They call her Human Torch! Chapter 23
Next morning. January 24, 2015
"Bella. Bella!"
I turned and threw a pillow at Darcy.
"Go away."
"I want to sleep in too but Jane is making us get up quickly. She said something about Einstein, a rose bridge, and some stars that aren't ours, so she is going back to the hospital to get the homeless, crazy guy."
"What?"
"I know, crazy right?"
"No, I meant.. what? Rose bridge?"
"Oh! Yeah, Selvig said it was like a wormhole thing."
"Darcy I'm pretty sure he said an Einstein- Rosen Bridge."
"Same thing. You got what I meant. So come on! Get up!"
30 minutes later, I was left on 'car duty' again as they got off to look for 'Thor' in the hospital, I was only alone about 6 minutes though because they came back alone and a little shaken.
"What happened?"
"The room he was in was totally smashed! Like he knocked over everything and they had to sedate him."
"Whoa."
"Yeah."
"So what do we do now?"
"We look for him!"
Selvig turned to Jane and gave her a death stare. He was clearly not on board!
"Did you see what he did in there? I'm not sure finding him is the best idea."
"Well, our data can't tell us what it was like to be inside that event and he can. So, we find him.
"You're gonna look all over New Mexico then?"
"Exactly."
She turned on the car and pulled out suddenly, only to step on the brakes when we felt the van hit something. We rushed out to see the same guy on the floor. Jane really sucks at driving or he has horrible luck.
"I'm so sorry! I swear I'm not doing this on purpose."
She made quick introductions but rounded him into the back seat. I chose to sit next to him just in case he lost it again and started tying to attack us. We got back with no problem though, he was very pensive and kept looking out the window. Darcy actually apologized for shooting him but I think she only did that to have him talk. He had a funny way of putting things, that's for sure. Jane got clothes out and we watched as he pulled the shirt on.
"You know, for a crazy homeless man, he is pretty cut."
I heard him and Jane chatting about the clothes but then he turned to survey his surroundings.
"This mortal form has grown weak. I need sustenance!"
Well alrighty then!
"Jane, we should probably take him to eat. I doubt he stayed in the hospital long enough to be fed anything."
"Right. Yes. Food."
She seemed rattled as she gathered us all into the van again. We went to the nearby diner but I hesitated to step in. Darcy turned to me along with Thor.
"Bella, no one is going to recognize you, it's fine. Plus even if they do, I have been seen with you before so no one will question anything."
"I know but I just don't want to shine a light on Jane, She has been working really hard on this."
"Are you a fugitive of this realm?"
"Fugitive? Bella? No way! People think of her as a hero! They recognize her everywhere she goes and ask for a picture with her."
"Darcy!"
"I see. So you are a warrior. In which case I am glad to have you beside me on my journey through this unknown land."
"Uh, I'm not really a warrior.. I am an Agent."
"I am unfamiliar with the term."
"I work for a… company, I guess you can call it a company.. they fight for the protection of people, we protect from threats."
"Yes. That is a warriors job. W-"
Jane interrupted him as she came back outside.
"Come on! Out table is ready!"
I nodded Thor's way and had him sit next to Jane so Darcy and I could be across from him. I didn't trust him, he seemed like a nice and genuine guy but.. there was something off. Even his smell was different. It wasn't like the pack or vampires, but it was slightly more than just human. I wish Logan was here, his sense of smell was better than mine. Thor had no clue what to order from the menu so I ended up ordering a lumberjack meal for him along with one for me. Thank god I don't gain weight because I was eating almost half of what Tony and Logan do. Thor beat them all though, he inhaled his food in 3 minutes and ate what I left from mine. Jane broke the stunned silence and gave in to her curiosity.
"How did you get inside that cloud?"
"Also, how can you eat so much?!"
"Darcy! Now is not the time!"
He finished his coffee and looked around the table, I think looking to take some one else's cup.
"This drink. I like it!"
"I know, it's great, right?"
He threw the cup to the ground and watched in glee as it broke into pieces.
"Another!"
Jane got up to pick up some pieces while I went to the counter and asked the waitress for a wet rag.
"What was that?!"
"It was delicious! I want another."
"Well you could have just said so!"
"I just did."
"No, I mean ask nicely!"
He looked at her in confusion for a second, then lifted an eyebrow.
"I meant no disrespect."
Oh yeah, Jane definitely liked him. She melted in front of him just by the way he said the words. I mean sure he had a strong booming voice but girl get it together!
"All right. Well, no more smashing. Deal?"
"You have my word."
"Good."
Oh he liked her too. For sure. Darcy took out her iPhone and pointed it right at Thor.
"Oh my god, this is going on Facebook! Smile!"
