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I'M GOING TO... ASGARD
FOR VACATION?

"Dying to know. Afraid to find
out."  —Unknown
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Avengers Tower

Location: New York City, New York

May 30, 2015

IT was only a matter of time before the new Avengers Facility will be completed. Unfortunately, most members of the Avengers had to presume with their lives, yet stayed vigilant when necessary. Steve occasionally visited Peggy Carter in Washington, D.C. for days at a time. Other times, the Captain would have Sam watch over the facility, an easy job if he knew what he was doing. Somehow after Sokovia, Falcon apparently caught a new 'hero' on-site before disappearing— or in his words, shrinking. Whatever that meant, Aurora wondered.

Clint returned home for the final weeks of Laura's pregnancy before she was going to give birth to a baby boy. Aurora heard from Natasha that he'll name him after the hero that saved his father, Pietro. Wanda was pleased in hearing that, yet she still grieved for her brother. The female Avenger recently left for a mission, concerning a potential threat from her past. Vision and Wanda continued to stay a few levels below Aurora's, seemingly until they got their rooms at the facility. Leaving only Thor and Tony at the tower.

The young Stark didn't mind the absence of her extended family, understanding that they had other things to do. Every day she would train to maintain her figure and continue to improve on her technology, guess old habits die hard. Naturally, Aurora enjoyed Wanda's company... considering she was the only girl near her age. The cooking lessons she received were definitely worth it since she managed to make some delicious meals. Wanda was grateful that she taught her in maintaining a focused mind, helping her visualize the true nature of her power.

The nice thing about being with her father was spending quality time with him. Mostly offering some suggestions with fixing his suits, inventing new things, and upgrading the security system of the tower. After the whole Ultron fiasco, Aurora implanted M.A.T.T.H.E.W. to the old JARVIS hard drive and constantly setting algorithms to prevent any hackers. Pepper would tend business meetings at the lower levels of the tower, but would always have time to have dinner with Aurora.

Thor briefly left for a few days, explaining he had to visit somewhere, unaware that he would share an astonishing announcement to the Starks. Tony didn't put much thought into it, because he had other matters to worry about. Even Nick Fury made an unannounced appearance, discussing with Stark that the world government had enough with the Avengers involvement in different countries. Warning him to keep a low profile and stay out of trouble, Tony thought the Stark Relief Foundation would help.

Obviously, Aurora tapped through the feed to hear everything... it wasn't the first time she's done it. She's a rebel teenager, so what if she risks being caught? Which was unlikely for her A.I. system was under her control— along with Tony's. But she had the advantage of erasing private information and sending cryptic messages before he noticed them. Guess being a Stark has its way of getting anything.

Immediately upon Thor's return to the Avengers Tower, he was indecisive in revealing the truth. He needed an opportunity to speak with Tony alone, considering the man was always busy with many distractions thrown at him. Recently, Pepper was getting frustrated nowadays with his careless actions that she couldn't handle the stress of constantly being ignored. The only thing that helped ease her temper was having Happy and Aurora here.

Fortunately, one evening on the main floor, Thor found Tony seemingly having a shot of scotch to calm his nerves. Headaches became a common problem for the billionaire, thinking that he'll never get a break from anything. Apparently, Pepper finally had enough with everything, that she was willing to take a break from their relationship. Tony pretended to not care but he knew he was lying to himself. Drowning out his thoughts, he didn't sense Thor approaching him as he decided to drink the whole bottle.

"Stark, I must speak with you. It's about Aurora." Thor approached Tony with his usual booming voice, nearly starling the man until he realized who it was. The God of Thunder was the least of his problems at the moment, wondering what to do with the mess he created.

"Not now, Point Break. I've been trying to avoid Pepper since she's in one of her moods. Talk later maybe?" Tony suggested nonchalantly, lightly patting the Asgardian's shoulder. The billionaire began strolling away in worry, alerting F.R.I.D.A.Y. to set up his lab to continue working on the Iron suits.

