A/N: Chapter 6 is complete.

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The ride back to the Helicarrier was spent in relative silence, discounting the occasional mutters of Tony, who was still trying to figure something out. Whatever he was trying to figure out still remained a mystery, and Anna didn't feel inclined to ask. She had her own things to think about, which would be dealt with once she made it back to her borrowed sleeping quarters. Steve and Thor shared a brief conversation at one point, speaking low and near inaudible to Anna. But she got the gist. It had something to do with comparing battle strategies. Their conversation tapered off when the Helicarrier came into sight.

Fury, Coulson and Agent Maria Hill (someone Anna hadn't personally met) had been there to greet them when they landed. Anna made sure to unstick Loki so he could be carried out, something that no one seemed to notice. Thor gave a small tilt to his head when she did it, but she chose to ignore that reaction in favor of getting the hell out of the quinjet.

Fury inclined his head toward her as she jogged off the ramp. It was as much as a 'thank you' as she would get from him, she supposed. Coulson, meanwhile, was giving her the stink-eye and she carefully avoided stepping anywhere near him. Thankfully his attention was drawn away by Steve, who had Clint hoisted over his shoulder and currently making his way down the ramp, with Tony trailing behind, still looking deep in thought.

It would appear Thor was still inside with Loki. This didn't surprise Anna much.

"Captain," greeted Coulson, eagerly stepping forward to meet Steve. Tony snorted as he walked past, heading for Fury. "You managed to secure Loki and Barton. Good job."

Steve gave a sheepish grin. "Actually, it was all Anna's work." He admitted, and Anna couldn't resist, she made her way toward them.

"Cap just stood to the side and made himself pretty." She teased, forcing herself to remain calm when Coulson's laser like vision snapped to her, and a shiver rolled up her back. She made sure she kept out of his reach, stepping a little bit behind Steve. Pissing off a fanboy wasn't exactly in her list of things to do today, but hopefully, Coulson doesn't actually decide to plot her death.

"Not exactly like that," Steve's lip twitched, and he hoisted the unconscious archer further up. "What should I do with..." He nodded with his head toward Clint.

Coulson eyed the two for a moment, before settling on Steve and gesturing to the small group of S.H.I.E.L.D agents wearing white lab coats, stationed a little bit away, looking like they were waiting for orders. "The medic team are ready to take him." He states, giving a small gesture with his hand. Almost immediately, the group move into action and head toward them, one of them carrying a portable stretcher.

Anna steps back a bit to give them room, watching as Steve unloads Clint onto the stretcher with ease. Once he was fully strapped in, Clint is carried off, vanishing behind a set of doors. Two of the medic team stay behind, asking if they need further assistance. But Anna isn't sure, so she lets Steve handle it. No one was hurt from the retrieval mission, but Anna can assume that Clint is going to wake with a very nasty bump to the head after cracking it against the ground when she hit him with her stunner. He may also possibly have a bruise on his back, with how hard he went down.

On reflection, Anna realizes she may have gone a bit too hard on him. She also hopes he doesn't remember any of it – but even if he did, she doubts he would draw the conclusion to her. She had been disillusioned at the time, after all. So, it may take him some time before he clicks on to it being her. Or maybe he won't at all.

Wishful thinking is a wonderful thing. Too bad it never seems to work out for her.

"I think I'm going to head to my room now," Anna idly announces, feeling a small grip of anxiety in her stomach. She had a lot to do tonight and she'd rather not put it off much longer.

"We still have debriefing to do," Coulson informs her, narrowing his eyes.

"I'm sure it can wait until morning." She counters, preparing to flee to her designated sleeping quarters. "Besides, Steve knows enough to fill you all in. Or Natasha – actually, where is Natasha?"

"Agent Romanoff is escorting Hawkeye." A new voice pipes up, causing Anna to spin around. Maria Hill is stood there, looking serene and completely calm, as if she deals with Norse Gods on a regular basis. It's a look that Anna would strive to achieve.

"Uh, hi?" Anna greets, unsure. The two have never been properly introduced.

Maria inclines her head toward Anna, offering up a bland and uninterested "Hi," back, before turning to Coulson. "Debriefing has to wait until morning. Six am sharp."

Anna hides a grin behind her hand. "See? It can totally wait until morning."

"That's roughly three hours away." Maria clarifies.

"Mother fuc–"

"Language."

Anna twitches when a hand lands on her shoulder, and she tilts her head back to see that it's Steve. It would seem he had finished speaking with the medic team. He shot her a playful grin, before dropping his hand. She gave him a glare back, not appreciating him sneaking up on her.

"Not cool." She mutters, giving him a gentle shove.

She doesn't notice the way Coulson's eye begins to twitch.

"Miss Black," Coulson manages to say, forced pleasantly. "You said you were just leaving?"

"Oh!" She nods her head, "Yeah, got things to do. Not a lot of time."

"What things?" Steve asks.

She shrugs. "Just stuff. Anyway, have fun dealing with Loki when he wakes up, because I get the impression he's not a morning person." Her nose wrinkles up in thought. "Oh, and I'd appreciate if I'm left alone for the rest of the...night? Early morning? So, unless the world is ending, kindly get fucked."

