Hello everyone, hope you are all having a pleasant day and an even better one now that there is a new update to the story, yaaay!
Been a hell of a week for me and rather shitty now cause I have to be careful when I right because the 'b' on my keyboard is being the ultimate douche bag. Some reason it won't work unless I press it really hard and it sucks that I am a fast typewriter and I tend not to notice unless I'm rereading my works before submitting: I really gotta look into what's causing that little jam before I kill it!
And since my lovely little spring break my life has taken to a slightly more boring tone, nothing but tests in my future. All in which just makes me want to take a fully loaded shotgun to the face. I sometimes believe they do it intentionally to make us suffer. We want to learn yes, but it's just all that extra work (mostly homework) that just places the kill joy in education in my opinion because learning or even reading happens to be my form of enlightenment. I am sure others may agree, but everyone has a different opinion nevertheless!
And I see I got some more lovely reviewers! How how I love thee so!
AkeraWriterofTheNight: Of course you'd love to be the villain they do have more serious fun then the average person, but depending on the franchise it could either be very fun or very fatal...and you'd be a master manipulator? Ohhhhhhh, do I sense a 'Napoleon of Crime' on our hands? Dun Dun Duuun.
ThePhantomismyLove: Thank you so much for your kind words! And your express concern over Irene, I can sense your dislike of Liera already!
Heydiddlehiddle: Again, I hope that you're feeling much better! It sucks getting a cold and I am glad that you were able to read my story in the comfort of your bed! I am glad you also expressed your liking of how I introduced the characters and trying to weave this as best as possible into the avenger's plot line you are very sweet indeed.
Ani the Fangirl: Lol, glad you seem so enthused! Thank you for reviewing!
moonsword17: Moon Moon! I am always so delighted to see your review always! I am glad you thought that 'Adler' was fitting! I thought is was rather cheeky myself when I was stewing over the ideas of what to change her name to until I saw my mom watching Sherlock Holmes with RDJ, had both a nerd moment and a stroke of inspiration! I couldn't freaking resist a Sherlock reference after that, and Happy's own dialog! Best thing ever, I had tremendous fun writing the banters so far especially between Fury and Tony. Those two are like oil and water (Same with Tony and Steve). How time shall pass between Loki and Irene would be very interesting to see indeed!
So, enough of my mindless chit chat I know you are all just dying to skip over this and wish I'd shut up so you can get back to the juicy chapter below. Very tempting to skip over isn't it *wiggles brows playfully and giggles* anyways my sweet darling readers I shall hold you back no longer!
Enjoy!
Chapter 16: Morning Madness & Floriography
"Don't be stubborn."
...
"It will only take a few seconds of your precious mortal time, I will not wait around all day!"
...
"This is ridiculous, you're acting like an spoiled child! How you've managed to live this long shall forever remain a mystery in my mind."
...
Loki growled when the girl turned her head stubbornly away. Her pink lips pressed firmly shut as he tried to get her to take the potion he made made earlier this morning. It was his special brew that had a positive effect on her and what he had given her at least two times previously back in her home in Canada. It countered the poisoning that she was unknowingly given herself and it was driving him absolutely mad that she was deciding now, out of all times, to be defiant towards him. In his struggle against the little minx it had placed them both, in what he considered, to be a very compromising position. Loki had her pinned down to the bed, using his weight and bigger frame as an advantage to keep her down. He was straddled over her stomach so he could restrict her movements, pressing his knees into her sides. No amount of bucking her hips wouldn't be able to dislodge him anytime soon, and in some dark twisted part of his mind he was somewhat enjoying watching her squirm.
It was a a little challenging to reign in his strength, he discovered. She would obviously not walk out of this little battle unscathed, only with a little bruising but Loki had to remind himself that she was not an Asgardian, compared to someone like the Lady Sif she was like a toothpick. If he were to squeeze his legs together more he could possibly destroy her rib-cage and bring about an agonizing death.
He certainly didn't want that.
If there was anything he learned in life was that allies were rather rare, and should maintain a healthy relationship. He was not saying that his relationship with the young mortal girl was normal. He found himself mostly aligning himself those who had strong semblance of power. Back in his days in Asgard that would mostly be pointed to Thor, as brothers they had done many things in one another's company. Adventures, conquests, and the like. The warriors three out of necessity due to the fact they were always with Thor. And he had kept a overall healthy relationship with the Aesir Queen, his mother.
Once more he urged the young girl beneath him to take the offered potion.
"You will find that my patience is wearing thin, you have until the count of three to drink it or else you may regret it." he threatened scathingly.
Irene's brown eyes glared at him, screaming her reluctance. Her cheeks were a light shade of red, and she felt warm to the touch only running just a mild fever that would only get worse unless she drank her damn medicine!
Loki's nostrils flared, his voice was dark and nearly guttural.
"One..."
Irene was looking back at him, not as willing to back down. Oh, she certainly had some nerve to face a God. He couldn't deny that this show of rebelliousness was an impressive feat, most back on Asgard would have wet themselves by now and cowered in a corner just by the sheer fear of angering the God of Mischief.
