This is the long awaited and much anticipated sequel to "Scoobies in a Marvel World" that I promised. Please read the first story before attempting to read this sequel. The bombardment of Marvel movies has made writing more in this universe a bit overwhelming. I placed my first story before Captain America Winter Soldier. However, I used a bit of Thor: Dark World when I used the dark elves. For the most part, this story will continue in that vein. At the end of the first story, I alluded to the new story plot of the First working with the Mistress of Death, who is worshiped by Thanos, one of the most powerful beings in the Nine Realms. This story will pick up that along with the buildup of Hydra and Project Insight from the second Captain America movie. There will be clear differences as the slayers involvement will change everything. I will be going back and forth from Asgard to earth.

Please don't waste your time or my time nitpicking my story. It is NOT for comic purist but for fans of the movie Avengers and BTVS. This fandom is the most challenging to write for and the fans are rabid. Although I appreciate enthusiasm, I do NOT appreciate constant negativity. I would hope, though, you wouldn't read this if you didn't enjoy my first story. My goal is to have fun and entertain—not to change your life with this story! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the Marvel world or BTVS.

This story takes place a few weeks after Xander was changed into an Asgard to save his life.

Chapter 1: The Asgards

******New York City*****

Xander got out of the shower and used a towel to wipe the steam covered mirror. He watched his body as he dried off. It'd been two weeks since he'd been back on earth after his near death experience at the hand of the evil elves. He'd gotten his eye back. He mostly looked the same, but he was an inch taller. None of his clothes fit him right anymore since he'd gotten some definition across the shoulders and arms. His job in construction had put muscle on him. Now, though, he seemed to be more in every way. The change was subtle, so it wouldn't freak out those who were casual acquaintances. Those who knew him well, however, already knew why he was suddenly so much more.

When he and Dawn returned back to earth, he just wanted things to feel normal again. He knew it was silly, and he was decidedly not normal. Although he did want to continue working with Tony, he requested time before getting started. He went back to the construction site. The guys were amazed at his new eye. He told them that Tony hooked him up with a new experimental eye transplant. Since Tony Stark was a genius who practically walked on water, no one questioned it. His co-workers were happy for him and welcomed him with open arms. It felt so good to be able to just use his hands to do normal things. For the eight hours he was at work, he could put everything out of his mind. Asgard. Dawn who was now Atali. Dark Elves. Oldin. None of it mattered but the feel of the wood, the precision of the job.

Dawn was graduating that weekend. Xander was trying to be supportive, but a part of him still felt resentful of how easily Dawn had changed his very being. Another part of him, though, felt grateful. He knew that he'd be dead if the All-Father hadn't intervened. Dawn used a glamour when she was at school. When he came home, she was back to Atali. Xander wanted to love both sides of her. He knew that she loved him more completely than anyone ever had. Anya had taught him what love was. However, her time as a vengeance demon had left a dark mark on her. She had been jealous and possessive and never understood his desire to fight with Buffy even though she died fighting with them. Dawn, though, fit him so completely. She got him like no one—not even Willow—did.

The problem wasn't so much that she was an Asgard. It was the fact that she was ancient. Unlike before when she was just the Key, she was now both older and wiser. It wasn't something she could help. He'd always felt dumb compared to Giles, Willow, and sometimes even Buffy. However, being a few years older than Dawn had made him feel like he had something to offer her. He knew things she didn't because he was older. He had experience. Now that was laughable.

He loved her. He did. Nothing would compel him to leave her. However, he feared that he'd never be good enough. He may be an Asgard physically, but his heart was still human. Could Dawn, who was Atali, really love all of him?

Dawn came home, brimming with excitement. They were going out to dinner tonight to celebrate her graduation. She wanted her brothers to come tomorrow to the ceremony, but Odin hadn't agreed to that yet. Tonight they were going to Greenwich Village to a place Dawn was dying to try out. Willow was bringing Natasha as her date. Buffy was torn between very hot superheroes, so Xander wasn't sure who she was going to ask: Steve or Clint. Xander, of course, thought it was a given. If a girl didn't want to get her heart broken, she goes with Captain America. However, Buffy had always been drawn to the bad boys, so Xander wouldn't be surprised if she showed up with Clint.

