The room was cold and dark smelling strongly of bleach and old blood. There were no windows just a box of cement, steel, flickering fluorescent lights, and a solidary door. In the darkest corner a woman sat, her chained hands laying limply in her lap. She had been stuck with needles, some injecting unknown substances and others taking her precious life blood, they cut into her beautiful skin to study her healing abilities, they withheld water and food for days on end just to see how long she would last, and while all these atrocities occurred she was interrogated ruthlessly as if she were a murderer.

Today however had been different, there were no tortures or forced starvation, in fact the guards brought her new clothes and allowed her to clean herself with a wet rag. Now she sat at a metal table that was bolted to the concrete ground for safety reasons, which made her smirk as she fondly remembered her first interrogation.

"Is there something funny about what I am asking you?" The man before her sneered dangerously. He was not her normal interrogator. No, she finally scared that one off. The man before her was at least a head taller than her with short sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He appeared young but his face showed an eon of experiences.

She cocked her head to the side innocently, her snow white hair leaving her face to show her interrogator the humor and defiance in her molten gold eyes. "Your name?"

The man sighed, "My name is Agent Corbin."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Agent Corbin, I am Astha." She replied sweetly.

"I am well aware who you are, what I need to know is why you are here. Did Odin send you to spy on Earth or are you from another realm?"

"Don't you want to know why I was smiling?" She took his silence as a yes. "I was remembering my first interrogation performed by Agent Kenzie."

Corbin just gave up, it was better to play her games and get some obscure clues than nothing at all. "And what reminded you of that?"

She smiled happily, but her eyes told him of the violence behind that innocent mask. "It came to me when I noticed the table was bolted to the floor. It seems you humans do have some sort of learning curve. Tell me how is Agent Kenzie doing since I bitch smacked him with a metal table?"

Corbin slammed his fist onto the table, "I have had enough of your games! Tell me what I want to know or else!" He placed his hand on his gun holster.

A malicious gleam appeared in her golden orbs, "Or what? You'll shoot me?" She laughed till tears threatened to fall, "You humans are so funny! Your pitiful weapon cannot harm me. By all means shoot me and see what comes of it."

He withdrew his gun and placed the muzzle to her forehead, "Do humanity a favor and die you monster."

Before he could pull the trigger Astha knocked aside the gun and yanked him over the metal table. Corbin hit the ground and rolled jumping back up to face his new opponent. Astha stood before him, her restrains laying on the ground before her in pieces.

"How did you break those restraints? Not even Loki could destroy them…"

Instantly she was in his face with her hand threateningly around his throat. "Loki? You mean Prince Loki?" Corbin nodded, "Do tell how you've come to know such a man."

"He…"

"What the hell is going on in here?" A tall, dark skinned man yelled as he kicked in the door to Astha's quaint room.

Astha dropped Corbin to face her visitor, "Welcome to my humble abode. Are you here to interrogate me or torture me since this miserable human has failed?"

The man shook his head, "No I am here to put a stop to this. I'm sorry ma'am I didn't know the council had ordered any of this. My name is Director Nick Fury, I am the one that is supposed to be in charge of this organization, but as you can see a few politicians like to be a pain in my ass." Fury turned his attention to Corbin who was still sprawled out on the floor too afraid to move. "Get your ass out of my sight before I shoot you!"

"Yes sir!" Corbin scrambled to his feet and ran out of the room like the devil was at his heels. In a sense I supposed he was.

Astha watched the scene warily not sure if she could trust this Nick Fury. "Why did you save me? Do you not believe I am a threat to your precious planet?"

Fury stared her down with this one good eye, he appeared to be debating on his next choice of words. Smart man. "I have been informed that you are not a threat, in fact I was told that no matter the cost I should make you my ally."

"And who informed you of such things?" She demanded, "I have none I'd call friends or allies on this planet."

"Then it is a good thing I am not from this world Lady Astha," A large blonde man wearing armor and a red cape strolled into the room, "It is good to see you again!" He enveloped her in a bear hug.

"Thor!" Astha wheezed, "I can't breathe you big oaf!" She started to squirm in his grip until he finally got the message.

Thor held her out in front of him so Astha was eye level with the massive Asgardian, "I began to worry when I did not receive word from you after your arrival to Earth, Hiemdall assured me the bifrost delivered you unharmed. You were lost to Hiemdall's sight!"

"Yes it did deliver me unharmed and right into the hands of my tormentors. Now let me down this instant, I am not a child nor will I be held like one!"

"Haha you are still as spirited as ever Lady Astha!" Thor laughed, "Isn't she a fiery little thing Nick Fury?"

