Always an Angel, Never a God
Chapter 4
Always an Angel, Never a God
“Once an angel, grace adorned my soul's facade,
Yet now, a god in apathy, I stand,
Humanity's creation, once I laud,
But now aloof, I spurn their outstretched hand.”
North Pole
[Present] 7 am
The jet descended from the sky, its engines roaring against the frigid winds of the North Pole. The sleek black exterior of the aircraft glistened in the pale sunlight, and the S.H.I.E.L.D. the emblem emblazoned on the side shone like a beacon.
As the jet touched down on the charred snow, the rear gateway began to open. A figure emerged, stepping confidently onto the frozen landscape. He was dressed in black tactical gear and cold protector suit, Agent Coulson commanded and led his men down. Behind him, several other figures emerged from the jet. They were all similarly dressed in tactical gear but their faces obscured by masks.
As they walked down the ramp, they scanned the perimeter, their eyes searching for any signs of danger. The frozen landscape was eerily quiet, the only sounds the soft hiss of the wind and the distant roar of the jet's engines.
Coulson raised his hand, signaling for the others to follow him. They moved in unison, their movements swift and precise. As they approached the charred snow, the other agent paused, his eyes scanning the area. "This is where it happened," he said, his voice low and commanding. Coulson examined the destroyed part of what was supposed to be a white covered land but now a huge crater with frizzes of thunderstruck shapes ridges, he signaled the others to look at them too, staring at the massive crater before them. The snow around the area was charred and blackened, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of burned earth.
Nodding with serious determination, they understood the unprecedented threat they faced. Their resolve was unwavering, and they were ready to take any necessary action. Moving forward in unison, their weapons at the ready, they braved the howling wind that tugged at their clothing and hair. Their focus remained resolute as they approached the edge of the charred snow. Pausing there, their vigilant eyes scanned the horizon, knowing danger could be lurking anywhere, fully prepared to confront it head-on.
Agent Coulsonn signaled to the others, and they moved forward as one, their eyes peeled for any sign of movement. They knew that the fate of the world rested on their shoulders, and they were ready to face whatever came their way.
"Whatever did this was powerful," Coulson said, his voice echoing across the desolate landscape. "We need to find out what it was and neutralize the threat."
"Agreed," Agent Jones said, her eyes scanning the perimeter. "But what could have caused this much destruction?"
"That's what we're here to find out," Coulson said, his eyes narrowing. "Raine, Amon, any readings on what could have caused this?"
Raine and Amon, twins and a level 8 agent, trusted and excellent at whatever they do were hunched over a set of advanced scientific equipment, their fingers flying over the buttons and switches.
"There are traces of an unknown energy signature in the area," Raine said, frowning at the readout. "It's unlike anything we've ever seen before."
"And there's a trail leading off into the distance," Amon added, pointing to a set of footprints leading away from the crater.
Coulson nodded. "Alright team, let's follow that trail and see where it leads us."
The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents pressed on, following the trail that led them to a dead end. The charred snow remained as the sole evidence of the event, with no further clues about the elusive force responsible for the destruction. It was as though they had vanished like ghosts. Coulson knew it but hesitated to admit it—the trail had gone cold. Identifying this mysterious figure became crucial to determine if they should be captured or neutralized.
Frustrated and exhausted, they reported their findings to Fury, who listened intently, his expression grim. "The trail has gone cold," he muttered, his voice low and menacing.
Coulson nodded in agreement. "Yes sir. But we're not giving up yet. We'll continue to investigate."
Fury leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowed in thought. "Be careful," he said finally. "Whatever this is, it's powerful. And it's still out there. We are not taking any chances, hear that, team?"
Coulson and his team nodded in unison and a chorus of yes sirs could be heard, their minds racing with possibilities. As they made their way back to their jet, Fury's words echoed in their minds. They knew that they needed to be prepared for anything, no matter how dangerous or unpredictable.
Meanwhile, Fury had turned to Hill, his expression serious. "Be prepared," he said. "We don't know what's out there, but we need to be ready for anything."
