The Jotun's Daughter

Chapter 33

"Summon the scepter," The Other ordered as he re-opened the same portal he had appeared from. I swallowed hard. Truth be told, I wasn't entirely sure I was capable of summoning the scepter. Thor and Coulson had both told me that it would appear for me in a great time of need, but at the moment, I wasn't feeling particularly generous. The Other motioned to the Chitari on either side of me, and they grabbed my arms tightly.

"Come," It wasn't spoken as a question, nor was it directed towards me. The Chitari dragged me to the other portal. The vortex swirled like a black hole in front of me, creating a ripping wind that bit at my clothes and eyes. Then the Chitari stepped forward. My stomach dropped as the world turned to bits and pieces around me. This was nothing like my form of teleportation, or Nico's form of traveling. The portal disassembled sliver by sliver on one side and re-formed the same way on the other end; it felt as if you were being teared apart molecule by molecule. We reached the other side of the portal, and I couldn't help myself-I doubled over, sick to my stomach.

"Weak," The Other sneered, "You think that is painful?" He leaned forward, his hot breath only making my stomach churn worse.

"You know nothing of pain," He hissed. I gasp for a fresh breath of air, and as he drew back, was finally rewarded with one. It was then I looked around. We were in a room, the structural design meant to be fortifying-to keep things out. Or to keep them in. A large panel of glass ran along one side of the room, and beyond it lay stars.

"You earthling call it space," The Other spat. He turned to me, and with a force of energy, jerked my head up so I was looking at him.

"Summon the scepter, or the stars will be the last thing you see," He ordered, his voice like gravel against his throat. I closed my eyes and pictured the scepter. The curved of gold, the blue energy swirling in the middle. I materialized it in my mind, imagining it was in my hands. Somewhere in my head, I vaguely knew my energy was swirling around me on the outside. The Other drew in a breath. I reached for the scepter in my mind, my energy eager to connect with its power. Inside my head, I grasp it tightly between my palms.

"A fancy trick," The Other's voice and power penetrated my concentration. I opened my eyes, and looked down. Asgardian armor encircled me-something I supposed I would had worn if I had grown up there. My hands were empty.

"Do you dare play games with me?" The Other hissed. I stared at my empty palms. The scepter had connected-so where was it?

"I-I don't understand," I said quietly. The beast in front of me trembled with rage.

"Do. You. Dare-" His energy suddenly shot out, encircling my throat. I gasp for air, using my power to try and fend it off. Images swirled in my mind. I can't see, can't think. I can't breath- Cold metal appeared between my right palm and fingers. The Other's power drew back, and I yelped as I fell to the ground. I hit the floor on my knees, breathing hard. The scepter sat in my hand, glowing with a golden aura of indescribable power. I watched as the Other glowered, staring at it with greed. Finally catching my breath, I stood slowly, holding the scepter tightly.

"Bring it to me," At first, I thought he was talking to me. Then a door opened in one of the walls, and from the chamber four Chitari brought in a shred of the Tesseract, sitting on a pedestal. It was self-sustainable energy-power beyond my control. Or the Other's, I thought. If he controlled the Tesseract, I was sure no one would survive.

"The scepter, girl," The Other turned to me, his hand outstretched. I shook my head. 

"I'll do it myself. The power won't release without my consent."

"You lie. You will try to take the Tesseract's power," The Other grinned, "But you cannot hold it. It will tear you apart from the inside out." I hefted the scepter, and looked at the glowing piece in front of me. The Other crossed around the pedestal until he was on the other side, facing me.

"You think you know power?" He hissed, "You have much to learn." He motioned towards the golden staff in my hand.

"Release it, girl. You only have one choice." No, I didn't. I had two-only the Other wouldn't even consider the other one. Sky's voice rang in my mind. "Two choices, Honey. You always have two choices."

I reached out with the staff, and touched its tip to the cube. Immediately power surged through me. It had to go somewhere-it was burning my lungs, my veins, my heart. The power left in the scepter wanted out. The urge to let it go overwhelmed me, swallowed me whole. In the distance, the Other cackled. Then I reached out, my hand trembling, and touched the Tesseract. A single question rang strong through my mind, coming from the very heart of the cube.

"Are you willing?"

Yes. I was willing. The Other seemed to realize much more was going on than he had originally anticipated. His energy grew, and reached for me. But the Tesseract and scepter were much, much more than two energy sources, and a shield of blue energy deflected the blow. The Other was no match for this power. Neither was I, for that matter; I could no longer see. I was drawn to the cube, and couldn't detach myself from it, but I knew I no longer had eyes. Even if I did make it out alive, I would be blind.

"Are you ready?"

No, I'm not ready; I answered honestly. I was vaguely aware of the smell of burnt hair before the sense of smell itself was burned through. The cube needed no more questions-the energy source could see through any façade I even thought to attempt. It could see me. The connection opened. It accepted my offer. If every muscle in my body hadn't been locked in place, I would have collapsed in relief. 

My back arched momentarily, and I screamed. Then any sense I had left was gone. The power around me surged, and then faded. The last thought I was able to think ran across my mind as the world burst in the explosion around me-destruction raining down.

I'm ready to rest now.

And then, for the first time in my life, I found peace in the rain.

*************************************************************

I have been watching you for a very long time, Kayla. Your will to survive has left little wondering about how strong you are. I am sorry to inform you that I could not approach you until now, The calm, collected voice rang in the darkness. 

I was dead.

I have considered my decision for some time now, and I believe you are a valid candidate, if you are willing to except my offer.

I knew I was dead.

If you do, you will not be the same. You will no longer be the young lady that you used to. You will be new, unprecedented.

I had died as the Tesseract exploded.

I. 

Was. 

Dead.

You will be like me, but not me, but only if you are able to answer my question correctly. It is very important that you understand the weight of its meaning.

Wasn't I?

My name is Vision. You may have heard of me. Here is my question:

"Are you for life?"