He didn't even think twice, he gave her a huge goofy grin. Once she put the phone away he looked to her in curiosity.
"What is this book of faces you speak of?"
"Uh what?"
"It's a social media site."
"Social? So you can speak to the faces in this book and they can hear you?"
"It's not really a book. that's just the name. it's on the internet, a website… you know?"
"I am unfamiliar with this internet.."
"Oh! No way! All the information known to man is on there! Just type what you want in on google search and it's there for you to read."
"Surely not all of it?! That invention sounds glorious! How is the information put in there? That is but a black block with tiny gems on it. Do the gems power the device?"
"What? No, that is the phone case. I- it's satellite and.. I don't know how to explain.."
Was this guy serious? I mean I've heard of serial killers and psychopaths being good actors but.. I'm pretty sure he is not a killer? I had no way of knowing but before I could over think things my phone vibrated on the table. Thor startled a bit and raised his fist as if to smash it but I swooped my hand in and caught his fist.
"Don't! That is my block of information! You crush it and I will crush you!"
He backed off after smiling at me apologetically but looked on in fascination as I answered the phone and continued to have a conversation.
"Hello?"
"Bella, I know you asked for this time off but we have a situation and it just so happens to be in New Mexico."
Shit! Please let it be something that is not this!
"Really? What is it?"
"Locals reported a satellite crash just a few miles away from where your phone traces to. We are here already and have controlled the situation but we could use you on the case. Barton is here too."
"It's not really a satellite is it?"
"Is it ever?"
"Look Phil, we have a situation of our own. Could I work part time on this?"
"Yes but Bella, there is something else."
"What?"
"We need Jane's information, we know she has leads on this and probably a theory as to what it could be."
"No Phi-"
"It's protocol Bella, I know she is your friend and I don't want to face her and Darcy either but it is my job to find out if this is a threat or not. We are in front of her make shift lab and I am holding the guys off. If it were anyone else you know we would have already loaded up the van."
"I know. Look just give me a few minutes to talk to her. We will be there in less than 30 minutes."
"See you then."
He hung up and I felt my chest drop. I know how hard she holds on to her work and of course she shouldn't have to let it go but maybe if I convince her that she will get it back then… but I can't actually guarantee that she will get it back.
"Bella? What's wrong?"
"That was Phil."
"Oh how is he? Did he call to send you off on a mission?"
"Yes. Here in New Mexico. Locals called in a satellite crash and they came to investigate the same thing you are."
"… And they need my things. Did they already take them?"
"No. He knows you and he likes you so he wanted me to talk to you first. They are waiting outside of the place you rented."
She sighed and I saw her eyes water up. Thor looked at her and his eyes hardened.
"Is there danger looming?"
"No, remember I told you I worked for a company that protects people from threats? They are here and think that something else crashed at the same time you did. They don't know about you though."
"That has to be Mjolnir! You must take me now."
"Mew- what?
"What's mew mew?"
"It is not what they say it is."
"Well whatever it is. They blocked it off from the public so you can't just walk in and claim it."
"I can if you take me there at once. All the answers you seek will be yours once I reclaim Mjolnir."
I got up from the table and stood in front of Jane.
"I need to go report. Look, they can take your things but they can't take him. Jane I know this means a lot to you and I won't tell them about him or about your book but I do have to go and let them in to your space. "
She sighed and looked lost while Thor looked ready to beat someone up.
"Okay, here is the key to the back door. Thank you for trying to help where you can. Could you get fired for this?"
"Honestly I don't know. Just.. whatever you plan, leave me out of it alright?"
"We will."
I turned to go much to Thor's confusion. God I hoped they figured out something to do with him. I made my way back quickly and Phil gave me a look like he knew I was up to something.
"Where is Jane?"
"She made most of these things, she couldn't bear to see them taken away against her will."
"I'm really sorry Bella. I'll see what I can do about getting some things back to her. Your stuff is here too?"
"Yes, I have been staying here."
"Should we know anything?"
"No, I have been hanging out with Darcy mostly. Everything she does she writes it in her computer notes though so start looking there I guess."
He nodded and gave the order before pulling me aside.
"Bella. I won't ask why you didn't call when you first saw her work."
"She is my friend Phil, I didn't see a threat so I figured I could hold off."
"I know there is more to it than that. Just be thankful you are our 'secret weapon' if you were any normal Agent you would be cuffed and in an interrogation room."
I laughed at the image of them cuffing me.
"Do that and see how it will go with Kitty on your back."
He laughed and sent me off to the base with Clint while they finished off here. I packed my things quickly and took off my shoes to fly out over the terrain. Agents were just starting to put pipes to form a tarp around the crater but it was certainly a sight to behold. The lower I got the clearer the 'Hammer' looking thing became. Was this the hammer Thor was talking about yesterday? I saw Clint come out from one of the RV's and wave me down.
