Chapter 10
Hela smiled as the compound’s guests were escorted inside. This had been arranged not long after she and her family had gone out drinking and to check up on Bucky Barnes. Their guests were Christine Everheart and her crew. They would be given the same tour as those who apply for the Avengers and Christine would be free to ask questions of those of the compound.
“Welcome to the Avengers compound.” Hela greeted her.
“Ms. Odindottir.”
They shook hands and while Hela wanted to correct the woman she didn’t. She should be referred to as queen but in order for hers and Loki’s plans to work she had to remain as friendly as possible.
“So, who will be available for an interview?” Christine got right down to business.
“I know my brother Loki is here as is my son’s half brother Hercules. I am not certain but I believe my brother Thor intends to visit today. I’m not entirely sure who else will be available but during the tour you are free to ask if anyone we come across is available to speak with you.”
She motioned for the crew to follow her and Christine was eager to begin asking questions.
“So how have you been adjusting to our world?”
Hela smiled kindly at the mortal as she answered.
“I fear it has been quite the adjustment. Mortals handle matters much differently than those of Asgard. Much of it confuses me greatly.”
“Oh?” She asked her interest piqued as she intended. “How so?”
Hela purposely looked troubled.
“I have found that mortals are very forgiving, in some cases far too much. I have also seen your valued warriors mistreated and seemingly left forgotten once their days of battle have ended. It is something that in Asgard would not be tolerated.”
She saw the mortal’s eyes light up; she no doubt sensed the hints of a very interesting subject. Hela almost wanted to laugh at how easy this was. She didn’t even need Loki’s mentoring on such manipulations if it was going to be this easy.
“How so? I’m sure our people would love some insight into the differences between our people.”
“Well I may be bias in the first part as I saw firsthand the cruelty mortals are capable towards one of their own. When I first arrived here, I had immediately gone to find my son. He was in a coma and this world’s healers didn’t know if he’d ever wake up. Beaten down by those who claimed themselves his friends and shield brothers and sisters. Such actions were so easily forgiven and that makes no sense to me. I’ve discussed it with my brothers in hopes of gaining some insight but only found myself far more confused. There is a history of forgiveness towards those who have time and time again harmed not only their own but the innocent that have crossed their paths. There has been no attempts by those to right their wrongs before the leaders of this realm have offered forgiveness. As for the mistreatment of your warriors what do you call them…veterans, they are left to suffer alone once finished with their days of battle. I have found many end up without homes or without proper care. It saddens me to see them suffer so. Recently I have also learned of Sargent Barnes’s own suffering. He has been granted a chance to make amends for the harm he’d been forced to do at the hands of Hydra and their brainwashing. Though not done of his own choice he still sought to try and make up for what was done by his hands. Yet that chance he so sought for was stolen away by someone he had thought his friend.”
She shook her head sadly, seeing her words and actions had the mortal’s interest.
“I didn’t realize Mr. Stark was so badly injured. There was no statement regarding his condition. And it was the Avengers who did that to him?”
“From my understanding yes.”
“And Sargent Barnes, can you explain what you mean?”
She nodded.
“Sargent Barnes was among those pardoned that was approved to join the Avengers. Even being granted invitations by several of the teams under the banner of Avengers. But those that hadn’t been approved have caused problems resulting in his approval being put on pause. From my understanding he and Mr. Rogers were friends since their youth. Yet now he is the one hurting Sargent Barnes. It is a shame that even free from Hydra there are still those who wish to harm him. If Mr. Rogers and Ms. Romanoff had such strong opinions regarding their results why not seek to know how to improve where they had failings? Instead they put into question all the results. I am very happy to know that Lieutenant Howlett was willing to help his fellow soldier.”
Christine saw she had a story here and Hela was pleased she was getting the results she wanted. Their first stop was the cafeteria where several members of the teams were present. James Rhodes, Cable, Deadpool, Eddie Brock, Spiderman, Logan, and Loki were all present. Cable, Deadpool, and Loki were seated together, Logan and Eddie Brock were talking to each other, and James and Spiderman looked to be discussing something regarding their equipment.
