Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

        The world moved around me so quickly I couldn't tell where I was. Once I regained some leverage, I readjusted to see what was happening around me. There were so many Chitauri ships around me moving towards a portal. I flew closer and faster toward the portal and got through. Almost immediately after I got through, a large explosion destroyed the ships. Someone was falling toward the portal. I couldn't tell if they would be able to make it through. Just as the portal closed, they made it through but hadn't started moving again.

        Flying towards them, I grabbed their arm and helped them land safely on the ground. A giant green man arrived, along with a man with a shield. They seemed concerned for the person in the red and gold suit. The green man roared, and the man in the suit woke up. He made a bad joke about someone kissing him. Knowing that he was okay, I walked away to try and find my father or uncle and find out what had happened last year.

        "Hey, thank you for saving him. I'm Steve Rogers."

        "Hello, Sir Rogers. I'm Amara Lokisdottier. He is lucky to have survived that at all. Even if someone else had saved him from falling from his death, many men don't survive from the feeling of a blast like that."

        I noticed Steve's guard went up when I told him my last name just as I was about to ask why I heard my Uncle's voice. Norns, why was he always so loud? He grabbed me and hugged me, grateful I was unharmed after I had left Asgard. I grabbed his arm and twisted it to hurt him. I could hear his team wanting to attack, but he warned them not to. 

        "Uncle, where is my father? I've been tracking him everywhere I could. This is the first place I found his presence stable."

        "Follow us. He is currently in Stark Tower." The man in the red and gold suit said.

        I stayed closer to my Uncle while we walked toward the tall building. Once we arrived at the top floor, the men and single females surrounded my Father. One was even holding an arrow toward him. I was not in the mood to see my Father threatened by these mortals and my Uncle. Stepping forward, I stare at these people and stand before my Father. 

        "Are you idiots done threatening my Father? Whatever he possibly did was not his personal doing. There have been rumors of a monster taking people and destroying worlds by killing half the population. That creature would explain why I couldn't find my Father until now."

        "Amara, stand down. I deserve the punishment Odin gives me. I will not have you hurt protecting me."

        "I won't listen this time. Odin would force you to live in the dungeons without contact with anyone. I would fit him on that any chance I could until he had to banish me. I refuse to lose you again."

        I turned to look at him as I spoke. He was in so much pain. The sight of him like this broke my heart. My Father never got hurt like this. That monster broke him somehow, and that knowledge angered me more than ever. The clouds outside started to move around more, and a storm started to surround the tower. My emotions were not checked, and I couldn't calm down to reset. 

        Before my Father or Uncle could get to me, Steve walked over to me slowly. He guided me away from everyone to help me calm down. We sat down on a couple of stools and took deep breaths together. This was working, but I still wasn't sure I could trust them. 

        "That was a panic attack. They aren't the most fun thing in the world."

        I looked at him, realizing the storm was gone and I had calmed down. Steve explained this probably happened because I was unable to see my Dad. He wasn't wrong. Without him for a year, the possibility of not being able to see him ever again just sent me over the edge. 

        Uncle and Father came over to us and were glad I was better. I hugged them as tightly as possible once I could stand beside them again. The last year was a nightmare for me, and I just needed my Dad. I looked at Uncle silently, pleading that we didn't have to take him back to Asgard to face punishment for something that was his fault. He just held his head down, knowing he couldn't give me the answer I wanted. He let go, allowing me time to hold Dad before I lost him again. Dad was the only person who understood me. 

        Uncle's friends asked him questions silently, or I wasn't paying attention to them. I was to focus on Dad. We stood holding each other for hours, only to let go when it was time for him to leave. Uncle told me I would stay here until the Bifrost was fixed. Knowing he was right, I asked where I would be staying. Steve said that I was welcome to stay with him until a place was found for me. I looked at him and thought maybe he was concerned I would have another panic attack. 

        Everyone thought that was the best idea, and I agreed. So far, he was the only one that held a little trust from me. After watching my family leave, Steve took me to his motorbike. He handed me a helmet. Steve realized after that that I didn't need one. I was glad that he was thinking about safety. Once he got on, I sat behind him and realized I had nothing to hold on to. 

        "Umm... Steve?"

        "You might want to put your arms around me. It is the best way of staying on."

        I agreed that it sounded weird, but I did what was suggested. He was right; holding on to him was the best way to stay. Once we arrived at his place, he helped me off and took me upstairs. His apartment building was nice. It felt homie. We got into his apartment, and he told me where everything was. Steve said I was welcome to the bed since he preferred the couch. 

        "Steve, how did you know what to do to calm me down?"

        "I've had panic attacks since I woke up from the ice; panic attacks are normal. I hope that you can eventually trust the whole team. I know that will be hard after what happened with Loki, but even if you can't trust everyone, maybe at least me."

        "I appreciate that you are understanding. We will have to wait. We could get to know each other with some basic facts we feel comfortable with tonight.

