Lost in Time

Twenty

Jane gasped, catching her breath as she stood up straight, looking around. She didn't know what had happened. Her, Darcy and her intern Ian had come here, in search of answers, but she hadn't expected to see that kid shift the truck inti the air, or to find the readings they had were similar to when they had been in New Mexico. Something had pulled her here, last thing she remembered was being in the hallway of the abandoned warehouse, before a strong breeze pulled her through.

Looking over the edge, calling for Darcy, her voice just echoed around her. She was scared, but also in awe, this was definitely going in her book, if only she had a camera. Turning around, she saw the large structure, with a seam, red glowing inside of it. Her curiosity was winning, as she walked over, being careful not to trip. Although there was a noise, like a low crackling growl, sort of, she still headed over to it, wanting to know what it was.

Jane circled it, peering into the seam, and it was as though she could see the glow, but there was something moving? She couldn't quite tell. Reaching towards it, staring at the light coming from within, she jolted as something gripped her wrist, and pulled her back.

'You know, someone with your intelligence, I'd expect them to have a modicum of common sense..'..

Jane gasped as she was yanked back another step and she turned her head to see it was a woman, holding her tight... 'Who are you?..'

'Someone who just saved your ass. Now, when you get home, stay put until we get there..'.. The woman let her go, and waved her hand. Jane quickly looked around and froze in shock, seeing Thor stood with another man, one who looked a little familiar... 'Be a good girl, and do as you're told..'.. Jane didn't have a chance to say or do anything before the woman shoved her shoulder, sending her falling backwards. She let out a little scream, but then she felt herself land on something. Looking up above her, she saw a large golden orange sparking ring, and the womans face peering over the edge of it... 'Get the kettle on will you..'.. And then the ring disappeared.

Jane pushed herself up, looking around and seeing she was back in her apartment, well flat as the British called, on her bed... 'Wh-wha, how?..'

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'Did you have to push her?..'.. Thor asked her and Elle shrugged, hands on her hips.

'I called her twice and she didn't hear me. Too busy drooling over you..'.. Elle gestured to him and turned to look at the monolith, that held the Aether... 'Let's do this, before it decides which one of us to use as a host..'.. She moved to stand a few feet from it, and Loki came to her side, holding his hand out. The two of them were combining their magic, to create a shield around it, and Thor would strike the shield with Mjolnir, making it become the lock. Nothing or no one would be able to get past the magic, unless the three of them undid the spell together.

'Ready?..'.. Loki asked her and she nodded, taking a deep breath. The two linked hands, holding their other ones out to the monolith, creating the shield.

Thor watched them, walking to Elles other side ready and waiting until she told him. He did not understand exactly what they were doing, but he did trust them both. Elle had explained to him, what would have happened, had Jane touched it and that was not a future he wanted for her or anyone else. This also ensured that the dark Elves wouldn't awaken, at least for now.

'Thor, now..'.. He watched as a sigil burned bright, a swirl of green and gold magic shimmered around the structure. Stepping forward, he summoned lightning and struck against the shield. The magic rippled all around the stone, and the red mist within burned brighter, snaking out and hitting the shield... 'Ha! We did it..'.. He stepped back, looking at Elle who bounced from foot to foot, grinning, waving her arms slightly... 'We got the Aether locked down boys! Whoo! Now, let's get out of here..'