24 - The siege of Midgard
In his haste to get to the queen and warn her - stop her if he could - Nate shattered the roof of the palace on his way up. Looking around the planet below he spotted a small group of figures standing together on the top of a broken down tower in the heart of the ancient Harridanite city. He recognised four of them immediately as Loki, Frigga, and the two figures he had fought in the prison. Frigga was standing alone on one side of the building, the other two figures facing her, with Loki standing in front of the newcomers. He had no way of knowing who the second woman might have been, or indeed whose side Loki would choose to take. At that moment none of his questions or concerns were of any relevance. He had to stop them from harming Thor's mother, whilst also getting them all off the planet. Off of the planet and away from the orb. For years, he had wondered how the suit could have been so powerful, and then how a species as powerful as the Harridanites could exist. And now - if Vigil was to be believed - he had his answer.
According to the prehistoric Artificial Intelligence, the original Nar'Von had been the first Harridanite, millions of years ago. Before 'Harridanite' was a word anyone in the universe knew. Supposedly a scientist born on the fifth moon of what would later become known as Harridan, Nar-Von had been the first of his species to explore the Andromeda galaxy beyond his own home system. During one of these voyages was when he had claimed to come across the orb. Using its power, Nar-Von had gained immense abilities, even possessing the power to use the orb itself to destroy entire civilizations and planets. It was through the powers that had somehow been granted to him by the Orb of Nar'Von, as it became known, that he had first become a leader. When he later found a way to grant the same abilities to the rest of his planet, it created a new species; and transformed him from man to god. Soon after his success in transplanting his powers to an entire species and achieving through action what had been granted to Thor by birth, he had vanished. His grand tomb underneath a nondescript backwater planet in the milky way had, according to legend, been left empty save for his personal artificial intelligence aid, and his most valuable treasures.
If it were true, he could not allow the palace or Vigil to fall into the wrong hands; not the hands of the invaders who had attacked Frigga, or the hands of the Asgardians. There was no telling what Loki - or Odin, for that matter - would do with such tremendous power. It did not bear thinking about. He was almost there, all he had to do was get Frigga away from them - from all of them. A kaleidoscope of magic erupted in the sky above and around him. No! Not Now! He screamed internally, doubling his speed. The second woman on the tower tilted her head up, eyes widening. The woman shouted a warning, the Blue and black skinned alien turned his head lazily. Spotted Nate barrelling towards them, casually flicked his hand. Then, without warning, came the portal. Before he could react, he had shot through it.
Briefly, he wondered where he would come out. Back on Earth? On Asgard, Perhaps? Or would they just toss him into the path of a random black hole? Powerful or not, he was of no doubt one of those would simply shred his very atoms apart. The journey was over in less than a flash. He felt himself collide with the fused black stone, heard it crack as it began to give way above him. The very stone itself seemed to reverberate like a drum. The sound tore through his entire body. He screamed, then something else happened. Something he could never have anticipated ; As the tower began to collapse, the stone seemed to wail as it cracked, and the suit screamed too.
The black ooze seemed to leap off his chest, as though he were flipping pancakes. It writhed back and forth, hissing and snarling. Nate grit his teeth as pain once more flooded his body. Whatever was happening, it had started when the stone began to ring when they collided with one another. He desperately tried to push himself to his feet. If he could get to the stones lying around them, freeze them…
Unable to force himself into a sitting position, all he could do was watch in horror as a black goo-like substance slithered onto the ground next to him, wailing and recoiling at the sound around them. The faceless creature seemed to regard him silently, back contorting in agony as he lay upon the ground of the blackened planet for an agonising moment before turning to slink away. Blood once more aflame, Nate felt a scream rip from his throat and closed his eyes in an effort to shut out the pain.
–AoS–
The sound was excruciating. The screeching noise rose to a crescendo, drowning out the faint humming tune of the song. The bond between host and symbiote twisted and frayed, even as it felt its weakened host clinging on. The near exhausted creature lay before it, desperately trying to think of a solution, trying to come up with a means of silencing the sound. The symbiote felt a swell of affection towards its host even as it was quickly smothered by pain and terror. Pulling away from the other creature, it severed their bond before mournfully crawled away through the thunder and falling rain. It knew it was leaving its stricken host to die, yet also knew it could honour the young man. If it found its way somehow off this dead world, and back to the other creature's home it could continue his mission. It would continue his mission. With this thought in mind, it crawled across the broken ground towards the palace in the distance.
–AoS–
"The queen and her little pet Jotunn", Malekith continued, voice smarmy. Loki glared at the Dark Elf, moving protectively in front of Frigga. His mother stepped forward, Loki gently waving her back. Amora smirked at him, Loki turning his vindictive sneer on his former ally. "I am sure you will forgive us if we cut in on this adorable family reunion". Malekith finished. Loki laughed humorlessly. He made his way to one side slowly, attempting discreetly to place himself between Malekith and the stone. Amora waved her hands in a complex pattern, His mother gasping behind him as her hands were bound by magic. The blonde sashayed towards him, affecting a charming smile. The enchantress reached out, running a hand down the side of Loki's face as she linked eyes with him.
"As long as I've known you," she purred, "you have longed for a crown. A throne. Power. Give yourself to Malekith, and he shall reward you when he ascends to the throne of the Allfather. Jotunheim and Midgard. Two realms, all to yourself. You would stand at the right hand of the most powerful and benevolent being in all the realms" she whispered, sweet honey to mask the venom within. Loki shivered even as he silently gripped the box behind his back. She smiled still, waiting for his response. "All you need to do is kneel Loki. Odin shall never accept you; Malekith understands who you truly are. He sees your worth. He would even allow you to keep your mother with you, if you like".
A black streak appeared behind Malekith and Skurge's backs. Loki lowered his head to hide his smirk. Perfect. We have a Sentinel. He tilted his head up once more, moving the box around his back to reveal it in his hands. He held it out to Amora, grinning disarmingly at her. He knew from the look in her eyes she could sense the power coursing within. Malekith took a step forward. Loki stepped away from the Enchantress, who hurried back beside Skurge at Malekith's dark look. Loki bowed low before extending his arm out to the dark elf king. Malekith watched Loki suspiciously.
"You offer this to me?"
Loki grinned maliciously. "In return for my dual thrones, of course". I must keep his focus, he reminded himself. Malekith reached for the stone, Loki doing his best to look contrite as he pulled it back. "Your reassurance, Malekith. I must hear the words from you. Else there can be no bargain". Gritting his teeth and snarling, the elf nodded. Loki smirked playfully. "Very well. It seems we have an accord''. Assuming you survive, of course. All Hel broke loose.
