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ot5ismyhome · 3 years

Text

37. Witch and Serpent

To read from beginning click here.

*****

Loki stood petrified; his hand covered in ashes. His face was a mixture of sorrow and agony. He hadn’t meant for this to happen. He didn’t want his kin to pay the price. He looked around him as the war waged on. A much greater turmoil churned in his mind. He saw his brother running at him with a stake ready to attack. Loki didn’t move. He needed to repent his sin. He accepted his fate as the stake delved into his heart.

Skurge interrupted Loki’s thoughts as he dragged Wanda and Bucky into the room. Loki turned around to look at his prisoners. His face contorted when he looked at Wanda. His face grew dark. He had planned to sacrifice Wanda. Her blood was the only thing that would strengthen the spell. But her becoming a vampire wasn’t something he had thought about. He can’t kill his own kind. Not again. He was overwhelmed and he let out a cry in anguish. His plans were coming together. But now, everything was ruined. Everything had crumbled. The spell wouldn’t work now. He screamed like a wounded animal. His magic rushed out of his body and blasted in every direction. The impact made the others fly backwards.

Loki’s ears perked up hearing the commotion outside. He signalled Skurge to look at it. Skurge curtsied before his king and left. He didn’t want to face Loki when he was angry. He was more than happy to get an excuse to go away.

…..

Sam and Lincoln went off head-to-head. Sam pulled back on his punches not wanting to hurt his friend. But Lincoln didn’t seem to return the favour.

“Come on, man. Atleast for the old times sake don’t hit me”

On the other side, Scott was getting beaten up by Hope. Steve managed to sneak up on her and deliver a blow to her head bringing her out of mind control. Hope clutched the back of her head as she looked around groggily.

“I messed up.”

Scott ran to her side to help her up. Steve saw Skurge running out of the temple, pulling out two machine guns at the S.T.A.K.E agents. Steve dived in the line of attack as Skurge fired the guns. Steve went down as the bullets pierced him.

Skurge panicked looking at the wounded vampire. He knew he was in trouble. He threw away the guns and tried to run away. Jiaying caught his neck and stopped him. She drained the life force out of him. Her skin glowed with the new energy. She dropped him down when she was sure he didn't have the energy to move further. He will pay for his crimes in front of The Council.

Dottie had picked up her fight with May. Every other agent was down other than May. Dottie seemed to be enjoying the fight as she kept provoking her opponent.

“You amaze me. It’s a shame that still I don’t know your name”

May punched Dottie on her torso. When she moved away, May hooker her legs making the vampire fall. She held Dottie’s hand behind her back to hold her in place. Dottie used her strength to push May off her. May used the nearby tree as leverage and pounced on Dottie. She hooked her arms around the vampire’s neck and strangled her. May tightened her grip. Dottie collided her elbow into May’s abdomen. May reeled back at the impact.

Dottie lifted her leg to deliver a kick but May caught her ankles. The agent twisted her ankles making the vampire fall down. May pulled out her gun and shot Dottie making her immobile.

…..

Bucky helped Coulson off the ground. He pulled out the stake of the first vampire and pounced at Loki. Bucky went through the illusion of Loki and fell to the ground. Loki appeared on the other side of the room.

Wanda lifted the golden vases using her powers and sent it hurling at Loki. He disapparated to escape the oncoming attack. He apparated on the other side of the room. He summoned knives and threw them at Coulson. Wanda created a shield around it. The knives hit the psionic barrier and fell to the floor.

Coulson picked up the stake and plunged it into Loki’s heart. But the stake didn’t even graze his leather coat. A protective simmering golden green light had formed around Loki.

“Pitiful” Loki growled. He pushed away the stake. He tried to plunge his spectre into Coulson’s heart but Wanda formed a barrier. Agitated Loki threw him away. Wanda levitated Coulson and landed him safely on the ground. Wanda’s eyes became dark red as she sent a blast of psionic energy making Loki fall to the ground. She loosened the chandelier and it came crashing down on Loki. He hadn’t expected the attack and was stuck below him. He wasn’t able to move away.

Bucky noticed that Loki had freed himself. He eyed the stake lying near him. As he reached to take it, Loki hit him with a blast knocking him off his feet. Wanda used the opportunity to grab the stake. She ran at Loki and tried to plunge it into his heart. Loki held her hand and stopped her from moving further. Wanda used her psionic energy to move the stake. Loki fought back with his own magic. Both were locked in the position neither moving nor relenting.

Wanda thought about Peggy’s words. ‘Your powers. It’s not this simple. That way Stephen talks about you, you have much more in you. You don't’ realise your own powers.’ The last sentence echoed in Wanda’s head. Her mind knew what to do. She manifested energy from her core and liberated it out. She used it to plunge the stake into Loki’s heart.

Loki froze the moment the stake pierced his heart. He didn’t turn to ashes or dust away. His body fell limp to the ground. His magic was still protecting him.

Wanda turned her attention to the motionless body on the floor of the temple. She looked at the book perched on the side table and opened it. It felt a strange energy calling out to her to read it. The book contains unfathomable knowledge. It would provide a way. She opened the book to read but was pulled back. She turned around to see Bucky.

“No. That’s not- that’s not a good idea.”

“This is the only way.” Wanda argued, “Someone’s gotta do it.”

“But-”

“Are you going to suggest that it’s not worth it?”

“No- why?- I would never say that.”

“Then stand back.”

Bucky froze in his place unable to move. He looked defeated as Wanda proceeded to read the Darkhold. She walked over to Coulson and kneeled near him. She muttered incantations under her breath as she let her hand move in weird motions. Red whisps of magic oozed out her fingertips and merged with Coulson’s chest.

Coulson opened his eyes taking in a deep breath. He looked around him searching for some explanation. His hands flew to his chest where the wound would be. Just a scar covered his chest.

“What happened?”

*****

Epilogue (coming soon)

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ot5ismyhome · 3 years

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36. Bloodshed

To read from begging click here.

*****

Steve, Bucky and Wanda made their way to Shadow Den. Wanda required to take the draught before became feral. Other places were in the hotspot for thugs right now and they won’t be able to reach in time.

“Bucky you don’t have to come with us. We will be fine on our own” Steve said half convincingly.

“Do you even know where the Draught is?”

“I can find my way around a building, Buck.”

“Okay. You want the truth? She had emptied half a dozen packets but still looks famished. Her eyes are still dark red. If you guys come across a human somewhere and your adopted daughter goes into a thirst rampage, you will just watch from the side-lines. Someone sane has to be there.”

Steve frowned at Bucky.

“Aww that’s just an excuse. You are growing fond of me” Wanda laughed.

Bucky shook his head chuckling.

They reached the Shadow Den. The trio’s senses picked up; a gut feeling hitting them. Bucky led the way to his adobe. After the first few steps inside, he knew for sure something was wrong. Bucky increased his pace delving deeper into the building. Wanda followed him. Steve signalled that he would scan the perimeter and made his way out.

Bucky and Wanda proceeded deeper into the building. The silence was unsettling. They could feel like they weren’t the only ones here. Suddenly Bucky pulled Wanda into a hidden crevice. The opening closed as soon as they entered. He signalled for her to keep quiet and listen. Wanda heard the small sound of footsteps. A sound that would never be picked up by an average human. The person was certainly sneaking around. They held their breath and waited for the person to pass.

Bucky and Wanda came out of their hiding and resumed on their way. Bucky turned the corner and came to the scene of the fight. His face dropped as he examined the scene. The blood stain on the wall worried him further. He was searching the scene for clues when he heard Wanda’s voice.

“Bucky.”

He turned around and saw Hope walking towards. He broke into a small smile but dropped the second he saw Skurge. It instantly hit him that she was under Loki’s control. He and Wanda took a fighting stance.

“Don’t hurt Hope.”

Wanda nodded. She had wanted to try her powers since her conversation with Bucky. She manifested the energy with the movement of her hands. She felt the rush through her body. He used the energy to hit Skurge. A red blast emitted from her hand hitting Skurge on his chest; pushing him backwards. It was feeble but it gave her the confidence.

