Fourteen

'We both knew what we were getting ourselves into when I was asked to enlist in the Academy.'

'Doesn't make the fact that that idiot decided to hack into your profile and accuse you of something he doesn't understand.'

Emily's hands balled into fists as McCoy's words echoed in the back of her head. They had been talking like that for the last couple of days. Ever since McCoy found out that Kirk hacked into her profile, he had been worried. More so when he knew that the agency wouldn't stand for that kind of outrage. She knew that if Kirk really did manage to break through SHIELD's security, there would be hell to pay on both sides.

'I've been able to hold him off for as long as I can, but there's only so much I can do,' McCoy suddenly put in.

'I know, Leonard,' she let out an audible sigh. She could feel the weight of guilt and other emotions sweeping through him. 'I don't want you to feel stressed over something you don't have control over… I love you, Imzadi.'

Those words seemed to hold an effect on him. She couldn't hide the small smile that followed when they reluctantly closed off their bond. She could tell that he wasn't happy with the idea of letting Kirk get away with his bullshit. There was only so much he could do, though. She had a feeling that sooner or later Kirk would share her information with the Council. There was no telling how they would react, or how they would handle the situation.

She squeezed her eyes shut and leaned against the wall that held up the base they were stationed at. With Clint sitting across from her it was easy to forget their current situation. She wanted nothing more than to forget the fact that she had been dragged away just to babysit an object that held little meaning to her. Though even she wasn't foolish enough to know that Director Fury had his reasons to ask her and Clint to guard the Tesseract.

Over the last couple of days she and Clint had been catching up with each other. Apparently Lila was learning how to write her name while Cooper was beginning to walk on his own. Emily hadn't realized until then just how much she was missing out on the things she cared about. She missed Laura and the kids. She missed the days when they would hang out and act as though nothing was wrong, when in reality her world was spiraling apart. Even though she gained something through seeing McCoy again, she also lost a part of her life that meant so much to her.

"So I take it things between you and McCoy worked out?" Clint finally cut through the awkward silence surrounding them.

He'd known they were likely keeping in touch with each other. In spite of communication being tight-lipped around the base, Emily found a way to keep in touch with McCoy. She was grateful for the bond they shared, especially in situations like these.

"In more ways than one," she admitted guiltily. Clint gave her a thoughtful look as she twined her fingers together. "Leonard knows about what I did during our time apart… he was more accepting of it than I expected."

"Considering he's the reason you went to those lengths—"

"That's not the past I was implying," Emily cut him off before he could finish his accusation. Clint cocked his brow as she rolled her eyes in exasperation. "I was worried over how he would react to the news, but apparently Papa beat me to it."

Clint merely snorted in amusement after realizing what she meant by that. The archer was well aware of how protective Coulson was of her. She had no doubt that Coulson told McCoy just to make him understand what she lost in the process of his betrayal. In Coulson's eyes, that was how he saw the situation. Emily silently thanked her lucky stars that Coulson eventually forgave him, albeit said forgiveness was done grudgingly.

She leaned forward after noticing the scientists keeping an eye on the Tesseract.

The base itself had been built around said object to act as a barrier. Emily knew there was no way to contain the energy… not when the energy had readings similar to her own. The hair along her arms had begun to stand on end whenever she walked past the Tesseract. Any time she and Clint were on lunch break she would do whatever it took to avoid the cube-like object. She hated the idea that the agency was using the energy for wrong reasons, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that was exactly what they were there for.

Doctor Erik Selvig was usually working on the cube after he was called in. The doctor in question hadn't missed how the cube seemed to react whenever she was close by. The cube seemed to respond whenever she got too close, whether it glowed brighter or started spiking, she wasn't sure what was worse. The only thing she did know was that staying away was her best option.

Selvig's sudden interest in her and the cube's connection was enough to send a shiver of unease through her. She knew nothing good would come out of him running research off of their energy readings. It only reminded her of the many times her father used to take her down to the labs on the Atlantis. He'd tried figuring out how to control her and use her as a weapon. When that didn't happen, she was carelessly tossed to the side just like any other rejected project.

Thankfully Selvig's interest in her hadn't lasted long, especially when Clint got involved. One withering look was all it took for the doctor to realize she was off-limits.

She tried pushing those uneasy thoughts aside as she leaned back once more. For once she was grateful for the silence that followed, though it didn't last long when she felt Clint kick her feet. She could tell he was getting bored of waiting for something, anything to happen. She knew he missed his family. He would gladly take time off if it meant being able to spend time with his wife and kids, but he also knew how important his job was.