"Thor that looks like a very angry woman to me." Fury looked on as Astha's irritation grew and Thor was still ever oblivious to it all.

Then with a mighty battle cry Astha head-butted Thor with all her strength forcing him to release her and take a few steps back. "I warned you Thor." She growled holding her forehead, "Odin's beard what is your skull made of?!" They stared at one another for a few tension filled seconds before both burst out laughing.

"That was a daring move Lady Astha perhaps we should spar after you are back to full strength?"

"Please you couldn't handle me at my best Thor."

Fury cleared his throat gaining the two's attention, "I believe we need to have Astha checked out in the infirmary and then show her to her new home."

Thor blushed embarrassed he forgot of his friend's wellbeing, "I am sorry Lady Astha I lost myself to excitement."

"Worry not all is well my friend and I will tell you for the last time not to call me 'Lady', just Astha is fine." She placed her hand on his arm reassuringly before turning her attention to Fury. "Please forgive my manners and let me introduce myself. My name is Astha Augusta Savage of Asgard, but please call me Astha." She curtsied politely. "It is a pleasure to meet you Director Fury."

"The honor is all mine Astha, now let's get you checked out and cleaned up."

Fury left the small room with Thor and Astha behind him chatting away happily. After a few stairwells and bulkheads, Fury leads them into an infirmary of sorts. Inside there were a few cots and shelves cluttered with medical supplies and in the middle of the disorder was a gruff looking middle-aged woman.

"Miss Astha this is Dr. Ava Anja she's going to give you a quick check up and then we'll get you a shower and some clean clothes. Any requests regarding clothes?"

"Whatever is suitable for my station, Thor can assist you with that." Astha mumbled not really paying attention to Fury as the doctor approached her. After her recent run-ins with Midgardian doctors she was not too keen to be examined by one.

Fury nods, "Alright then we'll leave you two to it. Let's go Thor."

It took nearly an hour for the good doctor to fully examine Astha, when all was said and done Dr. Anja cleared her to travel but cautioned against any strenuous activities since her body was still healing from the injuries inflicted by the scientists. After the doctor was done Thor arrived and ushered her into a small room and left her to bath and change.

"Please take your time Astha, there is no need to hurry." Thor smiled kindly down at the petite woman.

"Thank you Thor." She whispered before closing the door.

"As you humans would say, holy shit." Astha marveled at the large building that the S.H.I.E.L.D aircraft landed on. "This is yours?" She looked at Thor in awe, it was almost as glorious as his home in Asgard.

Thor chuckled, "No Astha this place is not mine. This home belongs to Tony Stark, the Man of Iron, I told you about. All the Avengers have a room here we live, work and train together to strengthen our bond as comrades."

"Amazing, I never knew humans could build such things!" Astha exclaimed as she rushed off leaving Thor and Fury as she ran to the edge of the balcony. "Wow we're so high up! Thor look how small the people look from up here!"

Thor chuckled, "Yes it is quite a spectacular view."

Fury shook his head, "Like a kid in a candy store." He continued to walk inside, "Let's go Astha we've got things to do."

"Coming!" She sang and danced to Fury's side, "Sorry I love being in high places."

"I didn't notice," Fury joked while opening the door for her to walk through, "Go on in they don't bite."

"I do!" Astha heard a perverse laugh and turned to see a man with dark hair and goatee laughing his ass off while holding some kind of glass bottle in his hand.

Astha smiled mischievously, "What a charming coincidence I bite as well."

"I like her Fury. Can we keep her?" The dark haired man chuckled, "My name's Tony Stark welcome to the Avenger's mansion a.k.a my tower of badassness." He waved his hand, "Moving right along let's start with the introductions shall we?"

She cocked her hip, "Be my guest Man of Iron."

Tony pointed to the man sitting closest to her. He had short blonde hair and a muscular build. "This handsome strapping young lad is Steve Rodger or Captain America or Capsicle. Young, willing, and still a virgin."

"Stark!" Steve yelled.

"This beautiful lady…"

The red haired woman interrupted, "Natasha Romanov also known as the Black Widow. Stark you might want to let us introduce ourselves before you get hurt."

"Party pooper." Tony whined as he plopped back down in his seat.

Astha turned her attention towards the gentleman sitting next to Natasha, he stood and held out his hand. "Hello I'm Clint Barton, call me Hawkeye." He sat back down next to Natasha.

"How intriguing." Astha grinned, "A demi-god, a spy master, an assassin, a man of iron, and an archer. What a curious combination."

