Hey guys, here's the new chapter! I was gonna post it in October but I took time off for my birthday and job interviews. Anyway, enjoy!
I do not own Marvel, only my Oc.
Calliope's Pov: Asgard
"So, let me get this straight," I comment; The Prince and I are currently eating dinner at a local tavern in Asgard as he explains the events leading up to my arrival. "You called me here to help you with the numerous battles across the nine realms?"
"Yes, I was the one who threw the realms into chaos by destroying the Bifrost to prevent the destruction of Jotunheim. Now the realms have dissolved into anarchy. Thus far, the warriors of Asgard, including myself, have tried to quell the skirmishes but to no avail. Which is why I called upon you, my friend."
"But how am I supposed to help?"
"Calliope, your powers are on par with my own. I have also heard from Heimdall that you have received proper training on Earth since we last spoke, making you a commendable fighter. With your help, we can end the war as we did with the Battle of New York."
"And your people won't feel disrespected by the thought of a human fighting alongside them?"
"Of course not," Thor beams at me. "Ever since your first visit to Asgard, the people have grown to love you. The troops have great respect for you, and Sif has personally asked to see you once again."
"Woah, I didn't think I made a good impression during my last visit with the way your father kicked me out," I recalled, but when I mentioned Odin and his treatment towards me, Thor's face slightly faltered. Noticing this, I pressed forward in our conversation. "Your father did approve of my return, right?"
...
...
...
"THOR?!"
"There is no need for shouting, my friend," Thor tries to tell me, but the scowl on my face causes him to flinch. "...no, I did not tell him. However, my mother will help me convince him of your assistance on the field of battle. Before calling on you, I explained to my mother that you are necessary for our victory, and she approved."
"Thor, you know I would love to help you, but your father really hates me."
"He does not hate you-" My scowl deepens as Thor tries to speak. The Prince lets out a sigh as he takes back his statement. "Very well, my father does not like you. I do not understand why, but he will have to accept you. I am in command of the war front, and I require your assistance. Will you join me, Calliope?"
"Alright," I replied automatically, placing my food to the side. "I owe you for all of the help you've given me. Plus, how can I say no to a friend in need."
"Wonderful!" Thor booms, calling over a waitress. "Ma'am, bring us your finest dessert!"
"Dessert?" I laughed as the woman waltzes over with a pie in hand.
"Well, I recall you do not drink mead. Thus, the dessert will have to do!"
As we ate our dessert, we spoke about what we've been up to as of late. Together, we laughed, whined, and shared a few secrets we swore never to tell another soul. Throughout the night, I noticed how Thor's shoulders began to relax and whereby his smile reached his eyes.
3rd POV: Earth
7:48 am EST| Washington, D.C.
15 hours since the abduction of Star Ray aka Calliope Rodriguez.
The group of remaining Avengers gathers around the table to listen to the latest report of their missing friend. In attendance, Jane Foster, Erik Selvig, Agent Edwards, and Xiang Tzu join them with Agent Hill at the head of the table. Director Fury is currently unavailable, leaving Hill to direct the group instead.
"Alright, now that everyone is here, why don't you start from the beginning, Agent Barton?" Hill calls upon Barton.
The male stands from his seat at the circular table and takes the offered manila folder from Maria Hill's grasp. "As you can all tell, Calliope is missing from the meeting. In her place, we have her SO and Teacher. The reason being is that Calliope has disappeared."
Many whispers went around the room, but none of them were angry. The entire group (except for Foster, Selvig, and Hill) is aware of the efforts Calliope has made to become a better person and friend. Everyone in the room has formed a bond with the girl, so it seems unlikely she would run away like before. So the entire group quiets down to listen to the Agent for the rest of the report. When Clint is certain no one will speak up, he continues.