Wanda saw Hope attacking Bucky. Bucky was deflecting the attacks as he didn’t want to hurt his friend. Wanda used her powers to form a shield between them; protecting Bucky. Both of them looked at her in astonishment. Hope turned towards her but Wanda pushed her back with her powers and locked her. Skurge had recovered and he ran towards her ready to attack her. She sent another blast. It was more powerful than the last. It made him fly backwards. He hit the wall and fell to the ground.

Wanda felt a sudden pain on the back of her head. She noticed Bucky, on the ground before she passed out.

Dottie had sneaked up on the duo and attacked Wanda. She smirked as Wanda fell to the ground.

“Don’t just stand there. Tie up the girl and load her in the van.”

“What about him?” Hope asked.

“Kill him” Dottie laughed.

“No” Skurge intervened. “Loki would never hurt his kind.”

…..

Steve walked around the perimeter of the Shadow Den, checking if anything was unusual. He heard a sound and followed it. He rounded to the corner and came face to face with a woman. Steve readied to fight.

“I’m on your side. Agent Hill, acquaintance of Coulson.”

“Why are you here? Why is this place empty?”

“We read an unusual signal in the area. It must be the signature of Loki’s magic. I came here to look into it.”

“We?”

“Nick Fury.”

They heard the sound of a van and ran to the front of the building. As the van drove away, Steve saw Hope, Skurge and Dottie. Confused, he ran into the Den and shouted for Bucky and Wanda. Hill joined him in the search. But it was in vain.

“I’m going behind them.”

“We need a proper plan.”

…..

Wanda struggled against the hold with the last of her energy but they were stronger than her. She was dragged to an empty chamber and various tubes were attached to her. The chamber was shut and a green fluid started to flow into it steadily. She tapped on the glass screaming to let her out. The realisation that she was being kept as a live specimen in the lab scared her. She manifested her energy to shatter the glass. Weak red tendrils flowed through her fingers. She felt herself becoming fuzzy. She lost her consciousness as the green liquid drowned her completely.

Wanda woke up with a jerk. Her eyes flew open as she exhaled deeply. She found that she was tied up and placed in the back of a van. Her hands were glowing red.

“Don’t.”

She looked up and saw Bucky leaning against the side of the side. Before she could ask, he elaborated.

“They are taking us to Loki. Thor needs our help.”

Wanda nodded.

…..

Loki was waiting in anticipation. He had sent out Skurge to capture the girl. The girl was the only one having the bloodline. He needed her blood to cast the spell. Forever Frost. He marvelled at the thought. No one would be able to stop him after that. His witch powers would grow multitude. He would be unparalleled. He was a bit disappointed that he wouldn’t be able to make the Draught of First Blood, hereafter. But that was a small price he was ready to pay. It was unfortunate that the bloodline had to end here. Loki’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of thunder outside. He smirked to himself as he waited.

“Hello brother. You’re missing an eye” Loki said, turning to face his brother.

“You’re- Well just you.”

Thor wanted some time to talk with his brother. He wasn’t ready to give up on Loki yet. If there was a chance to talk sense into Loki then Thor wanted to take it.

“You think you can stop me.” Loki sent a blast from his spectre hitting Thor. Thor grabbed Lo

“Stop madness Loki. This is not you.”

“Sentiment,” Loki said, stabbing Thor.

Thor pushed Loki away. The fight raged on between the two brothers. Both were talented in their own ways of fighting. Thor lifted Loki to throw him at the wall. Loki cast a spell on Thor, transfiguring him into a frog.

Loki fell to the ground with a loud thud. He got up and dramatically dusted off his black suit. He chuckled at the frog hopping around. “It’s much more peaceful now.”

One of his disciples brought him news.

“Bring him in,” Loki ordered.

A man in mid-fifties walks in.

“Philip J Coulson. I didn’t expect you to come without a struggle.”

“What can I say? I’m full of surprises.”

Loki smirked, “You and your people will be let to live if you accept me as your leader. I want your agents to listen to me”

“Good luck, bro. They don’t even listen to me”

Loki gritted his teeth. His eyes hardened when he met Coulson’s. “You think this is all a joke?”

“You’re gonna lose”

“Am I?”

“It’s in your nature”

“Your base is destroyed, your agents are dead… where is my disadvantage?”

“Bloodshed. That’s all you know. You’re not a ruler”

Loki shook with rage hearing Coulson’s words. He sent a blast out of his spectre. It hit Coulson on his chest sending him flying backwards.

“You pathetic mortal” he spat. “You know nothing about bloodshed. You weren’t there. No one was there. No one will understand.” His eyes shone bright red with rage. His voice quivered as he uttered the last words.

Coulson felt a searing pain through his heart; the spectre protruding from his chest. When he tried to talk blood gargled in his mouth. The Loki apparition to whom he was talking to disappeared. The real Loki walked to the front to face Coulson.

“This isn’t bloodshed. This is removing pests” the ancient vampire hissed as he pushed away. Having lost blood, Coulson crashed to the ground; slowly loosing consciousness.

*****

Chapter 37 (coming soon)

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ot5ismyhome · 3 years

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35. Rebirth

To read from beginning click here.

*****

Thor and Bucky strapped onto their seats and looked at Steve worriedly. They weren’t sure how to approach him. Finally, Bucky got up and kneeled next to Steve. He laid his hand on Steve’s shoulder but got no response from him. He took Wanda’s left hand and checked the pulse. There was still a weak pulse but the wound hadn't healed. All they could do right now is wait.

Bucky felt a weight on his shoulder. He turned to see Steve resting his head on his shoulder. Silent tears were falling from Steve’s eyes wetting his shirt.

Time passed.

Steve wasn’t sure how long. Bucky gently called his name. Steve wasn’t ready to talk so he ignored him. But Bucky called him again, making Steve’s irritation grow. Before he could retort back, Bucky spoke.

“Steve, look at her.”

Steve opened his eyes. His vision fell on Wanda. Her skin was still pale grey; lifeless. But there was a bit of doubt lingering in his brain. He pulled the cloth away to notice the healed skin. There was no new blood. Soon the cut was fully healed. Steve looked at Bucky who looked back at him and gave his hand a small squeeze.

Wanda felt her senses return but her mind was in a hazy state. This has to stop. She was tired of being in a static state. Not being able to help herself. She felt the pain in her neck reduce. It was replaced by a burning sensation throughout her body. It was very different from the one she felt when he came out of the liquid filled chamber. The burning started from her heart and spread to every inch of her body through her veins. Her heart rate increased. It thudded against her chest as if trying to escape her ribs. Her senses perked up. She was able to feel everything around her. The small rush of air over her neck as the cloth was removed overwhelmed her senses. She was able to hear everything. She opened her eyes and instantly closed it. The light burned her cornea. She felt her senses overdrive. She lightly opened her eyes and tried to scan the room. Her eyes first fell on Steve who was holding her close to him. Her nostrils flared up. She smelt blood. There was blood covering the front of his shirt. Her hunger rose instantly. This can’t be his blood. It smells human, she thought. Then it hit her. It is hers. One hand flew instinctively to her neck. It was smooth. There was no wound nor a scare.

Wanda looked back at Steve who was looking at her with relief. She hugged him and held her tight.

“Where are we?”

“On the Quinjet. We are going back.”

Wanda growled involuntarily. The blood on Steve’s clothes were invoking the animal in her. She knew it was hers but couldn’t control the increasing appetite. She felt disgusted and agitated at the same time. An unknown man walked up to her and handed her a blood packet. Wanda didn’t pay much attention as she grabbed the packet and plunged her teeth into it, gulping down the blood.

Wanda was surprised that she was able to instinctively control her fangs. They felt like they have always been a part of her. A thought suddenly hit her. What if she was destined to this fate? She remembered her conversation with Peggy. The ex-veteran said about people other than Loki chasing her. Did she mean Hela? Who is this Stephen guy? How much will he be able to help her?

“You look like you could use another one.”