“This is the cafeteria. It’s open between 9am and 10pm. There is a private kitchen area for those who live in the compound that’s always available but many enjoy this area due to it usually being occupied.” Hela explained.
“Can I stop to ask them questions?” Christine asked politely though there was a very interested look in her eyes.
“Be my guest.” Hela motioned for her to go ahead and approach the others.
Christine approached the closet table which was where Eddie and Logan were. They both looked up when the reporter approached and she was quick to recognize Eddie.
“I didn’t know they’d scheduled us for the same day.” Christine said with a laugh though it was forced.
“Oh they didn’t, I’m here between my day job. You know my hero persona Venom.”
Venom decided to make himself known as he extended his head from Eddie’s shoulder.
“Eddie, is she going to be like that angry bird?”
“Probably not.” Eddie answered Venom.
“Angry bird?” Christine asked confused while Logan just turned back to his food.
“Barton. Last time a tour was given he was spouting nonsense and just going off on us. We ended up having to escort him out as we were here working as security.” Eddie explained.
Her eyebrows raised in surprise.
“He was that much of a problem?”
“He was warned and he refused to listen. So we made sure he left.”
Venom was looking around so Hela retrieved a bag of chocolate from her pocket dimension. His eyes immediately snapped to her as he could smell the sweets. She opened it and began tossing him pieces that he eager caught and ate.
“Was he the only one causing problems?” Christine asked.
It wasn’t either of the two that answered but Cable who was close enough to overhear the conversation.
“No, Rogers was being a pain also but not as loudly or as aggressively as Barton. He seemed to think when they were allowed back that they’d just go back to being Avengers and no one else could be the Avengers but them.” Cable said in an annoyed tone. “I stay in this timeline to stop you guys from ruining the future again and you all seem insistent on trying to find new ways to fuck things up. Those assholes have no business trying to become heroes. They’re basically villains that refuse to accept their villains.”
“That’s a bit harsh don’t you think?” Christine turned her attention Cable now leaving the table she’d been standing by.
Hela watched Venom take control and handed him the bag of chocolate to keep him happy. Hela walked over to join them as Cable turned his full attention to Christine.
“Really? You think that’s harsh. Tell me your definition of a villain then.”
She was taken aback by the demand but answered.
“Well someone that hurts people or leaves destruction in their wake without remorse and with no care about who they hurt in the process. Like Killian, he took part in human experimentation and committed several acts of terrorism. Or Ultron who attacked several places, took control of a group of scientists to make them work for him, and tried to end humanity.”
Cable just looked at her like he was wondering if she had a brain and if she did why she didn’t use it.
“If that’s what you want to go by fine. You do realize Rogers joined a project that was human experimentation, right? And it wasn’t for any noble cause. He wanted to join the army and wasn’t taking no for an answer. Lied several times to try and get what he wanted; you know it’s a crime to falsify information on the enlistment form. I mean Logan’s lied on forms to but considering he’s been alive for over a hundred years and having to hide the fact he’s a mutant sure that’s a reason to do that. But Rogers didn’t do it because he had no choice. No, he was selfish and wanted to put every soldier at risk by being on the battlefield when he had a number of health issues that would have just gotten him killed.
“Then of course there’s the witch who joined a terrorist group in order to gain power for revenge. There was no noble cause there, she wanted to kill Stark and she didn’t care who she had to hurt, betray, or kill to get her way. She joined Ultron when Hydra was no longer useful to her, she used her mind raping powers to send Hulk on rampage through a city that had nothing to do with her vendetta, and she stood by while Ultron used the scepter to brainwash those same scientists you mentioned before. You want to talk no remorse, tell me where’s the remorse from her? Nowhere, she never stepped forward to take responsibility for what she did or face consequences for what she did willingly. And who stood by her in that choice? The same people that ended up at the top of the terrorist watchlist.”
