Cats on a Plane
Laura's POV
Director Fury scowls as he paces around the plane. "You know, for a supposed team of superheroes, I sure end up saving your sorry asses a lot. And would you mind telling me why there's a cat on my plane?!" he says, glaring at me. "BECAUSE I'VE HAD IT WITH THESE MOTHERFUCKING CATS ON MY MOTHERFUCKING PLANES!"
"That cat is unfortunately Laura," Liberty says. "She appears to have gotten stuck while shapeshifting."
"And she might not be as guilty as you think," Joe adds to Fury.
"She did untie us after escaping her ropes instead of just running away," Liberty admits, "but that could have just been an act."
"Shapeshifting, huh," Director Fury says, rubbing a hand over his forehead. "All these Laura problems are giving me a massive headache."
"I'm sorry, sir. If you like, we could help escort her to your containment facility—"
Fury waves a hand. "Not necessary. Some witnesses have come forward and…" he sighs. "It seems that Laura is innocent."
Everyone seems surprised by this, except for Joe, who fist-pumps and says "Knew it!"
"Anyways," Fury continues. "I would like for Laura to change back, and for all of you to come to the debriefing room." He nods to me. "Laura, if you can hear me, you're welcome to change back in that bathroom," he says, pointing to one further down the plane. "Shield intel says you don't have full control of your powers yet."
No, duh. I could have told him that.
"There should be some cloths in there as well, in case you need them."
Oh, right. My cloths just kind of disappeared when I shapeshifted. I figured they would re-appear when I change back, but considering the bad luck I've had with my powers so far, they probably won't. I nod at Fury to let him know I heard him, then head to the bathroom. I leap up onto the sink, and manage to look at my cat form in the mirror for the first time. My eyes are the same color brown as my human eyes, although cat-shaped, and my fur is the same black color as my hair.
Concentrating, I picture my eyes returning to normal, my fur retreating to hair, and my front legs returning to arms, and am relieved when I am actually able to switch back. I guess I was so nervous Hysteria was going to come back after I slipped out of my ropes that I couldn't concentrate on shapeshifting. Not that I'm not nervous now, but knowing that Fury isn't about to torture me calmed me down somewhat.
I am even happier to find, after looking in the mirror again, that my cloths reappeared. My Ravenclaw t-shirt might not be the cutest shirt ever, but it's definitely better than the three-sizes-too-big grey t-shirt and sweatpants that Fury brought from SHIELD.
I step out of the bathroom, and watch as everyone who was talking stops and stares at me. I realize they must have been talking about me. I swallow and sit down in a seat away from everyone else, hoping Director Fury didn't change his mind about me being a good person.
"Laura. Nice to see you've rejoined the human race," Fury says.
"…yeah…" I mumble, since I'm technically somewhat Asgardian as well.
Fury sighs. "Listen, I think we got off on the wrong foot."
…you think?...
"How 'bout all of you come to the debriefing room and we can sort things out?"
The six of us follow Fury to a room on the plane with a computer and overhead projector, like our high school has.
"I want you all to see this," Fury says, clicking a button on the computer that causes the video on the projector to play. The first scene we see is Sam's sister crying.
"SARAH!" Sam yells, concerned that his sister is crying.
"She d-didn't do anything!" Sam's sister wails. "We were just having fun, a-a-and princessing. She was fun, but you're being big meanies to her!"
Fury pauses the video. "This is from early this morning. We questioned Sam's sister right after the five of you left to retrieve Laura. She only had good things to say about Laura."
The six of us sit there in shock. I'm surprised because I didn't realize SHIELD would question a six-year-old, and I'm guessing the others are surprised that I wasn't attacking Sarah.
Fury clears his throat. "Now then, the next video isn't quite so reassuring, but I'd like you all to see it anyways."
He hits the play button again, and I gasp when Loki's face appears onscreen!
"Really, now. You think that CHILD would assist me in an attack on your planet? How MORTAL of you to think so! She is barely more than a decade old, a mere BABY by Asgardian standards, where age is measured in centuries! As such, she is also too young to realize what glory my conquering of Earth would bring."
"So you asked, and she turned you down?"
I recognize the questioning voice as Fury's.
"She was too young to understand," Loki replies, indirectly answering Fury's question. "And she will be for quite some time. So no, I will not involve her in my plans." Loki narrows his eyes. "However, I will NOT let you capture or hurt her. She is more than a common mortal, and deserves to be treated as such. If you harm her in any way, you WILL see me again, and it will not end pleasantly for you. Farewell," Loki finishes, and disappears from sight.
My mouth drops open. I can't believe Loki would actually do something to help me! It's almost like he's a father or something.
"This footage is also from this morning, when Loki decided to teleport straight into my heavily-armed office. Now, I don't trust Loki one bit, but I do trust Sam's sister, so I think it's possible Laura could be innocent. I also think it's possible that Loki could keep his word about damaging SHIELD if we take any action against Laura. Therefore, it is my decision for Laura NOT to be put in SHIELD custody."
I can't believe my good luck! "Thank y—" I start to say, but I am interrupted by an angry glare from Fury.
"Don't think this means you can cause whatever trouble you want! SHIELD will still be keeping an eye on you, and I personally expect the five of you" he turns to the five heroes around me "to keep me informed, but for now, I see no reason to prevent you from living your life," he finishes, looking at me.
"Thank you," I say again.
Fury nods. "Now then, once the plane touches down, you will be free to go. I expect all of you to work hard at your superhero training and get good grades." He frowns. "And don't make me rescue your sorry asses again!" He claps his hands. "Dismissed!"
As I walk off the plane, I still can't believe my good luck! Sure, my teammates are giving me wary looks, but compared to being tortured, a few glares are a breeze! I'm so glad I can get back to normal life things... like my angry mom… and power training with five people who hate me… and Homecoming.
On second thought, HELP!
