Chapter 4: A Super Orientation
Hey guys me again. Sorry I had to pause the V-log. Stephen needed some help pushing a box demon back into another dimension.
Well I call it a box demon only because we found it accidentally in this really old box up in the attic above the Sanctum Chamber of Relics. It wasn't really the shape and size of a box. If anything, it looked more like a purplish-black octopus-like thing with hundreds of tentacles and one large eyeball.
Yeah…my life is so weird.
So, where was I? Oh yeah, we came back from Tony's party and I had just woken up the next morning. Bright and fresh and ready to start home-schooling.
It wasn't so bad. As it was the beginning of my studies, Stephen decided to test me on everything I had learned so far and we quickly started making lists on topics that I needed work on. Surprisingly enough, I wasn't as far behind as I thought in some subjects.
Thanks to my extensive personal readings and learnings at Kamar-Taj I was quite up to date with English and History. Maths too I was doing alright at, I just needed to learn a couple more grades worth of work to get up to the same level as other kids my age. Science…well…science was a little tricky.
After learning how to bend the laws of nature with Magic, I kinda let myself go with science. After all what do magic and science have to do with one another right?
A lot apparently. Even Stephen admitted that had he not had such a strong scientific background he would've struggled to understand the more advanced levels of sorcery.
And so, it was during this rigorous testing of my scientific "prowess" that the dreaded visit that changed my entire life suddenly interrupted.
"What do the abbreviations TC and TD stand for that are seen on some laboratory pipettes?"
"To contain and to deliver"
"Correct. Now, what Greek letter is used to symbolize wavelength?"
"uh…Lambda?"
"Is that another question or your final answer?"
"Final answer"
"Good because it's correct. Now next question, it's a long one. For a perfectly spherical planet of uniform density, the gravitational acceleration at a point half way to the surface from its center will be what fraction of the gravitational acceleration at the surface?"
"Uh…?"
"Do you want time to write it out?"
"Uh…no I should be good…um…a third."
"Wrong. The answer was in the question, it's a half. Now quickly make note in your book to cover planetary science"
"Ugh! Fine."
"Write it down!"
"Okay, chill it's going down in the book! There. Now next question?"
"Right, now let's see…we haven't done some chemistry yet have we? Aha! Here's a good place to start. What is the name, Atomic number and category of the element with the symbol Pb?"
"Pb is lead, which has the atomic number of eighty – no wait – eighty-two and it is a post-transition metal"
"Very good. Now can you list some of the properties of post-transition metals?"
"Uh…they're more brittle than transition metals."
"good anything else?"
"lower…melting points?"
"Correct but still add periodic table to your list. Now I want you to give me the name, atomic number and atomic symbol of another post-transition metal"
"Just one?"
"Just one"
"Uh…okay…let's see…oh yeah there's Tin. It has the atomic number fifty, and the atomic symbol of Sn."
"correct and what does Sn stand for?"
"uh…Sn…uh…just give me a sec. Sn? Sn… starts with St-"
"It's Stannum. From the Latin word for Tin."
There was a pause as Via and Stephen both turned from their positions on either side of the large wooden desk. There standing in the doorway of Stephen's private study, was Tony Stark himself.
Unlike the previous night, he was wearing a very casual pair of jeans, sneakers and a black sabbath T-shirt and a red hooded jumper.
He grinned at the sight of the sorcerer and his apprentice, sitting in their kamar-taj clothes, Via in all black with her long blue tailcoat over the top, Stephen in his blue ensemble with the crimson cloak of levitation draped over his shoulders.
"So, this is what the new and improved Doctor Strange looks like in his magical new day job. I must say the beard is one thing but I'm loving the cape. Vintage?"
"Stark what a pleasant surprise. We didn't hear you come in." Stephen bit out sarcastically as he forced a polite smile onto his face, his light eyes cold.
"Yeah your pal Wong let me through the front door."
"More like he barged in." Wong grunted as he appeared behind Tony's back arms folded and scowling as Tony swaggered inside the room, admiring the antique furniture and the ornate design.
"So…this is what this building looks like on the inside. I've always wondered…much older than I expected-"
"I could say the same of you Mister Stark." Via smiled oh-so-sweetly as Tony's smile fell from his face. Behind his back Stephen and Wong both exchanged an amused smirk. Oh, how they loved watching when she sassed people other than them.
"You're never gonna let that one down, are you?" Tony sighed and Via shook her head with a smile.
"Nope. Not a chance."
"Well I guess I can let it slide, seeing as I only have an hour or so before I'm needed back at the tower"
"Then the sooner we start the better, please, take a seat." Stephen's smug grin widened as he conjured up a chair from thin air, enjoying the sight of the now rather bewildered avenger before him.
"Holy crap, that one-eyed bastard was right" Tony muttered as he reached out for the chair. Upon finding it to be solid he gingerly sat in it, startled as his behind sank comfortably into its cushioned seat, without even the slightest hint of strain on the legs.
"huh…not bad" he admitted quietly, only for his amazement to falter at the smug smirk of Stephen Strange as he took the big ornate chair on the other side of the desk.
He struck a rather impressive figure as he leaned languidly back, the red and gold of his cape standing out starkly against the black cushioned back of his seat.
He may not have the training, but god he does look the part of Sorcerer Supreme.