Wanda looked up hearing the friendly voice. The man who had handed the blood earlier was extending yet another packet. Wanda froze.

“I have seen you earlier,” she stated. “I saw the memory of you handing the spectre and the book to a woman.” Wanda muddled her brain to process the information. “Brunnhilde,” she said excitedly. “I saw her in the bar.”

Thor’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Who are you?” Thor asked, squaring up to her.

Wanda hadn’t tried it before but something inside her told her she could. She had always been in physical contact with the person before. Now she tried to do it without it. She willed herself to enter his mind. The jet around her started to dissolve. She looked around her and noticed it was the same castle that she had visited with Loki. She saw Thor walking along the corridor. The same scene unfolded but this time in Thor’s perspective.

“Already seen it” she smiled making the scene dissociate but inside of coming back to the plane, she found herself in another part of the castle. Some time had passed between the previous and the current memory. A woman in armour walked down the corridor towards Thor.

“What happened to the book?” Thor urgently asked her.

“Passed it on to Enoch. He knows how to remain untraceable.”

“And the spectre?”

“Gave it to Koenig-”

“Isn’t he human? Won’t he be dead?”

“Koenigs are known for making things disappear. Gemini may not be around in future but his sons and daughters will take on the task.”

“If you trust them, then I’m ready to.” Thor continued, “Ever dreamed about being the queen?”

“What?”

“I’m thinking about retiring and moving to Australia.”

“Hey. I understand you need time but you shouldn’t just throw away your friends and run away.”

“I’m not. I’m just taking a vacation.”

Brunnhilde shook her head disapprovingly but said nothing.

“I will be back” Thor promised. “Look after my- your kingdom”

“It looks like you have already made up your mind” she said. After a pause she added, “When are you leaving?”

“Tonight.”

This scene too dissociated and the corridor of the castle dissolved into the body of the quinjet. Wanda looked at Thor who was looking baffled by the whole incident. His mind was struggling to make the connection. He had thought that the bloodline was a myth; just a story to justify the course of actions but here she is defying that. He decided to delve further into it after Loki had been taken care off.

Wanda’s mind made the connections and her face dropped at the realisation. She turned to face Thor.

“The Koenig, the woman in your memory mentioned. Is he human?”

“Yeah-”

“Shit. I fucked up.”

Steve moved towards, “Wanda what happened?”

“Loki,” she said. She saw Thor’s face drop at the mention of his name. But she continued, “He was able to see only till Brunnhilde passed the parcel to Koenig and Enoch. He wasn’t able to see further. I didn’t think it through. I thought he knew the location and tried to track it down and get there before him. But it had been the reverse. He followed me to the location.”

“How is that possible? You said Loki was there before you” Steve intervened.

“Loki is a witch. He could easily apparated anywhere.”

“That doesn’t explain how he might have known where you will go” Steve said

“He must have been watching,” Bucky offered.

“Or listening to us,” she paused. “Whatever, I fucked up. I’m sorry” said Wanda feebly.

Steve moved closer to console her but Thor spoke first. “Don’t blame yourself. That’s Loki. He is master of manipulation” he offered to pacify her.

The group settled down, each engulfed in their own thoughts. They all were dreading what would happen when they touched down.

*****

Chapter 36 (coming soon)

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ot5ismyhome · 3 years

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34. Till the End of the Line

To read from beginning click here.

*****

Natasha took one of the discarded crossbows and shot at the oncoming soldiers. She knew she was out-numbered. She just has to hold on till the others escape. She took out a pair of splinter blades and threw them at Hela. Hela dodged the blades. It lodged into the suit of a soldier, turning them to ashes. A soldier grabbed Natasha and smashed her against the wall. Before she could recover from the impact, the soldier punched her. Before he could hit her again, she smashed the soldier’s face with her elbow and drove her knees into abdomen. She pulled the soldier by their neck and smashed their head against the wall. As he dropped down, she stomped on his neck till she heard it snap.

Clint was perched on the highest tower taking down as many Legion soldiers he could. He fired three arrows simultaneously at Hela. She deviated it with a flick of her sword. He loaded a detonator arrow and shot at her. The arrow imploded on contact. Hela was fazed by the attack but wasn’t gravely hurt. Clint noticed that Natasha was surrounded by five soldiers. He shot at them, taking them down one by one. His hand flew back to grab another arrow but the quiver was empty. He had run out of arrows and the flame was closing in on Natasha. If he delayed, he couldn’t reach the zone of battle. He climbed the tower using the crevices in the wall. He rushed forward and dived above the fire landing on the other side.

Natasha and Clint stood back-to-back facing the oncoming soldiers. Clint drew his katana from his scabbard. Natasha withdrew two guns from her shoulder holster. As Clint slashed the undead warriors, Natasha fired at them, tearing them apart. The soldiers slowed down but the kept coming. A soldier loaded the crossbow and shot at Natasha. It pierced her shoulders drawing blood. Natasha pulled out the stake and stabbed the oncoming soldiers. She lifted the nearby warrior and threw them into the growing fire.

Clint drove his katana into two opponents at once. The soldiers stumbled as her pulled out his katana making their internal organs spill out. Clint grabbed a soldier who was about to attack by their neck and threw them at the fire. He noticed Hela using her powers to keep the undead soldiers coming. He attacked her with force but she easily held the blade in her hand. She tried to twist the metal but a stake struck her hand making her drop the hold on the katana.

Natasha and Clint squared up on the leader. They slashed through anyone who came between as they advanced towards Hela. They attacked her from both sides. Hela was stronger but the two friends were better tacticians. They delivered blows after blows sending the ancient vampire reeling back. Clint slashed at her with his katana. She dived back escaping the attack. She held on his blade and pulled it out of his hands. She twirled the weapon in her hand and drove it into Natasha’s abdomen. Natasha fell down, clutching her wound.

Clint screamed as he picked up a discarded crossbow and fired at Hela. The arrow whirred through the air aiming for her heart. But Hela stopped it. She advanced towards Clint and struck him. He deflected the blows but he wasn’t able to hit back. The holy fire was closing in on the three warriors leaving less room to move around. Clint jabbed at Hela’s throat. He clutched her arm and snapped it. The sickening sound of bone snapping and the scream of the wounded vampire filled the air. Clint raised his foot to kick Hela into the fire but she divided to the side. She tried to pierce the stake through his chest but he deflected her attack. She kicked him in his shin and knocked him down. She drove the stake through his chest. Clint moved at the last minute but not enough. His heart was spared but not his lungs.

Natasha clutched the katana and pulled it out. She stumbled forward and drove the sword through Hela at the same time she had attacked Clint. Hela staggered to the tree and leaned against it. She slopped down near it clutching her wound. Natasha went down on her knees; she had lost a lot of blood. She lied down on the ground, not able to move. She turned and saw Clint on the ground beside her. They interlinked their hands as their eyes said a silent goodbye. They knew their end was near. The fire engulfed them in a warm embrace.

…..

A woman’s voice broke through the radio of the quinjet. “Agent Romanoff. Do you copy?”

Bucky looked up as he heard the radio signal. He made his way to the cockpit. He switched on the radio and responded.

“This is Bucky.”

“Mr. Barnes. Agent May, here. The Base is down. Loki had taken over the city.”

“We have the weapon to kill him. We are on our way.”

*****

Chapter 35 (coming soon)

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ot5ismyhome · 3 years

Text

33. Destruction Breeds Creation

To read from beginning click here.

*****

Coulson looked at agents- remaining agents- in front of him. They all had the hollow frightened look in their eyes. If he was alone, he would have adorned the same look but he had seen and gone through a lot to know that the team is just the reflection of the leader. When he spoke up, his ever-playful chirpy voice filled the room.

“No Darkhold. Base gone. If anybody has ideas now would be the good time to say it.”

“Me and Fitz have been looking up about Loki. The normal ways used to kill a vampire will not work on him” started Simmons.

“How fucked are we?” Hunter quipped.

“He is a vampire and a witch” Fitz replied with a tilt in his head. “Sunlight, Holy fire, Stake, I guess even beheading cannot stop that guy. So, I will say very much.”

