Chapter 3

I began to lose consciousness and felt my grip loosen. Cool air surrounded me as I fell. I don't want to die, not alone like this. I looked up to see the man staring back as my vision blackened.

"Where did he go?" an angry voice shouted. I was being carried. Where am I? I shiver in the cold air and open my eyes to see Iron Man's face looking up at Avengers tower. I looked around to see that we were in the air hovering beside the building.

"Why am I here?" I asked tiredly.

"We'll figure that out soon enough" Tony responded.

"All clear" Natashas voice came through Tony's helmet. Instead of heading down we flew up to the balcony. As soon as I saw the scope that I had dropped, memories flooded back.

"I almost died" I said aloud as Tony set me down.

"Let's get you looked at and talk" Tony said, leading me to the infirmary. Fury was already there, arms crossed with the same serious expression as usual. I recounted the events as a nurse stitched up my face. Talking helped to distract from the needle in my face.

"How did you get back here so fast?" I asked Tony.

"It was sheer luck" he replied, "I came back to get some tech to check out a strange anomaly"

I really wanted to ask about what he found but decided not to distract from the matter at hand.

"He said that if I didn't die then someone worse would come" I said, my voice shaking. Fury put a hand on my shoulder.

"I'm not about to lose anyone," he said firmly. I felt a little relieved. Fury seems to be more than a stiff leader.

"I have a plan, something you both won't like" Fury said, "It's time to let the snake loose"

"You don't mean him?" Tony said, "I barely ha e prototypes ready"

"You have two days to figure something out" Fury said.

"Are you saying that you want to use Loki to find this guy?" I said incredulously.

"Close" Fury replied, "Loki will be your protector until we eradicate this strange threat. But first we'll have to ask you some questions"

What Fury implied it sounded like more than just asking questions. Tony stepped closer to Fury, glaring.

"Why are you questioning the victim when we should be looking for the perp?" He demanded.

"I'm an open book" I said, "What do you want to know?"

"An associate of mine will be over to talk to you tomorrow" Fury said, "Avengers are in the tower round the clock tonight and Romanoff will be on the ladies floor as well"

With that Fury left. I didn't like having so much attention, but to be fair I was basically almost assasinated. But I'm just your average secretary, why would someone want to kill me?

I made my way back to the women's floor flinching at every sound. Fury was right about the Avengers being around the tower round the clock; Thor flew past the windows keeping an eye on the sky. Hulk was in the living room eating and glaring at each entrance. I said hi to Natasha before I went to sleep.

"Tomorrow when you're free well go over some basic self defense" she said.

"That sounds great" I lied. I'm not really much into physical activity, but barely surviving a near death experience really puts life into perspective. It took awhile, but I fell asleep to some ocean sounds Jarvis played for me.

I usually have a dreamless sleep or nightmares that make me wake up screaming. I was shocked to find myself on a giant rock floating through space.

"You failed me Hunter" a deep voice growled loudly.

I turned to see blurred images of two people. A man trembling before a giant, never looking them in the eye. Their conversation became quiet until I heard a muffled scream. The man keeled over and then he wasn't moving anymore. The giant sat there in silence for a moment before standing and stepping over the body, heading directly in my direction.

"Might as well come out and face your death"

I nearly fell out of my bed as I woke. The clock read 3:05 am. I decided to stay up and look at projects on my tablet, stopping at Tony's sketches for a power inhibitor. It seems that he's not getting anywhere with that, namely because Loki doesn't know (or isn't telling) of the origin of Asgardian powers. Likely he doesn't know, since Tony can also cross check with Thor. Maybe if they could just keep an eye on him? An idea struck and I opened a new file on the tablet.

"Jarvis, I have some questions for you" I said, and got to work. I was chatting and drawing up until 7am and got up to get ready for work. I sent Tony my idea as soon as I finished it. As I left my room Tony shot back an email saying "Great work partner". I may or may not have skipped down the hall to the kitchen, where Fury was waiting.

"I made eggs" he said, handing me a plate.

"Did you come to talk instead?" I asked warily. Surprisingly the eggs were delicious.

"No, I came to tell you more about who I am and why I'm here" he said, "Have you heard of SHIELD?"

"Since the battle of New York, everyone has" I replied, "Are you a spy then?"

"Close, more like I'm the boss of the spies" he replied, "I run a tight ship, and now I have a wild card to deal with"

"Me" I answered, not missing a beat, "You're worried that I'll spill your secrets? Don't worry I have no one to spill them to"

"I read your file" Fury replied, "You aged out of the foster system, went to college and left just months before graduating. Since then you've been a recluse, working 2 to 3 jobs and saving up"

"You did your homework" I said taking another bite of my food. It was harder to swallow now.

