Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

1992, somewhere on a Tokyo rooftop.

The cold winter wind swept through the streets of the illuminated city. The biting gust, unable to slow the frantic pulse of the bustling city below, did little to disturb the man standing atop one of the tallest buildings in the area.

Unmoved by the biting chill, Nick Fury stood tall, his black suit bathed in the blinking lights of the city. He watched as shadows flitted across the streets, even at this late hour. Two meters behind him, another figure stood by the railing, cloaked in darkness, still and serene—like she was part of the night itself.

Nick took a moment to replay the events of the past two weeks in his mind, reliving them as if they were still beyond his understanding. He knew there was no sense in trying to unravel it all, but at least he could be thankful he had found the third act.

“I still can’t believe you decided to hand it over,” he said, his breath turning to frost in the air.

A silence followed before a response.

“A life for a life,” came the cold voice of a woman. “You found the evidence about me and eliminated it from government.”

Her voice, as frigid as the night, made Fury suppress a dark chuckle at her razor-sharp wit.

“Even though it’s dangerous energy I’d rather keep out of harm’s way, I trust you’ll manage it.”

“You can trust me,” Nick replied without turning to her, his gaze fixed on the city below.

There was another pause before he continued.

“I’m not just grateful for your help in recovering what Howard Stark pulled from the ocean,” he began, the edge of a grin tugging at his lips. “You’ve shown me a whole world I never knew existed.”

It was a bitter truth, a cruel reality that mocked him, reminding him of how little he truly knew about the world he lived in.

“I never could’ve imagined any of what I’ve seen these past few days,” he admitted, resigned to the truth.

But despite his words, there was no despair in him. On the contrary, his face held a glimmer of determination, as firm as an anchor against the tide. His good eye—the result of a recent battle—reflected that resolve.

“So plain to see, yet fear of what’s larger blinds people to the truth right in front of them.”

The woman’s words in response made him pause, reflecting. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye with a hint of respect. He knew this moment marked an inevitable farewell, the temporary end of their collaboration. After all, she wouldn’t linger long before disappearing once more, hidden in plain sight.

“I guess you’re going to vanish again,” said Fury, his tone firm with the weight of resignation.

The woman remained silent for a moment before her gaze finally settled on Fury.

"That's right." Her tone was as cold and soft as the night breeze around them. "I am no one's subordinate. So long as the world does not tremble under imminent fear, my presence is unnecessary."

Nick knew why she kept herself hidden, far from the greedy eyes of those who thought they could control everything. He looked at her—this living legend, known in forgotten whispers, in tales deemed mad, as the Huntress. The Huntress was never a permanent ally; she never had been. She only appeared when necessary, always in the shadows, always unseen.

“One day, I’ll need more than agents and soldiers.” Fury turned slowly to face her, his expression serious, his one visible eye reflecting a mix of determination and coldness. “And when that day comes, I will need you.”

Their eyes met in an inevitable exchange. Her gaze was deep, her eyes glowing with a color that would intimidate even a man like Fury, though he never let it show.

“When that day comes, you’ll know where to find me.”

Her words cut through the air like a blade. There were no promises of loyalty or friendship, only an unshakable truth. She would return when chaos demanded it—not for him, but for the balance she had sworn to keep in secret.

Fury nodded again, knowing that any further words would be unnecessary to her.

“Until then,” he said at last.

“Until our paths cross again.”

It was the last thing he heard, spoken in a softer tone. He could’ve sworn her lips curved into a smile as she said it. But when he turned around, she was gone, as though carried off by the wind. Nick stood in silence, contemplating her departure. She hadn’t just brought the third act back to S.H.I.E.L.D., she had left him with an idea.

A young Coulson stepped through the rooftop door, walking toward Fury.

“Do you think we’ll see her again, sir?”

“I’m sure of it.”

Fury’s response was more than a hunch—it was a sealed fate.

“Then not everything was lost when Captain America left this nation. There are others out there, people who can face even worse things.”

Coulson’s voice carried a quiet thread of excitement, his heart swelling with hope. He had always believed in great heroes—a belief forged by the arrival of Steve Rogers in the world. That belief, once extinguished with the loss of the super-soldier, had now reignited into a burning flame.

“Calm down, rookie. I don’t want any fanboying.”

Fury’s tone was steady as he turned away, walking toward the helicopter that had landed on the rooftop, ready to take them to the airport.

But Phil Coulson was right about one thing—there were people beyond their knowledge who could face threats that the Earth alone could not withstand. But would that woman be enough to confront an even greater catastrophe? The thought stirred in Fury’s mind, planting the seed of an idea: to gather exceptional individuals, to face battles that even their best weapons couldn’t handle.

“The world will need a team to protect it, a team that can avenge its future wounds.”

Fury spoke aloud once they were inside the helicopter, pulling a small notebook from his coat and jotting something down on his knee. Coulson glanced over at the page, his eyes lighting up as he read the words.

Avengers Initiative.

2012 Egypt – Cairo.

The sun blazed fiercely over the nation that birthed the pharaohs and pyramids. Its scorching intensity did little to hinder the grand inauguration at the famous Cairo museum.

Archaeologists from all corners of the world, historians, and prominent figures of wealth and influence cast curious glances at the newly acquired treasures, while some seized the opportunity to offer vast sums of money in hopes of purchasing something ancient and historic from Egypt. A group of archaeologists, backed by the considerable funding of a company intent on recovering historical artifacts and returning them to their place of origin, had unearthed jewels belonging to the ancient Cleopatra, beating out eager British competitors.

The museum was adorned for the occasion, as guests vied for a position in front of the display case housing the jewels. Mesmerized by the gleam of the gold-encrusted gems, they listened to the concluding remarks of the CEO of the company responsible for the discovery—a woman revered within the high society few could access, as well as among history's intellectuals.

"She's just a young girl, who would've thought..." someone muttered quietly amidst the crowd during the speech.

Like the curse of a Pharaoh, the woman paused, and the man in the suit, fearing he had been overheard, almost jumped in place, astonished that the woman dressed in black could have heard him from such a distance.

"Many always doubt what lies beyond their sight, allowing facades to deceive them, ignoring what's truly beyond," she continued, casting a fleeting glance at the man who had spoken. "And that is the mistake of many archaeologists, who persist in seeking logic in things that transcend our understanding."