Hill nodded, her eyes focused and determined. She knew that the world was counting on them to keep it safe, and she was ready to do whatever it took to fulfill that duty.
Fury paused for a moment before continuing. "Contact the Avengers," he said finally. "We may need their help on this one."
Hill nodded again and quickly got to work, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she sent out a message to the Avengers. They needed to be prepared for whatever was coming, no matter how dangerous or unpredictable it may be.
Avengers Tower
3:45 pm
A certain sorcerer’s mind is racing with worry as he considers the possibility of what or who might be responsible for the situation it leads to . His thoughts were so consumed that he didn't notice his magic buzzing, a sign of his growing unease.
Steve, however, was quick to notice Loki's unease. He gently placed a hand on top of his, soothing the knuckles and palm of his soulmate, catching his attention. "Hey, you alright?" Steve asked, his voice filled with concern.
Loki hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I'm...fine," he admitted. "It must be the nerves as the Peter child would always say"
Steve gave him a reassuring smile and gently raised up their intertwined hands to kiss it gently. "Then if you feel anything or just whatever, you can say it to us, Loki," he said. "And if you need to talk about anything, I'm here for you."
Loki’s ears turned red but appreciated Steve's offer of support. It was a gesture he didn't expect, considering their past conflicts. "Thank you," he said quietly.
Just then, Jarvis's voice filled the room, all activity in the room ceased as everyone turned their attention to the voice.
"Director Fury is informing a meeting later that you all need to attend. He seems agitated, it must be the recent spike of energy levels yesterday. He insists for all of you to not be late," Jarvis reported. "That’s all for now, Avengers."
Tony, who had been in his workspace preparing his welding gear, stopped what he was doing and joined the others in the meeting room. "So not San Andreas, huh?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. Others looked at him weirdly. Tony scoffed and lowly muttered while shaking his head, “We’re certainly going to watch that movie”
"Analysis of the situation is ongoing, but it looks like or it suggests that something or someone may have crashed through on Earth."
Natasha's eyes narrowed. "Another alien? Again " she asked.
Jarvis hesitated before responding, "That is one possibility we must consider."
The room fell silent as the Avengers absorbed the gravity of the situation. They had faced many threats before. Surely this one would be the same as the others, wouldn't it?
Loki's mind was still racing with concern, but he also felt a growing sense of determination. He knew he couldn't let his past or his fears hold him back. Together with the Avengers, he had a chance to protect Earth and its people. Especially now that he had found happiness with his soulmates and still wanted to meet their last piece, he wouldn’t let this unknown creature destroy what was his. He would obliterate them before they could touch his family. He’d make sure of it.
Khibiny Mountains
600 to 700 miles from North Pole
8:07 pm
Secret Hydra Base
Concealed beneath the desolate mountains, a labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers housed a hidden underground Hydra Base. As the long night wore on, the soft snores of one guard could be heard while the other, diligently monitoring security cameras, noticed a dark figure on the 14th camera by Gate 02. He rubbed his eyes, and the figure vanished. With a sigh of relief, the guard refocused, only for a warning to flash on the 16th monitor. There, a man in all-black appeared, an eerie presence that felt like a specter from the shadows.
Lev nudged Ivan, who was dozing off against the cold, metal wall. "Иван, посмотри туда, " Lev whispered, his voice quivering. [Ivan, look there,]
Ivan, half-awake and groggy, rubbed his eyes and squinted down the corridor. "О чем ты говоришь, Лев? Я ничего не вижу.”[What are you talking about, Lev? I don't see anything.]
But as Ivan's eyes adjusted to the low light, the mysterious figure was no longer there. Lev’s words were met with a skeptical glance from his partner.
“Ты видишь вещи, мой друг,” Ivan scoffed.[You're seeing things, my friend,]
Just as Ivan was about to dismiss the incident, an eerie sensation gripped Lev’s heart. A pair of piercing, otherworldly green eyes materialized in the darkness, glowing with an unsettling intensity.
