LAURA LESBEN

A girl, or woman rather - comes to New York with one purpose. To piss off the Hulk. Now...why would anyone in their right mind want to do that unless they had a death wish? Well, you just answered your question - Lara Leben has a death wish... And this hasn't been her first attempt.

After World War Two, the German scientist like many others went to work to try to recreate the super-solider serum that had turned Steve Rodgers into Captain America. Though, she had no intention of creating a super solider - after being forced to work for Hydra, the scientist wanted to do some good in the world. Her intention was to unlock the regeneration abilities the serum had given Steve Rodgers...only something went terribly wrong.

Having lost their credibility for being one of Hydras leading research facilities, she had no on to fund her work - and at the time, it was hard for women to find jobs in her field... Lara grew desperate - to the point where she and her lab partner, Jakov, became the lab-rats. Needless to say - the managed to unlock the serums ability...but with negative effects. Jakov's cells continued to multiply on a cellular level - his whole body became cancerous and uncontrolled until he could no longer function. He died soon after. Lara, on the other hand - lived. And lived. And lived.

Lilian Ross
Before being hired by S.H.I.E.L.D. as a consultant on all things magical Lilian made her living running a magic book store and leasing out her particular set of skills out as a sort of privet/psychic detective. She still runs her store and on occasion will help out someone who comes into her shop looking for assistance. Most of her time is taken up by S.H.I.E.D. They have a fondness for sending her all over the world whether it be to utilize her powers by stopping some crazed occultist or for research purposes.

Blue eyes fell upon New York with a new hopefulness. Her end was within these city walls. Her hands, steady with years of practice with test tubes and beakers absentmindedly found the small knot of scarred skin on her left arm – the injection site where she had injected herself with the untested formula all those years ago. It was the only scar on her body – despite the abuse she had heaped onto it over the years. With a sigh, Laura turned away from the window. It wouldn’t be easy finding him here... New York was like a metal jungle – and although she lived through all the changes and advances, Laura had spent most of her life in the most obscure places – searching for the most potent poisons, the deadliest animals, and fiercest fighters and assassins. Imagine their confusion, as those killers, who have never missed a mark repeatedly failed in killing a defenceless young blonde. A small smile graced her lips at the memory of a particularly hot-headed assassin she met. It took him 62 times to give up...Not a particularly fun three days, since his method consisted of decapitation...

The train began to slow now, and as it halted to a stop, Laura found herself rubbing her neck as she stood. Stretching, she grabbed her bag from the compartment above her. A small, ratty old thing. It held a few changes of clothes, and countless beakers, containing samples of the deadliest poisons she found over the years. Laura hoped, that in time, she could use one of them to help create a serum to counteract the effects of her original one.

Stepping off the train, she made her out of the train station, her eyes scanning the streets. “Now... how hard is it going to be to find him? This city is hu-“ Laura stopped mid sentence. Blinking rapidly in her confusion, before chuckling to herself. “I heard Tony Stark had a big ego... but I never imagined he would need to over-compensate so much.” Shrugging her shoulders, she shifted her bag onto her back before setting off to Stark Tower.

---

Pepper stood on the roof of Stark Tower, a martini in her hand, and her Blackberry on her hip. “I think I distinctly remember Tony telling me the next tower would say ‘Potts’ on it.” She mused to herself.

“Technically Ms. Potts, this is the same tower.”

“Thank you Jarvis.” The red head said, smirking at the AI. “Is Tony still in the lab with Bruce?” She asked, taking a sip from her drink and checking her latest e-mail from her phone as she headed back into the tower.

“Yes Ms. Potts.”

“Alright than, I guess I’ll post pone all his meetings for the day...”

“And Mr. Banner’s as well, Ms. Potts?”

“Bruce has a meeting?” The red head asked confused. She knew of Bruce’s...anger management problems. And, so far the only people who ever met with him included S.H.I.E.L.D and the other Avengers...And as far as she knew, none of those were planned for today.