Coulson makes a choking noise as Anna flutters away, heading toward the doors in a light jog. She ignores the snap of 'language' from Steve and the indignant shout of Tony, asking where the hell she was going.

She had shit to get done, and not a lot of time. Hopefully, she would be done before anything horrendous happens. Plus, she would really like to get out of her suit.

Sometime later, Anna was back in her room, sitting on the floor and wearing a frustrated expression. She had changed out of the suit she had been given, and was back in her jumper and jeans. Though the relief of being back in her own clothes had been short lived, and she soon found herself surrounded by thick tomes placed in unwise positions, many of them threatening to spill from the bed and onto the floor, where she was surrounded by many more tomes.

She scratched at her head as she read through one particular tome, levitating it in front of her as to keep her hands free. In one hand, she gripped a small, oval shaped piece of silver, roughly the size of her pinky. In her other, her wand rested, pointed toward the silver object where she was carving specific designs.

Or she would have been, had she not stopped to double check the correct design she wanted to place.

She had been blankly staring at the book for roughly half an hour now, feeling lost and a little bit more than frustrated. Runes hadn't exactly been her specialty, but she knew enough to just understand the basics. And this didn't feel basic. She was getting the very strong feeling that she had fucked up. Somewhere. Now if only she could just find where she messed up, she could actually get a move on and finish up.

Where was Hermione when you needed her? She mentally lamented, before scowling at the gray, reflective metal, as if it had given her personal insult.

When she realized glaring was going to get her nowhere, she decided to drop the tome she had been 'reading' and picked up another one, hoping for better results. She was wrong, and she quickly developed a cycle of opening and shutting books, some making no sense to her while others gave her mixed results. Her frustration was growing rapidly and she was very close to giving up, when suddenly, there was a knock at the door, shaking her out of her focus and causing her head to snap up, her necking giving a small creak as she did so.

"Who the fuck is it?" She unintentionally snaps harshly, squinting her eyes at the door, as if to try and see who was on the other side. It didn't give her the answer she sought.

"Tis I, Thor Odinson, of Asgard," confidently calls out Thor, causing Anna to jerk in surprise. "May I enter my lady's chamber? It is a matter most urgent."

Anna flounders for a moment, jaw opening and shutting, resembling something akin to a fish before she huffs out, raising her wand to remove the sticking charm she placed on her door, just in case someone tries to bother her. Namely S.H.I.E.L.D and their bothersome questions. Surprisingly, they hadn't bothered her since she entered her room.

She also hadn't counted on the God of Thunder to come knocking, either.

"Door's open," she eventually says, lowering her wand.

Thor doesn't hesitate in entering, his large form shadowing the doorway and he has to duck slightly to enter. Anna is quick to note that his cape is missing, and it somewhat lessens his intimidating appearance. Do capes actually help with intimidation? Anna is stumped, because maybe they do, and she hadn't realised. Now Thor is just muscle, with a scary hammer, and cape-less. It hasn't lessened his strength in the slightest, but now he looks more approachable. Is that even possible?

Maybe Anna should look into getting a cape? Or should she dig out her old cloak? She never did master Severus Snape's billowing bat-like glide...

Thor's eyes flicker around the room once he slips inside, shutting the door behind him. He takes in the mess, the notable mountain of books on her bed that look ready to tumble over, and the mess on the floor, some books laid open while others were turned upside down and flipped carelessly to the side. Anna doesn't even look ashamed at the mess she had created, only giving one shrug of the shoulder and gesturing to the room.

"Find a place to sit, if you can. Feel free to move things around too, I doubt you could make this any worse." She states, before turning back to the tome in her lap. "And I didn't mean that as a challenge, either." She adds on, her gaze scrolling down the page. Better safe than sorry.

Thor seems to hesitate, as if unsure. But he eventually makes up his mind, and toes a few books out of the way, making space of the floor, before joining her on the carpet, mimicking her position and crossing his legs.

He opens his mouth to speak, only to pause, catching sight of the silver in her hand. He leans forward for a closer look, a look of wonder in his eyes. "These are runes," he breathes, fascinated.

Anna lifts her head to cock an eyebrow at him, curious. "You can read these?" She jerks her chin toward the silver piece.

Thor furrows his brow, leaning back. "They are different to the ones I know," he supplies, "Your markings are similar to Asgardian runes."

She slumps, letting out a quiet groan. "Yeah, not helpful."

"What troubles you?"

"I don't know if it's right, is what's troubling me," she admits, slightly bitter. "A single rune can have multiple meanings, and altering it slightly with open up even more. What I need to know is if I have set it right, because apparently placement matters which is bullshit, and if the runes I've created fits. These books," she flippantly gestures to the room, "Are giving me no help. They all contradict and it's pissing me off."

Thor looks thoughtful. "If your intention is to create runes of power, wealth and fertility, you have succeeded."

She blinks, giving him a bewildered look. "What?" Is her eloquent response. "Power, wealth and fertility?" She echoes.

"Indeed," he nods, gesturing to the carvings on the silver piece. "Your markings show strong resemblance to Asgardian runes. Some of my people would give jewellery such as this as courting gifts."

