Like always I don't own Marvel, only my OC's.
I hope you enjoy this chapter and the ones to follow.
"What are you doing here, Stark?"
Seeming offended if only for a second, the older hero finally responded, "Can't I visit my favorite snarky teenage teammate?"
"No, now leave."
"Hey," He exclaimed as I moved past him and placed my belongings on the ground beside my desk. "I came all this way to visit you, and this is how you treat me."
"One I didn't tell you to come here, you came on your own accord. Second I don't know why you came all this way when we aren't friends."
"Speaking of friendship, I have news for you." The brunette remarked, completely ignoring what I just said. It seems as though I won't be getting rid of him any time soon, which in my opinion is a form of torture.
"Fine I'll bite, what is it?" I asked as I turned to face him. I wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. Perhaps if I entertain him for a bit he'll get bored and leave. The last thing I need is for him to stay here with me when I'm already anxious about the lab results from Dr. Banner.
"Take a look in your closet," Said Stark with a smile on his face.
Not knowing where this is going, I did as I was told and I opened the door to my closet. Inside I find shopping bags piled on top of each other. Shocked as to why the man had spent so much money on me, I turned to face him. "WHAT IS ALL OF THIS?"
"Clothes, shoes, and accessories for you in different styles. By the way, don't just look at the bags, look inside. If there's anything you don't like or if it doesn't fit, I'll return it."
"Stark, that's not the point!"
"Really... Oh, don't worry about paying me back, the clothes are a gift."
"No, Stark..."
"Is it the fact that I'm a man because Pepper ordered the clothes. I just told her to put it on my card."
"No...Stark, why on earth did you buy me clothes?"
"Oh, it's not just clothes. I upgraded all of your electronics to Stark technology, and I heard you have an apartment in Washington, so I bought you all new furniture, and home goods. All of that is free by the way, so don't-"
"TONY," I yelled, finally gaining the older Avenger's attention. "Why on earth did you buy all of this?"
There was a pause in the conversation as he tried to find an answer to my question. I soon realized that looking at him must have made him nervous since he quickly averted his gaze from me. It was as if he was struggling with something, although what it was I couldn't tell. Seeing as he isn't going to speak unless pushed, I chose to continue speaking.
"Look here, Charlie Chaplin, if you don't start talking I'm going to kick you out of my room. I don't have time to waste on you. Some of us actually have to study to pass a test since we aren't geniuses aka me."
Stark rolled his eyes at my comment, but the tension that was once in the room now left. Since he felt more at ease, the brunette motioned me forward so we could sit together on my bed.
"Listen, I may not fully understand what you're going through, but I do understand how it feels to be alone. Especially at your age," Stark explained to me. "I didn't have a lot of people who cared for me, or at least not the real me. I want to make sure that's different for you, so if you need me I'll be there. I might not offer the best advice, but I can help in any other way that you may need."
"Like buying an entire department store?"
"Have you seen the stuff you own? You needed an upgrade; however, I meant something else," he pointed out as he handed me a card. On the identification card, it had my picture, my code name Star Ray, and the Stark name. "If you ever need a place to stay then Stark towers are open to you. There's a suite there for every Avenger. Yours is right above Bruce. He wanted it like that just in case something happens, you would be there to take on the Hulk. I also made sure that every available resource is accessible to you when or if you decide to visit."
I was touched by the amount of effort the older man made just so I could be comfortable. I've never had anyone spoil me like this, and I honestly don't know what to say. Still, the important part is that in his own way, Stark is trying to help me. That isn't something I will forget anytime soon. There aren't many people who are willing to go out of their way for another person, especially a brat like me.
"Hey, Stark, do you want to get a bite to eat? I'm starving." I told the brunette. Understanding what I truly meant, he took my offer to go spend some time together. Not as teammates but as friends.