“Yes. A young woman has requested an audience with him this afternoon. In fact, she just arrived and is waiting downstairs in the Lobby.”

“Thanks Jarvis, send her up to the meeting room in the Penthouse. I’ll go let the boys know.”

“Very well Ms. Potts.”

Stepping into the elevator, Pepper headed towards the science floor...or the nerd-workshop as she so affectionately nicknamed it. Swiping her card, she stepped into the chemically-scented lap.

“Hey boys, sorry to disturb your play time...But Bruce has a visitor.” She said, sauntering over to Tony, wrapping her arm around his waist and planting a kiss on his cheek. “She’s waiting in the penthouse.”

AC/DC played out of the speakers in the lower level of Stark Tower. Tony was standing in front of a his newest baby, a smaller, less weaponized version of his Iron Man suit for Pepper. Behind him Bruce was rechecking that everything was operational and any bugs had been worked out. They had been working on the more feminine suit for the last week now and it was just about finished. Another project he had come to New York to help with.Tony had been right he had never seen anything like Tony's personal lab.

"Everything looks good." He called over the music. He never really worked with so much noise going on but it didn't seem to bug Tony and it was his workshop.Looking up from the screen he took in the suit. It was a nice design, slimmer then Tony's suit and obviously made for a woman. " So when are you going to give it to her?"


"When she does something really good." Looking away from the suit, and the mental picture of his little red head in it, he glanced over at Bruce smirking. The soft ding of the elevator and the doors sliding open."Or now." Turning to face Pepper the billionaire smiled wrapping his arm around her waist when she settled in next to him.

"A visitor?" Running a hand through his dark hair the scientist wore a confused expression. The only woman he could think of that would be visiting him was Natasha, but Pepper knew the Russian assassin and the S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't normally come to Stark Tower.

Looking over Pepper's head at the fellow Avenger Tony raised an eyebrow, "Been holding out on us Brucie. You never told me you had a lady love."

Blushing at the comment, " I don't." Focusing on the woman at Tony's side he asked, " In the penthouse. okay. I'll...I'll be right back." Turning away from the couple Bruce entered the elevator and hit the Penthouse button. He really couldn't figure out who would even know he was here. He hadn't told anyone he was going to be in New York, not that he had many people to tell. Fury and the rest always seemed to know where he was but that was it.

As the elevator doors shut Tony turned back to his own lady love. Leaning down he kissed the top of her head. "So I have a present for you."



------------------------------------------------------------------------

With several plastic bags full of food Lillian made her way up the stairs. She had just gotten back from a month long trip from Italy, curtsey of S.H.I.E.L.D., and her kitchen was in desperate need for food. Setting the bags down in front of her apartment door she fished her keys out of her pocket. The dark haired woman hadn't been in Portland in such a long time. Unlocking her front door the magic user let out a frustrated breath narrowing her hazel eyes at the sight of the darkly dressed man standing in her living room as if his name was on his lease. "Fury." She said as a way of greeting as she moved her bags inside. She would just have to give away all of her frozen food, again.

"We need you in Brazil." Turning to face the woman Fury followed her into the kitchen.

" What is it this time?" With her back to him she began putting away the food that would still be good in a few months. She hadn't thought that she would be traversing the world looking into anything even remotely magical."Medicine woman raising the dead?"

"No." The word held enough authority to convoy that this was not one of her optional consulting jobs. "High energy signatures have been popping up all centered around one location. They are neither Gamma or any other type known to us." It was a good guess that they were magic based.

" Let me pack."

The disembodied voice had told her to make herself comfortable. So, she set her bag down on the edge of the couch and headed towards the bar that was in the corner of the room. Not that she was thirsty...but the man she was meeting with may be. It took her a moment, but she managed to figure out how to work the coffee machine – why did the coffee pot need to be so high tech? – though, all the buttons, and the elegance of the place made her feel out of place what with her white tang top and blue jeans. That didn’t really matter though; it was just a passing thought. Pouring two mugs, she noticed her hands were shaking as she reached for them. Closing her eyes for a moment, she opened them and quickly reached for the bottle of vodka – she was told to make herself comfortable – and downed a mouthful. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she took a deep breath before reaching for the mugs again, this time with steady hands.

