A/N: Yay chapter 13. I feel I should remind you all that this is set just after the events of Winter Soldier, so the setting it April last year. Yikes. Fun stuff in this chapter. Thravi, the son of Asgardian sorceress Hanora, is found by Natasha and the Avengers make a plan to capture him. Ooooh. Also, just between me and you, I was meant to work on my Legal Studies assignment today but I accomplished nothing, except write this chapter. This is a whole day's worth of effort guys, don't forget to read, review and enjoy.
It was a moment of success for Natasha when, after hacking into multiple school systems, she found a boy bearing a striking resemblance to the sketch that Natasha had been staring at for far too many hours. A private co-ed school on Long Island had bared fruit for Natasha when she widened her search on a hunch.
She printed out the boy's school file and hurried to find Steve. She located him sitting at a table reading a book. He glanced up as Natasha approached, giving her an odd looked as she dropped the paper onto the table in front of him and announced triumphantly, "Edward Queen."
Steve looked down and examined the boys file, eyes widening in surprise. "You found him?" Steve asked incredulously.
"Oh course I did Captain," Natasha told him in a matter of fact tone. "I'm just that good, you really should've figured that out by now."
"There's a home address here," Steve observed, but as he looked further through the file he scrunched up his face in thought. As he handed the file back to Natasha he gave her new orders. "Do more research, anything you can dig up. Tomorrow we can start putting together a plan, and we'll see if Loki can be more help this time around. Make sure The Experiments are there as well, I think they can be of some use."
Natasha took the file back from him, holding her arms straight in front of her, she gripped the file loosely, more concerned with what Steve was planning. "First you didn't want to use Hanora's son as bait. Now, you'll gladly do it, and you want to use The Experiments," Natasha observed.
"Do you have a problem with it?" He asked.
"Of course not, I think it's an effective plan," she answered. "But do you?"
Natasha did not wait around after she asked Steve a rhetorical question that left him with a clenched jaw and dark expression as she slunk from the room. The truth was that the plan that Steve was formulating wasn't a plan he was particularly keen to carry out, but he knew that Hanora had to be captured, and sacrifices had to be made.
If Loki opened one more piece of literature to find a silly story he would burn every single book in his room. Stark had apparently taken great joy in stocking the room with what were quite easily the worst novels Loki had ever laid eyes upon. Boredom was tolerable, the atrocities in the bookshelf were not.
Captivity in Asgard was positively joyous compared to the flavourless Midgardian room they were keeping him in. The urge to escape was growing by the hour, but strong he remained, knowing that if he had any hope of taking Hanora back to Asgard in chains he needed The Avengers. A ludicrous notion considering their history, but they were the only ones that could provide him the aid he required.
There was a noise at his door, the sliding of metal on metal, the lock on Loki's door. It opened to reveal Romanoff and her protégé, Phoenix. A girl who existed under odd circumstances, and had a past, shattering enough to leave her as a shell of what was once a human being.
"We meet once again Phoenix," Loki greeted her as she entered the room, but she ignored him, holding up a pair of handcuffs for him to see. She pulled his hands out in front of his body and attached the chains to his wrists while Romanoff watched. "Why is the child the one restraining me?" He demanded.
Natasha did not give him an answer, instead she turned on her heels and began walking away. Phoenix followed her, and dragged Loki along as she proceeded to do so. The girl had remarkable strength and did not struggle once with escorting him, though he knew that she would not able to move him if he resisted.
He was led into what was perhaps their Council room, or whatever Midgardians called the chamber in which business was conducted. No doubt they had gathered him for another bout of questions regarding Hanora. It was growing tiresome.
Steve watched Loki enter the room, handcuffed and being led by Phoenix, who held up a hand as a signal for Loki to stop and wait. She stepped to the side, allowing Steve to walk forward and meet, eye to eye, with Loki. They stared at each other for a minute before either one spoke.
"Take a seat Loki," Steve ordered, pointing to a lone chair that they had set up near one of the couches. When Loki did not move, Steve pushed him into the chair.
The Experiments, with the exclusion of Phoenix, were seated on the couch furthest from Loki. On the other couch sat Bruce, Tony and Phoenix, with Clint perched on the armrest above Phoenix. Natasha sat in an armchair across from Phoenix and near Steve, who was standing up in clear view of everyone.
"Last night, Natasha managed to find Hanora's son Thravi," Steve announced, much to the intrigue of everyone in the room, who leaned forward and listen more attentively to what Steve had to say. "He's enrolled in Long Island Preparatory School, under the aliases of Edward Queen. We managed to access his school files but they don't shed much light."