“Yeah and you think it’s coincidence that she decided to get all freaky with the only one that could possibly stop her voodoo mind games?” Deadpool joined in wiggling his fingers as he said voodoo and a suggestive look while saying freaky. “Like the guy was a few days old and suddenly she’s all over him? Nope, that doesn’t sound kosher to me. Sounds like she wanted to get her claws into him and not in the sexy way.”
“I must admit he does make a valid point. The Vision possesses the mind stone which is how she gained her abilities. If he wanted to stop her from using her powers, he’d be the one able to do so. Though I am not a villain and had been controlled at the time I was forced to lead the invasion against your realm I am very familiar with manipulations. I recognize when one is performing such acts and she is very good at seeing how to manipulate those she needs to. He was young and without life experience at the time so he was in the perfect position to be manipulated into not seeing what kind of person she really was. Had he had time to adjust and gain that experience he would likely have noticed the warning signs and brought up her issues.” Loki added with a thoughtful look on his face.
Christine took a moment to consider what she was hearing.
“Is it possible she’s been using her powers on the others?”
“There’s protection magic all over the compound. If her magic was used in such a way it would be noticed. Just like when she used her magic to attack Fenris. The spells didn’t alert to her using them to manipulate anyone’s mind.” Hela explained.
“Why did she attack Fenris. From what I’ve heard he’s well mannered and only shows aggression if he’s involved in battles. Even then records of the battles you’ve been in he doesn’t kill anyone or even maim them.”
“She was startled even though she’d been made aware of his presence and that he is not in anyway a danger to civilians. When she attacked and I protected him several others justified the attack. As required when it was suggested she lacked control of her abilities I did report it.”
“If you still don’t believe what I said let me remind you that Romanoff and Rogers released all the files from one of the U.S government’s agencies. She justified it as the organization she was a part of wasn’t giving them information but lies. Hydra may have yes but Shield was working properly for the government. She’d released both lies and information for everyone to see. They jeopardized the safety of this country because they decided they knew what they were doing and could do whatever they wanted. They weren’t anymore equipped to make that decision than Romanoff was to evaluate Stark.”
“Considering her history of turning against who she works for I would think her actions more along the lines of manipulation. With the information dump she was able to set herself alongside Rogers who had the legend behind his title that in many ways blinded others to the fact that he wasn’t a perfect national icon but in fact very human with the ability to make mistakes or commit crimes. She also placed herself in a position that was against Hydra, making it seem that her actions were of justice instead of a crime. I have seen the footage of that meeting, her reminder of what the Avengers have done and stood for suggested that they were needed as they alone had fought against the chitauri invasion. Hinting that if such events were to happy again, they were this realm’s best hope. She played the situation perfectly to benefit her. Though that shouldn’t be surprising considering the Black Widows were made to be the masters of manipulation.”
“Oh is that why she tried to get it on with big, badass, and green?” Deadpool asked looking excited and positioned near Loki like he was ready to gossip.
“Much like with the witch and her actions towards the Vision I would believe so. She is capable of fighting against most of the others of the team at the time. The Hulk and Iron Man being the only ones she’d have an issue with. Though she had numbers on her side against Iron Man. Placing herself as a romantic interest to Dr. Banner would gain her protection from the Hulk as well as some control over him. Much like when Dr. Banner had been romantically involved with Dr. Ross. She was aware of this and with her background I would imagine her actions were that of manipulation as opposed to genuine affection.”
“Well you can’t know that for sure. It sounds like there’s a lot of negativity towards the pardoned group that may make it seem like there’s been effort put into not accepting their official pardon.”
The group looked at Christine with mixed expressions. Some offense, some disbelief, and others anger.
“I’m more than capable of thinking for myself.” Cable said in an angry tone. “I’m going by what I’ve seen and what I know from my timeline. You think I haven’t seen what they’re capable of? For your information in my timeline several of the original Avengers were killed by the witch when she decided to change sides. Hell the widow ended up betraying the U.S to Russia when the tables turned against her. Things may have changed since I came to this point in time but it sure hasn’t changed them. Who do you think has been causing problems for everyone? You bother to check who’s been going to the Accords Council starting shit?”