With sad eyes she made her way back to the couch, setting the two mugs on the table. Hopefully throwing a scalding cup of coffee on the scientist would set him off... The sooner the better at this point. Hopefully the green monster would than calm down, or leave the city afterwards, she didn’t want to endanger others – but she would hopefully be dead, and not have to worry about the repercussions for her actions.

Hearing the elevator ding, and the metal doors open with a quiet ‘whoosh’ she turned around, a friendly smile on her face. Standing, she walked around the couch to greet Bruce Banner – the man that was going to help save her.

“Mr. Banner! It’s nice to finally meet you. My name is Laura Lesban.” She said, putting her plan into action already, by shaking his hand with an overly strong shake. She had to do her best to annoy him – get him angry. “I hope I didn’t interrupt you, but you’re a very hard man to find... And I’ve been waiting a long time to see you.”

--

Pepper closed her eyes, leaning into the kiss before pulling away, her hand still around his hip as she eyed him skeptically. Letting a Cheshire grin cross her face, her eyes lit up. “You’re going to put ‘Potts’ on the tower?” She asked, sounding hopeful. “I mean, it’s about time Tony...but what’s the occasion? My birthday isn’t until next month.” Not that Tony needed an excuse to get her gifts – in fact, when they first started dating – officially – she had often found flowers and small gifts waiting for her at the office... Some rather inappropriate, that required skillful explaining to her coworkers. “No, Happy... I swear, that was a silk sample for the curtains Tony is getting made for me...Not a set of lingerie.” She still didn’t think he bought it, but at least it shut him up.

Her phone buzzed at her side, and as quick as lighting the blackberry was in her hand. “Hold that thought, it’s the office...You know, you think they would be used to rescheduling meetings by now.” She mumbled, mostly to herself, her brows knitted together as her fingers flashed away to reply. And, after a moment the phone was once again placed at her side. Pepper Pots, ever the business woman. “So, where were we? I think you were just agreeing to rename my baby.” She said, winking at the genius billionaire ex-playboy philanthropist.
--

Of all the Guards...Why Midguard? He had just suffered a horrible defeat here, not even a month ago. Stomping his foot in a childish fit of rage, the God of Mischief quickly observed his surroundings. This defiantly wasn’t that blasted city ‘New York’ [Where was Old York? Humans were so odd.] In fact, he would bet that he wasn’t even in the same country, as people where weren’t speaking English, and had darker complexions.

With a huff of indignation, he quickly altered his dress to match the common folk of this...village. He knew that he had underestimated S.H.I.E.L.D and the Avengers last time...and it wouldn`t happen again. He was willing to bet that they already knew he was here.... after all, it did take quite a bit of magic to get him out of the jail cell – a lot of uncontrolled magic...which was why he was back on Midguard and not where he wanted to be. A clasp of thunder struck above him, and he gulped. Thor couldn`t possibly have gotten here already? Well, let his blonde brother come and try to re-take him...It wouldn’t be so easy this time. Turning swiftly on his heel, Loki blended into the crowd. The only English sign visible for a stretch read “Welcome to Brazil.”

The jet had landed one hour ago in a private hanger not far from the actual airport.Lilian had been given that single hour to get herself settled into the hotel and gather what ever she needed before they took her to the main focus point of the energy signatures. The quick knock on her door was the only warning she got before Fury, followed by three other S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, walked into the hotel room they had paid for. Trust him to have a key to her room.

Gathering up the books, crystals and other stuff she would need she placed each one in a smaller duffel bag. Slinging it over her shoulder she turned back towards the director and other agents. " Ready when you are."

