 

He had such an air of control, such an air of change. 

Thoughts (memories?) of a past that never happened flashed through Robin’s mind. Cat was out investigating, Robin was carefully looking over his medical supplies. He couldn’t risk- NO. No. He swept the distraction from his mind. He wouldn’t get carried away, not this time.

The narrator. The Narrator. He had a book. A swirling and swishing mash of colors cover on his book he scribed all their horrors into. That’s where they were. 

“Cat, we need to go. He made a mistake. This… was his first time. We are not supposed to be here. We were never meant to leave. We should try to get out.”

Cat only nodded. Robin didn’t know why he understood or how deeply, but he did. This was a mistake.

The two began wandering the halls. It was strange, being able to think and move again as though his body was still his. To have his mind and thoughts working in a stream of consciousness instead of a thick muddy bog of echos. If he didn’t know any better he’d describe it as feeling more… alive.

He even reached out to guide Cat out of habit. How amazing was it that he had habits again? Cat allowed him to because he knew the comfort it gave him to have something so familiar. Although, of course, not really needing him to. They were both still dead, spirits, memories. Living- not living like this, detached, was like existing with a million tiny radars reaching out all around you. It wasn’t a matter of seeing or feeling, simply knowing. When you were so disconnected from life and itself you were able to get a much clearer and instant idea of the world, he supposed.

They walked and wandered in silence for a while. At least, a while from their perspective. Even with no real idea what or where they were Robin could tell time was… off… here. 

Eventually, they found their way out. There was no exit or pathway they walked through nor was it a sudden jump. They had just… made it out. They were standing beneath the shelter of some trees. It was raining. They were surrounded by unfamiliar structures and landscapes. Of course they were, but this wasn’t just some distant biome or kingdom it was…

“Robin? Are you alright?” 

“I- yes. I’m fine, Cat. This is- I mean, that place is just… wow.”

“It’s... different, yes. This rain is- hmm, it’s weird. I can’t feel it but I know it’s there. It’s making everything fuzzy.”

Robin stuck his hand out. The raindrops sizzled against his skin. He was so focused on the odd sensation he jumped when Cat yanked his arm back.

“What was that? Are you alright?”

“The rain, it stings.”

“Badly? Are you hurt?”

“Not really. It feels like I’m a bar of soap being whittled down by the drops but I’m fine. It only feels strange.”

“Oh, good,” Cat breathed a sigh of relief. “In that case, let’s keep moving.” 

Robin agreed. They didn’t have anywhere to go but neither felt like standing under the tree for all eternity. Besides, they were in a whole new world, maybe even a whole new dimension, and Robin was really curious to see what was with those strange building 

It all seemed impossible. 

His breath was taken away at every turn as they walked. Structures like nothing he’d ever seen before. There were so many colors, so many shapes, so many mechanics, so many things, and all so high and huge. It was amazing. 

“Slow down a little, this rain is really disorienting.”

“Sorry! Sorry, this place is just… wow.”

“So you’ve said,” Cat laughed. “What exactly is so amazing about it? Describe it to me.”

“Well, there’s so much of it. It’s like a town but nothing like a town at all. More like a whole kingdom. A very strange kingdom.  There’s no uniform to it, every build is unique. There was a castle we passed, it was huge and had so many colors! There were just rainbows and rainbows pouring out of every-”

“Mmm, interesting.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“This castle though, it felt like regret, didn’t it?”

“Y-yeah? Kinda,” Robbin had been trying to avoid thinking about that, how he could feel every building. “Uh, over to your side there is a pit, a giant crater bigger than our entire town! It’s tragic. It’s refreshing a little. It’s kind of…”

“Familiar. I- I don’t want to be near that, Robin. Let’s keep moving.”

Robin didn’t agree. He wanted to get closer, to feel what was so sad, so new, so ended, what about whatever tragedy there was familiar. He wanted to understand what he knew would hurt him, and why. 

*****

“No! He would never!” Cat’s voice was rising. It was honestly scary, Robin had never seen him so wrathful. “He is the kindest person you will ever know! He is a protector! He’s- he is-”

“Do you really believe that?” The Narrator asked, calm and unfazed, sorrow creeping into his question. Robin couldn’t shake it from his mind. His thoughts were ruffles like pages flipping backward in a book. Like a pencil rubbing revealing words erased and undone but that had still been written. He was sent back to his flashing memories, his lies, unable to stop them.  

Cat was out investigating, Robin was carefully looking over his medical supplies. He couldn’t risk choosing wrong tonight. He’d been right to focus on himself. No, he’d been lucky. He’d panicked. Cat was out to the town now. Robin was out now. The killers knew they could stop them, they would be targets. The killers…

Part of him wanted to ignore it, to go back to thinking it couldn’t be one of them. That no one would do something like that, that is must be some outside force but Jimmy… they’d gotten him right. Robin winced at the memory of Helga, at how it had almost been him, but they’d gotten Jimmy right. He knew they had, the Narrator said so. 

