AN: And here is chapter 10! We get to meet Loki's, er, 'children'. I've always thought of Fenrir being like a psycho killer, more so than his father. Hel just wants to take over everything and we'll meet Jormungandr in the next chapter. I decided to make Loki and Thor bond, muhahaha. Loki was not happy. Tony and Steve talk and get to meet an Asgardian female, the first OC in this story.

I don't own anything... Stuff belongs to Marvel and Square Enix. Except Aryinn, which I imagine her to look like Evangeline Lily from Lost, Hobbit DoS, etc. Aryinn pronounced Ar-ee-in.

Named this chapter after Lorde's song, Everybody Wants to Rule the World. Love that song.

a few days earlier

It was a cold rainy night in the large city. Dark, ominous clouds hovered in the starless night. The only light came from the thousands shining in the large buildings across the land. Lightning shot through the air, illuminating the sky for a moment. On the outskirts of the city, a few miles away, a tall mountain sits, overlooking the area.

Suddenly, a purple lightning bolt connected to a ledge on the mountain, exploding into various colors. Once the smoke cleared, a kneeling figure was revealed. The figure was female with bright red hair, pulled back into a short ponytail. She wore black body armor that fitted over her like a second skin. She held a tall staff which she stabbed hard in the ground and stood up. Slightly wondering where she landed, she gazed over the city.

She froze at the sound of rustling and movement, then relaxed, realizing who it was. "Natla." Why she still uses her Midgardian name will forever bewilder me.

"My queen." Natla bowed. "You are right on time."

"Did you expect any different?"

"Of course not. I was only-…"

"Enough of this. Have you completed your duty?" The woman hissed and turned to face Natla.

"Of course. I have created the doppelgangers and sent them towards their targets as you instructed. They will be there within days."Natla proudly announced.

"Days?" The goddess groaned. "I suppose that's what I should suspect from a god that was defeated by a mere mortal. Twice now, no less."

Natla blanched. "A mere mortal, perhaps, but she possessed the power of Thor!"

"Quiet. I could care less about your defeat." She paused. "What is the name of this mortal?"

Natla curled her lip disgust. "Lara Croft. Daughter of Richard and Amelia Croft."

"Hmmm."

"Is something wrong?"

"No…" The goddess went quiet, drifting through her thoughts. "It is almost time. I have places I need to be. You will stay and tend to my army."

"As you wish, Hel."

"And if he contacts you, alert me immediately. We will speak again before the war." Hel stomped the end of her staff into the dirt and dark magic swirled from the ground and created a portal. She took a step and was gone.

xOxOx

present day, next morning

Loki twitched his nose in disgust as Tony leaned over the toilet to empty his stomach. I shouldn't be surprised, Loki supposed, after how much alcohol Tony had consumed the night before. He leaned against the sink counter while Tony sat on the floor next to the porcelain toilet.

Tony has passed out shortly after the movie finished and Loki was left to himself. He hated to admit it, but he did genuinely enjoy Tony's company. The man didn't treat him abnormally as the others did and seemed like an agent of mischief, much like Loki.

Loki grimaced as Tony vomited again. "Why mortals drink, when this is the fate that befalls them, will always astound me."

"We mortals usually prefer to live in the moment. Tomorrow morning is tomorrow morning." Tony rubbed his temple.

"Until its present morning. Like now."

Tony glared.

Loki raised his hands in mock surrender. "All right, all right. I'll shut up."

"Thank you. Don't suppose you have any magic that can help with this?"

"Mmm, where would be the fun in that?"

Tony was about to snap back but his stomach had other plans. He sat over the toilet again and threw up.

Loki turned his head from the sight. It reminded him of the many times Thor had gotten drunk and regretted it the next morning. Tony finished and flushed the toilet. There was a knock on the bathroom door.

"Tony?" Loki recognized the voice of Fury.

"He's a bit-…" Tony interrupted with another hurl. "Preoccupied at the moment." Loki finished.