"It's about her mother, Diana!" The God of Thunder interrupted, knowing well it gained Tony's full attention. Immediately he stopped dead in his tracks, hoping that what the Asgardian said wasn't true. Slowly his feet guided him back, his chocolate eyes slightly narrowed to the God that claimed he knows where Diana is.

"Run that by me again... did you just say 'her mother'? Do you know where she is?" Tony questioned rather quickly, not letting himself think. He never thought he would hear that name again nor that she was finally found. This couldn't be happening... and what a coincidence that it's almost been a year that he found out about Aurora.

"I know where she'll be." Thor corrected with a large smile, uncrossing his arms from his chest. The billionaire swore under his breath, placing his hand on his forehead as if a headache was forming.

"How do I know it's not a prank or something. Did Rory put you up to this?" Tony accused him, thinking that he might have a heart attack. Next thing he knows, he has another kid!

"I speak the truth. Her mother is a friend I know... technically speaking, part of my family. I didn't know when it was the right time to tell you both." The God of Thunder clarified, leaving out to important information since he'll tell the rest to Aurora.

"Wait a moment— part of your family? So what? You trying to say that Aurora is related to you somehow?" The billionaire continued to interrogate him, practically near Thor's face who stood still for a few moments. Thor fumbled with his cloak, mentally debating his next response carefully.

"Not exactly..." Tony stared at Thor unsure, he wasn't convinced with that answer. Both men were unaware that the very person they were talking about entered but with her music blaring off her earbud in one ear.

"The problem is why did you decide to tell me this now?" Tony bickered in a remarked tone. Aurora quietly made some pancakes and served herself a bowl of blueberries after an intense training session. Nodding her head to the rhythm, mumbling to the lyrics of the song. After a few bites, she noted her dad and Thor seemingly having an intense conversation.

"I believed that it would be right for you to tell Aurora—." Thor persisted in a thunderous voice that made the teenager stop eating. Her appetite appeared to vanish after hearing her name mentioned, strolling towards them as her eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

"Tell me what?" Aurora piped up that nearly made Tony flinch in surprise. Both of them glanced at her direction, she was approaching them with a large tired smile. It was clear she didn't listen to the entire conversation, the facial expression she wore was enough to convince Tony to lie.

"N-Nothing important." Tony stuttered, cursing under his breath for his idiotic mistake. Aurora slowly placed her hands on the hips, knowing he wasn't telling her the truth. Thor couldn't hide the truth anymore, after a year of knowing her heritage... the guilt would only consume him until he'll one day spill it.

"I will not lie to her. She needs to know." The God of Thunder revealed, slightly glaring at Tony for trying to cover the truth. They both stared at one another intensely until Tony finally gave him. This only confused the teenager profoundly, already thinking of all the things she's done wrong.

"Okay, now you both are making me worried. What is it this time? Don't tell me you ran out of Pop-Tarts when I just got them two days ago? Or did you find mine? Because I did tell you—." Aurora rambled worriedly, hoping her Cookies and Creme aren't gone yet. Thor was known to eat whole boxes in one bite, forcing her to hide her pack so he wouldn't get them.

"It's not that, Firecracker. He has something you'd like to hear." Tony explained, seeing the confused expression on Aurora's face. He only calls her that nickname when he's proud of her or he was trying to be serious. It wasn't the first one. Thor strolled closer to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Lady Stark... I know where your mother is." The Asgardian confesses, immediately Aurora laughed at the silly prank he was trying to pull. However, when she noticed that none of them were laughing, she stopped while simultaneously feeling her breath hitch. No... it can't be. No one has found her mother in ten years so how would he know?

"...W-What? How? And w-when?" Aurora stuttered in shock, eyes widening after every second. Glancing over at her father who held a similar expression as herself, observing Thor who had a charming smile on his face. This was just getting weirder and weirder.

"I found her two weeks ago..." Thor explained, not entirely telling the truth. The reason for his absence a few months ago was that he needed to confirm that it was her. What's worse after seeking the truth was that he found his niece without trying that he didn't recognize her. Aurora changed from being a sweet, loving child he once knew to a complicated teenager.