Her jaw drops. "But I was going for protection, luck and strength..." She whispers, suddenly losing confidence. Her gaze drops to the silver in her hand, and the temptation to destroy it is very strong.

"Then you have obviously failed." candidly replies Thor. He doesn't even sound sarcastic about it, which Anna would have expected.

"Obviously..." She mutters.

There is a beat of silence, which Anna spent glowering at her silver in her hand.

"Tis an easy mistake to fix." Thor admits, "If you would allow it, I can assist in correcting your errors."

Anna lets her head loll back, fixing him with a blank stare. "You mean you actually know rune making? Besides just reading and understanding them?"

"Indeed," he nods his head "It is not such a difficult task, once you have mastered the basics."

Anna only just knows the basics, damn it.

Her blank stare falls into a glare. "Are you insinuating I don't know what I'm doing?"

"I did not mean to insult," Thor backpaddles, sounding sincere.

Her brow twitches, because it was somehow difficult to stay annoyed at him. Anna is certain it has something to do with the cape...

"And how would you help me fix...this?" She lifts the small metal piece up in her hand. "Because last time I checked, I don't have any Asgardian how-to books on runes."

Thor is shaking his head, suddenly casting his gaze across the room, as if searching for something. "Do you have anything I may write in?" He asks, turning his focus back to her.

She blinks. "Uh, sure?" She replies, raising her wand and giving it a little flick. Thor leans away from her at this gesture, eyeing the wand apprehensively. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna attack you."

Unless you're ask for it, is what goes unsaid.

Thor still looks slightly uneased. "That is...comforting."

From the bed, there is sudden rustling, drawing both of their attention over. From beneath the mountain of books, bursts out Anna mokeskin pouch, hovering briefly in the air before flashing over – Thor expertly twists his head to the side to prevent himself from being struck – to her side, smacking her in the shoulder before dropping to the floor with a gentle 'thump'. She stares at it for a moment, before sighing heavily, dropping the silver piece onto the floor to pick it up.

"Something to write in..." She mutters to herself as she opens it, "I think I have something."

Anna taps her wand to the opening of the mokeskin, carefully leaning back when another book is abruptly spit out. She snaps it up before it can hit the ground and blindly tosses it to Thor, who catches it with ease. Anna taps the mokeskin one more time, and this time a single ballpoint pen flops out, silently tumbling onto her lap.

"That is an... interesting object, you possess, Lady Anna," says Thor, conversationally. He was eyeing the pouch with curiosity.

She shrugs, tossing the pouch to the side and handing the pen to Thor. "It's not that interesting," she replies blandly. "You kinda forget what's inside after a while. I don't even remember everything that's inside."

"It contains much?" He enquires, flipping open the empty book.

"Much is putting it lightly. It's essentially my own personal pocket dimension. Kinda."

"Truly?" He sounds dubious, but there is also wonder there.

"Uh, yeah? How much magic exposure have you had, by the way? I mean, if this surprises you..." She trails off, regarding him with uncertainty.

"I am not gifted in the magical arts, nor have I given it much interest in my many years. My mother is the one who excels in magics, and is the one who taught my brother..." He trails off with a pained expression.

Anna purses her lips. "So, I'm going to assume you know what I am. I mean, back on the quinjet, you seemed to know about my wand being a wand. And you called what I did to you magic – which was a bit on the nose, I have to say. Not exactly something I want broadcasted out." She throws in a small glare at the end for good measure, because she was still annoyed about that.

Thor bobs his head, furrowing his brows together. "I was not aware at first, but after experiencing your magic first hand, I began to understand. Mjolnir assisted in helping put these pieces together."

She blinked stupidly up at him. "Mew what?"

"Some would call you an Enchantress –"

Anna splutters openly.

"Or perhaps a Sorceress. But that is neither right nor wrong. Your magic reminds me of a tale I was once told as a lad. Not one so easily forgotten." Thor pins her with an intense look, and she feels herself stiffen up, her heart suddenly pumping twice as fast. "Far in the universe, upon an unknown world, Death weaves a game upon three unwitting brothers. The eldest is the first to perish, his lust for power having lured in larger predators. His gift is thus revoked, stolen away by an unworthy wielder. The second brother is the next to fall, overcome by loss and that he could not reclaim his perished lover; he takes his own life. His gift is said to have vanished with him. The youngest and final brother, however, is said to have made his way through life, unseen by Death, until age finally claimed him. His gift is neither stolen or lost, but passed on through his son and so forth. Time passes, and Death waits for his game to come to completion. He waits for the descendant, who would unite these three gifts together and become the Master."

Anna feels the air whoosh out of her lungs, her face having lost all color. She hadn't expected that, and now she's regretting opening her mouth. And by her reaction, Thor seemed self-satisfied, giving her a knowing look that practically dared her to deny his bold claim.

"Alright," she breathes out shakily, her wand clenched tightly in her fist. "How'd you figure it out? Because that isn't exactly the version of the story I heard."

He gives her a blinding smile. "Mjolnir sensed you," he explains, but it doesn't make much sense to her. Who the frick was Mjolnir, anyway?