Fury nodded before signaling for the other agents. He disagreed with a lot of the councils decisions. They were after all a bunch of politicians who made stupid ass decisions- most of the time. Hiring someone who knew more then them about the magic that was passable as a smart choice. So far Miss Ross hadn't disappointed him. However they had hired her only a month ago, only days after the Loki situation. He had worked with more difficult people before. The image of a faded t-shirt wearing smart ass can to mind.

-----------------
He only had a few seconds to take in the blond woman standing in Tony's penthouse before she was standing him front of him shaking his hand. With a grip that was stronger then she looked. Bruce was use to strong woman.

When he got over her strong grip, sliding his hand away from her and flexing it at his side. He took her in fully. Searching his brain for anyone he could have known that would one know he was in New York and two be looking for him he came up blank. " I'm...sorry Miss Lesban but I don't believe we've ever met."

She didn't look like one of the girls Tony was always throwing in his direction, which he would always be polite to when he told them that he wasn't interested. She wasn't as...flashy as those girls. "Why is it you've been looking for me." The thought wormed it's way into his mind that she could be after the Other Guy.That...that could be a problem. Taking a step back away from her he moved around the little blond to the bar. Wanting space between them until he knew her purpose here.
---------------------------------

Tony watched as her fingers flew along the key board till he grew bored and leaned in to rest his face into her neck and play with the ends of her hair. She really was amazing. " Nope. I got you something better." Placing a kiss on her exposed neck he moved so that he was standing in front of her.

" I made it myself and everything." Well with Bruce's help but that would totally take away from the gift. Smiling down at her he took hold of her thin shoulders before turning her around so she was facing the,her,suit. " I figured you could use a new outfit."

It looked just like his Iron Man suit, Bruce had suggested a different color scheme but he liked the idea of his little red head's suit being clearly tied to his own. Running his hands up and down his arms his lips twitched into a little smile. " You like?"
-------

The jeep pulled up next to what looked like an old building. She had already figured out that the energy was magical, the air was alive with it. As they got closer to the building S.H.I.E.L.D. was using as a base of operation she could practically taste it. Whatever was going on was powerful and was getting stronger. "Have you located the exact location?" The magic was mixed into the air and with out the time to properly scry for the source it would be way more helpful is they had more then a vague location.


" Yes. We are dropping off one of the agents before we head down to the location." Fury informed her as they parked in front of the building. The clouds over head gathered to indicate an incoming storm. The man sitting in the back with her climbed out of the jeep before he saluted to Fury and made his way inside.

The location of the energy source was a an open field not far from a local village. Taking one look at the symbols that were scorched into the ground Lillian pulled out on of the thicker tomes from her bag." It's magical. Strong, very very strong." Strong magic always had to potential to be either very good or very very bad. She had a feeling it was bad. Ripping open her book she dropped down to the ground tracing a finger along one of the marks as she flipped through the book to match the symbols.

Laura chuckled at herself, as if she was just now realizing how this must look to the other. Playing it up before leaving Bruce behind the bar to head back towards the couch. “No, you’re right. We haven’t... But I’ve read all your published works on gamma radiation, and any unpublished ones I could get my hands on.” She said, pausing for a brief moment to take a sip of the still-hot coffee. “You’re quite the commodity in the science community, as I’m sure you already know...And that’s kind of why I’m here.” Taking a deep breath, she turned in the couch so she was facing him. She really had to be careful. She couldn’t have him catching on to her plan – he might get the wrong idea and think that she was here to somehow...capture him, as many who sought him out were wont to do. That wasn’t the goal at all... She was here to play with the Hulk. Luckily despite her rag-tag travel clothes, she expressed herself as a woman of science – which was what she was.

“I know your initial research was based on the super-solider serum, and I know it went horribly, horribly wrong.” Pausing thoughtfully, she looked down at the steaming mug in her hands. “I’ve had a similar ‘accident’ – and I think that you’re the only man that can help me.” Of course, she didn’t have much to offer in the way of a reward – because if all went well, she would be dead. But in her will, it was decided that all her research would go to him – because maybe...just maybe there would be something there that could help him get rid of his own problem.