"Hey Clint."
"Bells!"
He hugged me and opened up a new RV for me to leave my things in.
"We can share this one. We will probably have opposite shifts anyway. Crazy guys trying to lift that thing keep trying to sneak in."
"Trying?"
"Yeah. No one can lift it. Some guy even hooked it up to his truck and that thing broke the bed of the truck!"
We laughed but I think he could tell mine was a little forced.
"Hey, Bella I'm sorry for the position you were put in, I know it can't be easy you know?"
"There's nothing for you to say sorry for. I understand how things have to be sometimes."
He nodded and we went to go help set up some equipment.
Hours later.
I was hanging out with some of the lab Agents while Clint took his night shift but I still had a Bluetooth in my ear just in case something happened. I was on edge since I heard the rumble of Jane's Van just a minute ago but chose to ignore it and keep talking until I was called or something happened.
"So have you guys found anything? Or need my help?"
"N-No Agent Swan, we can handle it. Would you like something to drink?"
"What? No, You guys don't have a problem with me being here, right?"
"No, it's just well, We've heard stories in the academy.."
"Nothing bad though!"
"Oh no! Nothing bad!"
"Well that's good I guess. What have you heard? I mean I've only been on a few missions so there can't be many stories to tell right?"
"We heard you helped save Mr. Stark. Was he really dying? Is it true that there is a new element that we were not aware of?"
"Well I can't speak about Tony, I don't know what he would want me to say but if you asked him yourself I know he wouldn't lie. As for the new element.. I wouldn't say it is new exactly, it just had never been reached or developed, technology was not where it had to be for it to be discovered before."
"Why hasn't it been released worldwide though? Does it have something to do with the reactor on his chest?"
"It is way too dangerous to be released publicly, plus it is an element that is not easily made. You guys said you come from the Academy? Did you just graduate?"
"Yes we did. Top of our class."
"That's great! Congratulations! What are your names by the way? I was just told that Fitzsimmons was working in here."
"Oh well I'm Fitz and she is Simmons."
"Jemma Simmons. He is Leo Fitz. Pleasure to meet you Agent Swan."
"Pleasure is all mine. Please call me Bella."
"Really?!"
They both shouted at the same time and I had to laugh. They really were quite a pair. I flinched when I heard a buzz in my ear. God I hated these things!
"Bella. We need you on the west wing."
"Sure thing."
"Gotta go. Lock this door behind me alright?"
Once they nodded I took off and joined Clint up in his view from the top.
"What happened?"
"Coulson is letting some giant come in and beat up all the Agents on ground. I had a clear shot but he told me to let him try to lift it. Of course he failed and had a mini breakdown. They arrested him and took him to a holding cell. Where were you by the way?"
"Met Fitzsimmons. Why call me if you guys already have him handled?"
"We never thought he would let us take him. He fought through everyone to get in there and then he just let them take him."
I sighed in disappointment. I had no clue what that hammer did or why Thor wanted it so badly but a part of me was hoping he could get what he was looking for. I had no clue if this was part of the plan they made or if they even had one but I had to get in that cell and ask.. well first I had to make sure I wouldn't be heard when I asked.
"I'm gonna go change shoes. Be right back."
He gave me a strange look but went back to doing a visual perimeter. Once I was back on ground I walked behind our RV and took out my phone to call Tony.
"Yep?"
"Hey, I need a favor. I need you to call Darcy and speak with her and Jane. Darcy has a picture and they need your help to make an online identity for Thor-"
"Hold up, Thor? What kind of name is that?"
"Listen to me Tony. He is being held here and we need to get him out. Just call them and help them make some kind of plan okay?"
"Bella what is going on? Do you need me to go down?"
"NO! No really everything is fine just.. a whole lot of confusion. Darcy and Jane will explain okay? Just help them. I gotta go."
"Are you in danger?"
"No. I gotta go. Bye."
I hung up the phone quickly before he could ask any more questions. I heard footsteps 30 feet away and knew I didn't have much alone time left. I jumped out of the rain and into the RV to changed my wet clothes and was slipping on some boots just as the door swung open.
"Hey Phil."
"Bella, Barton told me you would be in here. We caught someone and I want you observing him closely. I believe he is trained professionally."
"What makes you say that?"
"He threw our highly trained Agents around like rag dolls."
"Oh.. yeah I see how you would.. think that."
"Good. Supervision starts in 5 hours. I would suggest you try to get some sleep in the mean time. Barton's shift ends in 5 hours as well so you won't be bugged before then."
"Cool, good."