Via huffed under her breath as she tucked her feet up on her chair, only to bring them down as Wong sent her a disapproving shake of the head.
"Fine" She crossed her legs and placed her hands on her knees in an overly lady-like pose, rolling her eyes. "Better?"
"Much." Wong muttered.
"Now, Mister Stark." Stephen ignored his friend and ward as he turned towards the man of Iron, his light eyes piercing and steady. "How may we help you today?"
Tony straightened himself up in his chair and for the first time since Via had met him he looked a serious businessman, even in his daggy clothes.
"Well actually Doc, it's more a case of how can your kid over here can help me"
Of course, Via, Stephen and Wong had already heard of this proposal last night from Nick Fury, but even as it came out of the billionaire's mouth all three of them stiffened uncomfortably in their spots.
This is it, moment of truth.
Via bit her lip as she turned to Tony, doing her best to keep her face politely surprised.
"My help mister Stark?"
Tony opened his mouth, but then quickly shut it and stared at her, eyeing her expression shrewdly.
"You already know what I'm talking about. Don't you?"
"uh…yep" Via nodded, all pretences dropping.
"Let me guess, a crystal ball? Tarot Cards?" he rolled his eyes sardonically, much to Wong's disdain.
"More like a certain friend of yours. Nick Fury" Stephen explained leaning forwards. "He said you and your team were having trouble tracking down a sceptre?"
"Yes. Loki's Sceptre" Tony sagged in his seat with defeat.
"Loki? As in the brother of Thor? The Norse trickster god?" Wong's eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, him. He was using a sceptre during his attack on New York. He was disarmed during the fight but then we lost it. When we discovered that the retrieval crews hadn't picked it up, we started searching for it. But whoever has it now, has been hiding it pretty well because for two years there's been no sign of it."
"So, the Avengers can't find it?" Stephen scoffed, but Via could see the concern in his eyes. Whatever this sceptre was, it must've been pretty powerful, especially if it had been deemed a worthy weapon for an Asgardian. If that thing had fallen into the wrong hands…
"So, what exactly does this have to do with me?" Via frowned, crossing her arms "I mean, I get it. This sceptre is a big deal and obviously it's too risky to leave in the hands of someone dangerous. But I'm just an acolyte. If you really wanted help you could've asked Stephen or Wong or any of the other masters of the mystic arts. So why come for my help in particular?"
"Three reasons. Firstly, because the rest of the team have already met you and they like you, and believe me they're difficult people to impress." Tony admitted, his smirk softening ever so slightly "Secondly, you're the daughter of Freyja Sorenson, who was a close ally of SHIELD. Fury said that out of all the sorcerers SHIELD has worked with the Sorenson family has always proven to be the most reliable in a pinch. And thirdly…having you help us just feels right"
"It just feels, right?" Wong stared at Tony incredulously. "You're hiring a teenage acolyte of the mystic arts, because she feel's just right for your team?"
"Pretty much yeah." Tony shrugged, as if his answer was the most obvious thing in the world "Though I find it odd that a guy like you seem to not have as much faith in the, what was it Fury called it, the Sorenson line?"
"It's not because I lack faith in Olivia. Quite the opposite in fact." Wong clipped chest swelling with pride "Even without the Sorenson name behind her she is proving a worthy student of the mystic arts. She has faced powerful sorcerers and much danger already within the past few months, and I'm sure she will continue to thrive and flourish. But she is still young and still has much to learn, before she will reach her full potential."
"Y'know if you're trying to dissuade me from the idea you're not doing a very good job" Tony smirked, "I don't know about you guys but I've personally found that a lot of the best decisions I've ever made in my life I've always made based on my gut. Does my gut always make sense? No. But it's still made more good decisions in my life than overthinking ever did. And right now, my gut is telling me that this kid is what my team needs, and that she's got pieces to the puzzle."
Stephen wanted to roll his eyes and scoff, but found himself unable. Like it or not, he often thought the same way the man of Iron did. Every good decision he'd made had been made on impulse and instinct, which while not always so straightforward almost always taught him something new in the grand scheme of things.
In fact, it was this very side of him that was currently battling it out with the new overprotective guardian that he had so recently developed.
You should let her join them…she could learn a lot from doing something in the field. Also…he may sound bonkers but what he says…does sort of make sense.
But she's just a child. You can't just let her dash into danger again. Not after all the horrors she's been through. And there's still that man from the street and that boy Cassian out for her blood-
"Olivia, could I have a private word." Stephen looked pointedly at Via who nodded at once. Wong quickly made to follow them but was stopped as the doctor held up a hand.
"Sorry Wong, but could you please keep an eye on our guest. I've got a couple of spellbooks on the desk, so make sure he touches nothing." He added in a soft hiss so that only the librarian could hear.
Wong nodded, and quickly Via and Stephen shut the office door behind them.
"So? Are you still up to it?" Stephen asked her quietly.
"I think so." Via looked uncertainly at the door "But, I've been giving it a lot of thought last night and…and Wong's right. It's not going to be safe working with them."