"Doesn't explain squat," she mumbles, light headed, and she blinks back her sudden hazy vision.

Thor looked pensive for a moment, as if mentally deciding what to say next. "There are few other artefacts such like Mjolnir," he beings slowly, "But none are human. You resonate with a power similar to my hammer, and through Mjolnir I could sense it."

"Mjolnir is a hammer?" She replies airily, allowing it to slowly sink in.

"Aye."

She clenches her eyes shut, pinching the bridge of her nose and inhaled deeply, clearing her head. "Okay, okay..." She breathes slowly through her nose. "Maybe that explains something. Mjol-what's-it did feel kinda funky when you busted into the quinjet, but that doesn't explain how a hammer, of all things, managed to blow my secret!" She exclaims, eyes snapping back open to pin Thor with an irritated expression. He didn't seem fazed at all by it. "I was expecting you to call me out on being a – a witch or a sorceress, as you called it. But not – damn it! Not that."

He offers her his own serious expression. "Neither had I expected to run into the prophesied Master of Death."

"Prophesied?" Anna splutters.

"Aye, the tale I was told as a child had come from an old prophesy. My father will be most interested to hear of this new development," he mindlessly adds in at the end, looking pensive once again.

Anna makes a choking noise. "I thought I was done with prophesies..." She weakly mumbles to herself, before shaking her head when Thor shoots her another curious look. She was not getting into that right now. "And no, you can't tell your dad." She jabs her finger at him, and he raises an eyebrow at it. "This is...this is..." Her face pales further, and her eyes widen. "Shit, if you know about this through your freaky hammer, then..."

Understanding dawns across Thor's face, before settling into something grim. "Loki will most likely have come into knowledge of your presence upon Midgard."

"What do you think he will do what that knowledge?" She asks faintly.

"It is hard to say, but it would be a wise to assume he will attempt to approach you should he be freed." He offers.

"Great..." She drops her wand onto her lap to rub at her eyes. Soon it would be a full day since she had slept. That wasn't going to do much good for her, besides make her extra irritable. She doubts she could even sleep now. Death by Coulson didn't seem nearly so frightening, anymore. She could totally handle a fanboy – but a God that she had taken out the one time? What was the likely chances of her managing that a second time, should she need to?

"You never answered my question," said Thor, curiosity leaking back into his voice. Anna drops her hands to look at him. "How you came to find yourself on Midgard."

Her shoulders slump. "Actually, I remember answering you."

"I recall a lie," Thor counters. "I would have felt your presence last I visited this earth."

"Yeah? And when did you visit last, exactly?"

"Less than four months ago."

Anna scoffed. "Hate to break it to you, but I've been here for the past four years."

Thor furrows his brows together. "That does not make sense."

She shrugs. "Maybe it's a distance thing?" She offers, "I didn't feel your hammer until you were near me. Same thing for the scepter."

"Scepter?"

"Yeah, Loki's...spear thingy. It's been giving me the same vibes your hammer is letting out."

Thor stiffened up. "I had my suspicions, but..."

"But?

He clenches his jaw. "Who would give him this power?" He bites out, suddenly angry, gripping the pen in his hand hard enough that she can hear an audible snap from the plastic. Her brows shoot up.

"Your guess is as good as mine?" She helplessly points out.

His gaze snaps to her own, and he lessens his grip on the pen. Luckily, there is no ink spillage. He offers an apologetic smile after a moment. "No, perhaps not. But having confirmation on these matters are comforting, if only just."

"Uh, okay?" she blinks, completely confused and having no idea what just happened. "Getting back to the runes, however...?" She points toward the empty book she had handed Thor.

"Ah! Yes, I shall..." He trails off, opening the hand that contained the pen. The plastic has been completely shattered. Thor gives her a sheepish grin, and she has to bite her lip to stop from laughing. "I may require something more suitable to write with."

She waves it off, picking her wand back up and gave it a small swish. A second later, the pen was repaired, showing no sign of its previous damage. "That suitable enough?"

Thor inspects the pen, his thumb running up the smooth edge of the plastic. "Your magic is something entirely different, indeed." He mumbles to himself, before brushing it off. "This will only take one moment." He adds, beginning to scribble something down onto the paper of the book. Anna decides not to watch.

Instead, she peeks at the hammer attached to his belt. The magic that it contained was subdued, as if it were sleeping, almost. But still tangible, like she could reach out and grab it. It wasn't brushing up against her own magic, unlike before, and it made her wonder if it only reacts when someone is wielding it. The same went for Loki's scepter. Once it was contained inside the silver case, it was almost like it had gone dormant, but the magic was still present. It was an interesting thing to think about.

Mjolnir, Thor calls his hammer. Maybe Anna should name her own wand? Maybe she could name it Harry, as a nod to her parents, who would have named her that had she been born male.

Something for her to decide later, perhaps.

"This should be acceptable," said Thor, once he was done scribbling. He handed the book back, and Anna took it with eager fingers. Her eyebrows shot up as she peered at the finished work.

"Uh, are you sure?" She asked, skeptically turning the book on its side to see it from a better angle. "It seems a little too, I dunno, easy."