The speech carried on as the audience remained silent, their ears keen to catch the words of such an eloquent speaker.

"These artifacts, and many more scattered or illegally sold to capricious individuals destined to be mere decorations in houses full of vanity, belong to Egypt," she declared, defending the nation's right to its history and its pride.

"And no one should ever disrespect the right to steal someone else's history out of mere whim or greed."

The speech concluded to a round of polite applause, though some looks of thinly veiled hostility from those who felt targeted didn’t escape the sharp, green-grey eyes of the speaker. She quickly scanned the reactions before stepping down from the stage.

"As impactful as always, Ojo-sama."

A tall man with features that blended Asian and European traits, revealing a mixed heritage, approached her, offering a glass of wine. Adjusting his glasses with gloved hands, he observed her with a slight smile.

"I might agree with you once I manage to convince the British Museum to return at least most of 'their' pieces, Henry," she remarked with calm tone.

The two began walking away from the noise surrounding the new acquisition.

"Money runs the world... or at least this one. Sooner or later, they will have to relent," the butler replied, following her steps as always, maintaining a respectful distance, his hands clasped behind his back.

She remained silent before taking another sip of her drink.

"By the way, he called while you were at the event."

The woman stopped in her tracks, the echo of her high heels fading in the quietest part of the hallway. The emphasis Henry placed on "he" made it immediately clear who he was referring to.

"Did he say what it was about?"

She turned her head slightly, looking at the butler over her shoulder. He smiled, a touch of mockery in his expression.

"He’s always in such a hurry, with so many secrets. He only said it was urgent," he replied.

She raised an eyebrow slightly, then turned her head toward the faint sound of a television nearby. Without a second thought, she and her companion made their way toward the source of the noise. When they reached the room, two security guards were watching the news on TV, one of them even asking to turn up the volume.

"That's..."

Henry muttered, focusing his gaze.

"A tragedy in Germany, where during an event, a man ruthlessly attacked Dr. Heinrich Schafer at a gala held at a museum," the reporter commented professionally as images and videos played on screen.

"Ah, he’s the one who refused to attend the event," Henry remarked quietly, without taking his eyes off the screen. "Did the doctor have something important up his sleeve?"

"Iridium," his mistress responded, watching and analyzing all the evidence being shown.

Seeing fragments of Loki and Steve’s battle didn’t sit well with her, but even that fabled scene failed to impress her.

"Looks like He’s already playing with his new toy, fresh from the excavation, and now I see why."

She commented as she turned away, uninterested in watching any more of the broadcast, heading straight for the exit.

"Shall I call the jet pilot?" Henry offered, following her.

"No," she replied immediately. "I have no doubt that the moment I step through those doors, they’ll be waiting for me." She glanced at him for a moment. "Take care of the event. Make sure everything goes smoothly in my absence."

"Of course, Ojo-sama." He stopped once she crossed through the doors, and just as she predicted, agents were already waiting for her outside.

He watched her leave with that imposing, assured stride that defined her—a primal aura. As always, he wished his beloved mistress a safe journey.

The time had come.

After a decade, the moment had finally arrived.

Chapter Text

In a hidden corner of New York, far from the gaze of prying eyes, the helicarrier sailed through the skies, hovering above the vast ocean. Fury's newly assembled team, having just been thrust into action, was returning with their primary objective in tow.

Despite the chaos in the German community and Thor’s unexpected interference during their retreat—an attempt to pull his brother away from his obsessive desire to rule—the mission was still a success. Not only had they brought Loki back, but they also gained a new ally, someone who would be a valuable addition to their team. Yet, the fleeting sense of victory would soon give way to stress and concern over the looming threats. The exchange between Fury and Loki sowed seeds of doubt, making it clear that the god of mischief had no intention of cooperating, leaving them with no insight into how to prevent the impending catastrophe, nor any clue as to the whereabouts of the Tesseract.

Thor was quick to fill in the gaps, unveiling Loki’s sinister plan: to open a portal into space, where an alien army awaited, poised to invade Earth and subjugate it. When the time was right, they would descend, granting Loki what he desired most—the complete submission of humanity, his ultimate dominion over the planet.

Meanwhile, a conversation between Tony and Bruce unfolded, with the two exchanging theories on how Loki might stabilize the portal. In typical Stark fashion, Tony couldn’t resist offering a backhanded compliment regarding Bruce’s “special skills,” though not in the field of science. Instead, he touched on the one thing Bruce despised: the Hulk, drawing several accusatory glances in his direction.

"Doctor Banner’s only here to help recover the Cube," Fury's voice broke through as he entered the room, cutting Tony off before he could continue down the Hulk path.

A brief silence fell over the group, leaving only the hum of agents working at the ship's consoles.

"If the army is real, we're going to need more claws and fangs," Fury remarked, leaning against the railing, casting a glance at each of them.

"Claws and fangs?" Tony quirked an amused smile as he rummaged through his pockets for a hidden stash of candy.

"Are we missing someone?" Steve raised an eyebrow, his confusion clear in the furrow of his brow.

Coulson couldn't help but spin around, as if his life depended on it, staring at Fury with wide eyes. He had an inkling, but he hadn’t believed it possible—it had been years since the last time. Before Coulson could speak, Fury let out a gruff laugh, his good eye momentarily focused on the floor.

"She’s difficult to reach, but she’s finally come out of hiding."

As Fury’s words lingered in the air, the team caught the sound—familiar to Fury—of heels clicking rhythmically against the floor of the ship. He turned towards the approaching footsteps, recognizing them instantly, thinking: right on time.

The improvised team shifted their attention to the doorway, where, to their surprise, a young woman with distinct Asian features appeared. She was small, standing at no more than 160 cm, her height amplified by her towering black heels. She wore a sleek, form-fitting black dress that hugged her figure, ending just above her knees. The heart-shaped neckline accentuated her ample chest, adorned with a diamond necklace that rested delicately against her collarbones. Her pale face was flawlessly made up, enhancing her striking features—a bold cherry-red lipstick and soft smoky eyes that framed her green, almost gray irises. Her jet-black hair cascaded down past her hips, a waterfall of darkness that added to her aura, with a fringe resting over her forehead, drawing even more attention to her piercing eyes.

