The next night, Steve made sure to go to the bookshop during the 'visiting hours' Fury had specified.
He didn't bring any doughnuts (also as agreed).
As he went down the stairs leading to the lab, he saw a woman sitting with a female SHIELD agent. She was weeping and shaking.
Concerned that Loki had most likely had something to do with it, Steve entered the sterile cell.
Loki was sitting on the bed but rose as Steve came in.
Steve saw a chair had already been set up in front of the glass wall but had been knocked over.
He righted it and he took a seat.
'I hope you're better prepared than she was' Loki asked, taking a position so he was standing directly opposite Steve.
'Did you have something to do with that woman's distress?' Steve asked, though he already knew the answer.
Loki smiled. Steve was starting to hate that smile.
'She's one of those 'mew tonts'' Loki said, testing the sound of the unfamiliar word, 'They thought she could see inside my mind and tell what I was thinking. Apparently they don't agree with your approach'.
'What did you do?'
'I can't read minds but I know how to keep people out of mine', Loki said dismissively, examining his nails.
Steve's stomach twisted angrily at Loki's callous pride. He took a deep calming breath, conscious Loki was watching him for any sign of outrage. He refused to give Loki control of the situation: if he got angry he was on Loki's turf.
'You didn't have to do that. She wasn't a threat to you', he said seriously.
'They thought she was. She thought she was. I proved them wrong', Loki shrugged.
'Speaking of proving people wrong, I have a question', Steve said, 'Why do we have to play a game?'
'I like games' Loki said simply, 'I like to win'.
'How does the game work exactly?' Steve asked, 'You were kinda vague before'.
'I will tell you a seven stories', Loki elaborated, 'Each one corresponds to the Magpie rhyme'.
'You mean like 'one for sorrow, two for gold'?' Steve interrupted.
Loki nodded and concluded 'Once I'm finished each one, tell me what was true and what was false in the story'.
'Okay. Shoot', Steve invited.
Loki began.
'On Asgard, stories are mostly told through word of mouth at large gatherings. Good stories get requested so they get repeated with inevitable embellishments. Stories that are written down are valued but seen as stale and unmoving because they never change.
It is a custom in Asgard that when we are visited from dignitaries from Alfheim, we-'
'Alfheim? Is that another planet?'
Irritated at the second interruption of the night, Loki rolled his eyes.
'I sometimes forget how limited your concept of the universe is. Do forgive me'.
'No problem', Steve said breezily and was rewarded with another annoyed look from the prisoner.
'Alfheim is the home of the, well, I suppose you would call them something unimaginative, let's say 'light elves'. They are handsome (though not as handsome as they think), talented magicians and very traditional. Now as I was saying, it is tradition in Asgard that when their dignitaries visit, a grand feast is held and one of the stories celebrating a joint Alfheim-Asgardian victory is told. On this particular occasion I was chosen to tell the story the dignitaries had chosen due to Thor being…otherwise occupied'.
'With what?'
'At the time I believe it was a pretty young lady named Hilda', Loki said with disgust, 'Though it became taxing to keep track after a while'.
'What age were you?'
'This age', Loki said and his form blurred.
Loki, much like his adult form, had been one scrawny kid. His short, black hair was messy, sticking up in odd places and a vivid bruise marked his right eye.
'What's with the bruise?'
'Despite my proclivities for stealth and subtlety I was never one to back down from a fight', Loki said, gesturing to himself, 'This is an accurate representation of how I looked at the time. Now, I had been given the story weeks in advance of the feast so dedicated every free moment to learning it word for word. Within three days of being given the script, I could recite it flawlessly'.
Loki's smile faded as he continued.
'I remember Thor mocking me for reading those 'old dead books' and recommending I let him take over. I refused, all the more determined to succeed.
The night of the feast, I stood up, all eyes on me and the delegates named the story they wanted.
It was not the story I had learnt.
Naturally I protested (earning my father's displeasure by speaking out of turn) but before I could say more, Thor stood up and elbowed me aside.
Then he began to tell the required story. Despite all his claims of laziness and hatred of learning, he had learnt it. So he could outshine me'.
Steve thought it was weirdly off putting seeing such bitterness in such a young face. Loki continued his story through gritted teeth.
'The delegates applauded Thor and I stepped down from the stage.
As I passed the Alfheim delegation, I heard them remark that Odin didn't need a spare; they had been blessed with the perfect son the first time round.
They didn't even whisper.
I know my father heard them. He did nothing.
So I resolved to do something.
I was able to slip out easily: all eyes were on Thor who had decided to spice up the retelling by adding (what he no doubt thought were amusing) sound effects.
