The Beginning of a Hero

Chapter Five: A True Test I Didn't Ask For

"Well, spit it out, Thundercheeks," Clint said.

"Loki is on his way."

Those few words brought the card game to a halt and unleashed a number of reactions. Sam seemed caught off guard. Wanda smiled, as though it were a pleasant surprise and a chance to meet someone she may have a fair deal in common with. Rogers sighed heavily, grumbling something under his breath that I couldn't quite make out.

Alarmingly, Clint had the most neutral face at that statement.

"Well... I could use a new target for target practice."

"I kindly request you not kill my brother," Thor said. "I understand what he did was horrible, and what he did to you certainly must have been far from pleasant, but he had a good reason and is not our enemy."

Clint scoffed and stood up. "He brainwashed me and made me kill people for him!" The lack of emotion he began with wasn't the case anymore. He looked furious. Anger was etched into every aspect of his expression and posture, from his shoulders being back to the scowl across his lips. "He's responsible for countless deaths of agents and the carnage of New York City. Even if he has suddenly had a change of heart, I don't want him around Lily."

"Not even a little bit curious about my side of the story, Barton?"

Hearing those words nearly made me jump out of my skin. The voice speaking was velvety, smooth, persuasive, but what startled me so badly was that it was a new person talking from the opposite direction from where I was looking.

All eyes snapped to the door. Sure enough, Loki was standing there clad in green, black, and gold leather and metal armor. He was smirking, calm as can be. "Promise, it's quite the story."

Clint took one, slow step forward. "Come a little closer, Loki, I dare you." His eyes were wild smoldering with hatred, and murder was on his mind. His fury wasn't directed at me, but I wanted to shrink back into the couch. It reminded me so much of my biological parents, their disdain for me, and of the beatings that would follow. He wasn't furious with me, but I was still frozen in my spot, heart in my throat, eyes locked on him.

"Oh, I think I'll pass, thank you. I rather value breathing."

In an instant, Clint was lunging at Loki, hands reaching for his neck. It should've been an easy tackle, but as soon as Clint made contact, he went through Loki as Loki faded away, reappearing next to Thor.

He cackled. "So close, Agent Barton. Like to try again?"

Thor and Rogers leapt up and got between them.

"Clint, keep your head about you!" Rogers demanded. He then gestured his head at me and lowered his voice. All I caught were "she think" and "terrified", but I think he got the gist of my reaction to the situation. Clint looked at me and softened his expression, then looked back to Loki, then back to me, then to Thor

"Fine, but if he tries anything towards her, I can't promise what will happen."

Thor sighed heavily. "Then you will not like the test that the rest of us planned." He sat down while Rogers stayed between the two enemies. "We thought it wise to test her survival skills."

"We could do that without his help!"

Loki chuckled and sat down like a cocky schoolboy in the chair Rogers had vacated. "But I have abilities that none of you do. I can mimic the skills of your enemy with my magic more accurately than you could ever hope for, and Maximoff has graciously agreed to help."

Clint opened his mouth, then closed it. He wanted to protest, but Loki wasn't wrong. He instead looked to the others. "Why did you discuss this without me?"