"It doesn't get any easier if you're planning on continuing your relationship," he suddenly warned her. Emily swallowed hard as she understood the hidden threat in his voice. "I'm just saying… I don't want to see you getting hurt by the same asshole all over again."

Emily drew in a sharp breath when he left it at that. She glanced at him warily, knowing full-well that he meant well. He was worried that she would spiral again… that McCoy would somehow fuck things up again and hurt her. There was no telling how she would react to the emotional damage let alone the physical pain it would bring. She was ready to say something when her com suddenly went off.

"When the hell were you going to tell me you work for SHIELD? And more importantly, when were you going to tell everyone that you're a murderer?"

It wasn't until hearing that question out loud that Emily found herself shrinking back. She sure as hell deserved more than a verbal lashing for acting the way she had. She swallowed hard as guilt threatened to consume her once more, though this time for not telling him sooner. She knew that if McCoy had explained everything to Kirk and he still found it hard to believe, then there was no convincing him otherwise.

"I work for SHIELD for the same reason your mother decided to throw away those pictures she had of me," she finally snapped after regaining her composure. She heard Kirk let out an intake of breath at the mention of his mother. "If I had enough time in one day I would explain everything else, but nothing I say would change you mind. I know you will only ever see me as nothing more than a monster."

Her voice was void of emotion. And that terrified Kirk more than anything else. She suspected his mouth was hanging open with shock. As he struggled to formulate the right words, Clint was suddenly called down when Director Fury finally joined them. Emily watched the ceiling warily, not missing the fact that the cube had begun spiking with energy again. She knew her own emotions had something to do with the cube's reaction.

"The cube's somehow connected with your fellow agent up there," Selvig explained when Fury questioned why the Tesseract had begun spiking. "Her energy levels are the same as this cube. I wouldn't be surprised if they came from the same place."

Unease crawled through her at the thought. She hadn't realized that her com was still open. Kirk's voice still rang in the back of her ears as she listened to Selvig explain what was going on with the cube. She knew going into this that her energy readings were similar to the Tesseract. She couldn't help but wonder if that was why the agency had called her in.

"And why the hell should I listen to someone like you?" Kirk demanded after realizing she was ignoring him. "From what I've seen through that profile, you're nothing more than a monster. I'm surprised Bones was willing to accept that."

Her fists clenched with fury. She was suddenly grateful that she and McCoy discussed the situation before this mess. She knew he wouldn't have taken the news well had she not told him sooner. McCoy had always believed in helping others, not taking lives. That was why she felt so damn guilty, because she dragged him down with her.

Thank you for warning me, Leonard, she silently thanked McCoy after noticing that Clint was called down by Fury.

She jumped down to join Fury once the cube had finally simmered down. The portal that Selvig had been working on seemed to stop glowing the eerie bright blue light, and smoke was spiraling from where the surge of energy exploded. Emily narrowed her eyes when she saw a figure standing at the portal; the figure itself was even smoking. She nearly rolled her eyes when Fury threw her a look at the sound of Kirk's voice echoing through her com.

'Don't ask,' she mouthed to him when they exchanged looks. The worst part of it was, they would more than likely bring him in for questioning once the agency found out he'd hacked into their database. She tried pushing the uneasy thoughts aside, especially when she spotted the hunched over figure.

"We need more time," Fury cut through the uneasy silence, though Emily suspected he was trying to recover from his initial annoyance. She glanced over to where he kept watching, and her eyes narrowed upon seeing why he was so on edge. The hunched figure looked strangely human, though he wore a horned-like helmet and a greenish gold cape. What really struck her as odd was how pale he looked. "Coulson, you're with me. I need you to—"

"Please don't," the stranger cut Fury off when he finished putting the Tesseract into a secure case. Emily's heart nearly skipped a beat when she noticed Clint standing near the stranger, who she now guessed was Loki from the files Coulson sent her. Clint's eyes were clouded over with a strange shade of blue, and he didn't look nearly as tense as he should have, what with being so close to the Asgardian, "I still need that."

A shiver of unease swept through her at the sight. Clint usually had a better sense of judgement than that, so seeing him act as if nothing was wrong was what bothered her more than anything else.

"Oh, I'm sure you do," Emily rolled her eyes in annoyance. Loki suddenly turned his attention towards her, and she flinched upon seeing those piercing blue eyes. There was something almost unnerving about the way he kept looking at her. It felt as if she had seen him before, but she couldn't pinpoint where. "You're as pale and greasy looking as I imagined."

Clint had given her a description of what happened in Arizona. And through Clint, she'd done her own research on Asgardian history. While it wasn't much, she had a clear image of what Loki and his brother Thor looked like. The Interstellar Web hadn't done either of them any justice though, and Loki looked even more intimidating in person than he did on a holoscreen.