Taking into consideration my distaste for the spotlight, the older man agreed to buy take out. After getting our food, we went to a nearby building and sat on the ledge, enjoying the view of the city as we ate. We didn't speak much, but unlike before, the silence between us now isn't tense. If anything, I feel slightly comforted being near Tony. I almost feel like there's something between the two of us. Something unspoken that not even I understand.
"So, after the battle of New York, what have you been up to?" he asked me once he was done eating.
"Traveling around the country, trying to figure out what to do with my life."
"And working for S.H.I.E.L.D. is what you thought was best?"
"Kind of... It's a long and confusing story."
"I have time," Tony responded with a smile, but I didn't return it. "I get it, you don't trust me, do you?"
It bothered me how Tony sounded hurt when he said that. This man has gone above and beyond for not only me but the entire team. I didn't want to offend him, but it's also difficult to break out of my old habits. Especially with my terrible track record.
Clint and I no longer have the same relationship as we once shared, but that's mostly my fault. After that one conversation we had, our relationship slowly went downhill. Over time we stopped speaking and grew distant. As for the other Avengers, well, I've never been friends with them, to begin with.
Agents from S.H.I.E.L.D. are in a worse category. I still distrust the organization as a whole, and I don't think I will ever truly feel safe near them. Agent Edwards is by far the best from the entire lot, but I still feel like something is off about her. It's like my instincts are screaming at me to run the other way even if she hasn't done anything to ever harm me. All she has ever done is help me, but I can't shake this feeling I have.
Steve, is another story altogether. He may be an Avenger, a man from another time, but gradually he has become the only person I've come to trust. Steve never pressured me into a situation or made me feel uncomfortable. That's most likely why I allowed myself to become so close to him. But can I do the same with Tony? I suppose one could say if you don't first try, you'll never find out…
"I'm going to tell you the same thing I explained to Steve. I trust the Avengers in a fight, but when it comes to my personal life, well... it's not that easy. I've lived a difficult life; I never had any luck when it comes to trusting others. I'm trying to at least be more open, but it's difficult. Everyone expects me to change and become this brand new person overnight, but I can't do that. It's hard to change when you live your entire life one way."
"That's alright kid, I'm in no rush. I'm just glad you're giving me a chance to talk to you."
"Yeah, me too," I responded, looking away from the city to the man beside me. In all honesty, I am glad I chose to spend some time with Tony. I don't have friends at my school, so it gets lonely sometimes. Although I still prefer being alone, I have come to the conclusion that even people like me need to interact with the world around them every now and then.
I knew Tony felt the same way due to the sincerity in his eyes, but when I looked closer I noticed something beneath it. Something sad, scared, and lonely. I knew that look well. I have seen that look on so many before, including my own face.
"Tony, are you okay?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"You don't look like your usual self. It took some time for me to notice since we aren't exactly close, but I know the look of a person who's suffering silently."
Tony froze, but he quickly covered it up with a smirk. I'm assuming it was due to years of practice of being in the spotlight that made him such a good actor. Then again, it could be the fact that he's used to being in pain that he knows how to hide his feelings in front of others.
"I wouldn't say the look in my eyes is one of suffering, Sweetheart, " Tony joked but I didn't believe him. A look like his isn't one you confuse with anything else.
"Tony…"
"I'm alright Calliope, I've just been staying up late, working on some suits. I have some new ideas floating around my head, so I've been tinkering around the lab a bit more than usual."
"Alright," I responded, but I didn't believe him for a second. "But if you need any help 'tinkering', just let me know."
"Right back at you, sweetheart."
I was right about to say something when my new STARK phone started to ring. The great thing about the upgrades Tony gave me is that everything transferred over, and I got to keep my phone number. Taking a quick second to check my phone to see who was calling, I gave Tony a signal to hold on while I answered the phone.
"Hello, Dr. Banner, any news?"
"Yes, when can you come to the lab?"
"I can come Saturday in the afternoon. Sound good?"
"... I would have preferred if you came sooner than that. If that's the best you can do, then so be it. I'll see you Saturday."