"Two..." He let the number roll of his tongue now.
A crack in her resolve started to flicker in her eyes. She didn't seem as feisty now, that fire she was showing was starting to dwindle. Good. Now he just needed to annihilate it and win this nonsensical dispute.
"Three..."
As promised he delivered the final blow that would assure him the ultimate victory. Like a snake striking out, Loki clamped his fingers over the girl's nose, cutting off her air supply. Irene looked at him, flabbergasted. She renewed her struggle, and the God kept up his unrelenting hold until she could no longer deny her lungs the air they sorely needed. Her mouth open, greedily breathing in and Loki sprung upon the opportunity. The potion was poured in, and before she could even think about spitting it out he forced her mouth closed.
"Swallow it!" He ordered.
Her eyes were watering, and her body convulsed violently with his rough treatment of her.
"It would be less torturous if you finally admit your defeat, I have won this battle so do not make this any harder." Loki sneered, his eyes narrowing down at her.
Finally she gave in. He watched the muscles of her neck move as she swallowed, making him completely satisfied. He released her, the girl gasping and gagging all at the same time. The lord of Mischief rolled his eyes at her melodramatic antics, "It's not as if its killing you, Irene. It is to make you better, it is much more effective then what you currently take so you shouldn't make such a fuss." He swiftly rolled off her, dodging a pillow that was aimed for his face and skillfully went off the bed to stand. It tastes so horrible! she complained. She immediately gathered her pillow, which she had used as her weapon of choice against him moments before, and held it tightly to her chest for comfort.
"Are all you Midgardians that horrendous when taking their tonics?" He questioned, genuinely curious. Irene didn't answer him, so he walked around the bed to get a good look at her face and spotted her glaring out at the city past her large windows. Strangely enough, he was reminded of one of those strange Midgardian feline creatures called a 'cat' that was sitting on top of a trashcan in one of the back alleys while observing the layouts of the city. It was an odd little brown ball of fur, it didn't seem overly friendly when anyone went near it, it had hissed at him and glared at him through slanted eyes with it's triangular ears pressed flat against its head and long tail flickering side to side with agitation. The comparison between them was uncanny. "Are you just going to ignore me now?"
She didn't bother to look at him. Oh! She had nerve.
He couldn't deny that he liked the little challenge that she had presented him. Every new discovery of the little quirks in her personality was fun to learn, and he was always meddlesome to some degree. But being flat out ignored always bothered him. It was strenuous enough fighting for the attentions of Odin and many others among his peers back on Asgard against Thor, and he found it to be a rather nice change that he didn't have to do much to get heeded for once. Loki endorsed the fact that on Asgard he had only two people who were willing to listen to him, one in which he found himself bitterly hating these days.
Thor and Frigga.
As much as it impressed him (and irked him), he can't just allow himself to be simply brushed off by a human woman. So for this, he responded in the only way he knew how to get attention.
Mischief.
Remaining inconspicuous, with the small wave of his hand the pillow that she clung so tightly to shifted form into that of a living snake. This creature's ebony scales glistened from the light of the morning sun, and it was a docile breed that he had chosen. It slithered slowly between the girl's arms taking her by surprise, her large eyes looked over at him and she slowly started to sit herself up being very cautious as she went along. A smirk played at his lips, a feeling of smug satisfaction overcame him. This was always his most favorite trick to play, mostly on women since they seemed to frightened of these slithering creatures.
Irene was sitting up fully now, the head of the snake working up her arm as it continued to travel along her body. Loki was fully prepared for a show of screaming and useless flailing, he waited, looking rather innocent with round eyes like an eager child. Imagine how completely stumped he looked when he saw her giggling rather then screaming when the snake's head rested on her shoulder near her neck, its tongue flickering out and tickling the tender flesh of her jugular. And she was experimentally running her fingers along the scales of the animal without any forms of fright at all, it was all just childish curiosity and wonderment that overshadowed her reason and instinctual fear of such (what her species considered) dangerous animals. If he dared to think so, he would have guessed she was rather happy with the companion currently wrapped around her arm.
"Wha...?"
Well...that was entirely unexpected and very new.
Where were the screams? The undeniable fear that many showed? Even on Asgard serpents were much hated creatures.
No, this simply will not do!
But his raging thoughts came to a screeching halt when she just beamed at him, he cringed internally at her cheeriness. His trick wasn't in vain though now that he had recaptured her attention and that she was no longer ignoring him. He would have to take it into an account that in the future to come up with better ways of scaring her when she seemed most irritating. But her love of his magic seemed to please him greatly, and somewhat sooth his battered ego that he had suffered under the blustering gazes of his Asgardian peers.
Any other thoughts vanished as his ears picked up approaching footsteps just beyond Irene's chambers. With the flick of his wrist the snake returned to its original form, Irene pouting in slight disappointment as knocking sounded from the door.
"Irene? Its Pepper, I'm coming in."