“That explains his powers. I knew something was up with that guy” Mack said.

Simmons cut through the banter bringing the focus on the research. “Sir, All the powers, every single thing we saw out there was witchcraft. Actually, he is a winter witch. His powers are more prominent in colder weather. According to the data Agent Romanoff provided earlier, he can bring winter anywhere.”

“He needed the Darkhold to cast permanent winter. If he succeeds, we can’t turn it back. Maybe the book would help us turn it back but it’s just a theory” Fitz said. He sighed and placed his hands on his hips.

“But there is one thing that could bring him down. The Stake of the First Vampire”

“Now, we just need to know where it is” Hunter said looking expectantly at Lincoln.

“I have no idea,” Lincoln shrugged.

“I will contact Jiaying. Trip and Thompson evacuate the city. Hunter and Elena run ops.”

The agents nodded to their Director’s order and took off.

“Sir, I need permission to bring my daughter back here,” Mack asked. When Coulson gave affirmation, he left with Trip and Thompson.

…..

The young man walked into the Gothite Industries. He was stopped by the security.

“Who do you want to see?”

“Oh yes. Mr. Malick. You could say I’m his family. Hail Legion.” Nathaniel said the last two words in the guard’s ears. The guard immediately stepped aside.

“Sorry sir. I didn’t know you were... But I have never seen you around.”

“This visit is long overdue.”

…..

“We came across five bloody massacres and we still haven’t covered Brooklyn.”

Elena sighed. “We need to prepare for the upcoming battle.”

“Hey. You there. What are you doing here?” shouted a man grabbing the duo’s attention. They turned around to see a policeman. “Don’t you know you have to vacate the city?” he shouted. “Fuckers. Making my job difficult.”

Back in the jeep Elena’s mind was racing on what to do. “We need to do something,” she told Hunter.

The policeman shouted racial slur at a black teenage boy who just exited the nearby shop. The police neared the terrified boy.

“What have you got there?” sneered the man, taking his gun out. “You are stealing, aren’t you?” he threatened the kid.

The kid started stammering and dropped the things down. He lifted his arms above his head.

“No sir, I left some mone-”

The kid’s eyes widened in surprise. He didn’t finish his sentence as he saw a man sneak behind the harasser and sucker punch him. The policeman went down to the ground, unconscious. Hunter turned towards Elena and made an ‘okay’ gesture with his hand.

Hunter approached the kid. “Hey are you okay?” he asked, still keeping his eyes on the police.

“You punched him.”

“Yeah, if I hadn’t, he would have shot you”

Elena making her way towards them. “What’s your name?” she added looking at the boy.

“Flint”

“Flint, the city is in great danger. We need you to get out as soon as possible. There is a bus five blocks away. We will drop you there.”

“No. I can’t leave my sister. She is handicapped. I need to take care of her.”

“Then let’s get your sister.”

…..

Mack went to collect his daughter. When he reached school, he saw that it was a total mess. All the parents and children were running around trying to find each other. Mack joined them desperate to find his daughter.

“Hope” he shouted. There was no response. He called her for her again and again. Finally, he heard a feeble voice answering back.

“Hope” he shouted again.

“Daddy” a little girl shouted from inside the classroom. She ran to him and he swept her in his arms.

“Daddy, what’s happening?”

“A bad guy had taken over the city. We need to get out soon.”

“You always said we should always fight back. Also help others. Aren’t we going to do that?”

“First, I’m taking my little princess to safety”

As he reached the Quinjet, he placed Hope on the seat. “Be here. Daddy will be back.” He turned to Trip, “Can you watch her till I come back?”

…..

Gideon Malick was on the conference call with the higher ups in the government. He used them as puppets in his master plan. What he didn’t expect was Loki coming back. He needed to put an end to it. For the Legion to grow over here, he needed to have control over The Council. Had Loki not come back, the ATCU would have been a success.

Gideon heard a rapport knock on his door. He wasn’t expecting anyone. He signalled to Giyera to be on alert as a young man stepped inside. The blood drained from the businessman’s face. His eyes widened and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

“You weren’t expecting me, were you? I have always wanted to hunt you down. But Barnes and Wilson were also about letting it go. They don’t know the inner turmoil. They don’t know what you did to me” Nathaniel said pacing the big office. Giyera was on his guard ready to attack on his boss’ order. Gideon had lost the ability to speak as he looked at his so thought dead brother.

“Finally, my time has come. Anarchy is here. The Council would never understand that” Nathaniel stopped his pacing and glanced at his petrified brother. “Gideon, you trapped yourself in the Legion and the government, bound by their history, rules, hierarchy” he spat the last word. “You go around saying ‘Hail Legion’ and ‘God bless America.’ Say goodbye to all that. Say hello to anarchy.”

“Nathaniel-”

“I didn’t come here to listen to your pathetic pleas.” Nathaniel closed his hands around his elder brother’s neck and lifted him. Giyera ran forward to stop him. But he caught the bodyguard with his other hand and threw him against the wall. Giyera went down unconscious. He turned his attention to Gideon.

“You planned and tried to kill me back then. Just for this Legion. You know what? It all turned out good. Your organizations are all the same. More and more hierarchy. It diminishes one’s true potential. It creates unbalance. I’m going to destroy all that. Destruction breeds creation.” Nathaniel snapped the neck of Gideon Malick. He dropped his brother’s limp body and walked out.

…..

Flint took the agents to his home. The door was slightly open and there were signs of forced entry. Elena and Hunter shared a look but didn't say anything.

"Tess" called out Flint. Hearing no reply, he panicked as he approached her room. He opened the door to see his sister lying on the bed. At first it looked normal but on closer look he felt something was not right.

Elena and Hunter noticed that Tess was pale. Her skin looked grey. Flint shook his sister awake but got no response. Hunter checked the pulse. He realised she must have just died now. There was no pulse but the body was still warm.

Hunter signalled Elena to scan the house. As she slipped away quietly, Hunter pulled the crying boy towards himself. He tried to get Flint out of the house but he resisted.

“Lad, we need to get out soon,” Hunter urged. But Flint pulled himself away from Hunter’s hold.

“My sister is dead, man. I’m not going anywhere” he shouted as he pushed Hunter further away.

Hunter’s eyes widened as he saw the figure in the bedroom doorway.

“Duck” he shouted as he drew out his gun and pointed at the man. The man came out of the shadows. He wore old crumpled clothes. His face was in contrast. His skin glowed healthy. His eyes were red and his fangs had descended. Hunter shot the man but it was in vain. He kept shooting again and again. Blood poured out of his chest but he kept walking. Hunter protectively pushed Flint behind him.

Elena was in the other room when she heard the gunshots. She hurried back to check on her companions. She saw an unknown man approaching Hunter and Flint. Hunter fired the next consecutive shots but it didn’t seem to stop the stranger. Elena took out her gun and shot the man straight through his skull.

The vampire fell down. Everyone breathed out in relief. Hunter kneeled down to examine the body. He noticed that the bullet was still lodged in the skull.

“Does a bullet kill a vampire?”

“No. I don’t think so.”

“Why isn’t he moving?”

“Do you want him to?” she said snarkly.

A new person appeared on the doorway startling the group. Elena swung around her gun raised. A man holding a baseball bat was standing there.

“He is a friend,” said Flint, putting himself between the two. Both of them lowered their weapons.

The newcomer was Mike Peterson. He was in the apartment next to Flint’s. He and his son were on the way to the evacuation bus when he had heard the commotion. So, he came to check on his neighbours. Hunter gave his gun and ammo to Mike. He asked them to head to safety.

“What should we do with him?” Elena asked pointing at the wounded vampire on the floor.

“Simmons would have fun cutting him up.”

*****

Chapter 34

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Happens a lots of time

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32. Clash of the Gods

To read from the beginning click here.

*****

Bucky rushed out of the room shouting Steve’s name. As he dragged the blond man into the eerie room, his eyes widened in terror. He stood petrified in the doorway.