Amora shouted a warning. His mother's ancient teleportation spell activated, sending the stone and box vanishing from his hand. Malekith let loose an enraged shout, reaching for Loki's throat. A massive bolt of lightning struck the stone beneath their feet, throwing Loki back. Malekith remained standing, turning to face Sentinel as he careened towards Skurge. A portal from Malekith sent the Harridanite hybrid vanishing. The tower rumbled violently, cracking as something struck its foundations. The very stone erupted into pained screaming as it crumbled. A flash of light appeared above their heads, Thor descending from the heavens above them, rain and thunder heralding his appearance. Loki attempted to make his way to Frigga's side, only to feel a hand wrap around the back of his neck. "Where is it?" Amora hissed in his ear, tilting his head up to watch as Thor battled against Skurge and Malekith. "Where did you send the stone?" Loki laughed cruelly.
"I don't know. Tell me, what did it take for you to change your allegiances from me to him? I didn't offer you much to abandon your pathetic childish obsession for Odinson. Have you developed a taste for dark elf, Amora?" he laughed, even as her hand tightened in his hair, tugging him to his feet. One hand wound around his throat, the other conjuring a set of runic shackles to bind his magic. Shoving him in the small of the back, she forced him towards where his brother was struggling with her executioner and the dark elf king.
–AoS–
Thor fired a blast of lightning from the end of Mjolnir, dropping Skurge to one knee. Lunging forward, he slammed the hammer into the dazed brute's head, dropping him to the ground. Malekith leaped at him through a portal, blades slashing. Thor hissed as the metal cut through his cheek. He lashed out, kicking the dark elf backwards and hurling Mjolnir at him, smacking his foe in the stomach. Calling it back to his hand before Malekith could portal it away, he leaped at the dark elf, hammer pulled back, prepared to rain a lightning charged blow down on the king of Svartalfheim's head. An emerald bubble surrounded Malekith as he struck, throwing Thor backwards. Stunned, he spun around. Amora stalked towards them across the crumbling bridge, Loki forced to walk in front of her. The enchantress smirked at him as she thrust out his brother. "Drop the hammer, Thor! Or I will tear the very air from this one's throat!" Loki shook his head, head tilting back at the broken tower, where their mother was waiting. Thor glared at the Enchantress, hand twitching as he glanced back at Malekith, still protected by the dome of arcane energy. He could throw the hammer, which might hit Loki, though it might also break her concentration on the spell. Without magic, his brother would be unable to avoid the blow, though it would not kill him. If the strike did not catch her off guard, he would be without a weapon, unable to defend himself. With a grunt, Thor allowed Mjolnir to fall to the ground beside him. Amora tilted her head, signifying for him to step away from his hammer. Cursing himself and Loki alike, Thor did so. Malekith moved behind him, placing cold steel against his throat. "I shall enjoy this, Odinson," he whispered. "Your grandfather destroyed my people, caged me in darkness. I shall send your head to your father".
"Enough, Malekith!" Amora shouted. Thor glanced at her in surprise. She pushed Loki forward. "We have the son of Odin we need already. The stone is gone. We must be away, before Asgard's armies descend upon this place. Find the stone, and you can still defeat Odin. Without it, he will crush you". Malekith snarled in Thor's ear, removing his sword from his neck. Stepping away, he plunged the blade between Thor's ribs instead. Loki let out a scream. Thor dropped to his knees, pain lancing up and down his right side. Malekith stalked away, towards Amora and her prisoner. "The blow will not kill you, Odinson. Yet it will slow you down".
The trio vanished in a flash of light, Thor pushing himself to his knees. In a flash of light, his mother appeared at his side. She pulled him to his feet, throwing his arm over her shoulders. Reaching out his good arm, Nate summoned Mjolnir to his side. "Nate. Gwen". He rasped as his mother helped him walk.
"I'll get them too. No one will be left behind, you have my word".
Loki….I…I failed him. You. I failed. I'm not supposed to fail". She nodded grimly.
"We will return to Asgard. You will get your chance, my son. You shall save the realms. And your brother".
–AoS–
She sat beside Nate's bed, gripping his hand tightly. To her horror, he had been unconscious when they left the planet Thor had found them on, and had not recovered upon their return to Asgard. The Asgardian sorcerers had repaired his tattered skinsuit whilst he slept. The healers assured them he would awaken once more once the energy from Asgard's sun restored his cells. Absent-mindedly, she ran her fingers over the S, watching, fascinated, as her hand rose and fell with his shallow breathing. Outside, Thor and Odin continued to argue. The hall outside the room fell deathly silent. Thor barged in, making his way over to the bedside.
"Is he well?" he asked softly. She shook her head sadly. Thor sighed. Gwen tilted her head up, meeting the god's tired eyes.
"Are you leaving?"
"Aye. Once my mother and Heimdall locate Loki. My father does not approve, but he will allow it. He understands Malekith must be defeated for the sake of all the realms". He dragged a chair over, setting it beside her and flopping down. Lost in thought, the Asgardian followed her hand as she continued tracing the crest on Nate's chest. After a while, he spoke. "He surprises me. Has since the first day we met". Thor told her.
"Why?"
"Because of you, I suspect". Gwen snapped her gaze away from the broken man lying on the bed, gazing at the other blonde curiously. Noticing her confusion, Thor smiled gently.
"I meant to say he ought to be a god. Is a god really, I suppose. When we met, I was disturbed; a Harridanite, living on Midgard? It could hardly be a good thing. They are cruel, arrogant creatures. For one to choose to live amongst mortals - humans, of all things - could only mean they had something planned. Doubtless plans that would lead to disaster, plunge Asgard and the nine realms into war and chaos. Yet, he fought beside me. Alongside Iron Man and the Black Panther. He seemed to know them, even to be friends with them. It confused me. Then, I returned when my brother invaded your realm, fought with him again. Became an Avenger. And yet, he confused me still. Even more than before. He had only grown more powerful still, and yet somehow, seemed even less Harridanite than before. More human. And now, perhaps, I think I may understand the truth". He turned his gaze towards Nate. "For him, I now believe, it is not about how he fights, but why". He gazed at her. Gwen nodded.
"He's like that. It's about helping people. I think it's because of his mother. She's a doctor. A healer." Thor nodded thoughtfully. The door opened. Queen Frigga entered, looking gravely at thor. The prince of asgard stood swiftly.
"We found them". Thor nodded grimly.
