Ivy here.

Ward didn't release his grip on me. "Aren't you worried you'll hit her?"

"We both know my aim is better than that. Now let her go."

Ward debated for a moment, then shoved me toward Agent May.

"Get out," she ordered.

I stumbled past her, heading out the nearest exit. I slumped against the smooth wall, sliding down to the floor. I'd been beat up far worse before. Still, hitting your head on a pane of glass really isn't all that pleasant.

"Ivy!"

I jumped up, dropping into a fighting stance, only to realize it was only Ariel. "Sorry," I said.

"So this is what you do when you go missing?"

"Yeah. I get beat up."

Ariel's gaze went over my shoulder. She shrieked as a hand reached past me, pulling her forward.

I spun around to see Lorelei wrapping an arm around Ariel's throat.

"Tell me how to win," ordered Lorelei. "While your friend is still breathing."

I froze.

"What's more important? Her life or whatever timeline you're trying to maintain? Choose," ordered Lorelei.

Sif appeared behind her.

Lorelei switched the position of her hands. "I'll snap her neck," she said, addressing Sif.

"It's too late," I said.

"What?" said Lorelei.

"You can't win anymore. You aren't getting off this airplane if Sif or I have anything to say about it."

Lorelei's hands moved slightly on Ariel's neck.

I moved so she couldn't see Sif and me at the same time. I didn't have any weapons on me, not even a knife. But her inability to see both of us might stall her for a bit.

"What's more important?" hissed Lorelei. "I won't ask again."

Ariel moved suddenly, pulling away from Lorelei. She kicked the Asgardian in the kneecap and ran.

I grabbed her as she ran past, pulling her behind me. Lorelei gave chase.

I stepped in front of her, sticking out my leg. Lorelei tried to grab for Ariel again, only to fall.

I dropped down to continue my attack, but she stuck her hand into my throat, squeezing. I grabbed her fingers with one hand and twisted them, moving them off my throat. It's surprising how useless strength can be in a fight sometimes – get a hold of a big guy's finger and twist it right, and you can take to the ground no matter small you are - which is exactly what I did. My other hand pummeled her face. I used my knee to pin one arm down as best I could and kept throwing strikes. "DON'T – EVER – TOUCH – HER – AGAIN!"

A pair of arms grabbed me, pulling me off. "That's enough," said Agent May.

Sif threw the collar around Lorelei's neck. It expanded upwards, covering her mouth.

I breathed a sigh of relief. All over at last.

"You ever think that's the best reason you have?"

I turned to see Agent Coulson watching from across the room. He nodded slightly to Ariel.

Of course.

Agent May released me and I collapsed to my knees.

That was why I should keep at it. Because I could protect others, the people I cared about.

A strange stinging formed behind my eyes. I didn't recognize it for a moment, then realized that it was tears. I let them go.

"Agent Coulson… thank you," I said. I turned slightly so no one would see the tear that fell down my face. "Thank you so much."