She appeared no older than 25, a young woman with a presence that exuded both maturity and an animalistic allure. Even Tony, known for his quick wit and unshakable charm, was left momentarily speechless. There was no denying it—she was stunning, and in her own way, commanding. Anyone familiar with Japan might have said she seemed like a blend. There were no features quite like hers, impossible to pin down to any one origin.

Thor, a being of superior nature in every sense of the word, sensed the aura that enveloped her the moment she walked through the doors. He recognized that gait, that presence. No one needed to explain it to him—he instantly deduced that this woman was something beyond the comprehension of those present. He wasn’t entirely surprised, though. Rather, he was unaware that Earth harbored creatures beyond its human inhabitants. His eyes, accustomed to witnessing the unimaginable across the Nine Realms in his long life, had to admit he had never encountered a being with such beauty.

Phil Coulson, heart brimming with emotion, stared at the woman. An inexplicable glint lit his eyes as he gazed upon someone he had thought long lost. He barely managed to release a dry gasp through a beaming smile.

As elegant as ever.

He thought, mustering the courage to speak the name of the woman before him, his voice filled with warmth and nostalgia.

“Hitomi.” His voice trembled with emotion. “It’s been too long.”

The woman, referred to as Hitomi, turned toward him. A faint smile ghosted across her crimson lips.

“Hello, rookie,” she greeted, her voice soft yet teasing. “You and Fury have aged.”

Fury raised an eyebrow, his good eye fixed on her, barely stifling a wry chuckle.

“And it seems the years haven’t caught up with you. You look exactly the same,” Fury shot back, responding to her playful jab at his inevitable human aging.

The rest of the group looked bewildered. Steve couldn’t grasp how this woman seemed so familiar with the two S.H.I.E.L.D. men, even poking fun at their aging. Like the others, he assumed any connection between them must be recent, given her youthful appearance. Yet, something about her presence suggested otherwise—it felt ancient, distant. Nothing made sense to him. Natasha observed everything with caution, her sharp instincts alert. She knew many of Fury’s connections, but this woman didn’t ring any bells. If she had encountered someone like her before, she would certainly have remembered. Bruce looked uneasy, fiddling with his glasses more than usual, while Tony rubbed his temple in mild frustration, clearly confused. But unlike the others, Tony couldn’t remain silent for long.

“I’m not following any of this. Who is the lady?”

Tony’s sharp eyes hadn’t missed the lavish diamond necklace draped around her neck—something far too extravagant for anyone not entrenched in the world of wealth and power. Yet, despite his extensive network and natural charisma, even he didn’t recognize her. Part of him wanted to, but he couldn’t piece it together, and the curiosity gnawed at him, demanding answers.

Fury curled his lips into a barely visible smile before addressing the group seated around the table.

“The lady beside me, at least in this form, is known as Hitomi Yamagawa. She runs a rather well-known company. She’s the owner of Nihon Trade,” the man in black introduced the profile of the woman beside him.

Tony’s eyes widened in realization, as if he had just been handed the missing piece of a puzzle.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered, drawing the attention of everyone toward him.

He shook his head, struggling to grasp the reality of it.

“You know her?” Bruce, standing beside him, fiddled with his glasses, glancing at Tony with a raised eyebrow.

“I know the company, but I never imagined that this... lady was the owner.”

Hitomi looked at him with a hint of annoyance. She certainly knew who Tony was—how could she not, when he was a man who thrived on attention, always drawing eyes toward him. Natasha raised an eyebrow at Tony, recognizing that his bravado often outpaced his ability to analyze a situation. She had spent enough time around him to know that he sometimes failed to see beyond the surface.

“One might think she’s at least the daughter or... a companion of the owner,” Tony continued, ignoring the glances directed at him. “I mean, come on, that diamond necklace she’s wearing, it’s absurdly expensive.” He let out a low chuckle before looking at her again. This woman sparked the depths of his curiosity. “But I never imagined that you’d be the head of the company, given... well, looking as young as you do.”

Hitomi maintained a calm, unyielding demeanor as she listened to his arguments. Fury kept a small, private smile to himself, waiting for the response—he knew exactly who he had brought on board.

“I don’t understand, is it a big company?” Steve interjected, feeling lost amidst the conversation about a world of power and wealth.

Tony’s loud laugh echoed through the room, leaving the space in silence as those green-gray eyes watched him intently. He recovered, pulling a piece of candy from his pocket and popping it into his mouth.

“Nihon Trade tops the export business charts. It generates a substantial amount of revenue thanks to its high-quality products,” Tony explained with a tone that seemed disinterested. “The company’s director has always been described as a charismatic genius, capable of forging strong alliances that doubled profits for both sides. Not only that, the company also funds numerous successful archaeological excavations in the lost parts of the ancient world. They always knew exactly where to find things, always staying a step ahead, and no one could quite explain how.”

Everyone listened attentively to Tony’s summary of the company’s profile, delivered right in front of its true leader.

“But it seems our lady here did an excellent job keeping a low profile despite her impressive assets. I have to admit, even I didn’t know who she was.”

Tony’s words carried a tinge of frustration. Despite all his rambling, the woman before him had yet to acknowledge him with so much as a word.

“Hmph, besides ego, I suppose you’re also full of prejudices.”

Those words came from the woman who finally decided to intervene.

“Your lack of manners is obvious; you didn’t even let me introduce myself properly.”

Tony was left stunned by her words, feeling like he had been insulted without her directly doing so.

“Excuse me, I thought I gave a pretty good summary,” he retorted defensively, dropping the bag of candies he had been about to pull from his pocket, as though this wasn't supposed to be a serious meeting, with a god imprisoned in the ship’s lower deck.

“I suppose you think so fast that you can’t help saying things without knowing what you’re going to say,” Hitomi responded, unfazed by his attempt at defense.

Phil bit his tongue, suppressing any reaction. That woman’s tongue was as sharp as he remembered.

Thor smiled slightly at her attitude, finding the situation amusing in its own way. He had no intention of ruining it.

Steve, who had been turning the situation over in his mind, couldn’t help but look at her with a newfound realization. He replayed the entire conversation, trying to find a way out of the labyrinth of introductions, as if the woman had been waiting for this.