–AoS–
They strode up the stairs into the 'museum', Loki forced to walk between them. The reality stone had led them here, to Midgard, to the heart of the convergence. Malekith would reclaim his people's relic and use it to restore the dark elves to the height of their power. He would tear Odin from his throne and seat himself in the old man's place. The nine realms, united by a permanent convergence and governed by a king who could shape reality itself, would know the benevolence of an Allfather willing to defend them. No more isolation. No more Asgardian cowardice or indifference. All would be as it should. He could feel the stone now; it called to him, waiting to fit once more into his hand. Soon, everything Bor and Nar-Von had stolen from him would be restored. As they entered the Museum, the mortals still in the building began to run, several screaming as they went. Malekith continued towards his prize, heedless of the humans.
He found the box sat on a small bench, two human children staring at it. Flicking his wrist casually, he opened a portal under the feet of the two mortals. Bending down, he lifted the small box, opening it slowly. Malekith felt himself smiling as he stared at the crimson stone inside, reaching out a hand to claim it for himself once more. Tossing the box aside, he removed the Asgardian witch queen's magic from the stone before thrusting it into the air above his head.
–AoS–
Avengers Mansion, Manhattan, New York
Friday, October 5th, 2012, 1:16 PM
Tony glanced up warily as alarms sounded throughout the Manor. Tossing the soldering tool aside, he rushed over to begin prepping his suit. "Jay," he began as the bots slid the face plate over his head. "What am I looking at here?"
"It appears the Jotunns have returned to the city, sir". The AI replied. More news alerts almost immediately flared across his HUD. "There are more aliens in South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, sir. Initial scans would indicate that these creatures are denizens of the other realms Master Thor reported". Tony groaned. "Avengers. Time to work for a living". He spoke through the comms in his helmet. The roof above his head slung open, Tony blasting off into the sky.
–AoS–
Xavier Institute, North Salem, New York
1:16 PM
The Frost giants fell through the portal, snow and icy winds flowing through with them. Students meandering in the yard scattered, some hurrying into the mansion, others diving behind cover. The giants made their way through the yard. As the frost giants advanced, one knelt, coating the grass and stone pathway in a thin sheet of ice. An enraged shout split the air, a man wearing a white sleeveless shirt, dark grey jeans, and brown leather jacket leaping out of a second floor window and sailing through the air, metallic claws extended as he slammed into the kneeling Jotun, digging the claws into the creature's back. Gale force winds rushed through the yard, tearing out the roots of several trees, which proceeded to buffet the other frost giants. Waves of energy collided with the lead Jotun, staggering the creature. A heavy wooden desk threw through the air towards it, smacking the giant in the head. Stood in the yard were three figures; a woman with dark skin and white hair, flanked by a blue-furred lion-like creature and a tall brunette with blue eyes sending pulses of energy from each hand. The woman wasted no time in taking the lead. "Hank," she called over her shoulder, adding hail sized rocks and lightning to her growing hurricane, "get the children inside". The leonine man nodded, rushing off towards a small group of students crowded under a bench on the far side of the campus. "Alex," Storm continued, "warn Charles. I'll help Logan". Frowning, Alex Summers nevertheless nodded, jogging back towards the mansion behind them.
Returning her focus to the task at Hand, Ororo increased the ferocity of the biting winds, lifting two of the Jotun off their feet. Logan leaped down mid stab as his own mount was raised into the air, rushing over to his teammate's side. "Thanks" the Canadian told his friend gruffly. Storm nodded, slamming several bolts of lighting into the open wounds he had dealt the creature. Within an instant, the blue skinned figure had shattered into hundreds of icy shards, carried away by the winds.
–AoS–
T'Challa lay back on his bed, traditional Wakandan music crooning through the room as he flipped through the pages of his latest book. For the first time in months, his dual responsibilities as both prince and Avenger had laxed, and he was taking advantage of the rare opportunity to enjoy himself. Enjoying the peace and quiet, he closed the book, letting it rest gently on his stomach as his eyes drifted closed. He was just beginning to drift off, carried away by the gentle waves of the music when the room fell silent, followed by a faint knock on the door. With a soft grunt, T'Challa sat up, meeting his little sister's concerned gaze.
"Brother! You need to get dressed! There's some kind of action on the border!" Nodding grimly, he slung his legs over the mattress, rushing out with her following behind him.
"Get down to the labs!" He ordered. "You're my eyes and ears". Shuri nodded, and their paths diverged as he rushed left, his little sister turning right.
–AoS–
Thor descended upon the city of London, casting his gaze around at the chaos unfolding beneath him. Thick roiling purple and green clouds blanketed the city. Dark elves and hideous beasts patrolled the streets, few humans in sight. The River had turned a pale ghastly white, and a dome of red energy had engulfed the museum, and seemed to be currently being forced outwards, as though some unknown force was swallowing the entire city. He slowly lowered himself to the ground looking about as he did so. A dark elf patrol spotted him further down the road, one of the soldiers letting out a shout. Several of the dark elves opened fire, whilst the others charged, flanked by a pair of giant creatures resembling a grotesque mix of bear, wolf, and some kind of giant ape. Thor braced himself, hurling Mjolnir at the elf leading the party. The hammer struck him in the head, knocking him to the ground. Mjolnir shot back into his hand. Spinning his weapon in an arc, Thor lifted himself off the ground and released a bolt of electricity, which sparked along the ground, flying towards one of the large creatures. As Mjolnir soared through the air, strands of crimson energy flowed off of the metal, the hammer disappearing, only to be replaced by a bouquet of white flowers. Thor blanched, gaping in horror as the enemies continued to charge, the creature he had thrown his hammer at increasing its speed.
Thor braced himself as the creature slammed into him, swinging a fist to punch it in the snout. The beast raked its claws across his chest. Hot sticky blood marred his skin, and he hissed as sharp burning pain struck violently. He struck the creature with his knee, forcing it off of himself before two of the three remaining dark elves lunged at him with their swords. Deftly avoiding the blows, he rained punches down on the head of the first elf, sending him sprawling to the ground. The second of the two monsters collided into him from the other side, sending him slamming into the side of a nearby car. The creature charged towards him, snarling and hissing as it snapped its jaws. Thor ducked beneath the creature as it bit down upon the metal of his armour, thick teeth easily piercing the Asgardian plate. A sharp jab to its stomach sent him reeling.
Thor leaped forward, driving his foot into the beast's mane covered head. Grey blood gushed from the tip of the creature's snout. Thor lunged after the staggering monstrosity, fist cocked back. He snapped his wrist out, watching in horror and fascination as his arm glowed crimson, transforming before his very eyes into soft mud. Hurriedly stepping back, he staggered into the grip of the second creature. Strong arms latched around his middle, claws digging into his sides. Thor struggled against the strength of the grip holding him, fighting to break loose. The creature drove him into the pavement, stomping on his back as its fellow made its way over, slamming its fists against the back of his head. Thor grunted as he attempted to force them off of himself. The dark elves moved closer, hesitating as the twin beasts both hissed slowly. Silently the elves pointed their weapons in his direction. Footsteps could be heard from the museum. Thor tilted his head forward slightly, spotting the silver armoured boots making their way down the stairs and towards their strange group. "Pull him up", came the soft voice from nearby. The creatures hissed once more, though they pulled him up. Thor frowned deeply as he met Malekith's now blood red eyes.