The next morning, no one had died. Robin hadn’t needed to heal anyone. Cat reported Jack hadn’t left his home. It seemed like, well, it must be Jack. It just had to be, didn’t it? Robin frowned. He liked Jack enough, he didn’t want to kill anyone. He didn’t want to be wrong again but what choice did he have?

Jack was fighting. He was shouting, angry, scared. He was in the exact same place Robin had been a few nights ago. The familiarity burned inside his chest. He couldn’t stand any more of this, it needed to end tonight. 

“IT’S CORNELIUS!  IT’S HIM! IT HAS TO BE! Look at me. Look at me! You know me, I’m simple, I farm potatoes. If Helga was still here she’d remind yall I ain’t good for much else. You really think I could do this?”

Robin couldn’t comprehend what he was hearing. He wanted to believe it. He wanted to spare everyone he could but… Cornelius? Could he really condemn him any more than he could Jack? Could he any less? 

“What makes you think it’s me and not one of them? I know you’re a killer, Jack. You guessed Cat would be on your trail tonight and didn’t kill. Why else wouldn’t someone be dead today?” Cornelius’s voice was as calm and upbeat as ever, if not a bit exasperated. 

“He’s smart! He’s too smart. Look at his freaky, calculatin’ eyes, if you can ever see them. Look at him! Hiding behind that mask, wearing that ridiculous green hood, what’s that smile for, huh? None of us should have trusted him the day he set foot in this town, make up for it now. C’mon! Cat, I know you’re better than murderin’ folks for mayhem. Bob, you’re as simple as me! Robin,” Robin froze up as he was addressed directly “You’re a child, a sweet one. I’m sorry you have to live through this. I’m sorry you’ve been where I am now but I only hope that gives you the empathy you need to make the right choice. It’s him. I swear it’s not me!”

Everything felt stifled. He muffled the distraught protests of Cat in favor of listening to his own. No. No, it couldn’t be.  Everyone in town used to be friendly but Cornelius was a friend. He and Cat had been there for Robin. They’d taken him in, cared for him, treated him as their own son. Well, Cat had. 

Robin slowly blinked. What had Cornelius done for him? Thinking this way made him sick but he needed to be rational here. Did he really believe Cornelius was innocent, truly? He trusted Cat. Cat had proof he was safe, even if he wasn’t an investigator he had years and years of kindness to back him up. What did Cornelius have, really? He was kind, decent enough, but so was Jack. So were Jimmy and Helga. That wasn’t something he could base his vote on. 

So what did make him so sure it wasn’t Cornelius? The only… he realized the only thing holding him up was Cat. Cat loved him. Robin wanted that to be enough. He wanted desperately to go back home, to lay in Cat’s lap while Cornelius told them stories. He wanted to retreat into his memories but when he tried they felt corrupted, tainted, hollow. 

Every time he tried to imagine the kind way Cornelius had ruffled his hair, how he’d giggle and blush after a kiss from Cat, how he’d take off his mask at home and join Robin sitting on the porch, every time he tried to lose himself in the memory of that soft, humored, smile he was frozen inside by the eyes. Even when they were sad or kind his eyes were always vibrant, sharp… calculating. 

Robin took a shaky breath. He didn’t like this, he didn’t want to do this, any of it. He was filled with a numb resolve as he cast his vote. He had no proof either was innocent but he had no reason to believe Jack was capable of this… he knew Cornelius was. 

“The voting has finished,” The Narrator began. “Jack... Jack is the most suspected but this means nothing. Cornelius, by 3/5ths of the vote you have been found guilty. Please, step into the chamber.”

-

“NO!” A scream cut through the faux memory, just barely. Just enough for Robin to hear it. Who had yelled? Cat? Cor- Dream? Himself? He didn’t know, he was still lost.

-

Lost… Robin was so lost. 3/5ths. Cornelius obviously voted for Jack and vice versa, Bob was on Jack’s side, Cat must have voted for Jack even if only to save his love. Robin had been the deciding vote. What had he done? Was he right? Cornelius gave him no answer as he calmly stepped into the cell. The Narrator blabbed on, explaining the votes and who and what but for the first time since the colorful stranger arrived Robin couldn't listen to a word he said, instead focusing on Cat. 

Cat had run to the jail, his hands reaching desperately through the bars. “I didn’t want this. I didn’t want this,” he kept repeating. His voice was calm and low but Robin could tell that was desperate. He was putting on an act, trying to reassure Cornelius as though it would all solve itself if he just kept together. Cornelius still didn’t speak. He took Cat’s hand and rested it on his face, under his mask.