"But how could you be so sure?" The young Stark raised the question, fingers twitching along with her chest quivering with anticipation. Managing to control her impulses, Aurora bit her lip to prevent tears from slipping away. She only cries during her nightmares or when she finds something from the past.

"Because your necklace is an identical one to hers," The Asgardian pointed at the Uru necklace, unaware that she was gently gripping it. The intricate design of the stone held more power than she knew, revealing her heritage as a demigoddess— the Lost Princess of Olympus.

Strange... she didn't seem like one of royalty.

"Aurora a minute please," Tony interrupted as he took his daughter with him, not bothering to look at Thor. Her eyes twinkled with incoming glistening tears, stubbornly held them back as she observed him. Visibly conflicted about discovering his ex-lover, yet knew it was up to Aurora if she wanted to meet her.

"Dad I want to go... I want to find her," Aurora thought about it, nodding her head to confirm her decision. In all her years of having dreams about her mother was ultimately becoming a reality.

"Are you sure you want to? What if something happens to you?" Tony questioned with distraught, his left hand over his lips with a frown. After spending time together, they both knew she was more than capable of protecting herself.

"Nothing will happen to me and you know it. Thor will protect me, and he's proven that already." Aurora glances to the God, who waved at her with a bright smile. She reciprocated his actions, Tony seemingly still wasn't convinced. It was happening so swiftly that half the time he didn't know what was going on.

"But are you absolutely certain about this?" The billionaire placed his left hand on her shoulder, kneeling as he cupped her chin gently. One tear slipped from her eye, Tony wiping them away as the Starks cracked a lopsided grin.

"More than anything dad. If Thor knows where mom is... don't you think I deserve to know her? I'd give anything just to meet her... to tell her that it wasn't her fault." Aurora whispered to him, her eyes sparkled with the hope that matched a warm smile. Tony sighed deeply, briefly nodding as he lovingly stroked her delicate face.

"Please... don't deny me the chance of a lifetime to finally talk to her. I've been dreaming of seeing her since I was a child, dad. This is important to me...." Aurora begged as more tears threatened to spill. Never did she get emotionally for anything.

"I know... that's why I'm letting you go." Tony agreed wholeheartedly, seeing her tears slowly flowing from her dazzling eyes.

"But dad—! Wait, did you just agree with me?" The young Stark insisted until she registered what he said.

"I did. I don't know how long you'll be gone for but I trust you." He confirmed his decision, hoping he didn't regret it. Without the Starks knowing, Thor didn't know how to reveal another part of the truth to them. Tony will most likely understand yet Aurora... she was complicated. The past was always something she desired to discover— but what if she didn't like what she hears?

"Thank you! A thousand times thank you, dad!" Aurora grinned widely. tackling Tony into a tight hug. He was surprised by her actions and sudden strength yet enjoyed the embrace as he wrapped his arms around her. Placing his chin above her head, Tony couldn't help but worry that if he sees Diana again, she would either hate him or be disappointed.

"I just hope she isn't disappointed in me," Tony mumbled through her hair, Aurora hesitantly released herself from the hug as she glanced at him, a reassuring smile that could practically lift anyone's spirits.

"Why would she? You rescued me from a place that haunted me for years. You were willing to take me in, knowing well that you would be out saving the world or working on the company. I'm proud of you, dad." She confesses interlacing his hand on hers. Tony smiled warmly, leaning down to kiss her forehead before strolling towards the God of Thunder.

"Let's make one thing clear, Thor. If anything happens to her—." Tony demanded firmly, however, Thor understood what he was referring about.

"No need to worry, Stark. I promise I'll protect her with my life." Thor put the billionaire's worry at ease. The teenager strolled beside her father, grinning widely to Thor, eternally grateful that he was willing to help find her mother.

"By the way, Thor where would we be going?" Aurora asked curiously, considering that she wasn't in New York. If she was her mother, she wouldn't return to the same place that she presumably had been for the last decade. With the background knowledge of a SHIELD agent, she would always have to find a new place to avoid being discovered.

"...To Asgard." The God of Thunder proclaimed with a large grin.