"Did you find a home address?" Bruce asked.
Natasha shook her head. "Dead end," she informed him. "The address is just an empty lot. I'm not sure what exactly we expected."
"Anything about family in his file?" Phoenix enquired.
"A mother, listed as Ruby Queen," Steve answered.
Loki scoffed. "Subtle," he remarked sarcastically.
"A landline and a mobile phone number are given but neither of them belong to a Ruby Queen," Steve continued explaining. "There is no evidence to suggest that Ruby Queen exists, nor her son. Every document that we've found pertaining to either one of them, is fake."
"Loki," Natasha called the Asgardian to attention and held up a photograph. "Is this Hanora's son?"
"That is Thravi," Loki confirmed. "I'd recognise the brat anywhere."
Very surprisingly Natasha did not put the photograph away, instead she handed it to The Experiments. Bella reached for it in confusion, being the closest, but Heather leaned forward and snatched it out of Natasha's hands before Bella even got close.
"Look at him," Natasha told them. "What can you tell about him by looking at his photo."
The Experiments looked close to arguing, but put their heads together regardless and began conferring in murmurs over the picture. They continued this conference for several minutes before they were ready to speak and give an answer
"Not many people can look that good in a school photo and pull it off," Mark informed Natasha as he pointed to the boy's face. "Without a doubt, he's one of the popular boys. Those guys are almost always gifted with the double combined power of attractiveness and a facade of confidence. Though he probably has a sensitive man ego that works a bit like kryptonite."
"Well groomed, but not excessively clean, so we know he's not gay," Bella continued on as Mark finished. "Combine that with the looks, I guarantee you that all of the girls chase after him. It also easy to conclude that from his charming grin that he's just flirted with whatever woman was taking his picture. He's suave, but probably treats his girlfriends like crap."
Natasha nodded and looked to the rest of the group surrounding her, a satisfied smile on her face. "You wanna know about the mind of a teenager? Ask another teenager. Works every time," Natasha looked back to The Experiments, who seemed to have come to the realisation that Natasha had used them, and asked them another question. "What type of girl is he attracted to?"
"That one's easy," Heather stepped in. "Guys like him are only ever into one type of girl. She has to be physically attractive, that is a guaranteed. It doesn't usually matter whether she's popular or not, as long as she caters to his every whim and never questions his actions or criticises him, but she can't be weak or pathetic."
"Strong but obedient," Sam simplified. "It's highly probable he's only looking to use her for 'physical activities, if you know what I mean."
Josh took the picture out of Heather's hands and gave it back to Natasha. "Is there any particular reason you're asking us this?" Josh questioned.
"We'll come back to that in a minute," Natasha answered as she resumed her seat and nodded to Steve. "You have the stage Captain."
Steve nodded in return and brought up a hologram by placing his hands on the table and sliding his hands across the screen in opposite directions. A much larger photograph of Thravi appeared on the screen. "We've only been able to find a small amount of information pertaining to Hanora's son, but we think this will be enough," he slid his hand to the right, the image of Thravi transitioned to an image of a school.
Thought it didn't project the image of a school, more of an elaborate manor house. A large courtyard with a statue, stood in front of the school's entrance, a large, tall building that seemed interconnected towards the others. "This is Long Island Preparatory School," Steve addressed them. "In four days' time they will be holding a school dance that all students are expected to attend. This will be our chance to capture Hanora's son and bring him in."
Steve slid his hand to the right once more, protecting an image from the school's website that announced the school dance on the 23rd of April, 6PM to 9PM. It was to be located in the hall and the theme was Starry Night. A picture of the famous Van Gough painting further accompanied the notification.
At the same moment that Phoenix realised why she'd been invited to the meaning, the same thought seemed to occur to The Experiments. "You're going to use us!" Heather exclaimed. "You want us to go to this dance and capture an Asgardian?"
"Not exactly," Steve knew he was treading on thin ice with Heather's unpredictable opinions on her own evolvement, and tried his best to phrase the plan in a way that wouldn't set her off. "Yes I want you all to go to the school dance, but only one of you is going to carry out the mission. The rest of you will be there as support in case anything goes wrong."
"This is where Thravi's type comes into play," Natasha took over the explanation. "Only one of you fits the criteria that Heather so helpfully outlined, and only one of you will be able to do this," Natasha glanced back and forth between Heather and Bella for a second, before looking in the opposite direction. "You're up Phoenix."
Probably the most shocked reaction out of all of them came from either Heather or Clint, who were both staring at Natasha, dumbfounded, with their mouths dropped open. Phoenix seemed equally shocked, though it was hard to tell because her expression did not change, she simply stated at Natasha.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Bruce asked cautiously.