"Don't forget a hulk." Tony threw in, "Dr. Banner is doing some research so he couldn't be here to greet you."

"I see." Astha paused in thought. It took her a moment to realize everyone was staring at her expectantly. "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself again! Hello, my name is…"

"Astha Augusta Savage of Asgard. I must say you look ravishing in your new little outfit." A rich, deep voice called out from behind her.

Out of the corner of her eye she could see something green and only one man wore green and had that voice. Astha turned to see Loki leaning against the wall near a hallway. She was surprised to see him wear Midgardian clothes, he wore simple black slacks and an emerald green button down top with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. While she was dressed in what Thor had said the assassin Natasha wore, the spandex and leather outfit was comfortable but it was a little tight considering she was a little more endowed than the Black Widow. Not to mention the black was a stark contrast to her snow white hair and tan skin.

"Loki." Astha hissed, "Who let you out of your fancy prison? If you need help getting back in I will gladly toss you in arse first."

Loki put his hand over his heart, "You wound me my lady. Not even an "I've missed you" before the insults start?"

"Come a little closer and I give you a real wound to whine about." She popped her knuckles.

"She's got my vote." Natasha whispered to Clint beside her.

"My dear, sweet beautiful…."

"Shove it Loki. Your lies have no magic over me."

Loki sighed, "Since you are not in the mood for games I suppose I can indulge you this one time, love. My brother came to Asgard seeking my assistance, he would not tell me with what, only that it was extremely important. I suppose seeing you made it worth the journey."

"I'm sorry did I ruin your party plans? Next time I'll try not to get captured, tortured, and experimented on, does that work for you my prince?" Violence and sarcasm dripped from each word. "Is the great Loki speechless?"

"Who touched you?" Loki hissed as he magically appeared before her, "I will kill them myself, just give me their names."

"It has already been taken care of Loki." Astha replied sternly, "They have a new found respect for metal tables." She giggled at little at her own inside joke.

Loki grabbed her chin with his hand forcing her to look him in the eye, "Do you speak the truth to me Astha?"

"You tell me Liesmith," She purred, "Do lies come from these lips?"

Slowly he released her and stepped back then waved his hand using magic to change Astha's suit into a beautiful off the shoulder, long sleeved emerald green dress. "The truth has earned you a reprieve from that indecent outfit, no offense Miss Natasha."

Astha took a moment to look over her new attire before pinning Loki with her golden gaze, "Loki you are taking very dangerous liberties by dressing me in your color."

Loki grinned like a madman, "For your protection my lady and nothing more." His green eyes gleamed with mischief as he gave her a slow once over. "Unless you want it to be."

"Am I the only one that feels like I've missed something? I know I'm a genius and all but right now I am completely lost." Tony spoke up.

"It is a rather long story but I will gladly tell it to you," Loki smirked.

"Oh, no you are not telling them anything. The last time you did, I somehow magically ended up bedding you multiple times. Your stories are nothing but lies!" Astha chided.

"My dear you are over exaggerating I have said no such thing."

"Right, so the Warriors Three just made up the part where you told them that you seduced me into your bed where I stayed for three days and nights. You told them I was insatiable and not above begging for what I desired."

Loki paled, "There was lots of alcohol involved when I told that story. I was very, very drunk."

"How convenient for you, Silvertongue."

Tony just about died from laughing so hard, "So let me get this straight you didn't rock his world when you met him? Or did you and you just don't want to admit it?"

"I'm leaving before this gets out of hand," Fury walked out the door rather quickly, Thor following behind him mumbling something about important business.

"Well that's never a good sign." Clint whispered to Natasha.

"No I did not rock his world as you so crudely put it. When will the great God of Mischief learn that pretty words will not get every woman into his bed?"

"Is that a challenge Astha?"

"As far as I am concerned Loki you couldn't handle a challenge from me." She smirked triumphantly, "Tony could you tell me where I may sleep? I am rather tired from today's events."

"Oh no," Tony chuckled, "Not until you tell me what's going on between you and reindeer games. My house my rules."

Astha's golden orbs lit up, "How about we bargain? Tell me first where my room is then I shall tell you what you wish to know."

Without pausing Tony answered, "Down the hall fifth door on the left."

"Thank you," Astha nodded and began to walk towards the hall, brushing past Loki without even a glance. "By Odin's decree Loki and I are betrothed." She slipped out of the room.

Tony looked a Loki, "You lucky bastard."

Loki laughed lightly, "Bastard? Why yes I am, but lucky? Not quite yet, not until I have her underneath me and screaming my name." He left the speechless Avengers sitting in the living room to travel down the hallway towards his room.