"Earlier today, Calliope and I were walking through the city when a sudden flash of light appeared, separating us. At first, it was thought to be a bomb; however, nothing was destroyed. Upon closer inspection, markings were left on the ground." Opening the folder, Clint distributes papers to the entire group with pictures of the scene and a packet of interstellar and dimension particle data. "I'm sure most of you recognize the patterns on the ground."
"The Bifrost," Dr. Selvig whispers, looking to Jane. His mentee remains silent as she looks back at Clint.
"So Asgard took her," Tony cuts in. "Then she's alright."
"Not exactly," Steve says from beside Stark. "Remember when Calliope told us about her interactions with Odin."
"That's right," Dr. Banner intercedes on the other side of the playboy genius. "He kicked her out of Asgard."
"Later on, Cal told me how he treated her," Steve adds. "If it wasn't for Thor and Queen Frigga, I'm not sure what could have happened to her."
"So, is this an abduction or a friendly invitation?" Natasha inquires to the group. "Has Calliope mentioned visiting Asgard in the future?"
When the entire group responds with a resounding no, Hill decides to step back into the conversation. "Since Agent Rodriguez never mentioned leaving Earth, and given the sudden transport in a populated area utilizing the Bifrost, this occurrence will be classified as a kidnapping. Which is why you've been called here, Jane Foster."
"Excuse me?" Dr. Foster stutters to the older woman. "I had nothing to do with this."
"I know; however, you are the leading expert on Earth when it comes to the Bifrost. Can your research help us travel to Asgard?"
"My analysis on the Bifrost is nowhere near completion. We don't know the energy source or the mechanics behind it. Also, the data in this packet might be similar to the Bifrost from 2011, but it's not the same. It's different."
"In what way?"
"The data analysis shows different particles in the structure. I noticed this the first time the Bifrost was used a few months ago. Now I'm convinced it's changed, meaning everything is different."
"Actually, Jane," Dr. Selvig cuts in. "I now realize what has changed."
"What do you mean. You said you didn't know."
"Well, I wasn't sure before since all of this is new to us, but seeing the patterns between the two, I've come to the conclusion the Tesseract is involved."
"Are you sure?" Steve asked the Professor. "This could be a serious accusation against the Asgardians."
"I'm sure of it, Captain Rogers," Selvig states as he moves to the front of the room. A board lights up behind him, and Selvig produces multiple notes and diagrams from the Bifrost and the Tesseract. "I was on the project for the Tesseract, so I know how she reacts. The data is clear. The Asgardians used the Tesseract to enhance the Bifrost."
"So Calliope was right," Tony added. "She called it way back when we first assembled. The Asgardians should never have been trusted with the Tesseract."
"No," Jane yells before realizing that is the last thing she should do in a room filled with dangerous individuals. "I mean, we don't have all of the facts."
"Dr. Foster is right," Bruce adds. "We don't know whether or not it was a necessary improvement they needed to make. Also, the Tesseract always belonged to the Asgardians, so none of us can fault them. What I want to know is the reason behind Calliope's disappearance."
"Well, she hasn't committed any crimes, so they could have called her there for official business," Natasha tries to reason with the group. "Maybe they need to speak with her.
"What business could she have with the Asgardians?" Xiang Tzu asked. "Does the Sun have business with the Moon? Does the Moon have affairs with the meteors? No. Simply knowing one another does not constitute such actions."
"I agree with Uncle Iroh," Stark joins in. "We haven't heard from Thor since New York. Who knows what's going on in Asgard."
"Precisely! We must respond."
"How? We have no form of communication with the Asgardians. Listen, I understand your concern Xiang Tzu, but we need to remain calm," Agent Edwards informs the man. "We are all worried, but we have no way of contacting them. Until further notice, all we can do is wait."
Calliope's POV: Asgard
The following morning, I wake up to the chambermaid bringing me clothes like last time. The only difference is the lack of dresses. This time, I have baggy grey trousers made of wool with a black leather vest, including a white tunic beneath it and black boots. I allow the maid to do my hair in a waterfall braid before departing to breakfast.