"…Why are you both in there?" This time it was Clint's confused voice.

Loki realized how strange it was for him and Tony to be in the bathroom together… with the door closed. He whipped it open. Clint and Fury jumped back, a little concerned at what they might see.

Loki deadpanned. "Oh please." He stood aside so they could see Tony.

Fury crossed his arms and frowned. "Please tell me you didn't get drunk on the night before a very important mission."

"Okay, I won't tell you."

"We could leave him here and go to Asgard without him." Clint suggested.

"Whoa hey, now!" Tony tried to get up but only fell back down, almost hitting his head on the toilet. Loki crouched and helped Tony stand. Tony shook his head to clear it. "I am completely and totally fine."

"Stay here, Mr. Stark." Fury and Clint turned to leave.

"Wait! I'm sure I'll sober up by the time I get there! I gotta go meet some hot goddesses!" Tony protested.

"Not like any of them are going to lay with you anyway, Tony." Loki pointed out.

"Hey, sure they will! And really? 'Lay'? You're so… stuffy."

Loki rolled his eyes.

Fury shook his head and walked away, calling over his shoulder, "Remain here. It's for your own good."

Tony inclined against the wall. "Aw, man. Loki, you have to go change their minds."

"I'm afraid I might have to side with them on this. You're already sick and I can't imagine how you'll feel after you've traveled through the Bifrost."

"What's it like anyway?"

"Hmm, you humans have those rides called rollercoasters? Imagine the worst, or the best depending on how you look at it, one you've been on and then multiply it by ten and you have the Bifrost."

"Now I definitely have to go! Hot babes and free rollercoaster rides? And Thor has been telling me about Asgardian mead."

Imagining all the trouble Tony would get into in Asgard, Loki pinched the bridge of his nose.

xOxOx

It was a surprisingly clear day in England. The skies were voided of clouds and sun rays splashed the earth. The Avengers were standing outside, preparing to travel to Asgard. All of them were there except Loki and Tony. Fury and Clint had gone inside to fetch them.

Zoning out, Lara stood on the edge of the group. Loki's words from yesterday were spinning around in her mind. The idea of her being a demigod was preposterous. Wasn't it? The more she considered it the more it seemed possible. She had done countless actions that most humans couldn't. She had found impossible artifacts and even battled gods with legendary weapons. But she wished it wasn't true. If it was, that meant her parents had lied to her. If they even were her parents.

"So I see you changed your mind." D.G. impeded on Lara's thoughts. Lara raised an eyebrow, unsure of what D.G. spoke of. Her double nodded her head towards the hammer attached to Lara's hip.

"I thought it would be best to bring it along if I'm to meet more Norse gods." Lara clarified.

"Precisely." D.G. grinned. "Good luck, hope to see you later." She regrouped with the other Avengers.

Clearing her mind from her troubling thoughts, Lara sighed. She turned her head at the commotion behind her. Fury and Clint had rejoined the group and Loki and Tony were not far behind. Loki was dressed in his armor once again and had smoothed his hair back out of his face. Tony walked, more like stumbled, beside Loki, using him as an anchor.

Loki glanced in Lara's direction, trying to gauge her feelings towards him. She kept her face deprived of emotion and pretended not to notice him.

"Now that everyone is here, I will call to Heimdall." Thor rounded up the Avengers, who were going to Asgard, in a circle. The action caused Lara and Loki to stand next to each other which commenced awkward silence.

"Lara, I-…" Loki attempted to start.

"Don't. I need a clear head for this." Lara stopped him, continuing to not look at him.

"As do I." Silently begging she'd look at him, Loki faced her full on. "That's why I must speak to you. In case… something happens on our mission."

Lara frowned. "They're your children, Loki. Would they really hurt you?"

Loki laughed humorlessly. "Exactly. They are my children. And they are just as twisted as I am."

She finally turned to regard Loki and he smiled lightly.