Then the grate snaped close and Cat was forced to pull his hand back. He barely moved though, pressing his hands against the wire through the bars. Cornelius pressed his hand up from the other side. Maybe Cat could feel it, maybe he couldn’t, Robin didn’t know which he preferred. 

Part of Robin wanted to put him to back away, to warn him the bars and fence was there for a reason, but the rest of him knew he couldn’t. The least- the only thing he could do was allow Cat this brief moment of closure, if you could even call it that. 

Cornelius still kept silent, for just the briefest of moments Robin hated him. How dare he? How dare he sit there, keeping Cat suffering in silence? How dare he keep Robin in this horrid suspense? How dare he not admit his crimes or keep pleading his innocence? How dare he… how dare… then Robin heard Cat whimper and the anger was gone. 

“We’re gonna get you out of here, okay? We-”

“Well, that’s not gonna happen,” The Narrator laughed, almost callously. If he wasn’t so detached from the world, so different from them he felt innocent even in cruelty, Robin might’ve felt like spitting on him. He couldn’t though, he was different. He was detached. He was like a child who didn’t know any better than to hurt others’ feelings. Like a child except instead of not knowing any better he knew too much. 

Maybe that’s why Robin didn’t lash out or protest as the narrator pulled the lever. Maybe that’s why he didn’t scream as the pistons shifted. Maybe that’s why he only closed his eyes and ignored the shouts of triumph. He couldn’t even find it in himself to be angry at Jack and Bob for celebrating, at the moment he was only glad their cries drowned out the sizzle. 

[lunanightingaleart]

Quite The Unexpected Outcome

Synopsis: Abigail Lynn, an agent from the information’s district of S.H.I.E.L.D., was given the important task of watching over an important demigod who was not allowed to leave, especially after the stunt he pulled in New York City. While The Avengers try to find a solution to what to do with say demigod, she is meant to watch him through the night. Yet his mannerisms seem familiar, how?

Chapter 1: The First Impression Is Always Important

“You Can NOT Be Serious!” Tony Stark slammed his hands down on his table, staring at the group called The Avengers, who all sat at his large table all somewhat content eating Shawarma.

“It’s rather simple, we’ve defeated my brother and after eating I shall take him, and the tesseract, back to Asgard,” Thor spoke in between bites.

“So you’re wanting us to just let you take him and that danger cube into space, without any of us having any eyes on this fucker?” 

“Well what are you wanting to do? Keep him on earth in a jail cell? In case we forgot that already proved to be worthless.”

“That was in the sky and he had backup. Now the guy is powerless, without his army, and currently behaving himself...as best he can.” 

“Not to mention that stupid scepter is as far away as possible from him. And that portal is dealt with.” The Avengers continued to argue in this somewhat destroyed building, food scattered across the table as they spoke loudly about what they should decide to do with the currently handcuffed god sitting in a special prison cell. One put behind several doors in S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ and currently holding several agents at each door. Arguing amongst each other, Tony finally turned towards the other side of the table.

“So what do You think about all of this??” The entire team finally looked to their extra guest who was sitting awkwardly at the table. A young woman in a S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform, hair up in a tight ponytail and arms crossed as she was suddenly remembered through all the arguing. 

“Well, I’m not entirely sure. To be honest, the only real reason I’m here is because I was on the job of gaining any info on the one called Loki. And then I was brought onto that ship that almost crashed and killed us all. Only for Fury to put me on the committee in which I basically have permission to offer solutions involving all of this. If I had to guess what they want me to say is that we shouldn’t let him leave after all the damage he’s caused. I think the best option at this point would be to...:” She sways her head in a manner of weighing their options.

“Probably just leave him in his cell, make sure there’s security watching him. The information I currently have on the Asgardians, mostly from Thor, is that they definitely react to electricity. God of thunder or not, so if it makes things easier, I’d say keep a few tasers nearby.” The woman looked to Thor.

“You have an extra set of those cuffs don’t you? The ones that were Asgardian built and magically linked to whoever gets cuffed with them?” At his confirmation she hummed and tapped her foot.

“Tony, you're pretty skilled in making last minute technology. If we had you take these cuffs and toyed with them to add perhaps an electric shock to them? For security purposes, just how long would that take?”

“Depends on a few things. My lab luckily wasn’t destroyed in the chaos, and if I have Banner here assist me we’ll probably divide the time by two.” He sighed and thought about it. 

“...I’d say a day, if I start to work on it now.”

“So what are you planning to do...?” Steve looked to the girl who sighed.

“Lynn, Agent Lynn.” Steve nodded.

“Right, you were part of the teams sent to talk to me when I awoke.”

“Yup, I’ve also been part of Shield long enough to recognize...well, all of you really.” She looked across the table with her arms crossed.