It was equally easy to locate the iron shavings lying on the castle blacksmith's floor.
An interesting fact I had happened upon while doing research for the visit was that the 'light elves' have a rather severe allergic reaction to iron. Amazing what you can learn from 'dead old books''.
'There's that smile again', Steve thought.
Loki was obviously relishing the memory.
'Slipping into the kitchens, I put some shavings into their mead', Loki leered, 'By the next morning I was the one laughing.
No more diplomats.
The lesson here is that a quick mind can cut as swiftly as a knife and cruel words deeper still. Both are blades I have honed keenly.
Now tell me soldier: Truth or lie?'
Steve considered the story.
Loki paced slowly, eyes never leaving Steve.
'Most of its true', Steve said, finally making his decision.
'Explain', Loki said, giving no indication of whether the answer was correct or not.
'It's the first round. From a strategic standpoint, you're mostly telling the truth because then no matter what you say after this you can say the first story was mostly true', Steve said, 'And the way you talked about how you felt...'
'What about it?' Loki pressed when Steve trailed off.
Steve didn't know how to continue. He wasn't about to tell Loki that he knew that feeling of helplessness and mockery. Not to mention the uncanny resemblance between Kid Loki's build and his own formerly weak body.
'It rang true', Steve said with finality, 'The lie was about you poisoning them. You're not reckless. If you poisoned them you'd be suspect number one and it would probably have triggered a war'.
Loki clapped slowly and nodded.
'Not a very good lie', Steve appraised.
Loki held up his hands.
'It's only the first round', he said, 'Come back tomorrow for the next one'.
'Why not go again right away?' Steve asked.
'Stories need time to be digested'.
'Okay then. I guessed right. Now, hold up your end of the bargain'.
Kid Loki laughed and crossed his arms.
'It's so interesting that you actually expect me to'.
'It doesn't help you if you don't', Steve shrugged, 'No point in me playing your game if there's no incentive'.
'Very well. The fight is not over', Loki pronounced as he resumed his usual shape, 'Is that enough of an incentive for you? Give my regards to the young lady on the way out'.
Loki flopped back down on the bed and conjured a rubber ball out of thin air. He began to throw it up in the air and catch it one handed.
Steve took the hint and left.
He saw Clint Barton leaning against the wall as he came up.
'Cap', the archer nodded.
'Barton' Steve acknowledged, 'Headache gone?'
'Yeah. Finally. Thanks. Fury told me what you're trying to do. Thought I'd come see for myself'.
'Haven't gotten anything specific yet but at least he's talking', Steve said.
'As if he's got anything worthwhile to say', Barton grumbled.
'I saw what happened when you went in', Steve said.
'You did?' Barton said, rubbing his neck, 'Yeah, not my finest moment but I needed to get some things off my chest'.
'Did it help?'
'I'll feel better when he's out of here', Barton said, shooting a distasteful look at the door leading to the cell, 'Don't like having a rabid dog in the house. I'm pushing for a muzzle for his trip home'.
'Got any advice?'
'Nothing you don't know already. He actually talked to you?'
'I didn't get anything about the Chitauri. He mostly talked about-'
'Himself?' Barton cut in, 'He does that. A lot'
'It's all information', Steve shrugged.
'I remember when the government was supposed to dissect aliens' Clint muttered darkly.
'Including Thor?' Steve asked raising an eyebrow.
'No!' Barton snapped, realising the implications of what he had said, 'That's not what I meant! I don't even know why I said that!'
'Residual effects of mind control?' Steve offered as Barton stepped away from the wall.
He fell into step beside Steve.
'Maybe but pretty sure it's just plain old fashioned hatred', Barton grumbled, 'Still I think I'm gonna take a coupla days before we have to see him off. Not like he's going anywhere'.
'Wait a second', Steve said.
Barton nodded as he noticed what had attracted Steve's attention. The woman Loki had spoken to was still hunched in her chair. The other SHIELD agent had resorted to just keeping her hand on her shoulder. She looked up protectively but relaxed when she recognised Steve.
'Are you alright ma'am?' Steve asked the woman.
Loking up to identify who was speaking to her, the woman's eyes widened.
'You're-' she gasped.
'Steve please', Steve said gently.
Her hands shook as she nursed a full cup of coffee.
'I'm fine' she said with a weak smile, 'Nothing I can't handle'.
'I understand if you don't wanna answer but could you tell me what happened?'
'I tried to read his mind and – '
Her composure snapped.
