A/N: So... grovelling... I know this update is a bit late, but I have a good reason! I've been mega busy with life at the minute, and with various summer trips. Where as last summer I updated a lot more than usual, I don't think that will happen this year. What with my laptop being stupid again (I've had to borrow my mum's) and the hectic schedule I've arranged for myself, I'll hardly have any time for myself. Still, I would like to thank you for your patience and loyalty and in return I'll try to update as soon as possible at regular intervals. Thanks again, Fronk x

That evening I went to bed really quite early. If I had to be up, dressed and ready to go for seven, I'd need a bit of time before. Especially as I was going to be fitting into the new 'super-suit' that designer from S.H.I.E.L.D had sent me. I fell asleep peacefully in Bruce's arms and thankfully had a dreamless and restful night. In the morning I got up and had a nice long shower, waking myself up thoroughly. When I came out, fully dressed for the day, Bruce was just waking up.

"Morning," I said, kissing him sweetly.

"Good morning," he said blearily but with a slow, lazy smile on his face.

"Ready to fight the big bad?" I asked.

He shrugged. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"I'm sure it'll be fine," I said.

I squeaked slightly as Bruce pulled me off my feet and back into bed with him.

"I don't want you getting hurt unnecessarily today," he said, "So no playing hero for you unless the situation is extremely dire, understand me?"

Even though his words were harsh and demanding, his voice was full with nothing but care, and perhaps a little fear. It made me smile that this incredible man thought so much of me after such a short amount of time. I leaned up and pressed my mouth longingly into his. He came back at me fiercely, pressing me further into the mattress. I pulled back, a loving smile on my lips.

"Down, boy," I said breathlessly, "Carry on like that and we'll never make it to Ohio."

"Fine by me," Bruce said while he rolled off of me.

I wrapped my arms around his bare waist and rested my head on his shoulder.

"I told you, Bruce," I said. "I've been in a lot of battles against monsters before and have always come out on top. Plus, I have a few thousand year old Phoenix spirit watching my back. I'll be fine, so stop fretting."

He slumped into my embrace. "I'm allowed to worry, Helena," he whispered desperately.

"I'm not saying don't worry," I clarified, "I'm saying don't fret. I'll be fine, you'll be fine, every one will be fine. It's just one monster – it's not like we're about to fight a race of destructive aliens under the control of a crazed megalomaniac from another planet."

Bruce laughed. "I suppose not," he allowed.

"I'm going to head down and grab some breakfast," I told him, releasing him. "I'll see you down there."

He nodded and continued getting ready. As I left the room, sword in hand, I noticed that the Tower was alive with activity, even if it was only half six in the morning. Upon entering the living area, I was taken back to my first day. Every one was in their super-suits, with the exception of Tony who didn't want to put his on until they had to go. I'm sure walking in the Iron Man suit isn't that easy. Captain America called me over.

"We got a call from one of the workers from the place in Ohio," he informed me. "He'll meet us and show us what happened. Apparently a lot of the other staff have just gone home, but it was his ward that was broken into so he feels some responsibility for it."

I nodded. That was understandable.

"Oh, and this came for you this morning," he said, handing me a package.

I thanked him and opened it. Inside laid my very own super suit. I was so thrilled to finally have it. I held it up against myself and heard Tony let out a low whistle.

"And I thought Natasha looked good in the cat suit," he called, smirking. "Can't wait to see you in that, birdy."

Natasha whacked him over the head for me.

"Don't be vulgar," she scolded.

Clint scoffed into his coffee. "Have you ever met Tony Stark?" he asked disbelievingly.

She shrugged. "Not this side of him. Not since Pepper."

At the mention of his girlfriend Tony visibly paled.

"You're not going to tell her, are you?" he whispered.

"Well, that depends," I said cheekily, a hand on my hip. "Are you going to promise to never do it again?"

"I swear on this little circle of light," he said, tapping the arc reactor in his chest.

"Then I won't tell," I said, walking back out to get changed. "But that doesn't stop anyone else from telling!"

