A/N: Hi all! I am so glad that everyone enjoyed the last chapter. I have thoroughly enjoyed each time I received a new review, follow, or favorite. The positive feedback has been overwhelming. The story is on the home stretch but there will be a sequel. I have already started writing the first chapter. This chapter delves a little deeper into the Marvel movie Universe.
29. The Long Walk
Grant Ward walked around the streets of Queens, New York. He told Skye that he was going for a walk to clear his head. In truth, he needed to make contact with his superior. Going off the grid and evading S.H.I.E.L.D. was one thing. This was quite another.
He was wearing as wearing a hat and a pair of sunglasses her borrowed from Loki. Grant couldn't be picked up on any surveillance cameras because S.H.I.E.L.D.'s software might pick him out of the crowd. He couldn't alert them to his presence.
Grant came to a stop in front of a tiny bodega and walked inside. A tiny bell rang to alert the clerk that someone entered the store.
A gray-haired woman stood behind the counter reading a newspaper. She glanced up briefly to see who entered the store and then went back to reading her paper.
Agent Ward walked through the tiny store surveying the inventory. His eyes fell across a home pregnancy test and stopped. His mind went back to the night in Coulson's office. He remembered how uncertain Skye appeared when questioned about a possible pregnancy.
He muttered to himself. "Could she be?"
Skye being pregnant would certainly make sense. She hadn't been feeling like herself lately. She felt sick more often than not but had kept it all to herself fearing that it was connected to her new powers. Her last full body scan took place after she was attacked at the hotel. It would have been very early on in the pregnancy and Simmons could have missed it if she wasn't looking for it.
He grabbed a box containing five pregnancy tests and walked over to the cash register. He spotted Skye's favorite candy bar and grabbed a couple of those. Ward said, "I'd like one of those cell phones as well."
The woman nodded and turned around to grab a package. She placed it on the counter. "Is this all?"
Grant surveyed his purchases and nodded, "That's all."
She quickly rung up his purchases and bagged them She said, "You're total is 68.89."
After he paid Ward left the store stopped and quickly assembled the phone. He closed his eyes and centered himself. It had to be done and there was no sense in second-guessing himself. Grant entered the number he knew by heart and waited for the line to begin to ring.
"How the hell are ya, kid? I was beginning to think you weren't going to check in. What's going on?" asked Agent John Garrett.
Ward started walking again. He needed to make it back to Midtown Manhattan before Skye became suspicious about his disappearance or worse misinterpreted his intentions.
"I am sorry about that, sir. I had some unforeseen complications that put me out of range for a while. This has been my first chance to get away."
He asked, "Does this have anything to do with the security breach at S.H.I.E.L.D. yesterday? It is all being kept very hush-hush by Director Fury but I was able to gather enough intelligence to know that your creds were used to give a hacker a keyhole into the database.
Grant should have expected as much. However, he was curious about why Director Fury would have kept his actions quiet. Furthermore, Agent Garrett's lack of questions about his location meant that the agency wasn't aware that he and Skye had gone missing.
"Yes, the two situations are related. Skye teleported us off of the bus the other night to find her mother. I let her use my credentials so that she could hack the system to find out if S.H.I.E.L.D. knew her mother's identity all along."
Agent Garrett replied, "I'm glad that you were honest with me. I was beginning to wonder if you'd forgotten your loyalties. When I found out your credentials were used to access the database I pulled the files accessed. Skye is a smart one. She accessed more than just her file when she hacked the database but I was easily able to figure out her target. I can't believe your little crush is Asgardian. Imagine our luck! It seems like you getting so cozy with her has paid off after all. I was beginning to think you might be going a little soft. How long have you known the truth?"
Grant said, "I found out the other night during a mission. She used a fireball to save my life. Skye had been hiding the truth from everyone. She didn't know that she was Asgardian. She didn't know what was going on with her but she was scared."
The man laughed heartily. "It sounds like she hopelessly devoted to you. That is something that will work in our favor. Do you think she can be turned? Having an Asgardian would be a great asset for Hydra." It would also be a feather in his cap. Hydra's ties in S.H.I.E.L.D. ran deep but they didn't have any operatives with powers. That was one of the reasons getting the Centipede Project off the ground was so important. The Avengers were an ever present threat and would prove troublesome when Hydra finally came out of the shadows.
Ward swallowed thickly. He didn't like where this conversation was headed. He didn't want Skye anywhere near John. The man could be unpredictable and Skye was spirited he didn't want anything to happen to her. "I'm not sure. She's pretty pissed off with Coulson and S.H.I.E.L.D. as a whole for keeping this secret from her. I'm not sure that she will even go back."
