"Okay, what do we know about Attuma?" Tony questioned. Clint had called for an emergency meeting once we'd returned to the tower. Everyone was here, even Loki, despite him not being necessary to have around. He claimed he had nothing better to do, so he decided to watch us work.

"He's basically a super-powered Atlantian," Sam answered. "He has an army of regular Atlantians. He's a big deal in SHIELD. Lexis, got any other input?"

After informing them about the history of sirens and Atlantians, I add everything else I know. "Atlantians are creatures of war when in the oceans, but on land struggle to compensate. They needed sirens to lure surface dwellers into the water so the Atlantians can attack and loot. Sirens used to help in exchange for jewellery and other shiny objects. We are particularly impartial to anything that belongs in a vanity and Atlantians had much of this to offer."

Natasha placed a strange crown in the shape of a snake on the table. "This is the Serpent Crown. Lexis, know anything about it?" "I have heard of it," I nod. "It takes skill to wield it masterfully, but those who wear it can control the beast linked to it. Why do you ask?"

"Attuma has it once," Natasha answered. "I thought when you first mentioned him that maybe he was after this, but if he's after you... well, let's just say we've got bigger problems."

I shake my head. "I can handle an Atlantian. Their only power is bribery. There is nothing that Attuma could offer me that I will accept. And I have the advantage of being able to fight in water and on land, whereas on land he is weak. He is hardly an opponent."

"I don't know, Lexis," Steve shook his head. "He's on SHIELD's most wanted list for a reason. He's pretty powerful even on land." "But not powerful enough," I shrug. "Though it would still be a good idea to lock the crown away."

"We were planning on it," Sam said simply. "Good," I nod. "Now do not worry about Attuma, any of you. This is between me and the Atlantian."

Steve put a hand on my shoulder, making me look up at him, his ocean blue eyes looking into mine. "You're one of us now, Lexis. We've got your back, no matter what. We're all in this together. Okay?"

I sigh. "I understand, Steve. I really do. And I am very grateful. But I do not want any of you hurt because of me when I could easily defeat Attuma alone. What is the point of bringing you all into harm's way if it is unnecessary?"

"Look, we'll let you handle most of the Attuma stuff yourself, but we'll be right behind you when a fight's going down," he compromises. "Deal?"

"Deal," I agree. "I will do my best to make sure your roles are expendable, though. And while I doubt he will, there is still the possibility that he will not bother us again after he realises how easily I got rid of his Atlantian henchmen."

"He won't, but okay," Steve said. "But we're increasing security on you. You'll need to have someone with you at all times if you're not in the tower, though preferably in the tower as well, but I won't force it at this point."

"I see..." I narrow my eyes slightly, not liking the idea. But I also see the logic in it and I have to admit that it is not a bad idea at all. "And who will be my babysitter?"

"I can do it."

Everyone looked to Loki in surprise, including me. "I have nothing better to do," he shrugged. "And Lady Lexis is not the worst of you."

He looked specifically to me. "Of course, if you do not mind, that is." "I do not see a problem with this," I agree. "You and boredom do not exactly go well together anyway." This makes him squirm uncomfortably.

"Then it's settled," Tony shrugged. "Lexis has her reindeer bodyguard. Anything else?" Nobody has anything more to discuss, so the meeting was ended. Loki follows me out, apparently intent on being there constantly as Steve had preferred.

"What are you planning to do?" I ask him. "Whatever you wish," he replies. "I am only here to intervene if Attuma makes an attempt to attack you... of course, I will also intervene if anyone else attacks you."

"Good to know," I remark, smiling slightly. "Well my only plans were to play with Rune, so you may grow bored."

He shook his head. "I do not mind. If I really do grow bored I can always read." I nod and reach for the door to my room once we near it, but Loki quickly moves forward and holds it open for me. "On Asgard it is considered rude for a man not to hold the door for a lady," he stated when I chuckled. "Well I will not lie and say it is impolite," I state, walking into the room. He chuckled as well and followed.

Rune was curled up in her bed. She'd grown a little since I'd got her, but not by much. Her dark eyes met my own, then her tail began wagging. She trotted over, nuzzling my legs. I scooped her up. "Hello to you too, lycanus minscale. You have missed a lot."

She looked up at me with concern in her eyes. I heard that there was an emergency meeting. What happened?

"Atlantians," I tell her simply. "Their leader wishes to kidnap me, most likely to use me as a weapon. I refused to cooperate. Nothing major."

Her eyes widened and she checked me over like a fretting mother. You're safe, right?! "Of course I am," I confirm with a nod. "They cannot harm me. I am much stronger than any Atlantian."

I am going to stay with you all the time, Rune decided firmly. I will not stand idly by while you get hurt again.

I chuckle. "Whatever you say, lycanus minscale. Whatever you say."