"Did Buffy decide which dream boat she was going to ask to dinner?" Xander asked Dawn. Then he blinked, taking in her appearance. "Oh my God! Can you be any more beautiful?" She was stunning in a dark blue dress with spaghetti straps and a plunging neckline. The dress only went halfway down her thigh, so there was plenty of leg showing.

Dawn grinned in pleasure. "Isn't it great? Buffy and I got matching styles. Hers is hot pink. I'm wearing my hair down, so she said she'd wear hers up," she told him.

Xander pulled her close for a kiss. "If you were any prettier, I might not let you go out in public!" he exclaimed.

Dawn blushed. She knew that as a human she'd been attractive. Now, though, her features were stunning. She was a bit taller and more statuesque as Asgardian women tended to be. Her hair was lighter. Her eyes, though, were the same. She was glad about that. Although she was happy that she was back to her Asgardian self, she still wanted to hold onto her human side. Even though it was mostly fabricated by the monks who fashioned her and gave her form to Buffy, her life with Buffy and the Scoobies was more real to her than her life as an Asgard. As an Asgard, the years seemed to blur together—nothing really stuck out in her memories. As a human, she had lived utterly. Those memories were the most real to her, so she never wanted to lose touch with her human side.

Love for her parents and brothers ran deep, though. She was so happy to be reunited with them. However, her time as their older sister was a lifetime ago. So much was changed. Thor was all grown up and so handsome, a fierce and proud warrior. Loki, though, was so damaged, so full of resentment and anger. His jealousy of his brother had corrupted almost every part of him. She was very worried about him.

Buffy and Thor thought she was blinded by her love for him. She wasn't. Her sister didn't know her Asgard side. Buffy didn't know her experience or all the things that she'd learned watching her parents rule growing up. She knew that her birth father had let hunger for power corrupt him, and Odin had been forced to destroy him. That could never happen to Thor and Loki. She would do whatever she had to to keep her brothers from truly hurting one another. There was no way the bond between the brothers was gone. It had been real once; she would make sure it was real again.

A few minutes later, Willow came out of her room. Xander whistled. Willow preened. She had on a green dress that hugged her figure in all the right places. Her hair was slightly curled and brushed past her shoulders. Willow smiled at Xander and Dawn. "We are so hot!" she exclaimed with a grin.

Dawn laughed. "We do clean up nicely. Wait until you see Buffy," she said.

Buffy came into the room, excited and nervous. She had invited Clint to dinner. His kiss a few weeks ago had kept her awake more than one night. Steve was still there, though, in the back of her mind. She knew that a man like Steve would never hurt her. He would keep her heart and body safe. His allure hadn't lost its appeal. However, she couldn't ignore the feelings Clint's kiss had stirred in her.

"Wow! The Buffster almost looks like a real girl!" Xander teased, earning a glare from Buffy. Of course, he was joking. She looked both elegant and sexy in her hot pink dress. Her hair was pinned up in a messy bun with scattered tendrils hanging down.

"Thanks," Buffy said dryly.

"He's teasing. You look gorgeous," Dawn said, smiling at her.

The doorbell rang. "So who's going to be behind door number one?" Xander asked, grinning.

Buffy gave him a smirk and went to the door. "Hey, guys," she said, greeting Clint and Natasha. Natasha wasn't in a dress, but an attractive dress suit. Having her legs free to fight was too ingrained in her to wear a dress unless the occasion absolutely called for it. She could wear a dress with the best of them, but she was always slightly on guard when around the Slayer—she was a demon magnet after all. Clint was wearing a black dress jacket with an open collar with shirt.

"Hello," Natasha said, smiling. Her eyes, though, searched and found Willow. She stepped toward her.

"You are beautiful," Clint said quietly. He had talked to Steve about his feelings for Buffy. Steve's response was exactly as he expected. Good-natured and willing to step aside. Clint, of course, told him that wasn't necessary. He had just wanted Steve to know what he was feeling. He'd not seen Buffy much since the kiss. When she'd called him a few days ago, he was pleasantly surprised.

