I knew I shouldn't have gone in Uncle's garage, because now I've had a nightmare.

Well, this particular dream wasn't really a nightmare. It was just...weird. I mean, since when do I dream about Clint Barton and Loki? And why was it so vivid? I've never felt pain in a dream before, but my head was pounding throughout the whole dream! I hope I'm not coming down with something. And when that man pricked my neck with that syringe...let's just say I'm glad I'm still alive. I don't ever want to have a dream like that again...

I have the vague impression that something isn't right as I start to wake up. I can't hear much, but I can hear something like echoes bouncing off a cave wall far away. Memories float through my fuzzy mind- bright blue eyes, a dark tunnel, a weird door, and laughter. Mocking laughter. Laughter that makes my blood boil in indignation, but also sends shivers skittering along my back and arms.

I move my head from side to side, trying to push off the effects of deep sleep, but that only makes me dizzy. I moan, but my voice doesn't sound right. Reaching up, I try to scratch a tiny spot on my neck that it stinging slightly, but my arms won't move more than a couple inches upward. I moan again, my head aching abominably, and try to open my eyes. Useless. It's like they're sealed shut. I'm slowly becoming more and more aware of my surroundings, and I realize a moment later that I'm lying flat on my back on something that is hard. Did I fall asleep on the floor? My arms and legs still feel like lead weights, so I wiggle around, trying to get my body to move. That seems to work a little.

Now sounds are starting to filter through the haze of my mind. I can hear feet on a floor, many voices, and multiple unidentifiable noises, something like machines whirring. I groan again, and my voice sounds more normal this time.

"...she's waking up, sir."

I wince. That voice was way too loud, and way too close. I try again to open my eyes, and it works this time. But everything is really blurry, and my eyes only open halfway. I blink a few times, groaning. I start moving around again, and the world slowly comes into focus. "What...happened..." I mumble, frowning up at the man on my right, standing next to...whatever I'm lying on. He just looks at me. Funny, he looks like Clint Barton from my dream...

"Welcome back."

I freeze.

I know that voice.

I slowly turn my head to look at a man on my left, hoping I am mistaken, but knowing I'm not. At the sight of his Asgardian garb and smug face, everything comes flooding back. Walking through the door. The long tunnel. Realizing what happened to me, where I am. Proving I can tell the future.

And turning invisible.

My eyes narrow in anger. "You tricked me." My voice sounds a bit gravelly, but at least it's strong.

Loki's face breaks into a wide, infuriating smile. "I did, didn't I? How do you feel, my young mortal?"

"I don't belong to you," I growl. I quickly move to sit up, but I give a pained gasp when I am jerked to a stop. Looking down at my body, I see restraining bands wrapped around my torso, wrists, and ankles. I stare at them for a moment, trying to control my fury. I have always detested being restrained, but I've never experienced anything like this. I slowly turn my head to look at my captor. He looks pleased. I glare daggers at him, refusing to look away until I see the slightest change in his facial features. Making him even a bit uncomfortable is very satisfying. I lie down much more calmly. "I won't kill you, but you might wish I had," I say, meaning every word.

Loki chuckles, evidently amused by my audacity. "You are in no position to be making threats, Victoria."

"Actually, I'm the one who knows the future here, not you," I respond, not bothering to turn my head and look at him. "So yes, I am in the position to be making threats. And believe me, that was not an empty threat." I grimace, remembering Infinity War. Yeah, he's gonna really wish he was dead.

Loki steps closer, putting himself in my peripheral vision as I stare up at the ceiling. "Ah, yes. Your ability to see into the future. You said I would...how did you say it, 'get kicked in the face'?"

I can't help but smile a little, remembering that scene from Avengers. "Yes." I look over at him, an innocently pleading expression on my face. "Can I come to Germany with you? I really want to see that, since I can't do it myself. I'm not tall enough to kick your face."

I can see his expression darken slightly, and I grin, pleased with myself. But he quickly changes to a smile as well. "Perhaps. If you cooperate. I may have need of you there."

I frown, about to open my mouth and repeat my earlier statements about refusing to work with him. Then I stop, remembering my original plan. I was going to trick him into thinking I was working with him, gain his trust, then escape. That may still work.

"And why would I help you?" I ask, eyes narrowed. Loki chuckles again, but it's not quite as light-hearted this time.

"I can be very convincing," he replies in a low, dangerous tone. His unnaturally blue eyes lock with my brown ones, and I can feel the cold implication in his gaze. I stare straight at him, unfazed, debating whether I want to go through with this. I sigh. There's nothing else I can do.

"Alright, alright. No need to get so creepy about it," I say, turning away with an eye roll. I grimace and clench my jaw, forcing the words out. "I'll...help you."

Loki stares at me, probably wondering once again at my sudden change of heart. I glare at him. "What, you didn't expect that?" I challenge. I know I'm being rash, but I'm angry and I don't really care. If the stupid alien wants to take over the planet, he's going to have to deal with my attitude.

Thankfully, he doesn't get angry with me.

"As a matter of fact, I did not, since you were earlier ranting about not joining me," he replies.

Is that amusement on his face...?! I grit my teeth. "I'm American. We're not known for our love of would-be world dominators," I practically spit.

He raises his eyebrows slightly. "Then why have you suddenly agreed to join me? A rather quick change of heart, is it not?"

I glare at him. "Because, Loki of Asgard, I would be a fool to forfeit my life for nothing." I roll my eyes. Duh.

Loki stares at me for a moment, expression unreadable. "Wise decision, Victoria," he finally says. Then he abruptly spins on his heel and walks away.

"Hey! Where are you going?" I call after him. He doesn't respond. "LOKI!"

He completely ignores me, disappearing behind some scientific equipment, and leaving me strapped to a metal table.

And he's gone. Go figure. He's gonna leave me here to rot, I think angrily. This is great, Victoria. Just great! You see a stupid door in Uncle's garage, and you just HAVE to investigate. You couldn't wait and ask him about it, of course. No. You had to know RIGHT THEN-

I jump with surprise at a sudden jerk on my right ankle. I lift my head and look down at it, only to see that an armed man in black clothing has just freed it! He moves to my other foot and releases it, too, and a second man releases my wrists and torso. I sit up slowly, rubbing my wrists and warily watching the pair of men.

"You are to come with us," one of them says in an emotionless voice. His and his companion's eyes are bright blue, and I realize Loki must have sent them. My heart starts beating a little faster.

Where are they going to take me?

Author's Note: Thank you for reading! This is my first time to publish anything on , so I'm still learning the ins and outs of the site. I hope you're enjoying! Let me know if you have any suggestions for edits or ways to better the story. I take constructive criticism!

Signing off, AuthorsDream.