Chapter 12: Souls In Danger (Part 1)

The next day came. As the sun rose, the Avengers, Strike Team Alpha, and Final Fantasy rose with it. Natasha kissed Clint, who returned the favor before they got out of bed. Thor darted into the massive kitchen upon being released from Jane's firm grasp, searching for his beloved Pop-Tarts with great zeal. He bumped into Steve on the way. Dr. Banner had long since disappeared into his lab. Tony was plopped on the couch next to Pepper, an arm wrapped loosely around her.

Shaylyn walked into the shower, letting the warm water gently wake her up. Elena was already in one of Tony's many sparring arenas, practicing the use of her cartridge sword on decoys. Shaylyn soon finished in the shower, video called Elysia, and began delivering both her report and Elena's report.

Zephyra was talking to Saphira, who was holding a small, cute, and cuddly Relena. Qhes was laying on top of the cabinets, more interested in sleeping than anything else at the moment. Shadow, unable to resist her lust for battle, was going all out in one of Tony's many sparring arenas. Luna was nowhere to be seen, but Zephyra had a pretty good idea of where she was.

"Sir, Miss Inoue and Miss Kurosaki have arrived on the premises. They wish to enter." JARVIS informed. Tony waved his hand, knowing the secret identities of Queen Shirayuri and Crimson Flash (for the most part) and having previously convinced their parents that they'd be safe in his Tower.

"Sure, let 'em in, JARVIS. Show them to their rooms, would you?" Tony said loosely.

"I will."

JARVIS immediately got to work, coordinating robot drones to lift their luggage and guiding the two to their respective rooms. Ayame was soon happily settled into her quarters, humming a upbeat tune. Akane was just as easily settled. Overall, it seemed like nothing big would happen at the Tower today-

BOOM!

In an instant, everyone in the common area tensed. Natasha unholstered her pistol, Clint cocked his bow, Steve grabbed his shield, Thor willed his hammer into his hand, and Tony sent for his armor as a strange beam of pink light arrived on the outstretched pedestal. The air was thick with uncertainty.

"Relax, heroes. You have no reason to fear."

Everyone's eyes widened as the light faded, revealing the mysterious woman known only as Lady Sakura. Her cold, focused, slate-grey eyes were just as they remembered, and she still had her sword. Her appearance was unchanged. Tony smiled at her.

"So, looks like you're not so cold after all-!"

"Do not touch me, Metal Man." She hissed. Tony put his hands up in surrender.

"Alright, alright…" He muttered.

"WHAT THE HELL IS ALL OF THAT?!" Clint screeched, pointing to the massive amounts of luggage that had accompanied her. She glanced at the archer.

"It is all of my belongings, Hawkeye. I intend to move in and live with my allies, for the time being." She explained calmly.

"But how… when…"

Hawkeye was lost for words, and Steve was immediately sceptical.

"That's a completely different tune than what you were singing earlier, Lady Sakura." He pointed out.

"I am well aware of the past. My memory is intact. However, it occurred to me that it would not be logical of me for me to avoid my allies as if they had a disease. Though I have no intention of becoming closer than allies with any of you, I know that I must live among you if I am to be an effective hero." She replied, partially lying.

"Bullshit-"

"Please show me to wherever my private quarters are within this massive structure, or else I will find them myself!" She snapped, cutting Tony off. Everyone was focused on her, most of them sceptical, Thor confused, and Steve determined. Tony growled.

"Fine… JARVIS, you know what to do." Tony said reluctantly.

"Indeed I do. Lady Sakura, please follow me to your quarters. I assure you that I will ensure your luggage is handled with the utmost care." JARVIS requested calmly. Lady Sakura followed the electronic cues to her room, many robots following right behind her, carrying the large amount of luggage with great care.

It did not take her very long to set up fully in her quarters; scaring anyone who dared come near her off with a quick surge of angry reiatsu. She soon came back out; a small but noticeable scowl on her face. Her zanpakuto was in its sealed state, at her side. She took an isolated seat, far away from the other Avengers. She personally wanted nothing to do with these imbeciles, but alas, her father's orders took precedence over her personal desires-

She stopped the thoughts in her track when two simultaneous events took place.

The first one was a realization. The way the one who called himself "Captain America" as a hero… how firm he was in his speech and his beliefs… his sense of justice and honor... the way he was always smiling… Rosé mentally smacked herself.

No! She thought. I will NOT let my thoughts go down that path! Never! I am the daughter of Byakuya Kuchiki, next in line for rule of the Kuchiki Clan-

"Lady Sakura, you okay?" Clint asked. She grumbled.

"Yes. I am perfectly fine. I merely sensed a small disturbance, that is all."

It wasn't a complete and total lie. The second thing was the disturbance. She had felt something strange-and then her eyes widened.


As she walked through the streets of Midgard, she sighed. She couldn't make sense of anything. She was looking forward to getting back to the Bifrost site, and returning to her home realm-

Suddenly, she skidded to a halt. A small, cloaked figure had suddenly appeared before her. She glared at the figure incredulously.

"Fool! What were you thinking?! You could have-"

"You'll do."

Before she could even blink, the figure shot up, and stabbed something in the back of her neck.

"Submit... Conquista de la Reina se."

In an instant, her soul was ripped out of her body. The lights in her eyes faded, and, soon, the emblem of the Pulsian Lunar Army appeared on her outer right shoulder. The figure looked coldly at the soul she'd so forcefully removed from its body.

"I don't need this anymore. Goodbye, Lady Sif of Asgard."

She tossed the soul aside, as if it was a leaf. Sif's soul looked shocked back at her body. She turned in the direction of the Avengers Tower. She swallowed nervously.

Please let someone see me in my darkest hour... before it's too late...

She drifted towards the Tower, praying for a miracle.