The dark elf's waist long white hair was shot through with strands of black and scarlet. His blue irises were ringed with pink. His black and blue skin seemed to glow with a faint yet powerful ethereal energy. Resting upon his brow was an oval red stone small enough to fit in a human palm. The stone seemed to pulsate with the same scarlet energy as the dome that was still growing around them. Malekith smiled as Thor glared at him. "It is quite beautiful, don't you agree? Reality is mine to control. To dominate. With the convergence centred upon your beloved Midgard, the stone shall allow me to make the connections permanent. No more bifrost, no more divisions in the realms. Asgard's advantage will be worthless. And with my new power, I will tear your father down from his stolen throne, and seat a worthy king upon it. The realms will prosper under my stewardship, and the sons of Odin will survive long enough to bear witness to my personal vengeance upon their mother. But first, my allies and I will finish splitting Midgard between us".
–AoS–
Carol soared over the thick jungle of the Amazon, headed towards the destination Steve and Tony had marked out for her. Somewhere below, Bruce was leaping through the trees. The Hulk had insisted on accompanying her when Steve had directed her to deal with the situation in South America. Though she herself did not know why he was so insistent, Tony had agreed before either she or Steve could raise objections. Reports on what was transpiring in South America were confused and scattered. Most seemed to indicate that whatever forces were attacking had been led by some sort of witch. They broke through the edge of the Amazon basin, the skyline of Quito bursting into life in front of her. A mix of squat apartment buildings, small hovels, and towering office buildings. What had once been a relatively quiet city had been thrown into chaos. Fires raged across the city, the army and emergency services visible across the entire landscape as they worked overtime. The hulk rushed ahead of her, halting on the crest of the hills overlooking the city and letting loose a roar. Carol dived into the smoke, streaking through the air above the city streets. Rapidly scanning the city, the blonde was stunned as she spotted a small group of the invaders through a nearby window. A half dozen skeletal corpses, with loose scraps of skin still clinging to their bones in places, and armed like pictures she remembered seeing of vikings as a girl, were advancing on a small group of cowering civilians. Carol shot towards the apartment building, crashing through a window and firing a photon blast at the corpses. Two of the monsters were incinerated by the blast, leaving behind only the cracked remains of their feet. The other four creatures turned and rushed towards her, allowing her to make quick work of the group. Rushing over to the small family, she gestured for them to huddle on the nearby sofa before carefully lifting it and flying them out through the broken window and towards the safety of the closest police checkpoint. The hulk was further up the street, having made his way into a central intersection, tearing more of the undead apart and smashing through the creatures. Allowing the family to thank her and assuring them their gratitude was not necessary, Carol rushed over to join her teammate. Flying in his direction, she ploughed through a group of the skeletal warriors, leaving shattered bones in her wake. Flying above the carnage, Carol unleashed bursts of energy from each wrist, twirling in mid air as she did so. The wild photon blasts rapidly removed most of the creatures, leaving ash in dust in their place. The hulk snorted before taking a step forward and letting out a bellow as he smacked his chest. To illustrate his point, Carol smacked her hands together, allowing a burst of energy to escape as she did. The remaining enemies turned and fled. The hulk smirked, nodding briefly in her direction before leaping off after them. Letting out a whoop, Carol laughed as she rushed off to find more enemy combatants or endangered civilians.
–AoS–
T'Challa steered the jet towards the ground, rushing out through the back of the plane to join Okoye and the other warriors on the ground. His father's general saluted him as he made his way towards her, kicking the orange skinned creature attacking her in the side of the head. Landing deftly beside her as the creature staggered back, allowing her to drive her spear through its eye, its corpse incinerating before their eyes, he stepped in front of her to protect from the heat. Spinning around once more, he met her concerned gaze."My Prince! Tell me you have any idea what these things are!" T'Challa nodded grimly, looking around as the creatures attacked his countrymen, several flinging blasts of fire at the Wakandans.
"Thor spoke of these creatures. I believe they are Fire Demons, from the land of fire, Musphelheim". She gasped, looking as disturbed as he himself felt.
"Demons?" she hissed. T'Challa grimaced under his mask and nodded. Okoye returned the nod, face set in an expression of grim stoicism. "Then we send them back to their hell realm". The general turned to regard her soldiers as T'Challa spun around, kicking one of the demons in the chest as it attempted to sneak up on them. He lunged forward, driving his claws into the top of its skull. The demon let out a high pitched shriek before erupting into a pillar of flame. Okoye thrust her spear into the air as she addressed her troops. "Defenders of Wakanda, soldiers of Bast! These beasts seek to turn your home into a hellish wasteland. Do not allow them to do so!" The soldiers let loose an answering cheer. With a grin and salute, T'Challa stepped forward.
"Wakanda forever!" the army charged behind him.
–AoS–
He awoke with a soft groan, rubbing his jaw. He frowned, running his tongue across the back of his teeth. The inside of his mouth tasted like sour lemons. Sitting up slowly, Nate rubbed his eyes before looking around the room. Gwen gasped as he moved. She lunged forward, tugging him into a hug. Nate let out a grunt as she did so, though he gingerly wrapped an arm around her. He heard a soft sound, felt wetness land on his shoulder and realised with a start that she was crying. With a soft sigh, he reached up, running his fingers through her hair. "It's okay". He soothingly whispered, playing absentmindedly with her braid. Gwen shook her head, tears still landing on his shoulder.
"You could have died!"
"But I didn't," he offered gently. "I'm right here".
If she heard his words, she ignored them, barrelling on. "You could have died, and it's all my fault". Nate shook his head, sitting up fully and tightening his hold on her.
"None of this is your fault. No one is to blame". He told her, pulling back and tilting her head gently to look at him. Gwen nodded.
"Yes. it is my fault. I was the one who gave you the idea to become sentinel. When you told me about the suit, I said you should use it. I told you you were chosen for a reason. I was the one who said you should help people. If it wasn't for me being selfish -" nate cut her off with a kiss. At first, she did not respond, before finally winding her arms around his neck and deepening the kiss. As they pulled away from him, no longer crying, she glared harshly at him. "You don't get to distract me like that" she told him coldly. Nate chuckled. Letting out a huff, Gwen pulled back, turning away from him as she did. Nate sighed softly as he reached out, laying a hand on her shoulder. Gwen recoiled, pulling the chair away from him. "Its not funny" she hissed coldly.
