Magyk

ii

degenerate

having lost the physical, mental or moral qualities considered normal and desirable; showing evidence of decline

~~~

"Guys? We have a problem!"

Black mist clouded about in the center of the Hangar Bay of the new Avengers Tower. The fog condensed, swirling furiously as though it was imitating a tornado. Sam Wilson's earpiece crackled madly, and he grimaced, pulling it out as it shrieked loudly in his ear.

The Avengers filed in quickly, but cautiously, assessing the situation. They had never seen anything like this. That was saying something considering they had seen flying cities and aliens.

Wanda stepped forward, as something seemed familiar about the cloud of black mist. Her red tendrils surrounded the black cloud curiously, attempting to infiltrate the whirling tornado. The mist struck forward suddenly, and Wanda's eyes shot open as a gasp of pain emerged from her lips.

"What is this?" she asked, incredulous. It sounded like a quiet whisper compared to the whirling mess of wisps in front of them. The power that she felt from the cloud was unmatched, and it both frightened and excited her.

Thunder rumbled outside and the Captain's head shot up, vaguely wondering if the weather was being affected by the tornado's actions. A rumble shook the foundation of the building and lighting struck beside the tower. Thor stormed in, and the Avengers moved out of the way, seeing his furious figure. Mjolnir flew through the air, joining Thor in front of the mist.

Thor pulled back his arm and threw the hammer harshly, and the Avengers waited in anticipation for whatever outcome was coming. Said hammer disappeared within the smoke and Thor pulled his arm back, attempting to pull it out of the storm.

What the Avengers didn't expect was a hand grasping Mjolnir to emerge instead.

Thor's eyes widened and the Avengers stepped back warily. They could only stand and wait as the mist disappeared, slowly then all at once. Where the mist once swirled stood a woman, her dark hair and dress swirling, reminding Natasha of the storm that had just brewed before them.

Her black dress flapped despite the lack of wind, and Mjolnir was in the woman's limp hand at her side. Her body was slightly turned towards them, and the Avengers collectively held their breaths as she raised her head.

A smirk was evident on her face as she turned to fully face them, and the black mist swirled around her feet. Thor looked taken aback but the Avengers were just as confused as earlier.

"Faerie? What are you doing on Midgard?" he asked, confusion clear in his tone. Said girl only smiled at him, twirling the hammer around mindlessly.

"I am always on 'Midgard', Thor. The Underworld is part of it," she said, chastising. She examined the hammer in her hand, admiring it.

"Thor, you know this girl?" Tony asked, watching the hammer in her deft fingers. 'Well,' he thought. 'Guess it's not fingerprint-based.'

"Girl is not a polite term, good sir. After all, you are standing in the presence of a woman ten times your age." Faerie glimpsed at the brunette who was watching her with very analytical eyes. She winked at him before flipping Mjolnir once more.