The Unknown: An Avengers Fan-Fic

And. . . You're Dead

*Rayne's POV*

"Let's go," Loki said, a determined look across his face.

I grabbed his hand and ran out on to the sunny sidewalk, where random humans walked along, unaware that two -what did they call us? Extraterrestrials?- were standing next to them. Looking around swiftly, I noted the cobblestone streets and the railroad tracks above us, and deduced that if we were on... Midguard- Earth in New York City, then this must be the Meat-Packing District, my mind registered.

"C'mon," I led Loki over to the metal steps leading up onto the railroad tracks -something about a high line?- and joined the humans going up the steps.

Loki followed me without question, scowling down at the dirt. "I'm not a tour guide."

I shot him a smirk. "Good thing I don't need one."

"You've been here before?" he asked, a few steps behind me. I stopped to wait for him, "What? Is it so hard to believe I could blend in with humans?"

He caught up and stared at me oddly. "Yes," he murmured. My insides squirmed, and I swallowed. "Well, thanks for the compliment," I replied easily, "but we've gotta keep moving. Kinda making a scene here."

Loki nodded. "You're right."

"And don't you forget that phrase," I teased, punching his arm lightly.

He flinched back and I laughed. "Calm down. Friends do that. Anyway, if I was going to punch you, you'd be over the rails now."

He snorted, and, under his breath, I caught, "You hit like a girl, anyway."

"Hey!" I exclaimed, "If you want proof, one day, we'll have a wrestling match. No magic, no tricks, no help. Nothing."

Loki frowned at me. "You're not much like the girls on my planet, not even Sif, and she's about as close as you'd get."

"Yeah, I've been told," I said, finally reaching the top. With a flick of my wrist, I no longer had on my favorite combat boots, but sneakers. I had a feeling I'd need them.

Loki reached the top, too, and I laughed at his expression. "We walked up all those steps for a bunch of weeds?" he demanded. "We could've at least flown up here!"

"Would a human do that?" I pretended to think. "Hmm, now I wonder..."

Loki rolled his eyes and kept going along the High Line, barely gazing at the plants as he passed.

"Have you ever been here?" I asked.

Loki turned to face me slowly, and I went to correct myself quickly. "I mean, besides May."

He slowly nodded. "Some centuries ago. But it's nothing like it was then."

"You haven't visited since?" I asked, walking at the same pace as him.

"No." his voice turned cold, then back again just as quickly. "What about you, Rayne Forewick? Been here lately?"

"Actually, yes," I said. He shot me a look. I stuck my tongue out at him, but continued. "I needed to leave my home planet ... it was too ... anyway, I didn't care where I ended up. Somehow, I landed here;  but if it was a coincidence or curse, I'm not sure yet. Apparently, I arrived just in time for your little apocalypse stunt. It's a very fun place, Manhattan. It's like a giant playground, my giant playground. But there's something here that I can't wrap my head around about the humans; some quality or trait.

"This realm is different," I continued. "Somehow. It's not like another realm I've visited. Maybe it's the arrogance. The humans think themselves so superior, the best, but they don't know anything of our existences. At least almost all other realms with half-way advanced minds know, but these humans... what makes them so special, to remain in ignorance, after everything people like us have done for them? How, I do not know, but... it annoys me. If they really knew everything, they'd think twice before shoving someone they don't know; they don't know who -or what- it is, and they still decide that they are better. Don't they know it's not about appearances? And yet they believe themselves superior; in race, in people, in oneself. They, who kill each other in petty slaughters for power, would be the dominant species. How can they live with themselves? They kill other humans, their brethren, for money or gain. I should at least think they could show remorse, but no, they enjoy it. They enjoy killing each other.