"Director Fury was my S.O. back in the day. There is no way he is going to let an Asgardian slip through his fingers. He is probably running an off book operation to find the two o you right now. It won't take long for him to find your location. You should bring Skye to me. I can offer the two of you safe haven."
"She's not going to be ready to leave just yet. She just met her parents. She is trying to get to know them."
Agent Garrett laughed. "Let me try this again. Bring her to me, Ward."
Grant snapped. "How do you suggest I take and Asgardian by force with her parents nearby. Loki and Amora will kill me within seconds. I can turn Skye but it can't be quickly."
"Loki is here? On Earth? Oh, this just keeps getting better."
"Yes, he came here looking for Amora."
Agent Garrett took a moment to think about the implications. "Well, then your job is to keep Skye from returning to Coulson's team. Keep her with her parents and turn her. Don't disappoint me Grant."
"I won't sir."
"I want another update in 24-hours. Where are you? I'd like to come and meet Skye."
He said, "We're in Queens."
"Well, I'm in Sydney but I can be there by tomorrow. I'll see you then, Grant."
Ward ended the call and took the SIM card out of the phone. He dropped it into a trashcan. Ward dropped the phone onto the ground. He crushed the thin plastic device with the heel of his shoe and then tossed it into a gutter.
30. The Darkness
That evening Skye and Ward ate dinner with Loki and Amora. The table sat in the optimal spot for the best views of the city's landscape. The lights of the cars and from the other buildings tinkled like not so distant stars.
One of Amora's favorite restaurants in the city delivered their dinner. Earlier she admitted to missing the food when she was on Asgard. Loki had scoffed at the notion that Earth could offer anything remotely more palatable than the cuisine on Asgard. The food was somewhat similar but free from the pollutants so common on Earth.
Loki was concerned with getting Skye back to Asgard. Initially, he intended to lie to her and suggest it was the only way to remove whatever enchantment Lorelei placed on Skye to remove her powers. The staff had only given her a little spark. However, Amora shut that idea down immediately. It was a lie that could only come back to bite them in the future.
Amora was more than capable of removing the enchantment on Skye. It just took her some time to think of the best course of action. Lorelei leaned on her powers of seduction more than her powers of sorcery. Her laziness resulted in her becoming a one trick pony. She only knew of a few ways to bind someone's powers. It was really just a process of elimination. It took Amora less than an hour to find the accurate remedy. She fully restored Skye's powers. However, she was still weakened from being on Earth since birth.
Amora said, "Skye, we would really like for you to come to Asgard with us. I understand if you wouldn't want to stay forever but it really is a beautiful place. I'd like for you to see it."
Skye reached out to grab her glass of water and drank from it while she tried to figure out an answer. She glanced longingly at Grant's glass of wine. This dinner would be less painstaking with wine. "I am still giving it some thought. It is a very big decision. I would be leaving everything I know behind here on Earth. I don't anything about Asgard. I do want to get to know both of you."
Ward had been watching Skye throughout dinner. He noticed that she refused wine at the beginning of the meal and only drank water. He surmised that he was right to have bought the pregnancy tests. He wanted to speak to her about it. However, there had not been a moment to breathe since then let alone ask such an important question.
"Skye, I understand your trepidation but I would urge to consider our offer. You need not stay on Asgard forever. What is it that concerns you most?" Amora knew that cajoling was better than forcing.
Skye looked at Ward. Leaving Grant behind was the thing that concerned her most but that hardly seemed appropriate. She said, "I don't know anything about Asgard or either of you. I guess I don't really know anything about myself either."
Loki studied the uncertain expression on Skye's face. The good news was that she had not yet decided to stay on Earth. Loki inquired, "What would you like to know?"
"Well, I'm full Asgardian. Ward and I thought that I might only be part but then we met you. I'm not sure what all of that means for me."
Loki said, "You are only half Asgardian for I am not who you think I am."
Ward sat up in his chair a little more. He knew this wasn't his conversation to have but he was incredibly interested.
Skye asked, "What are you talking about? You are Thor's brother, Loki. He is Asgardian."
He smiled. "I am sure that you have noticed our striking differences in appearance. I am not Asgardian. I am a frost giant." Loki closed his eyes and his face turned blue as his true features showed through.
Skye clasped a hand over her mouth and gasped.
"My adoptive father, Odin, found me as an infant after killing my real father in battle. He decided to keep me and raise me as his own son. You are half frost giant and half Asgardian. You will be quite powerful. The fireballs, the energy pulse, and the teleportation are all mere child's play compared to what you are truly capable of sweet girl. You have the combined powers of an Asgardian and a frost giant. If you allow Amora to teach you sorcery you will be greater than anyone could ever imagine."