There were three specific runes in total, placed into the shape of a triangle. Nothing fancy, no swirls or added design. It was all sharp lines, each similar looking but set differently. It felt oddly lacking, too simplistic. And from her experience, nothing is ever easy.

"I am certain."

She bites down on her inner cheek, scanning the runes over. She didn't know if these were right either – and these were Asgardian runes, which may not even work at all. "You're gonna have to tell me what they mean. My magic won't take to it unless I have a clear picture."

"You spoke of protection runes, yes?" Anna bobs her head as a yes. "The upper rune is the center point, the main focus. That is the rune for protection. The bottom left is for strength or power of will. This will bolster the protection rune. The last one that remains is on the right, the rune for good fortune and luck, which will give a calming effect once all three are combined together."

"You sound like you've done this before," she mumbles absentmindedly, still inspecting the foreign runes. At least she understands it a little better now. It still felt too simple, however.

She doesn't notice the way heat creeps into Thor's cheeks. "My mother would stitch runes of protection into my clothing as a child." He admits, as way of an explanation.

Anna looks back up at him, cracking a small grin, green eyes sparkling with amusement when she notices the pink in his cheeks. "That's a pretty smart move, actually," she compliments. "A mother will go to extreme lengths to protect her child. Even if it means taking her own life." Her grin turned slightly bitter near the end.

"I... thank you," he sounds uncertain, frowning lightly in concern. "Did your mother also stitch runes of protection?"

"Hmm, nah. Not that I know of, I never really knew her." She shrugs, feigning indifference. Anna may not have known her, but she would have liked to.

"Ah," his expression turns solemn. "I apologize if I have –"

"It's okay, really," she forces a grin. "You didn't know, so don't apologize."

He nods hesitantly after a moment, accepting her reasoning, albeit, reluctantly. To distract herself, Anna grabs her mokeskin pouch back up, using her wand to give it a gentle tap. A second later, a flat circular silver piece, the same size as the other piece, is spat out, flopping onto her lap gently.

Anna tosses her failed attempt at Thor, who deftly catches the silver with his large hand. "You can have that," She explains, lifting the other silver piece up in her hand so she can examine it properly, unsure where she should start carving the runes. Closer to the edge? Or the center? Would it matter, either way?

Thor freezes up at her side, suddenly pale looking. "Lady Anna, I do not think –"

She cuts him off. "And stop calling me a lady, cause I'm not."

"I'm not sure you understand," Thor shakes his head, his golden hair flicking slightly at the motion. "My heart belongs to another, though I am flattered you would –"

"Oh, oh." It's Anna's turn to freeze up, her gaze snapping to her botched first attempt that still rested in his hand. "You think that I...? she gestured toward the metal piece, then to him and finally, to herself. He nods sheepishly. Eventually, she lets out a snort, turning back to what she was doing. "Sorry, but no thanks. Love isn't at the top of my priority list right now, so you're safe."

Thor seemed to sag with relief, color returning to his face. "That is comforting to know."

"Hmmhmm..." Hums Anna as she begins to carve the first rune. "Besides, you could always give that to, uh, whomever the hell you're currently dating."

He looks thoughtful as she said this. "Perhaps," He replies, skeptical, idly rolling the metal between his fingers. "Jane may find the custom interesting, though I am not certain with Midgardian courtship."

Anna pauses to look back up, blinking owlishly at him. "You mean your Lady Love is from earth?" She cocks a brow, "I would have assumed you'd go from someone from your own home world."

"I had not expected to fall in love upon my last visit to Midgard," confides Thor, smiling faintly. "But I do not regret it."

"Fair enough." she shrugs, going back to what she was doing.

Anna didn't take long to finish carving her runes, her markings slightly neater than Thor's own example. She made sure to show him the final result, to which he gave a firm nod, and a heavy pat on the back in congratulations, which knocked the air out of her. He didn't seem to notice.

"So, what was it you're wanting, anyway?" She managed to wheeze out. "I mean, I'm thankful for you helping me out and all, but I doubt that's why you're here."

His expression turns grim. "No, I am not here on trivial matters." He admits, grimacing. "I require your assistance."

"With?"

Thor turns his head down, as if ashamed. "My brother, Loki,"

"Speaking of Loki, has he woken up yet? Or is he still blowing snot bubbles in his sleep?" She asks, curious.

"Indeed, he has. Loki was...lethargic when I spoke with him, before I found myself at your door."

"That's what happens when you take three stunners to the face," shrugs Anna, indifferent. He kinda deserved it, too. Mind magics and murder creates bad karma, and Anna liked to think she dished out some of that for him. He still deserves to get his ass kicked, though. Maybe Clint (Barton? Hawkeye? What was his name again, damn it?) will be first in line once he comes around?

"He is not himself," Thor adds on, ignoring her comment. "The brother I knew would not want this..." He trails off, swallowing thickly and clenching his fists. Anna is certain she sees his eyes watering, and it throws her off. She doesn't know how to deal with tears. Another part of her is also confused, because she can't imagine the God of Thunder crying. And for some reason, that is really sad to think about.