I quickly ran down the corridor to avoid the shouting that followed. I slipped into a nearby supply closet and got changed. I felt like a real superhero, getting changed on the quiet. Once I was dressed, I looked down at myself. The material was skin tight but breathable, and thankfully didn't make me look hideous. Even the shoes were incredibly comfortable – it was as if I were in bare feet, something I appreciated. Before exiting the cupboard I tied my hair back in a tight Dutch braid. I left the mask off, though. No need to hide my identity yet. As I left the room I tied the sword around my middle, securing it firmly. I did feel a little ridiculous, but when did anyone get the chance to dress up like a superhero… and actually be the superhero? Even by my standards, that was a little extreme.

When I came back into the room Bruce was there, getting a cup of tea. I went up behind him.

"You're going to need more than that for today," I said in his ear.

He visibly jumped and turned around.

"Was there really any need for that?" he asked, a little breathless.

I smiled. "Some need, yes."

He shook his head, but stopped when he caught sight of what I was wearing. I flushed a little as I walked around him to get some breakfast. A few moments later we were all gathered around the coffee table. Steve was telling us the battle plan. We were to be in three squads: him, Natasha and Thor; Clint, Tony and Bruce; Loki and I. We would all investigate the area as one, but we would cover the forest in these groups.

"We cover more ground this way," Steve explained.

"Is it wise letting Loki off in a pair?" Clint asked. "No offence, but he could still pull something."

"I would not," Loki defended. "I have been trusted, and I am not about to betray that. Not after last time."

"And I'll keep an eye on him," I assured everyone. "It's probably wisest putting him with me: I am a demigod, after all. And Akisa won't let him pull any shit."

Steve nodded. "Our transport will be here any moment now. Stark, go suit up: now."

Tony muttered something about Steve being overly bossy but went regardless.

"Love the outfit, by the way," Clint teased while we waited.

"Stop it," Natasha scolded. "Even though Helena has no reason to, it is obvious she's a little uncomfortable in that thing. Probably the bright colouring."

"It was the best out of the four designs I was sent," I explained.

"You look fierce," Bruce said, "I like it. It's like it shows your true colours instead of the subdued ones you usually wear."

"When are you going to transform into the beast?" Thor asked abruptly.

We all looked over at him. Even Loki seemed a little shocked – or was that embarrassed? – at his brother's bluntness.

"Me or Helena?" Bruce asked tentatively.

"I meant you, but Lady Helena can also answer."

"Not until I have to," Bruce and I said at the same time.

Then Tony came clunking back into the room in his slightly modified armour.

"The Quinjet's here," he announced. "It's on the roof awaiting our arrival. I said I could fly us there myself, but apparently that 'doesn't fit regulations'," Tony mocked.

"Did you catch the pilot's name?" Natasha asked.

"Agent Fishy, I think," Tony said.

"Is he about Clint's height with short brown hair? Looks permanently like he has just smelt something horrific?" she inquired.

"What is this, an inquisition?" Tony said dramatically. "Yes, that's what he looks like, but also with an angry looking scar on his neck. He didn't appreciate my pointing it out."

Clint groaned. "That's Agent Vishby," he explained. "We'd better get going. He's a stickler for rules and regulations, and doesn't like being late. Doesn't really like you, either, Stark."

"Who at S.H.I.E.L.D does?" Loki asked dryly.

"That's rich coming from you, the guy who tried, and failed, to take over the planet and looks like a demonic Papa Smurf when pissed," Tony snapped.

"Like now?" Loki growled and began to advance on Tony, a slight blue tint to his skin. I put my hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"Play nice, boys," I said. "We have a mission to carry out and it's not going to get done if you're already at each other's throats. Shall we go?"

We all filed out of the room and up to the roof. An odd sort of helicopter – a Quinjet – was awaiting us. We strapped ourselves into the cargo-bay like seating area and took off towards Oak Hill, South Ohio. Took off towards what ever was plaguing me. Took off towards, hopefully, some answers.

So, they're about to go face the big bad! Let me know what you think, R&R!