Loki tilted his head to the side as he listened to the feminine voice. The door opened and a red headed woman appeared, her lips were pulled back into a friendly smile "Good morning!" She said cheerfully, she waltzed idly further into the room eyeing the crumpled sheets that pooled around his mortal ally with questioning eyes. She seemed very amused. "Restless sleeper?"
Irene's already rosy cheeks turned a bit darker. And Loki was slightly pleased that she seemed to be feeling somewhat better, and much more livelier.
So Irene just nodded her head.
"Great!" Pepper clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. "Why don't you get dressed, breakfast will be done soon and you can join Tony and I. That way we could get you familiar with your surroundings before you start your internship."
A few seconds of awkward silence passed by, Irene having a somewhat nervous and unsure face to be her only response. And perhaps odd for this red headed female human because she may not have dealt with many people with Irene's...disability. Loki briefly wondered how Midgardian society dealt with people with said disabilities.
"Right..." Pepper continued softly, hand hands smoothing down her black shirt that only went a little ways past her knees. Loki's brows arched up at how revealing they were. Irene wore her dresses similar to that length, it must be normal on Earth because back on Asgard showing that much leg would cause quite the scandal. Then again, Thor's woman walked around with trousers.
"GET BACK HERE YOU NASTY LITTLE FLEA BAG! THAT IS NOT A TOY!"
The door slammed open loudly making everyone in the room, except Loki, jump as a blur of white shot into the room followed in by a infuriated and disheveled Tony Stark who was grasping the door frame and breathing heavily.
The creature he was chasing happened to be Shepard, the little ball of fur ran around the room full of energy and excitement until it finally noticed its mistress and launched itself onto the bed. Its tail wagging in greeting as he whined happily. Loki saw a small contraption in its mouth, it glistened in the morning light. He felt somewhat intrigued about what the device was for. Whatever significant importance it held to Stark, Loki was just happy that Irene's hound was making him suffer in some small way.
"What happen?" Pepper asked, both her brows disappeared behind her bangs.
Stark pointed his finger accusingly at the innocent looking animal. "That thing happened!" He snapped, "Coulson just dropped it off, and as soon as I turned my back on it for ten seconds this little ba-" Pepper sent him a dark scowl and he quickly rephrased what he was going to say. "-thing snatched up my SGD prototype! I mean look at it! That nasty thing slobbered all over it!"
"Tony," Pepper sighed. "Its just a puppy still, we'll just have to train it."
"No." The Billionaire snapped out quickly, "I don't want that thing running around and chewing up my stuff."
"Come on Tony, having a dog isn't so bad! I mean look at this little guy's face!" Pepper crooned. She reached out her hand and Shepard immediately went over to her, wanting to be petted. The dog seemed pleased by the attention it was receiving.
"Nope." Stark was rather determined not to let the dog stay. "No, dogs are a hassle. They are needy, gotta be fed and watered, taken out on lots of walks and they chew on everything or they piss on it! Either one is just as bad. Next thing you know it would be dragging a piece of my Iron Man suit through the halls and you know how I hate anyone or anything touching my things!"
"The dog belongs to Irene, Tony. If anything she has the say of what to do with it...personally I don't mind it being here."
As the two argued back and forth Irene was running her hand along her pet's fur slowly. She wasn't to bothered about the fight, in fact Loki could see that she was more at ease now with the hound by her side. And with nimble fingers she coaxed the dog to open it's mouth further and spit out whatever it had in its clutches. Loki moved over closer to the bed and sat down on the very edge of it, careful not to disturb to many things for the two other Midgardians to notice. "What is it?" he found himself asking.
Irene gave him a knowing look, her eyes shimmering excitedly as she twisted the machine in her hands. She looked to be wondering the same thing.
"I made that for you." Stark interrupted.
Irene and Loki looked up from the device to see that the billionaire was at the foot of the bed, his hands in his pockets as he shot dirty glares now and then to the calmed hound that rested beside its mistress. "It happens to be a SGD, it stands for 'speech-generating device'. Pepper and I don't know how to read sign language, so I thought I could give you a 'voice' to communicate with."
Loki's eyes widened slightly, rather impressed.
So mortals can also grant a form of speech to those who cannot talk for themselves.
Stark stumbled back a few steps, a look of alarm flashing across his face. "W-whoa! Hey, why are you crying?"
His head snapped so quickly in her direction it almost gave him a form of whiplash. He could see why the man slightly panicked. Her delicate face was etched with pain, tears were streaming down her porcelain cheeks as her brown eyes shimmered with the deepest gratitude she could muster. She held the little device close to her chest like it was a life line. Loki was somewhat confused by her reaction, if she held gratefulness than why did she seemed so agonized? Seeing such a thing made him unsettled. Never had she cried like this even after being struck by her own father.
'Thank you.' she seemed to say, her lips stressing out the words for her that she didn't need a voice to convey her meaning.