Buffy blushed. The way he looked at her was not something she would get used to anytime soon.

*****SHIELD******

Nick Fury impatiently waited for Director Pierce. Since the inclusion of the slayers, he'd been busy planning. He wasn't so sure the director's pet project would sit well with the Watcher Council or Buffy. In fact, he dreaded the day she found out about it. The powers behind her were formidable. If she or Mr. Giles took exception to SHIELD's plans, things could get complicated really quickly.

"The Director will see you now, Mr. Fury," the secretary informed him.

Nick thanked her as he entered Pierce's office. He'd known Pierce a long time, and he believed in the work Fury was trying to do. It made things easier reporting to a man that trusted him explicitly, and who he could also trust.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Nick," Pierce said with an easy smile. He was close to Nick's age, but Caucasian with a head of red hair that had gone gray. His smile invited you in. It was probably why he was director and Nick was not. Nick had never been great at playing politics. Pierce was a master at it.

"Not a problem," Nick said.

"The World Council is constantly demanding updates on Project Insight," Director Pierce told him.

"Have you told them that everything is on schedule?" Nick asked.

"Yes," Pierce replied.

"I do have some concerns," Nick admitted.

Pierce invited him to sit down and sat back in his own chair. "Please," he asked, indicating that Nick explain.

"I'm not sure the Watcher's Council will be on board with the project," Nick said.

Pierce was thoughtful. "I see," he said. Discovering the existence of the slayers was a surprise even to Pierce even though he had known about the supernatural—unlike many of his colleagues.

"I'm not sure we want to alienate them at this late juncture," Nick advised. "We have too many enemies that are a threat to not just America but the world. The slayers have given us ten of their numbers with a possibility of ten more if the next six months go well. If we alienate them, they won't be happy."

"Do you think they would oppose us?" Pierce asked, thinking about the implications with a frown.

"I think if they decided to stop the project, they might succeed," Nick said carefully. "Buffy Summers has an Asgard for a sister. Thor now considers her a sister. Not to mention, the witch Willow Rosenberg has enough power to teleport herself to Asgard and actually harm the All-Father—something no human is supposed to be able to do."

Pierce had to find a way to get Rosenberg working for him. Such power should not be wasted in Tony Stark's lab. "Have you tried recruiting the witch? I know Buffy Summers isn't interested, but have you approached Rosenberg?"

"Romanoff has spent a lot of time with her since they've returned. She says that Willow is very happy working with Tony because it allows her to focus on her mind and not her magic," Fury replied. "She has a problem with the magics if she uses it too much. Rumor has it she went off the deep end when her girlfriend was shot, and she almost destroyed the world."

"What do you advise?" Pierce asked.

"If we don't tell them, we could do considerable damage," he said.

"But if we do, they could try to derail us," Pierce pointed out.

Nick nodded. "Yes. It's something to think about," he said.

"We've spent too much money to stop our plans at this juncture," Pierce said.

"I know," Nick said in resignation. "We need to be prepared for any contingencies."

"Don't allow the new recruits to be involved in any sensitive mission," Pierce advised. "We will use them for training our people and for bringing in powered people."

"Yes, that's probably for the best. At least for now," Nick said, not wanting share his own misgivings.

"Keep me posted," Pierce said. Nick nodded and left. He dialed a number on his secure cell. "We may have a problem."

*****Stark Industry******

Pepper came into Tony's office after his secretary had brought him his morning espresso.

"Has Buffy made it in yet?" she asked.

"Do you see her? I know she's tiny, but usually you notice her if she's in the room," he said with a smirk.

Pepper rolled her eyes. "Is she in the building?"

"I don't think so. She had dinner plans last night, so she may be sleeping it off," he said knowingly.

"Buffy Summers has arrived, sir," JARVIS said.