“Fury mentioned earlier that in... ‘this form’... you are known as Hitomi Yamagawa,” Steve began, uncertainly, emphasizing the supposed identity. But he continued with more confidence. “Who are you truly, beyond this businesswoman and magnate?”

Hitomi regarded him, her cold eyes meeting his with a certain respect, as if it had been there long before.

So perceptive. You do your praise justice.

It was a fleeting thought of hers. She glanced at Fury before turning her attention back to the rest of the group.

“That’s right. Compared to the sexist beliefs of businessmen drowning in their greed and ego, I am the one who manages one of the world’s most significant export companies.”

Her tone, abandoning any high-pitched notes in favor of a mature voice, rich with elegance and as though it belonged to another era, affirmed Tony’s words.

“Despite the achievements I carry under my mantle, my name remains in the dim lights of the background. By my own choice, of course.” As she spoke, the group watched her. Natasha sensed that this woman harbored more mysteries than S.H.I.E.L.D. could ever conceal.

“Excuse me for interrupting,” Bruce spoke up, his confusion and nerves pushing him to seek answers. “But why would a successful woman like yourself... want to remain hidden?”

“A person like me... must always remain wary, ensuring that people don’t become aware of the obvious truths that time reveals.”

Everyone stood bewildered as a green aura began to envelop her, wrapping around her like an ethereal cloak. Lights shimmered from within the aura, filling the space with an otherworldly glow, leaving the control room in stunned silence. The woman brought a hand to her chest, performing a graceful bow—one befitting royalty. As she rose, two furry ears appeared atop her head, replacing her human ones, while her bright eyes shifted in hue. A golden hue washed over them, and her pupils contracted, sharpening into narrow slits—predatory and unyielding, like those of a wild creature. She surveyed the astonished faces before her with those keen eyes, taking in the scene.

Even Tony, who always seemed to have a quick retort, felt his jaw nearly drop to the floor, a rare loss for words.

"My name is Hitomi Kimoyasa no Inari, daughter of the goddess Inari Ōkami and the former Emperor Akihito no Kimoyasa. Former princess of Japan," she declared, her voice carrying the weight of a lineage both divine and noble.

Her powerful introduction, blending an impressive heritage, echoed through the room. Thor couldn’t help but grin widely, his instincts proven right and even exceeded; a demon born from the mantle of the fox goddess and a formidable leader from Japan’s Muromachi period, a ruler who sought to keep Japan united and peaceful before the aristocracy’s downfall and the rise of the Daimyos during the Sengoku era.

Phil, on the other hand, struggled to hide his excitement, feeling like a young agent once more in the presence of a woman who had commanded his admiration from the start. She was the lost princess Japan had forgotten, the demon princess. A living legend whose name lingered in faint memories, marked only as “the Huntress.”

Steve, who thought he had seen it all alongside Thor, a god in every sense of the word, struggled to comprehend the woman who radiated a supernatural aura he could feel through his uniform. Her appearance, with those fox-like features, seemed almost impossible—straight out of a storybook or the old paintings he'd seen in small exhibitions brought back by soldiers from their travels in Japan.

It all started to make sense in his mind. Her closeness with Fury, the ambiguous comments about age, the way she spoke as if she belonged to a different era, her maturity and undeniable charisma that allowed her to run a major company with ease, and, of course, her desire to remain under the radar, hidden. This woman—this princess—was far older than he could have imagined. He had thought of himself as a relic from the past, a fossil ready to be displayed in a museum, but she made him feel like a child. Those sharp pupils had likely witnessed more blood and war than he ever would in his lifetime.

"I see you brought out the heavy artillery," Natasha remarked, attempting to maintain her usual composed demeanor. But unease lingered in her tone as she took in this new appearance.

The seasoned S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, who had faced countless extraordinary events, never imagined Fury would have a contact like her.

Fury glanced at Hitomi. That same appearance, those same eyes he had last seen on a rooftop a decade ago. He could see the expressions on everyone’s faces, the eyes struggling to process this, even though they already had a god among them.

He couldn’t help but feel a small sense of premature triumph—she was his ace in the hole. And seeing her here, standing before those with extraordinary abilities, only solidified the pinnacle of his vision. The initiative that had been sparked within him by the existence of a woman he never could have imagined had now come to fruition ten years later, in a team that would accomplish far more than S.H.I.E.L.D. ever could. It filled him with pride, unaware of how fate always plays its tricks, of how plans often go awry, and of the unexpected variables that enter any equation. Celebrating too soon—always Nicolas Fury’s greatest sin.

Chapter Text

"I had a feeling Earth had to have warriors of this caliber," Thor declared, his usual seriousness slipping away as he allowed excitement to color his words. He couldn't keep his thoughts to himself. "It couldn't possibly be so dull. It's reassuring to know there are strong warriors here. I could tell you were formidable the moment you walked in." A satisfied grin played across his lips.

To Thor, Hitomi seemed like an Earthly counterpart to himself or perhaps a Valkyrie-an extraordinary warrior worthy of admiration. Having another indomitable force on their side brought him a measure of comfort in the face of the battles to come.

Hitomi turned slightly, taking an instinctive step back as Thor approached with a broad smile. She kept a deliberate distance, an unspoken barrier between her and the towering god.

"Thor Odinson," he said with a warm, booming voice, "an honor to meet you, Your Highness."

Hitomi raised her gaze to meet the imposing god's eyes. He was exactly as she had imagined: immense, impulsive, and radiating an undeniable warmth. She offered him a slight nod, a gesture of mutual respect.

"I suspected as much," she replied evenly. "You carry an aura that's impossible to overlook, Your Majesty."

Her words were measured, her tone reserved. Hitomi was a woman who spoke only what was necessary, each word chosen with care. Thor, however, seemed entirely unbothered by her demeanor. If anything, he looked delighted to have another immortal ally standing beside him.

The others exchanged glances in an awkward silence, the room heavy with unspoken reactions. Phil, however, found the whole scene amusing. He struggled to hold back a grin, though his effort wasn't entirely successful, earning a few side-eyes from the group.

"Well, I'm glad we're all getting along so quickly," Fury quipped, breaking the tension with a dry tone, his subtle jab aimed at the group's collective unease.

