INFERNO │ Marvel

8.1 fire and lightning

Amelia Stark's life had changed dramatically in the past year and a half. Thor, as he said he would, had come through the Bifrost to take the woman to Asgard. He didn't bother asking what had happened, as she looked too pained to even think about whatever it was.

She had met Heimdall first, the man who had been watching over her. He had seen everything she had been through, but he didn't mention it either. He had simply placed a hand on her shoulder and given her a kind smile. It was the first thing, besides Thor's presence, that lightened her heart, signifying the beginning of her healing journey.

Then, she had met King Odin himself. He was much more of a party animal than Thor described, but she didn't mind his lack of seriousness. That was the last thing she needed, to be questioned by the stony-faced god that everyone spoke of. He had welcomed her after a bit of initial hesitation, insisting she make herself at home.

After that, Thor had introduced her to his friends, the Warriors Three and Lady Sif. The latter, in the coming months, trained the Stark in sword combat, and they became fast friends. Amelia found herself adapting well to life in Asgard. It was lovely, and it made her forget her troubles from back on Earth.

After months of avoiding the questions, Amelia had opened up to Thor. She told him about the broken team, the death of her parents, how much she missed Tony and, despite how they left things, how she hoped her friends were ok. Even Steve. He had simply listened, allowing her to speak her feelings as much as she needed. It helped her to heal.

Eventually, the two had left Asgard, Amelia accompanying Thor on his search for the Infinity stones. It was good to get back into the swing of things, except this time Inferno was back in full glory. She realised things were so toned down on Earth. Everyone and everything in outer space kicked ass without apology. There was a strange sense of belonging she found in it. Her fire had finally met its match.

The match came quite literally when they travelled to a place called Mülspelheim, land of fire giants. Amelia felt right at home. That was until they ended up trapped in a tiny cage with a skeleton, chains wrapped around both of them multiple times. They dug into her bare arms. She still wore the same sleeveless suit she had back on earth, as well as the golden bracelet Tony had given her. It had run out of juice a long time ago. Now, it was just a reminder.

"Now, I know what you're thinking. 'Oh, no! Thor's in a cage. How did this happen?' Well, sometimes you have to get captured just to get a straight answer out of somebody. It's a long story, but basically, I'm a bit of a hero. See, I spent some time on Earth... Fought some robots, saved the planet a couple of times. Then I went searching through the cosmos for some magic, colourful Infinity Stone things. Didn't find any. That's when I came across a path of death and destruction, which led me all the way here into this cage, where I met you. How much longer do you think we'll be here?"

Amelia blinked once, staring at Thor like he was utterly mad. He was speaking to the skeleton. He looked over to her, innocence written all over his face. He really was clueless.

"Why are you talking to him like he's alive?" she questioned. Thor shrugged his shoulders the best he could.

"Well, he makes for good company."

Suddenly, the cage began to creak. The bottom fell out, sending the two falling downwards. The chains caught them before they hit the hard ground. Thor's chain began to twist, causing him to slowly spin while Amelia was still, quite busy staring up at the fiery bastard in front of her.

"Thor, son of Odin," the demon dude boomed from atop his, quite frankly, pathetic stone throne. Thor's face lit up when he saw him.

"Surtur, son of... a bitch," Thor remarked. "You're still alive. I thought my father killed you half a million years ago."