Chapter 3

I slowly opened my eyes. My head was pounding. I gazed up at the metallic ceiling, before placing an arm over my eyes and releasing a sigh. After lying motionless for a while, I found the energy to sit up. I let out a frustrated grunt as I pushed myself up and swung my legs over the side of the bed. As soon as I got to my feet, I plopped back down. The room was spinning. I ran my hands over her face and through her hair. Maybe I'll lay here for a bit longer.

I ran my fingertips over a golf ball sized lump on the side of my head. I gently massaged the bump as I slowly got back up and headed over to the mirror. Luckily my hair covered the temporary deformity. This was a nightmare. Not only did I feel and look like total crap, but now I had to face the rest of the team…and Nick Fury.

Dread washed over me as I left the small domicile for the briefing room. I gently tugged on my necklace as I passed by the lab, a nervous habit. A slew of agents poked around the piles of broken glass. Blood smears still lingered on the glass wall. I winced as I ran my hand over my back. Yup, definitely cut through my suit. I wonder who bandaged me up.

I took a deep breath as I walked into the briefing room. All eyes drew to me as I entered. Thor, Natasha, Steve and Bruce seemed concerned; Clint looked unaffected and Tony looked me up and down with a scrutinizing look. Luckily Fury wasn't here yet. I didn't want him to regret making me a trainee. Natasha's gentle voice broke the silence.

"Glad to see you're awake. Are you feeling ok?" She asked as I stood by the door.

"Yea I'm ok…a bit shaken up but I'm ok…" I responded resignedly walking over to an empty seat.

Tony watched me like a hawk as I approached the chair. "What happened?"

"Jeez Tony, give her a minute to sit down!" Steve jumped in.

I took a seat between Natasha and Thor and rested my elbows on the table with my face in my hands.

"So what happened?" Tony repeated.

Steve turned to Tony, giving him a stern look.

"What? She's sitting!" Tony argued as he gestured towards me.

"Loki…he broke in and took that staff that you two were researching," I sighed.

"Took it?" Tony raised his eyebrow inquisitively.

"Stole it, he stole it. I tried to stop him but…you saw where I ended up."

"Bruised, bloodied, and sprawled out on the floor, if I'm not mistaken," Tony rubbed his goatee.

"Tony!" The combined chorus of Natasha, Thor, and Steve drew his attention.

"Whaaaat? I'm just trying to piece together the parts of this fiasco…speaking of which, did you know fiasco in Italian means wine flask? And on that note, I think I need a drink!" Tony slapped both hands down on the table, got up from his seat and walked out of the room nonchalantly.

"I think I might need one too…" I moaned as I rested my head down on my arms on the table.

Thor rested his hand on my shoulder, "Don't lose heart, Sigyn. My brother is a very powerful man and not one to be trifled with."

"And don't worry about Tony, I think he's just upset that he didn't realize that the commotion in downtown was a diversion…you know he doesn't like when he isn't a step ahead," Bruce chuckled.

Natasha leaned in towards me "And we shouldn't have left you alone here either, it was a bad decision on our part."

"It was crazy…my flames…it didn't affect him at all! I didn't know what to do…" I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes.

"So fire has no effect on him?" Bruce said thoughtfully. He turned to Thor, "You said before, something about him being an ice giant, right?"

"Maybe that has something to do with it?" Clint chimed in, following Bruce's train of thought.

Thor responded hesitantly, "That is a possibility, but I cannot be sure. Loki's magic is quite powerful…It could be a protective spell or talisman perhaps."

"Well at least we know not to chase after him with a sparkler then." Tony said re-entering the room, a drink in hand.

Just as Tony raised the glass to his lips, it was snatched out of his hand by a scowling Fury. I quickly rubbed my eyes with my sleeves.

"Heyyyyy, that's mine!" Tony whined as Fury downed the drink in a single gulp before taking a breath. Fury walked to the table and slammed down his palms.

"So, can someone tell me how the in the Hell this happened?"

"Commander…" I began to explain.

"Nononononono, you are off duty for the rest of the night and tomorrow," he cut me off without batting an eye in my direction.

"What?! But I…" I jumped up from my seat.

"No butts. You're shaken up and need to relax," Fury turned towards me, "Go home."

"But I'm fine!" I protested.

"That's an order. I'm going to need everyone in peak condition with Blue Manchu running around."

"Fury's right, you need to rest and you're definitely not going to get it around here tonight," Steve said taking Fury's side.