Banner hung up after that parting statement. It left me a bit unhinged hearing Dr. Banner sound so unsettled. All I want to do is fly over to STARK Towers right now and figure out what the heck is going on.
"Calliope, is everything okay?" Stark asked me out of nowhere. I had honestly forgotten he was here with me.
"Yeah, I just have to head to the lab this Saturday to speak to Dr. Banner. Look, Tony, thanks for everything I really do appreciate all you've done for me."
"Don't mention it, and just so you know, if you need to talk, I'm here for you too."
After that, we spent another hour or so together before Tony had to leave. I was thankful for that because it distracted me from this upcoming Saturday. The rest of the week, however, I was on edge. I could hardly concentrate on what I was doing. Some of my professors took notice of my tense silence but they said nothing to me, and I was grateful for it. All I could think of is flying to the lab as fast as possible to confront Dr. Banner.
Why did Dr. Banner sound so troubled? Did he find something deadly in my DNA that could affect me down the line? Am I a danger to others? What's wrong?
The whole week I had to pretend that I was okay even if I am freaking out on the inside. I knew if I caused a scene here at school S.H.I.E.L.D. will try to figure out what's going on, and that's the last thing I need. Heaven knows what they'll try to do with that information.
As soon as I was done with everything related to S.H.I.E.L.D. at the end of the week, I flew to STARK Towers. I didn't bother going through the front door like everyone else. I flew to the balcony, and I went straight to the elevator and pushed the button that would take me to Banner's floor.
"Jarvis, can you hear me?" I called out, hoping I would get a response.
Of course, Miss Rodriguez, how may I assist you?
"Tell Dr. Banner I'm here."
Of course, would you like me to inform Mr. Stark that you are here?
"No, let's not do that just yet. I have an appointment with the Doctor that I like to keep confidential."
When the elevator doors opened, I ran to the lab as fast as I could. Dr. Banner was already waiting for me when I entered. Without saying a word, he motions me to come closer to sit down at the opposite side of him. I did just that, not bothering to say hello as I waited for the results. Instead, all I receive is silence. The silence stretched on between us engulfing me, and I could hardly stand it.
"Dr. Banner, if you have something to say, please just come out and say it. I can't stand another moment, not knowing what the hell is going on in my own body." I stammered to the doctor in a panicked voice. The only thing I can think of every day is that something may be wrong with me.
"Very well, I'll get straight to it. Rodriguez, the type of radiation inside of your body, is not of this world."
"What do you mean? It's from space?"
"Yes and no. You see, cosmic radiation is high-energy protons and atomic nuclei that move through space at nearly the speed of light. They originate from the sun, from outside of the solar system, and from distant galaxies. Usually, by the time it hits Earth, it's harmless, but the farther a person is out in space, the more likely it is that they will receive damage to the body."
"I don't understand, what does that have to do with me?"
"The radiation running through your body has similar characteristics of cosmic radiation; however, they are not the same. The rays in your body are by far more robust than any other I have seen on Earth or known radiation in space. It's foreign to me, and I don't know where to start."
"Okay, but what does that mean for me?"
"The way it combined with your body is similar to how the gamma rays combined with mine. The radiation has seeped all the way into your DNA, changing you from the cellular level. Unlike the gamma rays that mutated me due to an activation of a latent gene, your transformation occurred differently. Nothing activated, because this gene is missing in your biological code, meaning you should have died."
"But, I'm alive."
"Exactly, which means we have to do more tests to figure out how you survived with this in your body for so long."
As Dr. Banner continued speaking, I couldn't help but run through what he said. How I shouldn't be alive and the radiation inside of my body is far too powerful. Thinking about that and my recent development of power, I can't help but think of myself as a ballon. Each day I continue to fill up with air, and I'm afraid one day I'll pop. The terrible thing is if I pop, I could hurt so many around me.
"Dr. Banner, am I a danger to others?"