She internally panics for a second, thinking about how she could salvage this, but also thinking that Thor would be an ugly crier, and she doesn't really want to see that. Or maybe that's just her excuse to want to stop him before he could start.

She really hates tears. She's seen enough of them to last her a lifetime.

"Okay, okay..." She hesitates, hands flailing slightly, unsure on how to properly approach this. "Uh, how about we start from the beginning? Is that good for you?"

He nods slowly, inhaling deeply to begin.

If Anna was honest, she was expecting Thor to go straight to the root of the problem. He didn't. Instead, Thor began a tale revolving around Frost Giants, a bid for power and war, which quickly developed into the unfolding story of Loki, the time the two spent together as children and the mischief they would get up to, and how he was not his biological brother (why didn't that feel surprising?) and eventually Thor's exile to earth. Some parts were said through grit teeth, clenched fists and a voice that threatened to break – it never did, and neither did a single tear escape (thankfully). He briefly went over meeting Jane and her companions. However, it was as he neared the end did Anna begin to understand.

Thor finished it up, explaining the trick that Loki played on his real father (Laufey), by luring him in to a false sense of security, promising the death of Odin. Only, that's not how it went. Loki was hoping to use this excuse to destroy Jotunheim with the Bifrost Bridge (Anna tried not to think about that), once Laufey attempted to kill Odin. But it wasn't about revenge against his real father, or the frost giants. It was about his worthiness to his adoptive father.

Of course, nothing played out as Loki hoped it would (excluding the death of Laufey). Thor managed to make it back home to intercept Loki, destroying the Bifrost in the process, and leaving the two (not so) brothers stranded until Odin busted in to save the day – who was not exactly pleased with Loki's scheming. This resulted in Loki refusing the aid of his adoptive father, to get out of their stranded situation.

Thor explained that Loki had been assumed dead, after that. Which explained a lot, and why Thor kept giving Loki sad faces on the quinjet.

But also, this wasn't what Anna meant when she said 'start from the beginning', and she doesn't have the heart to tell him that now. At the very least, she knows what's going on and why Loki is acting like a dick. Doesn't mean she likes him, however.

"Now do you see?" Asks Thor, quietly, once a moment has passed for her to process. "My brother is not himself. I believe he is being manipulated."

Anna grimaces. He's probably not gonna like her answer.

"You shouldn't make excuses." She replies, averting her gaze and began to pick at the imaginary lint on her jumper.

She can practically hear him frowning. "I do not understand."

Reluctantly, she looks back up, forcing a neutral expression. "You're making excuses for him. You shouldn't." She can see the flicker of anger in his eyes, and she forges on. Best to get it out quickly, before he decided she'd look better as a splatter on the wall. "I believe that these actions are Loki's own. But as any siblings would do, they will cover for the other, whether consciously or not. And I also believe that Loki is hurting, from what you have told me, even if he's being a massive dick about it. Finding out he was adopted must have left him feeling vulnerable, and naturally, the first thing anyone would do is review what they know. The one time he didn't get his dessert because he didn't eat his dinner? Was it because he's adopted? Or, the onetime Thor got a new toy and he didn't, is it because he's not actually Odin's son? Or the other time when Thor got more praise than himself? Was it because Thor is Odin's real son?" She pauses to study Thor's expression, which had gone considerably pale. "I'm sensing a lot of doubt, and a lot of family issues that need to be brought up. It's also very possible that Loki feels smaller when next to you, being the youngest and all – adopted or not – it can cause a lot of problems and a lot of jealousy. But it's not uncommon for that to happen with younger siblings. It's possible that Loki needed reassurance, but what with the adoption bomb being dropped on him, it has stunted a lot of things."

Thor breathes shakily, and Anna jerks back when she sees his eyes watering once again. She didn't exactly like the thought of being the cause of it. Anna absentmindedly wonders if she has any tissues in her pouch.

"I – I mean I could be totally wrong," she backpaddles when Thor makes a thick choking noise, and she begins to look around her room frantically. All that's there is a mess of books that desperately need to be put away. "I'm totally not qualified to give a psychological opinion and maybe –"

"No." Thor cuts her off, sounding surprisingly strong despite looking seconds away from breaking down. "Your reasoning is sound, but I fear..."

She eyes him skeptically. She really hopes he doesn't cry, she doesn't want to feel like a dick, even though she already does for making him this upset. "...Need a tissue?" She hesitantly asks, because she doesn't know what else to say or how to make this better.

"I am well," he shakes his head, breathing deeply to steady himself, before continuing. "But I fear Loki may not listen, should I attempt to mend these troubles. He was...unwilling to listen, last I spoke to him."

"Then I guess you're kinda, uh, stuck," she helplessly offers. "Which, er, sucks?"

"Indeed," solemnly replies Thor. "Which is why I acquire your assistance regarding these matters."

She blinks, bewildered. "What could I possibly do to make any of this better? I mean, isn't this private family matters on top of a brother that wants to rule the world? And possibly destroy it in the process?"

"I believe, that if you speak to him, you may be able to change his mind. Help him make the right choice."