Pepper was at the girl's side in an instant, rubbing soothing circles on her back in an effort to comfort the girl. Even brushing back her messy chestnut hair away from Irene's face. It would seem that Miss. Potts was a rather caring mortal despite her professional air and appearance. In response Stark seemed a bit flustered, rubbing the back of his neck as he gave her a unsure smile "Umm...you're welcome. I can teach you how to use it if you like." he offered.
Irene nodded her head and stood up, walking carefully on the mattress until she was next to Stark. Her hands held the device towards him, she sniffled a few times trying to get her crying under control.
Taking his creation away from her, Stark opened it up and pressed a few buttons to turn on the machine. He explained every step to her and once he was done he handed it back. "Alright, give it a try...just type what ever you wish to say on the little keyboard and press enter for it to talk."
Everyone, and Loki himself, waited as she fiddled with the little machine. Typing things out, she hesitated momentarily before hitting one last button.
"Thank you." A soft, feminine voice spoke out from the little machine.
Stark's face brightened, "Well, look at that! The prototype works!" He seemed rather proud of himself.
Irene bounced up and down excitedly, then her fingers started to type away at impossible speed and hit 'enter'. "This is amazing, Mr. Stark! I can't thank you enough, or if I could ever repay you for such kindness!"
"We could discuss that another time, first we can eat some breakfast." He replied cheekily. His eyes narrowed down at the hound. "But the dog stays in the room."
\oooo/
After breakfast today was truly a long day. Even after sneaking some food to Loki, who seemed a bit flustered by her offerings that he accepted with good graces. Irene found that she might actually enjoy living here in this place called Manhattan.
Since Pepper was the reigning CEO of Stark Industries she didn't really have much time to spend with them afterwards and had politely bid them a good day before marching off and mumbling about 'executive meetings' that needed her attention. So that gave most of Irene's day to Tony. He was kind to give her an 'all exclusive' tour of Stark Tower. Some sections were still under construction but he was kind enough to show her the company's laboratories and work stations of other interns. Most of the folk she was introduced to were very kind indeed, and they didn't seem to mind her bashfulness. Sometime near the end of the tour Loki had excused himself claiming that he had other things to do and that he would regroup with her later once he had gotten bored of following them around. Irene didn't mind so much this time, trusting that he would keep his word. The only place in the tower that Stark didn't show her was his own personal lab, only people he trusted were able to enter and she didn't take much offense at all to it. She was an acquaintance after all.
And one of the people that Stark trusted was introduced her today was...well he wasn't really a person but he was an 'A.I.' that went by the name of J.A.R.V.I.S.
"What does J.A.R.V.I.S. stand for?" She had asked him, assuming that it had to be abbreviated for something.
Stark had that boyish grin on his face when he answered with, "Just a rather very intelligent system."
Irene was very entertained by just how clever Stark was.
Later in the day, a quarter past noon a man in a sharp military uniform came for Stark. He introduced himself as James Rhodes, a colonel in the U.S. Air force. He had a very charming smile, she thought. And he was nearly just as tall as Stark himself, slim yet muscular with broad shoulders. It was the first time she had ever talked to a man of African decent.
Stark had to introduce her with her new alias: Irene Adler. Unlike the lighthearted teasing of Happy the day before, James was much more complaisant about it.
"Irene Adler," He mused, his pearly teeth flashing at her "It's a very lovely name, ma'am."
She would had loved to have more time to get to know him better, but sadly he had other places to be and Stark had to go along with him. Before he left though Stark; who is insisting that she called him 'Tony' rather than 'Mr. Stark', assigned Happy to be her companion for the rest of the day until either he or Pepper returned from a long day of work.
Irene found herself to be sitting on what Happy had told her was Tony's personal landing deck. It had the most spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline, her dainty feet dangled over the edge. She wasn't to worried about falling off, for her eyes were just taking in everything they see. Next to her was her SGD. I won't ever part with it. She promised herself, she had full intentions of replaying Tony back whenever she could. During their time together he had suggested a composition. For Pepper. Irene found it sweet that he wanted something for his hard working CEO. Lazily her legs swung back and worth, she wondered just what kind of relationship those two had. Was it 'romance' that she had read in some novels?
She sighed softly though her nose and blinked when the sunlight burst through the clouds.
Her thoughts drifted towards home. The one that she had left behind without a second thought. Irene wondered just how hard her father was looking for her, and if he even suspected S.H.I.E.L.D. for assisting her in her time of need. As expected she missed a few things like her instruments, Joey, and her garden. She dreaded to think about what would happen to it without it being attended to for so long.
Leaning back a little, Irene peered over her slender shoulder and raised her right arm into the air so that she could signal away to Happy; who was just happy (get it?) to remain inside. Luckily he caught her gesture and rose from one of many of Tony's couches and marched out onto the landing deck. But he wouldn't come to far out.
"Need something?" He called over the slight wind, a brow was arched in question.
Irene nodded her head and used her SGD, "Could you get me my violin? It happens to be in my quarters, I would be very thankful if you fetched it for me Happy." spoke out the smooth, female automatic voice.