"Wait, so you were serious in taking me even if I lost the bet?" Aurora asked him, taking a few steps back. All the stories that she's heard from Thor... from the beauty of the Nine Realms to the spectacular Kingdom.

"I never bet, Lady Stark. I made a promise and I intend to honor it. Alas, it would be a privilege to have you to see the glorious realm of Asgard." Thor insisted yet his eyes told a different story. If only his mother, Frigga was still alive, she would have welcomed her goddaughter with open arms.

"So basically I'm going to Asgard for vacation? Can't wait! And... when do we leave?" She tried maintaining her excitement, however, her face said otherwise. She was smiling as if she got the best thing in the world... which she did.

"Tomorrow evening. I advise you to pack lightly and do bring your mother's possessions." The Asgardian suggested. Aurora nodded her head rapidly without hesitation as she immediately caught him unprepared when she hugged him. Thor was still for a few seconds, not sure how to react. The teenager didn't care at this point if she was crying, she deserved to discover her past!

"Thank you, Thor... thank you." Aurora mumbled in his chest armor, laughing genuinely with happy tears. The god embraced her before looking back at Tony, giving a nod of respect to one another. She slowly let go of him, stubbornly wiping the tears away to appear brave. Nonetheless, Aurora fiddled with the necklace, smiling down as if her mother was doing the same.

"Stark, you have my word that she'll return in four weeks," Thor vowed to Tony before kneeling to his niece's height. Never did he see Aurora with such an angelic smile that could outshine the sun, "Family sticks together, Aurora. Remember that."

"I will," Aurora promised wholeheartedly. Tony suggested packing since it was soon going to be night. Immediately running to her room, wishfully thinking while packing some clothing and her mother's journal. Not forgetting the photograph Tony gave her. As much Aurora tried denying she was nervous meeting her mother, her heart never seemed to calm down nor did her mind. Anticipating after every second, itching for the chance to know her. Millions of thoughts occurring, daydreaming how she looks like and if she still loves her.

It seemed that the world forgave her for everything she's done... if only it was true.

Guess hiding an international assassin was one of them. After her dreams were consumed with nightmares, her only escape was to secretly visit Bucky every night. It brought her a sense of familiarity with him, even if his memory wasn't constant how it used to be. The former HYDRA assassins would usually do some grocery shopping for him, practicing if he remembers anything from the past, and finally Aurora would tuck him to bed. Identical to a mother caring for her child, only the roles were reversed.

Fortunately, Bucky was slowly getting the hang of some things, showing the teenager his journals with full detail. Lots have changed for him over a year, proving that he was progressing even if he's still brainwashed. Aurora was quite stunned with his work... well, she did help too. After every visit, she would give him a pocket full of cash, sometimes a new journal. Even if she teleported home later in the morning tired, she knew she was doing the right thing... well in her mind.

Hours flew by and before she knew it, Aurora was already saying goodbye to Wanda. The Maximoff girl wished her luck, hoping her friend would return home safely. Clutching her backpack, she strolled to the main floor, seeing Thor and Tony waiting for her. Stark walked towards her as he whispered, "Please stay safe...."

"I promise dad. I love you," Aurora smiles, hugging him tightly before she let go. Tony lightly kissed her forehead as he told her sincerely, "That's my girl... Now go on. I'll be waiting for you here."

"I know..." She answered, gripping the backpack tightly as she glanced at Thor. The Asgardian nodded his head firmly, extending his hand towards the rooftop nearby. Aurora managed to steal one last glance at her dad, knowing that this was what she needed to do. The tainted sunset illuminated the city's silhouette with its stunning rays of light.

"Thor... how are we going to get there?" Aurora asked curiously, observing that there was no way to transport to Asgard. Thor didn't answer her question, only that he smiled at her before summoning Heimdall to open the Bifrost.

Aurora felt Thor wrapped his arm around her waist tightly in a protective manner, lifting his hammer in the air. Within seconds, bright luminescent lights flashed around them, transporting the pair to Asgard. The teenager closely stared at her surroundings, beyond the various lights she was astonished seeing multiple galaxies and constellations. Breathtaking... absolutely breathtaking. A small portal appeared as they landed into a stunning observatory, Aurora taking it all in.