"You alright? I can't help but notice you don't seem yourself at all. Is this about Jane and Darcy?"
"No. I'm just honestly confused about somethings but I promise they won't effect my work Phil."
He nodded and made to leave but turned around last minute with a softer look in his eyes.
"I know we are in the middle of a mission Bella but I am still your friend. You can talk to me anytime okay?"
"Do you believe in Aliens?"
Shit.. did I really just ask that? I mean I love Phil and I want to open up to him but he is an Agent first, anything I say, he will act on and then my phone call to Tony will have been for nothing.
"I'm sorry?"
"Just wondering if you believed in aliens… I don't think I do but then we see stuff like this that just falls from the sky and you can't help but wonder if it's true.."
"Oh, well.. I guess I had never truly thought of it."
"It's fine, stupid question. I guess I should get some sleep before I ask you if you believe in the Easter bunny."
He laughed but gave me another knowing look before he left. What am I doing? Maybe I really do need sleep.
Sunday January 25, 2015
"Bells, wake up."
"What?"
"Wake up."
I rolled over and saw Clint looking pretty tired crouched over me.
"What time is it? Am I late for my shift?"
"Uh yeah. Couple hours late."
"WHAT?!"
"Relax. Coulson told me to let you skip your watch turn. You weren't needed. Jane and some other guy came to pick up the Doctor. You should have told us that you knew who he was Bella."
"Doctor?"
"Yeah, their co-worker. They said he went crazy when he found out we took all of Jane's stuff and he was able to knock out all our guys because he was on steroids.. Now of course that is all bull shit so Coulson let him go and sent some Agents to follow them. He wants you on the inside. He trusts you, we all do and we know you are keeping something from us but we trust that you will watch him and let us know if a threat pops up."
"I promise I will. That is what I have been trying to figure out. He seems like a genuine guy but.."
"But you don't know a thing about him."
"Exactly."
He nodded and patted my shoulder while passing me my boots.
"Go do your hair, you look like someone held a tap dance competition on your head."
"Asshole!"
He laughed when he saw me trying to run my hands through it. I got ready quickly and left with a weight lifted from my chest. I was glad they knew what was going on but they were still letting me take lead on it. I walked towards the main set up but backtracked when I heard Phil's voice coming from the lab. I heard only Phil, Simmons, and Fitz, so I didn't bother knocking I went right in.
"Hey guys, Phil, I was about to leave but I just wanted to say thanks, I know I didn't go about things the right way but..."
"You have good instincts Bella. I trust you."
"Thank you."
I turned and talked directly to Simmons since Fitz was just staring at my chest.
"Have you guys found anything?"
"No, there is nothing around it with strange readings. Only the hammer itself. I did do some research though and the symbols are similar to some Norse mythology but that doesn't really help at all."
"Actually it helps a lot. Look into the stories with Thor and something called a Bifrost. Figure out what that is and text it to me. Phil has my number so just ask him for it. Let me know what you find out about Thor, anything okay?"
They nodded but looked at me like I was crazy. I turned to go but Phil stopped me.
"Bella, you don't really- is this what you meant yesterday when you asked me about aliens?"
"I don't know what to believe Phil. He is a kind and genuine man. The way he does things, the way he speaks.. it can't be acting.."
He looked in my eyes for a moment, looking for something but eventually he nodded and let me go.
"Do you need to take a car?"
I smirked at him and he almost blushed realizing his slip.
"Right. Sorry."
"Wait! Can I see you take off! I've only seen some videos online."
I laughed and nodded at both of them and they jumped to follow me out. They gave me strange looks when I took off my shoes but their eyes lit up when my feet did. They stepped back and I heard Jemma laugh when I shot up into the sky. Soon I got to the rented space and smiled when I saw Thor helping Jane serve breakfast.
"Hey guys, so your plan sucked..."
"Hey! It worked didn't it?!"
"No it didn't! A Doctor on steroids? They had a tail on you all night."
"Are you taking the day shift?"
"Yep. They understand."
They nodded and we fell back into easy conversation while we caught each other up on everything that they had to go through to get Thor out. I noticed he was much calmer now but seemed withdrawn in a way, maybe a bit upset? After everything was cleaned up we got up to sit in the living room but a knock on the front glass door had us spinning. What the fuck?! There were 3 men and 1 woman all dressed as if they were coming from the viking era or something…. Viking era, Norse Mythology! Oh god it's more of them. The biggest one knocked again and yelled something that I didn't hear but they were all extremely happy to see Thor. I vaguely heard some mugs drop and shatter on the floor but all that was put behind when Thor saw them.
"My friends!"
His 'friends' opened the door and came right in to hug him.
"This is good! This is good."