“You know the way you sound makes you seem older than you look.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, but I’m still younger than all of you.” 

“So they sent a child to babysit a god?”

“I’m 24, I would suggest not calling me a child.”

“24?? Oh you’re definitely a kid.” Agent Lynn rolled her eyes and sat up. 

“If I’m not mistaken there are two other agents nicknamed Lynn.” Hawkeye commented while leaning on the table.

“You’d be correct, those are my parents.”

“So what do you want us to call you so we’re not basically calling you three the same name?” She narrowed her eyes towards Widow and Hawkeye, sighing and leaning back.

“Abigail.”

“Right, Abigail.”

“Miss Abigail, what do you honestly expect to gain for keeping Loki here of all places?” Abigail looked to Thor. 

“Honestly?? Keep my boss from being pissed. Most of the world organization wants Loki to pay for what he did, the world is pretty much waiting for an update after everything that happened, as this is the second time he’s come to New York and done damage.”

“Not to mention, killed several people.” Abigail hummed, looking to her drink she had been sipping. 

“...If I’m to be completely honest though, I do have a question we’re not seeming to ask.”

“Oh yeah? And what’s that?”

“...Who sent Loki?” The room grew silent, all eyes locked on her now.

“What do you mean? Loki came here himself, this was his plan all along, right?” They all seemed to nod amongst themselves, aside from her.

“Then where did this army come from? Or the other one from before? I’m mostly information down at Shield, and I noticed that both times he didn’t come alone. I imagine none of those creatures were from Asgard, Thor?”

“Well...no, but my brother is very persuasive. He’s always been known to convince others to do his bidding if they have sharing interests.” 

“That’s fair, but it seemed almost...like he wasn’t completely in control. The security footage shown when he first arrives doesn’t show the face of confidence. It shows...confusion. Like a moment of coming up with a plan on the spot. Granted, he could have just not realized where the tesseract would open and land him, but his mannerisms seemed a bit different from most others who purposely plan to destroy everything.” 

“Good note, but also at this point we don’t really need to worry about that. They were cowardice enough to send their army and Loki, so it’s most likely they won’t be coming here any time soon. In reality this meeting is more or less to decide whether or not we let Thor take his brother with him, or if we punish this demigod by keeping him here on earth.” Tony stood from his chair, most of the others following. 

“Give me until tomorrow to finish those cuffs, I’d say Banner and I will work on it, while you keep a close eye on Loki. If he tries to escape...well....if the taser doesn’t work, I’m sure the big guy wouldn’t be against throwing him around a bit more.” He patted Bruce on the shoulder before they walked out. As everyone began to separate, Abigail glanced at the table a bit, hearing her stomach growl but ignoring it. She’ll just fill up on her drink. She picked up her bag and started to walk out.

“Hey, Abigail. Are you hungry?” She stopped, but didn’t turn around.

“Oh, no I’m fine.”

“Well that’s bullshit. We did just hear your stomach growl, didn’t we?” Clint and Natasha walked to each of my sides, seeming to read me like a new book in the library. 

“Okay you caught me, I just don’t like...shawarma?” 

“Well there’s other places around here that haven’t been destroyed, what’s the matter? Waiting on your next paycheck?”

“You’d think they’d pay her well enough. Obviously you’re hungry.”

“Guys.” She sighed and glanced towards Steve that approached them. 

“...I’ll buy you lunch, come on.”

“You don’t have to, I can pay for it myself.”

“Well let’s say it's on me today. You can get it next time, come on.” She had absolutely no idea how in the hell these three convinced her to go with them. She was supposed to go right back home and report to her parents after the meeting. If they find out she’s out socializing…

“So what do you want on it?”

“Huh?” Abigail blinked back into reality only to realize they had dragged her all the way to a sandwich shop. 

“Your sandwich, do you know what you want on it?” Abigail looked up at the menu and hummed. After a minute or so she ordered what she wanted and got it to go. 

“Thanks, I didn’t need you to pay for it.”

“I said you’ll get it next time right? Don’t think anything of it.” She nodded with a slightly relaxed look.

“...Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow for the next meeting.” She took her bag of food and started to head back. Her parents are gonna be pissed when she brings food. Shit. Maybe she should stop somewhere and scarf this? Or a homeless person could cross her path and she just hands it to them. As she thought of a plan she almost didn’t hear her phone go off. It was in its final ring when she answered. 

“Yes?”

“Agent Lynn, we need you to return back. We have an assignment for you.” Oh, good.

“I see, I’ll be back as soon as I can. Should take about ten minutes.”