“We need to get her out,” Bucky said but Steve stood there; his eyes locked at the floating form of Wanda in the green liquid.

Bucky shook Steve making him come out of the trance. But Steve’s brain still couldn’t process what he was seeing. Bucky rushed to the chamber and punched it with all his might. The chamber shook but nothing. He desperately punched it again and again till a huge crack formed on the glass. Bucky used his metal arm to throw one last punch shattering the glass chamber.

Bucky caught Wanda before she could hit the ground. He slowly removed the tubes, connected to her, one by one. When he felt a weak pulse, he let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. He performed mouth-to-mouth on her to get her breath normal. Wanda opened her eyes with a jolt. She vomited the green liquid that had filled her lungs. She shuddered as she took a deep breath. It felt like her lungs were on fire. Everything burned. And at the same time, she was cold. She shivered visibly.

Suddenly Wanda felt a cloth draped on her shoulders. She wanted to hold the cloth close to her body but couldn't move her hand. It was exhausting. She looked around her. Her vision was blurry and she couldn’t make out the sound around her. When her senses came to focus, she heard Bucky’s voice. She saw Steve and Bucky looking at her with concern.

"Steve" she let out a small breath.

Steve snapped out of his trance as soon as he heard Wanda calling out his name. "Don't worry kid. I got you. I got you. You're safe now." He held her tight, wishing he had never left her.

Wanda nodded in response. She wasn't able to speak. Her throat felt dry and burned like hell.

Bucky racked the cupboards in the place and found a neat pair of surgical wear and a bottle of water.

"Sorry. This is the best I could find."

Wanda didn't reply anything as she got it from him. She hurriedly got the bottle and drowned the whole content. The water burned as it ran down her throat but also felt good at the same time.

Bucky led the way as Steve followed carrying Wanda. Her legs were too weak to stand. They went to the ground floor and met up with others.

"What about the other prisoners?"

"They are all out of their cells. Clint will take care of the rest."

The group walked around the building and reached the centre. Their path was blocked by the Legion soldiers flowing in through the entrance. They formed a semi-circle around the group and the leader stepped forward. Instinctively, Natasha stepped forward ready to fight. Bucky and Steve followed her.

“Always ready to fight, aren’t we?” the leader spoke moving towards the group. “I have an offer to make. Give over the human. The others can walk free.”

“How about a much better deal? You let all of us walk out” Steve snapped.

“Before we get all snarky, you need to understand that there is no way you can defeat me.”

“We can’t. But I think we have the person who can. Considering you know more about us you might have guessed.” said Natasha who saw a silhouette on the nearby tower.

“I don’t have to guess dear. I know when my little brother is around.” The voice was coated with a smirk. The leader removed the head gear. The group were taken aback by the sudden reveal. The leader of the Legion was none other than Hela, one of the ancient vampires.

Suddenly out of nowhere a lightning hit Hela. The group jerked back in surprise but the leader stood her ground. They didn’t seem to be hurt a bit. They started laughing; loud crackles filling the sky, fighting the brewing storm. Another roar of thunder silenced them.

“Hello little brother,” Hela said as a figure jumped from the top of the nearest building and landed nearby.

“Hello to you too, sister,” Thor said. “Why, Hela?”

“I’m doing what Jean would have wanted. Look at them, they have nothing but immortality. They can’t read minds or manipulate the weather. They can’t bring thunder or winter. They can’t bring back dead. They are nothing like us. They are just a pathetic shadow of our creator.”

“I think I should have stopped your atrocities long back.”

“Ambitious” she smirked. “I heard you didn’t do a great job with our other sibling too. He is still out there causing havoc.”

Thor didn’t reply but hit her with another bolt of lightning. Hela let out a high pitch laugh. The lightning didn’t scar her. She was much more powerful than that. She pulled out two swords and rushed forward to strike Thor. Thor deftly moved back and escaped her swings. He hit her with another lightning. This time Hela didn’t laugh. She had an irritated look on her face.

“It’s not funny anymore.”

“It’s not supposed to” Thor smirked. He hit her continuously with bolts of lightning forcing her to back off. Her soldier sprung forward to join the fight. Natasha, Steve and Bucky took care of them. But they were outnumbered.

Two soldiers were closing on Natasha. Both had an electric lash in their hand. Natasha was backed off to the wall of the building when an arrow swirled past her and knocked out her opponents. She saw in the general direction of the arrow and saw Clint on top of the building.

Clint helped them take out as many opponents as they could and the group gained an upper hand. But Thor couldn’t hold himself against Hela. She was more powerful than him. She was strangling him with one hand and pulled a smaller knife in another. She stabbed him in his eye with it.

Thor felt his eye being torn apart by the sharp metal. He let out an animalistic growl and used his full strength to summon a powerful bolt. The stream of electricity split, hitting every member of the legion. They dropped down dead. Except Hela. She was weakened as she staggered back. But still stood her ground. Thor was on the ground clutching his eyes.

Hela noticed the red hair huddled together with the other two. She needed to finish her off. She shouldn’t have kept her alive for this long. She believed the Doctor was going to kill her but he had disappointed her. Hela decided to complete the task herself. She pushed away Peggy and Jarvis and grabbed Wanda.

Wanda was already weak from being contained in the chamber. She had no energy to fight against Hela. Steve tried to save her but stepped back when Hela pressed the knife a bit into Wanda’s neck drawing a drop of blood. Everyone stood petrified not knowing what to do.

“I should have killed you in the bar.” Hela smirked. “You. You are responsible for every misfortune that has befallen my kind. I should have never spared your life. Killing you would not change the past but the satisfaction” Hela grinned. “I’m going to get that.”

“If you kill her, you cannot walk out here alive” threatened Steve.

“You could try” Hela laughed as she snapped her fingers.

The fallen Legion soldiers raised one by one. The army of undead formed a protective circle around her. Some ran into the building on her orders. The group heard chanting coming from inside. They all instantly knew what Hela had planned. The building nearest to them caught on fire. One by one all buildings were ablaze. Thor brought back rain clouds and it started pouring. But the fire wasn’t quenched. Only magic can defeat magic.

Hela’s face contorted into a devilish smile. “Poor little girl. You have been destined to meet your end by my hand” Hela cooed into Wanda’s ears. She slit Wanda’s throat without any warning.

Steve shouted Wanda’s name as she hit the ground. The others ran towards Hela but they weren’t able to penetrate the soldiers who had formed a shield around her but they weren’t ready to give up.

Steve ran towards Wanda and pulled her into his lap. He cried as he hugged her. He felt a feeble heartbeat. His face lit up as he saw her. She still has life in her. He can save her. Without thinking he descended his fangs and bit through his arm drawing blood. He pressed his arm to her mouth forcing her to drink. He wasn’t sure whether she was conscious enough to consume it but he desperately tried to feed her. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around to look into Natasha.

“You need to leave”

“I can’t-”

“No. We aren’t leaving Wanda behind. It could take some time for her to transform. You need to get to the plane before the fire catches on”

“What do you mean by you?”

“Someone has to hold them back” said Natasha cracking the skull of the zombie soldier who came to attack her.

“Natasha, I can’t let you-”

“It’s okay Steve. I always manage to find my way, don’t I?”

“I will stay back” Thor offered.

“No, Loki is still out there.”

Everyone rushed to the exit.

“What about the other prisoner? Is the rescue crew here yet?” Bucky asked.

“Brunnhilde is on it.” Thor replied.

Steve took one last look at Natasha before running outside. As the soldiers were closing in on her, an arrow pierced through one of the soldiers, tearing them apart. The fire surrounded her, cutting her off from the others.

Steve boarded the waiting quinjet. He laid down Wanda on the floor and collapsed near her. Peggy and Jarvis flew the quinjet into the sky. At the same, a ship left the island carrying the rescued vampires.

*****

Chapter 33

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tumblr said "nothing can be worse than the end of spn" and marvel saw it as a challenge.

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31. Chaos

Ward was lying in the medical room loaded with painkillers which weren’t of much use. He have had broken ribs before but not from a single punch. That's when he heard the sound of emergency alarm blaring. He got up with great effort and tried to walk out.