Chapter Text

        Steve agreed to talk about what we felt comfortable with. I asked if he was willing to go first. He understood it would show his willingness to wait for me to open up. I asked him about his childhood and what he was like as a child.

        "Well, I was always kind of a sick kid. Most people were surprised when I reached adulthood. It was mostly just my mom and me back in the day. She died a few years before the Second World War started. I picked a lot of fights that I shouldn't have. I was always a scrawny kid. Though I knew I was never alone. My best friend Bucky was always there watching my back."

        I noticed that Steve's expression changed when he brought up his friend. There was sadness, guilt, and longing behind them. I knew those feelings well, at least seeing them. Dad had the same look after Mom passed away. Steve continued and told me how he got the super soldier serum. I agreed with the German who said that good men win wars. Hearing about what Steve went through with liking Agent Carter and losing his best friend made me realize that he understood me more than I thought.

        "Did you volunteer because you understand more about not having the person who is your rock with you? My Dad has always been my rock after my Mom died."

        "I'm sorry to hear about your mom. And yeah, that was part of it. Bucky was my rock. We did everything together growing up. I miss him."

        "Steve, I don't mean to suggest something you might disapprove of, but did you have feelings for him? Again, if the topic is uncomfortable, please don't answer."

        Steve smiled shyly. He nodded his head to say I was correct in my thinking. He went on to explain how, back in the day, being gay was seen as a mental illness, so most people had to hide who they were and stick to the status quo. I understood something about that. As I got older, I realized that I was polyamorous. Asgard wasn't too fond of females looking for something along those lines, at least not to the public's knowledge. 

        We discussed Steve and his past before we got hungry and decided that food was a good idea. Steve suggested we have pizza since he could order it and deliver it to his apartment. I had tried pizza once before, but that was so long ago. Once the food arrived, I took the time to start thinking about what I could tell him about myself. Steve deserved to know something after he had shared so much about himself.

        Steve handed me a plate of pizza and had me follow him to his living room to eat. He told me I could turn on the TV if I wanted background noise. It was a good idea; having something else in the background might help me discuss some things. He showed me how to turn on the TV, and I found something I watched one of the few times I had been on Earth: Friends. It was always good for background noise.

        "I mentioned that my mom died. She was killed. I believe that it was Odin's doing, but I haven't been able to prove it. I always knew that my Father and I weren't like the rest of our family. Odin always treated us like that. See, my Mother was similar to my Father, with her only being a half-Frost Giant. Luckily for me, that meant they both had an Aesir form. So no deadly blue icy skin." 

        Steve was taken aback when I spoke. I don't think he expected me to tell him about my heritage quickly or that was the first thing I told him. His expression was too funny not to laugh at. Steve just smiled, hearing me laugh. It had felt nice to laugh again. We talked more about my past and what I wanted to come of getting to know the Avengers. There was only one thing that I truly wanted: to have Dad back and safe with me, away from Odin.

        Steve suggested we head to bed after we ate and talked for half the night. He showed me to his room and offered one of his sleep shirts to wear since most of my stuff was Asgardian and didn't work well for sleeping. I thanked him and changed after he left the room. I was shocked that tonight was one of the first good and relaxing nights I've had in the last year. Once I was dressed, I gave Steve a small good night. He offered the same, and we both went to sleep. However, it wasn't a dreamless night like I had hoped for. 

        "Steve, come on. We don't want to keep the girls waiting. It's my last night before I'm shipped off. Please try to have some fun." A dark-haired man said.

        Steve spent the last night with his best friend before the serum. Why was I dreaming about this? I had only just learned about him and his best friend. I realized why this was the dream as they walked towards the girls. I was there. I was standing off the side watching the Expo, fascinated by Howard Stark's ideas. I had seen them before. Steve was a skinny kid and nothing like he looked now, but he was still cute. 

        On the other hand, his friend, I couldn't quite make out. Maybe it was because I hadn't seen him in 70 years roughly. This was getting weird. I followed myself instead of Steve because something told me there was a reason I was there that night. As I walked away from the show, I noticed something happen. I had walked past the room where Steve told the German why he wanted to fight. He didn't like bullies and that maybe what the war needed wasn't a strong man but a good man with a good heart. 

        I remember hearing that and thinking that was what Asgard needed to learn. Strong men start and finish wars, but not with good men's help. I had taken that thought and shared it with not just Dad but also Uncle to try and convince them that maybe fighting to fight wasn't a good reason anymore. We needed to fight for the good of our people, not just to achieve some stupid goal that Odin had put on them.

        I woke up after realizing that, without knowing it, I was taught my motto by the man sleeping in the other room not far away from me. Telling him that I was there was a thought, but I wasn't sure how he would react to knowing that I spent the last year searching for someone who most, and was happy about it, thought was dead. He would blame me for taking too much for myself to handle. This wasn't entirely untrue, and I didn't want him to know. 

        I must have been making some noise because Steve knocked and asked if I was okay. I told him that everything was fine. He didn't believe me but let it slide and offered to make breakfast. The thought of food sounded wonderful. I hopped out of the bed and opened the door to help with food. When I told Steve I wanted to help, he tried to oppose me, but I just told him to let me, or he would be tied to a chair and not in a fun way.