Skye said, "That sounds scary. Power can be a dangerous thing for any one person to wield."
Amora noticed a brief flicker of something in Ward's eyes. She decided to have a listen in on his thoughts. They couldn't be too careful with their daughter. If Grant was a threat Loki would prove to be the least of his worries.
"You are good of heart. You will be like my mother, Frigga. She taught me all I know about sorcery. I will pass that knowledge onto you."
Skye lit up. "If I go to Asgard would I be able to meet her?"
Amora's eyes widened. She knew this was a sore subject for Loki.
Loki stood up from the table and walked a few steps over to the window. It was a valid question and one he should have been prepared for considering the nature of their conversation. However, he still felt a visceral pain whenever he thought of Frigga at length. There were many he wished to see die but not his mother. Never her. He now regretted how bitter he was toward Frigga. Loki recognized now that she loved him as much as she loved Thor. His feelings of inadequacy came from Odin and their subjects that quietly whispered of his difference in appearance compared to Thor or other Asgardians. It seemed that everything Loki always wanted…Thor had first. It wasn't just jealousy on his part. He spent his entire life feeling less than everyone else.
Loki said, "No, I'm afraid not. Odin's enemies slew my mother. She died not long ago."
Skye stood up and hugged Loki without thinking. "I'm so sorry. I wish I would have had the chance to meet her."
Loki tightened his arms around Skye and said, "She would have loved you. No matter my misdeeds, my mother always loved me. Odin would have seen me dead for my crimes on Earth. I live only because of her mercy."
"Then I am grateful for her mercy or I would have never gotten the opportunity to meet you."
He said, "I'd like to show you something if I might. Do you like the snow?"
"I love it. I always have. I could spend hours in it when I was kid. Everyone else would be freezing but - I couldn't feel a thing."
Loki smiled and touched the window. Ice crystals quickly spread across the surface. "You should try it for yourself."
Skye trailed her finger over the glass and gasped seeing ice crystals appearing. However, the ice accumulated too quickly and formed a thick coating. The weight of the ice cracked the glass. "I'm sorry!"
Loki laughed heartily.
"It is nothing to be sorry for, Skye. The glass is shatter proof. It will splinter but not break. The window is also double-paned," explained Amora.
Skye said, "I…I need some fresh air. I'm sorry." She turned and ran from the apartment.
Ward was shocked by Skye's sudden exit. He stood up. "I'll make sure that she is okay."
Loki said, "No. I may have pushed her too quickly. I will go see how she's doing."
Grant sat back down and tried not to worry about Skye.
Amora smiled at him. "I'm glad that we have a moment alone, Grant. My daughter thinks very highly of you."
"Skye is very important to me."
"I can see that. You are protective of her. I believe that she is in love. I even believe that you love her."
Grant swallowed thickly. He vividly remembered uttering those words to Skye in front of Agent Coulson. He meant them even if he didn't mean for them to come out in that moment.
Amora caressed his face bringing him under her enchantment. She said, "However, I have some doubts about who you really are. You have tried valiantly to keep your thoughts at bay because you know I can hear them. You have something to hide from me and I want to know what it is. If I don't like it I am going to let Loki throw you out of the window Skye just cracked. I promise that is a long way down. You will tell me the truth now."
Ward stared blankly at Amora and said, "I've been lying to Skye and my entire team. I do not take my orders from Agent Coulson. I have another purpose for being on the bus."
"What is that purpose, Grant?"
"I've been tasked with finding out how Agent Coulson was brought back to life after Loki killed him. There are people who really want to know."
Amora's eyes widened. She had not anticipated this development. "Who are these people?"
"Hydra. There are operatives throughout the ranks of S.H.I.E.L.D. waiting to rise up and seize power. Once they arise chaos will reign and S.H.I.E.L.D. will be but a memory."
Amora asked, "Are your feelings for my daughter genuine?"
Ward said, "Yes. I wasn't supposed to get close to her but I did. I fell in love with Skye and it has become a distraction. I am more concerned with protecting her than finding out Agent Coulson's secret."
She smirked. "Would you kill for her?"
He nodded. "Yes."
Amora continued, "Would you die for her?"
"In a heartbeat. I may have to die for her."
"Why is that?"
Ward said, "I bought a cell phone today when I went for a walk. I contacted my handler. I had been out of touch for too long. Skye used my password to access the database. He found out and wanted to know what was so important that she would hack S.H.I.E.L.D. using my credentials. He accessed her file and found out that you are her mother and Loki is her father. I owe him everything. He wants me to turn Skye so that Hydra can use her. He is coming to New York tomorrow. He believes that we are in Queens. I will guard her with my life. Agent Garrett will not take her from me."