"We are evacuating. Loki has entered the base" Trip called out as he ran into the medical room. Trip supported Ward’s weight as he helped him to walk. The agents came face to face with Bobbi.

"Bobbi! I thought-"

Bobbi lifted Trip by his throat and threw him away. Ward tried to stop her but she caught him in another hand.

Bam. Bam. Bam.

Ward felt the grip losing on his neck as he dropped to the ground. He felt a pair of hands lifting him. He looked to see Fitz pulling him from the ground. He saw that Loki was standing where Bobbi was before and he was emitting a golden green aura around him. He wasn't paying attention to them. His eyes were fixed on Coulson who had shot him moments before. Loki advanced towards Coulson.

"Leave me. Save Coulson."

"Coulson's orders are to escort everyone else to the Zephyr" said Simmons, cutting off any further discussion.

The group made their way to the Zephyr which was ready to leave.

"We can't leave behind Coulson. That's not what we do."

"We also don't want to leave him behind. But we don't have any other option, do we?"

"Fitz"

"No Jemma. This is not what we signed up for. We aren't going to run away leaving Coulson."

"Together?"

"Together"

"Will you two shut up? Going back there is a suicide mission" Trip intervened.

"We know. Whatever happens-"

"We will be together" Simmons finished Fitz's sentence.

"Now I'm going to drop you in Zephyr and I'm going back in to save those two." Trip supported Ward's weight more on him as he moved to Zephyr.

Trip helped Ward into the seat.

"Help me with the buckle before you leave"

Trip looked at Ward suspiciously but didn't say anything. He neared Ward to secure the seat buckle. He suddenly felt a metal band closing on his wrist.

"What the fuck? Are you nuts, man?"

"I will do it." The wounded man simply said as he walked away. His every move was painful. Every breath sent a searing pain through his chest.

"C’mon man! You can barely walk."

Ward didn't mind the words as he re-entered the base again. He was looking for any sign of his friends. He noticed the containment unit light on and heard a person trying to break it.

…..

Lincoln tried to get out of his containment unit when he heard the alarm blaring. But he wasn’t able to get out. He hit the door continuously but wasn’t able to break it. Lincoln was astonished by the strength of the box containing him. He started to grow tired.

“I guess you could use some help with that” he heard the all too familiar voice.

“My King,” Lincoln said, trying to fool the ancient vampire.

Loki snapped his fingers and the door slid open. Lincoln curtsied before the vampire king trying to gain his trust.

“So young and so stupid.” A smirk played on the vampire’s lips. “Do you take me for a fool? DO YOU TAKE ME FOR A FOOL?” Loki shouted, grabbing Lincoln’s jaws and lifting him off the ground. Lincoln acted quickly. Instead of trying to pry Loki’s hand from his jaws he pulled the spectre out of Loki’s hand. He pointed it at Loki sending a blast of green light.

Loki ducked, dropping Lincoln to the floor. Before Loki could attack him, Lincoln made his way to the exit. He ran into the corridor.

…..

Fitz and Simmons roamed the S.T.A.K.E. corridors in search of their boss. Hearing a footstep coming towards them, the duo ducked into the lab. They waited in anticipation for the vampire to come into sight. But suddenly, the footsteps stopped. They looked at each other for confirmation as they exited their hiding stop.

“It’s clear. Let’s find Coulson-”

“FITZ”

The same moment they came out of the lab, Loki had apparated in front of them. He lifted his spectre to press its tip against Fitz’s chest. A small device stuck on Loki’s chest and electrocuted him. Fitz and Simmons turned to see Ward in the doorway.

“Find Coulson”

Loki is like a cat playing with his prey. He likes to antagonize his victims before killing them off. Loki apparated very close to Mace and dealt an uppercut to his jaws. He stumbled back unable to defend himself from Loki’s attack. Loki produced two knives in his hand ready to stab him.

“Hey! Over here” shouted Fitz grabbing the long-haired man’s attention.

As Loki looked away, Mace moved out of Loki’s proximity. At the same time, Simmons rolled a grenade in the direction of Loki. An electric wire sprung from the grenade and wrapped the man. The three agents ran to safety as the vampire fell to the floor.

In the corridors, they met Coulson, Ward and Lincoln who had heard the commotion and had come to their aid.

“What are you doing here?”

“We came back for you, sir.”

“Does anyone around here listen to my orders?”

“Fitz”

At the same time, Simmons had called out his name, Fitz had also seen what had got her attention. The others stopped in their tracks as their eyes saw what the science duo had seen. In the corridor intersection, they saw a hunched figure-covered in blood-leaning against the wall. They knew it was Agent Hand but weren’t sure.

Ward stopped in his tracks at the sight of his S.O. Coulson moved forward to check. Everyone held their breath. They didn’t know what was worse; Hand being dead or Loki in her disguise ready to attack them. Coulson tentatively checked the pulse and gave a sad nod. He looked at the corridor running perpendicular to the one he had come from. The sight churned his stomach and made his heart leap out of his chest. The others who had neared him saw it too.

The whole corridor was filled with bodies of agents who were slaughtered by the maniac hunting them down. Their blood froze in their bodies. The blood and the lifeless bodies would haunt them for lifetime.

“Check for vitals.”

Following the Director’s orders others rushed to check on the fallen agents. Seeing that no agent had escaped their fate, their faces grew grave. Ward stood silently in front Victoria Hand silently. His face overflowing with emotions.

A gun shot was heard followed by the sound of metal on metal. The group ran towards the sound to check. They entered the weaponry to find it empty. Everyone held their breath fearing if they had fallen prey to Loki’s antics. A man of tall muscular build came out from behind the cabinet. He was followed by an athletic Latino woman.

“Didn’t anyone get on Zephyr?”

“Sorry sir, we couldn’t leave when we found Ward had walked back into the place.”

“Everyone is here. We need a plan to get out.”

The group came to the containment module, which was intact. But the room showcased the aftermath of the fight between Lincoln and Loki.

“We can use this,” said Fitz, examining the containment unit.

…..

Mack and Elena stepped into the containment module and tried to close the door.

“Do you think this will work?”

“It has to”

“You puny humans and your furtive attempts.”

Hearing another voice, the duo looked up to see Loki standing at the entrance of the containment room. Loki entered the unit summoning a dagger in each hand ready to attack. Coulson fired the blast gun, tripping Loki. Mack and Elena exited through the opposite door and pressed the take-off button. The ceiling of the base opened and the containment unit flew out. The trio ran out of the room and went straight to the Zephyr. The ramp was ready to close. As they ran in, the ramp closed and the Zephyr lifted off.

Loki apparated back into the base and wasn’t keen on letting anyone leave alive. He used his powers to pull down the Zephyr. The giant aircraft struggled to take off.

“If you want to stop them you have to get through me.”

Loki raised his eyebrows as he turned to look at the direction of the voice. Mace was standing there fully equipped with weapons. Mace lifted Loki easily and threw him against the wall. The vampire had not expected such an inhuman strength from a mere mortal. He was shaken up. Loki sent a blast of ray from his spectre. The suit provided strength to the man but didn’t provide complete protection. Mace stumbled back, unable to defend himself from Loki’s attacks.

“You think that is going to stop me. Were your friends just a distraction for you to put on your suit and play a hero?” Loki taunted.

A missile hit Loki square on his chest making him lose his concentration on the Zephyr. May used the opportunity to manoeuvre it out of the base. Enraged, Loki hit the patriot with a spell sending the man backwards. He ran at the man like an estranged animal. He picked him and delivered punches after punches. Mace deflected a few but Loki had the upper hand. He moved with speed and agility. Combined with his vampire strength, he was formidable. Loki threw the wounded agent on the ground.

Mace chuckled. But it turned into a wince as pain seared through his chest. “Well, you see they weren’t the distraction for me to put on the suit.”

“He was the distraction for me to do this.”

Loki turned back to see a wounded man standing there with a detonator button in his hand.

