Chapter. 13: Visitor

She woke up in a cold sweat, breathing hard, adrenaline pumping through her veins. She reached for her nearest weapon, a well concealed knife, which rested beneath her pillow. She took a look around her small room, took a deep breath in, and flopped back to her bed.

Natasha had been having horrid nightmares since the last battle, a few three days ago. Dreams of…him… and of giants and of her team. Slowly being ripped away from her one by one. Brutal murders in front of her eyes. And she was the one killing them. Of her own will. The electric blue digital clock on the bed side table read four in the morning. She sighed and got up, knowing sleep will not come to her again. She slipped into her usual attire and strolled out of the room, to her surprise meeting most of the Avengers in the main room of the S.H.E.I.L.D base.

"Morning Agent Romanoff," A man said gruffly, Nick Fury. He stood beside Thor, on his left, Tony on his right, Clint stood just behind.

"Why are you all here so early?" She questioned, confused by the amount of her team standing in front.

"We got a hit on Loki, seems Reindeer games is strutting his stuff again." Tony replied, sarcastic even before the sun arrives. Thor glared at the Avenger, annoyed and took over to explain.

"It seems," He said in a cool tone, "That he has not left earth yet… I do not know what he could be planning, but he still has that scepter and is dangerous enough without it. "Thor looked to the wall for a moment then back to Natasha. "His goal has always been so clear, to take over, to be in power… I don't know." His fists clenched and unclenched, trying to figure out Loki's plan.

"I think I know." Said a voice from the doorway. Steve stood there, Banner just behind, the soldier started to speak again as he proceeded towards us.

"Loki is desperate, if it's not power he can gain, it will be revenge from you." He said looking at Thor, but Natasha thought she saw him glimpse at her too. "And us… we need to be ready." Thor shook his head, laughing just a bit.

"You cannot possibly understand, Loki always has a plan, and sticks to it until the end, that is that." Tension start to form when director Fury broke in.

"I don't care why, or what he is doing for that matter, but he needs to be stopped. And you two," He stated pointing at Natasha and Clint, "Are not going to go."

"What?!" She growled. "We need as many of us going as possible!" Fury shook his head.

"No, you two have already been in contact with that scepter, and I don't need any more men being hurt… or controlled. We now know it does not matter whether he touches you with it or not, you aren't going."

"Sir," Clint started, "I know the connection has been broken for me… last time." He cringed thinking about it. "He let me go… it felt different then being hit on the head… He can't get me anymore." Fury thought about this then nodded.

"Okay, but Romanoff, you're staying." She realised complaining was childish and arguing futile. She nodded, besides, the S.H.E.I.L.D base is in danger of everything else. Natasha watched as the others hurried onto the plane and sped off, quickly followed by Iron Man's suit. She put in an earpiece so she may hear what is happening to the others. Finally she went to her room, she had no want to train, and until this Loki thing blew over there would be no missions. She walked into her room and suddenly began to feel very tired, her legs began to shake as she stumbled to her bed and flopped down. She was too tired to even move, or ask herself why she was feeling like this. In a matter of second she was out.

Natasha gasped and sat up. She did not know where she was, or how she got here. Her bed was the only thing familiar about the space, as it sat in the middle of a grand hall of some sort, it had golden walls and ceilings, even the floors held a golden sheen. Her eyes travelled forward, a set of stairs led up to a chair, fit for royalty. Only know did she notice someone sat in that chair. She stood up and walked closer, seeing who it was.

"Loki! What have you done?! Where am I?!" He smiled and looked down at her laughing.

"You are in Asgard… well let's say a replica; I needed somewhere to talk which was fit for a king, such as I." Natasha reached for where she always kept her gun, but it wasn't there, none of her weapons were. He laughed again. "You think I would let you bring your toys along… no I am not that foolish."

"Just tell me what you want!" She yelled, her voice echoing in the empty hall.

"Come closer and I shall." Natasha started walking forward, her legs obeying while her mind was not. She looked in shock at him, what was he doing? "Now kneel!" He growled and once again her body obey him, not her mind. She struggle to come to a standing position but she could not.

"What the hell?" Anger infused her every word. Loki laughed and walked towards her. He placed his hand under her chin to push her eyes to meet his.

"I want many things, and you happen to me one of them. You toy with me every day and yet you do not realise this. I want you die, and suffer, but I cannot bring myself to do it. I do not know what type of mortal you are… but not a type I can control." He sighed with the last words and her body was released, but she was exhausted, physically and mentally. "I do not know what to do, but I fear I may not stay on earth because of you. We are locked in a never ending game of hatred and love, disgust and want. I strongly hate you, with an absolute revulsion I usually keep only for Thor, but there is nothing I can do about it. The choice is yours."

With that the illusion was gone. Natasha lay in her bed, sweat covering her, what choice did he talk of? She wondered. She felt something cool run down her face, and another. Water clouded her vision, she was more confused than ever.