Firebird by NorseFan1

Chapter 19

Loki had been right, she mused as she flew over the palace. The bond meant she had access to his memories and knowledge. So, it only took her several attempts at practising a spell herself to be able to achieve it. Physical fighting was a little bit more difficult. Knowing how to execute a move and having the strength to execute it properly and to the best effect were two different things. It would take a bit longer, but at least now she was no longer defenceless. She could see why he had not wanted her on a battle field now. She really had been useless.

'Not useless, love, just underprepared,' the soft reprimand came across the bond. She tilted her head to look up slightly at the hawk cruising above her. She had been eager to learn how to take on an animal form, when she found he had several, but had found her magic was not willing to change into anything but one specific form. She was in phoenix form now, but did not mind really that she could only change into a phoenix. Magicals on earth could only become mundane animals. She knew that from Sirius.

'I would have been more than useless on a battle field, and you know it,' she responded.

'You would have been useful in the healers' tents. You just would not have been equipped for a fight,' Loki replied, before banking sharply, heading down, towards the balcony that would lead to their chambers. She quickly saw why.

Thor was there, looking anxious. It had been two weeks since the wedding celebrations had ended, and she had been focusing on her training ever since. This was the first sign that there was trouble that they would be needed for.

When they landed, both transformed quickly. "What has happened?" Loki asked.

"Word just arrived from Tyr and the Avengers. It seems that the demons have surfaced. They have wiped out a small village in Scotland. SHIELD and our warriors have the area on lock down, but it is not a good sign."

"A whole village?" Anastasia asked in disbelief.

"Every last man, woman and child," Thor answered heavily. "They showed no mercy. And by the time anyone arrived to help, the three were long gone."

"Then we are needed, I presume?"

"Aye, to see if you can track their power. We need to end this and soon. They are gaining strength and will continue to slaughter unchecked if we do not stop them."

Anastasia nodded to Loki. She was ready to fight. And he would be there to help her. "Give us a bit of time to prepare, and we shall be there shortly." Loki said.

Thor nodded and left, and they headed for their bedroom. "You do not have to come if you are not feeling up to it," Loki said softly.

"I have wanted to help ever since I knew this was going to happen," she touched his arm lightly. "You know I am not going to sit back and wait for this all to be over."

He sighed. "I am aware. I just wish things had remained simpler. Had Dumbledore not summoned demons, then this would all be over now. But we must be cautious. They present a threat, even to us."

"Then we will be careful. Come, we have to get ready."

Ana was heading for the stables, when a voice called out to her. She turned to see Susan Bones and Draco Malfoy heading towards her. "I'm afraid I can't stay and chat, I'm needed on Midgard."