Though the world was under destruction, the time in which it moved seemed to stop. All sounds and distractions faded out into the distance as Clint Barton focused his attention on The God of Mischief. Remaining in perfect control, his body was locked in fighting stance; bow drawn tight while his face remained stone cold.

"Let her go."

Loki smiled at the agents response, knowing the full extent that his mischief could cause in a situation such as this, and decided to have himself a little more fun. Bringing his face closer to his young captive's, he watched the agent closely. His stature remained the same but his eyes held his true feelings. Chuckling out loud, Loki ran his tongue along her cheek until he reached her ear. "I wonder your importance to this agent..." He drawled, feeling her form shiver due to the unexpected contact. The God's smile grew even more, knowing what kind of an effect he had on her and the agent closely watching from a distance. Oh the things he could come up with to further toy with S.H.E.I.L.D's Avengers.

"Last warning, Loki." came Clint's voice, breaking Loki from his thoughts. The God continued to smile as he pulled away from his captive slightly.

"What is it that makes your blood boil about this situation, agent?" Loki questioned, bringing his scepter up to the young girls throat, pressing the blade slightly into her porcelain neck. "What is her importance to your little organization?" The girl winced at the pain that blade was producing as it slowly slid into her neck. The fire that burned within Clint's eyes grew as he watched the small amount of blood leak from her neck. Another chuckle could be heard as it escaped through Loki's lips. "Oh I think I understand, archer... it isn't the importance that she holds to your organization... but rather... to you on a personal level."

"Clint... please... just let-"

"Shut up Darcy," Clint's voice cut her off, anger leaking off the tip of his tongue. His focus remained intact. When Loki moved, so did Clint - same direction, same steps. Walking closer, he cornered Loki at the top of Stark Tower. "Just let the girl go, Loki or-"

"Or else what, archer? Even if you were to let your arrow go, I could kill this mortal and escape without a mark on me," His words hit the agent deep. "No, I don't believe you will be calling the shots today agent Barton." Loki knew he had the upper hand but never the less pulled his scepter back from the young girls neck, eyeing the trail of blood that slid down to her chest. "I wonder if you taste as good as you look mortal..." taking his index finger he slowly ran it up the trail of blood, and placed it into his mouth. The response that came from Clint was more than enough satisfaction, yet the response that came from Darcy made it so much worthwhile. "You really know how to pick them archer..." Loki smile held triumph as the rest of the Avenger team assembled behind the still ready agent. The God stood closer to the edge as a precaution, bringing the mortal closer to his form.

"Hawk boy, stand down..." Came Starks reply from behind, yet Clint's focus remained the same.

"Why don't you shut up Stark..."

"Agent Barton stand down, now!" Came the reply of Director Fury, "There are no alternatives to the situation, stand down and let things run its course."

At this point, all the rage that had built up with inside Clint came flooding out. His focus was clouded, as was his judgement, when he turned around to face his team, bow still drawn. "It is your fault she ended up like this! It is your fault for allowing her to leave the safety of S.H.E.I.L.D headquarters and I will not let your decision impact whether she lives or dies!"

The look in his eyes were that of a psychopath. Loki toyed with Clint from the inside out, the agent was crazed. Clint's aim was now directed toward Fury's head."I will not sit here and watch her be taken away from me!"

"Agent Barton, please - drop your weapon... get a hold of yourself..." Fury calmly stated, "You are my top agent. I don't know what this man has done to you, but you are better than this Barton...please..."

Clint let out a long breath that he didn't even know he was holding in, and lowered his weapon. He had no idea what had gotten into him just now. He was acting like a mad man, to his own team even. Clint looked around him, into the many faces of his teammates, trying to find the right words to say to them.

"Oh archer," Came Loki's calm voice from behind him. "You have proven this to be more... entertaining than I had originally suspected..." he drawled out, "but I think this game has gone on long enough."

Loki jumped from the ledge with Darcy clutched within his arms and though Clint ran to the edge in hopes of doing something, anything to save her - they were gone, their whereabouts unknown to the Avengers.

"FUCK!" screamed Clint off the ledge of the building, smashing his fists into the stone in rage. His body soon fell on to him knees in defeat while the sounds of his heavy grunts, composed of his breathing and livid behavior, were the only other noise that could be heard. Clint refused to cry. He knew he would never actually cry but it's his fault all of this happened.

"Avengers, take agent Barton back to the base, we will reassemble there to discuss todays events."

Tony and Bruce lifted Clint up by the shoulders and proceeded to follow orders. "Well," Tony started as they walked towards the elevator, "At least you didn't allow Fury's decision impact Darcy... that was your doing hot shot." Clint didn't say another word for the remained of that day for he knew that he had royally fucked up.

AN: Chapter One! Please review! 33