“Look... I mean, I know this is sudden for you.” She said, standing up and grabbing the other mug. “But I’ve run out of options here, and I can’t fix this problem on my-” Expertly feinting a trip, the mug – and the steaming cup of coffee flew out of her hands towards Bruce. The other, stayed her in hands, smashing on the floor as she tried to catch herself. “Goddammit!” She swore, holding her hand to her chest, feeling the small bits of glass in her palm. Snapping her head up, she contorted her face into a sorry look – but he eyes were hopeful, watching him for any reaction. “I’m so sorry!” She stammered out, standing up her tang top already stained with coffee and blood. Though, what she really wanted to say was Come on, get angry! ...Are you mad yet? It was a long shot of course... This guy probably meditated three times a day, drank green tea, and avoided red meat.

---

The blonde Asguardian yelled in a rage as a terrified looking guard brought him the news. You would be terrified as well if you had to tell Thor – song of Odin and God of Thunder that his brother has escaped under your watch. “How did he escape? The rainbow bridge is not yet functional, at this point we are unsure if it will ever be able to function again.” The blonde giant finally said, his hand gripping the hammer at his side.
“I-I do not know. There are traces of magic left in the cell...powerful magic. We are under the impression that Amora aided him in escaping.”
“Amora...Damn that enchantress!” Thor said thunderously. “Do we know where he has escaped to? He must be returned to face his justice.”
“Midguard.” The nervous guard gulped. Thor stood up promptly in his rage.
“Tell my father I will be leaving.” Before he swung his hammer, letting it take him to planet Earth.

---

Steve Rodgers saluted to Nick Fury before making his way inside the building. It was his job to set up a parameter and scout for any sources of disturbance. After an alien attack one would think that he would be used to all the crazy things going on around him – but as the brunette and Fury spoke in the Jeep, he kept quiet. Magic. It was unreal.

Talking to a team of scientist in the base, he asked how far around the ‘magic’ signature went. After being given the route, he took a team of five other men and headed out. He was dressed as a normal S.H.I.E.L.D agent...Fury thought it best not to attract too much attention. Leaving the compound, a large bang caught his attention, followed by a large man.
“Thor!” He exclaimed. It was good to see a familiar face...albeit one that still baffled him somewhat. “Did Fury call you back here?” He asked. The large blonde shook his head, looking Grave.

“No, but I must speak with him right away... I fear Loki has returned to Midguard.” Upon seeing the Captain’s look, Thor corrected himself. “Earth.”
“Right, well... If he didn’t learn his lesson the first time, we can make sure he gets it this time around!” Turning around as someone cleared their throat, he nodded.
“I have to go set up a parameter...Fury should be at the site now, if you’d like to go see him.”
“Very well! I will see you soon brother!” Thor said, nodding his head and fallowing the trail of magic as the Super Solider left with his small group to set up.

---

“Tony...I-I... It’s amazing!” She exclaimed. Her mind racing. What was it for? ...What could it do? Would she be able to fly now?! She walked up to it slowly, taking a step before cocking her head in Tony’s direction as if asking if she could touch it. The metal was cold on her fingertips, and a small gasp escaped her mouth as it formed an ‘o’. Did this mean he wanted her to join the Avengers with him? The idea was a little absurd and over the top, but she felt her heart rate increase at the thought. She would never have to sit back and watch Tony fly into a...giant space hole ever again!

“What’s it for? I mean...I know what’s it for... But I can’t fight, I mean, I took martial arts as a girl but that’s not the same at all.” She was rambling now. A rare thing for Pepper. It was obvious Tony had caught her off guard –something he would be proud of no doubt. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself down before turning to him.

“Thank you Tony!” She said, her arms snaking around her neck as she placed a lingering kiss on his lips. “I don’t think I’ll be able to wear it to the benefit... But I love it!”

