Divide and Conquer (Sequel to Behind Enemy Lines)

Chapter Ten:Apologies

"We're being attacked," Araceli says.

"At the base," I ask back.

"Yes. Loki's here. That was just a diversion. Get over here now."

"I'm on my way."

"No, you're not," Tony says.

"You're not stopping me," I say.

"Yes, I am."

Tony flys over to me. I push him out of the way before Bruce attacks him. Bruce hits me instead. I go flying backwards. I quickly get up.

"Thor you can't leave. You and I both know that the needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few. You can't leave us. WE need you. Those civilians need you," Tony says.

"I'm sorry Tony, but this is the one decision I would regret if I stay here. I can't leave my best friend and the person I love most to die," I say.

"You and I both know she can handle herself."

"I'm not risking it."

I begin swinging my hammer around. Once it gains enough speed I take off. I head for the base. I'm almost there when something hits me. I fall to the floor.

"I told you not to leave," Tony says.

I grab Mjolnir then get up. Tony is waiting for me.

"I'm not your enemy," I say.

"Then go back and finish the fight," Tony says.

"There's nothing there for me to finish. I need to go make sure Araceli is ok."

"She will be."

"You don't know that."

"She's a fighter just like you. She'll be fine."

"Just let me go Stark. She's going to be fighting Loki. I can't take that risk."

"Those civilians need you. I thought you were a king. Aren't you supposed to protect your people? Those civilians might not be your people, but they sure as hell are counting on you to be their hero."

"I know that, but my best friend needs me. I'm going whether you want me to or not."

Tony remains quiet. After a few seconds he sighs.

"You're going to be stubborn about this, aren't you," Tony asked.

"Yes I am. I need to make sure my best friend is ok," I say.

"Then I'm going with you."

"No, stay back and protect the civilians that I'm not."

"Ok. We'll try to finish up soon."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, now go."

I nod my head. I take off for the base again. There's smoke everywhere. I land.

"Araceli," I call.

No answer. I know she's alright. I begin walking into the smoke.

"Araceli," I call again.

Still no answer. My eyes are beginning to get teary. It's not just from the smoke. It's from that fact that my best friend isn't responding to me.

"Araceli," I yell.

For a third time no answer. I cough a little. This smoke is really getting to me. I continue with my search. It's getting hard to breathe. My vision is blurry because of tears. Araceli's alright. There's just too much smoke.