        "What do you mean, 'fun way'?"

        "You don't know about bondage? The fuck. If I had been trapped in ice for 70 years, the first thing I would have done was look up what had changed about sex. Like seriously, nothing, no porn, no dirty magazines. Man, I might have to talk to Tony about getting you to a strip club or something."

        Steve's face was filled with slight curiosity and horror. I guess I should have chosen my words more carefully. Before I could apologize, he started laughing. He explained that he didn't want to cloud his ideas until he found his person. Bucky came to mind, and I had a feeling that would be hard for him to find. I offered that if he ever wanted to explore anything, I was more than willing to help, but that would have to wait until more trust between us. He agreed that it would be something that trust was needed but that I wouldn't have to be the one to do anything with him. Steve was a gentleman, not something you often see, no matter the realm.

Chapter Text

        After breakfast, Steve decided to challenge me to a run. Knowing he may be fast, I smirked. He shouldn't have challenged me.  We headed to the National Mall and saw someone else running in the same area. Steve and I shared a look, silently agreeing to wait for our contest to mess with this guy. 

        I let Steve take the lead on this. He stayed on the guy's left, so he'd remind the man every time he would pass. It was funny to see. After some time, I joined in keeping up with Steve until I decided to make it more interesting. Steve would say it first to the guy, and then a minute or so later, I'd be there to continue. Eventually, all three of us stopped and chatted for a bit.

        "So you're dad is the insane god who just tried to kill and enslave us? Why should we trust her?"

        "Because Samuel dear, unlike you who judge before knowing someone, Steve is willing to trust me without knowing me based on one thing."

        Sam was about to ask what that thing was when a black car pulled up next to us. It was  Natasha. She had been looking for me and Steve. We got into the car with her and started towards SHIELD. On the drive there, someone started shooting at our car. I grabbed the handle on my door to try and keep my balance for a bit. I told Natasha to drive faster before we got hit again, which earned me a glare. Steve told me and Sam to get down. I wanted to help but was scared to try with my emotions not in check. 

        Suddenly, someone grabbed the door I was sitting next to and tore it off. I looked back and saw a silver arm. Fear came forward, and a storm started to form. I know this wasn't the time, but I couldn't stop the storm. There was something familiar about the silver arm. Steve tried to calm me down, but the person attacking us grabbed me out of the car. I wanted to scream, but I felt calm when I looked into the man's eyes. It was like when Steve pulled me aside to help me relax. Something was wrong, and I needed to know what was going on. Why did those two men calm me so much?

        "Amara!" Steve yelled for me.

        I realized that I was in control for the moment. I focused on getting away from his man and to Steve. Once I was with Steve, we started running to get away. There was something familiar about the silver-armed man. We all got to a spot surrounded by crashed or abandoned cars. Steve and I faced the man chasing us together. We fought until Steve knocked off the man's face mask. When he looked at us, I was shocked.

        "Bucky?"

        "Whose Bucky?"

        I knew why the silver arm felt familiar: Hydra. Anger boiled within me, and I knew what I must do. I grabbed Bucky and looked into his memories. Looking through, I saw everything that Hydra made him do. I had to push past the programming they did to him to access his true memories. Once I did, Steve grabbed me and asked if I was crazy.         

        "Crazy for you, Stevie."

        Steve's eyes went wide when he heard me say that. There was only one person he knew who ever called him Stevie. I looked at him and towards Bucky. He was walking towards us, and he smiled at me. When Bucky got to us, St ve was a little nervous about seeing his best friend again. Natasha arrived as Bucky was almost to us and attacked him.

        "Na asha stop. Leave him alone. Hydra is at fault here, not him."

        "Amara, how do you know that? How can we trust someone who was sent to kill us?"

        "Nat, you are one to talk. Fury gave me the basics of what you did before joining the Avengers. Let's get him out of here and discuss what needs to be done."

        I smiled at Steve for taking charge of the situation as he knew how. I held onto Bucky and cast a spell so Hydra couldn't find him. I wasn't in the mood to deal with them just yet. We got to Avengers Tower, formally Stark Tower, and sat in the common area. Tony and Bruce were there and asked what was going on. Steve explained some things but not everything. I could tell he was scared that his best friend was used as a weapon. Bucky wasn't in the best place, or I would have tried to comfort Steve. 

        Bucky and I sat on the farthest couch from Nat, Tony, and Bruce. Steve sat in the chair between. I hated that he had to play the mediator in this situation, but he didn't know how I knew about Hydra or anything about Bucky. Steve started the conversation by explaining what happened in the forties during World War 2. He talked about rescuing and then losing Bucky. Bucky then spoke about what Hydra did to him and what they made him do. He looked at Tony for a moment, and I realized he was forced to hurt someone close to Tony. I explained that I went to Earth a lot growing up, usually without my father or anyone knowing. The world fascinated me, but on one of my many trips, I was taken by Hydra. I had met the Winter Solider. The title made Bucky flinch.

