Out of Time ★ [1] ✔

When Gods Strike

I sat cross-legged in the middle of the quinjet as we made our way to Germany. To say that it wasn't an awkward flight was an understatement. Steve's blue eyes were glued to me like he was staring at a ghost. I refused to connect with them in fear of what I'd see.

I tossed around scenarios in my head. How was I going to explain that I was a time travelling redhead who had walked the earth longer than America had existed? I could break it to him slowly, explain every detail to him in depth. Or I could just blurt it out, causing less pain for the both of us. Perhaps I could show him. I could take him on a journey through time to view my past himself.

"We're here," Agent Romanoff informed, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I stood. I appreciated S.H.I.E.L.D. making me a uniform: a black catsuit similar to Agent Romanoff's with the exception of a long cloak-like back that cut off at my knees, a hood, fingerless gloves, and knee-high boots. The fit was comfortable. I hoped that it would protect me. The last bout I had with the God of Mischief didn't go as well as I would've liked.

Steve readjusted his shield on his arm. I pulled my hood on. Romanoff opened the door of the quinjet, and Steve and I jumped out.

The square was filled with people, all kneeling. Loki stood at the head. He was giving an inspirational speech. How touching.

I shared a glance with Steve. A conversation was shared between our eyes:

I'm going to blend.

All right. Be careful.

You be careful.

I stayed low as I entered the crowd, joining the kneeling civilians. I pressed a finger to my lips at the people who gave me fearful looks. The last thing I needed was to have attention drawn to me. That would be bad.

"The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life's joy in a mad scramble for power and identity," Loki continued. "You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel."

I watched in horror as a single old man stood, a look of determination and defiance seared into his face. "Not to men like you."

Loki tipped his horned-helmeted head to the side in curiosity. "There are no men like me."