During my walk, I think back to everything that has occurred in the past few hours. Thor mentioned last night that his mother was distracting Odin so Thor could help me sneak into the palace. Furthermore, this morning during breakfast, Queen Frigga and Thor would try to convince Odin to allow me to stay. I doubt it will work, but I have a trick up my sleeve that may help. Speaking of tricks, last night was the first time in months that I haven't seen Loki. Usually, when the two of us fall asleep, we meet up in our dreams. I still have no idea how this happens, but I'm willing to bet Loki knows. Still, last night I didn't see him, probably due to our close proximity. In any case, I have the chance to visit him while I'm in Asgard, so I'll try to swing by his cell at some point.
"My lady," a maid speaks up from behind me. "Do you require assistance locating the dining hall? Prince Thor sent me to look for you."
"No, I'm fine," I answer the woman. "I just like to sleep now in days."
After bidding goodbye, I continue down my path. Amazingly enough, I still remember my way around the palace but that most likely has to do with the number of times I walked through Loki's dreams trying to locate the trickster. Moments later, I walk into the main dining hall. Unlike the last time I ate here, only three people, not including the servants and guards on standby, sit at the table. When the three notice my entrance, I note the different reactions from each person. I waste no time in approaching the King, Queen, and Prince of Asgard.
"Good morning," I said, giving the three a small bow with a smirk on my face. "I hope I'm not late for breakfast."
"This is why the Bifrost was used last night?!" Odin rumbles loudly, ignoring my greetings. "To bring this woman!"
"Yes, father," Thor answers calmly, standing at my side. "I invited Lady Rodriguez to Asgard to aid us in battle."
"We have soldiers for a reason."
"Allies as well, father. Please understand, with Calliope's assistance, we can bring the chaos to an end."
"That is why I have you, my boy. Who else to quell the realms other than the Prince of Asgard?"
"A warrior from among the people," Frigga sums together. "The realms are in disarray with no one compelling to law and order. If the nine realm's see a Midgardian woman amongst our core, perhaps they will join us once again."
"Or they might think us weak with her at our side."
"Father, no one will believe such a thing. Earth has proven itself as a worthy adversary."
"You may see Midgard differently, but the nine realms still view it as a child in need of protecting."
"And yet, we stopped an invasion," I interrupt the old man. "We stopped Loki, gave you the Tesseract, and have made more improvements in the last decade than you have in a century."
"Watch your tongue, girl," Odin snarls, standing to his feet. "Have you learned nothing since our last meeting?"
"I learned plenty son of Bor. By the way, shouldn't you watch your tongue?" I smirk, my eyes glowing a crazed pink. "Unless she's allowing you to make such a scene in front of me?"
"She?" Thor questions. "My mother-"
"Stay then," Odin remarks, dropping the subject and marching out of the room. "I no longer wish to eat."
As the door slams behind us, I sit beside Thor and tug him down as I fix myself a plate of food. Nevertheless, I feel the two royals staring at me, and after eating a couple of bites, I return their gaze with my own. "Yes?"
"Who is this she you referred to?" Frigga inquires as she pushes her food to the side.
"In all honesty, I have no clue."
"How so?" Thor questions. "You mentioned her, yet do not know?"
"Well, I know some details, but nothing else. I've been doing some research ever since Odin first mentioned her, but I haven't discovered much on my end."
"Perhaps we can help," Frigga says as she drops another sweet roll onto my plate.
"Queen Frigga, are you bribing me?"
"What if I am?"
"Then perhaps you should pass the butter."
Suddenly, Thor hands me the plate of butter with another roll following it. I let out a chuckle as I explained to the two about the mysterious Raja and the few details I uncovered of the entity. Thor's face turns to one of confusion while Frigga turns cold.
"Her again...? After all these years?"
"Mother, what do you mean? Why do you seem so angry?"
It seems as though Frigga wants to explain more but withholds the information at the end. Not wanting to push the subject any further, I change the topic.