“Copy, report to me when you get here.” She hung up. Report to Fury? She had a sneaking suspicion this wasn’t paperwork about the attack. Looking to her food, she gripped the bag and headed back towards work. On the bright side, this kept her from home for a little while longer. Walking the streets was utter chaos at this point. People were being interviewed by every tv station in the city. Reporters everywhere were asking anyone they saw their opinions of The Avengers. Ridiculous, to think that the stations would all go such different lengths and directions to get different possible conclusions of the same group. Some say they feel safer, others feel they are scared now knowing they aren’t alone. Did they really think that before? Perhaps it was her job, but she didn’t believe it possible a planet full of people like her had to be the only life. That an entire planet of people like her parents...were the only signs of life. She could never accept such...a disappointing idea. Finally making it to where she needed to be, she found herself standing in front of Fury and his second in command. 

“Sir.”

“Agent Lynn, we found something interesting in our security footage before our…” He glanced over to his second in command before back to her. 

“Unfortunate experience in the aircraft. It seemed you were one of the ones watching over Loki before Agent Romanoff entered the room.” She nodded.

“That’s correct, is something wrong?”

“Not...entirely, but I did want an explanation.” He led her to one of the computers and pulled up the footage. She watched as her image walked into the room and sat at the chair in front of the seemingly ignoring Loki. Abigail watched the footage, remembering back to when the footage was recording. 

“Hey there.” He didn’t seem to want to chat, it made sense, but at the same time, she noticed the look on his face when he got here. He was smiling when he was brought here. 

“...Are you thirsty? Maybe you want some water?” No answer once again. Abigail accepted that and took a notebook from her bag. She sat in silence just scribbling in her in the pages.

“..What do you think you’re doing here?” His voice caught her off guard, her eyes looking up towards him.

“...Um...I’m sitting...chilling, I guess?”

“No, I mean, that really was a poor attempt. You spoke twice to me, and then gave up. What is your business here? To watch me? Get answers from me?” He paced around his cell with his arms behind his back. Abigail stared at him the entire time. 

“....You know it's almost interesting. I didn’t expect you to talk to me at all. I’m just here to watch you. I offered water because you admittedly look really thirsty. Tired too, like you haven’t had something to drink in days. No offence though.” He stared her down with a suspicious glare. 

“You expect me to believe that?”

“I don’t expect anything really? I’m merely a watcher. Plus you look bored. I think I have a book in my bag you can read.” She spoke so calmly, staring him in his eyes while speaking. He looked her up and down with almost a look of disgust.

“You really must be stupid to underestimate me. How do you expect to get me water, or a book for that matter? Unless you’re wanting to open the door~” 

“Hm, you have a point. I guess I could go get Thor, or Iron Man, or Cap. They could get you water.” He stared at her with a suspicious look.

“Was that supposed to be funny?”

“Funny? No? Am I funny?”

“No, strange is more like it.” 

“I get that a lot.” 

She went back to her notebook, pulling out coloring pencils and continuing to doodle. He had very bright eyes, they looked a lot like his possessed team. Maybe that’s what that means, that he’s in all of their heads. She wasn’t sure though. The more she stared at him the more he seemed to notice it, giving her perplexed looks and glares sometimes. She always replied with a smile, going back to her drawing. He really did look tired. If she focused long enough she could almost have sworn he had bruises under his collar. And a few scars peaking out that almost made her stomach tighten. Burn Marks, she knew them well. Her eyes stayed downward for the rest of the time that they sat in silence. Then he finally spoke.

“What have you been doing in there?”

“Hmm? Oh, this?” She looked at him and pointed at her book.

“I’m drawing. Your outfit is quite stylish, so I decided to draw it.”

“You’re...drawing me?”

“Yeah, you have an interesting look to you. I love the color scheme too. Did you want to see?” 

“...I suppose.” She stood up and showed her notebook to him through the glass. It was mostly profile based, with an outline of his outfit on a separate page uncolored. The profile image of him however, was fully shaded and she had begun coloring his hair and skin, He hummed.

“So that’s why you’ve been staring me down. I almost wondered if you had fallen for my charms already~” She cracked a smile, rolling her eyes.

“So smooth~ Do you often try to flirt with your wardens?” He chuckled.

“I’m not often caught, miss?”

“Oh, I’m Abigail. Sorry I should have said something before.”

“Abigail, and you’re an agent here?”

“Well, I’m here. I think you already know that. You aren’t dumb, Loki.”

“That is true, I’m not~” He looked down at the notebook once again, before looking back up at her. 

“Water sounds lovely, is there a way you can do that?” She looked up at him for a moment, giving him a patient smile and closing the notebook.

“You’re not dumb, but neither am I Loki. If you really want water I can talk with the others to get you some. I don’t think it's a good idea for me to…” She heard the door open and turned towards it, seeing her mother who glanced in with a darkened glare. She felt her chest tighten.

“Your time is up, we need you elsewhere.” 

“Yes Ma’am.” She glanced over to Loki, who seemed to stare in her mother’s general direction. She left with her mother out of the room.