Amora removed her hand from his cheek and sat back in her chair.
Grant snapped out of it instantly and said, "Please, don't tell Skye what I told you. I will lose her. I can't lose her."
She smiled. "I have no interest in breaking my daughter's heart. She loves you. However, Skye will be a target for this Hydra if she remains on Earth. She must come to Asgard where she can regain her strength. I fear she will stay if you stay. You should come with her. You could be useful."
"I will be a human on Asgard…"
Amora said, "You have the rage of a berserker. I have seen it your thoughts. Although you are a human, you can be taught the art of sorcery. There could be no better teachers than Loki and I. I learned a great deal of what I know by manipulating other sorcerers into revealing their most powerful secrets. I could make you into so much more than what you are. You can be free of the ties that bind you here. Give it some thought. I will not force you."
31. Losing Battle
Early the next morning Ward woke up hearing Skye retching from behind the bathroom door. He considered asking if she was okay but decided against it. He still had a lot on his mind after his conversation with Amora after dinner. They managed to capture less than three hours of sleep last night and it was taking its toll.
Skye and Ward spent the previous night getting to know Loki and Amora. There was much to learn about two people who had lived as long as they had. They were both masterful storytellers so they wove a vibrant tapestry describing their pasts and the majesty of Asgard. Skye was enthralled by each detail and she tried to commit it all to memory. Despite his misgivings, Ward found himself deeply interested in their stories as well. However, most importantly he was thrilled to see sheer joy and adoration on Skye's face. He couldn't remember a time he had ever seen her so happy.
Furthermore, the late night spent with Amora and Loki gave Grant the opportunity to observe their behavior towards Skye. While she was busy, being enamored by their tales Ward was watching their body language and listening to the way they spoke to her.
He believed that they both truly adored Skye. That was good news for her. She deserved to have a family that loved her. The more she talked with Loki and Amora the more it seemed likely that she would choose to go to Asgard. It made perfect sense for her to want to abandon ship and go home with her parents. She was furious with Agent Coulson and S.H.I.E.L.D. for lying to her. She was hurt that they conspired against her from infancy.
Agent Garrett's interest in Skye was another good reason for her to go to Asgard. He was furious for not thinking through the consequences of allowing Skye to use his credentials. It was stupid and impulsive and now she was on Garrett's radar. He knew better than to trust his mentor. The man would demand that he turn Skye over as soon as he had plans to circumvent Loki and Amora. Even the legendary Agent John Garrett wasn't interested in going toe to toe against two Asgardians. It was common knowledge that Loki had no problem eliminating anyone that dared get in his way.
When you added everything up Skye going to Asgard was the only solution that kept her safe. However, he selfishly didn't want her to leave him. Ward was worried that he would never see her again. He could not bear that option.
There was so much between them that was unresolved and he wasn't ready to just let that go. He wasn't ready to let her go, but he knew keeping Skye there because of her emotions for him was manipulative and dangerous. He wouldn't tug on her heartstrings that way.
On the other hand, Grant didn't know if he could be the good guy and just pretend that he wouldn't be heartbroken if she left. Amora's offer of cutting the ties that bound him was beginning to look more and more appealing.
He hoped the morning would provide clarity. However, in the cold light of day things didn't seem any clearer from his perspective. He knew what was right and he knew what he owed Agent Garrett. Unfortunately, those two desires were not compatible in the least.
Loki intended for them to leave that afternoon. Grant was inclined to agree with his thoughts. The longer they stayed on Earth the more likely it would be for S.H.I.E.L.D. or Hydra to find them. The best thing for Skye was to be long gone before that happened.
Skye returned to bed having brushed her teeth. She snuggled up against Ward's body and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry I woke you. I must have eaten something that didn't agree with me last night."
Ward said, "It is okay. I just hope you start feeling better, baby. We should get up soon. Amora said breakfast was at 10:00. I can hear them in the kitchen."
Skye traced the edges of forming bruise on Ward's chest. She hated that he had gotten hurt trying to protect her. He always brushed off his injuries but that didn't stop Skye from worrying. "We'll get up soon. I wish every morning could be like this."
Ward kissed her softly and looked down into her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"I like waking up in your arms. It is nice not having to hide our relationship even if it is just for a moment. This makes it feel real." Hiding their relationship from Agent Coulson and Agent May had been difficult. Skye was always careful not to let the façade slip and it was tiring. Ward was used to being duplicitous because of his job description but it didn't come naturally to Skye with people she loved.
Ward promised. "It is real." He smiled. "There is no hiding it from the team now. They all heard me say that I love you."
