Note: I apologise for the long delay! Life has been busy for me recently! Please don't abandon this story! :D
Summary:
At the climax of the battle with Loki, Spiderman is critically injured. As she held the young hero in her arms, she felt true sadness for the first time. His blood..pooling beneath her. She didn't want to let him go. She just couldn't. She wasn't ready to let him go. Because she loved him.
Previously:
"I have seen this before. It is a spell. Loki is a master of many enchantments and incantations." Thor mused. "Due to Lady Jessica's powers over fire, this is particularly dangerous."
"What do we do?" Bruce asked. "Ouch.."
Bruce removed one of his hands. It was covered in ice crystals. His hand immediately went to Jessica's neck. He immediately lowered her to the floor.
"Doc?" Tony reentered the room.
"Her pulse is very weak." Bruce bit his lip. "Thor?"
"Nothing you have on earth will help. This requires the work of a healer." Thor answered.
"Well, big guy, we don't have magical healing fairies here, if you haven't noticed." Tony said sarcastically.
"In normal cases, mortals are not granted entrance to Asgard. However, in this case, I believe I can take you all." Thor looked at them each in turn.
"Wait...are you.." Bruce stuttered.
"Yes." Thor continued. "I shall take you to Asgard."
OO-OO
OO-OO
At this revelation, Tony and Peter jumped up, ready to go and pack. Bruce left Thor with Jessica- he knew what this was. Thor even removed his cape to wrap round Jessica, who was shaking worse than ever. Tony darted down the hallway, almost smashing into the other Avengers, who had come to see what was going on.
"Slow down, Stark." Steve sighed.
"Can't. Go see Thor. With Jessica. Got to go pack."
And with that, Tony was off. Puzzled, they all continued to Jessica's room, and were surprised to see Thor kneeling on the ground, cradling Jessica who was wrapped in his cape. The vibrant red sadly emphasized her eerie pallor. Without saying another word, they left to pack. Pepper found Tony practically tearing the room apart, frantically chucking stuff into an expensive suitcase. Pepper told her husband to calm down, and set him to sit down with a glass of whiskey. Shaking his head, Tony sank into an armchair while Pepper continued to pack for both of them.
Bruce hadn't taken long to pack, so he headed back for Jessica's room with his suitcase. Thor still held her protectively. But her lips were now a sickly shade of purple, ice crystals settling on her exposed skin. Even Thor looked concerned. And if Thor was concerned, it was bad. He sighed, making Thor turn to him.
"Ah, friend Banner." Thor nodded.
"Thor. How much time do we have?" Bruce asked.
"Not long." Thor admitted. "This spell is stronger than I previously thought."
Bruce gulped. "Why can't Jessica...burn the ice?"
"This particular enchantment not only freezes, but also nullifies the intended target's powers. Thus, she is unable to heal herself." Thor explained.
"Master Thor, Dr Banner," came JARVIS' loud british voice. "The other Avengers are done packing. They request that you meet on the roof of the tower."
"How's Peter?" Bruce asked.
"He is in pain, but otherwise, he is doing well, sir." JARVIS replied.
"Let us go, then." Thor slowly stood up, pulling the cape slightly over Jessica's forehead, being careful not to cause her anymore pain, the strap of the hammer round one of his wrists.
OO-OO
OO-OO
Tony had contacted Director Fury, and after deliberation, Fury decided to come with them, stationing Hill as temporary director of SHIELD, and Coulson supporting her. After all, one of his most skilled SHIELD members was in a critical condition, and he wasn't about to pass up on an opportunity to go to Asgard. Fury had brought a helicarrier to take them to the bifrost site in Jane's hometown, out in the desert, only a few miles away from where Thor's hammer had landed only a year ago.
"Jesus." Fury whistled when he caught sight of Jessica.
"We must hurry to the bifrost site. I do not know how much longer she can...hold on." Thor glanced down at Jessica.
The others all nodded, and helped Thor to carefully get Jessica onto the helicarrier. It took some time and care, but Bruce got her onto the medical bed. He gently took Thor's cape off of her, rearranging it so it was more like a blanket. Thor's cape was made of a insulating material, only found on Asgard. He glady allowed Jessica to borrow it.
