Memories

Nagato settled on the roof, regarding the rising sun with his impassive expression. Phil's memories flooded him like a tsunami, causing his head to ache in pain.

Despite the discomfort, Nagato smiled. He has finally understood why he was summoned into this world. It was his destiny. Nagato stood up to the edge of the rooftop, placing his hand upon his face.

Nagato laughed as he has never ever done before...even when living with Yahiko and Konan. It was just so exciting; so relieving. He didn't even need to come back to his world to continue with the plan now.

From Phil's memories, Nagato understood the universe was endless, complicating millions of different species. Nagato was sure that one planet in the cosmos would be his, yet he saw no use in coming back.

"The Tesseract..." Nagato whispered, his laugh turning crazy. Even though it was just a memory, he could feel the endless amount of power coming from that cube. It was almost like a Biju, yet even that was nothing in comparison.

"I can feel that it's incomplete. It's not even a quarter of its true power." Nagato fell onto his back, grinning like a madman. If he could collect all of this power, then he could absolve pain out of the existence itself.

-

"Natasha, is he that powerful?" Bruce asked, looking into Natasha's eyes. However, instead of being lively like they always used to be, they were completely blank and emotionless now. It seemed as if her soul was crushed.

"Extremely. I couldn't even get close to him," Natasha whispered, trembling slightly. "The only reason I am still alive is that he spared me."

"Still, it's not like he can be any stronger than the Avengers, right?" Bruce tried to encourage her, forcing out a smile. It hurt him to see her like this. Thus, anger boiled in his veins.

"He may be." Natasha's gaze fixed on the ground, not budging. She still could remember the fear that she felt when that mutant's shadow loomed over her. She still could remember how weak she was.

"Bruce, that's enough." Fury, who has been standing in the shadows of the room, walked out and took a seat beside Natasha. "The only way to restore your confidence is to fight again. There is no use of grieving the dead right now."

"Perhaps," Natasha mumbled, still not moving.

Fury sighed, then glanced at the watch on his wrist. "It's almost time. Iron man and Captain America have already been gathered. Natasha, you should go as well."

"But what about that mutant?" Natasha asked. Yes, she was indeed scared of that man, but that didn't mean she didn't want to kill him.

"Natasha, just let him be for now." Fury said. "The Tesseract was stolen by an unknown being with evil intentions. Which do you think is more threatening to humanity?"

'That man is definitely more dangerous to humanity.' Natasha thought to herself but didn't say it aloud. "When do we depart?"

"Now. Loki's movements have been tracked and we have to act before we lose him." Fury said hastily as Natasha regained some of her complexions. She brought no more objections and simply obliged.

"After we deal with Loki... the Avengers will deal with that mutant." Fury whispered just before Natasha stepped out of the room.

"Thank you."

As soon as she left, however, Fury frowned deeply. He grabbed the nearest mug on the table and threw it at the wall. Bruce jumped at the sudden burst of anger.

"Phil..."

-

"This was much easier than expected." Tony Stark said, glancing about the ship's interior. "Dude, are you really the God of Asgard?"

Loki smiled slightly, then nodded.

"Damn, your smile creeps me out." Tony stark sighed, suddenly turning serious. "So, you will not tell us where is the Tesseract?"

Loki's smile deepened. He truly seemed content with himself.

"There is no use, Mister Stark. Leave this job to Fury." Steve Rogers stepped into the ship, followed by Natasha. She still didn't seem at the best of her condition, but Tony and Steve didn't bother themselves to ask.

"We have to be fast," Natasha mumbled, starting the engine of the ship. However, a flash of sudden lightning caught them by surprise. The ship trembled as everyone tried to hold on.

Loki's smile completely disappeared. His brother appeared.

-

Nagato flew over the unfamiliar town, regaining his indifference and composure. He was traveling at incredible speed. Even ships wouldn't be able to keep up with him.

Barely a moment later, however, he hauled. A huge ship, covering the entirety of his sight, appeared from underneath the clouds. "That's quite impressive."

Nagato slowed his speed - there was no use in getting exposed. At least not right now. "Loki should be getting imprisoned here soon." Nagato lingered in the air.

Honestly, it was still not known whether the possessor of the Tesseract would be transported here, but it was most likely. From Phil's memories, he clearly knew the power of avengers.

They weren't particularly strong, but Loki shouldn't bring them too much trouble. If anything, Nagato would find and capture the lesser God himself.

"Thor and Loki... Do they know how the true pain feels like?"