Ward pressed the button. The whole S.T.A.K.E. base collapsed in an instant. The metal and the crumbled to pieces. The heavy ceiling came crashing down leaving no escape for the three men.

The Zephyr was safe in the air but it wasn’t a moment of celebration for agents. They had so much. Only a handful of agents remained.

*****

Chapter 32

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30. The Fortress

Legion Fortress, 1971

Clint walked down the castle corridors. He had been asked to summon the Doctor. He had heard rumours about the man but never met him in person. He entered the Doctor's lab to be met with a pungent smell. He knew better than to pay heed to what the scientist was up to. His task was to call him for an urgent meeting and leave immediately. But his eyes were drawn to the lifeless form of a woman lying on the stainless-steel surgical table. The blood, the gore and the spilled organs made him sick to his stomach.

The mad experimentalist who had his back turned to the door turned around to look at the intruder. The eyes looked dark, like an abyss, warning the young man to run for his life. Something clicked inside Clint making him turn around and walk faster than he had intended to. The echoing footsteps following him warned him that he was being pursued. He ducked into an empty corridor and ran to the escape tunnel. He took another turn and came to a sudden halt; coming face to face with the Legion Supreme.

Clint struck the leader with all his strength but was easily stopped. They pulled out his arrows from the quiver and struck on the side of his head. The shining metal pierced his ears plunging deeper. He screamed in agony and prayed for it to end. Finally, it did. He didn’t feel anything; didn’t hear anything; his vision blurred. His drooping eyes fought on his own to stay away. He saw a middle-aged man whom he had never seen before, advancing on the Legion Supreme. Every strike sent them further back and finally brought the leader to their knees.

The man was surrounded by the other warriors. Clint moved to the side of the corridor and leaned against the wall, heaving. Everything happening around him was blurry but he was able to make sense. His brain wasn’t able to figure out what was wrong but something felt out of place. He heard an explosion but couldn’t figure out from where it came. He crunched down the floor, exhausted from loss of blood.

The intruder held Clint’s shoulders with an iron grip as he shouted. “WHERE IS MY WIFE?” He had no idea how the other had defeated everyone including Legion Supreme

Clint’s senses overwhelmed him. The sound was deeply unbalanced. His head was ringing as he stared disoriented at the man in front of him. Clint led him to the laboratory he had run from. The mad scientist was nowhere to be seen. The woman was still on the table. Lifeless. The man took the organs out of the jar and assembled it inside the woman.

“Is that... g-going... to help?”

“Yes! Yes! Stop talking and let me work” shouted the man. “She can heal if she gets enough life force… She can heal… She can… I know… She is quite powerful” he muttered while stitching up the woman. His hand was trembling but he proceeded to work. Clint saw him mutter but couldn’t hear.

“Who are you?”

“Cal Johnson”

Clint flinched at the sound of metal on metal. His right ear started ringing again. He clutched the side of his face as he looked for the commotion. The soldiers were trying to break down their barrier.

“Take her out” the man said. “Don’t turn back. Don’t stop anywhere till you get on the boat. It’s-It’s waiting outside.”

Clint nodded, receiving the woman in his arms.

“And ask her not to search for me.”

The door broke and the soldier flooded in. Clint didn’t wait for Cal’s orders. He started to run. He had no idea how a single person was going to hold everyone but he didn’t want to stay and find out. He was surprised that no one was following him.

Clint exited the fortress and saw a boat in the harbour. But his legs gave way as he stumbled down the slope. At the end of the slope a pair of arms pulled him up and dragged him. His eyesight blurred and his pupils rolled back into his head. His mind went blank…

Clint started regaining his senses. He felt everything; the thudding of his heart, the rush in his head, the burn in his right ear, the stinging in his chest, his voice screaming in agony. He wanted to tear away the right side of his head. The burning sensation kept on increasing; spreading. He writhed in pain. Then it subsided. His breathing came in rags. His eyes focused on the woman in front of him.

She gripped his jaws in her hands and looked into his eyes. “Did you think I was going to let you die? After all the things your kind did to us?” The words erupted from her mouth like venom. “Now you’re one of us. I want you to cower in fear. Live in drains and ditches. Hide your whole life. I want you to slowly wither and die.”

Clint didn’t have any energy to respond. His heightened senses confirmed that he had become a vampire. But his hearing was still distorted. He needed blood for his brain to function properly and the people in the boat weren’t too keen on taking care of him.

“Jiaying” called the man manoeuvring the boat. “Where to?”

“Anywhere other than that wrenched continent, Li” she said moving to the front of the boat.

Clint didn’t pay attention to the conversation as he had turned to look at the receding island. The island was nothing but a spec in the distance.

…..

Clint spoke from his pilot seat. “We are nearing our destination,” he said. “Get ready.”

Everybody was dressed in Legion clothes, helping them to blend in. As soon as they landed, they heard thunder rumble in the distance. Everyone other than Clint looked worriedly at the sky. The last thing they wanted was a thunderstorm jeopardizing their plan. The group rappelled down the prison wall.

“I will head to the highest tower,” said Clint, walking away.

Steve and Bucky looked up to see grey clouds blocking the moon. The sky looked as if it could start raining any moment now.

“Should have heard the weather forecast” comment Bucky. Steve didn’t respond anything as he made his way further down the corridor. They sneaked into a main corridor and walked with utmost authority as if they knew this place.

“Do you know where you are going?” asked Bucky. “This place looks nothing like the blueprint Clint provided.”

“Let’s follow our instinct” Steve replied.

They rounded the corner and were met with an army of Legion soldiers marching down the hall.

“Fuck”

The power went out as the sky came to life with lightning. They heard another thunder rumble. This one was much nearer than the previous one. The troop leader shouted for them to follow him as he led them into another corridor.

Steve and Bucky used the commotion to slip into an empty corridor. When they were clear, they went to lookout tower. They scanned the castle to find the prisoners' wing. Bucky pointed out the far west wing and they quickly made their way towards that. They entered the building and made their way to the cell.

As if to urge them thunder rumbled again. It was too loud, threatening to deafen them. The duo rushed from cell to cell looking for their friends.

In one cell they saw weakened Peggy lying on the floor.

“Peggy” Steve shouted.

Hearing her name, she lifted her head to look up. The light in her eyes had died out and there were dark circles under them. She looked pale and frail. Bucky blasted the door with the help of his plasma gun. Steve rushed inside to help Peggy up. She clung onto Steve as he helped her get up.

“Do you know where the others are?”

Peggy struggled to get words out of her mouth, “On the top floor. I- I- was up there. They are doing horrible things. I tried to make them leave Wanda but they wouldn’t listen.”

“It’s okay. We will go and save Wanda.”

Steve handed Peggy a blood packet to help her regain strength. Finishing off the blood packet, she gathered all her strength and pulled herself to her full height. Steve handed her the weapon and made his way to the top floor with Bucky. With each passing minute the lightning and thunder became more frequent. They walked into a room which looked like a lab. There was blood on the table and looked like someone had been operated upon. The instruments, dripping with fresh blood, were lying on the tray.

Steve silently prayed that it shouldn’t be Wanda as he walked to the other side of the room. Bucky stared at the green luminescent light coming from his right. A room was separated from the main lab and there was green light visible underneath the curtain. He slowly made his way towards it and moved the curtain to look into the room.

Bucky was horrified by what he saw. In the opposite side of the room a clear glass chamber filled with green liquid was placed. Floating inside the chamber was Wanda. There were tubes attached to the orifices of her body. Two IVs were connected to her veins in left hand. Her hair floated eerily. Bucky wasn’t sure whether she was dead or alive. It hasn't even been a day since she had been abducted. She has to be alive he thought. If she wasn't there was no reason to keep in the life supporting chamber. He wanted to shout Steve’s name. He opened his mouth to call out Steve’s name but no sound came out.

*****

Chapter 31

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29. Sparks

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*****

Around 1500 A.D., Along the Western coast of the continent North America

The delightful smile adorned Loki’s features. The temple, gifted to him by his disciples gleamed under the moonlight. The carvings stood prominent and the paintings shone bright and looked life like. He looked to his right to see his brother beaming at the structure in front of him.