"I am sorry. I never… I never meant to hurt you. Only I wished to spare you the same pain I went through." Loki uncrossed her arms and took her hand.

"I know. I still don't believe it. I need answers." Story of my life, Lara thought bitterly.

"And I will help you find them."

Lara gazed up into his face. "Really?"

"Of course. Once this is over, we will pay a visit to Asgard. The healers should be able to determine your origins." Loki smiled encouragingly.

"Thank you." Lara eased up. "You're pretty optimistic about the future. You really think we'll beat them?"

Loki exhaled and paused for a moment. "I don't know. Your kind won last time; perhaps they will be able to manage it again."

Before she could reply, Lara jolted in surprise as a flash of bright light composed of multiple colors shot down from the sky and landed where the Avengers were standing. The light vanished as suddenly as it appeared and they were gone. Lara's mouth hung open slightly in shock and she heard Loki chuckle.

"That was the…" Lara was speechless.

"Bifrost." Loki finished.

"Wow… It looks painful."

"Honestly, and we didn't tell them this, but… this is the first time we've ever had mortals travel through the Bifrost."

Lara gaped. "You mean you have no idea if whether or not it was safe for them?"

"It should be fine. I'm sure they're okay, Lara. Do you really think Thor would agree to send his friends if he had any fear they would not make it safely?"

"You could have warned them." Lara mumbled.

Thor approached them. "Do you have enough magic to teleport us to our destination, Loki?"

"Yes. I believe it will be wise to visit Fenrir first."

"What can you tell me about him?" Lara asked.

"He's unpredictable and extremely dangerous. In mythology, they depict Fenrir as a wolf, but he has the ability to morph into human form, like his sister, Jormungandr. I know you can protect yourself, but I implore you to stay close to me." Loki gazed at her, pleadingly.

"I'll be careful." Lara promised. "Jormungandr's female?"

"Yes, and you'll meet her soon enough." One moment they were there, and the next they were gone.

xOxOx

Lara watched as the England environment dissolved around her and it was replaced by a dark atmosphere. The realm they had teleported to was without sunlight and there was thick fog everywhere. The fog limited Lara's visibility and she turned to Loki.

Except Loki was no longer beside her. And neither was Thor. Lara spun around searching for them. "Loki? Thor?"

When there was no response, Lara began to worry.

"Loki! Thor!" Lara unclipped Mjolnir from her belt and gripped its handle tightly.

I guess I'm breaking my promise, Lara thought absentmindedly as she carefully began to walk through the fog.

xOxOx

"Well, this place is cheery." Loki murmured as he glanced around. "Wait, Lara?" Thor still stood by his side, but Lara had vanished.

"Where is she?" Thor looked around.

"Lara!" Loki called for her. "Lara!" He did his best to control the rising panic and inhaled deeply.

"How did this happen?" Thor wondered and then noticed Loki's anxious behavior. He placed a hand on Loki's shoulder. "She'll be fine, brother."

Loki growled and shook off Thor's hand. "How often must we go through this? I am not your brother!"

Thor winced. "Why do you say such words? Do you truly hate me or do you only say this because you are tired of the lies?"

"Why does it mat-…"

"Because it matters to me!" Thor yelled and stepped closer to Loki. "I don't care which realm you're from, what race you are, who your parents are… You still are, and always will be, my little brother. Have I really treated you so poorly over the years that you wish to kill me?"

Mulling Thor's words over in his mind, Loki remained speechless. "I am tired of the lies, Thor. You just have to accept that things will never be the same again." He turned away from Thor, silently wishing his words weren't true.

"I know that." Thor whispered, a tear dripped from his blue eye. "But can't we try?"

Quietly, Loki faced Thor again. Deep down, he wanted to say yes.

"I know there were times I was too rough on you and I apologize for that… But can you really throw away all of our memories together?"

Loki recalled Lara's words about family from the other night. He sighed and took a chance. "Perhaps we can try but-…"

Thor enveloped Loki in a tight hug and lifted him off the ground, causing Loki to protest, but it only came out as a squeak because of Thor's pressure on his lungs. Loki rolled his eyes and struggled to breath. "Oh, put me down, you big oaf."