She leans back, giving him a look of disbelief, her nose wrinkling at the suggestion. "No offence, but I think that is a terrible idea."

"What makes you say so?" Thor enquires, his turn to be confused. "You are the Master, and I believe Loki will listen to what you have to offer."

"I have literally nothing to offer him besides a boot to the face." She deadpans, causing Thor to jerk back in surprise.

"You wish to harm my brother?" Asked Thor, alarmed.

She rolls her eyes. "He already killed 80 people, on top of mind controlling an unknown amount of people. There is nothing he can do now that can take that back, and being sorry isn't going to cut it. Those people he killed? Probably had families, and there are most likely kids out there wondering when their mum or dad is coming home."

He appeared to shrink down at that. "I...had not thought about that." He admits, chastised.

"So, I'll ask again, what is it you think I can do?" She looks him in the eye, completely serious. "I can do magic, yes, that's obvious at this point. Sometimes I can even speak to the dead, should they be willing to speak to me first. But I can't bring back the dead, Master or not, and I can't reverse time. I would like a legitimate reason as to why I should speak to your brother, because I'll be frank, I have no idea what I'm walking into. I don't like going in blind, but recently, that's what has been happening."

Thor looked like he had sucked on something sour, his face scrunching up painfully as he processed her words. Eventually, he spoke. "Loki was...fond of the tale we were told as children. Of Death and the Descendant. And if only for a moment, I do believe he will listen, even if it is to satisfy his own curiosity. To have him consider an alternative option, is better than leaving him to battle this alone." He swallowed, unclenching his fists. "I wish to save my brother, Lady Anna. I would ask of you this one favor."

She purses her lips, feeling something prod at the back of her head. She knew what it was, and she knew trying to stomp it down would be useless. Her saving people thing always managed to rear its ugly head in situations such as these. Draco Malfoy was a good example. But she didn't know if she wanted to save Loki – or even if he wanted to be saved. Did the bond of brothers stretch both ways? Thor seemed to think so. To try and break a bond such as that, after probably thousands of years...

She huffs heavily, shoulders slumping in defeat. "I'm making no promises," she begins, smiling slightly when Thor perks up. "I don't like using my title as an excuse. But...if I get a private moment apart from everyone else, I'll try to talk to him. Just don't expect anything to come of it."

"You mean this?" He eagerly asks, eyes lighting up and reaching out to grasp her hand, dwarfing it in his own giant one. She can't help but smile softly, her heart swelling with a strange warmth, and gives a small nod. His grip tightens lightly, but not enough to hurt, and she thinks she can feel it tremble slightly. His expression is earnest as he spoke. "I would ask of you no more than this. Even if nothing comes of it, you have my thanks."

His hand lingers only for a moment before he lets go.

Her lip twitches at his sudden lightened features, as if a weight has been lifted. "I've gotta ask, and I don't mean to be a downer, but with Loki the way he currently is, do you know if he has taken any more of your friends? If he already has Selvig..." She trails off, analyzing his expression.

He shakes his head, and his expression doesn't darken, so she takes it as a good sign. "No," he replies, catching onto her meaning. "My Lady Jane and Darcy are protected. Away from any danger that may pose a threat, until such a time I can return to them."

"Well, that's good," she remarks, "And I don't have any friends for him to steal away, so I can assume I'm not in for any surprises. Unless he stole that old woman that runs this old antique store I sometimes visit, I'd be pretty pissed if Loki decided he wanted her on his side." Thor gives her a strange look, and she shrugs, adding on, "I've seen her with a bat, that shit is nightmare fuel."

"You have no friends?" He asked after a moment, looking bewildered.

Anna gives him a blank expression. "I do have friends," she corrects, "Just not on this earth."

His eyebrows shoot up in understanding. "Ah," he pauses, seeming to considering what else to say, before continuing. "You never explained how you have found yourself on Midgard."

She shoots him a weak glare, having hoped he would forget about it. No such luck, apparently. "Nothing against you, but I don't want to talk about. Wasn't exactly a happy day for me what that shit happened."

"Then perhaps another time?"

She purses her lips together. "I... maybe. I dunno. Once everything is fixed, and Loki is gone, maybe then. You know about my status, and about my magic. But I want to talking about this on my own, not because I feel pressured into it."

He furrows his brows, speaking honestly. "I do not mean to make you uncomfortable."

Anna rubs the side of her neck, awkwardly averting her gaze. "I know, and it's totally not your fault. But, I don't want to talk about it. Not now, anyway. And certainly not inside a secret organization base. So, later? A lot later."

He doesn't seem convinced, but he accepted her excuse nonetheless. "Then that will do, for the moment." He concedes, bowing his head. "For now, I will gladly be your friend."

Her jaw drops in surprise. "You, uh, really don't have to do that." She states, rather awkward. When was the last time she actually made a friend, anyway?

He gives her a grin back, eyes sparkling brightly. "You have offered me your aid in saving my brother, I'm sure that would qualify you as my friend."

Anna gives her best fish impression, mouth opening and shutting, before she finally jerks her head sheepishly. "Yeah, alright, I suppose." What else could she say? Besides, it's not every day one could admit they have a legitimate God as a friend.