"Great! I want to go over to the site Xander's at and get him back here. He's had enough time to play at construction. I need my new partner back," Tony said, rubbing his hands together eagerly. He had known Xander would be the right choice from the beginning. However, they'd had very little time to work together before the whole Asgard mess had occurred.

"Do you think that's a good idea, Tony?" Pepper asked in concern. "He will return when he's ready."

Tony waved his hand dismissively. "Xander has never been overly ambitious. If he's allowed to, he'll stay there forever. He's destined for great things. Now that he's an Asgard, he'll be practically indestructible!" Tony said gleefully.

"You will not be testing his durability!" Pepper warned in alarm.

"Of course not!" Tony exclaimed as if offended at the thought. "Now I won't have to worry about him getting hurt in the course of our scientific work."

Pepper snickered. "That's your story?"

"Yep! And I'm sticking to it!" he countered, flashing her a smile.

Buffy came in. "Sorry, I'm late, boss," she said, yawning.

"So how was dinner?" Pepper asked.

"More importantly, how was Hawkeye?" Tony asked, raising his eyebrow suggestively.

Buffy rolled her eyes. How could such a brilliant and accomplished man be so immature? It was one of the world's greatest puzzles. "Clint is fine as was dinner," she said simply. There was no way she was going to share gossip with the biggest blabbermouth in town. Tony believed secrets were an antithesis to real intelligence. They only led to government cover-up and corruption. It was one of the reasons he distrusted SHIELD—too many secrets.

"That's all we get?" Tony asked with a pout.

Buffy grinned. "When you can learn to not tease people mercilessly with the stuff you know, maybe I'd be more inclined to share," she said.

"You're no fun," Tony complained.

"So Dawn has told me for years," she replied smugly.

"Fine, killjoy. I want to go to Xander's worksite anyway. Time for him to quit wallowing," Tony said.

"He's not wallowing; he's adjusting," Buffy said loyally.

"Whatever. He's had enough time to adjust. I need him in the lab with me. Now that he's an Asgard, I don't have to worry about you or Willow hurting me if he gets hurt!" Tony declared.

Buffy knew better than to waste her energy arguing with Tony. She had Happy bring a car around that could drive them to the site.

Xander was talking to the foreman when one of his co-workers yelled, "The bossman is here!" An excited murmur broke out amongst the crew. The foreman glanced around quickly, looking for things that might cause him problems. Fortunately, his crew was well trained. Nothing was out of place. No messes left by anyone. Inevitably, all working ceased as Tony entered the partially constructed building. Buffy directly behind him.

"Check out that hottie with Mr. Stark!" One guy said in admiration.

"That's his bodyguard," Xander revealed, grinning at their reaction.

"No way!" One said.

"You're full of shit, Xan," another said in disbelief. His friends snickered.

"Roger, how's it going?" Tony asked the foreman. He held out his hand, greeting Roger with a warm smile.

"Good. Things are on schedule," Roger replied. Roger still couldn't believe that his boss knew his name. This wasn't the first time he'd spoken to Tony, but it was still hard to believe. The man had become a legend and a hero. However, he took time to check out a job site. Of course, Roger knew that Xander was the primary reason. Nevertheless, his respect for Tony grew.

"This is Buffy, my bodyguard," Tony said, pointing to Buffy, who gave a small wave.

"Told you," Xander said smugly to one of the crew.

"Since Xander has known her since they were kids, he would know," Tony said with a wink. "Roger, I'm hoping to take one of your guys from you again."

"Xander?" Roger asked.

When Tony nodded, Xander said, "Tony, may I speak to you a sec?"

"Sure," Tony said with a grin. They moved over to the side while Roger barked at the crew to get back to work.

"Why are you here? I don't want to do anything but mindless work," Xander said.

"You can do mindless work with me," Tony said with a grin. "I need a body. You can just stand there and do nothing!"

"You may as well give in, Xan," Buffy said knowingly. Tony was the most tenacious man she had ever met.

Xander glared. "Fine. But I want it on the record that I'm not okay with this," he grumbled.

"I will be paying you twice your normal rate," Tony reminded him.

