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Chapter Nineteen: Gut Punch

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"Here we are," Natasha said, opening the door to a small, cubical room. It sort of resembled what I imagined a fancy prison might look like.

A twin bed was tucked in one corner, and a desk and chair were set against the window. I noticed the faint hum of the engines that followed you from room to room.

"Cozy," I said, as I looked around. I noticed my duffle bag had been left on my bed.

"You get used to it," Natasha said, striding in and closing the door behind her. She slumped onto the bed, crossing one leg over the other. "Besides, hopefully we won't be up in this thing all that long."

"And what happens after all this?" I asked, sitting down in the chair and looking sideways at her. "I just go back to living a regular life? Or is S.H.I.E.L.D. one of those things where once you're in the only way out is dying?"

Natasha chuckled, shaking her head. "No, Alivia. You'll be more than welcome to leave. Although, if you want my advice, I think the best thing for you would be to stay on with S.H.I.E.L.D. We could provide you with more than adequate accommodations, and a safe place to train."

"All in return for sticking my neck out whenever the world happens to be in the midst of global catastrophe," I answered, "That doesn't seem like it's for me."

"Then... Why are you here?"

I opened my mouth to answer her, but paused. Why was I here? I'd answered Maria quickly, almost on impulse, entirely without thinking. On the surface, I told myself it was because I'd like to believe I'm a good person, and when tasked with saving the world, good people usually did it without complaint or hesitation.

But maybe it was more than that. I looked down at my palm, curling my fingers as a small flame kindled in my hand. Maybe I wanted to see what my powers could really do. Maybe, I was tired of holding back.

But all I said was, "I don't know," as I let the flame die out.

There was a brief silence as Natasha studied me from across the small room.

"When Loki said he knew you intimately," she finally spoke, "What did he mean by that?"

"He... He didn't mean anything. I was involved briefly with he and his brother when I was taken to Asgard. It was a long time ago."

"I didn't know they let humans into Asgard," Natasha eyed me, raising a brow.

"They don't, generally."

"So how did you end up living on earth?" Natasha said, "If you're an Asgardian?"

"My mother was from Asgard, she died when I was young. My dad, though, he was from here," I explained, leaning back and folding my hands together, "Somehow, I managed to make contact with Asgard the night I was attacked. Loki and Thor's father, Odin, tried to help get to the root of my powers. When he gave up, his fallback plan was to lock me away. Thor and Loki helped me get out."

Natasha nodded thoughtfully. "Loki doesn't seem like the generous type. Why would he help you?"

"Loki was a lot of things back when I knew him. Arrogant and annoying, for sure. But something's changed in him. Something's there that wasn't before," I responded, "I barely recognize him anymore."

"This is why I don't trust people too easy," Natasha said, sighing, "Whenever I do, they always seem to turn into someone I don't recognize."

I looked at her, swallowing. "That agent that Loki took... Barton? He was a friend, wasn't he?"