"Alright, give me five minutes!" He held up his hand, wiggling all his fingers at her before disappearing indoors.
He's much more pleasant today, She noted contently. She tilted her head to the side, seeing some birds fly overhead. I wonder what Loki is up to? Finding a way back to Asgard maybe or seeing that lady, Foster?
She wouldn't put such things past him, behind those mischievous smiles and sparkling, intelligent, eyes that the God was a avid plotter. She was sure that his plan had a backup and a backup for his backup. She felt a little useless just sitting here at the Tower. What use was she when she wasn't even pulling her own load in her so called 'Alliance' with the Trickster?
"Here you are," Happy had returned, violin case in hand. He held it out to her, sparing a few glances towards the edge.
"Thank you," She gingerly took it from him and placed it right next to her. She picked up her SGD again "You don't have to stay here if you don't want to, you are Pepper's bodyguard. You should go be with her instead of me, I'll be okay until either of them get back. I promise not to leave."
"Tony told me not to leave you though," Happy's brows furrowed, trapped between his true purpose and what he was ordered to do.
Irene would have none of that, "Please? I know you have better things to do, and I will put in a good word for you."
Happy started to become a bit flustered, "B-but Tony! He-!"
Her eyes narrowed, "Well, if he asks just tell him I dismissed you to work on a piece for Pepper and that I need silence and alone time to work. If you tell him that, he cannot question your word or mine." She said. Her features softened, her eyes shining reassuringly like a adult comforting an unsure child.
Reluctantly Happy gave in.
Being left alone now Irene placed aside her SGD in exchange for Stradivarius, careful not to accidentally send anything (or herself) over the edge she unlocked the clips of her case. Opening the lip she procured the bow and the violin. The corners of her lips tilted upwards as she turned her gaze back to the Manhattan sky and thoughtfully placed the bow over the strings.
Now...let's see what I can get from these skies...
She ran the bow over the strings, starting off with rather lively music, her gaze never leaving the city before her.
\oooo/
Puente Antiguo, New Mexico (Loki double)
Loki sneered darkly, glaring spitefully through the eyes of his clone at the foolish mortals before him.
Those mortals specifically being one Jane Foster and Darcy Lewis. Slowly had they been making progress, but they had hit a bit of a dead end in their work. Foster was sitting at her table, reading over her older work to make sure that she hadn't missed anything of vital importance while her intern sat just a few feet away complaining about all the work that she had to do but did it willingly for the sake of Foster being her friend.
"How could we miss anything? We had all the readings and our equations seemed antiquate enough for our prototype to work." Jane murmured, her amber eyes flickered over to the other female looking a bit worse for wear. Dark circles had formed under her eyes from many nights of restless sleep.
Darcy seemed just a little more better off than her companion, she rested her papers down at her desk. Taking off her glasses from her face she started to clean the lenses. "It could be something small, maybe we messed up the algo-thingy so it just needs a little bit of fixing."
"Algorithm, Darcy." Jane corrected.
"Whatever." The girl sighed, "I'm a political science major, not a Astrophysicist. You know I can't follow that sciency mambo jumbo you and Erik spit out on a daily basis."
Jane looked on rather sadly at the mention of Selvig's name, "I wish he had stayed instead of prancing off with S.H.I.E.L.D." She grumbled. Loki watched her run a hand through her messy hair, "I could really have him throw in his two cents by now."
Loki's brows raised slightly.
Why would meager Midgardian money help?
Jane stood, shuffling towards a board with many symbols on it. Her brown eyes focusing on it intently, her hand cupped her chin thoughtfully. She did not know that the youngest Asgardian prince joined her side to also take part of her observation and analysis of her work. "These wormholes, as Einstein and Rosen predicted, can theoretically serve as a straight path, shortening the distance between any two points in space-time. In other words, they're effectively teleporters. Just how have the Asgardians mastered such forms of transportation is lost on me, Thor had explained that they could travel to any of the Nine Realms in such a short period of time." She tapped her finger along a despicable drawing of the tree of Yggdrasil. Loki snorted a bit in laughter when he realized that two realms have been misplaced, he figured that Foster wouldn't be the one to miss any detail but he was sure she had based this off Thor's handiwork.
Thor was always to much of a simpleton to listen to our lessons as children.
He should take pity on the poor woman for suffering two and a half days of Thor's idiocy.
Loki moved about the lab, trying to find anything that could possibly be of good use as the girls continued to dabble on. He found something that could serve some purpose, a book with the title Myth and Legends from Around the World. Sneaking a few glances at the women, making sure that they couldn't see him he shuffled through the book and found the titled 'Norse Mythology' section and scanned the pages he paused a few times when he came across familiar names such as 'Frigga' and 'Thor'. Some of the stories they had were shockingly almost accurate. Mortals may not be as dumb as they look. He stopped once more when he came upon a paged titled 'LOKI' in big fancy letters. He should have just skipped right over it, but the curiosity was to great when he started to read over what these mortals wrote about him.
