Chapter 9- Going our Separate Ways…For Now
Natasha and Thor each had a hand on one of Loki's elbows as they escorted him out of the car and into the center of the bridge. Natasha backed away next to Clint as I stepped forward, Thor respectfully giving me space.
I smirked tauntingly up at Loki. "That's what you get for trying to take over the world," I said, leaning to one side and cocking an eyebrow. I became serious for a minute, straightening up and glaring at him. "You mess with my family, and you mess with me. If I never see you again, Loki, it'll be far too soon. Never come back to Earth, or you'll have us to answer to."
He only glared at me—he was wearing a mouth brace that wouldn't allow him to speak. I stepped away and smiled as Steve's arm fell across my shoulder. I leaned against him, satisfied with a job well done. Natasha leaned back and whispered something to Clint, who only smiled. I smirked back and rolled my eyes.
Tony and Bruce were in the trunk of their car, carefully taking the Tesseract- in a transport cylinder the two geniuses designed to get the demigods to Asgard- out. Bruce handed it to Thor and Loki, the former nodding his thanks to all of us. Then Thor turned the handle, and the power of the Tesseract quickly sent them back to their world, leaving the rest of us standing in a circle, staring at nothing.
We all began making our goodbyes, disorderedly milling about the bridge. I started with the Black Widow. "It was nice seeing you again, Tasha," I said, shaking her hand.
"Nice to see you, too. We'll probably meet again for a mission soon," she replied, smiling.
I moved on to the Hulk. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Dr. Banner," I said, shaking his hand vigorously. "And thanks for saving my life."
"Call me Bruce, and the pleasure was all mine," he replied. "And I'm sure you would have done the same for me, if it were actually possible." I chuckled, nodded goodbye, and walked away.
Iron Man was next. "I'll probably see you soon, Tony," I said as we hugged.
He clapped me on the back and said, "Yeah, we'll get you guys back together as soon as Stark Tower's rebuilt. Pepper makes a great stew—yeah, we'll get you, Cap, and Legolas over for dinner."
I laughed. "Alright, see you, buddy," I said, still wearing a goofy smile on my face. I'm never going to get tired of him.
I approached Hawkeye last. "I know you're going to Chicago in a few days," I said, punching him in the shoulder. "You can't hide anything from me."
"Yeah, about that," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "Tasha just surprised me with this trip, said she was going to San Francisco anyway, and that her flight had a stopover, and she offered me a seat on the plane, and—"
"Clint, relax!" I said, laughing. "Don't worry about it, it's alright. Just promise me you won't get possessed by any evil demigods while you're there. And get me a snow globe!"
He laughed, and I finally returned to Captain America's side. "Shall we?" he asked, gesturing to his motorbike and offering his arm. We were going out for lunch, now that Earth was safe from evil Asgardian overlords. I had dressed up somewhat for the occasion- boot-cut jeans, a white blouse, fitted leather jacket, and ankle boots. I threaded my arm through his as he led me to the vehicle, and I swung my leg over the back seat as he settled into the front. As he started the motorbike up, I gave one last general wave to everyone else, some already driving away. I wrapped my arms around Steve's chest as the bike began moving, nestling my chin between his neck and shoulder.
When I first said yes to Maria that day at breakfast, I thought I was only going to try to rescue Clint, and even then I wasn't sure if I could do that. Not only did I save my cousin, I also helped save the world, regained my confidence as Magpie, and ended up going on a date with the world's first superhero. I'll thank my best friend next time I see her for convincing me to become an Avenger.
Now that I was one, I couldn't imagine being anything else.