Slipping off his glasses and tucking them into the pocket of his blazer Bruce listened to Laura. So she was here for him as a scientist, that wasn't a problem. Blushing lightly at the commodity comment him ran his fingers along one of the glasses Tony had left on the bar.

Eyes averted he ran a hand through his dark hair before he hear the blond scientist swear. Eyes darted up in time to catch sight of the cup of hot liquid slammed into his chest. Stepping back in shock as coffee seeped into his shirt and onto his skin. Bruce took a deep breath feeling that twinge of anger coat his insides. The Other Guy wasn't slipping through, he had this under control. He hadn't lost control since the incident on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s plane.

'It's...It's okay." A reassurance to her as well as himself. Pulling the ends of the shirt away from his skin he focused on something other then the slight burning sensation across his stomach.

Looking up he took in the blood and coffee that stained her top. "oh are you okay?" Moving around from behind the bar Bruce stood near the bar, still a good distance away, hands raised in case she needed help up but also to keep anything from hitting him again.

---------

A genuine smile lite his face while he watched Pepper gush over the suit. It was some of his best work of course. He had put more time into it then he had his original suit but the suit was made to keep Pepper safe. Even if she never had to wear it it had done a fine job of rattling the unshakable Pepper Potts. The genuine smile changed into a Stark trade mark smirk.

A chuckle slipped past his lips despite the knot that his stomach had tied it's self into. She thought he had built her the suit so that she could fight. Silly brave woman. "No, no you won't be doing any fighting. It's to keep you safe. You know when I'm off saving the world." He shrugged as if he didn't wake up most nights in a cold sweat with the feeling of free falling through space still clinging to his body.

Wrapping his arms around her waist to keep her against him he grinned down into her face. "Well I have a few choice things you could wear to those." The look on his face telling her just how little he would prefer she wore. He liked showing her off. Of course he would like more if they ditched the benefits and got right to the fun part of the night.

----

Her knees and the back of her green shorts were getting stained dirty and the more and more she translated the less she cared. " It's a summoning circle. Something very powerful was sent here."

Glancing up at the sky as a particularly loud clap of thunder Lilian worried her bottom lip. The magic had an unfamiliar under current that danced along her skin . Even with out that feeling it had taken some time to translate the symbols and even know she wasn't sure what they actually said. She would need to get back to her hotel room to gather the rest of her supplies if Fury wanted her to track what ever had been brought to this plane.

For his part Nick Fury simply watched the magic user scoot along in the dirt flipping through her book and muttering words he couldn't hear. Powerful. She said it was something not of this world and it was powerful. They had slowly started rebuilding New York after the last visitor had totaled Manhattan. Turning to the agent, " Has the perimeter been set up yet."

They couldn't have another Loki fiasco. They would have to move quickly to contain..it. What ever this powerful thing was. Looking back over at their consultant who was back to flipping through her book and muttering to herself. the clap of thunder and the sound of something whirling drew his attention. Was that...Yes it was Thor. What was the God of thunder doing back on earth?
"Thor." He called out keeping his eyes on the flying God.
----

Kang, or Nathaniel as was his birth name, stepped out of the portal taking in the barren land before him. This past was so...primitive. It was hard to believe that it had been this time that had given birth to the Avangers. Earth mightiest heroes. By this point his dimension ad already colonized the moon. He had been travel through the different dimension of earth for some time easily conquering over the heroes of that time. Now However history had shown that these Avangers had potential to be worth opponents, though they would fall.

Damn. Damn. Dammit. Damn. Damn. Damn!’ Seemed to be the only thing running through her mind at the moment. It hadn’t worked, and she feigned her trip a little too expertly – causing not only Bruce, but herself to be covered in coffee. Letting out a sigh of defeat, she opened her palm to assess the damage. Her body was already pushing the shards of the mug out of her hand. Frowning at it, she closed her palm. She didn’t really want Bruce to know just what her own little accident did to her – and having to explain where the blood came from without having any scratches on her palm might be a bit difficult. Squeezing her hand to push the shards back in, she bit her lip, took a big breath, and turned to look at Bruce who was also sopping wet. “Yeah, I’m fine – I’ve just been a bit clumsy since getting back to the city, the terrain in Africa is so different, I guess I just got used to it. I’m sorry about your shirt.” She added as an afterthought.

