"We all change. When you think about it, we're all different people all through our lives, and that's okay, that's good, you gotta keep moving, so long as you remember all the people that you used to be. I will not forget one line of this. Not one day. I swear."

-11th Doctor; from Doctor Who (2013)

Tension rolled off Thor in thick waves. Opal could very well see just how stiff his shoulders were, even the way he walked had a stiffness to it. It could be just his desire to hurry up and get what he wanted; but Opal made it clear that he couldn't go running off whenever he felt like it. Considering there were plenty of armed people roaming about, the thought of Thor risking his life for a hammer seemed ridiculous. Almost preposterous. Opal wanted to keep the both of them as safe and alive as possible.

"(Will you stop being so tense)?" she grumbled. "(You'll get your hammer, quit looking like that)."

Thor's head turned to look down at her. "(I could get to it much faster if we weren't proceeding so slowly)," he practically snarled.

"(Weren't you the one who pretty much pressured me into coming with you)?" Opal exclaimed; her concentration and control faltering for just a second. "(Weren't you the one who thought it'd be a fantastic idea to infiltrate a government-sanctioned area? So tell me how it's my fault that I want to keep us safe)?"

"(I'm built differently than you)," Thor responded, his tone almost harsh. "(Your mortal body doesn't have the same advantages as mine)."

"(Last I checked, you're just a human)." Opal stopped walking, looking up at Thor with a heated glare. "(Nothing about your body is different than anyone else's. Just because you're taller and stronger, doesn't make you special)."

A hardened look came across Thor's face. He was at his breaking point, which Opal couldn't understand. He was working himself up over something as stupid as a worthy-determining hammer. Opal, on the other hand, was worrying about their safety. How was she supposed to do that if Thor was acting like a complete jackass?

"(If you're in such a big rush to get to your precious hammer, then do it by yourself)," Opal said firmly. "(I offered to drive you, not have you act like an asshole to me when I'm trying to keep us safe)."

Something flickered in Thor's eyes, something unfamiliar and unsettling. Whether it was anger, impatience, or some other thing, Opal couldn't say for sure. But she saw it flicker for a second before disappearing. She wanted to think he was reconsidering the way he was acting, but given how he'd been since coming in contact with Jane and the rest of them, that seemed unlikely. After a moment, Thor let out a frustrated sigh.*

"(We'll keep doing it your way)," he growled, "(but the second it looks like we're in danger, I'm going to do something)."

O.O.O.O

Thor and Opal made their way into the facility, being sure to avoid any soldiers or agents on their way in. It took a lot of effort for the two of them to maneuver quietly down each corridor, but they did their best. Thor's body was still as tense as ever, his eyes darting from one area to the next, as if he were expecting something to happen. Opal tried to keep her telepathy to a minimum, just enough to keep herself and Thor hidden; but she also knew it'd be beneficial to have enough of it extended so she'd know who was coming down their path. The one thing holding her back was the technology the area had. Opal's mutation seemed to have a problem with interfering particularly sensitive machinery, which she couldn't afford to have happen in her current position.

"(We're not going to make any progress just wandering around)," Opal announced. "(If we're going to find this hammer, we need to find a computer or something)."

Thor's response wasn't quick, he seemed to consider what his next plan of action was before responding. "(My best guess is Mjølnir is at the center of this place)," he stated firmly. "(All we have to do is make it)..."

Whatever Thor was going to say next was cut off by Opal's surprised gasp. A soldier had suddenly appeared from around the corner, right as the duo were about to turn. The soldier rammed into Opal's shoulder, causing the young mutant to stumble back and break her concentration. Neither Thor nor Opal had prepared themselves for that, and it took a moment for them to recover. For Opal, her blood ran cold as she watched the soldier blink at them in confusion before her eyes widened in disbelief and surprise. It was only to the horror of the young mutant that Thor's first instinct was to charge, obviously using his height and strength as his advantage over the poor woman. Instead, Opal threw out one of her hands, which caused the soldier to fly back and land with a sickening thud on the ground.

It became clear to the duo that others had heard what was going on, considering the footsteps that were coming their way. Opal's first instinct was to try and run, considering she didn't like using her powers to inflict harm. Sadly, it seemed her powers would have to be used in her predicament.

Looking up at Thor, she shoved him forward. "You need to go," she said. His brows furrowed when she said that. "They've already seen us. More are on their way. If that's the case, then they've probably alerted God knows how many more. I'll hold some of them off while you go on ahead."

"You'll be OK?" Thor asked.

With a humorless chuckle, the young mutant shook her head. "Of course not," she said. "I'm going to be fighting off soldiers and government officials. Who could say something like that? I don't know. Just go."

Placing a firm hand on her shoulder, Thor looked at her in the eye before a small smile graced his lips. "Fight bravely," he murmured. "Once Mjølnir is in my possession, I will return for you and bring you to safety."

"I'm holding you to that. Now go."* Opal watched as Thor ran off. She stayed put, waiting for the onslaught of soldiers and whoever else. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for the worst.

(A/N):

Not the longest chapter, and also not the best. Hopefully you guys can overlook the...awkwardness(?) of this chapter and tell me what was at least decent and what could use improvement. Other than that, here it is for you guys!

Nothing in the MCU belongs to me. All I own are my characters and the subplots I put in. If you've got ideas for OCs and/or subplots that you'd like to have written in, PM me or leave a review. I'll put it in as quickly as possible.

Like I mentioned before, this isn't my best chapter! Whatever constructive criticism you guys have will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Judith W