She watched Fury pause the footage. 

“It seemed you somehow got Loki to talk freely with you, without any real interrogation.”

“Well I wasn’t trying to get answers out of him. I don’t know what he was thinking, but it seemed he was quite bored waiting for something.”

“Probably the fact he was waiting on the possessed Hawkeye to break him out. He probably thought you might know something as you are an agent here.”

“It’s possible, but it’s also possible he wasn’t expecting anything from Agent Lynn and unintentionally let his guard down.” She watched the two discuss her right in front of her. Eventually the two looked back to Abigail who sat politely silent. 

“...We brought you here to watch him again.” With a tilt of her head she stared up at the two.

“You need a night guard? Or a babysitter?”

“Consider it a little bit of both. Perhaps you could get some information out of him, try and figure out if there’s anything else he has planned. Stark has already made it aware to us that you vocalized an idea. Something about keeping him here with some upgraded alien tech?” She nodded.

“Yes sir, but I also think we should tell the world organization that Loki was sent home.”

“Excuse me?” She watched the second in command cross her arms. 

“The world organization wants the tesseract for weapons, if they can’t have that, then they’ll take what they can get. No offense sir, but you know as much as I do about how the world deals with powerful beings. Most of them are vigilantes that roam free or are villains who get locked away if they can’t be persuaded. What happens to the villains that are persuaded?” He glanced over before returning eye contact with Abigail. 

“...Just how much information do you have on that?”

“I’m in the information district sir. I know as much as they allow me, and considering my parents’ position here, they allow a lot.”

“That’s fair. Well, what is your plan here?”

“I have no plan. Truth be told I think the smartest idea would be to leave him under the eyes of those who defeated him. He’s broken out of Shield technology before, and while we now have more info of what he can do, I have a feeling it’s not everything he can do. My statement for now is that we wait on Tony and Banner to make the cuffs, and tomorrow we discuss where would be a safer place to hold him, since the world organization would immediately come here, and considering we had two jets go rogue, it’s not a stupid assumption that they have more spies in your agency.” 

“Hence why it's just us three here. So, will you be taking the night shift?” She hummed and looked around, thinking for a moment. She’d get more time away from home. 

“Sure, I’m gonna need some water though.” They gave her a strange look, she lifted the bag she was carrying. 

“I have a sandwich which is going to be my dinner. Lots of bread, I’m gonna need some bottled water.” Seeming to understand they allow her to go to the break room for the agents on their lunch, and she grabs quite a few bottles of water and a jar of pickles. She had no idea who’s jar of pickles this was, but she didn’t care. Once she had her stuff she had them lead her through the several doors and intricate pathway to get to the center of the cells. They stopped at the last door.

“This is it, as of today you have access to the lock, but we also recognize your fingerprints, so don’t fuck up.” 

“Wouldn’t dream of it sir~” 

She smiled softly, before watching them leave down the hall and listening to each door close behind her further and further away. She took in a slow breath, looking at her watch and humming. Alright, don’t panic. You’ve been in a room with him before, and nothing happened. Well, except the whole ship almost crashing. Then the thought went through her head. Whatever he could do to her...couldn’t be any worse than she’s already experienced. And if he killed her, that would actually be better than what waits at home. She had to admit that sounded so edgy, but she didn’t really care. Taking in a deep breath, she prepared herself and placed her hand on the scanner. The doors opened and inside she found a large see-through glass cell, glancing up she noticed a familiar lining of metal wires. An electric fence. She hummed in thought and seemed to grab his attention. He turned on his heels, seeming a bit more skittish than before. Their eyes met, one pair of dark hazel eyes, and other a rich combination of blue and...green? It was mostly green, which almost confused her. Her eyes read him like an open book as fast as she could before he’d slam said book shut and hide it away. He was covered in bruises now, even quite the goose egg right on his temple. It made sense, he did go hand to hand with The Hulk. She took steps forward, watching him build his walls as fast as he could, a defensive stance forming in the process. The closer she got the more she noticed, and the more her heart seemed to tighten. Why did this body language seem so familiar? Like he was almost prepared for the worst. Then it hit her…

“...Abigail.” She stared up at him, before a small saddened smile formed on her lips.

“Hey Loki…” She tightened her grip on her bag. He looked just like…

Herself.

Chapter 2:

[allisondraste]

In Freedom, Justice

An Angst August Gift for @apostatetabris :D Summary: Anders  thought he'd be able to leave Vigil's Keep unnoticed. He thought wrong. [AO3 Link]

Anders fumbled around in the dark, worried that even the smallest spark of light would alert the Keep’s other inhabitants to his escape.  His hands trembled as he frantically collected his things, things which consisted of little more than his staff, some potions, and a few sentimental items that he could not bring himself to relinquish even though he knew he probably should.  It was already bad enough that he had to leave his cat. Even if Ser Pounce weren’t such a stubborn beast and knew how to keep his kitty voice down, he would still be safer at Vigil’s Keep than wherever Anders was going.