Something in her chest unfurls at the thought, a warm, comforting feeling sweeping across her body.

It really was a nice thought.

The nice thought was broken by the abrupt sound of someone knocking on her door, and she sighs heavily, reluctantly climbing to her feet to make her way over to the door, doing her best not to step on any of her books.

"Who the fuck is it?" She calls, echoing her previous greeting when Thor had showed up. Anna presses her hand against the door handle, but doesn't open it.

"That's really no way to greet anyone," came the condescending voice of Tony Stark, and she fought back a groan.

"Because I totally feel bad about it," Anna sarcastically replies through the wood. "Now, what'd you want? I got shit to do."

"I'm hurt, can't even open a door to tell me to go away." Tony flatly responds, "But seriously though, open the door."

She rolls her eyes, giving her wand a small wave, which causes her littered room to sweep into action. Her mokeskin pouch stands erect on the floor, opening its entrance wide as her books pour back inside. She ignores Thor's startled shout when one book clips the top of his head, and he sends the pouch that had swallowed the book up a bewildered, yet annoyed look as he rubbed the top of his head.

She snorts, placing her wand back through her hair, and turns back to the door once the books and other miscellaneous items packed themselves away, – she really would have hated to explain that one to Tony Stark of all people – and cracks it open, revealing an impatient looking Tony. When she notices no one else is with him, she opens it wider.

"Took your time," he remarks, pouting slightly, and eyeing the open doorway that lead into her room. His gaze drops to the Asgardian, currently still seated on her floor, looking perfectly content, if slightly curious about Tony's sudden arrival. Tony's gaze snaps back to her. "Uh, why is Thor here? Last I checked he was still hovering over what's-his-face."

"Sleepover. You're not invited." Anna blandly answers, leaning against the doorframe and crossing her arms across her chest. "And I was less than a minute, I didn't see the rush."

He clicks his tongue, sniffing indignantly. "As if I needed an invite, anyway."

She raises a single, dubious eyebrow at him. "Riiighhtt...and you're here because?"

"Oh, you know, just thought I'd check things out. See how you were doing. But clearly, I'm unwanted," he shrugs, feigning indifference. She didn't buy it.

"And the real reason?"

"Figured out what Loki was after," he gleefully responds, wearing a self-satisfied expression, verging on excitement. She warily leans her head back, because she doubts that's a good sign. Behind her, Thor sits straighter, his focus remaining intently on Tony. "Iridium. Know what that means?"

"No, not really," she continues to eye him carefully, "But I'm going to assume it's important."

"Obviously," scoffs Tony. "It means Loki has figured out a way to stabilize the portal without making everything collapse around it. Or, y'know, make everything go boom." He simplifies, adding in a shrug at the end.

Anna frowns deeply. "And if Loki's minions already have this, uh, iridium? How long do we have before there is a functional working portal ripping the sky open?"

"Depends," admits Tony, looking slightly pensive.

"On?"

"How far along they are in developing and building the portal itself. Could be a month. Could be a week. Possibly a few days. Heck, maybe hours. We won't know until Loki starts singing. Or, until we manage to trace the tesseract, which could be awhile still. Banner is tracing the gamma rays, so that's our best lead at the moment. Gonna have to sit tight until we get our answers."

Anna groans, slumping further against the doorframe. "That's really not comforting at all," she moans, pressing her cheek against the wood. "But I gotta ask, why are you telling me this now, instead of at debriefing? I doubt you'd come all this way just to tell me."

On response, Tony's eyes flicker up to her hair, and she can practically see the spark in his eye. "Well, you see –"

"No. Nu uh. Not in this life." She shakes her head rapidly, leaning away from the doorframe and backing up slightly into her room.

"Aw! C'mon, I promise I'll give it back!"

"To take the wand of a sorceress is to insult them," Thor suddenly rumbles from the floor behind her, voice low and threatening. "Have you no shame?"

Tony blinks, seemingly caught off guard. "Sorceress?" He echoes, bewildered.

"Oh, you are shitting me..." Growls Anna, eye twitching in annoyance.

"Wait, hold up, does this mean –"

She doesn't give him a chance to finish his sentence, and slams the door in his face before he could push his way through. She quickly pulls out her wand, reactivating her sticking charm on the door before very slowly turning to face Thor, who was looking satisfied, as if he had done her a favor.

He really hadn't.

She gave him a forced, twitchy smile.

"You really have no idea how to keep your fucking mouth shut, do you?"

In this chapter we learn that Thor is a blabber mouth. We also learn that Thor is aware of the Hallows, and that Anna is the Master of Death (I am considering turning it to Mistress, but I've not made my mind up about it). The story that Anna learned and what he learned are similar, but slightly different, which will be touched upon in later chapters. I also think that Thor really loves his brother, and would go to extreme lengths to save him, even if it's from himself. I doubt that kind of brotherly bond is so easily broken.

Oh, and I should mention, I have some plans for Jane and Darcy, but that will be told at a later time.

On another note, this is the longest chapter so far – so, yey?

Ah, anyway, I hope you enjoyed! And feel free to leave a review! Feedback is always appreciated.