"Well, that's a given" Stephen tried smirking, putting a hand on her shoulder as she ran a hand through her curly ponytail. "Though I doubt they'd want to put you in danger"
"It's not the danger I'm worried about" Via shook her head. "I mean yeah sure I'm worried about it. But danger I can live with, I have lived with it all my life it's just. They're the Avengers, Earth's greatest heroes…. If it were you that was going up there to join them it would be different, you're the next Sorcerer Supreme. But I'm just…well…me…"
"Just you? Olivia, you're the apprentice of the new Sorcerer Supreme, you're the last heir of the Sorenson bloodline, AND you are the Spider Sorceress thanks to the Web of Asibikaashi"- he added, eyeing the glimmering golden dreamcatcher that hung from around her neck. - "You're barely fourteen and you've got more titles to your name than any of those heroes did when they were teenagers…except probably Thor…"
"Titles-shmitles!" Via rolled her eyes "That still doesn't change the fact that it's me we're talking. You and Wong say that I've earned being here, but half the time I was just winging it…relying on luck to get me out of trouble…"
"I'm sensing a big but here." Stephen folded his arms.
"But…I really want to know more about my mom." Via looked up at him in earnest "And maybe if I find out more I can find out about any other threats and find ways to get past them or-or-prepare myself so that when they do come we'll be ready next time."
"Alright" Stephen nodded but Via wasn't listening as she continued to prattle on nervously.
"But yeah, okay I'll agree to drop it if Stark doesn't agree to whatever conditions you apply. I get that you want to keep me safe and I know you're only doing that because you care so…if he doesn't comply with your constrictions, then no. I won't go through with it-"
"Olivia" Stephen put a hand on her shoulder to silence her "Take a deep breath"
Via sucked in a deep breath, and exhaled heavily.
"Better?" Stephen smirked.
"Better." She nodded.
"Right, then let's go in. It's time to discuss the terms of your contact."
"Right" Via nodded though she still felt dragons raging in her gut as Stephen opened the door to the study.
It didn't help that the two very real dragon guardians in her bracelet had started glowing ever so slightly in readiness.
But she needn't have worried too much. Tony Stark was still sitting in his chair, shifting uncomfortably under the scrutinizing gaze of Wong.
Rather you than me buddy
The corners of Via's mouth twitched upwards as Stephen coughed to announce their re-entrance, making the billionaire hero all but jump startled to his feet.
"Olivia have talked over this decision carefully Stark. And we've both agreed that she will join you…as long as you and your teammates follow a set of conditions I lay out for you."
"And these conditions would be?" Tony quirked a brow, his discomfort quickly changing to a surprisingly shrewd professional stance.
I suppose he is a business man, hero or not
Via supposed, glancing at Stephen's face as he clipped:
"Firstly, since the true nature of Olivia's work with your team is connected to the mystic arts, her presence and identity will remain confidential. Only you, your team and a select few other third parties who are approved by myself and the rest of the Order of the Mystic arts, will be aware of her and her affiliation to our order. Secondly, she will be protected from the press. She already has enough on her plate to be getting on with without being pushed into the media circus. Thirdly, should you feel the need to take her out into the field, whether it be in New York or overseas you will need to obtain either mine or Wong's permission before taking her anywhere dangerous, even if it is in New York. And that brings me to my last condition. She stays here at the Sanctum Sanctorum and not in the Avengers Tower. She may stay there overnight if Wong or I give her permission but she must be able to be here at home at least three days a week so that she can continue her home schooling and training."
"Those are your conditions? Permission slips and anonymity?" Stark quirked an eyebrow to which Stephen smirked sardonically.
"Those are my conditions. But I think Wong has a couple more he'd like to add"
"Yes, I most certainly do" Wong grunted stepping forwards and Via was amused to see Tony stiffen in slight fear of the librarian whose voice was like ice as he said:
"I have three conditions. Firstly, you will pay Olivia for the services she offers you and your team, and you will provide her with insurance cover just like you would any other employee. Secondly, any relic of a mystical origin you and your team might find or have already found in your search will be handed over to Olivia as soon as possible to give to our order for safe keeping. And third, and this is by far the most important, you will NOT let this child come to ANY harm while under your employment because if you do, I can assure you Mister Stark that neither Strange nor I will not hesitate to dump your dead carcass into another dimension and throw away the key. Are we clear?"
"…transparently" Tony gulped, hiding his sigh of relief as the Librarian leaned back out of his personal bubble, his eyes still as sharp and cold as a hawk.
"So, do we have a deal Stark?" Stephen smirked holding out his hand.
There was a pause in which Tony looked between Stephen and Wong. His expression, Via found, was difficult to read. It was something between admiration, disgruntlement, reluctance and suspicion.
But then the billionaire's eyes found hers and the two of them looked at one another for a full thirty seconds.
Then slowly, Tony held out his hand, and shook Stephen's scarred one.
"Deal."
It was as if the temperature in the room had suddenly returned to normal.
From his spot, Wong sighed softly to himself as Tony and Stephen broke apart, gave one another a curt but respectful nod, before the former turned back to Via.
"And seeing as you're a part of this deal" Tony smirked as he held out his hand towards her.
But Via didn't take it just yet.
"Listen" she said in response to the man of iron's look of confusion "before I shake on it I just want to make a couple of things clear. I'm NOT a master of the mystic arts. I don't know all the secrets of the universe. I barely know much about this one in comparison to other sorcerers. I guess what I'm trying to say mister Stark is that, I'm not going to be perfect and that somewhere along the way there are probably gonna be huge mistakes I make. Are you sure you can take me on knowing that?"