"The blood samples you gave me along with the body scans weren't enough to tell me the full story, not even half, but it was enough to..."
"To what?" I asked the doctor, but he didn't respond, which only confirmed my suspicion. I'm far too dangerous to be around others. "Bruce, will I hurt people?"
"I'm not sure Calliope. You're an enigma to me and everything scientifically possible. What I do know is that you are no longer the same girl I knew back on the Hellicarrier. You've grown more powerful in every way imaginable that I'm not sure if your body will be able to keep up with it. All I can say is that it would be best if I did more tests. "
"Of course whatever you say," I acknowledge, but my heart wasn't in it. Dr. Banner performed many analyses, but none of them would be ready anytime soon. I left the tower and went back home, to my dorm.
When it was time for school, I closed myself off even more than I usually did. I couldn't focus on anything around me due to the stress I'm feeling. All I want is to find out whether or not I'm a danger to others because if I am, then I'll have to leave. For the first time in my life, I don't want to run. I finally have friends and a semi-stable life. The last thing I want is to lose them like...
What if I end up like Christopher and turn into some brainless monster. What if the radiation he absorbed only sped the process up, and we were ticking time bombs since the beginning. What if I'm next? Will the Avengers fight me and put me down like some animal? Will they keep me alive so S.H.I.E.L.D. can experiment on me? What's going to happen to me? I can't do this anymore!
I feel my entire world spinning and I couldn't stop it. I feel nauseous, yet my mouth is bone dry. My skin feels sweaty but I have goosebumps all over my arms. What's happening to me? Why now? Why is the room closing in on me? Why can't I stop shaking?
I stand up in the middle of the lecture and ran outside leaving my belongings in the classroom. Once I left the building, I began to fly as fast as I could through the sky without a destination in mind.
Hours passed, but I didn't bother to eat or drink anything. All I want is to be left alone to finally think. It didn't help in the least bit. I'm still freaking out, but it's late so I decide to head back to my dorm. Maybe if get some sleep or call Steve I'll feel better.
When I returned to my room, it was nightfall already. As I entered, I didn't notice anyone was there until I turned the lights on. I let out a gasp of shock when I saw Clint sitting there on my bed with a look of disapproval on his face.
"Clint," I finally said, surprised that he's here at such a late hour. Although a part of me is glad that he's here because I really needed to talk to someone about my problem. "What are you doing here?"
"You weren't answering your phone, and the school notified me as soon as you left campus. Where have you been all day?"
"I went flying," I murmured to the older man. I don't why but the way Clint spoke, sounded like the calm before the storm. It unnerved me completely.
"Kid, you can't just disappear in the middle of class. You have responsibilities."
"I know it's just-"
"No," Clint cut me off before I could explain myself. "I'm tired of this. Why do you feel the need to make everything difficult for everyone? First, you go missing after the battle of New York; next, you basically threaten the security guards that are holding Christopher to let you in to see him or else. Afterward, you threaten Natasha that the next time she threatens you, you'll kill her-"
"You know?"
"I KNOW EVERYTHING I'M YOUR HANDLER!" Clint shouted with rage. "I know the entire conversation because she was bugged. It was a test, and you FAILED. Then you storm out in the middle of a test like a kid the next day. Finally, you walk out during class today without telling anyone where you were going because you wanted to go and fly around."
"Clint, I'm sorry."
"Are you? Because at this point I'm not sure if I should believe you. You are given simple instructions to follow, and you can't even do that. Look, if you want to quit S.H.I.E.L.D. that's fine, but don't waste our time either. Why can't you decide-
"BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!" I screamed as tears streamed down my face. I'm afraid of what I might turn into. I'm terrified of who I might hurt in the process. I'm just scared!