It cannot be that bad...
"Loki was a shape shifter that could turn into anything anything he wished.
He was far more spiteful, cunning, and deceitful than the other Gods in Asgard, which often led him into trouble..."
Loki sneered as he read on. Already disliking what he was reading already. Clearly this person...he closed the book for a second, making sure not to loose his place, named Anneka Sunden was horrible at her profession. He continued to read the passage about himself.
"Trouble would be created because he loved playing mean and deceitful jokes on others.
Eventually he was seen for what he was and was distrusted. His quick wit and honey tongue inevitably caused the Aesir to forgive him
which left room for his role in engineering the death of the God Balder."
He couldn't continue on to read this Midgardian trash no longer! He skipped the rest of of his so called 'biography' and turned on the page that depicted the Royal Family of Asgard. He could see the previous king of Asgard Bor and his wife and leading down to the current king Odin and right next to him the name Frigga in elegant script (whose family tree was written along side Odin's) and then it came all the way down to Thor, and right next to him was Loki's own name once more. But the lines that connected to each individual did not lead up to his, instead his green eyes followed the line linked to his own and for just a split second, his heart stopped.
'Laufey and Farbauti'
It had grind the world to a stop. Time and space no longer existed as he stared down at one of the most hated names in his history, along side what he could safely guess was his biological mother.
How did they know!? His hands lingered on the corners of the book, his breathing become short and ragged, cold sweat forming on his brow. His hands curled into fists, his teeth baring. How could these primitive, ignorant, filthy humans know about his true heritage while he had learned about it just recently!? What form of cruel mockery was this? He closed his eyes tightly, reigning in the resurfaced anger. His hands trembled as he turned the book to the desired page. A perfect depiction of Yggdrasil. His nostrils flared and he slowly counted inside his head, his rage, melted into simmering irritation. Now to place some plan into effect, Loki rejoined the side of Foster. Who was just making herself a cup of coffee when he had waved a hand a few inches from her face. He enforced some of his will into her mind, using his magic to briefly influence her into doing what he desired. Jane, who was just about to put some cream into her coffee, stared blankly at the wall for a few seconds before smiling blissfully.
"Of course!" She shouted.
It made Darcy flinch, sending her friend an odd look. "Did I miss something?"
"The tree!" Jane babbled, she jogged over to the book. Giddy that it was already on the necessary page that she needed. "We had Jotunheim and Muspelheim in the complete opposite positions, if we missed something as simple as this then there is something clearly wrong with our equations in general! We have to go over everything again and try to root out our mistakes!"
Darcy groaned, looking completely heartbroken "Noooooooooo," she whined. "That will take ages! It'll be a freaking solid year before we can ever finish this damn thing!"
"Then we best get started! Thor is counting on us!" Jane remained fully optimistic, her coffee long forgotten as she pulled out some boxes that she had tucked away and started to pull out some old documents.
"Can we at least get some assistants or something? And an assistant for that assistant?" Darcy dragged herself from her seat, sauntering over to Jane with her arms crossed.
Jane wasn't fully paying attention to her intern and was nodding along, she had some sheets of paper and pictures in her hand and went to the nearest wall. Tracking down some pins she started to place them around the wall in a hazardous fashion. "Sure, as long as they don't try and steal our stuff this time."
Darcy looked relieved, "Alright...I'll ring Phil up and see if I could get some goons for us to use."
Jane hummed, waltzing over to Darcy's desk and frowned. She shot her friend a look of disapproval "Really, Darcy?" She scolded, she snatched up a book from the surface and sent the girl a glare "Floriography?"
The girl withered under the Astrophysicist's harsh stare, "What...? I was bored..."
Foster tossed the book on one of the many chairs so it wouldn't get in her way. "Read it another time, we need to focus for now and learning how to speak flower can wait."
Darcy muttered under her breath "Kill joy..."
Loki's eyes lowered to the book that sat harmlessly on the chair. Floriography. He remembered it, as Foster put it, as being a language of flowers. And for a moment, he was overcome by a recent memory.
-Flashback moment-
"What is this for?"
The young mortal girl puffed her chest out proudly, her russet eyes glimmering at him playfully as she signed. I am not sure if you have anything similar to this on Asgard. But here on Earth each species of flowers have their own individual meaning, it is called florigraphy; the study of the language of flowers. Each of those flowers I presented you have all different meanings to them.
Loki found himself fighting off a bit of a grin by how invested she seemed. He turned his attention to the frail flowers in his lap, picking up a few and examining them closely. "Does everyone know how to talk the language of flowers?"
She explained how it was a dying language, hardly anyone knew of it. He studied her face, watched her become sadden with her own words. And he was amused when she expressed her dislike of some people mistaking some flowers for certain things that she read in some books. She was a very thoughtful mortal, clever as well. She centered her understanding of the world around her, written in pages by others who had experienced it on their own and covering their own profession within it. He couldn't see the value for learning about flowers, though if it was used to talk to another person without raising suspicion then he could see its potential usage.