"You're right." he agreed. "And you're wrong. You did not make me do anything. Sure, you were the one who gave me the idea, but I'm pretty sure I would have made the same decisions regardless. You are not responsible for what may or may not happen to me". Gwen snorted quietly. Pushing himself off the bed, Nate made his way over, stopping as he stood behind her, careful not to reach out and touch her. This close, even without his powers, he could make out the contours of her back as she stood rigid in front of him, chest rising and falling.
"So I have no say".
Nate hesitated, hand hovering over her shoulder. "My parents almost broke up last year. Did I ever tell you that? It was around valentine's day. Dad had made a reservation at the restaurant in Brooklyn where they met. I guess he thought he could get time off work, because it was the first date they'd had in a while. I don't remember what the case was. I forget what time it was when I picked up the phone. But I remember the look on my mother's face when I told her that he wasn't going to make it. It -" her voice broke, and as she buried her face in her hands and dropped to her knees, he realised she was crying once more. Falling with her, he carefully wrapped his arms around her from behind. They sat on the marble floor, Gwen shaking and crying as she tried to pull herself from his grip while he held her, whispering soothingly in her ear. How long they sat there, silent but for her sobs, he had no idea. Finally, pulling away but turning to face him as they sat cross legged on the floor, Gwen took a deep breath, offering him a sad smile as she played with the sleeve of her top. "When my dad came home the next morning, I was sleeping on the couch. My aunt had come over to stay with me, and my mom was gone. It was almost a month before she moved back in with us. That night, I overheard them talking. She told him she wasn't angry that he missed the date, she was used to stuff like that. She just didn't know if she could keep living a life where her partner strapped a badge to his chest, a gun to his hip, and every morning when he left home, she had no idea if he'd be coming home. She was guilty, she said. She felt guilty, because she was afraid my father would get himself killed, and she felt like that fear made her selfish. A bad person. And she didn't even want him to be a cop; he was one when they met. And here we are. I wanted this; what right do I have to regret my decisions now?" Nate smiled at her, offering his hand. She smiled sadly, but did not take his hand.
"You're allowed to have doubts". He told her, earnestly. "You're allowed to worry, to ask me to stop -"
"I would never do that to you!" there was more than sorrow and guilt in her eyes now. Anger, he realised. She was angry.
"You think I'd expect you to stop helping? To stop being you! Besides, even if I did, we both know what the answer would be!"
"So you've thought about it? About asking?" he wasn't sure how he was supposed to feel about that. He'd told her she was allowed to second guess her choices, and he had meant it. Yet hadn't she been the one to set him on this path? By her own admission, it had been her. The thought that now she wanted him to stop. Even worse, she wanted him to stop, but did not feel like she could ask him to stop. It made him feel sick to his stomach. Slowly, Nate pulled his hand back. Gwen glanced briefly at his retreating fingers. She shot him a sad little smile. The door opened quietly, Sif stepped in, shield in one hand, sword on her hip. The raven haired warrior cleared her throat softly. Gwen snapped her gaze around to the woman, who stepped further into the room.
"The queen mentioned you might have been awake. Thor has returned to Midgard, and the dark elves are there as well, with forces from several other realms. He could use our help, if you are recovered". She looked between him and Gwen, clearly confused and uncomfortable. Nate hesitated, glancing silently at Gwen. The other blonde smiled, nodding as she stood up.
"You better go. I'll get Heimdall to send me back home to New York". Sif nodded in agreement.
"Yes. I am sure he shall do so for you. Nar-Von, we must be on our way". Still not moving, Nate stared imploringly at gwen. She smiled at him, the expression tender and small. The Raven haired warrior cleared her throat, clearly growing impatient. Nate resisted the growing urge to glare at her. "Gwen?"
"Get going, Nate".
"And we'll speak more about this when I come back?" Gwen's smile grew, though her eyes watered and her mouth quivered.
"Yeah. Yeah, of course. We'll speak after it's all done". Nate nodded warily before kissing her on the forehead, trying to meet her gaze even as she pulled her head away from his lips and pointedly refused to look back at him. He frowned as he made his way over to Sif, still silently waiting. The pair left the room side by side. Sif cast him a curious glance, which he studiously ignored. He could feel his cape hanging off his shoulders, and for the first time, the weight felt almost too great to bear.
–AoS–
They dragged him into the museum, claws digging into his arms. Thor grit his teeth against the pain radiating from his shoulders. Malekith casually flicked his hand as they entered a long hall, a marble throne sat at the far end. Loki was lying in a foetal position at the foot of the throne, hands and feet bound with metal cuffs to keep him from using his magic. His brother sent him a sardonic smirk as the creatures tossed him beside the adopted prince. Metal cuffs, bound by thick chains, materialised around his neck, as well as his arms and legs. Forced into a kneeling position, Thor grunted as the dark elf king's spell bound him to the floor. Malekith smirked as he moved towards the centre of the hall, thrusting his arms out to either side. A thick pillar of scarlet energy engulfed the dark elf, pulsating upwards into the sky above. Inside the pillar, which seemed to be growing, reality was being torn to pieces. Thor let out a shout as he tried to pull himself free. Loki kicked him in the shin, shaking his head. Thor ignored his brother, tugging on the chains. Their guards snarled, one of them raking its claws across his throat. Hot red blood stained his chest. Thor felt himself slumping back once more as he reached for his neck.
-AoS–
They arrived in the centre of town, where the dead seemed to be at their most concentrated. In the middle of the army of undead warriors was a woman in a thin fitting green gown with curly blonde hair. Carol glanced at her teammate. "I'll get to her, you deal with the army?" The hulk answered with a snort and nod. Carol soared over the city, firing occasional photon blasts at the enemy soldiers as the green behemoth tore through them. The Undead seemed to swarm towards the green man like a horde of ants. Carol streaked across the sky above them, cocking her fist back and firing a photon blast towards the blonde in their centre. The other woman smirked at her, raising a hand in front of her face protectively as she did so. A shimmering green bubble materialised around the woman, absorbing the energy of Carol's blast. Gritting her teeth, Carol pushed herself, flying even faster towards the other woman, who conjured and hurled green spears in her direction. Carol dodged and weaved as she flew, though she was unable to avoid all the energy spears. One struck her on the collar bone. A sharp shocking sensation arced through the left side of her body. Coming to a sudden halt, she realised with sudden fear that that side of her body had gone entirely numb.