"Fantastic," Tony chimed in, his trademark sarcasm slicing through the moment. "We're basically living out Lord of the Rings now. That's just great. Surreal, but great."

His eyes flicked to Thor, recalling their earlier clash-an armored god swinging a massive hammer wasn't exactly something you could file under "normal." And now? Now there was a woman with fox ears, an ancient warrior and a demigoddess no less. The absurdity of it all almost made him laugh, but instead, he let out a sigh, shaking his head in disbelief.

Hitomi let out a soft sigh at Tony's antics. His reaction wasn't surprising; after all, this was the natural result of treating the existence of beings like the Norse gods as mere myths and legends. When the fantastical becomes real, it challenges the human mind-a mind that instinctively fears the unknown.

"We've got the thunder god swooping around in his mom's drapes, a bloodthirsty liar locked in a cage, and now Princess Foxy here. Quite the combo. I'll give you that. So, who's Gandalf?" Tony quipped, his voice dripping with mockery as he gestured theatrically toward the group.

The others watched him, some exchanging exasperated looks, while Hitomi, unfazed, dismissed his rambling entirely.

"What's the situation?" she asked, her sharp gaze turning to Fury.

Fury met her eyes-or rather, her singularly piercing look-with his one good eye, immediately recognizing the intent behind her words. Hitomi's intelligence and sharp intuition weren't lost on him. She wasn't asking out of ignorance. On the contrary, she already knew the major points and was likely several steps ahead of everyone in the room.

This wasn't a request for an update on recent events; it was a probe to uncover the root of the problem. Hitomi wanted the third act, the piece of the puzzle that connected everything-the object, the chaos it unleashed, the tenuous alliance forged between her and S.H.I.E.L.D., and the event that had cost Fury his eye.

"It's been unstable lately," Fury began after a moment of impatient silence. "Even with all our attempts to stabilize him, things spiraled out of control. Not even the best scientists we brought in could keep him in check. Eventually, he exploded-and brought along... our dear visitor." His tone was matter-of-fact, but his words carried weight.

Hitomi studied him intently, her sharp, elliptical pupils a silent warning. Lies would not slip past her unscathed.

"Just like that?" she replied, her voice sharp as a blade. "I don't recall the cube being so volatile."

The impromptu team looked on, tension thick in the air. Thor raised an eyebrow, casting a questioning glance at Fury.

"Have you worked with the Third Act before, ma'am?" Steve interjected, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Princess Hitomi assisted us ten years ago," Phil Coulson explained before Fury could respond. His gaze shifted to the fox-eared woman clad in black. "It was during another incident involving the Third Act, which had fallen into the wrong hands."

"At the time, S.H.I.E.L.D. was just beginning to scratch the surface of phenomena beyond human comprehension," Phil continued, his tone nostalgic. "We detected strange anomalies in Japan-people spoke of bizarre events and eerie auras in the forests. The information spread quickly, sparking widespread rumors."

Natasha arched a brow. Missions of this magnitude should've been documented and meticulously archived by S.H.I.E.L.D. "There's no record of this in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s files," she said, her voice calm but firm. "All we knew was that the Tesseract existed."

"Well," Phil chuckled softly, rubbing his chin. "It wasn't exactly standard procedure." He stuffed his hands into his pockets, leaning back slightly as he spoke. "Fury and I were sent with a small field team to investigate. Japan had reported supernatural disturbances near Mount Kurama-something the local government refused to acknowledge officially. But the rumors? They spoke of demons in the woods."

That detail earned a few skeptical glances, though the team couldn't help leaning in to listen.

"Not only were these so-called fairy tale demons wreaking havoc," Phil went on, "but reports also mentioned an artifact radiating energy. That energy matched the readings from the Tesseract."

The revelation intrigued everyone. Until now, no one fully understood how Fury had first come into possession of the object.

Hitomi's expression was stoic as she fixed her gaze on Coulson. To her, he was still the green recruit she'd met years ago.

"And you simply... investigated," she said, her tone tinged with disdain. "Humans meddling in forces they don't understand." She turned her attention to the others. "The Third Act chose to manifest in a place some of us hold sacred-a boundary where dimensions converge. That artifact weakened the barrier I painstakingly erected to keep both species apart."

"That means Earth, like Asgard, has its own realms," Thor interjected, his brow furrowed as he grasped the implications.

"Unlike Asgard," Hitomi corrected, her voice steady, "many of these realms exist on the same plane. For centuries, this led to inevitable conflict-bloodshed and destruction. To end the cycle, the Council of Gods agreed to erect a barrier, concealing the fantastical from human eyes. The realms coexist in the same space but on different planes, leaving humanity to forget, relegating them to legend."

Her words carried the weight of someone who had lived through the very history she recounted.

"The Tesseract didn't just destabilize the barrier," Hitomi continued. "It radiates energy-a beacon for supernatural beings. We recognize it as an object of immense power, far beyond what any human could perceive."

"Does that mean you can track it?" Bruce spoke up, nervous but unable to suppress his curiosity. For him, finding the object wasn't just a mission-it was a potential ticket home.

"Not in the way you're imagining," Hitomi replied bluntly. "It doesn't work like a GPS tracker, if that's what you're thinking. Its presence is far more nuanced than that, beyond even my sensory capabilities."

Her response drew a disappointed frown from the doctor, who sank back into his thoughts.

"I see," Thor remarked with a faint smile, his arms crossed as he studied Hitomi. "So that's why I sensed no supernatural presence when I first came to this world." His tone carried a hint of respect-what an astute woman.

Tony and Steve listened intently. Hitomi was the farthest thing from what one might imagine a demon to be. She bore similarities to Thor: a humanoid appearance with striking, almost otherworldly features. Yet, ancient paintings and myths from the old Izumo region depicted Japanese demons as grotesque creatures lurking in darkness, nightmares given form.

"That situation was disastrous," Hitomi began, her tone measured. "Japan is deeply spiritual. It's common for people to walk through the forests, seeking temples to pray..." She paused, her words faltering as a distant memory surfaced. Images of bones and mutilated bodies, half-eaten and scattered among the trees, filled her mind. The stench of blood had permeated the woods, no matter how far she ventured. "Lesser demons began to wander the forests, drawn by the energy of the Third Act. It was only a matter of time before something worse answered its call." Her golden eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke, the memory still vivid.