"I am," Natasha responded curtly. "Phoenix is the only one that can play the right part."
Heather shot to her feet, rage building up in her fists. As Heather's face reddened, it was clear she was about to explode into a screaming match. She jabbed an angry finger at Phoenix. "Her? You want her to do this?" She demanded, her voice rising in pitch until she reached the brink of hysteria.
There was an echoing silence before Heather continued. "SHE'S A PSYCHOPATH!" Heather shrieked at the top of her lungs, without warning, causing most people in the room to jump in shock. Thankfully her voice descended in volume as she continued. "She's not capable of human interaction! She's not even capable of being human, let alone acting human!"
"At the rate this conversation is going, it seems that Phoenix is at least capable of acting more human than you, and that's all I need," Natasha retorted calmly.
As Heather's rant had gone on, Phoenix avoided every eye in the room, but glanced up as Heather took a seat, looking dangerously close to foaming at the mouth. Phoenix cleared her throat, prompting everyone to look at her. "What do I need to do?" Phoenix asked.
"We'll go over your section of the plan in more detail later," Steve answered. "The general plan for all of us is fairly simple. Barton, you and I are going to watch the exits. Stark and Banner, you'll be on surveillance duty. Romanoff will be inside the building, ready to implement the emergency exit plan."
"I assume I have no part in this plan?" Loki questioned dryly.
"Don't worry Loki you're going to be involved," Steve assured him with a smirk. "You get to wait in the van with Stark and Banner while they do surveillance. If you're lucky they might even roll down a window for you." Loki glared in response and turned away.
"The exit plan is in case something goes wrong. On my signal, Romanoff shuts down power and everyone in the building escapes via the rear door shine the stage, in the hall," Steve explained. "Like I said, Barton and myself will be watching the exits just in case."
"What could potentially go wrong?" Mark asked cautiously, but with an excited smile. Out of all The Experiments he seemed the most eager.
"Hanora and The Frost Giants could show up," Steve answered. "Even worse they could already be there when we show up. If that's the case, we continue with the plan. Hanora would recognise The Avengers and Loki, but she wouldn't recognise a group of teenagers."
"Hanora and The Frost Giants," Josh repeated, elbowing Sam as he did so. "Sounds like a really bad punk rock band."
Heather slapped him across the arm. "Aren't you the least bit concerned that they're putting us at risk of being killed by a crazy woman?" Heather hissed at him angrily.
"We're not trying to put you at any risk," Steve reassured them, as several of them had panicked looks cross their faces at Heather's words. "Heather, if you want to stay safe, read Thravi's mind or whatever it is you do. That way you can help Phoenix, or notify her if he gets suspicious."
"No!" Heather exclaimed in outrage. "I thought I made it perfectly clear that I'm not going to read anyone's minds, and I certainly won't be helping Phoenix."
Natasha and Clint exchanged a glance briefly, both of them had seen the same thing. As Heather spoke, a small glimmer of fear crossed her face. Heather's suspicious behaviour over the past week had raised concerns for Natasha. She was certain that Heather was keeping something from them, but bringing that conversation up in front of everyone in the room was a bad decision. Natasha would have to get Heather on her own.
"I think we've gleamed over the basis of the plan," Steve folded his arms, looking relieved that the discussion was nearly over. "I'll let you know the specific details a couple of days before. Has anyone got any questions?"
Loki awkwardly raised his hands that were still trapped in the handcuffs. Steve looked as if he was considering ignoring Loki, but motioned for him to ask his question anyway. "You've neglected to mention to me that you had a group of adolescents working for you," Loki pointed at The Experiments. "If I am to help you, I want to know what they are."
"Wrong pronoun. The question is who they are, not what they are," Bruce corrected him.
"Isn't it?" Loki retorted questioningly. "You should know better than anyone, the difference between man and monster."
"That's enough Loki," Steve cut him off as Bruce clenched his fists. "Now does anyone else have any questions?"
No one raised a hand or spoke, so Steve dismissed them with a wave of his hand. As he watched Natasha and Phoenix walk past him, leading Loki back to his room, he had a second thought about Loki's involvement. Foolishly he dismissed it, and allowed him to think that Loki was their ally.
The first thing Clint did when he arrived in Natasha's bedroom, and find her on her own, was question her on her decision. Actually it was the second thing he did, the first thing he did was kiss her. Technically she kissed him, but Clint was distracted at the time.
"Why are you putting Phoenix in the lead for this mission?" Clint asked the moment Natasha took a step back and ended the kiss. His hands were still on her shoulders as he asked her but she didn't move any further back.