"Fascinating." He found himself saying lightly, "And what of these flowers you had so graciously presented me?"
His eyes caught on to how she nibbled on her lower lip when she was contemplating something, his eyes lingering for a few short seconds than what he would deem appropriate and tore his gaze to look at her eyes instead. Strange...
Aconite-or Wolf's bane-, Fennel, Agnus Castus, Edelweiss, Fern, Alstroemeria, Harebell, Hawthorn, Magnolia, Narcissus, Heather, Agapanthis...She showed him each and every one of them.
"And they mean?" he asked curiously.
She had shot him that look, that very familiar one that he had seen many times in his reflection back home on Asgard. The face that his mother so fondly described to him. The look of mischief. She leaned towards him, the Prince picked up the slight send of flowers and something else from her, and she beamed.
I had given you the names Loki, I am sure you're intelligent enough to search them out on your own and remember the names of the flowers.
Loki protested against it, but he saw by the look on her face that she wouldn't just tell him if he demanded of it. So glancing down at his horde of flowers he decided that if he ever had the chance he would see exactly what they meant.
-Flashback end-
He held the book in his hands. Long fingers brushed along side of the book's spine, his lips pursed.
It wouldn't hurt to look...
Summoning up a spell the book disappeared, its destination being where his real body was located. He spotted the clock mounted up on the wall and saw that most of the day had passed by. And it was nearly time already to give Irene her medication, he would have to discard her pills when he gets the chance.
\oooo/
Stark Tower, Manhattan, New York.
Loki's eyes fluttered open, darkness greeted him in his little underground hideaway just below the Tower. He shifted, his body feeling stiff from hours of just remaining in one position. The heaviness in his lap was brought to his attention, the book that he 'borrowed' from Miss. Lewis was there and ready for use. It was a useful trick that he had learned as a child, mostly to sneak desserts, and then for better uses as he grew older. Getting up onto his feet Loki patted the dust away from his clothes and stretched. His back giving a loud and audible 'pop', making him sigh.
In the corners of his mind he could still somewhat 'see' what was going on back at the little lab in New Mexico.
Pushing that away momentarily Loki scurried his way back above ground, using his connection to the pendant to locate his Midgardian ally and maybe even share his discovery with her.
He walked briskly past all the security, none of them aware of his presence as he stowed away into the executive elevator; taking it all the way to the eighty-first floor where the girl was loitering about. The elevator doors opened to him and he stepped out. This area was strangely labeled 'The Party Deck'. It was a vastly open area where it looked like many could gather and mingle. He didn't concern himself to much with it as his eyes scanned the room for the little mortal with chestnut hair. Striding over to the clear class windows he picked up the sounds of music produced by only what could be the violin. Narrowing his gaze he found who he was looking for sitting outside above the city on a walkway. Her legs dangling dangerously over the edge, one wrong move and she could topple off.
He watched as she moved her bow across the strings in a trance-like state, making his way outside he was warmed by the Manhattan breeze, it also stirred his hair.
And along with the wind came the music. Loki cannot describe the noise that came from that violin following the first vibration of the string that reached his ear, he couldn't even try to describe it. It would come off as a jumble of words meaning nothing, and there were no words in all the languages of the Nine Realms for this music. Just hearing Irene's song made him feel much lighter, and maybe...happier even? All signs of his anger from before, at the discovery of that infernal book, had all been dispersed.
He took a deep breath, as if he were inhaling the music. With each note his heart rose higher as if it had sprouted wings. The music was beautiful...just like her.
Loki's eyes opened wide. When had he closed them? And did he just refer to her as beautiful? His mind quickly backpedaled from the forbidden territory. He fumbled with the book in his hands, daring to take a few glances at the woman who had yet not noticed he was there. He had to grudgingly admit that she was a bit stunning for a mortal. Irene had taken upon herself to wear a sky blue morning dress today. Hazel tresses cascaded a little past her shoulders, have of them held up by that blue ribbon she seemed to favor so much. Her eyes (from what he could see from such a distance) were closed gently as she pulled the bow, lifting the rich sound from the instrument.
He pictured the honey color of her eyes, always so warm and welcoming. Loki felt...trapped. Not trapped in a bad way, there was a word for this.
Captivated was the word, he was captivated.
Time seemed to slow, not like before when he had read his heritage in a book, this time it was hypnotizing as he continued to observe her closely. Her bow movements, her gentle swaying to the music, the few strands of hair that had escaped her ribbon now framed her face...
The music came to a slow stop and that enchantment that he had been placed under was severed.
Irene had noticed his presence, her face brightened like it always did when she saw him. It made his insides squirm uncomfortably, and for a split second Loki thought he was going to be sick. She hastily placed Stradivarius back within its case along with its bow and closed it, flicking the clips closed and pushing it away from the edge. Once it was safe she stood next, her movements were careful so she wouldn't fall off the Tower. Her toothy grin never faltered as she brushed down her dress, she started running to him. She slammed into him, though with her small frame he didn't even move an inch, her willowy arms circled around his waist and her face nestling into his chest.