I heard Selvig in the background saying he didn't believe it and a part of me didn't either but… there it was! They turned and politely made introductions.
"Oh excuse me. Lady Sif and The Warriors Three."
"My friends, I have never been happier to see anyone. But you should not have come."
"We're here to take you home!"
"You know I can't go home. My father is… dead because of me. I must remain in exile."
What? Lady Sif went up to him slowly while the 'Warriors three' looked at him confused.
"Thor, you're father still lives."
His face was frozen for a few seconds but his eyes flashed a million emotions before they set on anger. He started asking about his brother and started explaining to them how 'Loki' appeared to him while he was being held by S.H.I.E.L.D to tell him his father had died. His friends explained a few things of their own and we were left hanging on to every word, hoping to understand just a sentence of it. I pulled my phone out and sent a group text to Clint and Phil, asking them to come down here. As soon as I sent it though, our attention went to another cloud forming in the distance. All the locals slowly came out and turned to see it. Thor and his friends seemed to know or guess what was going on though because they got moving quickly.
"Jane, you all have to get out of here."
"What are you going to do?"
"I am going to stay here and help."
"Thor is going to fight with us!"
"My friends, I'm just a man. I'll only be in the way or worse get one of you killed. But I can help get these people to safety."
I stepped in front of the 5 of them and spoke to Thor mainly.
"I will fight with you. What is coming?"
"Warrior Bella. You are just mortal. What is coming is too strong."
"I am a mutant. I am not just human."
I stepped back and let my body be covered in flames. They stepped back in shock and Thor looked at me for a minute before letting his arm extend towards me. Quickly I turned them off and glared at him.
"Why does everyone do that?! It's fire! Fire burns!"
Lady Sif then turned to me and bowed before getting near me.
"The Destroyer is coming. He overpowers everything with his own flames."
"Okay. I can absorb his fire and help so none of you get burned. I don't know how you all fight but I will help where I can."
They all bowed to me and my confusion or discomfort must have been clear on my face because Thor spoke lowly to me.
"They recognize you as a worthy warrior to fight beside them and they are showing you their respect."
"Ah, I see."
Well that is awkward.. Darcy shrugged at me but moved quickly to help Selvig, Jane, and Thor clear people out. There were trucks being loaded and places being evacuated but my main focus was on a giant metal suit coming slowly in the distance. Why is it always metal armor? I got a call and stepped away for a moment.
"Clint?"
"It's Phil. You seeing this?"
"Yep. Coming at us as we speak, Thor's brother is a real peach apparently. We already have half the town evacuated."
"Good… It throws powerful fireballs."
"Did we lose anyone?"
"No. Let's keep it that way."
"Yes. Stay where you are. I think that is the only place this 'portal' or whatever it is, opens at so hopefully we can round it that way. I gotta go, it's getting close."
"Be safe, you are literally fighting fire with fire.."
"Good thing I'm fire proof."
He chuckled as he hung up the phone. Once I joined the rest of them I noticed 'The Destroyer' had gotten into the main streets. The suit opened up to form eyes made of fire, there was no person in this thing. Just a huge machine.. I don't know if that was good or bad. It passed a building and I tensed as I saw the fire burn higher. I was ready and as soon as I saw it shoot a fire ball I already had it halfway to me and put out.
"Excellent work Lady Bella! Distract it while I find a way to a building top."
"Sure thing."
Cool, I am a Lady! Next was a gas station, but again I was ready to put it out. I tried throwing a fire beam of my own at the thing but it did nothing to it. I was caught off guard by that so when it went for a car, I wasn't ready and it blew up right in our face. I was ready and absorbed any heat before it burned their faces off but still it pissed me off. The Warriors Three threw their biggest warrior straight at the destroyer's chest with a battle cry "FOR ASGARD!" Literally it did nothing.. he was thrown right back to a hood of a car and I was getting ready to intervene but these guys turned out to know their shit, the distraction was perfect for Lady Sif to jump off the roof and impale the destroyer's back with her sword. It was actually hot.. I think I had a girl crush. She landed perfectly on him and the thing just shut down. She looked up with a victorious smirk on her lips but in only lasted seconds because the distinct hum of bending metal came to life. The Destroyer's arms twisted first.. then slowly his head. Suddenly she was perched on his chest and looking straight in his fiery eyes.
"Lady Sif Move!"
She rolled over and landed hard on the concrete. I flew down and picked her up while she yelled.
"Fall back!"