Thor laughed, but did as Loki requested and released him. Loki brushed himself off and glanced back up at a beaming Thor. The Jotun chuckled. "We can try, but may we converse of this in more depth when we're not in danger?"

"Yes, we may. Thank you."

xOxOx

Lara constantly glanced over her shoulder, certain there was something behind her. Someone could easily lose their mind here, she thought as she heard another strange animal call in the distance.

She had been walking for about an hour now. There were no signs of life other than the bizarre noises she witnessed from time to time. She occasionally came upon a tree and embarrassingly ran into one even. Glad Loki wasn't here to see that.

She froze and stiffened as she swore she felt eyes upon her. Lara stared hard through the fog. She heard a low growl behind her.

"It has been many ages since I have last seen a beautiful woman in my realm."

Lara whipped around to face whoever had spoken, but still she could see nothing but the grey fog. She raised her hammer. "Who's there?"

The voice chuckled and she could sense it was circling her. Like a predator stalking its prey. "You are the one trespassing in my realm. Is it not I who has the right to ask the questions?"

"Why you want to claim this realm is beyond me." Lara mentioned.

"I can see through the fog, my prey's eyes cannot." She could practically see the wicked grin the creature must be wearing.

"I didn't come here alone. It would be best if you didn't get on my companions' bad sides."

"Ah yes. I wonder how a mortal came into contact with two gods? They have been searching for you, but they will be too late."

"Come out of shadows and show yourself, coward." Lara hissed, hiding her fear.

Apparently that was enough to piss the beast off and it lunged at her through the fog. Its appearance was of a large, black wolf with yellow eyes. Lara swung her hammer at it once it was close enough, but the beast was faster. Its paw, which was larger than Lara's head, swiped and knocked the hammer from her hand. It pounced on top of her and pinned her to the forest floor.

Lara struggled, but couldn't escape from the monster's weight. It was nearly crushing her. She turned her head to the side to avoid the beast's rotten breath.

"Do not fear, mortal. I am not prepared to kill you. Yet." The beast shapeshifted slowly unto a man. He had pale skin, a muscular chest, about the size of Thor. His shoulder-length hair was black and messy. His face was gruff; the beginnings of a beard covered the lower part. Green eyes glared back at her and he smirked at her with thin lips.

This was undoubtedly Fenrir, Loki's son.

He stood up and snapped his fingers, using magic to clothe his naked body. "Or perhaps you'd prefer I leave them off?"

Not taking her eyes off of him, Lara sat up. "Fenrir."

"So you know of me."

"We came here to speak to you." Lara glanced at her hammer. It was about five feet from her.

"Oh, Father came to visit?" Fenrir laughed. "That's new, since we haven't seen each other in about five hundred years or so. Well, he made mistake bringing you. It's been a long time since I've ravaged a female."

"I'm not afraid of you." Lara noticed the murderous gleam in the monster's eyes.

"I can pick up on lies as good as my father. Using that term loosely. He left my mother to defend for herself when the Asgardian soldiers came to kill me and my sisters. I suppose he was only taking after his father, Odin, in the bad parenting area. Oops, I mean Laufey."

"Aren't you at all curious about what we've come to speak to you about?" Lara asked trying to distract him.

Fenrir faked a thoughtful pose. "Hmm, yes, but I'll just wait to hear it from Loki and Thor. I'm sure they won't mind if I have a snack before we meet."

Lara knew she couldn't stall him any longer. She dived for the hammer, but Fenrir was prepared and grabbed her by the ankle. He dragged her closer to him and flipped her over so she was on her back. The shapeshifter straddled her and began to unzip her pants.

"I have another need other than my hunger that you can sate." Fenrir growled as she bucked and fought back.

He was much stronger than her and she suddenly became very worried at how this was going to end.

xOxOx

"How's it going?"