Anders didn’t actually know where he intended to go, only that he needed to leave and it had to be tonight.  Justice could suffer his selfish and amoral lack of motivation no longer. “Sloth,” he called it. A tad melodramatic, but what else was he to expect from such a lofty creature as Justice?  It became harder with each passing day to draw any hard lines between himself and his passenger, and with each day he gained clarity of purpose he’d never known. It wasn’t enough to gain his personal liberty.  Not anymore.  He had to help his fellow mages to be free as well, and he would stop at nothing to ensure that it happened. He would kill if he had to. Die, if he had to.

If his newfound mission also gave him a reason to abandon the Wardens, then good riddance!  What was it the Warden-Commander said? Mages who become Wardens aren’t truly free; they just wear different chains.  She understood, and the longer he stayed, the more the truth of that statement sank its teeth into him, dread seeping into his skin and bones.  He had to leave, to escape that overwhelming fear, and to give Justice what he wanted. What he also seemed to want now.

With his belongings in hand, Anders stepped quietly out of his quarters and shut the door behind him, making his way down the dimly lit halls.  A shame he was no rogue. It would have made the sneaking about much more effective. As it was, he’d have to settle for making as little noise as possible and hoping he ran into nobody who’d care if he just disappeared.  He made it out of the main hall without incident, down to the courtyard and past the makeshift market that stood barren in the dead of night, then finally to the main gate. The final barrier standing between him and the freedom he so desired.

Just as he moved to walk through it, something flew past his head, nicking his cheek before landing with a thunk into the door.  He jumped and moved his hand to the stinging cut on his face.  It wasn’t bleeding, at least. Then he turned to examine the arrow that protruded out of the door  just beside his head.

Bloody Nathaniel.

Anders sighed, rolled his eyes and turned to face the Keep, where Nathaniel stood several yards away, bow in hand. “You missed.”

“I wasn’t aiming at you,” Nathaniel said matter-of-factly, “But be certain, if I do, I won’t miss.”

Anders crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes as he stared at the other man.  “That’s a little hostile, Nate, don’t you think?”

“Depends.” He shrugged and took a few steps forward. “Where are you going?”

“Don’t worry, mum!  I’ll stay out of trouble!”

Anders winked, but Nathaniel glared at him, unamused.  It was difficult to guess his thoughts. He always had that same dour expression. Still, Anders knew him well enough to know that he’d absolutely object to desertion.

“Listen,” he sighed. “This doesn’t concern you.  Just… stay out of it.”

“A fellow warden— a friend, even— decides to pack up and leave without telling anyone, and it is not my concern,” Nathaniel asked.  He cared, apparently, which shouldn’t have been surprising considering the amount of time they’d spent together, but Anders was not accustomed to people giving a shit.  At least not in any meaningful way.

“Flattered, truly,” he remarked and then shook his head, “But no, it’s not.”

“You swore an oath,” Nathaniel said, voice rougher but not raised.

“I know, and now I am breaking it,” Anders admitted, dismissively, watching as Nathaniel grew more and more frustrated.  He was difficult to ruffle, but Anders knew how to hit a nerve. “I was never big on commitment anyway, but good for you.  I see you’re still taking this all very seriously. I guess I’d have my head stuck up the commander’s arse, too, if I were you. It’s hard to feel like a disgrace if someone relies on you, right?”

“The commander happens to be a good person, and I am grateful to her, to the Wardens.”  He paused. “You should be, too.”

“Why?” Anders snapped, his attempt to get under Nathaniel’s skin having backfired.“The Wardens have done nothing but give me nightmares, and I already had plenty of those to begin with.”

“Are you not grateful for your freedom?  For your protection from the templars?”

“Freedom?” Anders laughed dryly, all humor drained from his voice.  “You think this is freedom?  Doing absolutely nothing wrong except being born, but having to join some cult that requires you to corrupt your body and spend your days protecting thankless people, just to be allowed to live outside of a prison?

“I know that ever since you had your cozy, privileged, little life turned upside down you think you understand what it’s like to be oppressed, but you don’t, and you never will.  You may be redeemed by your service as a Grey Warden. People might even begin to respect your family again and you’ll be forgiven. The world will never forgive me for being a mage.”

“And you think running away from everything is the answer?”

“I-” Anders began, but couldn’t continue as Justice started to struggle against him, tugging at the back of his mind.  He wanted to speak to Nathaniel. He wanted control. Anders resisted. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. He promised. Despite his efforts, a blinding blue light burst out and overwhelmed him, then everything went dark.