She looked back for her sword now laying on the ground but I threw her over my shoulder and left her with the other 3. It was my turn now. I turned to see a huge crack made on the street and it was heading for some old apartments but before it could reach I aimed all my strength at it. Were there people on that window? Are you fucking kidding me?! What part of evacuate don't you understand you stupid dipshits! Of course fire can't melt something made of fire but the stronger I pushed the more unbalanced it became. The problem now was that we needed that final blow that was going to finish this. My fire wasn't enough. The heat surrounding us made some storefront windows crack and shatter and I saw some people run from one cafe to another place, of course one of them had his phone aimed this way, stupid idiot was probably filming this. For once I let the anger bubble inside me and turn into hate, into pain, into stronger waives of fire. I knew this was not a fight I could win, even I was starting to shake from exhaustion but there was nothing I could think of doing.
"Bella."
"I'm a little busy Thor! Stay back! You will burn yourself!"
"Bella, stop. I know what to do."
"If I stop then everything goes up in flames!"
"Not with me here. It's not about the town. This is about me. Step away Bella, you have done all you can."
Is this guy serious? I looked around and spotted Lady Sif and the Warriors Three, they looked on at Thor like he was their hero. They had no doubt that whatever his plan was, it would work. God I hope it works! The second that I turned the flames off I jumped out of the way and Thor slowly took my place and started walking towards him with ease in his steps.
"Brother, whatever I have done to wrong you, whatever I have done to lead you to do this, I am truly sorry. But these people are innocent, taking their lives will gain you nothing."
As he got closer the flames slowly started to rise again. I don't know what type of plan this was or if it was a sacrifice but I would not let him kill Thor, I will absorb those flames, we will find another way.
"… so take mine, and end this."
Son of a bitch.. the thing turned off! I could almost cheer when it turned to walk away. Last minute his arm moved back in a graceful swing, my mind didn't get what happened. Thor's body was sailing back with force and I heard Jane's scream from somewhere but there was a moment of dead silence. The Destroyer was walking away and I didn't know what to do.. I can't stop him, I can't let him go.
Selvig ran passed me and suddenly I could hear everything again, I saw him dragging a screaming Jane away from Thor and something off in the distance coming straight at him. In seconds I could make out the hammer.. is it his? Is that what he was missing? I braced myself to see it crash into his chest but his arm shot up and thunder exploded in the sky, his entire body was covered in electric shocks and his arms were taken over by something silver.. armor. He was on his feet in seconds and was dressed like one of the warriors, like a viking with a red cape.
I got ready to fight alongside him as the Destroyer tuned back around and brought the flames back but in a precise move he swung the hammer and brought him to his knees. I had to step back as he started spinning the hammer in his hand and started flying, the debris, some car parts and all the wind put together looked like a tornado that lifted the Destroyer up in the air, he was using the hammer as a shield against the beams of fire being thrown at him and it was something out of a movie, the confidence in his movements made it clear that he was a warrior, the warrior. With a stoic face he wielded the hammer against him and smashed his face in, making it drop on the ground like the heap of metal that it was. These guys are actual mythical people.. myth being the operative word…
"Holy shit!"
..And he just walks out of a cloud of smoke to stand in front of Jane like the proud fucker he is. Is he expecting a kiss for saving the damsel in distress? Because I will give it to him if she doesn't, Darcy looks about ready to drop to her knees for him too. He turned to the Warriors Three and to Lady Sif.
"We must return to the Bifrost site. I am to have words with my brother."
Just then I see Phil's car roll up and I have to smirk to cover up my laugh. You're a little late to the party guys.
"Excuse me! Donald. I don't think you've been completely honest with me."
Who the fuck is Donald? Oh! The fake identity.. right.
"Know this son of Coul, you and I fight for the same cause, the protection of this world. From this day fourth you can count me as your ally, if, you return the items you have taken from Jane."
"Stolen!"
"Borrowed. Of course you can have your equipment back, you're gonna need it to continue your research."
I raised an eyebrow at him and he just smirked. That bastard knew this whole time she would be signed on! Thor said something about a bridge and suddenly he had his arm around her and was twirling his hammer again.
"Wait! I need to debrief you!"
"Too late Phil, they already took off. How about we give these poor flightless Warriors a ride there though?"
He looked back at them and shrugged before continuing to cram them in the back seat with Lady Sif sitting on their lap. We got off and Thor rushed to the car.
"He doesn't answer."
"Then we are stranded."
"HEIMDALL! IF YOU CAN HEAR ME WE NEED YOU NOW!"
".. Heimdall!"
Finally after a few more seconds the clouds started churning again and the wind became erratic. Thor took a moment to make out with Jane while the 4 others walked into the circle. They turned to me and Lady Sif spoke first with a fist to her shoulder she bowed.
"Lady Bella, it was an honor to fight beside you."
The rest of them did the same thing and I had to ask.
"What does that bow mean with your arm?"