Tony just raised his eyebrows, his arm still outstretched.
"Yep. Pretty sure. Besides what are you twelve? If you weren't making mistakes I'd be more worried"
"Alright then. If you say so." Via finally took his hand and shook it firmly, gripping it hard as he tried to pull away. "Oh yeah, and It's fourteen, not twelve, old man"
"Right…got it" Tony tugged his hand out of her grip "Does her sass have an off switch or something?" he mumbled to Stephen and Wong, who both just shook their heads and smirked.
"No."
I will admit. The first time I met Tony Stark at that party…I really didn't like him that much.
He just seemed so up himself and entitled that it was really irritating. The other Avengers weren't so bad. Even Thor I didn't have much of a problem with. After all it wasn't his fault he'd been born a prince or that he hadn't grown up on Earth, or he wasn't raised according to our customs and norms.
I guess Tony didn't get asked to be born into money and status either, but unlike our dear resident Thunder God, humility didn't really come as easily to him as it did to everyone else.
But I digress.
Following our meeting, Tony left to go run a couple more meetings for his company. We didn't receive word till later that night and that was through an email on Stephen's tablet.
It was an official document congratulating me on getting a position as a paid intern at Stark Industries and that I would be reporting to Tony himself as a gofer for him and the avengers in the tower, and occasionally at "special events". I would have to report in the next Monday and spend four days a week Monday to Thursday at the Avengers Tower. I'd get Friday and the Weekends off, except of course if there were "special events" that needed help organizing.
Yeah…special events, *rolls eyes* hmm, I wonder what they could be?
I guess it was a good cover. After all it was the only way a teenager could be seen running around after the avengers without drawing suspicion.
Even so it made me a little nervous.
After all it was my first job ever.
And so Monday morning arrived and with it, Tony's car and a lot of new changes in my life…
"Now remember you've got your sling ring but you're only to use it in times of emergency. Otherwise you are to keep all magic to a minimum."
"I know"
"And you've got money for you to use on your lunch break. As tempting as it might be try not to use it on other things like clothes or souvenirs. You will after all be seeing these people on a regular basis"
"I know"
"And remember, don't tie your hair back without brushing. Remember that wherever you work both now and in the future you must always look presentable and that means, neat hair, neat clothes and clean appearance-"
"Oh for fu-"
"And no swearing! No picking fights. Be on your best behaviour-"
"ARGH! Enough Wong I got it okay!" Via groaned rolling her eyes as Wong and Stephen both folded their arms at her.
They were standing just inside the Sanctum's front door and wishing her goodbye before she went out to hop into the back of Tony Stark's Limo.
Relax child. They just want to make sure you're well provided for before you head out.
The smooth soothing voice of Brynja purred in her head while her brother Asmund grunted softly.
The brat's proven to be able to look after herself for the base necessities, why bother?
Via sighed. It had been more than enough drama in her life before she was a sorcerer. Now she not only had her voice to deal with inside her own head, but the voices of her two dragon guardians and that old woman Fala in the Dream Dimension.
Is nothing in my head private anymore?
She thought as with a sigh she faced a disgruntled Wong and Stephen.
"Okay. I get it. No magic, only use Sling Ring for emergency, spend money wisely, be on best behaviour-"
"And make sure you're back by seven o'clock at the very latest" Stephen quirked a stern brow.
"Don't worry oh Fairy Godmother, as long as my ride doesn't turn back into a pumpkin as soon as the clock strikes the hour, I think I should be good." she added smirking as Stephen rolled his eyes.
"Olivia-"
"Oh, chillax doc I'm just teasing."
"Ahem! Your ride's waiting for you outside." Wong coughed as he opened the front door for her.
"Thanks Wong." Via stepped out, gripping the strap of her small leather back pack slightly tighter as she looked back at them, her gaze an odd mixture of anxiety and excitement. "I guess I'll see you guys later then"
"Yes. Have a good first day" Wong clipped but Stephen's goodbye was far more reassuring
"You'll do fine. Just take things one step at a time."
"Thanks guys! See ya later!" Olivia smiled as with a wave she rushed down the stairs towards the shiny black car that was parked out just in front of her.
"I still don't like the idea" Wong hissed to Stephen as they watched her quickly hop in at the back seat.
"She'll be fine" Stephen muttered though he too wasn't looking too sure.
I hope.
Via meanwhile had just settled into the back seat of the car which was empty. Quickly she looked up towards the drivers seat to find the black glass divider slowly sliding down.
Behind it, a stout man in a suit turned back to look at her. His face was scowling but not unkindly. It was more like a default expression than anything of malice.
"You strapped in?" he grunted gruffly, cup of coffee in his hand.
"what-oh yeah sorry" Via quickly put on her seat-belt, gulping as she looked down over herself.
She was wearing a pair of black skinny jeans, black boots, a black tank top under a fitted sky blue turtleneck sweater. Her curls were tied neatly back in a high ponytail glimmering golden like the Web of Asibikaashi around her neck and the two dragon bracelets both of which were hidden under her sweater.
The email from Tony had said she could be as casual as she wanted but still…was it too casual?...too plain?
She'd woken up late so she'd just flung on the first things she could think of. Wong and Stephen seemed pleased with her choice but still.