"Calliope-"
"No, let me speak! You had your turn now it's mine," I sobbed as I tried to speak to the older man. "I'm not okay... I'm just a kid who grew up too fast! I'm alone and scared all of the time! I've watched both of my parents take their own lives, and I was adopted by some psycho who thought experimenting on kids was alright! I was experimented on for years in terrible ways that you could never imagine. I escaped, and yet I lived my entire life in fear trying to stay safe and keep my family hidden. In the end, it wasn't enough because everyone I love is gone. Now, I have to try and start a new life for myself only to find out that I might die or hurt someone else!"
"Kid, I-"
"No! I can't keep doing this! I'm not like the rest of you, Clint... I can't keep living like this. I try so hard, but it's never enough for anyone. I can't please the entire world... I can't do this anymore."
"Calliope, I didn't know," Clint whispered in disbelief.
"No, how could you know. I didn't tell you, and I understand that I should have said something before, but I'm just so scared of what I might become in the future that I kept quiet about it. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, we can help you."
"NO, YOU CAN'T! NO ONE CAN HELP ME!"
I feel like I'm being crushed under all the stress I've kept inside. I can feel my heart racing, and my vision is going dark. The room is closing in on me, and I can't stop trembling. I need to leave now, I can't bear to stay here a second longer. I ran.
I ran as fast as I could back outside of my dorm, and I flew up into the sky as soon as I had the chance. I kept flying up, not caring about the altitude. Nothing mattered anymore! I should have never fooled myself into thinking that I could live my life like an ordinary person.
I kept flying up even when I reached space, I didn't stop. I couldn't because it didn't seem enough. I still felt trapped, so I flew even faster to try and escape it, but it was no use. I couldn't escape it no matter the amount of flying I did. At some point, I fell unconscious during my flight. For the first time in my life, I dreamt of nothing, and I felt calm.
"Heimdall, how do you fare?" Thor asked the older Asgardian as he approached the Bifrost. Now that the tesseract is back in Asgard, the Bifrost is repaired meaning they could travel through the realms with ease again.
"I am well, but I see you have had a long day due to court affairs."
"Ah yes, the court is a place I rather avoid; however, as future king, I must maintain my presence."
"Still, there are those that can see you rather be elsewhere than here."
"Yes, I wish to end the feud between the nine realms as soon as possible. In reality, I know it will take time to accomplish that dream. However, I will see it come true."
"That is not what I meant, son of Odin," Heimdall chuckled as he set his sword on the stand and faced his prince. "Thor, I know you wish nothing else than to return to Midgard."
"I suppose I can not hide my true feeling from you. You know me far too well... How is Midgard?"
"The realm is well, and your new friends keep it safe."
"And Jane?"
"Ah, yes, how could I forget her. Your mortal is well and continues her work. She may be the most clever of all the mortals I have seen thus far."
"Yes, she is," Thor agreed with a small smile on his face. He missed Jane so much, but he knew his place was here, on Asgard keeping the peace.
"Perhaps your father will allow you to visit her."
"You and I both know that he will never allow that. He does not care for Jane, and he will not allow me to retire from the front line for too long."
"That is true for the foreseeable future, but you never know further down the line. Your father may surprise you."
"I suppose so," Thor replied before turning to leave. "I leave you to your watch, my friend."
As the prince left the Bifrost, Heimdall returned to his post watching the stars. It was a sight he could never accustom himself to no matter how many hours he stands watch. While he stood there gazing between the realms, he found something peculiar. He took a moment to look closer and was surprised by what he saw. Unsure if time is on his side or not, Heimdall called for a nearby guard to call upon Thor so the prince would return to the Bifrost. Thor will want to be here to see this.
Activating the Bifrost, he shot the rainbow bridge to his desired destination. Soon enough, a girl appeared on the floor, so he quickly turned the Bifrost off and went to her aide. She wasn't breathing, but the girl's heart was beating strong. How odd?
"Heimdall you called?" Thor announced as he entered. Heimdall didn't even have a chance to answer when the girl who laid on the ground woke up and began to panic.