"It is a sign of respect and a greeting to those you value and admire. Warrior to warrior."
"Oh! Wow, cool. Well here we just do a hand shake in greeting, I guess it's not as formal.."
"How does this handshake go?"
I laughed and demonstrated a strong handshake to her and soon the rest of them lined up for one. I vaguely heard Darcy laughing and saw Phil hiding a grin behind his hand in the background but I never took the time to look fully up, we never heard Thor say goodbye to Jane, I just felt a scream rip through my throat as I felt myself being sucked into a hole and thrown out another end. I was on my knees and there was activity around me as they all turned and realized I was there. Where was I exactly? I felt out of breath but I lifted my head and saw a room in gold, it looked like an observatory.. but without a top opening. Thor came to me and helped lift me up.
"Lady Bella, I'm sorry, you must have been standing too close to the Bifrost site-"
"She was holding my hand. I am responsible."
"Bella, I must go deal with my brother, I promise when this is sorted I will take you home. Sif! Stay with Bella, the rest of you take him to the healing room!"
I'm in another planet.. Realm he had called it. Lady Sif guided me out of the room and I almost fell to my knees again. It was literally a rainbow bridge! It was a marble of colors and the view was endless, no picture could capture this, it was the epitome of perfection.
"Lady Bella, I must apologize for asking but are you strong enough to fight? There are frost giants in Asgard and your gift of fire surely could help protect our people."
"Yes, I will help anyway I can. What are frost giants though?"
She started guiding me quickly down the rainbow/ Bifrost bridge and explained a brief version.
"Frost giants are a race of giants that live on Jotunheim, one of the nine realms. It is cold and barren, they are ruled by Laufey, king of the frost giants. They are strong fighters and posses advanced physiology, their stamina and agility is greater than that of Midgardians."
"Mid- what?"
"We call your realm Midgard."
"Oh.. Okay. So where are we going?"
"I suspect the frost giants first move would be to storm the castle. We must find some guards to tell us where we are needed."
I was about to ask just how big these giants were but I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a huge… blue thing.
"Holy shit… holy fuck!"
"It seems I have a lot to learn of your realm, your form of expression is unfamiliar to me. Shall we?"
I nodded but chose not to say anything. This.. Frost.. Giant thing was attacking a family with a child no older than 9. I saw red eyes on it and couldn't help but compare them to Victoria's. Fury and vengeance fueled me and threw myself at it, a part of me was nervous after being unable to defeat The Destroyer but my fears were squashed.. fire melts ice and these frost giants were only made for their cold climate I guess..
"Thank you! Thank you for saving my son!"
I looked up to Lady Sif and she seemed shocked but shook it off.
"Very well done!"
"Lady Sif.. Was he suppose to melt like that? I mean, is he really dead? That was too easy wasn't it?"
"It did seem so but your fire makes you an admirable Warrior, never have I seen someone destroy a frost giant with such ease!"
She side stepped the gooey body and led me through a narrow alley. A shortcut to the castle, she said. I was till in shock from the sights and the freaking blue giant but we didn't encounter anymore of them until we got to the Midas looking castle.. I mean it was all gold!
"Lady Bella! I will help the guards on the west wing and you can storm the east wing!"
Before I could ask which one was the east wing, she ran full tilt. I sighed and closed my eyes trying to listen which way more destruction seemed to come from. A crash that shook the castle walls echoed for a moment before Thor's red cape sailed passed me.
"Thor! Are you okay?"
"My brother! We must stop him! He has plans to destroy Jotunheim."
"Wait! Why is that bad? Aren't they the bad guys?"
"Maybe in our eyes, does that mean they need not live? I cannot let him destroy an entire realm, if I have learned anything in Midgard is that not every race is the same. I cannot say to you that I am superior as I once would have, I no longer believe that to be true."
He looked broken for a moment and I had to believe that this all meant so much more to him that just saving another planet, he needed this confirmation for himself, that he had changed and that he was different than whatever he use to be before. I took his arm and gave him a reassuring nod.
"Let's go then. Lead the way."
He jumped back in surprise and in awe when I raised myself a few feet of the floor.
"Do wonders never cease?"
"Did you think you were the only one that could fly?"
He smiled bright and started spinning his hammer again, a look of concentration took over then and he took off back to the rainbow bridge. Off in the distance I could see the gold room spinning. Did that mean it was on? It was definitely on. A beam of while light shot out of the spinning point and was thrown far into the darkness, connecting this place to Jotunheim. I stood back while Thor stomped over to who I guess was his brother but they looked nothing alike, where Thor was muscular and blonde, this man was thin and dark haired, he was very handsome in his own right but there was something concerning about him, a warning to stay back.