“Though you may think that someone has convinced us to distrust those pardon I have observed them and their actions myself.” Loki began calmly.
“I am not overly impressed with several of the original Avengers though I have seen potential in several of the new additions. The man that shrinks is an educated man with his heart in the right place, I believe he’d make a fine addition to one of our teams. Sargent Barnes as well though I can admit I am rather bias on that considering our relationship. The second bird, falcon, with some help might be an asset to a team as well. I will not deny that some of the others have impressive skills but that alone does not make them valuable or acceptable to join any of the teams under the banner of Avengers. In fact, I am of the opinion that several of them are extremely dangerous and should in fact be in prison. Your government though has given them pardons and I may not agree with it but I will not argue it with violence. I have simply stated my thoughts and left it at that.”
“And hey I may be Canadian but I totally respected Captain America growing up. Seeing him up close and personal though it is a major let down. Never meet your heroes huh?” Deadpool elbows her side gently as he says the last part.
“I fought alongside Rogers and Barnes during the war.” Logan spoke up for the first time. “What Rogers is doing ain’t right. He’s messing things up for those who were approved because he can’t get his head out of his ass to realize whatever he’d done to actually be approved to get the serum isn’t who he is anymore. He needs to see he’s no better than those who break the law. The man hasn’t adjusted to the current century. He’s so stuck in the past and thinking he needs to be on the frontlines and will do anything to do that with Barnes at his side. Anything else is unacceptable. People have seen it firsthand as his past repeats itself. How many people died when he fought against the Accords? How many people died when he was to busy thinking of Barnes? How many times has he broken the law to get what he wants? Maybe stop thinking there’s some conspiracy against them and start looking at the facts.” Logan growled at them.
Logan got up to leave and Venom followed after him.
“I mean they’re right. I think so many are so obsessed with the stories of Captain America that they grew up with that they forget under the mask is a man who’s very human and very much out of his time. He and the others were also insistent on only working as Avengers. Tony supported them financially which is pretty messed up. Now everyone has something outside of the Avengers whether it’s a job or school. We want our members to have an education and a life outside the hero business.” Rhodey said finally joining in on the conversation.
“Yeah, we should be leading by example. Whether we say anything about it or not, there’s people that look up to us. We should be showing them to be good people that work towards their future and follow the law.” Spiderman spoke up.
“So all of you work outside the Avengers or go to school?” Christine asked surprised.
“Of course, though I may be a prince of Asgard I earn my living here.”
“As do I.” Hela added. “We like to pay for our living arrangements and our own needs.”
“It sure as hell wouldn’t be right making Stark pay for everything.” Cable declared before getting up to leave.
They moved on with the tour while Christine processed what she’d heard so far. The next stop being the garage where a car was pulling in just as they arrived. Hela wasn’t sure she knew who the car belonged to but when she saw Janet and Bucky coming out she figured it was one they’d borrowed for a trip out.
“Oh hi.” Bucky said nervously as he waved at them.
Janet was holding a thing of four coffees in it from Starkbucks as she walked over with a smile on her face.
“I see we have visitors. Welcome to the Avengers compound.” She greeted the group.
“You’re an avenger?” Christine asked surprised.
“Oh no, I’m here while I try to figure out what to do now. Dr. Stark has been kind enough to allow me to use one of the guest rooms as any attempts to contact my family have been met with hostility. I was pronounced dead some time ago and well there’s a lot to catch up on since I’ve been gone. I have been helping out where I can though while I catch up on everything.” She said motioning to the coffee in her hands.
“If you don’t me asking but who are you?”
Janet smiled not in anyway offended at the question.
“I’m Janet Van Dyne, my husband is Hank Pym.”
Christine’s eyes widened.
“And he refused to hear about you being alive?”
Janet’s eyes filled with sadness.
“I’m afraid Hank has a hatred for anyone of the Stark family. He’s refused to listen to Tony and that hatred has extended to our daughter Hope. The truth is the hatred comes from a misunderstanding Hank never let Howard or as he actually was Zeus to explain. He believes Howard betrayed him when in fact he was trying to help.”