        "Okay, that explains some things about what happened, but why would they be after Steve now?" Bruce was the one to speak.

        "He wasn't after Steve. They wanted me. My powers specifically. I have the ability to control the weather, as you have seen before. If they could have broken me, they could make me create storms wherever they wanted. I believe they sent Bucky because of our time as prisoners. We were close."

        I looked between Steve and Bucky as I spoke the last part. They looked at each other with confirmation in both their eyes. I regretted saying that as soon as I had. Steve got up and left the room. Bucky wanted to get up and talk to him, but I told him it would be better coming from me. He understood and stayed with the others. I followed Steve and found him standing with his back to the wall.

        "If I had known, I would have told you. He had no memories of that time. However, there is something that you should know, Steve. I was there the last day before you joined the Super Soldier program. I heard what you and Erskine were talking about. I didn't know that was out until I had a weird dream last night. It was that night. What was said drove me to believe in fighting  or the safety of my people over just fighting wars to fight wars."

        Steve's face went from stressed to angry to understanding. He walked past me back into the room. I wasn't sure if he was okay, but I knew he understood what happened. I walked in after him, knowing my face held that I wasn't sure what would happen now. Instead of sitting next to Bucky, I sat across from Steve.  I didn't want any misunderstandings about me and Bucky going on in Steve's mind. 

        We continued the discussion about the next steps with Bucky's situation. Steve and Nat agreed to go and do some research about Hydra's plans. Bucky asked what he should be doing. I could see Nat wanting to suggest that he should be thrown in a cell. Bruce was the one to suggest that he stay with me in the Tower. I wanted to object, but Steve's face asked me not to. I smiled and agreed to stay with him. I told them if they needed anything to know I would be there to help. Nat just rolled her eyes. 

        I watched them leave the Tower and started to worry. I couldn't tell if I was nervous that they would die or that they would learn something about me. Either way, I didn't want them to leave. Tony came up behind me and asked me if there was anything he should know about my time in Hydra. I looked to Bucky because he knew more about the missions than I did.  e held his head down. I knew that one of those missions must have somehow hurt Tony.

        "I believe Bucky knows. But you must remember that he was brainwashed, and I was being controlled. They threatened to hurt me by killing Bucky. He was a good man. At least to me, he was. I hope you will remember that they made Bucky do whatever it was."

        "They sent me to kill Howard Stark. They wanted the serum he would present to the convention he would attend. I didn't know who he was when it happened. My exact orders were 'to kill Howard Stark and anyone who might get in the way. Make it look like an accident.' I am so sorry, Tony."

        Bruce grabbed Tony before the genius could harm Bucky. I looked at Tony and reminded him that it was not his doing that Hydra put the hit on Howard. Conflict was going through Tony's face while he looked between me and Bucky. Bruce handed me a com device to talk to Steve and Nat. I thanked him as I walked over to one of Tony's many computers in the common area. 

        I set it up on a private network and hacked into SHEILD's database. I looked into what Hydra might want to find by going after me. The more I dug into the system, the more I realized SHEILD was no longer safe. I found a list of names. The top name was Armin Zola. It was a file on the man who escaped the night Steve entered the ice. He was the top scientist of Hydra during the war and was the one who created the bombs. He had somehow infiltrated SHEILD's agency. It was how they knew when Howard would unveil something that was supposed to change the world. 

        "Son of a bitch. Steve, can you hear me?"

        "What is it, Amara?"

        "Hydra is  HEILD. Armin Zola infiltrated sometime after World War Two. I can't find an exact time, but it was definitely sometime after Peggy became the head. I strongly feel that he knew the best way to get to you if they ever found you was to take something you cared about away. Hence, Bucky became the Winter Soldier. This was all a ploy to get you. Steve, I think it's a trap."

        I heard Nat say something, but I couldn't hear it clearly. Then, all that was coming through was static. A missile must have hit them. I heard a thunder strike outside and knew I was starting to get pissed. First, I lost my father, then I found him, only for him to be taken away from me again. Now, someone I feel calm and mostly trust might be dead. I could feel someone's hand on my shoulder, but nothing would stop my anger at this time. I left the three men in the room and went to the balcony. I knew I had to calm myself without someone's help, but right now I couldn't find it in me to calm down. I wanted to feel the anger; I needed it for now. Hydra was going to pay for hurting those who held my trust. 

Chapter Text

        I slowly calmed as I looked at the city my father almost destroyed utterly. I wasn't sure which monster I wanted to kill more, the one who hurt my father or those who took Steve's family away from him. Bruce was the one to come out and check on me. He told me that everything was going to be okay. Steve wasn't hurt, nor was Nat. I turned towards him, confused until I heard a small voice talking in my ear. 

        "Steve?"

        "Amara, what happened? Why didn't you answer before? Is everything okay?"

        "It will be once you are back. I lost it when I couldn't hear anything but static. Are you guys okay?"