Bruce hurriedly started checking Jessica's vitals. He could barely touch her, or ice would cover his hand. The situayion was extremely critical. It was awkwardly silent. Which was strange. Tony was dead quiet, and that really was strange.
Even Peter was quieter than usual.
But he got up, and slowly walked over to Jessica, still pale from the pain he was in. Although Bruce told him not to, Peter took hold of Jessica's left hand, squeezing it gently in a hope to bring her back. Surprise went over all of them. Because Peter's hand didn't freeze. In fact, it glowed slightly. A smile crept across Peter's face.
"She's still there." he grinned. "Still fighting."
"I knew she wouldn't give up." Tony gave a small smile.
OO-OO
OO-OO
The helicopter touched down near the bifrost site. It was warm and sunny, and the Avengers (except Thor) were now slightly...nervous- after all, they were about to travel halfway across unknown galaxies to a world that, 2 years ago, they didn't think existed. A world undiscoveref by man. They would be the first humans to visit Asgard. They just wished it was for a social visit, not because someone was dying.
Dying...
They didn't have time to waste.
Peter opted to carry Jessica, being careful not to hurt her. She looked so fragile, as if a simple touch could break her apart. It hurt him. They'd all got through the fight in New York, only for this to happen. But he tried to think positively. Jessica was strong. After all, she'd dragged him all the way back to the other Avengers, despite being severely injured herself. The things she'd said to him. What he himself had said to her. He now regretted not properly expressing his feelings. What if Jessica never woke up? What if he never got to...
Quickly pushing away the thought as Thor called up to Heimdall to open the bifrost, he looked down at Jessica. He vowed to himself, right then and there, that no matter what happened, when Jessica woke up, he was going to tell her in those three words that meant everything.
'I love you.'
But not just that.
He was going to ask what he should have asked her a long time ago.
Peter was going to ask her out.
He held Jessica closer as the sky rumbled and darkened. Looking round to the others, he saw that their expressions had hardened. The seriousness of the situation, and the reality of where they were about to go, had hit them. they were going where no human had ever gone before. To a place that was once thought to be a myth. A legendary place that had been talked about for generations. All because of one mistake that they had made.
A column of light shot down, creating a wondrous kaleidoscope of colours, vibrant, bright colours. A breath caught in their throats. Never had they seen something like this. The shock of this momentarily stopped as they felt their feet lift from the ground. Their bodies slowly lifted into the air, before they found themselves flying through this tunnel of rainbow lights. No words were spoken. Nothing could be used to describe what they were seeing. And they weren't even in Asgard yet.
Thor smirked at their expressions. Peter was slightly jealous. This was just the norm for Thor. He was unfazed by anything.
After several moments of awed silence, they arrived in a huge, spherical room made entirely out of gold, decorated with hundreds of precious jewels. Atop the round golden stage in the middle stood Heimdall, looking impressive in his elaborate golden armour, his height adding to the effect, the sword in his hand taller than any they had ever seen.
"Tell me, sir, why did you request to bring mortals into Asgard?" Heimdall bowed his head respectfully. Thor did likewise.
"One of my friends has fallen, and her ailment requires the healing work of doctors on Asgard." Thor explained, stepping aside to reveal Jessica.
Heimdall's expression went from a confused smile to a frown in one moment.
"Very well, you may proceed. I suggest informing the Allfather of this particular...development." Heimdall nodded in respect to each of the Avengers as they passed.
Already starstruck, the group stopped dead as they exited the golden room. Beyond them was a long bridge, lit up in all colours of the rainbow, stretching for what looked like a mile. Beautiful, wavy waters stretched as far as the eye could see. And, beyond the rainbow bridge, they could see a huge, magnificent golden building with many towers, gleaming in the sun, almost too bright to look at. The intricate architecture of the buildings made even Tony jealous. In summary, Asgard was beautiful. Unlike any place on earth.
A fitting home for a god like Thor.
