The Secret Asgardian (An Avengers Fanfiction)

Chapter 5: Flight

5.      Flight

Half an hour later, I could see why Tony Stark was called “Iron Man”. I hated to admit it, but his red and gold metal suit was impressive as he spiralled through the air skilfully beside the helicopter. Steve Rogers had his matching helmet on, looking battle-ready as he sat opposite me wearing his full official uniform. The others weren’t coming.

“Thor, you’re staying here with Parker and Banner,” Agent Fury had told them. Outraged, Thor started to protest, arguing that Loki was his brother.

“We need you here as backup in case … something goes wrong,” Fury explained, and I didn’t miss the glance in my direction. Obviously they didn’t trust me much yet. Thor had reluctantly agreed to stay in the end.

When we had exited the building, I’d been amazed by the awe-inspiring sight. The base was actually an aircraft, flying over the sea lazily. The hanger was bustling with agents, and brimming with technology, like stationary war jets and helicopters. We had been led to a sleek black helicopter, but Stark insisted on flying beside instead, proving just how much of a show off he was.

So here I was, sitting in a helicopter on my way to London to meet my father for the first time in twenty years … what fun.

“You’ll be fine,” Rogers said suddenly, snapping me out of my worried thoughts.

“I’m sorry?”

“I can tell you’re worried, but you shouldn’t be. It’ll be easy, trust me,” He said with a comforting smile. I didn’t return it.

“How can you be so sure? Loki is an Asgardian after all, and clever one at that. Who knows what allegiances he has made since last time he came to Earth,” I sighed, feeling doubtful.

“Never give up hope, ma’am,” Was all he said, before leaning back and shutting his eyes.

Ten minutes later, a voice crackled through a speaker. It was Agent Barton’s.

“Get ready to move – we’re here. I’m going to open the back and you’re going to jump out,” He said bluntly.

Steve stood straight away, hitching his shield further up his arm. I stood reluctantly.

“Jump? Out of a moving vehicle?” I asked in disbelief as the back of the helicopter began to open.  

Stark flew up to the opening, and beckoned. The Captain grabbed a parachute and stepped forward until he was teetering on the edge, looking down at the city below without fear. The sun was bordering on the horizon, starting to set.  

“You’re not afraid, are you, firefly?” Stark’s mocking voice came from behind his helmet, and I scowled.

“Of course not. Move, mortal, and I’ll show you what this Asgardian can do,” I said haughtily, striding to the edge. I ignored the other parachute.

In a flash, my feet began to burn. I decided that if Thor could fly, so could I – but using my power instead. With a quick prayer to Odin, I leapt out. We were extremely high up, and the tall buildings looked small and insignificant below.

Stark flew beside me as I plummeted downwards.

“Have you ever tried to fly before?” He asked tauntingly, his own rockets keeping him level with me.

“No, but there’s a first for everything,” I managed to say against the wind.

“Try using fire from your hands too – it’ll balance it out,” He said helpfully.

“How would you know?” I asked scathingly.

“Honey, I’m a genius.”

We were getting closer and closer now, and I finally did what he said. With my hands and feet burning, I was propelled forward by streams of fire, almost like Stark’s rockets did. I managed to halt in the air, hovering just above the top of London’s famous “Gherkin” building.

Steve had opened his parachute, and landed on top of a nearby skyscraper. I quickly followed, and dropped lightly beside him, still marvelling at my new found ability. Tony landed too and we all looked at each other, waiting for someone to say something. Automatically, Captain America took charge.

“Stark, find out exactly where he is. Phone Fury to get his location,” He quickly commanded, and Tony phoned the base.

“We’re here in one piece. Now where’s the party happening?” He asked casually, and I couldn’t help but smile.

We waited a moment, and then he spoke again.

“That’s great, thanks Nick.”

He turned his head to us again.

“We’re going to the Natural History Museum,” He said cheerfully.

“A museum?” Steve frowned doubtfully, and shot me questioningly look. I shrugged, and he sighed. How would I know why Loki decided to take a tour round a museum?

“Let’s go then.”

Stark grabbed Rogers and flew off. I quickly followed behind, not ready to be left alone.

As the wind tore at my face and whipped my hair back, I couldn’t help but give a smile of pure exhilaration. It felt really good to fly! I permitted myself to one back flip before becoming serious again.

In no time at all, we were stood in front of the grand museum.