“Um, we need to deliver the coffee.” Bucky reminded Janet.
“Oh right, it was nice talking to you Ms…”
“Christine Everheart, I’m here interviewing some of the Avengers and getting a tour of the compound.”
“Ah, Bucky why don’t you stay in case she has any questions?” Janet offered the former Winter Soldier.
He froze looking nervous.
“I’m not an Avenger though.”
She patted his shoulder.
“Nonsense, once this mess Rogers started is cleared up you’ll be added to the team. You’ve already been approved, now they’re just waiting for the council to finish with Rogers’s and Romanoff’s complaints.”
She left before Bucky could say anything else and he seemed to fidget where he was standing.
“Do you mind if I ask you a few questions Sargent Barnes?” Christine asked nicely.
“Um sure, you can call me Bucky. I haven’t’ been a Sargent for a long time.”
“So you were approved for the Avengers?”
He nodded.
“Yeah, they said I’d start out as a level four.”
“You must have done really well on the evaluation.”
He shrugged.
“Much as I hate what Hydra did to me, between what they trained me to do and my time in the army I have a lot of skills that are useful.”
“Were you upset your best friend didn’t make the cut?”
Bucky’s expression became pained.
“I’m…whoever he is now, that ain’t my Steve. I don’t know who it is that came out of the ice but that man isn’t the one I called my best friend. He willingly sided with a Hydra volunteer. We were part of the Howling Commandos, a real team. Those he surrounds himself with now, that isn’t a team. I can’t…I can’t be around him anymore.”
Christine didn’t ask anything else regarding Steve seeing the pain in Bucky’s eyes.
“So how are you adjusting to life in this century?”
He brightened at the change in topic.
“It’s nice actually. I’ve made some friends, got a job, and I have a boyfriend. It was a nice surprise to find out that’s not something that will get you locked up anymore. Hela’s even let me join some of the classes she teaches. Not sure if I have a talent for magic yet but it’s interesting to learn about it. I was actually looking into going to college to. I was always interested in tech but growing up in the depression with a war going on didn’t really leave much option for it.”
“It’s good to know you’re getting yourself settled and college is always a good choice. Anything you can say you are disappointed with in this century?”
“There’s no flying cars.” Bucky actually pouted as he answered earning laughs from Christine and some of the crew.
“That’s true, it would be nice if there were.”
They finally let Bucky leave while Hela continued the tour.
“Here we have our training facility. As we have a wide range of powers among those that use it it’s been adjusted as needed. Of course, it’s also available for any staff that work here to use on breaks or outside work hours.”
On weights was Colossus, in the boxing ring was Jessica and Luke, and doing yoga in the corner was Bruce who was attempting to teach Thor and Hercules and it looked like he was failing miserably.
“Brother, you didn’t tell me you had returned.” Hela called to Thor who turned to her much to Bruce’s annoyance.
“Ah my apologies, I came to see Banner then became distracted. He is teaching me this thing called yoga.”
Bruce let out a sigh as he got up giving up on teaching the two.
“Lady Hela, who are our guests?” Hercules asked as he made his way over with the other god.
“This is Lady Christine and her crew. She is interviewing us and touring the compound.”
“Well met Lady Christine.” Thor said lifting her hand to press a kiss to it before Hercules did the same.
“Oh,” She said with a deep blush. “It’s nice to meet you both as well. Do you mind me asking you a few questions?”
“Go ahead, I am here for the day and at the moment it seems my sister and brother are otherwise occupied.”
“I shall leave you to it my friend. I wish to see if Lady Jessica and Luke will allow me to join them train.”
“Call me Lady again and you’ll find yourself thrown across the room.” Jessica yelled at him.
“My apologies.” Hercules said as he walked over to them.
“Some mortal customs still confuse me.” Thor said shaking his head.
“I’ve heard your king of Asgard now, does that mean you won’t be helping the Avengers anymore?” Christine asked.