“Is everything alright?” The disembodied voice was back, and it made her jump slightly.
“Um... yes?” She answered – unsure if it could hear her... apparently it had, because soon after a little robot appeared to clean the mess up. “Do you ever get used to that?” She asked Bruce, now pulling her own shirt off her skin. Great, its white too... What a mess, I really should have thought this out better. I should just get out of here as quick as I can before I mess this up even further.

“Look, I’m sorry again. Maybe I should just get out of here for now before I break anything else. You’re probably very busy anyway – I could leave my number, and if you ever get a spare moment maybe we could nerd-it-up over dinner – lunch if you prefer?” She offered, stepping backwards now towards the couch and her backpack. Hand still clutched to her chest.

--

She couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Did she really want to fight that much? Or maybe it was because Tony thought she could actually sit back and watch while he was stupidly brave enough to fly into another giant space portal filled with giant space worms and vicious aliens! She saw what it did to him... heck, she still had nightmares about watching him die in various ways to help save the planet. Luckily, she wasn’t one to moan and groan while she had a night mare...but Tony, she often times caught him awake at night, waking from some terror or another. Frowning up at him as he pulled her tighter, she couldn’t help but let a small grin cross her lips. We will just have to talk about that later..

“I’m sure you do.” She said, her hands wrapping around his as well and her head falling into his chest. Her lips were about to find his neck when Jarvis interrupted.

“Sorry to interrupt. But a slight raise in heart rate was noticed in Mr.Banner. His guest, Miss Lesban, spilled come coffee on him and herself. Blood has been detected.”

Putting her head back into his chest for a moment, she pulled away. Businesses like once again. “We should probably go check on them.” She said, her own flash of worry crossing her features. Tony had insisted that Bruce was safe, but one could never be too certain....

---

The Blonde Asgardian nodded his hello to Fury. Looking around at the circle. He frowned, recognizing the markings. It was old magic indeed, and very powerful. He himself wasn't sure what some of the markings met specifically - for in Asgard this magic had been banned due to its unpredictable nature and potential to be used for evil purposes.

"Amora has touched on some very poweful magic, to break Loki out of Asguard." He stated, looking Gravely at the symbol on the ground. Not quite realizing the earthlings may not have knowledge of Witch.
"I will ensure that both of them will be brought back to Asguard to face their punishments." He told Fury - his eyes falling onto the girl who was moving around the circle reading the patterns. Could a human really have knowledge of Asguardian symbols?

"You there. Girl. What book is it that you're comparing Asguardian symbols too...Surely no human literature would contain such things." He said, walking over in his confident fashion.

Keeping the distance between them Bruce took in the drops of blood smeared on her white tank top ans well as the pool of red liquid the was leaking form her clenched fist. She said it was fine but that looked like an awful lot of blood. "Don't worry about it,...but ,uh,your hand. Are you sure you're okay?"

Taking a half step, really it was more like he shifted her body in her direction then actually have taken a step, " I can get JARVIS to alert Ton..Mr. Stark.If you need a first aid kit or something else?" He was never good with blood though he was becoming use to it. He made no other move to stop her retreat other then to offer Tony's help in getting her hand looked at. The thought of unleashing the hulk must had startled her. Bruce really couldn't blame her. Natasha still moved away from him at the first sign that he might lose control.