        Steve said they were fine and would be home soon. Tony had sent a jet to get them before anyone could find them and ask more questions. I looked back at Tony, standing far from Bucky, and smiled. I knew Tony's situation would be complicated, but I could see him trying to understand his feelings about everything. The four of us got to work on the following steps to destroying Hydra. Tony wanted to take them head-on, but I knew they would expect that from the headstrong inventor or even Fury himself. Hydra was going to be prepping for a direct attack.

        Soon, Steve and Nat returned, and Bucky was the first to meet with Steve. I knew that they needed to talk about things. Steve was probably going to learn about what happened with Howard. I felt terrible about not being able to help in some way more with Bucky. Bruce walked over to me and sat to talk. He told me he understands what it is like not being able to trust people. When I asked for more of an explanation, Tony called us over. Bruce said he would tell me later.

        "Okay, I believe that Winter over there was brainwashed, but why would you help him, Amara? Tell us the truth about that."

        "The Aesir occasionally will have two. People who make them feel something. What they feel is usually how they know they are meant to be. Bucky makes me feel calm, just like with Steve the day we met. Whether they are meant for more than being my anchors is up to them. Without them, I will lose control. I realized Bucky was my anchor, and I wasn't expecting two. Please understand I needed to protect him."

        "Amara, I understand. Buck and I will be here if we need to be near or you want to talk." 

        I looked at Steve, glad he wasn't angry with me or Bucky. I smiled, thanking him for being understanding. We continued with the plan to take on Hydra. After a few hours, I needed some space from everyone. Everything was starting to bring back memories of my father. I asked Tony if I could stay in the Tower for the night. Tony seemed surprised but took me to a spare room on this floor. He asked if I needed any clothes. I nodded. 

        "Jarvis, please take Amara's measurements and order her some clothes."

        "Of course, sir."

        A blue light came from the ceiling. Tony told me his AI system took the information and ordered my clothes. I thanked him again. After Jarvis said everything would arrive later tonight or in the morning, Tony left me alone. Once I was only, minus Jarvis, I sat on the bed and began crying. I wasn't sure what to do. I had felt safe with Steve and Bucky, but I didn't want to get between them. They deserved their happiness, and I wasn't part of that plan in the slightest. 

        I opened a pocket dimension my father made for us and grabbed my bags with all my spell ingredients and books. I slowly started making the room feel more like mine since I wasn't planning on returning to Steve's home. Using my powers, I started to rearrange the room to fit better with what I wanted and needed for all my things. Frigga had always taught me to organize my space to help organize my mind, which I needed to try and do right now. My mind wasn't the same as when I was searching for my father. I had found one person to help with my emotions and two, and I knew that I wouldn't be any more than just a member of their team. 

        While putting all my books away, I found my diary from when Hydra took me. I opened it and read one of the entries, trying to make sense of some things that happened. The diary was filled with me praying that my family didn't find out about this. Bringing the armies of Asgard down on Earth in the 70s wasn't going to be a good idea. I went to the last entry and saw a picture I had taken from Bucky's file years ago. It was from before he was first taken by Hydra and was saved by Steve. It was of him and a scrawny Steve. Seeing that photo again reminded me that I was meant for more in this world than being the daughter of the god of Mischief. I was Amara, the goddess of Music, Nature, and Animals. There was only one thing I would do: protect those who avenge this world. I got up from the bed and went to the door to talk to Steve and Bucky about my plans. As I opened the door, I was faced with two large bodies.

        "Amara?" and "Are you okay?" were spoken simultaneously when I looked up. Steve and Bucky were at my door. They seemed unsure how to talk to me now. I allowed them in and told them to sit on the couch I had set up in the room. Steve was the one to ask how I got all of the stuff here. Bucky and I chuckled at him. Bucky reminded him that I wasn't a mortal. Steve's face was adorable when he realized the truth. I giggled at him. 

        "Amara, can we talk about what happened back in the day?"

        "There is nothing to talk about. Bucky, we were just close due to proximity. I'm perfectly fine with friendship. If I  want to talk about things, we will after Hydra. I want them to go away. They are the bane of everything here on Earth. If you think we still need to talk about back then, we do so after Hydra is gone."

        Bucky wanted to object, but Steve could see I was not ready to discuss things. Steve started the conversation about going to the base where this all started. I knew which one he was talking about, the one he blew up to save the rest of the 107th all those years ago. The day Steve became Captain America for real. We made plans to hit that base and the base where Red Skull disappeared from. The three of us agreed we would go to one base while the others went to another. 

        As we finished working on the plan, I heard the sound of the Bifrost. I jumped up and ran to the balcony. I saw my Uncle standing there with his stupid red cape and Mjnoir. His face told me he was happy to see me with his shield brothers. I quickly ran to him and gave him a huge hug. I may have missed him, but I was still angry with him and Odin for my father's situation. He wasn't telling us something, and I wanted to watch Odin's face when he learned the truth about what happened here on Earth. Uncle looked at me with pride until he looked into my eyes. He could see the anger, fear, and worry I held.