“I fear it is unlikely. Perhaps if I am truly needed or if this realm is once again faced with an invasion, I shall do what I can. Otherwise I only come for diplomatic reasons or to see my family. I was quite happy to learn that I had a sister as well as a nephew. My brother Loki has appeared happier to as he and Hela have more in common than he and I.”
“Prince Loki has been staying to join a team?”
Thor nodded.
“My brother is a talented mage and warrior with a mind unrivaled by any in Asgard. I was happy to hear he wished to aid this realm’s protectors and that he’s been accepted here. During our father’s rule magic was not accepted as it should have been. It is taking time but I am working to fix the mistakes of my father’s rule.”
“Well I can’t imagine how much work it must be to be a ruler of an entire world. Have you heard of what happened with the Avengers while you were gone?”
Thor’s expression darkened.
“Indeed, I was not pleased to hear of the events that unfolded between my shield brothers and sisters. Such conflict should not have occurred. Though in my youth I was more likely to use my fist as opposed to my words I have grown much. There was no need for them to fight as they did. It saddens me to find that the captain rather fight against those he claims friendship instead of speaking.”
“Well it wasn’t just Mr. Rogers that decided to fight.” Christine said looking a bit disappointed.
“Ay, I’m aware but I also know what happens when one is seen as above others. My friends have not stopped to consider their own actions before seeking to come to me for imagined troubles. During my banishment my brother ruled Asgard when my father was unable to. I was also seen as the golden prince, the one to take the throne one day. As such my friends rejected Loki’s rule without reason and sought me even though doing so was treason. Though the captain is just a man he holds more sway than he should as many believe him something higher than that. I’m not sure if he is aware of this or not but it has gained him much and hurt others in the process.”
Christine seemed surprised as she was hearing more and more negativity towards the once rogue Avengers.
“What about those that were approved to join the Avengers?”
Thor grinned brightly.
“If they have been granted permission to join I am happy to hear that some have proven themselves worthy of defending this realm. I had feared them all lost but knowing some have understood their past wrongs and plan to make amends makes me happy.”
Thor turned to Hela and gave her a firm pat on the shoulder.
“I shall leave you to your duties. I wish to go see if Loki is available yet.”
“Unlikely, Bucky came with coffee.”
“I see, well I shall go anyways. I must ensure the soldier of winter understands what will happen should he harm my brother.”
“What was that about?” Christine asked once Thor had walked away.
“I believe you mortals call it the shovel talk.”
“Wait, Loki is Bucky’s boyfriend?” The cameraman asked.
“Yes, my brother finally gained the courage to ask permission to court him. They are quite happy and hopefully they shall one day wed.”
Christine didn’t say anything in response to that but moved to see if she could speak with Colossus. He stopped in workout as they approached to turn his attention to them.
“Mrs. Everheart, a pleasure to meet you.” Colossus offered his hand to her when she approached.
“Are you familiar with my work?” she asked taking his hand.
“Yes, I have found it interesting. I heard you were coming to speak with us and I’m more than happy to answer your questions.”
“What are your thoughts on the way the Avengers are run?”
“I am very happy with it. I get along with my teammates and the events I’m asked to attend are an interesting experience.”
“The Avengers go to charities and other events, right?”
He nodded.
“Yes, I know not everyone enjoys them but I do. It is nice that many are beginning to accept mutants. For so long we had to hide.”
“It’s good news that you don’t have to hide anymore. You grew up in Russia and came to the U.S to join a group of mutants, right?”
He nodded.
“Yes, Professor Xavier accepted mutants from many backgrounds. The others of the Avengers have been very welcoming of us as well.”
Hela’s gaze drifted to Hercules where he was fighting against both Jessica and Luke. She tuned out the others as she watched Hercules be taken down as the two humans didn’t hold back. He could take it so it wasn’t a problem. When she turned back to the group she motioned them to follow her to the next place on the tour. Their next stop was the library/study. It had been set up for the compound residences and employees. Young heroes would do their schoolwork there, the geniuses of the heroes taught the young heroes there, Hela taught her classes there, and some just liked to read there. She explained it to Christine and her crew. Loki and Bucky had moved there after the human’s arrival at the compound. Loki had one of the coffees and was showing Bucky one of the books added to the collection that was about magic. Stephen Strange was there floating in the air as he read another book brought from another realm. Pepper was there to doing paperwork. There was magic embedded in the library to help with relaxation and concentration so she liked to do work there as well.