"Coulson…" Fury threw her a warning look, and Emily had to bite her tongue to keep herself from spitting further insults as Loki's eyes narrowed with fury.

"I am quite certain a foolish mortal such as yourself would see it fitting to join me," he had the audacity to add.

The sneer of contempt in his voice was enough for her blood to boil with outrage. Emily did everything she could to prevent her powers from losing control. It was only thanks to McCoy that she had been able to keep her powers under control for so long at the Academy. At the School for the Gifted, she learned how to use them. But keeping her emotions under control had been a different story.

But now, she was in a different place with what appeared to be a madman looking for a fight.

The last thing she wanted was to pick a fight with anyone, especially given the circumstances. Besides, she had already promised Fury that she would control her temper. He knew she wouldn't hesitate to fire her mouth at Loki if it meant protecting those she cared about.

"This doesn't have to get any messier," Fury tried using a different tactic to sway Loki from causing more trouble.

He of all people knew what Emily was like when pissed off. Taking advantage of said anger was something the demigod would do, especially if he was aware of her powers.

"Of course it does," Loki sneered once more, "I've come too far for anything less. I am Loki of Asgard, and I am burdened with a glorious purpose."

"If your idea of killing innocent people is a 'glorious purpose', then you don't deserve to be treated with respect," Emily scoffed in disgust.

She knew she was pushing her luck with this asshole. Loki was one of the many legends she'd heard of in stories over the years. She never planned on meeting him in person, and she certainly never planned on spitting at his face. Unfortunately, Selvig had also recognized Loki thanks to meeting his brother.

"Loki?" he choked out after struggling to stand from the massive explosion, "Brother of Thor?"

Emily winced when Loki looked at Selvig with renewed interest. He would more than likely use Selvig against Thor as collateral damage. She could already imagine how pissed off the Asgardian would be when he discovered Loki had turned one of his friends against him.

"We have no quarrel with your people," Fury tried reassuring Loki as he held his hands up in a form of peace.

"An ant has no quarrel with a boot," Loki twisted his words with a look of disdain.

"I'd seriously love to knock this asshole out now before he tries any tricks," Emily muttered under her breath.

Her hands reached for her phaser as she noticed Loki move towards Selvig. She had no doubt in the back of her mind that Selvig would be useful for Loki. All of his notes and his research would be used to his advantage. The thought sent a shiver of unease through her. The last thing she wanted was to be under the madman's control. It was bad enough that others tried doing the same thing when she was younger.

Imagine what would happen if they achieved their goal, she thought bitterly.

"I come with glad tidings," Loki replied explained as he walked slowly towards Selvig, "Of a world made free."

"Free of what?" Fury asked.

"Freedom."

Emily blinked in confusion at that. There was something about that that sent shivers of unease through her. The men in the compound had threatened to take away her freedom on more than one occasion. She could still remember how they would try wiping her memories clean, and each time they failed miserably.

"Freedom is life's great lie. Once you accept that, in your heart," Loki began before swinging his staff towards Selvig. Emily narrowed her eyes when she noticed that same blue haze swimming within Selvig's eyes as well. Somehow, Loki's staff was able to give him the power of control over those he touched with it, "You will know peace."

I highly doubt that, you arrogant pigheaded asshole, Emily desperately wanted to shout. She kept her mouth shut, knowing that anything out of line wouldn't get her anywhere. Fury didn't trust her enough to let her say anything that might not only start an all-out war with Asgard, but put the world in danger, again.

"Yeah, you say peace, I kind of think you mean the other peace," Fury deadpanned with a look that said it all.

"Sir, Director Fury is stalling," Clint warned him. Okay, now she knew that Loki had Clint under control. The only other person Clint called 'sir' was Coulson… or Fury, when he didn't want his sorry ass whooped, "This place is about to blow. Drop a hundred feet of raw material, he means to bury us."

Emily glanced up in time to see that Clint was right. Raw energy had begun building around the ceiling in the form of a massive cloud. She knew that if it reached a critical level, the whole compound would go down with everyone in it.

Once again, unease swept through her at the thought. She could use her powers to create a forcefield, but she knew they could only do so much to keep everyone else safe.

"Like the pharaohs of old," Fury said.

"He's right," Selvig confirmed it, reading the computer screen, "the portal is collapsing in on itself. You got maybe two minutes before this goes critical."

"Well, then," Loki gestured to Clint, who pulled out his gun.

