The Brewing Storm

Kill or Collect.

16.

I didn't reply straight away, although I knew that I would, inevitably, return to New York to see the team for another mission. But I don't want to leave, things are finally starting to pick up; Frank had discovered a lead on Michael Anthony's whereabouts- thanks to the information Max had given us, but I left him to it, knowing that leaving these details with Frank alone means that Lucy will be safe. Since Max's arrival at the house, Jana had proceeded to become extremely protective of everyone who lived in the house, even Valentina, whom Jana didn't seem too fussed about to begin with. 

"C'mon Eris, are you leaving or what?"

"Why are you so eager to get rid of me, brother?" I turn away from my view of the glistening sea. "Anyone would think you wanted me to go away."

Eugene gasps, "Moi?!" slapping a hand on his chest. 

I turn back to the window, and watch as Lucy runs quickly across the beach, a smile plastered across her face as Jana follows closely behind. The hound had grown so much since Eugene had appeared in my apartment, carrying the black and white puppy in his arms. Now, she's the size of a wolf, having grown up to the size of my hip- although, granted, Lucy and I weren't graced with the longest legs, but even Eugene had trouble pushing her off him every now and then, although he would never admit that of course. 

I watch closely as Lucy heaves herself up the rocks, and back up to the house. Lucy and Frank mutually agreed that a good way to start the day would be to run across the beach, and then climb the obstacle of rocks that had been created. Having joined them once or twice, I found it was a good way to clear my head for the day ahead, whether it be eventful or quiet. Jana simply leaps up each rock effortlessly at a time, whilst Lucy spends an extra few minutes catching up. 

I grin, as she approaches the last boulder in her way. "You're getting slower."

"No, she's just getting faster." She puffs, holding a hand to her chest, trying to keep her breathing steady. "God, I really need to get into shape." 

I chuckle. "Well, when I leave, you'll need to do something besides watching Eugene get too competitive at Frank's stupid video game." As if on cue, Eugene lets out a howl of exasperation. Jana skids around the corner to find him. 

"Will you be away for long?" Lucy asks, pouring herself a glass of water, and releasing her long blond hair from the ponytail. "I don't think I'll be able to live with them without you." 

"Please, if anyone can keep these men in line, it's you." I smile, placing a hand on her arm. "You don't give yourself near enough credit." She smiles, and nods.

"Y'know, I don't think I ever thanked you."

"What for?"

She's silent for a long moment, before answering, "For giving me my life back."

I'm startled for a second, almost mesmerized by the woman that stood before me, the threatening opponent that I thought I would have to put an end to just a few months ago. The only stranger I had truly opened up to about Loki, and one of the only people I would place in my circle. She had sacrificed everything to be here, with us.  Yes, maybe she had nowhere to go, but she chose to be here so she could attempt to control the power that was thrust upon her. Hiding away from the man who took her life away from her. 

"Oh come on!" Eugene bellows in anger, as Frank howls with laughter. I grab Lucy's hand, and guide her into the lounge, where Frank had two empty and crumpled cans of beer on the table, with his feet up, and swigging from another. Eugene on the other hand, had his head in his hands, as blood splats onto the screen with a quote 'YOU LOSE.' I grimace at the scene, but smile, as Jana tries to nudge her nose between his hands.