        "He was sentenced to spend the remainder of his days in the dungeon. Amara, I am sorry I couldn't stop it. Mother is the only reason he wasn't sentenced to death. The Allfather wants you to return to Asgard. He believes that you helped him with his plans."

        "You are not taking her Thor. She is a part of this team." 

        I turned to see Steve standing with Bucky. They both looked like they were ready to fight to keep me here. Thor was close to saying something when he noticed something about Bucky. I had forgotten I had told him about the brainwashed man with the silver arm. Slowly, the realization hit him about what had happened the day I met everyone. He knew about Bucky calming me, but he saw Steve calm me. Thor was about to speak until he saw the pleading in my eyes. 

        "I wish it weren't so, but if she doesn't return, the Allfather would send an army to take her by force. Perhaps since you seem fond of her, you two would join us to protect her."

        "I'm down if it means I get to see Asgard."

        I looked at three of them. Thor was crazy if he thought I would leave before we tried to stop Hyrda. Before I could yell at him that he was insane, Steve and Bucky put their hands on my shoulders. The weight of them was enough to calm my rage. Steve told Thor there was something they had to do before I would be comfortable leaving. I could see Thor debating whether or not to tell me something. I knew what he was going to say.

        "No. Hydra will have to wait. Tell the team to get up here. It looks like the Avengers are going to Asgard."

        "Amara, the Allfather.."

        "Will deal with me about their presence. I do not trust him, nor does he trust me. For everyone's safety, the team must all go. I'm sure Odin would love honoring the people who defeated his abomination of a son."

        Thor knew that I was correct. Odin would want to honor them. It would show the Nine Realms that he was grateful to those of Midgard. Shaking his head, Thor commented father-like daughter. I only smirked, knowing that he was right. When manipulating others' egos, I had no issue displaying my power. My father had taught me to use my words and mind to get what I wanted. Usually, I would sing to do that. Music played with people's minds and hearts in many the same ways as normal words.

        The team arrived not long after. I left the room, allowing Thor to explain what was about to happen. I packed some of the things I had set up in the room Tony gave me. Not that I didn't trust Tony and his security system; I just wanted to make sure nothing that held importance was left in the open. Someone knocked on the doorframe. When I turned around, Steve was standing there. He looked concerned and confused.

        "Amara, why did you agree to go? I know you want to end Hydra as much as Bucky and I do."

        "If I do, no matter what Frigga pleads, Odin will kill my father. He doesn't care if I was in the middle of anything. If he wants me, he threatens my dad. He couldn't use that because, for a year,  my father was hidden from us, at least until he surfaced here on Earth. I know there is more to his story there. I don't believe this was all he was doing. He was manipulated, I know it."

        Steve's features softened. He promised that he and Bucky would stay next to me the whole time we were there. I knew he meant what he said, but I didn't want to be between them. I knew something was different about them being here with me simultaneously, but I couldn't pinpoint it. Frigga would know immediately who they were to me. I feared she would tell Odin, but I knew she would only tell my father. Steve told me the team was ready to travel. I was curious to see how everyone would react to the Bifrost.

Chapter Text

        Thor informed everyone the trip using the Bifrost might cause some nausea for those who aren't used to traveling in that way. I chuckled at the thought of Tony throwing up. All of the Avengers glared at me for my laugh. I said I was more picturing Tony since he seemed the most likely. Tony looked offended at the accusation of being the weak stomach in the group. Steve and Bucky wouldn't leave my side as we prepared to leave. Thor called upon Hemidall once everyone was ready. 

        The rush of feeling the Bifrost around me was a welcome return. Though knowing this journey to Asgard was met with anger and guilt, I knew what I had to do if Odin tried anything to hurt my family. When we arrived, Tony vomited. As did Clint and Bruce. Everyone else was fine. Natasha stood there calmly as if she hadn't just been transported through space. Steve and Bucky didn't seem phased that much by what had happened. However, watching creatures from other worlds arrive through a portal did allow for more belief in the wide universe in which we all reside. 

        Heimdall greeted us all. He looked at me with pride, knowing what the two men were to me. Heimdall saw all and sometimes would listen into conversations that Odin may need to know. However, I knew that my secret about the super soldiers was safe with him. Thor, on the other hand, was a different story. He had a loud mouth and could possibly destroy my friendship with them. I needed them to be my anchors more than I wanted. A group of guards arrived to guide us to the throne room. One tried to place cuffs on me, but Bucky grabbed his arm and almost tore it off. 

        Bucky's strength and willingness to cause harm to those who would harm me shouldn't have been as hot and sexy as it was. I had looked at Steve after the guard fled out of fear and saw the same arousal that I had. Fuck, hiding the truth of those two was going to be harder than I thought it would be. As we walked, many of the Aesir looked at me. The emotions ranged from fear to anger to amazement. Some of those people had known me since I was a small child. They knew who I was, and I would always protect those I care for. Thor saw how some of them looked at me; once we got to the palace steps, he turned to announce his and the Avengers' arrival to Asgard. I wanted to do nothing more than see my father, but I knew I had to wait until I was done with Odin. 