“Wow, everyone has access here?”
“All those authorized to be in the compound and their guests.”
Stephen looked away from his book for a moment to check who was there before he returned his attention to the book. Pepper smiled and waved before returning to her paperwork.
“I’m surprised that such a large library was built here.”
“Well those of us not from this realm do enjoy to see what is available to read but this is also a place for studying. Students among the Avengers use this area and those who want tutoring also do so here. Asgard and other realms have also donating some books to help expand the knowledge of humans.”
“Shouldn’t things like that be available to everyone?”
“The originals stay here but Stark Industries is beginning a mass production of the books safe for the public.” Pepper spoke up to answer.
“Safe for the public?” Christine asked concerned.
“The books containing knowledge of things like magic remain here. They are protected by spells that only someone with the required knowledge and necessary skill can read them. The average citizen should not have access to such books.”
She nodded in understanding and once they left the area she directed them to the last stop on the tour which was the office for new people to submit their application.
“This is the last place on the tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed it.”
“Very much, please let everyone know we’re thankful for their time. I was hoping that Mr. Stark would be available for questions though.”
“I can see if he’s available.” She offered and summoned her phone when Christine gave confirmation.
She dialed her son’s number and waited to see if he’d pick up. He usually did if it was her. When she heard his voice she smiled.
“Anthony, I have Lady Christine here wishing to speak with you if you’re available.”
“Wait, Everheart?” He asked surprised.
“Yes, she and her crew are here today for the tour. Are you at the compound?”
“Um yeah but I’m busy. Dad came to visit.”
She was surprised. She hadn’t sensed his arrival.
“I shall let her know then.”
There was pause before he answered.
“Look, if it’s a few questions you can bring her here. Dad says he doesn’t mind, he knows how it is when people need your attention. We’re in the residents only living room.”
“Very well, we’ll see you in a few.”
She hung up sending her phone back to her pocket dimension.
“You are quite fortunate today. Anthony is in the residents only area with his father. He is allowing me to bring you there though I’m afraid this visit will have to be a short one.”
They nodded in understanding and followed her. The resident area had a private kitchen, living room, gaming room, bedrooms, and workshops. Tony was sitting in the living room looking like he’d come straight from bed to sit with his father. His hair was a mess and he was wearing Fantastic Four themed sleeping pants and Hulk themed slippers. In his hand was a coffee mug that had Loki’s helmet on it. Zeus was seated across from him wearing the appearance of Howard Stark.
“Anthony, did you only recently get up?” Hela asked, her tone scolding for her son to have slept in so late.
“Um yes? I didn’t sleep in on purpose. I had to deal with some business overseas so I was up late with that.”
She huffed in annoyance as she disliked his schedule getting messed up. She knew she was being overprotective, to long away from her child had caused this.
“You needn’t mother him so, he is an adult now.”
“I’m aware.” She told Zeus. “These mortals have come to ask our son some questions.”
Zeus looked at them seeing the mortals that looked like they’d seen a ghost.
“Yes, Anthony mentioned that. Good morrow humans.”
“You really are Howard Stark.”
He nodded.
“Yes, I thought it better to wear this appearance while here.”
“It isn’t morning anymore dad. It’s one in the afternoon.”
Zeus didn’t care as he got up taking Tony’s mug that the young god only now realized was empty.
“I shall refill this while they ask their questions. You should put on a shirt; it is improper to be half naked in front of guests.”
Tony grumbled while Hela summoned a shirt for him. He put it on not realizing it was a spiderman themed shirt.
“So, what juicy questions have you brought for me. I’m dying to know.” Tony said grinning easily at the group.
“Well I thought I should ask the questions everyone’s dying to have answered. What’s it like being a god?”