***

Nathaniel watched as Anders fought with something inside him, though he could not say what. A demon, perhaps?  The mage brought his hands up to his face, shaking his head violently and shouting “no” over and over again until his skin cracked open, radiant blue light shining from the seams.  Nathaniel’s fist tightened around his bow reflexively and he took a cautious step backward. What in Andraste’s name had this idiot done now?  

Anders settled and looked up at him, eyes glowing the same blue as his skin.  

“Nathaniel,” boomed a voice that was noticeably not Anders’, but familiar all the same.

He frowned in recognition.  “Justice?”

“Indeed.”

“What have you done,” he asked, stomach churning.  He didn’t actually want to know the answer.

“Kristoff’s body had begun to decompose to such a degree that I could no longer inhabit it,” Justice explained as it was some problem of logic, “Yet, there is still much to be done in this realm.  I took your advice and sought out a new host.”

Nathaniel’s blood ran cold, recalling his conversations with the spirit. “This is… not what I meant.  You can’t just possess someone!”

“This is not possession,” Justice argued, light glowing brighter in his fury. “I am no demon.”

“That doesn’t matter.  If the wrong person sees you like this, Anders will be killed on sight.”

“Anders granted me permission to use his body, so that together we might improve the lot of mages in this world.”

“And just how do you plan to do that, Justice? If you intend to show the world that mages are not monsters, you aren’t going to make much progress looking like… this.” He motioned vaguely with his hand.  “It will not end peacefully.”

“I said nothing of peace,” Justice stated, “I prefer peaceful solutions, but if none can be found, I will not hesitate to act.”

“And how does Anders feel about that?” Nathaniel crossed his arms over his chest and shifted his weight.  “Or are you even taking his thoughts on the matter into consideration?”

“Anders would be content to take no action at all were it not for me.  He would sit in his selfishness and cowardice, and allow his fellow mages to suffer.”

“As is his right,” Nathaniel protested.

“I am helping him.”

“I am glad you’ve convinced yourself of that little lie.  Whatever you have to say to believe taking more of his freedom from him is ‘just,’ right?”

“Silence mortal,” Justice commanded, and flames sprang forth from his hands.  

Nathaniel moved to dodge them, but wasn’t quite fast enough, and the fire crashed into his side, searing and burning his skin.  He fell to the ground and clutched the wound, hissing in pain. He looked back up to address Justice again, but Justice was gone.  It was Anders who stood before him now, eyes wide as he looked from his hands to Nathaniel and then back to his hands.

Nathaniel wished he’d never spoken to the spirit at all, let alone give him any ideas about finding a new body.  Justice would have likely arrived at that conclusion on his own anyway, and Anders was stupid enough to say yes to his request.  However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was his fault.

***

“Nate,” Anders said, disoriented, blinking as he observed the man on the ground before him with a burn on his side that hadn’t been there before.  Had he done that? He couldn’t remember anything. “What happened?”

Nathaniel laughed and shook his head. “Justice? Really?.”

“You… spoke with him then?”  

“Yes.” Nathaniel said tersely, looking down at his wound and then back up at Anders, narrowing his eyes, “We talked.”

“I’m sorry, for what it’s worth. That’s the first time he’s done that.” Anders moved forward and knelt beside him, examining the scorch marks more closely, “I could heal that, if you-“

“I’m fine,” Nathaniel said through his teeth, flinching as Anders  attempted to touch him. He grunted in pain and moved to stand up.  “I will have Velanna or the commander take a look at it.”

“But-“

“Just go,” Nathaniel shook his head and pointed to the gate forcefully. “That’s what you want isn’t it? I won’t stop you.”

“What changed your mind?”

“I think it’s best if the others don’t see what I saw.” Nathaniel stared intensely, and Anders shifted, uncomfortable.

“Right,” he said with a nod, realizing that Nathaniel intended to keep his secret. He wondered what it had looked like, how Justice had been, and why he’d attacked.  There was a big, dark gap in his memory. “Thank you, Nate. I guess this is, uh, goodbye then.”

Anders turned to walk away, toward the gate, but was stopped when Nathaniel caught his arm, roughly. It kind of hurt, but he figured that was intentional.

“Don’t do anything stupid.”

“That’s rather vague don’t you think?” He laughed even though he knew it wasn’t funny.

Nathaniel scowled more deeply. “Just... remember yourself without Justice.  As much of an arse as you are, it’s better.”

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to,” Anders replied, flinching at the quiver in his own voice.

“If that doesn’t bother you,” Nathaniel said, his words much gentler than his grip, “It should.”

With that, he released Anders' arm with a slight shove, and turned to head back inside the Keep, still clutching at his side. Anders stood silently for a moment, Nathaniel’s warning ringing in his ears, before he walked through the wooden gates and away from the Wardens for good.