Loki bit his lip to keep from snapping. "It would be going better, if you didn't question me every five minutes."

Thor cringed from Loki's tone. "Right. Sorry, Bro-… Brother." He said the last word softly, hoping not to rouse Loki's wrath. He was practically gleeful when Loki remained silent.

Loki couldn't help the up-turn of one side of his lips at his… brother. He quickly brushed it away to focus on his magic. After a few moments, his mind could see through the fog. Now to locate Lara. It did not take long. His magic projection caught sight of small boot prints definitely belonging to Lara. He stood up and took the thunder god's wrist. "I know how to find her. Stay close to me."

They finally approached Lara's footprints and began to follow them. Loki froze when he noticed those weren't the only footprints. Beside Lara's, there were extremely large paw prints in the mud.

Thor's eyes widened. "Loki?"

"It's Fenrir. Move faster, now." Loki dragged Thor behind him.

Loki heard struggle up ahead and his heart rate increased. If Fenrir hurts her, my son will sincerely regret it. Thor and Loki finally reached the scene of Fenrir on top of Lara. It had been awhile since Loki felt this enraged. He released Thor and shoved Fenrir off of Lara. On the ground with Fenrir beneath him, Loki punched him roughly in the nose.

Fenrir laughed maniacally. "Hello, Father. Exactly the greeting I was suspecting."

Lara may have been able to deny that Loki was a monster, but he certainly created them.

Thor helped Lara, who was busy hiding the fact from Loki that she had to zip her pants up, stand up. She grabbed the hammer and replaced it on her hip, glaring at Fenrir.

"Are you hurt?" Loki asked her, but continued to keep his eyes on his son.

Lara let out a shaky breath. "I'm fine."

Loki equipped a dagger and held against Fenrir's neck. "So much as sniff her, and I'll slit your throat."

Fenrir chortled, but nodded to show he understood. Loki rose up and went to Lara's side to check for himself if she was safe and sound. Thankful she was unharmed, he nestled his face in Lara's hair.

Loki's son scoffed in disgust. "I never thought I'd see the day my father caring for a pathetic mortal."

The god of mischief glared at his child. "She is more impressive than you are." He snapped back.

Fenrir growled and looked prepared to pounce on them, but Thor took a step between them. "Enough of this!" His voice boomed. "We have business with you, Fenrir Lokison."

"Oh?" Fenrir arrogantly smirked.

Thor glowered at his nephew. "I hate to say this, Loki, but… 'like father, like son'."

"Hey!" Loki protested.

Lara snorted. "It's true."

Loki grumbled under his breath, and then spoke to Fenrir. "We need your help. I'm sure you've heard what your 'sister' plans to do on Midgard."

"Enlighten me. I'm a little 'out of the loop' in this realm."

"Hel has agreed to help Thanos in the capture of Midgard. She is bringing her army of dead to the mortal realm."

"Since when did you care about defending them? I thought Asgard was too stuffy and cavalier to worry about the lower realms." Fenrir mocked.

Thor frowned realizing how true his words were. "Not all of Asgard is assisting in this conquest."

"Oh. Then it sounds like you are ruined. I'd rather not join a- what ten man group against an army of undead? So thanks for the offer but… I'll stay here. In my little slice of paradise." Fenrir turned to stalk back into the shadows.

"We can reward you." Loki lied, knowing that this would stop him in his tracks.

Fenrir stopped and waited.

"Perhaps… we can allow you back into Asgard." Thor gave Loki an incredulous look, but Loki motioned for him to remain silent.

Fenrir cackled and spun back to face them on one foot. "Don't lie to me."

"Well, I admit we haven't spoken about this with the Allfather, but… you have a good chance. Helping us save an entire realm of innocent civilians… It would look good on your 'résumé'." Loki used his silver-tongue to persuade his eldest son.

The wolf-man considered it and then scowled at his visitors. "Silence. And get the Hel out of my realm. I will not help you in your endeavor." He flicked his wrist and the three of them disappeared from this realm.