Her eyes widened and then she looked up into Ward's eyes worriedly. "I guess I forgot about that."
"I am not surprised. You weren't exactly yourself. Do you remember saying it back to me?" Ward was shocked to feel an uneasiness settle over him. Skye wasn't exactly herself when she returned his declaration of love. He couldn't blame her if she decided to take it back.
She nodded. "I remember you saying that you love me and I remember saying it in return. I guess I just forgot about anyone else being there. I felt like it was only us even though we essentially had an audience."
Ward smiled and said, "We were the only two people that mattered right then."
Skye seemed to be deep in her own thoughts. She rubbed the medallion Ward had given her. It was quickly becoming a method for soothing her. She found herself doing it unconsciously whenever something was on her mind.
Ward asked, "Penny for your thoughts?"
She asked, "What would S.H.I.E.L.D. do if they found out my parents were here on Earth?"
He shook his head. "That is a good question. I don't know. There are a number of wheels that would be set in motion I can't say for sure, Skye."
"Grant, you know S.H.I.E.L.D. protocol backwards and forwards. I'm not asking you to give me a definite battle plan. I just want to know the most likely scenario. You said yourself that by now big S.H.I.E.L.D. must know about our disappearance. I hacked their system. They will be looking for us. What will they do to my parents?"
He scrubbed at his scruffy face and thought about her question seriously. He put his years of service to S.H.I.E.L.D. to use and tried to figure out their game plan.
"If they managed to locate Loki and Amora I have no doubt that they would be detained. Director Fury might decide to send them back to Asgard or he might decide they are too dangerous to release. Thor took Loki back to Asgard to answer for his crimes here on Earth. Obviously, he's been released and he is free to roam the universe at his leisure." He winced seeing the look of horror on Skye's face.
Skye shook her head. "I just found my parents. I am not about to let them be thrown into some S.H.I.E.L.D. black hole where I may never hear from them again. Not to mention what they will do to you for not calling this in. It is better if you have me to blame for all of this. You can say I held you hostage. I have made my decision, Grant. When my parents leave this afternoon - I'm going with them."
Ward was expecting that to be Skye's decision but it still hit him like a ton of bricks. She was leaving and he had no idea when or if she would return.
"I don't want to lose you." Grant swallowed thickly and wondered where that trembling voice had come from. It sounded nothing like his own but they were the only people in the room.
Skye was taken aback by the raw emotion Ward was displaying. It wasn't in his nature to be openly vulnerable in such a way.
"I don't want to lose you, but I want the opportunity to get to know my parents. I can't do that here if S.H.I.E.L.D. is going to lock them up and throw away the key. I have to go to Asgard. It won't be forever. I'll come back. I promise."
Ward stroked her cheek. "Forever for me and for you is very different now. You are Asgardian. They live for thousands of years."
Skye's eyes became dewy and she tried to hold back her tears. "I'm so sorry, Grant. I love you but I have been waiting my whole life to meet my parents. I have to go but you could come with me."
Ward had been struggling with that idea after his conversation with Amora. Leaving Earth freed him from Agent Garrett and Hydra. However, he owed John for everything he did for him. He couldn't just leave him. At the same time, he shuddered at the thought of Skye leaving him. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to protect her. Going to Asgard with her would certainly make that easier. Furthermore, he was concerned that Skye was pregnant with his child. He firmly believed that he owed his child more than he owed Agent Garrett.
He asked, "Do you think your parents would agree to that? I don't think Loki likes me. I caught him staring daggers at me last night every time I touched you."
She smiled. "That is only because you are a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. If having you with me makes me more likely to go to Asgard and stay there then I think they might agree. We won't know if we don't ask, but you have to be sure. I don't want you to regret your decision. This is a huge decision."
"I am only leaving behind my career working for an agency that sent me on a mission to die and forced me to end a relationship with a girl I care deeply for. A girl they lied to and manipulated for some unknown reason. What if Loki says no?"
Skye said, "Then I'll stay here with you."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded.
Ward said, "I've been meaning to ask you something."
"What is it? It sounds serious."
He cleared his throat and searched for the right words. This was a delicate subject and he didn't like the idea of upsetting a woman that could throw a fireball at him. "You seemed unsure when Agent Coulson asked if you were pregnant. Were you just flustered because of the conversation we were trying to have with him or is there something we should be talking about?"
Skye looked like a deer in headlights. "I don't know. Maybe. I don't know. I have felt sick off and on lately. Not always in the morning."
Ward smiled slightly. She didn't seem anymore certain or less flustered than she did in Agent Coulson's office. "Skye…"
She said, "I don't know. I have never really had a reliable schedule. Then I had weird stuff going on with me anyway. You know…fireballs and weird dreams about my mother. Are you angry?"