–AoS–
Once more, the Avengers were fighting to defend New York. Tony soared overhead, firing repulsor blasts and missiles as he streaked across the city skyline. Steve was directing their efforts whilst escorting civilians out of danger. She and Hank were doing their best to keep the frost giants from getting to the captain as he led the non combatants away from the battlefield. With Bruce and Captain Marvel in south america, and Nate and Thor god knew where, they were struggling with a lack of 'Big Guns' as tony referred to their strongest teammates. With Hank's manipulation, she and her husband had been able to take down a couple of the 'Jotuns', while Tony had brought down a third, yet the fight was taking far too long; the more time it took, the greater the risk to the population of the city. One of the giants struck the grown Hank in the chest with a cold axe, sending her husband staggering backwards. Struggling to get out of the way in time, Janet let out a faint gasp as her leg was caught under the fallen Hank. Shrinking back down to his normal size, Hank hastily leaped off of her, apologising profusely. Janet waved off his apologies as he helped her to her feet, drawing in a sharp intake of breath as pain arced through her lower leg. Hank swore as he glanced down, before picking her up and making his way over to where Steve was rushing back in their direction. Behind the Captain came two jogging figures. One was a blonde dressed all in purple, a bow and arrow in hand. The second was a beautiful redhead in black leather, gripping a handgun in each hand. Steve winced sympathetically as the trio came together, Hank coming to a halt next to him. "Is she alright?" The captain asked. Hank shook his head. Janet gripped her husband's shoulder as pain lanced through her.
"My leg. I think it might be broken". She replied. Steve nodded, patting her on the upper arm.
"Get Janet medical attention," he instructed her husband. "We'll handle it from here". Despite her own attempts to refuse, Hank nodded and hurried away from the battlefield. She felt her head drop back onto her husband's shoulder as she went. A flash of light briefly illuminated the sky above them.
–AoS–
They descended from the bifrost into the city of London. Sif jumped down, landing deftly beside him in a crouch before standing up as he touched down on the ground. Immediately alert, the warrior goddess slung her shield out in front of her, gripping her sword tightly as they both glanced around. The city had been engulfed in a strange crimson dome of energy. Everything around them was tinted red. Reality itself seemed to be shifting and contorting within the dome. One moment the ground beneath their feet was concrete, the next it was soft spongy marshmallow, or cracking ice. Sif advanced slowly, Nate following along beside her. Then, peering through the buildings with his x-ray vision, he spotted several dozen dark elves standing on the front steps of the British museum. He gripped the Asgardian warrior's shoulder, nodding in the direction of the museum. She followed his gaze. "What is it?"
"I found your dark elves. I imagine that's where they'll be keeping Thor". Nodding in agreement, she leaped over a nearby building, rushing off in the direction of the museum. Nate flew over the buildings, following Sif's trail. They landed at the same time back to back in front of the museum. Momentarily stunned by their sudden arrival, it took the dark elves a few moments to rush towards them. "Half each?" he asked the Asgardian as he dropped into a ready stance. The goddess laughed.
"I'll take half plus one!" Nate rolled his eyes and chuckled. Vikings. The first of the dark elves reached him, swinging their swords. He blocked the blades with his elbow, kicking one in the chest and shoving a second back with his palm. He slammed the heads of three more together, watching as they crumpled to the ground like puppets with their strings cut. A blast of heat vision took out four more. He shot forward like a bullet from a gun, catching the last two by the throat and slamming them into the wall of the building. Dropping their unconscious bodies to the ground, he turned around to find Sif deftly disarming the last of her opponents before driving her sword through his neck. Nate felt bile rise to his throat as the dark elf fell to his knees, blood spraying out of his throat as he dropped back onto his back. Head lowered, he felt himself retching. A hand landed on his back, rubbing soothingly. As he finished being sick and stood up, wiping his mouth, Sif shot him a sympathetic glance.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. Sorry. I'd just never seen anyone killed like that before". He explained. She nodded understandingly.
"The first is always the most shocking". Nate nodded back as they made their way into the museum itself. As they cautiously made their way through the museum halls, a strange figure dropped down in front of them, letting out a roar as it did so. Sif dropped into a ready stance as the creature scraped its jagged claws along the floor, growling low in its throat as it did. Nate fired a blast of heat vision at the creature, knocking it back. Sif leaped forward, swinging her sword at the disorientated beast. With a single slash, she struck off its head. The creature crumpled to the floor. Sif kicked the head aside, peering down at the rest of the corpse. Nate made his way over to stand beside her.
"Have you ever seen anything like this before?" he asked softly. She shook her head.
"It is a creation of the Aether," came a voice from above them, "the relic manipulates all reality. Creating creatures like that is only scratching the surface of its immense capabilities". A blue and black skinned dark elf with long white hair stood above them, smirking down. Floating behind him were Thor and Loki. The two princes of Asgard hung limp in the air, neither able to move. Sif gripped her blade tightly, hefting her shield out as she took a step forward.
"Release them Malekith". The dark elf nodded.
"Very well. My victory is assured, once I have dealt with the pair of you". He dropped the sons of Odin before leaping over the balcony and floating down towards them. Nate leaped into the air, flying towards the dark elf. They collided in mid air, Nate slamming Malekith back first into a nearby wall. Sif let out a cheer, followed by a war cry as she lunged through the air, sword swinging toward the pinned elf. Malekith threw Nate back with a burst of crimson energy, before turning Sif's sword into a bouquet of peace lilies. The Asgardian warrior pulled her arm back, smacking her shield into the dark elf's jaw. The two combatants landed softly on the floor. Sif's sword returned to normal as she rushed over to help Nate back to his feet. The dark elf glared in their direction.
"Harridanite. Creature of light. Abomination. How desperate you must be to turn to such creatures to defend the realms, oh noble Sif". Sif deftly adjusted the grip on her sword and shield. Nate fired a blast of heat vision at the dark elf, who opened a portal, sending the energy harmlessly away. Nate continued to unleash the streams of energy, allowing Sif to attack whilst Malektith was distracted. She slung her sword, cutting him on the arm. Malekith flung out an arm, crimson energy transforming his fist into a boulder. The blow slammed into Sif's shield, sending her skidding backwards. Nate cut off the stream of heat vision. Sif leaped forward once more. Malekith met her blade with his own, forcing her back. Taking the opening she had made for him, Nate shot forward, fist curled back. He struck the dark elf in the side of the head. Malekith staggered back with a grunt. Chains erupted out of the ground beneath him, wrapping around his legs and pulling him down. Sif continued to swing her sword at Malekith, pressing the attack. The two continued to duel back and forth as Nate strained against his bonds.
– AoS–
Logan picked himself up off the ground, leaping back into the fray as Storm hurled bolts of lightning at the strange beast. He leaped through the air with a shout, claws extended as he thrust them out in front of him. The blades sunk into the flesh of the creature, which let out a pained growl as he dug the claws of one arm into its back to keep himself in place whilst stabbing the claws on the other hand in and out of its back. Driving them a third time into his opponent's back, he leaped up onto its shoulders, using his blades to steer it into place. Storm flung a final bolt of lightning, incinerating the creature. Logan leaped down off the now dying giant's back.