As if sensing her nerves the driver glanced at her in his rear-view mirror, his gaze softening slightly as he took in her anxious eyes as they darted between the windows.
"You okay kid?"
"huh? Uh…yeah…yeah…totally fine" Via quickly gulped down on her nerves, schooling her face into what she hoped was a more composed expression as she asked.
"So…uh…I'm Via. What's your name?"
"Harold Hogan" the man grunted as he turned a corner "my friends call me Happy, but it's Harold Hogan"
"Nice to meet you mister Hogan"
"Mister Hogan? Hmm…I like the sound of that." The man, Happy, smirked as he preened himself off proudly, stiff shoulders relaxing "You got good manners kid"
"Yeah well I was just told to be on my best behavior for a first day of work. Probably for the best seeing as what happened at the Charity Ball" Via added quietly her cheeks flushing scarlet as Happy chuckled.
"Why what happened?"
"Well…I might have insulted one of Mister Stark's guests and then shoved cake into her face" Via mumbled.
"Wait-wait hold up a minute. You're the one who gave Sofia Caster a cake to the face?" Happy's eyes bulged in his mirror as he choked on his cup of coffee.
"Yep" Via nodded with a scowl at the memory of the lurid woman. "Old Hag"
"Come on she's only twenty seven" Happy chuckled.
"And I'm fourteen. Though between you and me she seems to have the maturity of a bratty ten year old…or even a seven year old…"
"If you say so" Happy mumbled as they stopped at a traffic light.
"Pardon?" Via muttered distractedly as she watched the many pedestrians of the City walk by her window.
"Nothin'" Happy called out quickly as the light turned green but even as he turned back to the steering wheel he let loose a large breath.
Wow…they really weren't kidding about the kid were they?
He wouldn't admit it out loud, but deep down he'd been very worried about his boss letting a young girl work with the Avengers. Especially when Tony had told him that she had come from the streets.
This girl, from the streets?
Happy chanced another glance at her from his rear-view mirror. She looked like a doll with her shiny blonde curls and her pretty face. But as his eyes skimmed over her expression he was struck by how stoic she seemed, far more mature than other girls her age. A woman in mind even if not in body.
Well…I can only hope she can put up with Tony's antics for however long she's staying.
Happy rolled his eyes as finally he pulled the car just outside the entrance to the Avengers Tower.
"Here's our stop!" he called and Via unbuckled her seatbelt, fingers fumbling in her nerves.
"Thanks mister" she smiled anxiously with a small wave at Happy as she hopped out on the pavement side.
"Good luck kid!" Happy called smiling appreciatively as he made to drive the car around into the tower parking lot.
Nice kid…a bit odd but nice…
I have to admit. Meeting Happy put me at some ease.
He seemed a decent sort. Hardworking, and loyal to a fault if his track record with Tony is anything to go by.
And speaking of everyone's favourite billionaire…
Wow…it's so different during the day
Via nodded impressed as she walked into the front lobby of the Avengers Tower. It was just as clean and well polished as ever, though now several businessmen were seated at the front lounge and a few receptionists sat at the front desk which beeped and rang as telephones and computers were seen to.
It was to a free one that Via started to make her way towards, gulping nervously as a dark Hispanic woman looked up to smile genially at her.
"Hi there, how can I help you? Y'know if you're waiting for the school tour, they just left to go upstairs but I can call the guide-"
"Oh-no-no that won't be necessary" Via shook her head quickly, blushing pink as she said:
"Actually uh…I'm not here for school. I'm here for an internship."
"Oh…OH!" the woman's eyes bulged in recognition "You mean the new Stark Internship Program?"
"Uh…yeah…that one" Via nodded, her fingers drumming over the top of the marble reception desk as the woman quickly made to type something out on her computer screen.
"Alright now I'll just need your name and your date of birth for confirmation" she mumbled as her eyes remained glued to her screen.
"Uh…Olivia Freyja Summers. Date of Birth 31st April year 2000"
"Olivia…Olivia…" the Receptionist muttered as she scrolled her mouse.
A few nerve wracking seconds later and the receptionist smiled at her warmly.
"Aha! There you are. Miss Olivia Summers, yes, mister Stark said you'd be coming in today. And lucky you, you've been assigned to working with the team, you must be so excited?"
"Super excited" Via smiled sardonically but the receptionist did not notice as she continued to prattle excitedly.
"Usually we give our employees and guests an Id card here at the front desk, but since you'll be working personally with mister Stark he'll give you a personalized identification card instead which will give you more exclusive access to the top floors where you'll be working. Now why don't you take a seat while call someone down to take you upstairs"
"Thanks uh…"
"Clara" the receptionist smiled at Via who smiled nervously back as she timidly made her way over to sit at the lounge.
She felt extraordinarily out of place amidst all the men and women with tailored suits and briefcases, and kept glancing around at each one of them, wondering whether she had seen them at the charity ball a few nights ago.
When she realized that she could barely remember anyone else from that night except the Avengers and that Doctor Helen Cho however, she just gave up and settled for retying the laces of her boots.
She really didn't need to tie them again. She just needed something to do to avoid the curious glances the business people seated and moving were giving her as they passed her by.
God, who'd have thought that merely a year ago I was sitting in a gutter begging from these suits.
She thought as she finished tying her boots and settled for checking her bag.