Anya would've been proud of the light in Xander's eye. "Let's go," he said. He turned to Roger and held out his hand. "Thanks, boss, for taking me back in. I'm sorry to abandon you now, but Tony is insisting."

"I need my assistant," Tony declared.

Roger didn't want to know what a roughneck like Xander could possibly do to help Tony Stark, so he didn't ask. He was a good worker and never tried to slack off. Maybe it was the honest look in his eyes. Roger figured Tony would want people he could trust around him. "Anytime you need a break from headquarters, I'll find something for you to do," Roger told him, meaning it.

Xander smiled, shaking his hand. The guy would never know how much he helped him by simply treating him like he was one of the guys. Living a life surrounded by superpowered women wasn't always easy. He didn't really know the comradery of men until he fell into construction. He said goodbye to his friends and followed Tony out.

When they were in the car, Tony rubbed his hands together eagerly. "This is going to be fun!" he exclaimed.

Xander exchanged a look of resignation with Buffy. He wasn't sure his definition of fun matched Tony's.

******Asgard******

Thor approached the All-Father, who was sitting on his throne with Thor's mother next to him.

"Good morning, Father. Mother," Thor said.

"Good morning, my son," Odin said, smiling in greeting.

"Father, I am going to go to earth for a few days. My sister would like my presence at her graduation ceremony," Thor said. "Will you come?"

"You know I cannot leave my throne to go to earth," Odin said. "Your mother and I will be here waiting for you to bring her back with you, however."

"Have you considered her request to allow Loki to come with me? I will keep a sharp eye on him," Thor said.

"Thor, how could we allow the man who is responsible for so many deaths on earth to return?" Frigga said, frowning. "I love my son, but that would be a grave insult to our allies on earth."

"Your mother is wise as always," Odin said, smiling in approval at her. "We have allowed Loki to be free of his cell. More we cannot allow."

"I understand," Thor said, tipping his head respectfully. "I promised my sister that I would ask." He took leave of his parents and went out of the throne room. Loki waited outside the doors.

"They said no," Loki said knowingly.

Thor nodded. "Yes," he replied. "Our allies on earth would be most displeased if you were allowed back on the planet. They would seek to kill you. We would be drawn into battle." Thor knew that even if his parents hadn't said it. It was the nature of man.

"You will bring our sister back with you?" Loki asked.

"Yes," Thor said. He held out his hand for his brother, who clasped it. His Avenger friends would not approve of him giving his brother a second chance. However, the sister that they both loved was returned to them. There wasn't much either brother wouldn't do for her. Thor didn't trust Loki, but he trusted Loki's love for Atali. He ignored the voice inside him that urged him to stay on guard. He couldn't allow his distrust of Loki to put a wedge between him and Atali.

Loki watched his brother head to Heimdall. He moved to the balcony as his brother disappeared from view.

"It's not right the way they dismiss you," a woman's voice said. Loki turned and saw Buffy, Atali's earth sister.

"How are you here?" Loki asked, stepping closer to the woman. When the woman smiled, he realized it was a deception. "You are not her. You are not my sister's earth sister."

The woman changed images, turning into fallen Asgards Loki had known. Then she resumed Buffy's appearance. "I am everything and everyone," she said arrogantly.

Loki smirked. "I think not," he said. "You take the form of the dead. Yet Buffy Summers lives."

"She was dead and gone for months," the woman who was not Buffy said. "The witch brought her back, giving me power. She should've stayed dead."

Loki thought about his conversations with Atali. He knew who this was. "You are the First," he said. "They call you the First Evil, but you and I know better. Humans are children. They have no idea of the true nature of evil."

The First smiled. "I knew you would understand," she said. "Are you tired of being imprisoned by your so-called family?"

"I am," Loki replied.

"Then you and I have much to discuss," the First said. Buffy Summers thought she'd won—that she'd been defeated. She would soon learn evil could never be defeated—not truly and not permanently.

Loki made his first mistake. He allowed the First to speak, thus empowering it and ensuring its place on Asgard.

******To Be Continued******

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. More will follow. I will aim to post two chapters a month. Thanks for reading!