"Something worse?" Steve interjected, leaning forward. This sounded like the stuff of folklore, yet the presence of Thor and Hitomi rendered it undeniable. "You mean beings with power equal to yours?" he asked, struggling to wrap his mind around the idea of other semi-divine beings.

Hitomi held his gaze in silence for a moment before replying. "Let's just say those demons were the first in line." Her voice was calm, yet it carried the weight of what came next. "Fury and Coulson arrived with a team of armed men, as if bullets could stop something not of this world. By the time I reached them, they were moments away from being devoured by a mountain oni."

Phil visibly tensed at the mention of that night. The memory clearly still haunted him. "I'll never forget it..." he murmured, his voice barely audible.

His mind replayed the scene: massive footprints, the ground trembling beneath them. A towering creature with blue skin, a monstrous, inhuman face smeared with blood. It chewed on the remains of someone, a severed arm dangling from its jagged, deformed teeth. And those eyes-giant, soulless red orbs that locked onto them.

He remembered the sheer terror that rooted him to the spot, paralyzed as Fury's voice cut through the chaos.

["Rookie, MOVE!" ]

Those words echoed in his mind, chased by the image of the woman now standing before him-the one who had saved them.

"She saved us," Fury interjected, his tone heavy with recollection. "Barely. Phil almost didn't make it." He raised his brows, as if silently acknowledging that he too had nearly met his end that night.

"What you faced that night," Hitomi said, her voice steady but firm, "was merely a shadow-an echo of what could've come. The Third Act wasn't just destabilizing the barrier; it threatened the entire country... and it would've spread far beyond."

Her words lingered in the air, painting a grim picture of the stakes they now faced.

"After dealing with those lesser demons, I realized the Third Act was resonating with something ancient," Hitomi continued, her voice calm yet laced with tension. "Its energy was like a warning signal to beings that have slept for centuries... something worse was answering the call. Japan wouldn't survive. And I wasn't going to let that happen."

She leaned back against the railing, her golden eyes fixed on Fury. "Despite my lack of enthusiasm about having a group of humans tagging along, I had no choice but to accept their help. They had more information about the Third Act than I did, and unfortunately, the situation worked in my favor to clean up an old mistake with the government."

Fury raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. What an utterly detached woman, he thought.

"Besides," Hitomi added, her voice sharper, "if I left them on their own, they would've gone anyway and wouldn't have made it to the temple alive. The Third Act was being protected by something far more dangerous than those demons."

Back then, Fury wasn't as experienced or quick on his feet as he was now.

Steve frowned, his curiosity piqued. "What was it?"

"An ancient creature," Hitomi replied, her expression darkening. "A guardian awakened by the energy of the Third Act. It wasn't just any demon. It was a fallen kami, corrupted by centuries of darkness."

Her words were heavy with meaning as her gaze shifted to Fury's covered eye, a silent witness to the catastrophe they had endured.

"It was during that confrontation that things spiraled out of control," Fury said, his voice lower now. "I lost my eye... but we gained something much more important: the Third Act, and the certainty that there are things far beyond our understanding."

The bitter memory of using himself as bait to buy time still lingered, a stark reminder of humanity's insignificance in the face of beings beyond comprehension.

"And yet, you somehow manage to keep meddling in things you shouldn't," Hitomi remarked, raising an eyebrow. There was a faint trace of mockery in her tone. "It's a miracle you're still alive."

Tony couldn't help but laugh; she was absolutely right. He'd seen Fury sticking his nose where it didn't belong for a long time.

"Definitely," he said, pulling a stick of gum from his jacket and popping it into his mouth, breaking the tension in the room. "I have to admit, your tale is pretty... terrifying? No offense, Foxy, but it's fantastic. It's got heroism, scared soldiers, the works-I love it." Tony chuckled lightly, earning confused stares from everyone. Natasha rolled her eyes at his behavior. "I mean, it adds depth to Fury. Honestly, I thought maybe a cat scratched his eye or something, but this? Yeah, way more heroic."

Thor frowned in confusion, raising an eyebrow as he turned to Hitomi.

"Why didn't you keep it, Lady Hitomi?" he asked curiously. In his eyes, this warrior seemed like a far better candidate to guard such an artifact.

"Japan is one of the few places on the planet where ley lines intersect," she explained, "Even if I kept it sealed in my mother's temple, it would only bring more trouble. The cube emits a stabilizing energy, but that energy destabilizes boundaries between dimensions. Keeping it there would just repeat the same tragedies."

Her golden gaze met the Asgardian's. "Besides, I owed these two a debt. I thought the cube would be safer with them, far from any points of supernatural energy."

That seemed to be the conclusion of the story, but Tony caught a subtle shift in Hitomi's expression-a flicker of distrust. Her sharp eyes lingered more on Fury than on Coulson, as though she doubted something.

"So you understand the cube's behavior?" Bruce finally asked after the long silence.

"That's what I'd like to believe," she replied, her tone icy. The more Hitomi thought about the situation, the more inconsistencies she noticed.

"Well, what really matters now is Loki and getting the cube back," Fury interrupted after clearing his throat, steering the conversation away.

Phil noticed out of the corner of his eye Hitomi's predatory gaze fixed on Fury for a few brief moments. Something told him Fury was in for an unpleasant conversation later.

"I suggest we start with Loki's scepter," Steve proposed. "It might be magical, but it functions a lot like Hydra's weapons."

"I've got no clue about that," Fury replied. "What I don't understand is how Loki managed to turn two brilliant men into his loyal flying monkeys," he added with an obviously sarcastic tone.

"Monkeys?" Thor turned, looking at him in confusion. "I don't understand."

"I do!" Steve quickly interjected, raising his hand. The others stared at him for a moment, prompting Tony to roll his eyes. Steve glanced around awkwardly, a sheepish smile creeping across his face. "I mean... I understood the reference," he admitted, licking his lips nervously before clearing his throat.

Hitomi looked at Thor, noting his evident confusion.

"It's a movie," she explained softly, clarifying the reference to The Wizard of Oz.