"Come, my friends." Thor ushered them along, giving Jessica a concerned glance.
It was a stunning sight as Thor led them through the vast halls of the palace, beautiful, detailed paintings of mythical creatures lining the walls, along with ivory statues and displays of ancient armours. Several servants passed them on the way, and they either bowed or saluted to Thor. As they neared the healing room, an older man in golden armour who resembled Thor approached them, along with a beautiful older woman in a white silk dress.
"Father." Thor bowed his head in respect.
"My son." Odin did likewise.
"And mother. You are looking most beautiful today." Thor gave his mother, Frigga, a hug. She smiled before looking behind him. Thor turned round.
"Who is this?" Odin asked, eye narrowing.
"These are my friends I have brought with me from Midgard. They fought with me against Loki." Thor explained. "But one has been...hurt..."
Frigga put a hand over her mouth when she saw Jessica, who was now being carried by Steve. Peter was being supported by Tony, as he looked paler than ever. But Peter never let his eyes leave Jessica. He wasn't going to let anything happen to her.
"This one, Jessica, fought bravely against Loki. She shielded Peter and still successfully got Loki. Her powers are of fire, and she is strong, but her grave injuries and Loki's enchantments have weakened her. She needs help, father." Thor looked both his parents in the eye.
"Powers of fire? I did not think anyone on Midgard could possess such an ability." Odin looked thoughtful.
"I also think that. But we cannot waste time." Thor insisted.
"Of course. Who would you say is closest to this young woman?" Frigga asked.
The Avengers all pointed to Peter, who looked exhausted.
"Was he injured in the battle as well?" Odin gestured to Peter. Thor nodded.
"Then he could use the healers as well. Thor, you escort the boy, and take the girl, to the healers. I shall go and make plans for tonight. Your mother will escort your midgardian friends to their rooms." and with that, Odin marched off in the direction he was going.
Frigga smiled. She gestured for Thor to go. Giving his friends a smile, he gently picked up Jessica. Peter tried to keep up with Thor as he strode along the hall, looking back to see Tony and the others following Thor's mother. Tony waved before they disapeared round the corner. Smiling, Peter turned round, and followed Thor into a room.
The floor was white tiled with intricatr engravings, and the walls were made of white and gold marble. Several women dressed in white robes with hoods turned to face the trio as the golden doors opened. Around the edge of the room were several golden counters, with a large, hexagonal white table in the middle. Each of the healing women were beautiful. They curtsied as they saw Thor.
"My lord, what brings you here?" one with blonde hair asked. Once she caught sight of Jessica, she gasped and rushed over.
"A friend of mine. And so is this young man, Peter. They and others fought with me against Loki. This one, Jessica, possesses power over fire, but Loki cast an enchantment on her." Thor looked pained.
"Help her first.." Peter looked the healer in the eyes.
After hesitating, the healer nodded. She gently took Jessica from Thor's arms, shouting some commands in old Norse to the other healers. Peter and Thor leant against the wall to watch. Once Jessica was untangled from Thor's cape, the healers gently lay her on her back. After murmuring something, their hands started glowing red, a small red flame covering their hands. They held their hands slightly above Jessica's body, and almost immediately you could see the ice melting away.
Thor and Peter looked at each other and smiled before turning back to Jessica. Most of the frost was gone, but she still looked frozen. A living ice sculpture. A few moments later, one of the healers stopped. Seeing her, the other healers also stopped.
"Why are they stopping?" Peter asked.
"They usually check how well she is healing." Thor looked completely calm.
Even so, Peter stood up straight. He walked over to the healers. They had turned Jessica onto her side. As he got closer, Peter saw what they were looking at. There were two orange angel wings imprinted on Jessica's back. He frowned. He'd never noticed them before.
"What are those?" Peter asked.
"We don't know. We may have to do some research..." one of the healer's bit her lip.
Thor, noting the abnormally long pause, walked over to the huddle. Seeing the wings, his eyes narrowed.
"Thor?" Peter asked.
"I know what this is." he nodded.
"My lord, is it..." the healers voice tailed off.
"Yes." Thor sighed.