"WHERE IN THE HELL AM I!" She yelled as she jumped to her feet. She took in her surroundings but failed to notice the two men staring at her. Calmly before the girl ran away in fear, Heimdall drew her attention to him as he stood up from the ground. The girl, who finally noticed him, looked at him in shock.
"I am Heimdall, the gatekeeper of the Bifrost, welcome to Asgard."
"Asgard?"
"Asgard? This is Asgard? That means-"
I was soon cut off when Thor came bounding my way. Before I could get away from him, the warrior prince brought me into a bear hug that was both crushing yet joyful. I only knew Thor for a short time, and the majority of that time, we fought over petty affairs. Now, after months of being apart, it's nice to know that the man doesn't harbor any ill feelings towards me.
"My friend, it has been far too long," Thor rejoiced as he finally set me down on the ground. It took me a moment to respond back to the older man. One reason is due to actually being here with Thor, and the second is the fact that he called me his friend.
"Thor, what in the world is going on?"
"Perhaps I should explain what has occurred," Heimdall interjected. "As I said before, I am the gatekeeper of the Bifrost. The Bifrost is what many terms as the rainbow bridge that connects the nine realms. As I stood guard over the bridge, I looked out to the stars and found you floating in the abyss. I recognize you from the battle against Loki and sought to help you."
"Ah, well, um, thank you, Heimdall I appreciate it."
"Lady Rodriguez, why were you so far from Midgard?" Thor asked me, but I didn't know how to respond to such a question. Should I even be here when I could accidentally hurt someone? Maybe I should leave before I cause any trouble.
"Forgive me, my friend, I should not be questioning you when it is clear that you need nourishment and rest," Thor said, distracting me from my train of thought. "Please follow me to my home, where I invite you as our honored guest."
"Thor, I don't think that is such a good idea."
"Nonsense," Thor beamed at me. "I have longed to speak to you, and I assure you, Lady Rodriguez, that you are welcome here. Heimdall, I shall see you tomorrow."
I have to admit it's difficult to convince Thor that I should leave when he's already set his mind on me staying. As we left the Bifrost I said goodbye to Heimdall and thanked him for saving me.
The further Thor and I walked the more I thought about my current situation. It's not like I was trying to kill myself when I flew into space. I just wanted to escape my problems, but it seems that I took it too far this time. Story of my life really. At least I get to visit Asgard. I bet not many humans get to say that every day. I wonder if I'm the first.
Asgard truly is a sight to behold. It reminds me of a mix between the medieval and modern era. The only difference being the giant golden castle in the distance. Well, that and the people. Next to them, I stick out like a sore thumb. Everyone is dressed like the cast from Game of Thrones while I'm here in my civies.
I'm wearing a maroon tank top with dark blue skinny jeans and my black converse. I must look like a mess to these people. Then again, it's not like this would be the first time I look like a walking disaster.
"Lady Rodriguez, are you well?" Thor asked me out of the blue. I look to the older man to see him giving me a concerned expression. So I am right in assuming that I look worse for wear.
"Yes, I'm fine, it's just been a rough couple of days, I guess."
"Anything I can help you with?"
"I doubt it... but I am thankful for everything you've done for me."
"For a friend who is far from her home, there is nothing more that I can do than give you a place to rest and recover."
"Me being here won't cause any problems, right?"
"Of course not Lady-"
"You don't have to call me Lady Rodriguez. It's a bit too formal, don't you think? Calliope is fine."
"Very well then, Calliope," Thor replied with a small smile. "As for your stay here, do not worry. Stay as long as you please, but I can not promise that I will be at your side at every moment."
"Don't worry, I won't monopolize your time. I understand that you have your princely duties to attend to."
"More like warrior duties."
"It can't be that bad, can it?" I asked him, but the frown I received in return was answer enough. "Wow, it really is that bad."
"No, it is not as terrible as I make it seem. Just tedious, but I refer to actual warrior duties. As of late, the nine realms have erupted in chaos and war. Asgard is charged with putting everything back to normal."