"Ah," Thor muttered, scratching the back of his neck slightly as he tried to keep up with the constant stream of human references.

"Well, it'll be good for us to get to work," Hitomi mentioned after a brief silence.

"Uh, ma'am," Steve interrupted her as she began to walk away, sounding a bit uncertain. "I, well, I think it might be more appropriate, just in case things get... tense." He gestured slightly toward her current attire, clearly referring to her fitted evening gown. "Do you have a suit?"

Hitomi's ears twitched slightly at his question before she turned to look at him.

"Of course, you're absolutely right," she replied calmly.

Phil approached with growing interest, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Knowing what Hitomi was implying, he felt like a kid again. Already thrilled to be in the same room as Captain America-a man he admired and collected cards and comics about-he was now standing alongside a woman who proved the existence of the Japanese legends he loved so much. Witnessing extraordinary individuals forming a team felt like a fleeting dream come true.

"Allow me a moment for a quick rearmament," Hitomi said, giving herself space.

Maria watched her with a raised eyebrow. What a mysterious woman, she thought. Despite her modern appearance, Hitomi spoke with the cadence and poise of royalty from centuries past.

"Rearmament?" Natasha echoed, her curiosity piqued as she noticed Hitomi's eyes light up with green flames that formed a circle at her feet.

"Saibusou," the demoness intoned deeply in Japanese. The fire surged upward, engulfing her, startling Tony and Bruce, who both instinctively stepped back.

"WOAH, WOAH! The princess is literally on fire!" Tony exclaimed, visibly impressed by the unnatural flames surrounding her. The scene was surreal. He glanced toward Thor, who merely laughed, watching with interest at such an entrance.

The flames receded to her feet, revealing a completely transformed appearance. If Hitomi had seemed anything less than a warrior of ancient times before, now she looked like something straight out of a fantasy film. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail, secured with a crimson ribbon. Moving downward, her attire resembled a blend of traditional Japanese battle armor and the elegance of garments fit for a princess.

She wore black trousers that reached her knees, fastened with red ribbons, paired with open-toe boots that revealed her clawed toes. Her upper body was adorned with a crimson haori (tunic) featuring intricate embroidery worthy of a feudal-era princess. The haori extended to her knees with short sleeves that draped like delicate shoulder ribbons. Over it, she wore a navy blue samurai chest plate, secured by a red sash that cinched everything at her waist. Her chest was partly exposed, revealing a tight black base layer that started at her neck and extended down her arms, covering her hands entirely. It was an outfit befitting a fairy-tale warrior princess.

Steve stared at her armor in awe. He had never seen anything like it, even with all the strange things he had encountered before and after the ice. For a moment, a sheepish laugh escaped his lips. While he no longer felt ridiculous wearing his own suit-thanks to Thor and Hitomi-he couldn't help but think his uniform now looked like a silly costume next to the battle-ready ensembles of these two extraordinary beings.

Natasha seemed quite surprised, though she remained reserved. Still, she couldn't help but feel a slight admiration for the woman's style. Having another woman on the team—one who appeared sensible and prepared—brought her some comfort compared to the overwhelming amount of testosterone in the room.

Tony, on the other hand, was left with his mouth slightly ajar after what had just transpired. He opened and closed it a couple of times, clearly struggling to keep his sarcasm in check despite his obvious surprise. The whole scene felt like a costume party he hadn't been invited to.

"Well, it's a rather curious costume. Kind of gives off a Mulan vibe, doesn't it?" he remarked, glancing around.

Steve raised an eyebrow, clearly not understanding the reference. "Who's Mulan? Another powerful warrior?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Phil suppressed a laugh that slipped out despite his best efforts. The poor man, Steve's innocence was enough to make anyone chuckle. It wasn't even his fault—keeping up with Tony's sharp wit and references was a challenge on any day.

Hitomi raised her eyebrows and let out a soft sigh as she glanced at Steve. She wouldn't blame him; Tony's rapid-fire remarks were difficult to follow, whether he was speaking as a man or a businessman.

Tony chuckled quietly, covering his face with his hand. It was impossible to resist. "Shall we play doctor?" he teased Bruce, who stifled a mischievous grin. While Bruce was reluctant to engage, he couldn't deny the small pleasure of moments like these.

"This way," Bruce  said, gesturing toward the hallway and stepping out of the control room.

Before leaving, Tony cast a glance at Hitomi, his sharp mind processing everything. Her attitude toward Fury had only heightened the nagging feeling inside him, the one that had prompted him to plant a hacking device on the base's central computers earlier.

Steve, still puzzled, turned to Natasha and then to Hitomi, hoping for clarification. "I don't get it..."

"Forget it. It's not important," Hitomi advised calmly.

"Agent Romanoff, come with me for a moment," Fury requested, his tone authoritative.

"Yes, sir," Natasha replied, rising gracefully. Her movements had a feline elegance to them, exuding confidence and purpose.

Hitomi's golden eyes followed them as they left. Her sensitive ears perked slightly, tracking their footsteps until they were far enough away. Steve noticed her expression—her gaze was sharp, almost predatory. There was something unnerving about it. While Hitomi's presence was commanding on its own, those unnatural golden eyes and needle-sharp, slit pupils gave her a truly otherworldly air.

Steve couldn't shake the feeling that something about the situation was bothering her deeply. He wanted to believe it was simply Fury's reckless handling of something so dangerous, a conflict she had risked so much to end.

"At the end of the day, war is inevitable, isn't it, Your Highness?"

Thor's words caught Hitomi slightly off guard. She turned to face him, her expression thoughtful, while Steve was left surprised by the sudden philosophical statement.

"Wars cannot be avoided forever," Thor continue, his voice carrying the wisdom of countless battles. "I have seen this truth across the ages. And yet... you strive to shield these fledgling souls from the harsher path to growth."

Hitomi met Thor's gaze with a calm but firm expression. "It is true, war cannot always be avoided," she replied. "Yet I do what I can to ensure these inexperienced lives do not stumble blindly into needless suffering."

Her golden gaze then shifted to Phil, who was observing the exchange with quiet curiosity."

"Rookie, I hope you've learned from the past that keeping Fury's secrets  leads nowhere, right?" Hitomi addressed Clint directly, leaving him unable to meet her gaze.