"So, Thor tells me about the battles raging across space. How can I help?"
"Right, Thor, isn't there a war meeting later today?"
"Yes," Thor answers his mother. "Calliope, you will join me as our honored guest."
"Of course."
"In the meantime," Frigga calmly adds. "Why don't you tell us about your time on Midgard. I see the weight that had once held you down has lifted somewhat."
"Yup! Thanks to you guys for giving me a kick start; I fixed many of my problems with the help of my friends."
"Do tell, little star."
So, from the point I fell to Earth to the moment I returned to Asgard, I explained my adventures to the Queen and Thor. Many queries were prompted, and I did my best to answer each one. The good thing is the pride shining from their faces. The two seem to be happy about my progress in both powers and trust in other individuals. As the conversation continues, we leave the dining room and venture into the palace gardens.
"So, Dr. Banner and Stark have made progress in the experiments?" Thor inquires, making sure he understands everything I told him and his mother.
"Yes, even though it's slow going."
"Well, that is all we can hope for."
"True enough," I smile. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask something."
"What is it?"
"When I came to Asgard, it was very abrupt. I was wondering if you left a note for everyone down on Earth that I'm here and there is nothing to worry about."
"No, but I'm sure they will understand," he answers in nonchalance. Freezing to our spots, Queen Frigga and I stare at Thor. Noticing that we're no longer walking beside him, Thor turns to look at us. Slowly, his smile disappears and is replaced by a frown as he tilts his head to one side. "Or not."
"Thor, they might think I ran away!"
"Or worse," Frigga sighs in discontent. "They could assume we abducted her!"
"Nah, I doubt that," I shrug to the Queen. "My M.O. is running away and not telling people about my plans. They would never assume Thor would kidnap me."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, I mean, we're friends with Thor and allies to Asgard."
3rd POV: Earth
6:23 pm EST| Washington, D.C.
1:2:35:42 since the abduction of Star Ray aka Calliope Rodriguez
Fury remains still as he goes over the next portion of the report. A part of him wants to handle this problem quietly, but another side is tempted to call upon the World Security Council. If Asgard has gone rogue and kidnapped one of Earth's mightiest heroes, then they need to prepare themselves for the worst.
S.W.O.R.D. is nowhere near the point of finding Asgard and Dr. Foster, including Dr. Selvig, still need more time analyzing the new data from the Neo Bifrost. The only person Fury can think of who can possibly help them is Carol Danvers, but he refuses to bother her over something simple like this. She's busy fighting her own war. Still, he needs to come up with a solution.
Much to his dismay and pleasure, Calliope has become an essential tool in the protection of Earth. Fury has taken note of the evolution in her powers as an Avenger. She is possibly the most powerful person on Earth, along with Dr. Banner while Danvers isn't here. Not only that but as her personality improves, so does her potential. Calliope could become useful as an ambassador for Earth while Captain Marvel is away. The possibilities are endless. However, with her disappearance, a new problem arises.
Fury has placed so much faith in Star Ray (an amateur's mistake on his part, he admits), he has not prepared in the case if she left Earth. Fury was betting she would stay, not for the people of Earth, but for the few she cares for. The Avengers, and the last link to her past, Christopher. Although Calliope decided to stay, Asgard has taken her and left Fury along with Earth's remaining heroes in a panic.
Just as Fury is about contact his second in command, Agent Hill and Edwards storm into his office. The look on their faces is a mix of emotions causing Fury to become uneasy. Not wanting to waste any time, he begins to question the woman.
"What now?"
"She's back," Hill comments as Edwards hands Fury a tablet with satellite images of Calliope. Next to the photos is a video with a map of the United States. A red dot is flying across the country, heading to D.C. at 9.5 KPS.
"Tell Homeland Security not to shoot her down. It will only piss her off."
"Already done, sir," Edwards comments. "We also alerted the White House of her approach just in case as well as those within the Triskellion."
"Good."