"Why would I be angry? If you are pregnant you didn't do it alone."
"Well, I know that. I mean…this can't have been in your 5-year plan. Don't say that you don't have one because you are too ambitious not to have one."
Ward said, "I love you. Meeting you changed all of my plans and I'm okay with that."
"Do you mean that? You don't have to be the good guy. I won't hold it against you."
"I am right where I wanted to be, Skye. I keep making decisions to lead me away from S.H.I.E.L.D. and closer to you. I don't regret any of them, but we should probably find out if you are pregnant."
Skye threw her arms around his neck and smiled. "We can go to the pharmacy and get a test after we talk to my parents about you coming to Asgard."
Ward returned the hug and smiled. Just then, a horrible thought struck him. He thought back to their last mission and how the Centipede Super Soldier had carelessly tossed around Skye. He swallowed thickly but opted not to spoil the moment for Skye.
Ward said, "I bought a box of pregnancy tests yesterday when I went for my walk."
She sat back and looked at him. "Really?"
"Yes. You could always take a test now. At least then we will know before we talk to your parents."
Skye nodded slightly. "Okay…"
32. Thunder
Director Fury stood with Agent Coulson and Thor in Fitz/Simmons' lab. However, the young scientists were nowhere in sight. The men studied detailed maps of unidentified energy spikes across the globe for the last month. Finding Amora and Loki's entrance point might shed some light on their current location. Thus far, their search for Agent Ward and Skye was fruitless. Nick Fury was keeping the details of their search and indeed the disappearance of Ward and Skye in-house. No one outside of Coulson's plane would be looped into the investigation.
Thor was the exception to that edict. They needed his knowledge of Loki and Amora to try to predict their movements. It was very much like trying to find a needle in a haystack. There was a lot riding on the safe return of Ward and Skye. He had plans for both of them.
Director Fury had no doubt that Grant Ward would one day be an elite agent worthy of position that reflected his dedication. Two agents he had immense respect for and personally trained were mentoring him: Garrett and Coulson. The two men were vastly different but incredibly effective in the field. Moreover, they were amazing leaders. If even one iota of their skills and knowledge rubbed off on Grant Ward, he would be the perfect successor.
Skye was Fury's chance to mold an agent from the very start. This wouldn't be like other superheroes that were at times hard to manage. He would be there from the beginning as Skye's powers developed. She was just one of several trainees that Fury hoped to mold. His vision was for them to become the next Avengers. Now that he knew the dangers that could strike Earth at any moment there would always have to be new protectors waiting in the wings should one of his Avengers fall.
It was his hope that Ward would be the steward of these new Avengers in the future. He was cognizant of his own mortality. Nick was always in the thick of things. He wasn't the type of bureaucrat to remain safely ensconced in his office. He recognized that there was a risk every time he went out into the field but he wouldn't have it any other way. The world was rapidly changing and S.H.I.E.L.D. was at the forefront. Unfortunately, that often made his beloved agency a target from outside forces and from dubious internal struggles. It was one of the reasons he worked so hard to compartmentalize Skye's parentage.
Director Fury knew from the beginning that Skye was Amora's daughter. However, it wasn't until her blood work was processed by S.H.I.E.L.D. that he found out Loki was her father. He couldn't believe his luck at having a young Asgardian under his tutelage. Asgardians were not immortal but they could live for thousands of years. He didn't know who he could trust so maintaining the secret was paramount.
Coulson said, "I think New York is where our resources should be focused. There were two major energy spikes in the same location two weeks apart. Those dates match the information we have for when Amora and Loki arrived on Earth. It is a sparsely populated area in New York…it doesn't seem like a place that Amora and Loki would be able to hide. I can have Fitz start pulling police reports from the area. Someone was bound to have heard or seen something out of the ordinary."
Thor said, "Not necessarily. Amora is quite adept at blending in. She was exiled from Asgard for many years and Earth was her home. The Enchantress would have no difficulties remaining undetected if she desired. Loki too knows how to blend in with the crowd. Amora returns to Earth from time to time. I understand from Loki that it is to mourn the loss of their child. She possesses two homes in New York. Loki jokingly mentioned that the Chitauri's attack missed Amora's home in the city. Perhaps we should begin our search there."
Agent Coulson's eyes widened and he looked at Director Fury. He knew that Amora was Skye's mother but he had been clueless about the identity of her father. However, from the neutral look on Fury's face he could surmise that he was the only one in the dark. Once again, the levels of clearance were being used to shroud things in secrecy but to what end he was unsure. What could the director possibly gain for keeping such a secret?
Director Fury began, "Tell Agent May to set a course for New York City."
