Book 2: Phantasm [Thor]

Chapter 11

From inside the queen's quarters Anya could feel the floor tremble from an explosion outside that produced a low groan throughout the halls. A loud crash followed that had them rushing towards the balcony to figure out what caused it. The sight was not what they were expecting.

Instead of watching the captured criminals spill out from the prison and cause havoc, a far greater threat raining down on them. Black ships with glowing red engines in the center flew through the air raining terror down on Asgard. The people were screaming and running for cover, as the enemy seemed to materialize before them, one by one, and maneuver through the buildings with unmatched speed. Their cannons fired on the innocent and locked on the city's defenses as they went. But the guards weren't fast enough to counter as many of the posts were destroyed, alongside the first aerial ships that went down in balls of flames. Clearly Asgard was unprepared for this attack as the ships made their way towards the palace. The sight made Anya take a hesitant step backwards when a golden barrier began to erect from the ground, climbing higher and higher into the air to take the shape of a dome.

Still, even if they had the shield to take shelter behind, Frigga worried. The enemy trying to reach them were skilled and calculated fighters, able to hold their own against Asgard's finest warriors. And their fervent movements told the queen all she needed to know: they would not stop until their prize was sought. Looking at the young woman, the goddess moved them back inside in case there were stray shots in their direction. Anya had to be protected, striding across the space as Frigga pulled back a hanging tapestry to reveal a hidden room. Ushering the young woman inside it revealed a private lounge area the queen used to read or practice her magic. Everything was extravagant, but there was no time to marvel at any of it. Not when the queen gave her such a serious look. This was no coincidence that this attack happened at the same time as the prison riot. With most of their forces preoccupied holding back the underground resistance, those left above would be outnumbered greatly.

"We will remain here," she stated. "While the enemy plays with illusions."

Two mirror images appeared beside them, surprising Anya. Thor said that Loki had learned his tricks from their mother. Now she saw just where his craft with illusions came from. The young woman couldn't help but reach up. Watching as her hand passed through her own copy.

"Our gifts are not so different," the queen smiled. But it didn't quite reach her eyes given the situation.

"You are much more advanced than I am," Anya stated, pulling away. The two illusions walked around the tapestry before it fell back into place.

"I've had many centuries to perfect it."

Time that Anya did not have, and that fact now glared back in the young woman's face that she was indeed a mortal amongst gods.

"Can your mirages take on the form of others?"

The agent's head shook, "Only myself."

"Have you ever tried?"

"In the beginning. I was never successful."

"Interesting..."

Maybe mimicking others was not part of her gift? Or had yet to be properly developed without the right guidance?

"It was only a few years ago that I was able to create more than five mirages of myself at a time without causing too much strain from the concentration. That's my own fault for not practicing for a few years..."

Even though Fury reassured her that she was among friends to practice openly, the young woman didn't fully trust all of her coworkers and advised herself against it. And for a long while Anya tried to ignore the fact that something about her was off.