"Welcome home, Thor," Heimdall greeted his Prince, recognizing that he brought a guest with him. Only that this was not just any ordinary guest, but an Olympian royal.

"Thank you, Heimdall. May I present to you—." Thor addressed the Protector of the Bifrost. However, Heimdall swiftly interrupted, thinking the Lost Princess of Olympus was finally found. He didn't understand why he couldn't find her after all those years, almost like she disappeared out of nowhere.

"Aurora Hunter... I've heard of you," Heimdall confessed, something she was confused about. Nonetheless, she didn't want to appear rude nor disrespect someone who has a sword on his hand.

"Um, nice to meet you." She meekly answered, glancing at the man. His golden eyes briefly flashed yet his warm smile eased her nervous expression.

"Does my father know I'm here?" Thor questioned his friend. Heimdall shook his head firmly as he responded, "No, my Prince. Only I know."

The Asgardian Prince saluted him farewell, alerting the teenager who was still mesmerized by everything, "Come along, Aurora. The night is upon us now."

"Okay... pleasure meeting you, Heimdall," Aurora waves goodbye, not giving the man a chance to bid farewell. Once stepping outside the observatory, she took in the sight of the magnificent palace with the rainbow bridge below her feet. Gold glistening against the last rays of the sun, creating a soft glow that made her feel in heaven. Or what Thor once mentioned to her, Valhalla.

They rode on horses towards the palace, since Thor believed that Aurora wanted to memorize every detail she could. Her eyes darting in every direction, a ghost smile appearing on her lips until they arrived at the entrance. The Asgardian helped her down on the horse, thanking him for the help as she patiently followed him inside. Aurora couldn't help but wonder if her mother is an Asgardian? Maybe a different race? Is she a commoner or royal?

"Your mother is not here but I assure you Aurora you'll meet her." Thor insisted as they walked beside each other through the halls.

"I know, Thor. I trust you." She nodded, subconsciously feeling out of place for the servants and guards gave her odd stares. It's not like she knew that wearing dresses was something Asgardian women wear. They continued along with the palace, Thor showing her the different parts of the halls before standing in front of a closed room.

"You'll be staying in the guest room during your stay. I'll have someone come over to have you prepared for the next few days." The God of Thunder explained, seeing that Aurora's eyes were glued at the door.

"Alright... and thank you. Asgard is everything you said and much more. I'll always be eternally grateful," She replied honestly, glancing at him with a tired grin.

"It's my pleasure. Now I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight," Thor implied, wishing her a pleasant sleep.

"Goodnight," Aurora bid him one last time, glancing at the large golden doors. Inhaling a large breath, her hands touched the cool gold door and slightly gave a push. The doors creaked open but the room itself was massive. Perhaps not like her room at home but the craftsmanship of the walls and carvings were absolute masterpieces. Cream-colored with a golden accent on the walls, a diamond chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and matching furniture around the room. Where she stood was a glass door across from her that revealed a balcony, therefore, she quietly closed the golden doors.

The large chocolate-colored wardrobe stood on the right corner, with a lovely writing desk beside it. The bed was on the opposite side of the room, filled with many blankets and pillows. She dropped her backpack and immediately jumped into the bed, feeling the soft cushion beneath her. A large moan escaped her lips, loving the comfort and the soft silk sheets. There was another door by the desk that she didn't notice before. Aurora proceeds observing it, strolling over to open the door. Revealing a large bathroom one that was similar inside the bedroom.

Without her knowing.... She was staying at her mother's guest room.

A yawn escaped her plumped lips, deciding to set in but she wanted to see more. Asgard was a huge planet so perhaps asking Thor to show her around would be nice. Aurora changed into her favorite sleepwear, fixing her hair into a simple braid. The lights dimmed after she was finished, settling in bed as a sigh of relief overcome her. Still, the fear that a nightmare would appear terrified her. But the comfort of her mother brought a sense of serendipity.

And for once... Aurora fell into a deep slumber, the first time in weeks.