Coulson eyed Fury feeling his resentment only building. However, he swallowed it for the time being. The most important thing was to find Skye and Ward. "I will get Fitz to look for locations that escaped damage after Loki and the Chitauri attacked New York. That will narrow our search considerably."
After Coulson left the room Director Fury asked, "How long do you think Loki and Amora will stay here?"
"While I cannot be certain I believe they will leave immediately. They have their daughter now. There would be no reason to remain here."
Phil walked into the cockpit and said, "We're going to New York."
He grabbed onto the copilot's chair so he wouldn't be thrown when Melinda abruptly changed directions. She wasn't thrilled that Director Fury was on the plane.
Melinda entered the data into the navigation system and made a sharp turn shaking the plane up as she corrected course. "You don't look too happy."
Phil took a seat and said, "I've lost two agents. One of which I have been lying to for reasons I am not even sure of anymore. I just found out that Director Fury knows the identity of Skye's father. Loki. He probably has known from the beginning. That doesn't bring me any closer to knowing why Avery left her at the orphanage or why all of the agents are dead. I kept this secret for no reason."
"Well, it is safe to say Skye probably knows the truth now. No harm, no foul."
He raised an eyebrow. "You've been telling me to tell her the truth from the beginning. Why the change of heart?"
She said, "You were following protocol. We all have rules to follow and yours came from on high. I didn't know that when I was urging you to tell Skye the truth because you didn't tell me, Phil." Melinda knew too well the heartache that came with keeping secrets from the person you loved. She understood the pain of following orders you didn't like but you did so with the hope that it would keep the person that mattered most to you safe. Perhaps her insistence on Coulson telling Skye the truth was just her attempt to cleanse her soul vicariously.
"I couldn't and that's the problem. I understand the need for secrecy and perhaps the clearance levels have some use but sometimes they are misused. I don't think that S.H.I.E.L.D. should be able to keep secrets from agents about themselves."
May glanced at Phil and then asked, "Are we still talking about Skye?"
"Of course."
Phil would be lying if he said this didn't have something to do with his miraculous recovery in Tahiti. He knew the truth now. Phil knew that he died and that Director Fury moved Heaven and Earth to put him back together again. Most people would be grateful but Phil wasn't so sure. He knew that he suffered immensely while the doctors tried to repair the damage done to him. He was injected with drugs he had never heard of and operated on against his will. The only reason he knew of this was that Raina abducted him. He didn't understand why Director Fury felt the need to keep the truth of his recovery a secret. It was just one secret after another.
"When we find Skye I am going to tell her everything. I am going to tell her what happened to the agents that worked her case. I can only hope that she will forgive me for lying to her."
33. Ultimatums
Grant and Skye emerged from her bedroom freshly showered and dressed. They both looked at peace as they had made their decisions.
When Skye walked into the kitchen, she almost chuckled at the picture of domestic bliss. It was like some strange version of a Norman Rockwell painting.
Loki and Amora were sitting at the island drinking coffee and reading the newspaper in their pajamas. There was an impressive spread of fresh fruit, muffins, and breakfast foods. Skye smiled seeing place settings waiting for her and Ward.
She wondered if this would have been her childhood if she weren't stolen from her parents. Skye cleared her throat. "Good Morning."
Amora smiled. "Good morning. Did the two of you sleep well?"
Skye nodded. "We did. That bed is incredibly comfortable."
Loki frowned looking at Ward but then went back to reading his newspaper.
Amora said, "I am glad to hear it. I was hoping that you would like your room. I want both of you to feel comfortable here."
"I do. Are you busy? I was hoping that I could talk to the two of you about going to Asgard."
Loki closed his newspaper and looked at Skye with a smile. "I take it that you've made a decision?"
Skye took a deep breath and squeezed Grant's hand. "Well, that remains to be seen. Grant and I have talked about this and I would like him to come to Asgard with us. I love him and I don't want to lose him. I want to get to know both of you better but not if that means leaving Grant behind."
Loki stood up from the table. "That is out of the question. He is a human and does not belong on Asgard. He does not belong with you. I will find a suitable mate for you. I already have someone in mind. There is a young warrior by the name of Vali. I will introduce you to him when we return to Asgard. If you two get along then you will be married." He flashed a jovial smile. He thought his plan was great.
Ward's jaw tightened. "Skye is not marrying someone else."
Loki laughed. "Is she to marry you? An agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Don't be absurd."
Skye said, "Then I am not going to Asgard. I will stay here with Ward. I have a boyfriend. I am not interested in an arranged marriage to someone I have never met. It was nice meeting both of you. We should get ready to leave, Ward. I am sure our team is looking for us."