Natasha was annoyed at being questioned, but answered him nonetheless. "She's the only one that can pull this off. I'm confident that Phoenix will play the part, she's had enough training, and she learns quickly. Besides, Bella and Heather can hardly be trusted to do it."
"Not what I meant Nat," Clint shook his head. "You could've set the plan up any way you wanted. Why are you using Phoenix as bait?"
Natasha looked mildly offended and removed herself from Clint's grip, taking a step back. "Steve and I put together a plan, and we decided that Phoenix, luring Thravi away from the party, so we could capture him, was our best option. I would never use her as bait."
Clint scoffed, a sarcastic smile formed but quickly faded again. "You and Steve made the decision," he stated, but in a questioning tone. "You didn't think to consult me about it? You can't just make decisions about Phoenix like that, you don't exactly have the right."
"I have every right," Natasha's voice grew stern and her expression hardened. "Phoenix trusts me, and you know I would never do anything that could potentially harm her. Don't act like you have supreme right to decide what goes on in Phoenix's life, she's not your daughter Clint."
"She might as well be!" Clint snapped. Clint realised what had just slipped from his mouth, but made no attempt to cover himself. Natasha was not shocked, nor did she get angry, she simply stared at him, waiting for an explanation.
"We've practically been raising her over the past week, and we're the closest thing she's ever had to family," Clint turned his palms upright and shrugged like he was having trouble explaining himself. "You know I care about her Nat, and all I'm asking is that you involve me in major decisions that could put her in danger."
Natasha hardly expected a speech, but Clint's brief excuse of his slip-up didn't put Natasha's mind at ease. They were getting far too attached, Natasha had allowed herself to care for Phoenix beyond what she deemed safe. She was becoming a weakness for both Natasha and Clint, and though Natasha would never dare admit it, that excess of emotion terrified her.
"Phoenix will be here in a couple of minutes," Natasha informed him. "We're going to discuss her section of the plan. If you want to be involved, you're more than welcome to stay and help me, but I'm not changing my mind about this mission."
"Fine," Clint agreed half-heartedly.
He sat himself down on Natasha's bed and neglected to say anything more. Natasha could see anger radiating from him, so she stepped away and waited near the door. The silence of the room didn't last long, as Phoenix appeared in the doorway moments later, looking expectant.
"Thank you Natasha," Phoenix addressed her with a smile on her face as she entered the room and Natasha closed the door behind her. "I didn't think you would give me an opportunity to prove myself so soon. I've been looking forward to a mission for so long."
Natasha returned Phoenix's smile, as did Clint, but he looked like he was stuck in a state of perplexed amusement. "You're excited to be doing a mission?" he questioned.
"Of course," Phoenix replied, nodding eagerly as she did so, taking a seat beside him on the bed. "This is what I've been trained for my whole life. It's the only thing I know."
Natasha eyed Clint in triumph and smirked, a silent declaration that she was right. Clint nodded and shook his head, the anger fading away into amusement. "Natasha knows what the plan is, so she'll run it through with you," Clint motioned to Nat as he leaned back on the bed.
Natasha launched into the details of the plan straight away, wasting no time as she explained everything carefully. Phoenix was to arrive at the dance and attract the attention of Thravi, the idea was to keep him occupied most of the night and gleam as much information as possible. Once Phoenix successfully gains enough of his trust, she will lead him away from the dance and capture him.
Phoenix listened to Natasha attentively but a thought seemed to nag at her as Natasha gave her the rundown of the plan. Once Natasha had finished, Phoenix asked her question. "How am I supposed to attract his attention? Do you want me to befriend him?"
"No, no, Phoenix," Natasha shook her head, a devious smirk creeping across her face. "I want you to do much more than befriend him. I want you to flirt with him, and you'll attract his attention by being the most stunning girl at that entire dance."
Phoenix scoffed and nearly started laughing, but composed herself as she saw that Natasha wasn't joking. "I'm not sure this plan is going to work Nat," Phoenix looked to Clint for support in her argument, but he wanted nothing to do with the discussion.
"The plan will work," Natasha reassured her confidently. "You just need some extra training. So starting from now, we're starting a new training course. I'm going to teach you how to manipulate men, and Clint, you're going to help me."
Clint sat bolt upright and furiously shook his head." That's your area of expertise Nat."
"You're not going to teach her," Natasha looked at him like he had missed an obvious point. "You're going to be my guinea pig."
"Sounds great," Clint murmured sarcastically and looked upwards like he was praying for strength to get through whatever it was that Natasha had planned.