Lev gasped, taking a step back, his breath quickening. “— Иван, клянусь, я видел! Глаза... вот тут!” [Ivan, I swear, I saw it! The eyes... right there!]
Ivan's skepticism wavered as the glow of those haunting eyes seared into his mind. He stammered, "Что... что это?" [ What...what is that?]
The shadowy figure, face hidden in darkness, raised his hand, and the cameras malfunctioned, sending a shiver down Lev's spine. Panic surged within him, and he urgently hit the emergency alarm. The klaxons blared through the base, putting the guards on high alert. They stood in tense formation, guns aimed at gate 02, surrounded by the blaring alarm, their tension palpable.
It felt like an eternity passed before the gate suddenly erupted with a large explosion in a gust of debris and shrapnel, leaving a gaping hole in its place.
From the swirling dust and chaos, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed. The head guard motioned for his team to stand by, their eyes locked onto the mysterious figure who had just appeared.
The man who emerged was nothing short of powerful and enigmatic. He was tall, dressed in impeccable black attire, and an aura of authority exuded from him. His eerie presence was only heightened by the pale glow of his green eyes. He looked at the guards with an expression that was, oddly, both curious and amused.
With a soft and well-mannered British accent, he spoke, "Well, hello there. I think I'm quite lost. Would you mind telling me where this is?"
The head guard hesitated for a moment, trying to make sense of the surreal situation before answering, "This is a private facility. You have no business here. If you further make unnecessary movements, we will exterminate you."
The intruder merely chuckled, his demeanor unsettlingly calm. "Oh my apologies, how rude of me," the man's eyes then glowed and after a while, “If you would just give me the information that I want, I'll leave your facility. Viktor” The Head guard stiffened at hearing his name. The man then chuckled, “Oh, I do love your name, reminds me of a friend back home,”
The man then walked forward and locked eyes with the man behind the head guard and he smiled slowly, “Oh, Nikolai, that is some heavy secret you got…hmm ... really? with your wife’s best friend?” he said mockingly. The head guard, Viktor, turned to look at Nikolai.
Nikolai, the man he mentioned quivered in anger and shouted, “Shut up! Let’s kill him!”
The man then clasp his hand behind his back,”Oh Viktor~, the child your wife is carrying isn–”
BANG
A gunfire interrupted him. The man falls down as Nikolai fires multiple bullets from his gun. Nikolai exclaimed,”He’s dead! Sir! The intruder is down! I repeat the intruder is down”
Two hands suddenly gripped his collar, and punched him square in the face as Viktor stood tall to him and angrily said,”You–you! I trusted you! I'm going to kill you”
“ Now that was just disrespectful.”
Everybody stiffened at that voice, as they looked at the man who’s now standing in perfect condition with blazing green eyes like how the river of styx.
“I was being patient and respectful to you, muggles.” the man said in disdained, green flames erupted out from his body.
“I apologized, I asked nicely, I even talked in your language, I advised, and you just really need to test my patience. Now, I’m not gonna ask, I”ll just get what I want from you, whether you’ll be dead or if luck favors you, alive.”
The air seemed to exude heavy air as the green flames spread further, as the guards prepared this fight, the comms ordered, “Kill him.”
The man gestured with his one hand and whispered while looking at them coldly,
“ Fiendfyre ”
All hell breaks loose, it all happens in a blink but he made sure they all felt his anger, slowly they died, One by one, the guards fell, their bodies crumpling to the ground. As the man walked forward, the last guard knelt trembling before him. The guard's pants were wet like a toddler's, and he wet himself further as the man slowly bent and took his chin.
‘Ah, This is death’ The guard's life withered away as he saw his demise in the man's eyes. How lucky must he be, for he gazed upon the eyes of the Master of Death.
The man released the guard's chin and continued to walk forward, leaving carnage behind. As he walked, he waved his hands and his robes were cleansed of blood.
" How disgusting," the man said. "These bloody pigs."