A/N: Forgive any spelling and grammar mistakes! This is un-betaed and I'll get the edited version up soon! I noticed some really glaring mistakes in last chapter so forgive me for that too!

Chapter 10:

Fighting Fate

As soon as Doctor Banner brought me my armor, it was suggested that Thor and I go at it against one another. Not wanting to pass up the chance to humiliate the Asgardian, I accepted.

The stage was set. It was set for a lighthearted brawl between two great warriors. It was Thor with his wisdom and might against me, my intelligence, trickery, and cunning moves. Our spectators considered this mere play, but to me it was something more. For one, it was to establish myself superior. The result of our little battle would determine my stature among the protectors of Earth and humanity. Sure, that was essential, but what was more was to remind them. To remind them of what could potentially ensue them with the snap of my finger. Remind them that the world around them could be burnt to ashes with the wave of my hand. It could be said that I was drawing the line between us. But, I needed to draw this line as silently as possible. For if I drew too much negative attention, my plans to befriend my adversary and take the Casket would crumble to dust. I needed to plant the impression that I am like a tiger; strong and independent, friendly and cute, but deadly and lethal if provoked.

Thor lowered into a defensive position, with his knees slightly bent and hand gripping his mighty hammer. Although much stronger than me, Thor would be an easy defeat due to his apparent lack of concern. The way he twirled the hammer in his hands and the relaxed friendly grin on his face signified that he felt at ease. To me, this was a notion of arrogance and supremacy. Well, soon that smirk would be turned upside down.

In my eyes, he was prey and I should treat him as such. It is important to never under-estimate your opponent, but it is equally important never to over-estimate them. With slow carefully calculated steps, I began to stalk my prey. Treading softly, I circled around the mighty god. He looked genuinely confused by my strange battle technique, but followed along and began circling around me. Asgard's fighting strategies were out dated and pure brute strength was favored over careful planning and logical solutions.

Soon enough, we were pulled into a loop, equally spaced and ready to make the first attack. Our eyes were locked and we bore into the others as if we were attempting to read the other's mind. His grin had faded and was replaced by a serious and concentrated face. I narrowed my eyes. I broke contact and my eyes darted about, searching for a weakness in Thor's armor. My search was futile considering I didn't intended to cause him serious harm, but only to incapacitate him. It became clear that the best move would be to get him off guard. That would be easy considering that with the slightest movement from either of us; the other would surely leap into attack.

My battle armor was designed to allow me agility and stealth while still looking presentable. It was tight to my body and the swirls of purple and sliver metal created an elegant and beautiful look to it all. A dark violet pleated skirt gave my figure flattering looks. All my legs wore were simple shin and knee protectors made of shining silver metal. The armor covering my torso hadn't any type of sleeve so in place, leather fingerless bands ran halfway up my forearms and it too was embroidered with silver. A thick leather belt held my sword that my hand gripped, ready to pull it out to make my first move. That first move was to startle Thor to give myself the instant advantage.

I whipped out my sword with such effortlessness that could only from achieved by years of experience. My swift move did what it set out to do. Thor barreled at me with his hammer prepared to smash. I stood calm and collected. Just before The hammer could connect with my body, I stepped to the side and the hammer swung through the empty air where I had just stood.

Before Thor could make sense of what had just happened, I lunged around to the back of him and with one swift movement; I sliced off his red cape entirely, leaving just strands of the fabric. The cape fluttered to the ground. This served as a mere warning. Anyways, it looked like he had stolen one of his mother's drapes and wore it as a cape. I backed away to a safe distance.

Judging by the chuckles from the two men and Natasha failing to hide a smile, my little stunt was rather humorous to them. Thor, however, looked quite perturbed but impressed with my actions. He still managed to give me an encouraging smile.

"It appears we have quite the fighter here," Thor said, confirming my suspicions that he had under-estimated my skills in battle. A bead of sweat trickled down his face and disappeared into the scruff on his face. He kicked aside his cape with a speedy movement from his foot.

"I haven't yet begun to fight," I responded coolly with a determined smile. I hated being this cocky and arrogant, but I couldn't help it this time. It was just too fun and easy to make a fool out of Thor. This was followed by more laughs from our onlookers.

"You get'em girl!" Natasha cheered from the sidelines. A part of me was relieved to know that the others thought I was playing instead of trying to prove myself.

I held my sword loosely at my side. In a split moment, I charged towards Thor with my sword ready to slice. Thor stood prepared to defect my blow, with his feet spread apart like any trainer in Asgard would have taught to him. He must have noticed the mischievous glint in my sapphire eyes, but all too late. Feet first, I dove under his legs and leapt back to my feet. Thor was prepared for another one of my cunning moves and without hesitation, spun around to deflect my incoming attack.

Metal met metal in a forceful collision between sword and hammer. We looked into each others eyes as our weapons were locked together. His breathing was heavy and sweat continued to drip down his face. I knew my strength was no match for his, but I didn't let this catch on.

As soon as I felt my arms would give, I lunched myself into the air and flipped backwards. I stuck the landing with only a couple stumbles backward. Now, my breath was raspy and hard. I held my sword in front with both hands. Strands of my long dark hair covered my eyes and stuck to the sweat on my face.

Thor sent his hammer flying towards me before I could fully recover. I jumped to the side to avoid it, but not fast enough.

The hammer clipped my hip sending me flying to the ground. For the first few moments, I felt numbness. Then it hit me. A sharp ache caused my hand to clutch the area of impact as I attempted to get back to my feet. Taking little mercy, Thor ran at me at full speed like an enraged bull. The odds of winning weren't in my favor. Unless…

I yanked out a small smooth golden sphere from a pouch on my belt. With all my might, I chucked it near my charging opponent and dove to the ground for cover.

There was a high pitch humming and then a flash of golden light. The sound of charging feet had vanished. I rose slowly to find that Thor was frozen in place. My bones ached and my throat was parched. Gasps arose from the three onlookers. I found my little golden ball nearby and placed it back into its pouch.

The little ball was an invention of mine. It temporarily froze anyone near it for about a minute's time. I found the need for it early on in my career. While my abilities were obsolete since they drained my energy, this little ball was very useful. I used it anytime I needed a minute advantage on anything, like now. I named it the Orb.

I walked over to the frozen Thor. His teeth were barred and his body completely frozen in his running place. With all my body force pushed against him, I toppled the massive warrior to the ground. Fortunately, he landed on his back so I didn't have to turn his over. I shuddered at just the thought of trying to turn over hundreds of pounds of sheer mussel. His arms and legs stuck out at strange angles and hair frozen in bizarre spikes. I placed my foot atop his armored chest and pointed my sword tip near his throat.

As Thor unfroze, I triumphantly whispered, "I win."

A/N: I kind of gave you part one of what I was planning to write. I wanted to write more and got distracted by a new story (and I wanted to watch the Superbowl -yep you guessed it. I'm an American) that I'm working so forgive the shortness of this one! Also, this was my first try at writing an action sequence so I hope it worked for you guys and girls.

I hope it was alright. I've been really sick lately both physically and mentally. Some pretty strange stuff has happened. I've had hallucinations (both visual and auditory) and delusions and its gotten really scary. So I'm going to get my head checked out soon :/ Don't worry! I wont let it get in the way of my writing.

Thanks to the new followers! I really appreciate it!

Hey! I haven't gotten a review in like four chapters! Please give me some feedback! Or just let me know that you enjoy! :)

Till next chapter,

- Pandora :D