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PROLOGUE

"I'm searching for something
that I can't reach." —Halsey
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ATHENA vigilantly watched from the distance as she saw the Avengers walking out with the recently captured Loki. Dressed in her old SHIELD outfit with dark shades to cover her identity, she walked alongside Alexander Pierce, who, she might add, now hated the man with a burning passion. Trying to hold her composure, the goddess approached the past Tony Stark with some officials nearby. Feeling a strong glare on her, she swiftly concealed her face before turning around to talk through the earpiece. Knowing that her lover was watching her every move, almost detecting Athena's presence.

"Guys, I think Loki is on to me," The goddess informed them, still unaware where the rest of the team were. His eyes made Athena unnerved which sent a sudden lump on her throat, piercing away her motive to save the universe... she still couldn't get over his death. Even if it was him, she resisted the temptation because it wasn't the man she once loved. At that time, all that mattered to the God of Mischief was power and domination.

"Don't worry, once Thumbelina here speeds it up, we'll have the Tesseract," Tony replied as he tried to rush Scott, sensing a rise in a heated argument with his past self. Shouts were heard, hands reaching for the briefcase including hers for the infinity stone. There was resistance on both sides, past Thor negotiating— or rather, persisting that it belonged to no one. The billionaire was yelling through the earpiece, wincing slightly at the commotion stirring within seconds.

The next thing she knew, the past Stark suddenly gasped for air, his hand over the arc reactor in a desperate attempt to grip onto anything. While he dropped the case, Athena sneakily kicked it further away as the attention was towards Tony. Curiously wondering if he ever grimaced at himself from the mild cardiac dysrhythmia, at least that's what she thought it was. Her eyes trailed back at the case that seemed to not get far, however, Scott pushed it towards present Tony.

"Good job. Meet me in the alley. I'm gonna grab a quick slice," The billionaire declared, feeling a sigh of relief as they completed their mission. Nonetheless, the action alerted Loki in astonishment at the perfectly coincidental plan, following along towards the source. Athena didn't expect him to observe directly at her, eyes locking as if wanting to communicate tenderly. Both confused and conflicted, the difference was he didn't seem ashamed of his actions.

Suddenly a large bang rang through the hall, past Hulk barging through the door that tossed Tony to the ground. The briefcase was unlocked and out slipped the Tesseract towards Loki's foot, Athena wanting to reach for it but was stuck between the chaos. People running from Hulk's rampage, she managed to slip through as she desperately thought he would change— she guessed wrong.

"DON'T!" She shouted, lunging forward to grab hold of the blue cube from him yet it was too late. Loki picked it up as he gave one last glance at Athena before being consumed by a bluish mist. Leaving her staring at his previous spot as he was transported to another part of the world, shame washed over her. Athena murmured under her breath at the mistake she made, foolishly desiring the man she once loved.

And the goddess never had a chance to utter a word to him.

Puzzled expressions and frustration washed over, this was their only chance to bring everyone back. No one dares say anything, only thinking of what comes next. With what's left of her optimism she came to an acceptance that she'll always lose what she loves. Her lover, daughter, dignity, and happiness. A curse really she's endured her own life, Athena may be a Queen but all she was now was a woman yearning for hope.

"Guys... we have a problem. Loki's gone... and so is the Tesseract." She announced it to everyone.

And it was just the beginning.

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Jess speaking!!

I really hope you like the prologue and my god I'm so excited about this plot! I love them with my whole heart, even if I make Athena suffer.... This chapter is dedicated to -sanascribbles because she is awesome and a great listener for my plot! Please comment and vote and tell me if you're excited as much as I am. Until then everyone and take care!