{Chapter: 277 Thunder God is Coming}
Natasha clenched her fists tightly, her voice cold and trembling with restrained fury. "I will tear that bastard William into pieces."
William gave a faint smile, his expression calm but his eyes glinting with amusement. "Really? I believe you can do it, Commander. After all, you're remarkably powerful."
Damn it, he thought inwardly, 'I'd love to see exactly how you plan to cut me into pieces.'
High above the city, a flash of light streaked across the sky as Iron Man dove at high velocity. His armored suit gleamed in the moonlight, and the repulsors on his palms charged with a soft whine. In one fluid motion, he extended both arms forward, firing two concentrated white beams of energy directly at Loki.
"Argh!" Loki cried out in pain, caught off guard by the force. The blast knocked him backward, slamming him violently into the pavement. He groaned, his limbs sprawled awkwardly on the ground.
Iron Man descended with a controlled landing, the metal of his boots hissing as they made contact with the concrete. He stared down at Loki with calculated confidence. "Target neutralized. Time to wrap this up," he said curtly.
Loki coughed, then looked up at him with a wry smile. "I surrender," he said smoothly, raising both hands. His golden armor shimmered, then dissolved into nothingness, leaving him in his dark tunic, hands in the air in a show of mock compliance.
"Well, that was easier than expected," Iron Man smirked. "Good boy."
Just then, Captain America approached, his shield now resting on his back. "Mr. Stark."
Tony turned to him, grinning. "Hey, Cap. You know, when I was a kid, my father used to tell me stories about you. Said you were the bravest man he ever met. Big shoes to fill."
Steve offered a small nod, his expression softening. "Is that so? That's quite the compliment. I'm honored."
Before the two could continue, Natasha's voice came through the comms. The aircraft descended smoothly behind them, her tone dry but commanding. "You two done bonding? Bring Loki aboard. We've got work to do."
"Got it, my dear secretary," Tony teased, walking over to Loki and effortlessly lifting him by the arm like a misbehaving child. "Come on, Mischief. Field trip time."
With the team gathered, the aircraft lifted into the sky, engines humming steadily as they flew back toward base.
Inside the cabin, Tony removed his helmet and leaned back into his seat. "Ms. Romanoff," he said with a mischievous smirk, "it's been too long. I must admit—I really do miss the days when you were my secretary."
Natasha raised an eyebrow, a half-smile forming on her lips. "Is that so? Somehow I doubt it's me you miss, Stark."
Tony laughed lightly, then sighed, his tone suddenly more subdued. "You're right. It's Pepper. Please don't jab the sore spots, Romanoff. I still believe she'll come back. She just needs time."
Natasha's gaze softened slightly. "I thought you didn't care anymore."
Tony shook his head slowly. "How could I not care? She means more to me than anyone. But I've come to realize… pain is part of life. So is joy. I've decided I'd rather live with joy than wallow in misery."
"I'm glad to hear that," Steve said, his tone firm but sincere. "Right now, we all need to stay focused. We've got a shared enemy—William. And he's not the type to wait around."
Tony clenched his fists, eyes narrowing. "Let him come. I've changed. I'm not the same soft target he once toyed with. This time, he'll see just how wrong he was."
Loki, bound at the wrists and seated nearby, chuckled. "I hate to interrupt your heroic monologue, Tin Man, but you're still just a soft persimmon to me."
Tony tilted his head. "I may be soft, but I've got enough firepower to crush you like a bug."
"Don't misunderstand me," Loki said with a sly smile. "I have no love for William, either. In fact, I despise him. He stole something very dear to me, and I fully intend to take it back."
Steve's expression became wary. "What did he steal from you?"
"The Casket of Ancient Winters," Loki said, voice low and ominous. "A relic of immense power. If it is used to its full potential, it could plunge your entire planet into an eternal Ice Age. I can only hope he doesn't unleash it… on any of you."
Tony's face tightened, but he forced a casual grin. "Sounds like quite the snow globe. I'll keep my thermal suit ready."
Despite his light words, there was a flicker of genuine concern in his eyes.
Suddenly, William's voice rang out from the communications console, filled with smug arrogance. "Loki, you halfwit. Don't go boosting their morale with your theatrics. William is nothing before S.H.I.E.L.D. We have Iron Man, Captain America, and don't forget the Hulk."