"You're a loner who's learned to fend for herself" he said, "I can respect that. However, you're a part of something bigger than yourself now"

"What do you mean?" I asked, standing to clean my empty plate, "I'm an employee who happened to get attacked"

"There's a reason someone has put a hit on you, whether you know or not" Fury said, "One thing I couldn't find out was who your parents were"

I halted, nearly dropping my plate. If even the director of a spy organization couldn't find that out…

"How?" I asked.

"It's possible they wiped their records" Fury answered, "Or maybe they didn't have any records to begin with"

"Immigrants?" I wondered aloud. Fury chuckled in response.

"Possibly" he said, "Although they'd likely be from far away"

My brain thought of the countries furthest from the US, taking in Fury's information as I put away my clean plate.

"Thanks for the chat, Miss Daniels" Fury said, "You're cleared to continue your work with Mr. Stark. From what he said, Loki may be guarding you by the end of the day"

"Oh, joy" I muttered. So Fury was questioning me. I guess he wanted to see how I would respond to a casual one on one conversation. I still have so many questions, but if even the director couldn't answer them, who could?

I receive a text from Tony to meet him in the lab and coordinate my secretary duties from there while helping him. I entered the lab to find Tony wear his repulsors while working. Then I saw why. Loki was there in only cuffs that covered his hand.

"Is that safe?" I asked, not bothering to acknowledge Loki.

"Probably not" Tony sighed, "Come help me finish up"

I sat across from Tony helping him wire the prototype in silence, until we both jolted up at a loud crash.

"Oh, sorry, was that expensive?" Loki smirked, standing coyly before a fallen iron suit.

"You're not doing yourself any favors" I warned. Loki looked amused, as if he'd gotten just what he'd been aiming for.

"Is that a threat, love" he replied.

"It's just facts" I replied, "And don't call me 'love' ever"

"I'm shaking in my boots" he said. I sighed and walked over to him despite Tony's protests.

"You're on Earth supposedly making up for the past because your previous arrangements were much worse" I guessed, looking into Loki's wide green eyes, "Don't try the patience of the few people giving you a chance"

"You call making me your guard dog giving me a chance? " Loki spat.

"You know, you never answered my questions before" I said, "Do you know the full extent of the damage the Chitauri did?"

"Of course not!" Loki shouted, "Why don't you enlighten me?"

"No" I said, "I don't believe you. You turned a blind eye."

Loki didn't respond. I turned away and got back to work with Tony. Loki was escorted out of the lab and Tony convinced me to go eat. He made pasta for lunch and we sat in silence.

"You know, I did some digging" he finally said, breaking the silence, "I found footage of you being dragged away by the Chitauri before the camera cut out"

I didn't meet his gaze, but I could feel Tony's gaze on me.

"You know, I still have nightmares from the battle" he said, "I imagine you have them too. All I'm saying is if you need to talk about anything, I'm here, we all are"

"Why are you so nice?" I asked. I was avoiding the core topic, but I also needed to know.

"Because I did see your file"he said, "The system wasn't kind to you. Maybe if you had support sooner, you'd have changed the world sooner than I did"

"You're a really great mentor" I said, "I really grateful"

"I am too" Tony said, "Which is why the only reason I'm letting Loki protect you is because he's your best chance at the moment"

"Fine, I'll play nice" I sighed.

"Good, because he's got the new cuffs on and he's coming up" Tony said. I let out a swear just as the elevator dinged.

"Do you kiss your mother with that mouth? " Loki jeered, sauntering across the room haughtily.

"Don't have a mom, so no" I shot back. Loki froze, and then averted eye contact.

"Okay, Reindeer Games" Tony began. Where does he get these nicknames?

"These bracelets don't come off. Jarvis will be tracking your every move. Anything suspicious will send jolts that rival Thor's lightning"

"What a lovely device you've made" Lokineeplied dryly.

"Actually it's my design" I replied. Loki's gaze met mine for a moment before he looked away again. Is he really bothered by his failed jab?

"You will stand outside her room and are under no circumstances allowed inside unless you think her life is at risk," Tony said, "You will shadow her at work and if she goes out of the building. If she dies, you will not get a second chance here on Earth"

"Roger that, Stark" Loki sneered, "I will guard your precious child"

Tony's face went red, but he didn't respond.