Hel materialized out of the mist. She came to stand by her brother. "When did you know I was here?"

"The moment you stepped foot into my realm, dear sister." He feigned endearment.

"And you were not interested in their offer?" Hel circled Fenrir.

"No, I was tempted. But I couldn't wait to hear what you had to say."

"You thought my deal would be better?"

"I know what you're doing. Taking over each realm one by one, are you not?" Fenrir surmised.

Hel hummed in affirmation. "Well done, and I did believe you'd be more engrossed in my suggestion."

Fenrir smirked. "Tell me your plan."

xOxOx

Steve trotted down the last few steps into the room where Tony was working. It had been several hours since they'd arrived and Steve had had a very difficult time not gawking. Asgard was unlike anything he'd ever seen or imagined. Heimdall had been there to greet them and informed them that the Warriors Three would be their guide. They had introduced the Avengers briefly to Odin and then guided them to the armory where the Tesseract was kept. The Avengers were taking shifts; Steve had just traded off with D.G. and had gone in search for Tony.

He didn't really know what to make of her, D.G. She obviously liked him and was extremely forward with her flirtation. Kind of like Tony if he was a girl, Steve laughed to himself.

Steve found Tony playing with Asgard's contraptions. Tony seemed to be building something on a large table. As the patriotic soldier got closer, he recognized it was armor. A little on the petite side, so probably for a female.

"You know, when you're off your shift, you're supposed to be resting." Steve mentioned as he took a closer look at Tony's creation.

Tony shrugged and waved it off. "Who needs sleep? Especially when we're in a fantastical realm with all kinds of new toys."

Steve picked up a piece of the metal. It was black with dark blue veins running through it. "What is this?"

"Lara's new armor." Tony answered. "I figured a demigod deserved better paraphernalia."

Steve couldn't help but admire the hardware. "I'm impressed."

"You don't have to sound so surprised." Tony mumbled as he forged two pieces together with an Asgardian tool.

Steve put the item down and paced around the room.

Tony paused his work and watched Steve. He could tell something was on the man-out-of-time's mind. "What's up?"

"I can't believe I'm coming to you for this, but… I don't know who else to ask." Steve grudgingly admitted.

Iron man smirked and crossed his arms. "Let me guess… Lady trouble?"

"How did you-…"

"Lucky guess. Also I've met you." Tony sat down, getting comfortable. "Go ahead."

Steve sighed, wondering if he really wanted to do this. "It's about Lara…"

Tony tensed, knowing this wasn't going to end well. "Don't blame you there. She's hot."

"Tony."

"And a nice pair of-…"

"Tony!"

"What? I bet they'd work as floatation devices."

Steve blushed so much he was indistinguishable from a tomato. "Shut it!"

"What's better than multi-functional boobs?"

Steve facepalmed and decided it was a bad idea to come here. "You know what? Never mind. I'll just ask… Natasha. Or someone." He started to leave.

"Okay! Okay! I'll stop." Tony laughed. "So you like Lara?"

The soldier nodded. "Yes, but it seems like I'm not the only one."

"Oh?" The genius/ billionaire/playboy/philanthropist assumed innocence.

"Loki seems interested." Steve replied, disheartened. "Lara is very… attractive. But there's more than that to me."

Tony curiously cocked his head.

Steve continued. "Back in World War II, I worked with a British agent, Peggy Carter. She and I-…"

"Bow chicka bow wow?"

"What?"

"…so sad… Never mind, continue."

"Anyway… Lara reminds me of her. And I miss Peggy."

Tony felt bad for the guy. Being ripped away from everything, wake up seventy years later, and everyone you knew is now dead. "Is she still around?"

Somberly, Steve shook his head. "I checked. She does have some relatives, but I haven't had time to visit them."

"Maybe she has a hot granddaughter?"

"Thank you, that's really comforting, Tony."