"Sir," Hill speaks up with a mix of apprehension. "Should we assemble the Avengers?"
"We'll alert them of her arrival after a debrief."
"That's not exactly what I meant, sir."
"I know what you mean," Fury acknowledges as he places the tablet on the table and links his hands in front of his chin. "Should we prepare for the worst? Just in case Star Ray has been brainwashed or turned against us. Normally, that would be the protocol, but I want to play this by ear. If she's returned, it's most likely not to harm us. I don't want to scare her off after the effort she's made to improve."
"...Right."
"When she gets here, direct her to my office."
"Yes, sir."
The two ladies leave his office, and Fury allows a breath to escape him. Hopefully, with Calliope's return, the two of them can get to the bottom of this debacle.
After waiting a couple of minutes, there comes a knock on his door, signaling Star Ray's arrival. "Come in." Quietly, Rodriguez enters the office and takes a seat in front of Fury. The amusement on her face is evident along with the new attire she sports. "Want to tell me what this is all about, Rodriguez?"
"Well, it isn't an abduction," she laughs, leaning back in her seat. "Edwards and Hill filled me in on everything when I landed."
"So if it wasn't a kidnapping, then what happened?"
"Long story short, the Bifrost was destroyed in 2011. When that happened, the nine realms were thrown into chaos, causing War throughout our part of the galaxy. With the Bifrost fixed using the Tesseract, the Asgardians are hoping to stop the feud. Thor called for my help, and I only came back to give you the heads up."
"That's appreciated, but why do they need you?"
"Thor said my powers are coming along nicely, and he hopes with my assistance, the fighting will come to an end. Queen Frigga also noted that if a woman from Midgard can stand beside the Aseir's, then perhaps the rest will follow."
"Do you think you're up to it?"
"I don't know, but I have to try. If the fighting continues, then it will reach Earth in no time. The last thing we need is another invasion."
Fury pretends to give it some thought, but internally, he can't help but notice everything is going according to his plan. With Calliope at the forefront, she can become an essential deterrent to invaders. Plus, she's choosing to do this of her own free will, proving her growth and capability as an Avenger. True, Raja has plans for the girl (he doesn't know much other than what she told him which has already come to pass), but in the meantime, he can utilize her for the safety of Earth's people.
"Fine, but there are some requirements I'm putting down."
"Why am I not surprised," Calliope joked good-naturedly. "What do I have to do?"
"Make a good impression," Fury orders. "You're speaking for all of Earth when you're out there, and I want you to make allies, not enemies."
"Make friends, got it."
"Inform me of the other realms and their technology plus landscape. If the time comes we need to fight, I would like to know what we're up against."
"Okay, what else."
"Stay safe," Fury softly comments. "War is not an easy thing to go through. I know you've been through hell, but War is a different form of purgatory."
"Don't worry, I won't be alone," Calliope replies; standing from her seat, she hands Fury a stack of letters. "Please hand these out to everyone. I don't want them to worry."
Fury receives the envelopes addressed to each Avenger, Pepper Pot's, Agent Edwards, and Xiang Tzu. "I'll make sure they get this."
"Thanks."
"Come on, I'll walk you out."
Together, the two make their way to the roof, but Fury stops the young woman with a hand on her shoulder before she can take a step away from him. "Don't forget when you're out there-"
"I know; I need to be on my best behavior. Come on, have some faith, Furry."
"I do," Fury replies, letting go of the woman with a smirk. "Good luck on your first assignment, Agent Rodriguez."
At first, Calliope doesn't move, but the shock on her face informs him Calliope understands what this means. She is officially an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Smirking to the man, Calliope flies to the center of the helicopter platform. "It's Star Ray to you, Director Fury."
Once the last syllable leaves her mouth, a beam of light flashes and Calliope disappears once again.
Yay, character development! So the story is going to change pace from here on out with forms of diplomacy and such. Leave a comment to let me know how you feel about it. Bye!