I went about my day organizing Tony's crazy business schedule at the front desk as Loki shadowed me. He changed his clothes into a suit with sunglasses to avoid any attention. When people asked questions I said it was typical protocol for Avengers tower. I was packing up a desk when a businessman stormed in, tossing papers all over the desk.

"I had an appointment rescheduled without my okay," he said, "I want to see Tony Stark now"

"Tony Stark's schedule is subject to change when there are lives at stake" I replied, "I set up an appointment for bright and early tomorrow and got assurance from Mr. Stark that he will be there" As I turned to leave, his hand clamped around my wrist and turned me back to him.

"Now listen here-" he growled, but that was all he could get out when Loki stepped between us, snapping his wrist. The man howled and went silent as Loki lifted him by the collar.

"You don't touch someone without their permission," he said, his voice as cold as ice.

"Loki, put him down" I yelled, "He's harmless"

"You wouldn't say that if you saw into his mind" he growled. Still, he set the businessman down. He practically leapt away from Loki, running out the door.

"Thank you" I said, turning back to my desk to collect my belongings.

"Part of the job" Loki replied coldly. Fine, be that way. I huffed and marched to the elevator with Loki trailing behind easily. We went up to the main open living room to find the Avengers getting ready to leave. This is the first time I've seen Hawkeye so serious as he glared at Loki, notching his bow as a warning.

"Hey Dells" Tony greeted me.

"Sup Boss" I said, "Heading out early?"

"Yep, we've got a lead we want to check out" he said, "No promises, but hopefully we'll figure out what's going on"

"Sounds good" I said, a little disappointed that I wouldn't eat dinner with them for the first time since moving in.

"I'll shoot you if anything happens to her" Tony warned Loki, pointing a metal finger at him. Loki rolled his eyes in response as he received open glares from the other Avengers. After they left, I decided to make some dinner myself. Loki leaned against a wall, watching me curiously.

"What are you making yourself?" he asked.

"I'm making us some pizza" I replied, "You're on the clock but you should eat. Don't want you to pass out while fighting an assassin"

"Asgardians can go a long time without eating" he said mockingly.

"Well it'll be there if you're hungry" I retorted, "Does everything have to have an angle with you?"

"I don't need the pity of a pathetic mortal who can't keep herself from dying" he sneered. I flinched in response, but continued cooking. It didn't take long for me to let my surroundings melt away as I blended ingredients and finally put the finished product in the oven. I turned to find Loki studying me intensely.

"What?" I demanded.

"Nothing important" he replied, rising and leaving the room. I scoffed and started cleaning the dishes as the pizza cooked. Maybe I can ask for one of the Avengers to guard me. I'm sure they would rather have that arrangement. Loki is one step ahead of the game with those mind reading powers. On the other hand, he's a prick. I sighed and pulled the pizza out of the oven, transferring the food off the hot pan.

"Hey, Loki" I called out, turning around to see the assassin standing there. I throw the hot pan at his head and dash out to the dining area, only to realize that there's no other exits beside the bulletproof windows.

"Jarvis! Loki!" I called out as the assassin treaded towards me. I can't let this happen again. Picking up a knife from the dining table, I launched myself at my attacker. I was quickly pick up and thrown to the floor, the wind knocked out of me.

"Pathetic" Loki's voice spoke through the assassin's mask.

"What?" I gasped, still trying to catch my breath as Loki shifted back to his original form.

"You're grossly underprepared in the event of an attack" he said.

"That's why you're here" I said through gritted teeth. I marched past him and up to my room, ignoring the food I'd just made. I've lost my appetite.

"You need to be prepared" Loki said, trailing after me as I reached my door. Fuming, I turned and stomped up to him until we were face to face.

"No, you need to shut up and do your job" I said, "Stop toying with me like a sadistic beast!"

Loki's green eyes darkened and for a moment I was genuinely afraid he would hurt me. Except he couldn't, not with those cuffs.

"I'm going to request that someone relieve you of your burdensome duties in the morning," I said, entering my room and slamming the door behind me. As I dressed for bed, I realized my hands were shaking. Damn that man. Alien. Whatever the heck he is. He had no right to do that.

Except he's right. I don't know how to defend myself. After everything I've been through before this, I should have learned by now. Maybe I should take up Nat's offer of self defense lessons soon. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I fell asleep.