Loki scoffed audibly. "Where did this loud-mouthed child come from? Honestly, how does S.H.I.E.L.D. let fools like him talk on official channels?"
"Although it might sound a little ridiculous, I actually like hearing that," Tony said with a playful grin. He crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly, amused. "What's your name, kid? Ever thought about following someone like me?"
"My name is Tom, Iron Man. I've admired you for years," William replied confidently, his voice filled with purpose. "I admire your resilience—how you pick yourself up after every fall. You've suffered setbacks, yet every time, you emerge stronger. You learn, you grow, and you keep moving forward. You always learn from your mistakes"
Tony blinked in surprise, then laughed softly. "Hearing you say that feels... a little weird. Can't tell if you're praising me or politely calling me a failure."
"I'm praising you, of course," William responded with a wide grin. But in my heart? The stronger you are, the more satisfying it'll be to watch you fall. "I genuinely hope you keep getting stronger."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Well, aren't you a curious one, Tom? Ever considered joining Stark Industries? I can offer you the kind of life most people only dream of—fast cars, smarter tech, and yes, beautiful women."
William hesitated and gave a bittersweet smile. "That's tempting, really. Who wouldn't want that kind of life? But I'm not that easily swayed. I've made my choice. I want to stay with S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Stubborn little guy. Alright then, suit yourself," Tony shrugged.
Natasha, watching the conversation unfold, chimed in with a faint smirk, "You've got a fire in you. Ambitious."
William looked over at her, his tone serious but calm. "I'm not handsome, and I'm not rich. But I despise people who throw away their values just for temporary pleasure. Sure, I like money. I like beautiful women too. But not if it means selling out who I am." 'Even though I sound like a walking cliché, I know exactly who I am.'
Suddenly—
Zzzzzzzzz...
Thunder rolled across the sky without warning, shaking the clouds with deep, ominous rumbling. Electric arcs flickered wildly in the distance like the breath of some angry god.
"What the hell?" Natasha frowned, looking out the window. "Where's that thunder coming from?"
Tony narrowed his eyes. "That's not just weather."
Loki chuckled from his seat, his expression darkening. "Because someone is coming. And I absolutely loathe anyone who rides lightning."
BOOM!
A deafening crash hit the top of the aircraft. The entire frame shook violently under the weight of something massive.
Tony immediately turned and moved toward the rear hatch. "I'll handle this."
"Wait, what are you doing?" Steve called after him, stepping forward.
"Taking care of a hammer-wielding lunatic in a cape," Tony replied dryly. His mask slid into place as he activated his suit.
Before Tony could act, a massive figure burst through the hatch, spinning a mighty hammer—Thor, the God of Thunder himself.
Tony's repulsors glowed brightly, energy surging in his palms. But Thor moved first. With a mighty swing, Mjölnir collided with Iron Man's chest, sending him flying backward with a crash.
Thor didn't pause. He stormed forward, eyes locked on Loki. "Loki!" he growled, grabbing him by the throat.
Loki struggled but didn't resist much, clearly amused by the chaos. Thor stepped toward the open hatch and—with a leap that shook the air—launched both of them out of the aircraft.
Tony groaned as he sat up, dust and sparks flicking off his armor. "Did that guy just steal our prisoner?"
"We had a plan!" Steve shouted, rushing to the edge.
"I've got a plan, too," Tony said. "Attack!" His thrusters ignited and he shot out of the aircraft.
"A bunch of impulsive maniacs," Steve muttered, grabbing a parachute and strapping it on.
Natasha moved toward him and called out, "Captain, I strongly advise against getting involved. They're literal gods!"
Steve paused at the edge, his expression resolute. "There's only one God, ma'am. And I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that." With that, he leapt out into the wind.
William chuckled to himself as he watched the spectacle. "Captain Rogers might not have the raw power those two have, but he's got something else... a kind of unshakable will. That's what makes him compelling."
Natasha glanced at him curiously. "You speak like you've studied him in depth."
"I have," William said smoothly. "I observe people. Understand them. It's a habit. And I'd like to think I'm not someone you can judge like the average person."
"Oh? So you're not ordinary?"
William grinned and gave a slight bow. "My thoughts aren't. My goals definitely aren't." 'And you'll see, in time, just how far from ordinary I really am.'
Natasha narrowed her eyes slightly. "I didn't peg you for someone that self-assured."
"You'll see soon enough, ma'am," William said, his smile lingering just a second longer than it needed to.
*****
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