As The World Caves In: An Avengers / Star Wars Story

ika'jetii kyrayc

**Don't skip ahead to read translations or risk spoilers**

Scrapper 142 was out. That meant it was my turn. I never got accustomed to the change in my life here on Sakaar. I guess I just couldn't ever shake my past... which defeats the whole point of staying here on this trash pile of a planet. At least the pay is decent and this time I had gotten a fun job. I could put the legendary Cad Bane to shame with the amount of bounty I have gained for the Grandmaster. Manhunt jobs tended to go to Scrapper 142, but she recently snuck off somewhere and, from what I get a sense of, with the man I am supposed to catch.

As I made my way to the "throne room" of the Grandmaster, a body slammed into my shoulder. Instead of falling forward, I held onto my composure, making sure I continued to stand tall. I need to be able to command with my presence, just as my master had told me to do oh so long ago. I bit my lip and faced the boy, walking just as quickly to get to my destination on time. He had been here only two or so weeks compared to my nine years, but he had somehow managed to gain the Grandmaster's favor. I couldn't care less. The Grandmaster expects perfection... only on Sakaar however. I sucked in a sharp breath as the raven-haired boy smiled his wicked grin.

"How can I help you, Loki?" I asked, barely trying as my voice came out calm even in the presence of the boy. He claims himself a god, but really, I know better. Just a child's fantasy. Loki puffed out his chest, mocking my own posture no doubt, as he marched alongside me.

"I heard that you have been tasked with the job of finding my oaf of a brother," He replied, rolling his eyes as he spoke of his sibling. Oh how filled with arrogance. Such a fatal flaw.

"Yes well, Scrapper 142 is missing somewhere, so I have been requested to fill her absence," I said, turning into the throne room. The red shined as I entered the grand room. I get the feel of the room, but why have so much LED covering it from head to toe. Who am I to judge anyway, I grew up enjoying the simple things in life.

"Hmm. We shall see then," Loki mused, marching up behind me. The Grandmaster himself stood on a pedestal directly in the centre, with Topaz to his left. I guess no one can take Scrapper 142's right-hand place. Except maybe the person walking in with me. Which was fine with me. I didn't want to stick out. I rubbed my left forearm against my leggings as the thought crossed my mind. I gave a small bow as I approached, followed by Loki.

"Good evening, Grandmaster. I am ready to help search for your champion," I announced, rising from my bow. The action reminded me of a simple memory I forgot I had. I couldn't help but smile.

"As am I, Grandmaster," Loki voiced, stepping forward so he was just ahead of me. I took a deep breath and pictured myself back within the ever-rising cityscape. Guards lined up behind us as the Grandmaster floated down from his hovering pedestal.

"I'm upset. I'm very upset," The Grandmaster called, hovering a foot from the ground. "You know what I like about being upset? Blame. And right now that's the mindset that I'm in, and you know who I am blaming?"

"Grandmaster I-" Loki began, taking another step.

"Hey. Hey! Don't interrupt me!" The Grandmaster shouted, waving his arms to eccentricate his point while cutting across Loki. Topaz stepped forward and handed out a large, spiraled wand with an orange sphere on top, "Here."

The Grandmaster did a double-take upon viewing the staff and rolled his eyes, "Why are you handing me the melt stick. He was interrupting. That's not a capital violation."

I nearly cracked a smile considering he would melt anyone who looked at him the wrong way. I gave a side glance to Loki, I didn't need to use my heightened senses to feel the tension radiating off of him at this moment. Interesting. Very interesting. Looking disappointed, Topaz backed away with the stick, glaring at Loki all the while. The Grandmaster didn't notice as he fell back into his rant.