I was back at NYC College of Technology. It was a normal day of classes and socializing. For most of my time there I finally found a place I belonged. Nothing ever lasts though. After four years of avoiding it, my long time roommate had convinced me to go to a party with a guy who claimed to be interested in me. I remember after 5 minutes of talking to him he only liked one topic; himself. I decided to rough out the rest of the date because while egotistical he was polite and let him get me a drink. Parents always teach their daughters to make their own drinks. I never had that warning. I downed my punch quickly and nearly instantly felt a wave of dizziness. My vision was beginning to blur and when I stood the guy had to hold me up to keep from falling. I thought he was taking me home, and wondered why we were climbing so many stairs. I started becoming more alert as I was laid on a bed in a dark room but I couldn't control my actions. I tried to scream but nothing came out. I felt like I was captive in my own body, trying to claw my way out.

A pained groan came from my doorway. Loki was being shocked into submission.

"Stop Jarvis!" I shouted, running to his side. Why did he come into my room?

"You were screaming" Loki said, "Jarvis said you were having a nightmare, but I couldn't convince him to let me in and wake you"

"They happen all the time, sorry if they disturbed you" I said, helping Loki up from the floor.

"I can use my abilities so you can have a dreamless sleep" he offered. I shook my head.

"I can't run from my fears," I said, "I'm not ready to face them, but if I do that I never will"

Loki nodded, and took his leave, pausing in the doorway.

"I apologize for my brashness" he said, "I take this job seriously, I hope you know that"

"I believe you" I said, "Though your methods are a bit unorthodox"

"That's my middle name" he laughed as he closed the door behind him.

I looked at the clock. It was 3am, but I couldn't fall back to sleep. I decided to look at the specs for projects until I could relax. Before I knew it, the sun was rising. I groaned and got ready for the day. As I rushed out the door, I shrieked as I ran into Loki. Loki swore, looking for danger with a dagger in his hand.

"Sorry, I forgot you were guarding all night" I said, continuing to rush out the door as I scanned Tony's schedule. The rude man was still scheduled for an appointment, and even had the audacity to return and check in early for it.

"He won't be happy when I cancel his appointment" I chuckled.
"Do I detect a kindred michief-maker?" Loki asked, "Care to make things interesting?"
"What did you have in mind?" I asked, a little wary based on how he treated that man before.

"Tell Stark what he did and that he's waiting for an appointment with him" Loki said, "He'd probably enjoy our prank too"

"I like your style" I laughed and quickly sent Tony an email. Tony replied with, "Ooo poor fella won't know what he's walking into. I'll let you know what happens later. You're on lab duty, work on that project you proposed last week"

I practically skipped to the lab with Loki trailing behind as usual.

"What's got you so happy?" Loki asked smirking at my giddiness.

"I'm working on a special project" I replied, "A way to recycle water cleanly for areas that don't get much water. It would be useful in third world countries, and even in areas in this country"

"Isn't your country one of the richest?" Loki asked as I set to work on the design using hologram technology.

"Yes, and one of the most corrupt. It seems they go hand in hand" I replied, "Usually the people who get a chance at influencing the world are white men, and anyone else gets stomped if they demand more for their lives" I knew this existence all too well being black and a woman.

"You're angry" he said, "Rightfully so"

"Yep, but I'm going to do what I can from here" I said, "I never thought I'd get an opportunity like this" Loki nodded and scouted the lab and hallways while I worked in silence. I looked at the clock and realized it had been hours since Loki last checked on me. I got up and started calling for him, getting no response. A little more panicked, I picked up a tool and headed for the lab exit. Suddenly, a figure appeared behind me and ducked as I swung at his head.

"Loki, for pete's sake!" I said, exasperated.
"I went to procure some brunch since you hadn't eaten" he replied, "Nice swing, but such an attack leaves you exposed" He handed me a tray of breakfast food.

"Thank you" I replied, feeling a pang in my heart at a small act of kindness. Loki was heading back to the exit to stand guard when I hear myself speak up.

"This is a lot for me, want to share?" I offered. Loki looked at the food then studied me, and walked back to my work desk. He obliged and ate, but refused to eat more than a fourth of the food, insisting that I eat more.

"I could sense you staying up all night. You seem to be the type to get so lost in your work you forget to eat and sleep" he said, "As your guard, it wouldn't do to have you die from poor self care"

"Har har" I retorted, but I felt grateful. I continued to work until Tony arrived, wearing his armor again.

"Yo Dells! Reindeer Games." He greeted both of us with opposite expressions.

"Sup boss!" I smiled, "Are the leads getting you anywhere?" Tony frowned and shook his head in response.

"I'm afraid that the only thing we know is that guy isn't from Earth" he replied, "Which means that we have a lot more ground to cover than one could want"

"Why does an alien want to kill me?" I said incredulously, "I've never stepped out of New York, let alone left the planet"

"We have ideas, none of them leading anywhere," he said, "Which is why I'm here to request the service of our mischievous ally" Loki looked up with a fake innocent expression.

