Avengers Generations

Chapter 19

William was slightly terrified as he crouched quietly in the air ducts, watching the debriefing with Fenrir and Einmyria. He had never done anything so daring before, but to Fenrir it seemed second nature.

After running out of Charity's recovery room, they had been stopped by Agent Hill, who had told them they weren't allowed into the docking bay. Fenrir had respectfully taken orders, but did not obey for long. He had quietly announced to his two companions that he was going to find out what was going on. Einmyria - with a twinkle in her eye - had insisted on coming as well, and William would not be left out. After a few minutes of crawling through the metal tunnels, they had finally found something.

William felt lightheaded as he peered down at the newcomers - he had done his research and read the packets, and he knew these two faces: Captain America sitting at a table... and Thor, the mighty Norse god if thunder, standing beside him.

"My father must have made the crashing sound..." Einmyria whispered to him as they listened. William nodded, his mouth gaping open as he stared at the living myth.

"Listen." Fenrir hissed "Fury is speaking of us." They strained their ears to catch everything that was said in the debriefing, but the men's voices were low. They understood the general idea, though - Thor and the Captain had come to take them away from S.H.I.E.L.D., and Fury wasn't about to let that happen.

"The Ten Rings have resurfaced." Nick said with a hint of exasperation "As I'm sure you've heard. We need a team or the whole world will be at stake."

"That's great." Steve responded "But you aren't putting my daughter on the front lines. I'll die before I let that happen."

"And I as well!" Thor said, bringing a fist down on the table "My daughter and nephew are not like your Midgardian weapons."

Fenrir looked surprised at hearing his uncle mention him - they had never had a good relationship.

"No." Nick said "Of course they're not. They're better."

Steve sighed, trying not to do anything he'd regret later. "Sir, we recognize the threat and understand your situation." He said with annoyance "But we're not letting our children be the ones to deal with this - they're minors, for god's sake!"

"They could be injured." Thor mused gravely "Or worse..."

Nick swallowed hard- which was unlike him. He looked away from the ex-Avengers, trying to decide what to say, but no words came. His hesitation gave away more than he had intended.

Steve's mouth dropped open slightly with alarm and he looked toward Thor, who in turn spoke to the Director.

"What are you not telling us?" He demanded, lifting Mjolnir off the floor.

"There have been a few injuries along the way." Nick started.

"No!" Thor thundered "Speak the truth."

Steve stood defensively beside his old comrade. "I want to see my daughter." He said sternly.

"Peggy is with Charity Coulson at the moment." Fury said calmly "Helping her cope with her loss."

"What loss?!" Steve said, quickly loosing his patience.

"Where is my Einmyria?!" Thor broke in, holding his hammer threateningly close to Nick's face "Where is Fenrir?!"

Nick responded gently, like he was talking to a child. "They're in the air duct." He said, motioning with his one eye at the vent.

William jumped and Einmyria gasped at their discovery, which made just enough noise to completely give away their position. Fenrir sighed slightly, kicked the vent out, and landed gracefully on the floor in the debriefing room.