This lasted for about a minute before she pulled away from him, her hands moving.
Loki! You're back, how was your day?
The Norse God stared her down past his pointed nose. Floriography book held limply in his hands, "I...ugh..."
She blinked her doe eyes at him, waiting for his answer.
Silvertongue turn to lead, brother?
Shut up!
He cleared his throat, a small smile gracing his features. "The day went well, thank you. I have much to share with you when we return to your chambers." She nodded her head at his answer, not questioning his hesitance. She turned from him and went to get her SGD machine and her violin case. She returned to him then and led him back to her champers that was on the top floor. When they stepped out they were greeted by a exhausted Pepper Potts who greeted Irene and said she was welcome to any food she desired in the Kitchen, she explained she was going to retire early and that Tony would be late coming in from his day out with Rhodes.
Irene, as kind as ever, wished her a pleasant evening and good dreams before pretending to retire to her own room.
So, what news do you bring?
Irene sat herself across from him, always with perfect posture. She had not mentioned the book in which he carried, but he felt that somehow she knew and did not question him.
"I am sure you remember the mentioning of a Astrophysicist by the name of Jane Foster," Irene nodded her head. "I have been watching her work from afar, she is making slow progress. Theoretically he device would be ready in about a year's time."
He didn't notice her expression faltering slightly. That's good! Are you going to try and speed up the process?
"I will help only when my assistance is needed, it is delicate work. It cannot be rushed...for all your technology you would think your ways of traveling would be much better by now." He sniffed.
Not everyone has magical rainbow bridges to use. She teased.
A small smile formed on his face, "No...but it's not really just a rainbow it just happens to be colorful like one."
So...if things are working out with Dr. Foster, than what am I useful for? She looked worried, she started to pick at her nails absentmindedly.
"You can keep a suitable eye on our enemies, you can pass along any information you come across to me. And you are going to learn valuable skills, best you learn them well if you truly desire to serve a better purpose."
Her lips pressed into a tight light, seemingly determined to do so.
Loki reached into one of his many hidden pockets and pulled out a vial, handing it to her. "I expect you to drink it."
Only if he read out of that Floriography book and tell me about those flowers that made your magnificent crown, your highness. She replied, a cheeky smile on her face.
He could do that...he still had to find out what they meant anyways so he obliged her. Reading the passages in the book on the flowers that he was given.
"Aconite-or wolf's bane-...a dislike for the human race." His both his brows arched up and he shot her a look. She shrugged her shoulders at him and silently told him to continue on. "Fennel; worthy of all praise and strength. Angus Castus; Coldness and indifference..."
At first! Irene added, her face flushing slightly.
Loki deadpanned and continued on, scrolling through the pages to find the flowers and plants he wanted "Edelweiss; Noble purity, daring, and courage. Fern; sincerity towards others. It can also be a symbol of magic, fascination, confidence, shelter, discretion, reverie and a secret bond of love." He was a bit confused, "It has multiple meanings?"
Sometimes. She replied, she didn't seem as bothered as he was.
Which meaning was she trying to portray?
It certainly couldn't be love...blah! Focus Loki!
He returned to the book, almost not wanting to find out the rest the flower meanings "Alstroemeria; Devotion and loyalty...along with wealth, prosperity, fortune and friendship. Harebell; humility and grief. Hawthorn; hope and merriness and springtime. Magnolia; perseverance, nobility and dignity. Narcissus...egotism." He snorted, "I am not that bad..."
Irene made a little 'just-a-little' sign with her hand. Her thumb and index finger just a few centimeters away from touching.
Loki leered as her before turning the page.
"Heather; Protection and wishes will come true..." He muttered 'highly unlikely' under his breath, "Agapanthus; the lily of the Nile...could also mean the flower of love."
Irene clapped her hands enthusiastically and to follow through with her deal she took her medicine from the vial without any complaints. Her face scrunched up from the disgusting taste. Loki held his hand out and she slowly placed the empty vial in his palm.
"I should strike more bargains with you if you become this compliant." His tone was soft and lighthearted.
Her response was getting her pillow and tossing it at his head again.
Loki laughed.
Woot! Chapter done!
Sorry if it kinda took awhile! And what do ya know! You all finally learned what the flowers mean! yaaaaaaaaay! Though I had to search the internet for all their meanings again because I lost my original sheet on a piece of paper which was a my bad! Lol.
Anyways so Irene has her own 'voice' for people to understand her. SGD - Speech generating device, it's actually used by a lot of people like for example; Stephen Hawking. It is only a prototype from Tony though, maybe he'll upgrade and make a better version but now she could talk 'normally' with Tony and Pepper without a language barrier between then but still sign to Loki.
I don't have much time to write since I have like...less then ten minutes to get ready for class so I'll leave you all here with a good day and what not!
Love, review and share your thoughts! And join Loki's army!
-Shizu