"Good work" his friend told him. Logan smirked.
"Not bad yourself, sparky". She rolled her eyes goodnaturedly at the nickname.
–AoS–
Pain lancing through her side, Carol slammed her fist into the other blonde, sending the woman flying as she did. The other blonde caught herself in mid air, flying back towards Carol, hurling a globule of green energy at her as did. Dodging to one side, Carol avoided the attack before throwing a photon blast at a group of undead below them and flying towards the other woman once more. They collided once more in mid air, carol kicking out and smacking the other blonde in the chin with her knee. The green clad woman hurled green fire in her direction. Carol hastily flew to one side of the flames, before catching the woman with a point blank photon blast. An ear splitting roar shook the earth beneath their feet, the air picking up and tugging on her hair. The Hulk sailed through the air, driving a meaty fist into her opponent's face without warning. The woman was sent sailing through the air by the force of the sudden blow. Bruce slammed into the ground, letting out a victory roar. The undead turned and scattered, a burst of black energy ripping through the air as the army disappeared from sight. Carol touched down beside the green giant.
"Nice going there big guy".
Hulk snorted out a gust of air before nodding.
–AoS–
Nate continued to strain against the chains, flying into the air and releasing a blast of ice cold air. The chains snapped as he finally ripped the chains in two, swinging one of the broken chains as he tossed it towards Malekith. The chain caught the dark elf around the head, allowing Sif to drive her sword through his leg, pinning him to the ground. Malekith let out an enraged shout. Sif's sword was transformed into a massive serpent, which lunged at the asgardian, wrapping around her waist as it attempted to bite her. Nate grit his teeth as he fired a blast of heat vision at the dark elf's open wound in an effort to keep him from recovering. Sif continued to struggle with the snake, wrapping her hands around its throat to keep its snapping jaws from biting her. Malekith let out a howl from the heat burning his leg even as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. As he staggered into a standing position, Nate shot forward, slamming his outstretched arm into his enemy's throat. Malekith was flung through the air, landing face first on the floor. Without warning, Loki leaped down from the balcony above them. In his hands he held a pair of cuffs, which he slapped on the wrists of the dark elf king. Malekith let out an enraged shout.
"Sorry about that, Malekith," Loki mocked. "I guess I got free a while ago". He waved his hand. The snake wrestling with Sif vanished in a puff of green smoke, replaced by her longsword. The Dark elf laughed wildly whilst he rolled over onto his back, grinning up at them as he continued to laugh. With a thud, Thor landed on the ground next to Nate, lifting the dark elf up above their heads, shooting his brother a thankful nod.
"What's so funny?" the heir to the Asgardian throne demanded, shaking the hysterical dark elf in front of him violently.
Malekith stopped laughing, taking a breath and smirking. "In defeating me, you have stopped nothing. The relic will finish its work. The nine realms will be forever linked. Reality will continue to be shredded apart in this realm. Midgard will be destroyed utterly, transformed into a world of chaos, on which no mortal could exist". Thor slammed his head against Malekith's, knocking the dark elf out. He turned to Loki as he tossed the elf aside.
"You know more about this than I, brother. There must be a way to prevent the relic from finishing its work". Loki stared owlishly at his brother for several moments before nodding silently.
"You will need to enter the centre of the chaos, and remove the stone to break the connection and return this realm to normal. Though whichever one of you does so will not survive". Nate and Thor glanced at one another silently. Nate turned back to Loki.
"Take us to the stone". The traitor prince nodded.
–AoS–
They found themselves in a wide gallery, a pulsating beam of crimson energy spreading out across the room towards them. The energy field was growing fast; by Nate's own guess, it would engulf the entire world by the end of the day. Loki gestured at the central beam. He, Sif, and Thor glanced at one another. The blonde prince smiled. "I hope to see you both again in Valhalla, my friends". He stepped forward, pulling them both into a hug. Stunned by the action, Nate wrapped an arm slowly around his friend's back. Thor stepped back. Sif was glaring at her prince now.
"You cannot go in there, Thor! You are the prince of Asgard! The heir of the allfather!" Thor shook his head.
"My father has an heir" he told her. Nate glanced in Loki's direction as the other prince stiffened. Nate smiled at Thor.
"He does. You. this is my world, so it's my job to do". Thor shook his head, taking a step towards the beam. Nate pushed past him, only to find he could no longer move. Thor too had stilled suddenly. Glancing at his friend curiously, Nate was stunned to find the other blonde encased in ice from the chest down. A field of magical energy had materialised around himself, keeping him from taking a further step. Loki laughed as he moved past them, turning back to look as he approached the beam. Thor let out a shout, calling his brother's name and telling him to stop. Loki smirked.
"Sorry brother, you know how I love my tricks. Tell mother I wish I could have come home. Sentinel, thank you for saving her". Without another word, the prince of Asgard leaped through the beam of energy, disappearing from sight. The arcane energy keeping Nate in place dissipated, and the ice trapping Thor in place crumbled to pieces before melting. The asgardian prince let out a wail as he dropped to his knees. Nate made his way over to his friend, placing a comforting hand on the other hero's shoulder. The crimson energy disappeared, leaving only a small stone lying on the floor. There was no trace of Loki. Mjolnir appeared at thor's feet with a flash of white light.
–AoS–
The energy of the Aether pulsed around him, erupting violently as the stone sensed his intention. Loki grit his teeth and thrust an arm protectively out in front of himself. He took deep rasping breaths as he pushed himself forward. With each step closer to the pulsating reality stone, the skin seemed to be flayed from his bones. He let out a hiss as he staggered to his knees. Wrapping his arms around himself, the son of Frigga pushed himself onward. He would do this. Do something right, before the end. He would earn his mother's faith in him. Make Thor proud of him. Prove Odin wrong. With a final shout, he reached the stone, reaching out a hand. He wrapped his hand around the small stone, thinking of returning his brother's hammer. If it worked, he could at least do that for Thor before cutting off the stone's power. As he tugged the stone from the narrow beam of energy pulsating through it, he found himself wishing briefly that he could see his mother one last time.
–AoS–
Stacy Residence, New York City
Friday, October 5th, 4:52 PM
Gwen jogged up to the front door, digging under the flower pot for the spare key. Unlocking the front door, she stepped into the apartment and tossed the key onto the kitchen counter. As she did so, she never noticed a small black ooze drop off her shoe and slink off through the closing door into the city outside. She shut the door behind her, making her way up to her bedroom.