He rubbed his cheeks.
“Well being young again is awesome. Well except having to be carded now. Hercules made me take him barhopping and each time I was carded. I’d be insulted if it wasn’t such a compliment.” He answered with a grin.
Christine laughed before she asked her second question.
“How have things been since learning your parents are alive and that you have more family than you thought?”
Tony snorted.
“Chaotic but that’s what you get for having an uncle who is a god of mischief. I’m still getting use to a lot of things. I mean mom took me on a trip to the realm of the dead. Not sure if you know this but there’s a lot of people I never thought I’d meet that I can now. I actually sat down for tea with Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley. If I’d ever said that’d be something I would do years ago Pepper and Rhodey would have admitted me the hospital.”
Christine’s eyes widened as she turned to Hela.
“Really?”
“Of course, they are quite interesting people. I very much enjoy Elvis’s music.”
Christine didn’t seem to know how to respond to that.
“I asked mom to let me tell some of those from before the internet about it. See what would happen. She said no because she didn’t think it’d be nice to tell them what the thing that has all the information you could ever possibly want being used for facebook and cat videos.” Tony pouted as he said this.
“I’m sure they’d cry and that isn’t something we need.” Hela told him.
“That…does seem like it wouldn’t be nice. Although there’s more than just facebook and cat videos.”
Tony chuckled.
“Oh sure there is. There’s fanfiction where people pair up their favorite superheroes and movie characters, porn, and sites for people to troll each other. Yeah they’d be happy to know about that.”
Hela raised a brow at him.
“What is fanfiction?”
Tony’s eyes widened and he looked away.
“No idea, Carol told me about it.”
“You better not be blaming me for that.” Carol said as she walked out with Peggy at her side.
Tony’s face turned red as he was caught.
“It’s stories people write, a lot of them like to pair people up that aren’t actually together. Some of them are very good.” Peggy said as she passed by.
“Why does such a thing exist?” Hela asked.
“People enjoy it.” Carol shrugged as she left with Peggy.
Zeus returned and set the filed mug in front of Tony.
“I’m sure many would be interested to know that Tony Stark reads fanfiction.” Christine said with an amused smile. “For all those that will be watching this later, who’s your favorite pairing?”
“What? I don’t read my teammates and friends being paired up.” He denied loudly. “I like the stories where people try to imagine what goes on behind the scenes with the team. You know like what we do when we hang out. Seriously, I know I have a reputation but I don’t cross that line with my friends. Although to the fans who think we have game night you’re absolutely right. And those who believe there’s disasters in the compound you’re right to. Some of us can’t cook to save our lives and we’ve almost had to rebuild the kitchen. Surprisingly Deadpool can cook but he has weird hours. I woke up to him dancing around naked in the kitchen to Lady Gaga while making pancakes at five in the morning. It was a weird day.”
“They were good pancakes though.” Hela added.
“Are you serious?” Christine asked no doubt thinking it was a joke.
“Deadly serious. Logan can cook which is a surprise to but he threatens people with his claws if anyone tries to take some. Deadpool still tries and Loki had also but unlike Deadpool he succeeded. Kurt and Colossus have shared some of their favorite dishes from their home countries. Those were pretty good.”
“Maybe we’ll see an Avengers’ cookbook in the future.” Christine joked but Tony’s eyes lit up.
“Yes! Mom we’re doing this.”
Hela shook her head with a smile as Tony was now on his feet running out of the room to share the idea with the others.
“I believe that is the end of the interview.”
She escorted the group out and once they had driven off Loki appeared at her side.
“Oh I can’t wait until this airs. I wonder how quickly the rogues will attempt to storm the castle.”
Hela grinned, all teeth.
“Oh I do hope they try. I want to put an end to them. Sadly, I cannot kill them for it would upset my son.”
“The most enjoyable revenge does not come with death. You rule over the dead though so give it time, you will get your chance to make them suffer.”
“Indeed, now have you heard about Anthony wanting to make a cookbook?”
Loki burst out laughing.