'It hurt', she gasped, voice cracking, 'It hurt so much! Strange creatures like metal dragons flying in the darkness. There was someone there, on a throne and he was smiling then it was cold but I was burning and I was falling and the darkness was in my eyes and my mouth - Oh God!'
She began to give weeping groans and dropped the cup, covering her face with her hands.
'I'm sorry! I'm sorry I can't talk about it! I just can't!' she croaked.
'It's okay. It's okay', Steve reassured but the woman was inconsolable.
'I was stupid! I wasn't strong enough! He's right! I'm weak! Useless!'
The other agent moved between the woman and Steve.
'With respect Captain, Agent Kelso shouldn't be upset any further', she said sternly.
Steve nodded.
'Of course. Thank you'.
Steve returned to Barton's side. The archer's face could have curdled milk.
'Why did Fury send her in there?' Steve asked quietly.
'Agent Kelso volunteered', Barton said, the anger at Loki's treatment of his colleague plain on his face, 'She wanted the chance to show people mutants care just as much about New York, especially if they live there'.
'What happened?'
'Record should be over here', Barton said, gesturing to the console.
At Barton's words, the SHIELD agent began to lever Kelso out of the chair, supporting her with her shoulder as she began to walk her away, obviously wanting to spare her any further stress. As Barton located the record and pressed play, Steve noticed the sound had been fixed.
Agent Kelso entered the frame of the video and Loki stood up at her approach.
'Hello Loki', she said, 'My name is Agent Kelso. I'm a psychiatrist with SHIELD. I'd like to ask you a few questions'
'Spare me' Loki snarled.
Steve knew the hostile attitude was obviously because Loki didn't believe she was someone worth talking to. But then why talk at all? Why not just ignore her like he had done with Barton or Banner?
'I must warn you that your cooperation is expected', Kelso said.
Steve winced at the authoritative tone in her voice. That was gonna rub Loki the wrong way.
Loki's derivative scoff confirmed his suspicions.
'I must also warn you that I have the authority to ensure your cooperation if you refuse', Kelso continued.
'You have the authority, but do you have the power?' Loki asked tauntingly.
Steve knew the outcome of the ensuing confrontation but still felt unease twist his stomach.
'Yes. I do', Kelso affirmed, obviously annoyed at Loki's lack of respect.
'Show me', Loki said, leaning forward.
'Are you refusing to cooperate?' Kelso said, rising from the chair.
'Strange how my cooperation may be expected but it's not what you really want', Loki leered.
Steve saw Kelso raise her hand to her eye level, almost as if she was saluting.
Loki gave a strange shiver and shook his head. No doubt Kelso had just tried to use her powers.
Loki laughed, eyes closed. He raised a hand of his own.
It reminded Steve of a psychic trying to tell someone their future.
'Oh I see!' Loki cried in obvious glee.
Steve could sense Kelso's confusion in her stance even as she maintained her pose.
'What you want is a fight? Very well', Loki said.
He cricked his neck and cracked his knuckles.
'Let's have one', Loki grinned as what looked like strange green static suddenly erupted around his body.
The effect on Kelso was instantaneous. She gasped and stumbled, knocking over the chair as she swiped at invisible enemies.
'Stop it! Stop it!' she yelled.
'You presume to intimidate me girl?' Loki snarled, all traces of humour gone.
'Stop! I'm sorry!' Kelso screamed, tears starting to stream down her cheeks.
'That you made a bad decision? I believe you', Loki mocked, eyes hungrily following Kelso's distress.
'You're hurting me!' Kelso cried as she braced her back against the wall. Her eyes were wide: terrified at whatever she was seeing.
'You think this is hurting?' Loki sniffed derisively, 'I wonder what your basis for comparison is'.
Kelso screamed and sank to her knees. She bowed her head in abject defeat as she knelt, hands clasped over her ears. She was trembling violently, the whimpers piteous to hear.
'She's learnt her lesson. Have you?' Loki said, turning deliberately to the camera, 'Soldier?'
Steve could feel his heartbeat pounding in his ears and could sense Barton's alarm at the subliminal anger he was projecting. He glared at the screen.
That was why Loki hadn't ignored Kelso. The idea that Loki had designed this as a private demonstration for him galled him. His stomach twisted in knots: Loki hadn't said anything about it when they were talking.
It was meant to be a sick surprise.
'What lesson?' Barton asked.
Loki's words from their meeting in Germany swam in Steve's head like a shark rising to the surface.
You will always kneel.
Steve punched the wall so hard cracks spread across the clean white surface. Barton took a step back: the sight of the usually mellow soldier startling him.
'Not while I'm around', Steve promised Loki silently, 'And not before you do'.