"I have no idea what you mean Stark" Loki replied, hands glowing green. Suddenly, Tony's mustache turned purple, and I slapped my knee in laughter. Tony looked at his reflection and aimed his repulsor at Loki non-threateningly until it was changed back.

"I see he's rubbing off on you. I don't approve" he scolded teasingly.

"Or am I rubbing off on him?" I asked coyly.

"How will Miss Daniels be safe if I'm helping you?" Loki asked, going back to business.

"You're both coming" Tony replied, "The lead I've found is safe enough for her to be there with you guarding her. Plus me and Thor will be there to help"

"Okay, do I get a repulsor or something to defend myself?" I asked.

"Until Nat trains you, you're getting these" Tony said, handing me a pair of sleek silver bracelets and glasses. Upon further observation I realized they functioned much like Natasha's stingers.

"The glasses lock on targets for you, so all you need to do is look and point" Tony explained, "And you can talk to us through them if we get separated"

"Cool!" I replied, "Where are we going anyways?"

"Phoenix" he replied, "We leave after dinner"

We landed in the middle of a dark desert. I looked around to see miles of nothing but sand and cacti.

"So, where's the lead?" I asked Tony. Loki was staying closer than usual. I guess he was more on guard since we don't have an AI watching everything.

"Right in front of us" Tony replied, "Jarvis, if you please" In front of us the air seemed to shimmer and reveal a whole dig site.

"I know you want to talk about the cloaking tech" Tony said, beating me to the punch, "We'll do that first thing tomorrow"

"You know me so well" I laughed, looking around at the site. Debris scattered everywhere, broken pieces scattered everywhere.

"It seems that Earth has another visitor" Loki said, "This whole area has been checked?"
"Triple checked" Tony replied with an edge in his voice, "Thor wants to double check some things with you" Thor picked up a piece of the debris with strange markings on it. Loki tensed, then took the object.

"That fool" Loki breathed, "I wouldn't have believed it unless I saw it with my own two eyes"

"What is it?" I asked. Loki looked at me with real fear in his eyes.

"It seems that a most vile type of hunter has been hired to kill you" Loki said, "They are known for committing atrocities to their targets before finally killing them" I shuddered.

"It crash landed here though" Tony said, "Could it be injured?"

"No, it's practically indestructible and likely can just call for one of their kinds to pick them up once they take Miss Daniels" Loki explained, "They like to take their targets away first"

"We need to procure a specific weapon to kill it" Thor said, "It may be a good idea to take Miss Daniels somewhere safe for the time being"
"Where would she be safe?" Tony demanded.

"Asgard" Loki replied, "We can kill two birds with one stone. Get the weapon from Asgard, then draw the hunter to her there"

"You want to take her away to your home, away from the security system we have in place for you" Tony sneered at Loki, "No way. You may have her trust but you don't have mine"
"Hey!" I said, "Don't I get a say? It's my life in danger, not any of yours" I turned to Tony.

"You may not trust him, but you trust me" I said, "I agree with Loki, I'm not safe here, and neither are you with me anywhere near Avengers tower. Hopefully I won't be gone too long"

"I will guard her with my life, Stark, whether you believe it or not" Loki promised. Tony physically calmed down, and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Keep the weapons, they pack a punch" he said, "Don't do anything reckless, there's only one of you in the universe" I looked away from Tony, getting a little choked up. I really look up to him, in these two weeks he's become like a father figure. As we took our leave, Thor howled and we turned to see him fending off an attack with a large wound in his shoulder. The being attacking him wasn't even looking at Thor. He was smiling straight at me as he stomped Thor to the earth.

"Heimdall, the bifrost!" Loki called out.

"We can't leave!" I cried, watching Tony and Thor get tossed around by the hunter. He grabbed Tony and attempted to snap him in half when he was hit by Thor's hammer.

"It will leave as soon as we do" Loki said, keeping a steely grip on me.

"No!" I cried, tears falling down. I can't lose anyone else. I shot my bracelets at the hunter to catch his attention as Loki and I were surrounded with light. He looked straight into my eyes, and my knees shook as I looked at the black pits for eyes. It was as if I saw every atrocity he wanted to commit. He ran at an inhuman speed, grabbing my arm and squeezing until I heard a sickening snap. I screamed bloody murder as Loki chopped the hunter's hand off. We were carried up at the speed of light, leaving the hunter and my friends on Earth. Loki had a dark look as he held me more gently, running a glowing hand over my arm.