"Ahhh, I see, is there any way that I can help?"
"Well-"
"Prince Thor," a guard called out. "The All-father wishes to see you. Both of you."
"Who's this All-father?" I asked the blond. Judging by the frown on Thor's face, it couldn't be good.
"My father, the king of Asgard, has summoned us."
"Oh... that's no bueno."
"Agreed."
As we made our way to the palace, I grew more nervous. I'm not sure what's about to happen, but I hope I don't cause any trouble for Thor. Perhaps I should tell Thor about my situation before I go any further, or maybe I should just leave. Either way, I can't stay here any longer.
"Listen, Thor, maybe I should leave."
"Nonsense, do not worry, Calliope. My father is merely curious about you, nothing more."
"Thor," I tried explaining. "It's probably for the best that I go. You don't understand what's going on and I don't want to stir up any trouble."
"Guard leave us, this will only take us a moment," Thor ordered. "Calliope, come with me."
Walking into the palace, we made our way through a series of hallways until we reached a set of grand double doors. The design is intricate and beautiful, but what was inside is even more so. The room is actually a library with high ceilings and exquisite mural paintings. It's absolutely lovely here and I can only assume that the books this library holds to be just as magnificent.
"This is one of the few places in the palace where one can find solitude. We will not be disturbed here, so if there is anything you feel the need to speak about, feel free to do so."
I debated whether I should tell Thor anything. What if Thor or his father take the news horribly. Will they imprison me or have me killed. The longer I thought about it, the more my thoughts ran rampant. Isn't that how I got into this situation? Allowing my thoughts to consume me instead of seeking some type of help. All I've been doing is hurting myself, and if I don't stop now, I never will.
"Alright, um, I don't really know where, or even how to start," I began, finding a seat nearby to relax on. Thor joined me moments later, but he made sure there was enough distance between us as to not pressure me. "I'm not a very open person... I never have been. Recently, I've learned that I'm like this because I'm scared I'll get hurt again. That someone I trust will betray me. I mean, I always knew that, but now I understand it. I decided to trust people recently, so I asked Dr. Banner for help."
"Help," Thor asked. "With what?"
"With me," I explained to the older man. "Listen, I was experimented on as a child... I didn't ask for these powers. Over the years, I tried to suppress them, but in recent years, I have noticed a change. My powers have grown, and I'm terrified of what I may become. I went to Dr. Banner for help, and what he found wasn't exactly great."
"What is it that the Doctor found that has you concerned?"
I proceeded to explain to Thor what it was that Banner found and what it means for me. More like what it might mean for my future. Then I explained how I messed up back on Earth and ended up in the middle of space. Once I finished, Thor simply nodded his head and stood up.
"Thor?"
"Come with me, my father awaits us."
"But-"
"Speak of this to no one," Thor warned me before turning to walk away. "I will take care of you, my friend, you have my word."
Instead of asking Thor why he is being so kind to me, I chose to follow him out the door. I didn't have to ask him why, because I already knew the answer. Just like the others, Thor cared about me and is willing to help me with my problems. I don't know what I've done to deserve such amazing teammates, but I'm beginning to realize that I don't care. It doesn't matter in the end. What matters is that just like they have my back, I'll have theirs.
"Thank you, Thor."
Finally, Calliope is growing and learning to fully trust others. Trauma is a difficult thing to handle and recover from. Ask anyone who suffers from PTSD, that recovering doesn't take days. This can be a life long struggle and I wanted to show that with Calliope. Plus, it isn't easy trusting others after being hurt by so many in the past. Calliope still has a long road ahead of her, but she has finally taken the next step in recovering.
The next chapter will include many of our favorite Asgardian's, and maybe an infamous trickster. If not the next one then the one after that. Also, I will be going back to edit my previous chapters to this story but don't worry the content itself won't change.
Until next time, bye guys!