Her body acted out of sheer instinct when she saw Clint pull out his gun. He preferred using antique weapons over modernized phasers, which led to multiple problems in the process. Before Fury could react, she pushed him out of the way, grinding her teeth together when shrapnel from the bullet grazed across her stomach. Pain racked through her the moment she collapsed. She landed on top of Fury just as Loki grabbed the case and left with Clint and Selvig following him.

"Fuck," she swore under her breath.

She'd known going into this that pain was a part of the job. But nothing could have prepared her for the pain of being shot at in the chest. Worst still was that the energy had begun pooling around her, reacting violently. She struggled to maintain control of her emotions, knowing full-well that losing control now would be disastrous.

Fury had already warned Maria that the Tesseract was on the move when he carefully rolled her off.

"They have the Tesseract! Shut them down!"

Emily winced at the loudness of his voice. When did it suddenly become so irritatingly loud? Then again, Fury always seemed to find some way of getting under her skin.

"We need to get Barton out of there," she hissed through clenched teeth.

Emily was trying to block out the pain, but it didn't last long when her eyes met Fury's eye.

"That someone isn't gonna be you, Coulson," Fury pointed out.

Carefully, he moved her closer so that he could pull out the shrapnel before it embedded into her skin. She had to bite back a cry of pain by biting her tongue so hard that it broke skin. Blood seeped through the newest injury caused by Clint's gun. Emily tried to shake off the sudden wave of nausea that swept through her when she realized how much blood she was losing. Fury held her close as he moved his way through the tunnels that were slowly collapsing around them.

"We're almost free, Coulson," he informed her, glancing down at her, "Stay with me."

She gave a curt nod, wincing as pain shot through her once more. Her head already felt dizzy from the loss of blood. But, she didn't plan on leaving this world anytime soon. Not when there was so much that needed to be done.

"I'm okay, sir," she reassured him truthfully, "Just keep me alive so that I'm not haunting your sorry ass when this is over."

He chuckled warmly at the usual sarcasm dripping in her voice. Despite the obvious pain she was in, Emily still managed to crack a joke or two. It was a wonder she got along so well with Natasha and Clint. Or, that she had placed her life on the line to keep him from taking a bullet.

"We're clear upstairs, sir," she heard Coulson's voice through the radio, reassuring her that he was okay; at least the voices on the radio were enough to keep her awake until they could reach emergency medical, "We're good to go."

She closed her eyes to save her energy while Fury ran out of the door and made a mad dash towards the nearest helicopter. Once inside, she leaned her head against the window to save what little energy she had left. All the while watching the facility in question crumble before her eyes. It was hard to watch. She knew there were still men and women under that debris, most likely never to be heard from again.

Emily pressed her face against the window when she spotted the Jeep making its way out of one of the escape tunnels. SHIELD always kept an intricate connection of tunnels that worked as escape routes in case something like this should happen again. It was one of the many reasons SHIELD engineered so many facilities and bases throughout the world.

"Boss," she warned him, looking at the Jeep pointedly as it moved towards them.

"Move!" Fury ordered the pilot, who did just that, flying towards the Jeep that was quickly getting away.

Fury aimed his gun towards the Jeep's window. Glass shattered around Clint and Selvig as they swerved to avoid getting hit by shrapnel. Loki aimed his scepter, this time firing a blue surge of energy towards the helicopter. Within seconds, the helicopter caught on fire, causing it to stall in the air and shrivel within the fire.

Grabbing hold of Emily, Fury jumped out of the helicopter and rolled onto the ground, narrowly avoiding the blades as it crashed into the ground nearby, but not before exploding into pieces. He carefully laid Emily down and continued aiming at the Jeep until it regained its trek on the main highway, narrowly avoiding getting caught by bullets.

"Director," Coulson's voice sounded through the radio once more, "Director Fury, do you copy?"

Fury sighed and knelt down beside Emily, checking her pulse. She was still alive. She needed to be – she took a bullet for him that most agents wouldn't. Once again, her tenacity to prove herself was what had gotten in the way. The good news was, she would live once they got her to an emergency medical center. He finally took his radio and held it up.

"The Tesseract is with a hostile force," he replied, glancing at Emily and then the helicopter, "I have men down. Hill?"

"A lot of men still under," came Maria's response, "Don't know how many survivors."

"Sound the general call," Fury ordered through the radio, "I want every living soul not needing rescue looking for that briefcase."

"Roger that," Maria replied.

"Agent Coulson, get back to base," he added to Coulson. He was careful not to add the fact that Emily had been injured in the process. Coulson was already overprotective as it was, there was no need to give him further reason to be protective, "This is a level seven. As of right now, we are at war."

"What do we do?"