        Thor walked us all to the throne room. The room in which Odin sentenced my father to a life worse than death. I saw storm clouds start to move closer. Steve put his hand on my arm to help ground me. I was grateful that he was with me. My mind stopped racing and thinking of my anger. Once we stood in the room in front of Odin, I could see how much older he looked and how he seemed to have aged in a way that showed he was scared. He was scared of something that was most likely coming for him. I had a theory, but there was a better time to test it. Odin's voice boomed as he asked who was with me and Thor and why I wasn't in cuffs. 

        "Father, these are the warriors who helped me to stop Loki from harming Midgard. Amara saved one of them. He was falling from the sky, and she stopped him. This man was brainwashed by an evil group on Midgard known as Hydra. He was close with Amara during her last trip down. She brought his memories back and saved him as well. Amara is not a villain; she is a hero."

        "My dearest Uncle, that is not what he wants me for. Odin, do tell me, why have you aged more in the last year than in the last millennium?"

        Odin laughed. Amara knew now why she was called forth. He was stubborn and didn't know how to ask for help. Thor wasn't sure what would happen, but he stopped a battle in the case by telling Odin he wished to have Asgard celebrate his newfound shield brothers. Odin looked at me and agreed to the celebration on the condition I was to dance with every available prince that arrived. I rolled my eyes and said I would do as he asked if I was allowed to see my father. Odin knew that was the only way he would get what he wanted. My father was my whole world until I was united with Steve and Bucky in the same room. 

        Thor showed everyone to their rooms for the night. He made sure that Steve and Bucky had rooms near mine. I told them I would make it to where they could enter my room from a random door in theirs with only the thought of me. Steve had a blush grow on his face while Bucky smirked. The look in both of their eyes was hard for me to read. I told them I was going to speak with Frigga. They wanted to go with me, but I wasn't having any of it. I needed to speak to her openly and freely. Frigga knew where to meet me. 

        "How are you, young one? I am truly glad that you are here and alive."

        "I am fine Frigga. I worry for Father and Uncle. Odin has grown weaker. I do not believe Uncle is ready for the throne still. But I wish to wait to talk about that. I have a question about those who anchor us. When I was younger, you and my father said my anchor or anchors would be my soul's missing part or parts. Is it possible to not end up with one's anchors?"

        "Those soldiers who would not leave your side? My dearest Amara, you will be with them. I know they need time to readjust to each other, but to do so, they need you to be their bridge. James, the one you call Bucky, needs his bridge home, but he also needs a second one. Steve's bridge was to the future; he has a second one. Can you guess the bridge to which you connect with?"

        I knew it was the one she did not name. Frigga could see I was scared. Scared of being hurt or fooled, hell, even being broken. She reassured me the men I knew were meant to be with me. I smiled, still unsure about telling them the truth. I thanked her and went to see my father. My mind was a jumbled mess, but I knew that talking to him would help me understand what I was meant to do with this information about Steve and Bucky. When I arrived at the dungeons, one of the guards tried to deny me entry. I just smiled and opened the door. His look of shock was one for the history books. Slowly making my way to see him, my nerves shot up exponentially. 

        It wasn't long before I found my father's cell. The journey wasn't long enough to make me completely overthink my situation with the soldiers. My father sensed my presence. He turned with a look of fear. I just smiled and wished to hug and save him from this punishment. His body slowly relaxed when the realization of my safety was real. My father wasn't supposed to be here caged like some criminal. I knew deep down New York was not his doing alone. Someone else was pulling the strings. I planned on finding out who the person was.

        "Amara, please tell me you are not here alone. Did Thor's shield brothers come with?"

        "Yes, Father, and a few new members as well. There is something I wish to speak with you about. The ones you and Frigga told me of, I found mine. Steve and his friend Bucky. However, I worry about telling them. They had just been brought back together. Also, I have to dance with some stupid princes tonight at the party thrown in the Avengers' honor for 'capturing you.' I just wanted to talk to you."

        "I had a feeling the Captain would be one of your mates. And if you have Jotun blood, that is what they are. Steve and his friend are not just your missing pieces but your mates. I promise, one day, I will tell you more about this. All Jotun's have two mates. It's to help strengthen the bloodlines. Your mother was my first mate. I fear my second mate may never wish to know me."

        I wanted to ask more, but Thor arrived. We stopped talking, and I left, promising I would return. Following Thor, I thought about what Father had said. Jotuns had mates. Not just soulmates but true mates. Steve and Bucky were standing with Frigga as we approached. Fuck my life. My Uncle only stared at me when he heard the groan.

        "Mother, I see you have meet Steve and James. Amara is quite fond of them."

        "Uncle I swear to Hel, I will hurt you."