"You can't stop it. The Bifrost will build until it rips Jotunheim apart!"
He ignored him and went straight to the middle where the center perch was already in a block of ice, Before his hammer could come down his brother used a silver cane to send him flying back. So a magical silver stick? I rushed forward to help him up and sent a fire ball to knock the cane out of Loki's hands. He looked up with controlled fury in his eyes and smirked at me.
"Ah yes, the fire wielding hero. You were no match for the Destroyer, bow down and take your rightful place Midgardian!"
"Bow down to you? I'd like to see the day."
Thor stumbled in front of me to face his brother but it looked like it was to protect me from his words as well.
"Why have you done this?"
"To prove to father that I am a worthy son! When he wakes, I will have saved his life, I will have destroyed that race of monsters, and I will be true heir to the throne!"
"You can't kill an entire race!"
"Why not? And what is this new found love for the frost giants? You could have killed them all with your bare hands!"
"I've changed."
"So have I. Now fight me."
In a move meant to degrade him, he slapped him and sent a blow to Thor's chest that sent him sliding cross the floor.
"I never wanted the throne! I only ever wanted to be your equal."
"I will not fight you brother!"
"I am not your brother. I never was."
"Loki this in madness!"
"Is it madness? Is it? Is it?!"
I saw something in him snap and true mayhem come out. His voice shook with forced control and his eyes glazed over.
"Come on, what happened to you on earth that turned you so soft? Don't tell me it was that woman? Oh! It was! Well, maybe when were finished here, I'll pay her a visit myself."
"Motherfucker!"
I pushed passed Thor and was about to throw Loki's ass into flames but Thor launched himself at him and the two started rolling around. With Loki so close to his cane he reached for it and was able to block off every swing that Thor sent his way. I couldn't intervene without burning him so I used their distraction to try melting the ice around the center perch, Loki saw me though and send jabs my way, the last one caught my side and I fell off the perch in pain, their surprise grew when I healed before their eyes and jumped up to keep melting.
"Insolent girl! KNOW YOUR PLACE!"
He launched himself towards me and I braced myself but Thor used him momentum to send them both flying out to the rainbow bridge, Loki dangled off the side of it and Thor reached for him but suddenly Loki was gone. He reappeared behind him and then there were a dozen copies of him.
"Thor!"
We were out numbered! If he could replicate hims-
"Enough!"
Using the thunder that came from the hammer he made all the copies disappear. Did he just give Loki his hammer?! He was stuck, he couldn't lift it. Just like all the men who tried before S.H.I.E.L.D got there. Clint was right, no one can lift it, not even Loki.
"Help me Bella!"
I turned and saw him trying to get back into the golden observatory but it was spinning too fast, we couldn't get near it with all the pressure it was creating around itself.
"Look at you! The mighty Thor with all your strength! And what good does it do you now huh?! Do you hear me brother? There's nothing you can do!"
I looked to Thor and saw his panic rising.
"There has to be something Thor, don't give up. We just need to get it to slow down, maybe if you throw me at it and with my flames I can get in there?"
He shook his head and looked deep into my eyes as his own sorrowful ones filled with unshed tears.
"Bella I must break the bridge."
"What does that mean?"
"I don't know how to take you home without it. There is no other way."
The Bifrost cracked louder and I knew time was running out. I can't go home? Kitty needs me. This isn't my planet, I need to go home!
"There has to be another way!"
"There isn't."
He was waiting for me. He was willing to kill off a whole race to be able to take me home. How could I live with that?
"Oh my god! No no my baby girl! Thor!"
I don't know when I fell to my knees but he came and lifted my chin.
"I will not force this on you. I give you my word that I will find a way to take you home Bella but I need you to decide."
My mind was frozen. How could I consider either options? I had to go home but I couldn't be responsible for killing off a whole planet. I could hear the sobs ripping through my chest but I couldn't feel them. For the first time in a long time I felt cold.
"I can't! I can't Thor! I can't be responsible."
His hands forced my head up to meet his gaze once more. I don't know what he was looking for or if he only wanted me to see the tears he was shedding for me but he extended his arm expectantly as he rose and looked at me one last time before bringing the hammer down.
"What are you doing?! If you destroy the bridge you'll never see her again!"
"Forgive me Bella."
He lifted it one last time and let the formed cracks shatter. Instantly I felt myself falling, water swept over me and drenched me but I didn't know which direction to fly to. I looked to my left and saw the plethora of shining stars like a beacon to go towards. A thought came into my mind, a memory of Darcy.
"Jane said something about stars that aren't ours, wrong constellations or something."
Another sob escaped my lips and pain rippled through my chest making my entire body ignite. No, it wasn't the right stars at all. I wasn't home.
