Disclaimer: I don't own the Avengers, nor Loki... sadly enough...


It seemed that Loki's presence was all it took to take Barton's bravado and playfulness away. He immediately let go off Alexandria, causing her to fall on her feet in a very painful manner as she tried to keep her balance and stand straight. Once this was achieved, she reacted on instinct and years of self-defense classes, even if really, she barely recalled a few key movements and hits, something which would make her step-father feel even more exasperated towards her apparent lack of care concerning her own safety.

However, her next actions would probably be a cause of pride to the man as she managed to land some pretty good blows on Barton, a stomp on the foot, a punch to the face, an elbowing to the stomach, and for the icing to the cake, a knee to the family jewels.

Feeling both surprised and satisfied at her actions, she turned to Barton, who was doubling with pain, and said with a cheeky grin, "How's that for a next time, sweetheart?"

Behind her, the familiar dark chuckle rang through, causing her to stiffen as she felt a deep anxiety envelop her. Before she was able to do anything else, however, the building shook once more, prompting Loki into action. The demi-god made his way past her, reached Barton, and pointed at him with his spear he, somehow, healed the assassin in an instant.

Before she could stop herself, a clearly childish whine escaped her lips, "Hey, that's not fair, I don't get magic healing, but he does..." she finished, cradling the wrist she long-believed broken.

Loki turned to her, a grin that caused shivers to run down her spine on his face, "Life isn't fair, love," he said, however, for some reason unknown to her, he pointed his spear to her wrist, healing it immediately.

Alexandria stared at it with disbelief and more than a little uncertainty, before looking back up, her eyes following Barton's retreating figure. She saw him reach Agent Hill, and swallowing a lump on her throat, one thought crossed her mind, This can't be good.


Hill stared at Barton's form as he reached her, causing her to sigh a breath of relief. Once the man reached her, he started request one of the vehicles for transport since an immediate escape was the only obvious choice at this point. She quickly nodded her agreement and started preparing the ride.

From afar, Alexandria observed in silent shock. She wished that she could scream, that she could warn Hill, but even if her terror hadn't already paralyzed her, she was sure Loki wouldn't have put up with those 'antics' of hers. So she observed in silence, praying to however was out there, begging them to help Hill realize the danger she was in.

Unaware of the young girl's struggles, Hill kept on preparing everything for the escape of the 'about to cave-in' building. She rushed through everything as best as she could, suddenly feeling a fatal presence behind her.

Alexandria kept on watching, her new mantra running through her head, Please, Hill, don't trust him, Barton isn't himself right now, please be careful, as she futilely hoped for everything to be okay. Keeping watchful eyes on the pair, she couldn't help but let out a breath of relief as Hill finally realized what was going on.

The fight that ensued following Hill's realization, however, only grated Alexandria's nerves even more. Not being able to watch without growing internally frantic, she turned to Loki, in hopes of managing to figure out, at least part of what the demi-god/frost giant was planning. She barely got to walk up to him, however, when Barton had secured a vehicle, reaching them, and unceremoniously grabbing her by the waist only to let her fall in a heap in one of the backseats besides Loki.

Every coherent thought was erased from her mind as they moved through the caving basement, followed by Hill, who was suddenly stopped by rubble falling on her car, courtesy of Loki. Cursing some more to herself, she shrunk a bit in her seat in hopes of avoiding the rubble and simply waiting for them to make it out of the horrendous cave.

Suddenly, she felt as she was struck by a piece of rubble on the back on her hands which were covering the back of her head. Throwing it away, she made to check her hands, the piece was small, so the damage was small, as well, however the wound did bleed profusely. Distracted by her morbid contemplation, she wasn't even aware of when they made it out. In fact, it seemed as if the world around her was muted to the point she never even became aware of Fury's sudden reappearance, as well as his likewise sudden disappearance.

In fact, she was unaware of anything until they came to a stop, when Dr. Selvig, seeing her in such a state, came to her and asked, "Are you okay, child?"

Turning to him, she nodded, tears on her eyes as she saw one of her favorite scientists, a man who had also fallen under Loki's control.


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