"Olivia Summers?" a woman's voice called and Via looked up just in time to see Maria Hill striding towards her in a black pantsuit. "If you would follow me towards the lift"
"Okay" Via got up, shouldered her bag quickly as she rushed off after the tall woman who was very pointedly trying to not look at her. At first Via wondered if it was because of the way she looked, then she noticed the furtive recognition in the woman's eyes, and remembered that was the same look she'd given her when they'd first met at the party a few days ago.
She knows me…Or does she know mom?
But even as she pondered this she couldn't help but notice that she'd been taken to a long corridor away from the main lifts.
"Uh…aren't we gonna use one of those back there?" She gulped nervously as they turned a corner and found themselves standing before a glass elevator at the side of the building with a black stylized A symbol printed on the doors.
"The lower floors are mainly for Stark Industries purposes only and aren't authorized to go to the top floors" Hill clipped as she swiped her card and tapped a floor number into the elevator touchpad. "This is the only one that has access to the penthouse and upper levels. And even then there are still various levels of security you must pass before you are allowed inside."
"That secure huh? And I thought the Batcave was a fortress" Via whistled under her breath as she looked to her side and saw through the glass wall, a fantastic view of a cold grey New York city zooming further and further away as the elevator sped upwards like a bullet.
She turned back only to see Hill quirking an eyebrow at her.
"What? Haven't you ever heard of Batman before?"
"I have" Hill clipped turning back to face the doors of the lift as it started to slow down.
Wow…that really was fast…
Via felt her stomach lurch as she now eyed the immense drop she was now standing over. It didn't help that the floor of the lift was also transparent for now she could see past the elevator's mechanisms and down a very dark chasm below.
Had she seen this a year ago she might have thought it cool. But after that horrible time running from Kaesilius and falling through the mirror dimension barely two weeks ago, it wasn't exactly a welcoming sight.
Needless to say she was very quick in rushing after Hill and out into a very large grand atrium which was mostly empty, save for the sounds of loud raised voices that wafted in from an open door to the right which they walked towards.
"I still don't know whether this is a good idea inviting a kid into this lifestyle-"
"Oh come on Cap, loosen up it's not as if we're gonna take her onto the battlefield with us."
"Clint's right, though don't know if we can afford to waste time babysitting a teenager-"
"You won't be babysitting her Nat. Trust me. She's young but she's got a head on her shoulders and a good deal of guts-"
"You changed your tune pretty quick Tony."
"Well you saw how she handled Caster. Besides she's the ward of Stephen Strange, and if there's one thing I know about that guy it's that he always set the bar high when it comes to people he associates with, even if he is still a bit of an ass-"
"I'm still not sure about this…Bruce, Thor, your thoughts?"
"…I don't know… honestly. I mean I only met the girl for two minutes and she seems alright…but I don't know…maybe once we get to know her I might get a clearer picture of what we're dealing with…uh Thor?"
"I agree with you friend. The maid may be young but she has spirit and a very honest disposition. It would be discourteous to at least not give her a chance to prove herself-"
"Ahem!" Hill coughed as she tapped lightly on the frame of the door.
Via quietly peered around her guide stomach turning as she saw all six Avengers suddenly turn their heads in hers and Hill's direction.
"Oh…" Tony gulped as Hill quirked an amused brow at him and stood aside to put Via in the spotlight.
"…uh…hi again" she gave a tiny nervous wave.
Well…that was a great introduction
She rolled her eyes mentally as she stood there awkwardly.
"Did you just-" Tony pointed at him and his team and she nodded.
"Yep." She popped the P. "Sorry old man"
"No-no! don't be sorry at all. Come in, thanks Hill we'll take it from here." Tony scowled as Clint smirked derisively at him. With a few quick strides, the billionaire quickly walked over to Via, and led her into the room with a hand on her shoulder.
"Guys I think you already know Via Summers from a few nights ago. Via I do believe you've met the team, but for formalities sake I'll introduce them again. Except Cap because this is your third meeting I believe,"
He gestured to the form of Steve Rogers bobbed his head sheepishly, his cheeks slightly pink. He was wearing a plain pair of white track pants, trainers and a white Tshirt and had a sweat towel over his shoulder and a water bottle in his hand.
"Over here is Doctor Bruce Banner aka The Hulk." Tony continued gesturing to the kindly slightly shorter, meek looking Bruce who was wearing a lab coat over his casual shirt and slacks and adjusting a thick pair of glasses over his nervous eyes.
"Nice to see you again Doctor Banner" Via reached out to shake his hand and was relieved Bruce managed a small smile.
"It's nice to see you too kid. How's the head?"
"Oh it's all good. All right as rain back there" Via smirked as she ran a hand over the back of her curls as Tony turned her round to face Thor, who likewise was in a T-shirt and pants who bowed his head respectfully.
"And of course you know our resident thunder god-"
"Lady Via"
"Oh-no-no! it's okay! Uh just Via is fine. I'm anything but a lady trust me" Via flushed pink much to Clint's amusement as he stepped forwards, dressed in boardshorts and a tank top.
"Clint Barton, Aka Hawkeye." Tony sighed. Just how much longer was this going to take?
