And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's meant to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
-Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls
Thor raised Mjolnir above his head and lightning crackled above them. The hammer charged with electricity, white coils of energy dancing around it. Thor swung Mjolnir before releasing it, hurling it at Odin. Odin dodged out of the way of Mjolnir, knowing it to be far more powerful than the mortal weapons he had been fighting before.
Mjolnir was crafted in the heat of a dying star. Odin vividly remembered watching it be crafted inside the furnace by Eitri, Brok and Buri . He had instructed the dwarven blacksmiths in the runes that needed to be crafted into the mighty hammer. He had not wanted to look ahead into that hammer's future. He gave it to Thor and hoped that it would never be used against him. He could not pray for it, for gods to not pray. There is no one else to pray to.
Thor held out an open hand and Mjolnir's course turned while it flew. It swerved back over Odin, narrowly missing him as he ducked again, and back into Thor's hand. Thor roared before charging at Odin. Odin fell back, trying to figure out a way to bypass his son. He jumped back. As he landed, he felt a dampness at his heel. He looked down to see water seeping into his boots. Odin's eye shot up to look at Thor who was grimacing as he held Mjolnir over the small lake. Odin tried to move, but it was too late.
Mjolnir struck the surface of the water, sending electricity throughout the pond. Daggers of white fire flew across the lake, causing Odin to fall onto one knee. The metal battle armor served as a conductor for the electricity, and Odin grimaced as he felt the metal burn into his skin. Gungnir seared his palm, but he kept his hold on the spear. He muttered a few words under his breath before slamming Gungnir, side down, into the water.
The water rose up, carrying the electricity with it, and rolled towards Thor. Thor dived out of the way as the water surged over where he had previously stood. He summoned Mjolnir to him and lowered himself into a battle stance.
"You are strong, my son," said Odin, rising to his feet. Odin stretched out his hand, flexing the metal glove. "However," Odin clenched his fist tightly. "You are not the one I am here to fight." Odin thrust out Gungnir, sending a flash of blue towards Thor. The energy hit Thor square in the chest, sending him careening back into a car. Thor grunted as he hit the car, Mjolnir slipping out of his hand.
"I am here to defeat Loki, not you. I do not need to defeat you before I reach Loki. So do not follow me. This is your final warning." Odin's voice dropped and cold edged its way into his voice. All kindness had vanished from his face, leaving behind an empty mask. It was the face he had worn when he had slayed a thousand Jotuns. This was a mission he was doing for the sake of the world, not because he liked it.
Odin took a step ahead before pushing himself off the ground. His feet glowed a dull blue as he levitated in the air. "I will see you afterwards." Odin turned away from Thor and to the street where he had seen the rest of the Avengers run off to. He angled himself forward and flew towards the deserted street. The ice disappeared as he headed away from Loki's epicenter. While people were not frozen to their spots, the street had been evacuated. No one was foolish enough to wander outdoors while such a fight was going on.
Odin faintly heard the sound of Thor's voice, ordering him to stop. He shook it off and quickened his pace, knowing that Thor was bound to catch up soon. A flash of gold caught Odin's eye, and Odin realized it was the man of iron.
"Sir, it seems that Odin had gotten past Thor. Shall I send out the rockets?" JARVIS asked politely. Tony looked at the browser that JARVIS had popped up, displaying the approaching Asgardian.
"No, JARVIS. Book me a map to the nearest SHIELD medical base. You and I are going to be paying a visit," Tony said, lowering himself towards the ground. The red screen began flickering as it computed dozens of commands from the AI. "And set up a frequency, will you? We're going to need to get him in quickly."
"All right, sir," replied JARVIS.
"Steve!" Tony yelled, flying beside the man. "Give me Loki! I'm faster than you all. I'll get him there, just stall the pirate!"
Steve turned from his running, slowing ever so slightly. "Right!" He shifted Loki so that the Asgardian was slung over his shoulder. It wasn't quite like a relay race, but it would have to work. Tony stuck an arm under Loki before grabbing him awkwardly.
"This could have gone a lot more smoothly," he complained under his breath. He tucked Loki under his arm before giving the Captain a salute. "See you later, Stars N' Stripes!" Tony activated his thrusters, shooting him away along the course JARVIS had brought up.
"Rogers, we have a plan. But we need you to keep him steady!" Clint yelled, curving away from the center of the road. Natasha headed left, leaving Steve alone in the center.
"Got it!" Steve confirmed. His eyes searched the ground for what he needed. No, no, trash can lids wouldn't be heavy enough. And he doubted that there were many around here anyways, so what could he use for his shield? His eyes noticed something on the ground, and he skidded to a stop. He ripped out the man hole cover and wrapped his fingers into the grip. The blonde gave a satisfied nod before looking at the incoming god.
A few seconds left before he would arrive. Steve shook out his shoulders and took a deep breath. He pivoted around in a circle, whirling faster and faster. When Odin was finally in range, Steve released. The thick metal crashed into Odin, knocking him from his path.
"Now!" Clint shouted, releasing three arrows. The first arrow landed a good ten feet past Odin, but who was to say he didn't plan it like that? The capsule on the end cracked, letting out a piercing shriek. Clint and Natasha had closed the shutters on their comm links, effectively blocking out the noise. As they ran closer, the second arrow activated. Smoke filled the street, blocking everyone from view. Steve couldn't see what was going on, but knew he wouldn't be of use. He ran back to find another manhole cover while the third arrow activated.
The explosion sent the smoke away, but the cloud had lasted along enough. Gun shots rang out as two bullets hit Odin in the side. Clint had another arrow knocked, about to release. Odin snarled, and rolled out of the way as Clint fired. He waved Gungnir at Natasha, sending a blast of energy. Natasha was hurled into a wall behind. The air got knocked out of her chest as she collapsed to the ground. She gave hacking coughs as she tried to regain her breath.
"Natasha!" Clint called out before being side hit by the staff. The sound of cracking ribs was heard, and Clint and tossed over to the side. He rolled across the ground before slamming into a lamppost. His bow skidded up beside him, smacking him in the head.
Steve watched in horror as Odin stood up again. The man gave a short glance at the bullets in his chest before giving a snort. "All you are doing is stalling what will eventually come about. These mortal weapons cannot wound me." Odin stared up at Steve, sending chills down the other man's spine. The man was undefeatable. Was it even possible to defeat the Allfather?
Author's Note: Woo~ I finished a chapter! I may or may not have posted this on my last chapter, but I'm going to say it again. I have a debate tournament this week and it is out of state. This means I'll be driving for awhile... On Thursday. Which is my update day. I may or may not be able to have a chapter up and ready for you during that time since I've been time crunching recently. I hope y'all understand! ):
I'll try to get it done though! :D Thank you for bearing with me even though I can be pretty unpredictable!
Brownie: Thank you so much for your words of support! I really appreciate it. (:
S: Can I hug you? I want to hug you. It made me so happy to see your review! *-* I'm glad you enjoy the story so much, and I hope it lives up to your expectations!