"Mind telling me whats going on?" Peter asked.
"Many years ago, the planet of the Elves was destroyed. Only one of them were supposed to have survived. But..." Thor sucked in a breath. "I did not expect one to show up on Midgard."
"How come none of us noticed this?" Peter was surprised. He knew Jessica was an orphan and didnt know her parents, but he never expected anything like this.
"When the fire elves find someone they love, and they admit this love, then these marks appear, and they get their wings." Thor explained.
"Holy shit." Peter gasped.
"I too am surprised." Thor nodded.
"Surprised at what?" Odin came into the room, followed by Frigga, Tony, Pepper, Jane, Steve, Bruce, Clint, and Natasha.
Thor gestured to Jessica. The group walked over to where Thor and Peter stood with the healers, who were still in an awed silence. Tony raised his eyebrows when he saw the marks on Jessica's back. He gave Thor a questioning gaze. Peter turned to Jessica, while Thor repeated what he had explained to Peter just moments ago. He could hear gasps and shocked murmurs all round. But he kept his eyes fixed on Jessica. The frost and ice was all gone, but she hadn't woken up yet. But he left his own pain behind and focused on his unconscious friend.
Maybe it was for the best right now, that Jessica was unconscious.
He feared what her reaction may be when she woke up.
Peter felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked to see Tony smiling at him. Pepper was at his side. They both looked concerned.
"What will we do?" Peter asked.
"When she wakes up, we'll tell her." Tony gave a small smile.
OO-OO
NINE HOURS LATER OO-OO
Jessica had been given a room next to Peter, at Peter's request. Once the healers had gotten over their shock at Jessica, they had healed Peter's wounds, and once the pain was gone, Peter fell asleep, still holding onto Jessica's hand. He'd had to be prised away, and carried to his room. Tony and Pepper had gotten Peter sorted out while Thor's mother and Jane saw to Jessica. Odin had been skeptical of the last fire elf being found on earth, but Frigga's persistence made him accept it. Due to it being around 8:00 at night now, everyone was in their rooms, exhausted from the events that had occured in such a short space of time.
OO-OO
PETER'S ROOM
OO-OO
Peter woke up to find himself in a vast bed, bigger than any he had ever seen. It had white bedding with a gold pattern, and was softer than silk. The ceiling bore a painting of Asgard, the walls white marble, floors all golden carpet. Even the wooden cupboards gave off a golden glow. The wall to the left of the bed bore a huge mirror. He stretched, finding himself in his prized Black Spiderman pyjamas. Yawning, Peter jumped as he heard a smash from Jessica's room next door. Followed by crying. Bolting across the room, Peter flung the door open. His heart leapt into his throat as he stumbled into Jessica's room, identical to his.
He stopped dead.
The huge mirror was smashed.
Shaking in a corner, in a long white nightgown, hair messed up, was Jessica. She was pale, and Peter realised why.
Large angel wings sprouted from her back. The feathers were vibrant shades of orange and red, tinged with gold.
They were...
Beautiful...
Swallowing his shock, Peter rushed over to Jessica, and knelt down next to her. She flinched when he touched her, but when she realised who it was, Jessica wrapped her arms around him, burying her head in his shoulder. Startled, Peter wrapped his arms round her in turn, avoiding the wings as he pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly against him.
"It's ok..." Peter spoke in a soothing voice. "I'm here. You're okay. We're all ok."
The only reply he got was more crying. He tried to look at Jessica, but she only shook her head and burrowed into his shoulder, tears streaming down her face.
Peter's own heart twinged. He'd never heard Jessica cry like this before.
And it hurt to see her like this.
"I'm right here. No one is going to hurt you, Jess, I promise." Peter gave her a gentle squeeze.
"I..." Jessica gulped to try and control her sobbing. "I thought you might die. I thought...that...I'd never see you again." she looked up, into his eyes.
Seriously? Peter thought to himself. She was dying...she flatlined...and she was just worried about me? He did a mental facepalm.
"But we're all fine. Everyone is ok now. I'm here. And I'll never leave."
"Promise?"
"I promise."