I was quiet for a moment before conceding, "Ok…I guess that makes sense," I rubbed my eyes in frustration. There was no fighting this one. "I'll have my communicator on so if anything happens…"

"We'll let you know," Thor smiled warmly at me as he finished my sentence. I returned his smile wearily as I left the room.

Once out of sight, I hurried down to the lockers. My fingers flew as I put in the lock combination. I just wanted to forget everything that happened today and the easiest way to do that was to get as far away from this place as possible. After grabbing my duffle bag, I burst out onto the city streets. It was already dark. I watched my shadow dance across the pavement as the street lights gleamed. I let out a deep breath as I trotted down into the subway, longing to be home.

I meandered over to one of the wooden benches that lined the middle of the platform and placed my bag beside me as I waited for the next train. Deep down I didn't want to stay on duty, but I didn't want to be sent home like a child either. At least Fury was easy on me and sent me home. He was nicer than he could have been. I clenched my fists tightly, now I would have to work extra hard to prove myself to the team. The familiar screeching wheels of the train broke my concentration as it pulled up to the platform.

The car was practically empty except for a few late night stragglers; a young couple, an older woman and a middle-aged man. I gently leaned back in the seat trying not to worsen my already burning back. I rested my head against the plexiglass window. My mind couldn't help but wander back to what happened with Loki. My judgment was poor and my confidence in my ability blinded me.

I didn't even manage to singe a single hair on his pretty little head. What do I need to be in peak condition for anyway? I'm totally useless.

A distinct smirk and flickering green eyes flashed through my mind. I was pissed. The doors of the subway opened at my stop, snapping me out of my stewing.

After walking a few more blocks and a harrowing ride in a rickety elevator, I finally reached my floor. My heart jumped into her throat as I approached the door to my apartment. It was ajar!

No way…does he know where I live?

I trembled slightly in the doorway and peered into the darkness before narrowing my eyes into a determined stare.

Time to be brave.

I pushed the door in slowly, making sure it didn't make a sound as I stepped into the dark foyer. I reached for the light switch automatically, but pulled my hand back abruptly.

No, I should leave it off. It might give me the element of surprise…

Silently, I closed the door behind me and placed my bag on the floor. After fumbling around in the dark for a few moments, I grabbed the closest weapon—an umbrella out of the canister by the door.

It's better than nothing.

I tiptoed further into the apartment, carefully surveying the living room as I crept in. Everything seemed normal so far.

I glanced around the open kitchen. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

Quietly I snuck my way to the bedroom, thoroughly inspecting the bathroom on the way. Looks like the bedroom is clear too.

I flicked on the lights before looking under the bed and in the closet.

Ok it's then official, I'm a total idiot, sneaking around my house in the dark with this damn umbrella. I probably just left the door open. Thank God I didn't get robbed.

I chucked the umbrella on the floor and began rummaging around in my dresser drawers. After throwing on some pjs, a white cami and cotton drawstring pants, I strolled over to the kitchen.

I probably shouldn't eat this. I already had ice cream today. I placed the tub of Cookies and Cream out on the counter top. Loki ruined everything, even ice cream. Just remembering the creamy texture of strawberry made me taste the bitterness of defeat.

I angrily rammed the spoon into the ice cream tub then sashayed over to the couch. For some reason my decision to pig out felt as if it was somehow "sticking it" to Loki. Bleh, even his name pisses me off! I flopped down onto her leather sofa and turned on the TV.

Oooo Pride and Prejudice. Nice one, Oxygen.

I was totally stuffed by the time I spooned the last bite of ice cream into my mouth. I rolled from my sitting position onto my side like a beached whale. I glared at the TV. Why couldn't I have an awesome romance like Lizzie? Instead I was stuffing myself with ice cream in an empty apartment.

Real life sucks. The only time I ever tried to kiss a boy I practically brunt his whole face off. Not like there's much point in being with someone who'd just grow old and die…and that's another reason why it's pointless to have friends. I nodded confidently as I flicked off the TV. I rubbed my eyes vigorously as I swayed back and forth on the couch, trying to get enough momentum to launch myself to my feet. My belly pulled down towards the floor as I got up.

I ate too much…

I wobbled down the hallway, reached my bedroom and flopped into the bed, making sure to lay on my belly. I could feel my tension melting away as I sank down into the mattress. I laid still for a while before groping around for the switch to the lamp on her side table.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I curled up in the bed, pulling the covers over my head.