Beth and the Beast

Chapter 13 - An End

The Avengers were still waiting for something to happen. Manhattan was evacuated so that no one would get hurt, like last time. Tony and James had scanned the flying object but found nothing dangerous. They met the others in front of the entrance of Stark Tower to check the situation. >>We have no idea what that thing is. Nobody is flying it nobody is coming out of it. We can't see inside though.<< James explained to the others. >>So, what do we do now? Do we try to get inside of it?<< Steve asked. None of them answered, because from the distance someone suddenly screamed their names. They turned to see Wanda and Beth running towards them. Thor looked at them in shock. >>What are you doing here? It's not safe!<< Wanda and Beth were still panting in exhaustion, but Beth managed to tell them what was going on. >>We're here to warn you. I can feel Loki. He's alive and....<< But she couldn't finish her sentence, because from above them someone started to laugh very loud. They all looked up and saw Loki standing at the huge balcony of Stark Tower. >>I'm up here!<< he screamed down on them. Thor couldn't believe his eyes. His brother was more alive than ever and had managed to trick him again. >>I'm gonna kill that bastard!<< Tony shouted and wanted to fly off already when Steve grabbed his leg and pulled him back. >>We need to distract him. He wants us to fight, and we can't just give in. Any ideas?<< He looked at the others, but none of them could think of anything. Beth knew that was her moment to help. >>Let me go up there.<< she suddenly said. >>I don't think he knows I'm here. And if I mean anything to him, I am just the right distraction.<< Everyone looked at her in total disbelieve. >>She's right. He's here because of us. Let her try.<< Wanda and Nat immediately stood next to her. >>We're going up with you. If he tries to harm you, we'll kill him ourselves.<< Wanda said. The Avengers agreed to the plan. Thor took Beth to the side for a minute. >>Please be careful up there. I warned you before. My brother is dangerous, and I don't want you to get hurt.<< he said and pulled her into a hug. Beth was confident her plan would work out just fine. >>Don't worry Thor. I know how he feels for me. And if he doesn't then at least I'm sure and can move on.<< she said. Then she padded Thor's back and walked over to Nat and Wanda. >>Ready?<< Nat asked. >>I've never been more ready in my life.<< Beth replied. And so, they walked inside Stark Tower right up to the elevators. Nothing could stop Beth now. She was certain that she could safe her friends and Loki from a bad fight. And even if it was only for herself.

In the elevator up to where Loki was, the three women were silent. They knew that the lives of their friends were in danger and the plan needed to work out. Then the elevator stopped, and the doors opened. Beth could see Loki standing on the balcony through the huge window, when she walked out of the elevator. Nat and Wanda checked the room to see if anyone was guarding Loki. When everything was safe, they looked at Beth. >>It's up to you now.<< Wanda said. >>We'll stay here. If Loki is distracted enough, the others will attack and we're coming to get you out of the situation.<< Nat then explained. A little scared, Bath walked out on the balcony. Loki hadn't noticed her and was still trying to provoke the Avengers. The huge plane flying in front of him suddenly opened and bombs started flying down on Manhattan. He wanted the Avengers to end no matter the cost. >>You're going to pay for what you did to me last time. I already got Banner. You're going to be next!<< he screamed. Beth took a big step and shouted in his direction. >>Loki! Stop!<< He turned and looked at her in shock. Beth felt that he was confused. >>No, Beth. You're not supposed to be here.<< he said turning away from her again to stay focused on the Avengers. She needed to do more. >>Please Loki. You don't need to do this. You're not like that. I know it.<< she said while slowly walking towards him. He turned again to talk to her. >>You don't know what you're talking about. I used you to get to the Avengers. That was the only reason. Now go before I have to kill you too.<< he almost screamed. His words had hurt her, but she was sure he only said that to get her away from him. >>Hear me out!<< she screamed. Loki faced her. >>You are good. Your thoughts are good. I just know you are because I feel something for you. Everything you felt last night was real and you don't want to hurt anyone anymore. You think you need revenge, but you don't. And you think you can trick me into thinking you're bad. I know you're not. I love you, Loki!<< Beth cried, and Loki looked at her shocked. He took one step towards her, when suddenly Thor turned up behind him, grabbed his shoulders and before Beth could say anything, Tony flew between her and Loki and blasted Loki's heart. Loki fell to the ground. Nat and Wanda came running and pulled Beth back into the tower. She cried and screamed Loki's name, but Wanda and Nat didn't let her go. The huge plane was suddenly gone, and Thor and Tony cleared the area. Beth was able to break away from Nat and Wanda and ran outside to Loki. She knelt down next to him and pulled his lifeless body to her chest. >>Loki no. I love you. Don't leave me.<< she mumbled. Loki opened his eyes and looked at her. >>I'm sorry Beth. I love you.<< he said under his breath and then his eyes closed again, and his body suddenly got heavy. Beth laid him down and started crying even more.