        Frigga was about to scold me when Odin's voice came booming down. I was being summoned to see him. Steve wanted to object, but Bucky held him back. His eyes knew what was about to happen somehow. The walk to the throne room was boring to say the least. None of the guards were paying any attention. Great, that meant one of two things. One, I wouldn't like what Odin was about to say or two, Odin was going to be sending me to live on Jotunhiem for the rest of my days. Not that he could actually do that, but it was a threat he had used before on me. 

        Once I was at the door, a loud booming voice beckoned me to enter. When the doors opened, there were at least a dozen men standing around. They all seemed keen on eyeing me. Odin told me to kneel and then rise. I did as told, only to stay on his good side. 

        "Granddaughter of mine, I believe tonight will be the night you are to present yourself to the nobles of the realms."

        "NO. I will not be a political barginning chip for you. I still blame you for the death of my mother. What makes you think I will listen to a word you say about this."

        Odin smirked, "I will release your father to live on Midgard until his time is up."

        My hands started shaking. Thunderclouds were rolling in. Tree roots were coming out of the floor. I couldn't make the choice. Either way I lose. The rain outside was getting louder and louder, but my ears weren't hearing anything. This wasn't anger, it was grief and sadness. Either I lose my father again forever or lose my mates. How can I pick? 

        I felt hands on me. Shaking me, trying to get me to focus. One hand felt cold, almost like metal. I saw silver and then I saw blonde hair. Bucky was behind me, while Steve stood in front. I couldn't hold in the pain had been holding in since the day Thor broke the Bifrost and my father fell to what should have been his death. When my eyes started to focus, I saw the other Avengers standing around me while Thor and Frigga were yelling at Odin.

        "st... stop. Please."

        My voice was broken. Though the sound did reach Thor and Frigga, they quickly rushed to me. I noticed the suitors Odin had selected had left. None of them probably wanted a broken princess. Steve had his hand on my neck trying to keep my eyes on him. Bucky's hand, his none metal one, was on my hip holding me in place. Frigga told them to take me to my room and stay with me. I could hear Odin begin to protest, but he silenced when Frigga shot him a look. 

        Steve and Bucky walked with me each one holding a hand of mine. This wasn't how things were meant to go. I wanted my dad. I needed him in this moment. Once we arrived, I climbed on the bed and started sobbing harder than when everything hit me at Avengers Tower. The super soldiers sat at the end of my bed. Knowing they weren't leaving after what I did, helped calm me down.

        "hi"

        "Please don't try to talk. Buck and I are just sorry we weren't there sooner."

        Steve had shot Bucky a look. No, they couldn't start fighting. I needed them to stay calm. Bucky was the one to remind Steve of that. He looked ashamed but nodded. 

        "Doll, did he want you to find a husband?"

        "Yes."

        "He used your dad, didn't he?"

        I nodded. "He knows my buttons."

        "Why didn't you take the deal? I'm sure we could have worked something out with the guy."

        "Fools, Jotun anchors aren't like the Aesir."

        Father was standing in front of me. I rushed to him. He held me tight and whispered calming words to me. Before I could ask, I knew how.

        "Frigga?"

        "Yes little one. Now why don't they know."

        "I was gonna tell them after we dealt with Hydra but Odin kind of changed my plans. Asshole."

        "Mates right?"

        We all looked at Bucky with shock. How did he know about that? I know I never told him about it.

        "You talk in your sleep."

        "Oh fuck me."

        "My child, I don't want to hear about your intimate life. Please reframe from bringing it up around me."

        I couldn't stop the blush or horror from my face. What the fuck? Steve looked as embarrassed as me while Bucky was laughing at us. I swear to the Norns he was going to get it when this whole thing is over. Father guided us to sit down to further explain the mates thing to all of us. 

        "Unlike Aesirs, Jotuns don't follow the anchor traditions. We aren't able to live without both if they are meet in the same life time. If one is mortal. Amara here is one of the few lucky Jotuns who actually gets to be near both. Usually only one is found or after a known one is meet and passes does the other reveal themselves."

        "Could it be due to both of them being legally dead at least once before? Steve was in the ice presumed deceased and Bucky had fallen from a great height and was never found also presumed dead."

        Father only laughed. He explained it was most likely due to me somehow seeing them together on one of my trips to Midgard. Steve laughed. Bucky was confused but I only glared at the blonde. He knew exactly the trip that solidified them as being needed. But since the connection was never completed, I didn't need them like others did. 

        I groaned as I laid down. Unless Frigga could convivence Odin to let the marriage thing go, I was doomed to lose my mates or my father. I hated this feeling. Knowing I couldn't do anything to stop this. A knock fell upon the door. The sound alone told me it was Frigga. When she entered, something on her face seemed off. She was holding back what emotion she wanted to show. Odin must have made his decision. 

        Before she could speak, Thor came in with the largest smile on his face I had ever seen. Neither were able to speak because I started laughing. Odin had given up. Frigga scolded Thor for not being able to hide his happiness. He apologized, but grabbed my Father and spun him around. Thor had always cared deeply about my Father, but not in the way of an anchor. But something about how Thor acted reminded me of someone. 

        "Oh fuck, Bruce is dad's other mate."