"Hey kid. Nervous?" Clint smirked only to get slapped on the shoulder by the red-haired form of-
"And last but certainly, definitely not least, the Black Widow herself, Natasha Romanoff"
"It's nice to officially meet you Olivia." Natasha reached forwards to shake Via's hand. Unlike the men, who had handled her like glass, the spy's grip was rather firm.
"Nice to officially meet you too" Via met the grip with her own firm grasp, gulping as she glanced at the shape of the woman's form showcased by her leggings and sports bra. She was curvy, but Via could see the lean strong muscles in the woman's arms and the steely gleam in her eyes as she all but scanned Via in return. Via had seen that look before in several of the female masters back at Kamar Taj and she knew at once that she'd never cross this woman if it was the last thing she'd ever do.
She was thankful for Tony's rescue as he coughed, and Natasha let her go, still keeping a close eye on her as the billionaire began speaking.
"Okay so that's all the introductions done. Now I know I said I was hiring an intern to work with us but…that wasn't entirely true. You see, young Via here has a few extra…uh…gifts…that could be of a real asset to us finding Loki's magic Scepter"
"What does she do magic hocus-pocus like him?" Clint snorted.
"As a matter of fact yes…she does" Tony said before Via could even open her mouth.
Clint's eyes bulged, as did everyone else's in the room.
"Wait! Hold up…I was just kidding-Holy crap you don't mean to tell us-" Clint spluttered with incredulous laughter, only to be steamrolled by Thor's wide grin of wonderment.
"You are a sorceress? But I thought humans gave up the mystic arts long ago-"
"A lot did" Via shrugged "But those that continued to practice the mystic arts went underground during the early witch trials of the fifteenth century."
"If sorcerers are in hiding how did Tony ever hear about you?" Bruce frowned, his surprise being replaced by curiosity.
"Through Nick Fury" Tony explained flippantly "Apparently SHIELD used to liaise with this secret society of magicians, who used to help them find and fight paranormal things with their hocus pocus and what not-"
"OK, old man first off we aren't magicians we're sorcerers" Via glowered irritably at Tony who bristled at the insult "and secondly we don't use hocus pocus. We use spells…and sometimes the odd curse and or hex…but mainly spells…"
"Can you show us one?" Clint asked excitedly only to waver under the withering look Via sent his way.
"Hey, give her a break okay, it's her first day. Plus, she's a human not a performing monkey" Steve folded his arms at Clint who whined.
"Oh, come on just one spell. It doesn't have to be a big one."
"Clint-" Natasha sighed but Via just put a hand up.
"It's okay. I'll do it just…I might need a bit of room"
"In that case why don't we head to the training room. There's lots of room in there for you to show off your skills" Tony smirked as Via sighed in defeat.
Oh well, there goes my promise for zero magic
And that was how I began my initiation into the Stark Internship Program. My cover was completely blown in one swoop by Tony Stark. And now I had to showcase my rather meager set of skills in front of a team of Earth's greatest heroes.
Yeah...talk about no pressure.
Thanks a lot Tony.
"Uh…do you guys mind if I-" Via gestured to her turtle neck.
"As long as you've got something on under that feel free" Natasha said, her eyes trained on Via as she shed the blue layer off, to reveal her toned torso under her black tank top.
"Those are some nasty scars young one" Thor pointed worriedly and Via looked down.
Crap…I knew I should've worn a T-shirt
She cursed as she noticed to her horror, two horrible scars spreading over both her shoulders. The one on the right was longer and deeper than the one on the left, which was more jagged and uneven.
"Rough childhood" she grunted as she folded her blue top and shed her boots.
"You didn't have them at the party" Bruce eyed the marks, wincing as one of them caught the light.
"I covered it up with make-up" Via explained, though in her head she added:
For just this reason.
"Are you sure they're old? They look pretty fresh-" Steve wondered but was interrupted by Via rolling her eyes.
"listen do you lot want a magic demonstration or not?"
"Go ahead, demonstrate away" Tony smirked as with a click of his fingers, the dim lights in the room suddenly burst into bright light, revealing a large square room, with wooden floors and various equipment stationed at different points around the walls while the centre was left bare.
She stepped towards it, taking in deep breaths as she let herself feel the wooden floorboards beneath her now bare feet.
I can do this… Just trust your training Via…trust your training.
She turned on her heel to face them. She wished she hadn't. They were all looking expectantly at her.
You had to do your spells in front of the Ancient One, the most powerful sorcerer in the world, you can show a few simple spells in front of a few heroes.
She sucked in a deep breath.
A simple shield spell should do the trick.
"Hey Cap! You still got that water bottle?" She asked and the captain nodded "okay good. Now throw it at me."
"What?" Steve blinked and Via rolled her eyes yet again.
"throw it. Like you're throwing a rock at my head. Come on"
"Are you sure, because Cap's got a strong arm" Bruce frowned anxiously but Via nodded.
"Yeah I'm sure. Now throw!"
Steve gulped, hoping against hope that he wouldn't land, but after so many years of practice with his shield his arm was already smoothly moving in a graceful but strong arc and the water bottle went flying for the girls face.
But it did not hit the mark.
Instead there was a flash of amber sparks as it bounced off what appeared to be a glowing Tao mandala that hovered before Via's outstretched hand.
But even as Via lowered it someone with red hair and pale skin darted towards her.