Tony applauded him. "Well done, you just correctly used sarcasm!"

"Any suggestions? About Lara?"

Tony rubbed the back of his neck. Honestly, and secretly, he was rooting for Lara and Loki. "Well… I got nothing."

Unbelievingly, Steve raised an eyebrow. "What? I mean, you said yourself you were a playboy?"

"Ummm, yeah, I did. I donno. Just sounds like a lost cause to me." Tony went back to messing with the metal.

"So that's it? I should just give up?"

Tony sighed and faced him. "All right, I'll give it to you straight, Cap. From what I've noticed, Loki and Lara are close. Yes, I know, Loki is evil, but… I think he's trying to better. For her. You shouldn't mess that up. Ugh, I can't believe I'm saying this crap, but it's true."

Captain America nodded slowly. "You're right. Surprisingly. Thanks, Tony."

He shrugged. "No problem. No broken hearts right?"

Steve chuckled. "No, I'm okay. I'm kind of embarrassed I lost to that guy."

The scientist shrugged. "I don't know. I'd tap that."

There was a long silence between them as Steve, wondering if he really just said that, stared at Tony. Tony paled and said quickly, "Let's just forget I said that."

"Agreed." Steve whispered under his breath as he took a step back.

"Hello."

Steve and Tony hopped in surprise and whipped their eyes to the top of the steps.

A woman stood there. She was tall, her body long and slender. Honey blonde hair framed her fair face and it hung wavily down to her waist. High-cheek bones were below light green eyes with golden flecks. A petite nose hung above thin lips. She smiled at them and descended the stairs, her long white dress flowing with her movements.

Tony elbowed Steve's side and whispered, "Dibs."

Steve scowled at Tony, but returned his attention to the dazzling female.

"My name is Ariynn." She introduced herself, still beaming at them. "I've never met Midgardians before."

"Well, we're two of the best you could ever meet." Tony winked.

Ariynn laughed lightly. "May I know your names?"

"Steve." He mentally smacked himself and his inability to form sentences around beautiful women. "I mean, I'm Steve. Steve Rogers. But you can call just call me Steve… Or-…"

"I'm Tony." Iron man cut in to end Steve's, which he was silently thanking Tony for, rambling. Tony held out a hand to shake hers, but she only looked at it in confusion. "You're supposed to shake it. It's how we greet new people."

"Oh." She blushed at her ignorance and shook Tony's outstretched left hand with her right hand.

Tony smiled lightly and shrugged. "Close enough."

Ariynn examined Steve's red-white-and-blue uniform. "Is this customary on Midgard?"

The playboy snickered. "No, thank God."

Steve shot him a look and then explained his outfit to her.

"Fascinating." She replied after he described America and what the colors represented. "I hope it will still be standing after the battle so that I may visit it."

"I'm sure we'll be fine. We have the Avengers, plus some gods, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, and the Asgardians." Tony listed their allies.

Ariynn frowned. "The Asgardians have no plan to fight. Odin has forbidden it."

"What?!" Steve exclaimed. "But the Bifrost is fixed now. Won't he send us an army for the war over Midgard?"

"I'm sorr-…"

"If Midgard falls, it will affect Asgard."

"The Asgardians… We trust Odin's decisions." Ariynn answered. Even though she sounded unconvinced.

"So he's willing to stand by while innocent people are slaughtered? His own son is helping us! Even his adopted son is!"

"I apologize, Steve, but Odin is not easily swayed." Regret clouded her eyes and she turned to leave.

Ariynn gazed over her shoulder at the two Midgardians as they spoke to each other intently. She did not fully agree with Odin's choices and felt sympathetic towards the mortals. Did the Asgardians not owe them after one of their own brought destruction upon the human's realm? It was decided. For her at least. She became determined to help them in any way she could. Even if it meant disobeying Odin's commands.

Thank you for reading! I hope you guys enjoyed it and I apologize if anyone seemed OOC or any grammar mistakes. Please review! :)