Though with offer of lunch and to ' nerd it up', as she put it, an awkward smile formed on his lips. "Yes lunch would be nice. It'll give us more time to talk." Tony was really the only other person he talked to about science. Still the ex-playboy didn't have the love of discovering the unknown like Bruce did. It would be nice to sit and talk to another scientist. "Are you sure you want to leave with out getting that looked at first?" He didn't want her roaming around New York with an open wound. This wasn't Africa, he'd have to remember to ask what type of work she had been doing there, and he was sure Pepper would want to make sure no one left Stark Tower bleeding.

-------
JARVIS always interrupted the fun parts. Though an elevated heart rate on Bruce was cause for slight concern. He had faith that old Bruce would be able to keep his little condition under control if spilled coffee was it. It his visitor made him bleed, glancing down at Pepper then back at he suit, that could be a problem.

The new and improved Stark tower had built in measures encase their big green friend ever made an unwelcome appearance. He had had Bruce bring out the big guy and go crazy in one of the rooms. It would hold him but that would trap his female visitor in their with him. Pepper would skin him alive if he didn't make sure their would be no blood shed in her baby. Giving a sigh of half defeat, " Well finish this later, yes?" He moved away from the red head towards the elevator.

"I'll go check on Bruce. You stay here and check out your new toy." His smirk and voice were his normal laid back tone. JARVIS would have informed them if his friends heart rate reach a critical level no reason to worry over it. Still the part of his mind, which was pretty large, put Pepper's safety first. If there was a chance that the Hulk was going to come out to play then being down her with her suit was the best place to be. Hitting the elevator button he waited as the light signaled it was making it's way down from the Penthouse.

---
Loki. That pit in his stomach since Miss Ross had mentioned magic transformed it's self into the beginnings of a migraine. That spoiled cocky God was back on his planet and no doubt was going to stir up trouble. Narrowing his one good eye he went over how long it would take to assemble(( I had to use that word)) the Avangers, and the ass chewing he was going to have to put up with from the Council.

Now Thor tells him that Loki once again has help. Great so now they had two Gods running around earth. Considering all the damage Loki himself was able to do, turning some of his best men in to puppets and unleashing war on Manhattan, Fury was not looking forward to this. Turning away from Thor to shout out orders into the walki-talki he had ripped off of his side. "Rogers, do you read me? We've got an old Asgardian friend that came for a visit. He brought a date. I want them found, I'm sending more men to help with the parameter lock.Over." Directing his good eye to the agent standing by the jeep he called out, his gun making it's way out of it's holster and into his right hand. "Radio the base and tell them to send every available agent out. Tell them Loki is back on Earth and to use extreme caution."

He was starting to regret not taking taking Barton and Romanova with him to Brazil. S.H.I.E.L.D. had needed them else where though. They would be briefed on the situation when their current mission was complete.
---

Half listening to the conversation going on behind her Lilian moved on to another symbol. Though is the bits and pieces she had picked up from the conversation behind her were right they already knew WHO it was that had been summoned here. She would need to focus more on a way to track the magics signature before it faded or the source was to far out of range. Stopping her mental check list of ingredients she looked up at the tall blond man standing before her. It was her first time meeting one of the Avangers, she like every other American had been glued to her TV during the attack on New York.

Taking in his question she looked down at the aforementioned book. The page looked to be written in some lost Nordic alphabet though there was slight differences in some of the lettering. The similarities were close enough that she had deduced the meanings of most of the rune symbols in the circle. The arrogance in his stance and question put her on the defensive.She wasn't worried he'd attack but she had dealt with enough people to know when they thought she had no clue as to what she was doing.Most people didn't believe in magic to begin with let alone fathom that some woman in her late twenties would be proficient in it.

"It's a book of ancient magic. Like the kind used to summon your...kind to earth back in the days when humans actually believed in you." Unfolding herself from the crouched position she had taken on the ground. Wanting to shoe off just a bit, to whip that confident look off the man...god's face she held her hand out above the book she had left on the ground, "libro ortum" the large leather bound rose slowly from the ground before she garbed it mid air. It was a little show of magic just enough to show that she knew what she was doing. The hand not occupied with the book rested on the hip of her short green cargo shorts.