A/N: So, I am still unsure exactly where this is going, but it's an adventure for me! Please review =).

Loki paced along the length of his private chambers, his long green cape fluttering around his calves. His ruse had been successful thus far - no one had suspected the truth about Odin. He should be was out of the picture and he was the uncontested ruler of Asgard; everything he had ever wanted was within his grasp. But for some strange reason, it wasn't enough.

Flashes of midnight black hair gleamed in his mind's eye, but he banished them with a scowl. No. She is loyal to Thor. She would ruin everything. Logically, he would forget about her. Logically, he wouldn't put his crazy plan into play. But logic has no control over a madman, now does it?

...

The shadows hid him from her view. Loki knew that he could always trust in their concealment to shelter him from the spite of others. Concealing himself in darkness was a talent that he had cultivated from childhood, one that had saved him from ridicule and mocking on many occasions.

His attention was transfixed again by the woman in front of him. She was so graceful in all her movements - the double-edged spear she held was truly an extension of her body as she whirled and struck, decapitating yet another training dummy in one smooth movement. The sound of her breath, ragged from the exertion, echoed across the empty training field. They were alone. This was his chance.

"Lady Sif." Striding from the protection offered from the shadows, Loki raised his chin and donned his facade - the arrogant madman, despised by all.

"Loki."

The look of horror on her face at the sight of him beat at his heart, but he hardened it, blocking out the emotions. It was something that he was awfully good at. Practice makes perfect, he thought sardonically as he continued towards Sif.

"How is this possible? Thor saw you die!" Holding her ground, Sif raised her blade threateningly, her cheeks losing all colour. He admired her courage. It was obvious that, in a battle between them, his magic would make him the victor. Yet, she would still defy him.

"Clearly, Thor was incorrect. It has been a while," appraising her head to toe appreciatively, he added, "and quite a shame. You are looking very well."

"What do you want?" The playful nuance appeared to have been lost on her; tension radiated off her lean frame in waves as she stood, poised to strike.

"Oh, who knows?" Loki spread his hands and grinned playfully at her. "Power? Or maybe just a friend?"

"Don't play games with me," Sif grunted. Then, in one fluid motion, she leapt forward and attacked, her spear directed straight towards Loki's heart.

"Nice try," Loki taunted as he swayed out of the way, conjuring a spear identical to hers. Holding it lightly, he tested the balance quickly with a practice thrust. It had been a while since he had been in close combat, but it would go against his purposes to defeat her with his magic.

"You think that I was trying? I'm just testing the waters!" Lunging at him again, her spear made a whistling sound as it swung towards Loki's unprotected head. Tensing, he brought his spear up to block her blow, hearing the noise as the two weapons connected just inches from his nose. Clearly, she was the better fighter - the battle wouldn't last long. Fortunately, Loki didn't need long.

"I came to see you." Parrying another attack, Loki changed the subject, speaking in a conversational tone that was a sharp contrast to his battle stance. "I wanted a chance to talk."

"I have nothing to say to you." Another thrust towards his stomach. This one nearly made contact before Loki was able to dodge out of the way.

"Think, Sif. I could have killed you before you even saw me coming. But I didn't. Why?"

"You're insane. That seems simple enough to me."

The butt of her spear hit his left arm, which immediately began to throb. Running out of time. Out loud, he said, "You and I have something in common - we never give up. When we want something, we will get it, no matter the cost." Sif stayed silent, but Loki could tell that he had her attention, even as she continued her assault. "You want to be accepted - the powerful female warrior. Is it so strange that I, too, yearn for acceptance?"

"You must think me stupid to fall for this deception." Scorn coloured her tone.

"Many things, but never stupid." Taking a deep breath, Loki said, "Your parents sent you away - so did mine."

Something flickered across her eyes at his words - compassion. And understanding.

His goal accomplished, Loki summoned his magic at last, using it to bind Sif and render her immobile, frozen with that soft look on her face.

From a secret pocket in his cloak, he drew out a small gold sphere, roughly two inches in diameter. "Forget, dear Sif. At least for now." At a gesture, a stream of fog surged from Sif into the sphere, making it glow for a brief instant. Her memories. Releasing her from his magic, he caught her gently in his arms as she fell, lowering her to the ground unharmed.

Until next time, my dear.

...

Back in the comfort of his own chamber, Loki resumed his pacing. What he had done had been risky. Still was risky. One false move could ruin everything he had worked for for so long. But if his plan succeeded…

One wave of his pale hand extinguished all the light from the room. All the light except for a small golden sphere, suspended in a tall clear vial, which continued to glow.

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