Loki clenched his fist in anger. He was quite ready to throw Ward through a window to rid them of this problem.
Amora said, "I want everyone to calm down. Skye you aren't leaving until we talk this out and Loki you are not forcing our daughter into an arranged marriage with your protégé. Vali is nice enough but he will have to find a wife on his own. I would like to have a quiet word with you, Loki. Alone. You two should sit down and enjoy breakfast before it gets cold."
She grabbed Loki's arm and marched him down the hall to their bedroom. Amora closed the door and glared. He could be maddening and pigheaded at times. In some cases should found those qualities endearing. This was not one of those times.
"What do you think you're playing at?" asked Amora.
Loki said, "He is not a suitable mate and you know it! He is human. My brother's relationship with the human doctor is laughable and she is a weakness. He spends all of his time here. I will not allow that albatross to hang around our daughter's neck. She will come to Asgard because I will not give her a choice. Marrying Vali is optional."
"You are being unreasonable and stupid, Loki! We will lose her if you force this situation. I have already lost years with my child. I will not lose another. Hear me when I say this Loki. If you force Skye's hand and she stays here on Earth you will lose both of us. I will not be separated from my child for a second time. You can rule Asgard all on your own."
Loki grimaced. He reached out and pulled Amora to him. Her looked into her eyes and asked, "You would leave me?"
Amora whispered, "I love you, Loki. You are my destiny and I would die a million deaths in service to you, but I will not suffer the loss of my child for a second time. Not in service to your ego."
"Our child."
She asked, "What?"
He said, "Our child. Skye is our child and you are not the only one that lost her." Loki released Amora and walked over to the windows to look out at the city. His heart was not made of stone.
Amora saw his shoulders slump and walked over to him. She linked arms with Loki and rested her head on his shoulder. "I know that you grieved for her. I know that you love Skye and that you just want her to come home but this is not the way. She has our will…she will not be denied."
"The human will hold her back. He will not want to stay on Asgard forever. He will want to return to Earth and she will be even deeper in love with him. She will leave us to follow him. We will lose her again. He is a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and an ally of Thor. What side do you think he will fall on when we rise to power against my brother? He is a liability! He will be a wedge between us and Skye."
She smiled looking into Loki's eyes and lightly caressed his cheek. "You couldn't be more wrong. Skye is the wedge between him and everything else, Loki. I have heard his thoughts. He has compromised himself beyond measure for our daughter and he will continue to do so. He is in love with her and she isn't even using her powers of enchantment. Yet. We should be more concerned with endearing our daughter to our cause because I believe that Agent Ward would follow her to the ends of the earth and beyond. Our plans do not include Earth and he has no real allegiance to Thor. I think he can be brought around slowly. More than his desire for our daughter, I see a warrior inside of him, Loki. He has the spirit of a berserker. He has wielded the berserker staff and remains in complete control of himself. He could be a useful ally especially if it means protecting Skye."
Loki listened to Amora and considered her argument. If Ward was willing to compromise himself like this for Skye without enchantment it stood to reason that he could be an ally instead of a foe. Moreover, if he became an obstacle later it would be easier to explain away his death as collateral damage in the battle to rule Asgard. No matter the outcome, their daughter would be safely on Asgard with them.
"It looks like Agent Ward will be accompanying us to Asgard. However, I would suggest that we leave this afternoon. It is unlikely that S.H.I.E.L.D. will continue to be in the dark about our presence here."
Amora kissed him. "I will tell Skye the good news."
Loki said, "I will come with you. I should welcome our daughter's boyfriend into our family with open arms."
She chuckled softly and walked with him into kitchen where Skye and Grant were seated at the island eating breakfast.
Amora said, "We have some good news. Loki has seen reason and he understands that he can't keep a young couple in love apart. His only worry was that Grant would grow tired of Asgard and decide to leave. Loki was worried that you would follow him, Skye. He just didn't want to lose you a second time. He is better with commands than emotions."
Ward wasn't sure that he believed a word coming out of Amora's mouth but he saw Skye's face light up. Her happiness in this situation was what counted to him. Loki didn't have to like him.
Skye rushed over and hugged Loki. "I am so glad that you changed your mind. I know that you don't know Ward but I do and I trust him. Thank you."
Loki squeezed her and said, "It is worth it to have our daughter with us. However, on that note I have to say that we will have to leave today. S.H.I.E.L.D. may be closing in on us and the longer we stay the higher the chance of capture becomes."
Grant said, "Skye and I discussed that this morning. We understand that we have to leave as soon as possible."
Amora said, "Well, then we shouldn't delay. After you finish breakfast, we will depart for my home in Westchester."