–AoS–
Xavier Institute for gifted youngsters, North Salem, New York
Friday, October 5th, 7:09 PM
They were in the rec room as a group, having elected to spend their night hanging out after dinner. Worthington stood off to one side, playing keepy uppy with a soccer ball. Bobby stood in front of a lounge chair, entertaining Kurt and Kitty by generating snow balls and tossing them at the ceiling, before waving his hand to vanish the ones that didn't fall back on top of his head. The latter was lying on the lounge, resting her feet on Kurt's lap as he sat with his head back, listening to music and laughing at Bobby's antics. Jean was sitting nearby, reading a book, though she would occasionally glance up at his and Scott's game with a soft smile. They were playing snooker. Nate, who had never played before, was fairly certain he was losing. It was nice to just spend time with his friends, especially after the day he had had. Nate observed the table silently before taking his shot, sinking several balls. He let out a whoop, offering the cue to Scott, though the brunette did not take it. Holding out the cue, Nate frowned slightly, following Scott's gaze. He snorted softly to himself. The other boy had once more started staring at Jean, who seemed to be staring back. Nate rolled his eyes goodnaturedly, stopping as he remembered what he had forgotten and mentally slapped himself. "Jean," he called, snapping the pair out of their staring contest. Both blushed as they glanced at him. Bobby, who had heard his shout and glanced over had stopped what he was doing, making kissing motions at their two friends. "I need to go and do something. How about you take over for me here?" She glanced between him and Scott, who looked eager at the thought. With a shrug, she nodded, putting her book down and making her way over. Nate grinned as he gently slapped Scott, who was still standing stock still, on the back with a laugh as he handed him the cue. "Your turn, bud". He made his way out of the room, waving at Bobby and the starstruck Worthington as he went, kicking the dropped ball back to the latter as he reached the doorway.
–AoS–
A soft rapping sound at her window had Gwen snapping her head up as she pulled her headphones out and rolled off her bed. Making her way over to the window, she opened it carefully, stepping back and allowing Nate to fly into the room. She frowned darkly at him as he landed. "Sorry," he whispered sheepishly. "I meant to come earlier, but I lost track after helping Tony and Steve deal with the frost giants this afternoon". Gwen silently nodded her head before making her way over to sit down against the side of her bed. Nate sat across from her. "Can we talk now?" he asked. Silently, she nodded. She had thought all day about what she would say to him when - if - she saw him again. Now, the words seemed to stick in her throat. Realising he would have to speak first, Nate sighed, running a hand through his hair, sliding his other arm across the gap between them. Gwen glanced down at his hand, though she did not take it. Nate pulled his hand back. "I really care about you, Gwen. A lot. You're my best friend. You always will be." she snapped her gaze up to meet his eyes, nodding.
"I care about you as well. So much it hurts". Nate smiled softly, moving forward to lay a hand on her shoulder. Gently, Gwen placed a hand on his chest, telling him to stop. He came to a halt, sitting back once more. There was a questioning look in his eyes. Gwen shook her head, rubbing at her eyes as she felt a wetness growing underneath her eyelids. "I just don't know if that's all that matters, anymore." She told him, smiling sadly. She had struggled with this feeling all day. Probably even longer, if she were honest with herself. "I can't stand by and watch you hurt yourself. Or worse. And we both know you won't stop. Like I said, I would never ask you to. I guess I've just realised that what I want is a normal relationship. At least, right now. And you can't have that, Nate".
"But Gwen -" he whispered. She could hear the pain in his voice. There were tears in his eyes. Gwen shook her head sadly.
"Please Nate. Please don't try to change my mind". There were tears building in her own eyes now. "I may change my mind by the time we go to college. Who knows? And besides, like you said, we're best friends. We'll always be in each other's lives. You can still come to me when you need help with something. I just think we both need a bit of time to work through this stuff".
"I don't" he whispered. Gwen winced at the harsh undertone in his words.
"Well, I do". She replied. "I need time to think. To work out if I really want a superhero for a boyfriend. Right now, I need to be single for that". Silently, Nate nodded, standing up off the floor. Gwen stood as well, following him over to the window. He glanced back, kissing her on the forehead as he stepped out onto the balcony.
"I need to get back to school. They will be wondering where I went". Gwen nodded.
"Have a safe flight". Nate nodded absentmindedly.
"See you for our Halloween movie marathon?" Nate shrugged.
"I'm not sure about that, Gwen. I may have Sentinel stuff come up. We'll have to wait and see what happens". Without another word between them, he was gone. A gust of wind caught her hair, pushing her headband back as it did. Reaching out, she pulled the window shut once more before walking back over to the bed. She knew she was doing the right thing. Not just for herself, but for him as well. He would be able to focus more on his responsibilities, now that she was one less thing to worry about. She sat down on the bed. Burying her head in her hands, Gwen felt the tears coming thick and fast as she curled into a ball.
–AoS–
The Milano, somewhere in the Milky Way
He sat up with a groan. The room around him was dark, lit by a flickering blue light only. He should have been dead. Somehow - he did not understand how or why - he had survived. Swinging his legs down onto the floor, Loki rubbed his eyes. Standing up, he made his way to the door, which slid open as he struck the wall panel beside it. Stepping out of the small room he had been placed in, he found himself in what appeared to be the living room of some kind of spaceship. Glancing out the viewscreen, he could not recognise the stars they were flying past. A throat clearing behind him snapped his attention back to his surroundings. Four figures were standing in a row, all gazing in his direction. In the middle stood a blue skinned being with a red head crest. Centaurian Loki recalled from his studies. Though, he had thought there were none left. Beside the Centaurian was a small raccoon wearing a red and black leather and a pair of goggles. On either side of this strange pair were a tall tree like creature and a gold skinned man wearing a black and red suit with a red high collared cape. Embedded in the man's forehead was a yellow stone. Loki narrowed his eyes.
"Not that I do not appreciate you saving my lives. But who the hell are you lot?"
The tree grinned. "I am Groot".
The racoon added. "Groot says; Welcome to the guardians".
A/N: Yep. At least for a while, Loki is going to be a guardian of the galaxy. I think that's a good team for him to run with while on his redemption arc he's starting off on. Don't Worry, he and Thor will reunite, sooner or later. As for Nate and Gwen, I am planning (at least at this stage) for them to work through their relationship drama and find their way back to each other. As for the guardians roster, Mantis, Gamora, and Nebula are not members, yet. Star-Lord unfortunately never will be, since I don't like Peter Quil as a character, personally. So, Yondu will be the leader of the team. Sorry if that bothers you guys.
Yondu - Michael Rooker
Rocket Racoon - Bradley Cooper
Adam Warlock - Will Poulter
Groot - Vin Diesel