“An uncultured person like you could even appreciate its beauty.”

Thor, who was more than used to his brother’s harmless snide remarks, smiled at him. “Why don’t we go in, Loki?”

The brothers entered the magnificent temple. They both were mesmerized by the carvings and paintings on the wall.

“Is that gold?”

Loki didn’t reply anything but grinned proudly. Even though his disciples had always addressed him as their king he had never considered them as anything other than family. They also adored him. He had done everything to make a stable living for everyone in the big continent.

Loki entered the throne room, which was more magnificent than the rest of the place. The throne on the small elevated platform could pierce the onlooker’s eyes. Loki moved slowly and traced his fingers on the armrest. His action was so delicate as if he was afraid of hurting the metal furniture. The velvet seat was emerald green, matching his attire. Loki demeanour changed as he swiftly settled in the throne. He shifted his weight slightly to his right and leaned back. The haughty look in his eyes; the vileness in his smile; the black glint in his pupils would make anyone tremor.

Present time

Loki stood in front of the same temple. Hearing that Loki had returned many came to see him after sunset. But the ones he had expected didn’t come back. Some vampires wanted to join his side and pledge their loyalty. Others wanted to just take a good look at the ancient vampire. Nonetheless Loki was enjoying the attention. Some brought his extravagant gifts to appease him.

The old times flashed in front of his eyes. He entered the sanctuary with utmost pride. The anticipation of seeing his throne raised a storm in his chest. He entered the main sanctum only for his face to fall in disappointment. His face wrinkled in disgust at the sight in front of him. He signalled for Skurge, who came rushing forward.

“My king” he said, curtsying before the dramatic man.

“What is that?”

“That’s a table, my lord.”

Loki shut his eyes and exhaled trying to contain his anger. “I know that is a table, YOU INSUFFERABLE TWAT. What is it doing here?”

“It belongs to the The Council.”

“Throw it out” Loki said, shutting his eyes; his fingers pressed the bridge of his nose.

Skurge signalled the others to take away the undesirable piece of furniture.

Loki sat on his golden throne; cape draped on his left hand. His right hand held his spectre.

Loki turned his attention to the human standing in the corner of the room, “Luis, what do you have for me?”

“There is this nice pancake place near my home, right? I went in and took a window table as I love the fresh morning air. The waitress Maurissa takes my usual order. I ask her Yo girl, how you doing? She tells ‘you know my husband, Jed. He landed a high profile job’ I was like ‘yo isn’t he a plumber’ she tells ‘yah he was called for plumbing to this place. Like a spies hq.’ I was like ‘damn girl’ She leaves to bring my pancakes-”

“Enough” Loki growled. “I don’t know why I put up with this fool.”

“Lincoln. I have got a task for you.”

“Yes, my King.”

…..

S.T.A.K.E base, Location: CLASSIFIED

“Sir. A part of Queens lost power supply. Based on the radio signals we picked up, it seems there is a transformer failure” said Fitz. He projected his tab onto the holotable and then played the power grid map of the city. The speeded-up record of the power going off in parts of Queens played.

“We think Loki is involved,” added Simmons after the recording finished playing. “He had taken over Shadow Den, few hours ago.”

“Since he entered the city, he has been creating havoc.”

“May. Ward. Take the quinjet and get in the field”

May nodded and walked away to prepare the quinjet.

“How’s the condition of Agent Morse? Any information from her end?” asked Gonzales

“They will land here soon,” replied Coulson.

…..

“Every transformer that went down has sustained damage in the oil tank. We need to track the person who is doing this.”

“Already on it” replied May walking up to him. “There is a pattern. We can narrow down to these coordinates.” She extended the tab to Ward.

“Let’s split up.”

Ward set out on her bike and set out to the nearest coordinate while May took the quinjet to check on the other one.

…..

Lincoln looked up at the incoming agent.

“I know one of you would come.”

“May. Spotted the suspect,” Ward said into the comms.

Lincoln took the moment of distraction to throw the wrench at Ward. Ward instinctively ducked as the tool flew past him. Lincoln took the opportunity to deliver a punch. Ward blocked the punch and kicked him in his guts. Ward tried to knock him out but Lincoln was faster than he anticipated. He blocked Ward’s attack. Ward was one of the best in the field and he quickly gained the upper hand even against the supernatural being. He had Lincoln pinned down. As he was going to handcuff Lincoln, he retaliated. He punched the agent in his ribs with all his force. Clutching his side, Ward went down.

May who had arrived on the scene hit Lincoln on his head. His vision blurred and he tried to make sense of the surroundings. Before he could recover, she hit him with a hook kick. Following a series of punches, Lincoln became unconscious. May locked him in the containment module. She helped Ward into the quinjet and then started for the base.

“Quinjet to Base. Ward is injured. Suspect is contained.”

…..

Lincoln gained consciousness. The back of his head was aching and he felt sore. He recalled what had happened for the past few hours. As soon as Bucky left, Sam stepped up as their leader. He had called Lincoln to be in right hand. Everything had gone fine till the long haired creepo had attacked their den.

Everyone had escaped except him. He did Loki's bidding without questioning. He remembered attacking some people and his hand flew to the back of his head. As he touched the swollen part, he winced in pain.

"It looks like you're awake" said a voice. Lincoln looked up to see a man outside the containment unit.

"Where am I?"

"It's classified," he said. "Wow! Now I get to say it, I can tell it's quite satisfying."

Lincoln frowned, "Who are you?"

"Hunter. Look blondie we know you were under Loki's control. If you cooperate with me, I can negotiate your release"

Lincoln wasn't paying any attention to the man's word. "I mean who do you work for? Are you S.T.A.K.E.? We are in the HQ, right?"

“If we’re going to do the tough way, let me tell you. Agent May will take over soon. You will like her less.”

Lincoln wasn’t sure whether the man was threatening or not. He furrowed his eyes waiting for the man to continue, which he did.

“What does Loki want?

"This. Exactly this. It's no accident you caught me. Loki wanted me to be caught. Now he knows this location. You have to leave"

"You aren’t bugged. Instead of bluffing why don’t you tell me the truth" Hunter sauntered over to the chair and settled down.

"I AM TELLING THE TRUTH."

“Tiny violins playing but no one is listening.”

“Hunter, I think I should take over.” Hunter heard May’s voice in his comms. He walked out as Lincoln flopped on the seat in the containment unit facing away from the glass window. Hunter met the senior agent outside the containment room.

"You sure he is lying?"

"No," he admitted. "There is nothing off that Simmons could find about him. He isn't bugged but Loki is a witch. We can never be too careful"

May nodded and she went in to see Lincoln.

"Lincoln, right?"

"See there is no time to play carrot and stick or good cop and bad cop or whatever. Loki is coming and you need to run."

"I knew you before. Coulson showed me your recruitment file before he came to you"

Lincoln turned around to look up at May, intrigued to find out where this conversation was going.

"You're a good kid"

Lincoln laughed, "I'm older that you"

May rolled her eyes. "Tell us about Loki's plan."

Lincoln got up from his place and turned to face May. "I told the man who came before you. I'm telling you the same. This is exactly Loki's plan. He wants me here."

May walked out without a word.

"May, Director's office." said Simmons walking towards her. Fitz was accompanying her. He showed her the tab playing the security footage.

"Is that Bobbi?"

"She is still in life supporting pod" confirmed Fitz.

“This has to be Loki” Simmons added.

The three headed straight to Coulson's office but met with him halfway.

"Sir, we have security breach"

"I know. I was coming over to talk to you."

Fitz got the tab from Jemma to show to their director but he accidentally pressed the live button. The recorded footage was replaced with the live video. Fitz's eyes widened as he saw the director in his office. Jemma caught on his change in expression within a second and peaked at the tab.

"I guess my little play is out"

The deep voice caught their attention. The scientists looked up to see Loki standing before them.

"I will hold him off. RUN" shouted May.

*****

Chapter 30

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