"You know I never hold back with you, Hitomi," Phil replied, though his usual confidence and enthusiasm seemed dampened.

Hitomi observed him, and for a fleeting moment, her expression softened slightly. Perhaps the only one to blame for Phil's doubts was Fury himself, whose actions inevitably dragged people like Coulson into his web of secrets.

"Do you doubt the director? If so, what are you doing here?" Maria intervened, her tone firm in defense of Fury.

Hitomi's golden eyes turned to Maria, fixing her with an unwavering gaze. Though Maria held her ground with a composed and serious expression, she couldn't help but feel unnerved by those piercing eyes that seemed to search her very soul.

"You may have chosen to stand by his side, but I am not on SHIELD's side. For now, we simply share a common goal," Hitomi stated as she turned her back to Maria, her voice calm but resolute. "In short, just because I disapprove of SHIELD or some of Fury's decisions doesn't mean I would withhold my aid when the situation concerns us all." She clarified her position before glancing over her shoulder to look at Maria once more. "You may be his right hand, but I know him better."

Thor watched the exchange, his eyes moving between Maria and Hitomi. He could see Maria readying a protest, but in the end, she stayed silent, perhaps out of respect for Hitomi's opinion. Cold, perhaps, but her temperament seemed more composed than frosty.

"Foxes are clever and mistrustful, that's a fact," Thor remarked, attempting a playful jab. However, Steve found the comment distasteful—Hitomi was still a lady, after all.

"Perhaps," Hitomi replied vaguely, letting the comment roll off her. "Do you think your brother will have anything interesting to say to me?"

Thor fell silent, studying Hitomi for a moment. By now, he knew he wouldn't get much out of Loki. But perhaps she could.

"Well...Perhaps. You might be better equipped to navigate his mind than I am," Thor admitted thoughtfully.

Hitomi nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the only word she needed to hear before she began walking toward the exit of the room. Her departure was closely observed by the three men with whom she had just been conversing. Thor watched her with curiosity; for a moment, he considered that a sensible woman like her might avoid wasting words on someone as deceitful as his brother.

Lost in his thoughts, Thor noticed Steve standing up to follow her.

"It seems the Captain wants to speak with another warrior from a different time," Phil remarked with a faint smile.

Despite Thor's amused chuckle in response, Phil kept his gaze fixed on the direction Hitomi had gone, with the soldier trailing after her. Like Thor, Phil knew that Hitomi didn't waste words unless she thought she could gain something from them.

He felt a pang of guilt. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint a woman who had always lingered in his mind as a cherished memory, even though their encounters hadn't been under the best circumstances. He had always hoped to see her again—and, in some way, to stay close to her.

"Princess," Steve called out, his voice reaching Hitomi's sharp ears before he even caught up to her. Her ears twitched slightly at the title, though she had already sensed his approach.

"Your Highness," he called again, watching her stop in her tracks.

The word lingered in the air, carrying a weight unfamiliar to most but deeply rooted in her. That title felt so distant now, a relic of centuries past when it was spoken to her more naturally. It was uncomfortable in its own way, but also carried a faint melancholy. Slowly, she turned to face him.

"You can call me Hitomi," she suggested, her golden eyes meeting his. "I understand how awkward it can be to address someone so formally."

Steve studied her for a moment, as if searching for the right words, arranging his thoughts with that deliberate sincerity she was beginning to recognize in him.

"Maybe no one remembers you, or perhaps history forgot you as you said," he began, his tone steady but firm. "But I think, even if the world has forgotten, you should carry your title with pride. Not everyone is born under that mantle. Even if the rest forget, you shouldn't forget your father's legacy."

Hitomi blinked, momentarily caught off guard. His words carried a surprising weight, and for a moment, the steel of his resolve and the respect in his voice left her curious. What a remarkably principled man, she thought. His honor and empathy struck her in a way few humans did.

At last, she gave a small nod in acknowledgment. "Very well," she conceded, her voice calm but laced with a hint of intrigue. "If that is what you wish."

She resumed walking, noticing how Steve followed beside her.

"Do you really plan to speak with Loki?" he asked, breaking the brief silence. His tone was cautious but genuine. "He seems like a lost cause. I don't think he'll tell us anything about the Tesseract, and Thor's already told us his plan."

Steve's concern was evident. It wasn't just that he didn't want her to waste her time; he was curious about her intentions.

Hitomi glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "I know that," she admitted calmly, her gaze fixed ahead as she kept walking. Steve noticed how the staff they passed seemed startled by Hitomi's presence, instinctively stepping aside to make way for her.

"I'm not after information about the Tesseract," she confessed, her tone steady.

Steve raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"You should check on Stark," she suggested, her eyes flickering with a sharpness that complemented her calm demeanor. "You, more than anyone, should know he's even more brazen and impulsive than his father, Howard." There was a knowing look in her golden eyes. "I doubt the doctor's patience will last long."

Steve considered her suggestion, recalling his limited but already tumultuous interactions with Tony. She had a point; Tony's unpredictability wasn't exactly reassuring. Weighing her words, he found his sense of duty winning over his curiosity.

"I'll keep that in mind," he said, coming to a halt as he watched her head toward Loki's cell. "Good luck, Your Majesty."

Hitomi turned her head slightly, nodding in acknowledgment before continuing down the corridor. Steve's sharp blue eyes lingered on her retreating figure until she disappeared from sight.

He didn't need Thor's abilities to feel the supernatural aura that surrounded Hitomi. He had never met a woman like her. Her stride carried an undeniable presence, an air that was impossible to ignore. Golden eyes that pierced through to the soul, coupled with a detached gaze that spoke of a life spent witnessing far too much. Even under the weight of countless stares, she moved as though nothing could touch her.

Steve noted that she didn't seem like someone who imposed authority; she didn't need to. It was something innate, something she exuded effortlessly. Her appearance—a young woman with a seemingly "innocent" air—belied her ability to command respect without speaking a word. She was enigmatic, almost alien, yet undeniably compelling.

Steve sighed, resting one hand on his waist, shaking his head as he turned back the way he came.

He found himself wondering, Who is Hitomi, really?

The huntress...

"I wonder where you were when I was still fighting in the war all those years ago..." he murmured to himself, the question lingering in his mind.