"Natasha!" several male voices yelled as Via leapt out of the way of Natasha's attack, ducking under the woman's sweeping arm before aiming a swift roundhouse to her ribs.
The Black widow was quick to catch it and blocked it sweeping it upwards, but Via sensing the push quickly pushed herself back into a backflip, the Web of Asibikaashi around her neck helping her quickly right herself as she landed in a low crouch on the floor.
"Okay…was not expecting that…" Clint murmured as he and the rest of the male avengers watched Via quickly lunge in low, sweeping her leg out to swipe at Natasha's ankles.
Natasha was quick to jump up to avoid the sweep, but Via could see she was looking faintly surprised even as the younger girl started blocking her swift hits and kicks.
Damn! This chick is tough!
Via winced as she met each of Natasha's blows. Though she was a slender woman, the Black Widow was deceptively strong…and smart…and holding back.
Yes Via could tell at once the woman was holding back her real strength, but was not surprised. The woman was after all a highly trained assassin. If she really wanted to kill her she'd already be dead by now. And in any case, this wasn't so much a sparring contest as much as it was a test...and Via was going to do whatever she could to ace it.
Via spotted a quick opening in the woman's defenses as she reeled back from a punch and quickly she jabbed her fist forward in a one knuckle punch to dig painfully in-between her opponents ribs.
Despite her strength, Natasha winced slightly, her eyes gleaming as she suddenly smirked.
It took a split second. One moment Via was standing on her own two feet, the next she'd been swept down firmly on her back, held down hard by one of the Black Widow's arms.
"Okay! Okay Nat! I think that's enough." Steve called out, striding forwards quickly.
Natasha quickly got off Via holding out a hand down to her.
"Not bad kid" her smirk widened as she helped hoist a panting Via back up to her feet.
"Thanks…you're not too bad yourself" She turned back to the other Avengers, grinning as she caught sight of their surprised faces "Well…that was fun. What now?"
So yeah…that happened. I did a shield spell then I sparred with the Black Widow herself. Sure she beat me hands down but still…
It was awesome.
I really mean it. Back at Kamar Taj there weren't too many female instructors in martial arts, and I never trained with any of the older women, so for me fighting with a woman like Natasha was great!
But, ahem, yeah, enough about me fangirling. Because whilst my first few hours in the Tower was fun there was a storm brewing outside
…and boy was it was a big one.
"Operation Fishbait is compromised Baron. It must be aborted." Cornelius Craven hissed into his earpiece, his black gloved fingers drumming against the steering wheel of his black car.
"Why? Because Summers has escaped. Without him this mission is a bust. No-no of course-yes I'm keeping an eye on the girl. -no of course not Baron. I know she's important to your plans I'm not-wait-son of a!" Cornelius swore quietly as the call was hung up on the other end.
He pocketed his phone, glaring out of his car window. He'd just received word that the brat had entered the building barely an hour ago. Now he was just going to waste his day sitting around and waiting for her to get out so that he could follow her?
"God brat I hope you're worth all this trouble"
He growled softly to himself as his phone rang again.
"Craven speaking" he grunted as he picked it up. But there was no sound.
"Hello?" he frowned, but all he got was silence. There wasn't even the someone breathing heavily on the other side. It was just quiet.
"Must be wrong number" he grunted as he quickly shut his phone off again only to freeze as he glanced in the rear view mirror and saw someone sitting behind him.
Hand flying to his hip he pulled out a gun to the back-middle passenger seat of his car…only to find it completely empty.
"I wouldn't bother with that if I were you mister Craven. You'll find such a weapon quite useless on someone like me." A woman's voice giggled and Cornelius looked back up to the rear view mirror. In it he could see the figure of a woman, tall pale and curvy, with stylish blonde waves. She was wearing a long black dress with a black hat and a short black veil obscuring much of her pale face from view.
The only thing he could see were her red lips which curled into a sneer as he spat.
"Who are you? And what do you want?"
"I have many names. And what I want does not matter. I'm here to discuss what you want mister Craven."
"And what do you think I want?" Craven hissed, blood boiling as the woman's leer widened.
"The girl, Olivia Freyja Sorenson…dead…by yours and your brothers hands…like it should have been all those years ago on the day she was born."
"…I'm listening…"
And Tadaa! Chapter 4 up and running.
So yeah Via's first day with the team. I figured the Black Widow would be able to see if Via had fighting training after watching her demonstrating her powers. Also given her background with SHIELD she'd probs know about the relic hunters or would have heard of them from Fury.
Hope you guys enjoyed the fight scene. I'm trying my best to make Via not a Mary Sue (so any of you please feel free to tell me if i am going down that path. nothing is more horrifying to me than to be pushing a sickeningly perfect character).
I admit, it sure was tempting sure to make a character that's super strong and perfect, but i don't think that Via at this point would ever have won against Natasha. Via is a tough cookie and is good at martial arts but that's only because of her training at Kamar-Taj and her rough background. At this point in her life there's just no way she'd be able to beat the Black Widow in a fight. The only reasons i figured she might have stood a chance against Natasha was because one, Natasha was holding back, two because everyone else underestimates her because of her youth and three because Natasha Romanoff is a highly trained assassin/secret agent with years of experience under her belt.
But anyway enough of my ramblings, i hope you guys enjoyed and please review your thoughts on what you might like to see next ;)
Cheers
Fuzzy Beta