Paige awoke in a bright bedroom. It was too bright. Perhaps it was because she was so used to sleeping in her dark room with her dark purple curtains. She blinked and tried to rub her eyes, but her arms were strapped down to the soft arms of a lounge chair. She tugged at her legs. They, too, were strapped. She looked around the empty room.

Oh, no. Not again.

Paige began to thrash wildly, trying to break free from her restraints. She tried to open them with her mind, but to no avail.

Doctor Paileo, if you think I'm gonna fall for your tricks again, you have another thing coming. Paige thought, broadcasting her thoughts to whoever was listening. I'll turn you inside out. I'll burn your brain. You can't use me as your lab rat again. You messed with my brain once, I won't let you mess with it again! Show yourself, you coward!

I've no intention of hurting you, so you might as well calm down, Loki instructed from the far corner. The shadows allowed him to remain at a distance, obscuring his face but allowing his silhouette to be seen. And he enjoyed watching her. She had spirit, and he liked it. It added to her perfection. He leaned against the wall and waited to see how she would react to the soothing tone he had used especially for her. He kept his thoughts veiled. No use letting her know too much too soon.

Paige froze at the unfamiliar voice. She looked up at the corner where the kidnapper's silhouette could be seen. Who are you? What do you want with me? You take one step towards me, and I'll... I don't know what I'll do, but I'll do something! Paige tried to reach into the stranger's mind, but something stopped her. All at once, she realized it... silence. She heard absolutely nothing in her mind except the echo of her own inner voice. What are you?

Loki tilted his head to the side and watched her. She was terribly frightened, and he hadn't meant to do that. She would not allow him to comfort her, he knew that as well as he knew her telepathy ran deep. The only thing he could do was broadcast a message.

So he did. I want to help you. You want to know why you are this way, do you not? You long to understand your beginnings, your present. Your destiny. Allow me to assist you.

His only hope, that she would listen and understand. To find one so like-minded on Midgard was a rare gem indeed, and he needed her to understand.

Paige squinted, trying to make out the features of the strange man. Why should I trust you? You kidnapped me from my home. You won't even tell me who you are. You walk so easily into my mind, yet you won't let me into yours. …How are you doing that, anyway? What are you?!

She pulled frantically at the restraints again, trying desperately to free herself. If she couldn't go to him to see what he looked like, then she would just bring him to her. Instead of concentrating on the straps that bound her, she focused on mentally grabbed him by the shoulders and dragging him toward her.

Loki held in a chuckle and pushed the telekinesis away. He had long ago learned how to resist things like that. Wars had been won by resisting telekinesis. She was persistent, but he continued to resist. He wouldn't allow her to move him without his permission. "Had you asked nicely, I would have gladly shown myself. If we are to be introduced, we should arrive at the conclusion civilly. Until then, I shall remain where I am."

Paige looked the guy over, what she could see of him, and sighed. If she had to swallow her pride to get anything done, she would. I'm sorry. You're right. Would you please stop hiding in the shadows and show yourself? I would like to know the man to whom I speak. Paige gave her best polite smile, hoping to win him over.

Loki smirked. He didn't believe a word of it, but he had asked her to ask nicely, and she had. He made sure he wasn't wearing that ridiculous horned helmet that had somehow become part of his armor, and then he stepped from the shadows. He kept his face calm, and he knew his trepidation shone through his eyes. He didn't know what to expect from her, he only knew she made him nervous.

He shrugged, like he was ashamed to be seen. In some shallow part of his heart, he was. He didn't know if he would frighten her or anger her. He didn't know if she would see him as a monster or recognize him for what he was. Lost and misunderstood.

He raised his eyes and kept his thoughts veiled. Anxious to know what she thought, but preparing for the worst. He folded his hands behind his back and waited for her reaction.

Paige gasped as she watched the man step out of the shadows. Loki. Prince of Asgard. Nordic god of jest and war. She broadcast, her eyes wide in terror.

Within moments, her eyes filled with tears, forcing her to turn her face away. Tears began to stream down her cheeks, splashing down onto her neck and shoulder. She sobbed softly, her breathing ragged from her tight throat.

Murderer. She whispered in her mind. Murderer.

Loki didn't know what he had expected, but he hadn't expected the tears to affect him so deeply. And her use of the word murderer, as if she hated him before she even had met him. He tried to be good, to be the best he could be, but it was hard. And technically, he justified, Thor was the god of war.

He didn't know how to comfort her without making her more afraid, so he held in his own tears and looked away. Why did no one understand? When would he ever find one who saw him for the good inside, and not the insufferable trickery he tried to outwit?

"I swear on my life I would never hurt you," he said aloud. He stepped to her side and hesitated to reach a finger to her windpipe. He didn't. "I am sorry I frighten you so." His voice cracked on the last syllable, and he turned and raced from the room before he allowed himself to sob quietly.

That's right, you coward! Paige broadcast, still sobbing. Run away. Run away and go cry your crocodile tears. Do you think I pity you? You, who killed my father! I remember the monsters you unleashed on the city. I remember seeing you on the news, standing over the people of Germany, declaring yourself a god. Would you let a "worm" like me affect you so, that you cry tears? No. Your tricks won't work on me, court jester. So, go. Go cry alone. Don't expect my pity, you washed-up, dethroned, wandering prince! Go hurt and feel my pain!

Paige's thoughts dissolved as her body wracked with sobs. She remembered the day her father was killed. She was only fifteen. She was at home sick that day and was watching television with her mother when the news interrupted, bringing a live broadcast of the destruction of the city. The two women watched in horror as the building Mr. Barnett worked in was smashed to pieces by one of the flying creatures. The Avengers had saved many lives that day, but her father's life was not one of them. Her mother was all she had now, with Paige having to pay half the rent just to keep them from being evicted from their home.

Paige reflected on this, among other things, as her sobs died away. How would her mother make ends meet now, with her gone? What was Drake going to do? The last time they spoke, they were mad at each other. Oh, what she would give to be in his arms again.

What did Loki plan to do with her, anyway? He seemed like he wanted to help her, but he was too selfish for that. He must have other reasons. He must be planning to hack her brain and use her as the next super-weapon against Earth. Smart, using one of their own against them. All he would have to do was touch her heart with his staff, and she'd be all his. His own mindless pet to play with.

Paige sighed and let her head hang down to her chest. There was no way out of this. She could run, but what good would that do? Loki was a god, he could easily catch her. And, if she resisted him... she didn't want to think of what would happen if she ticked off an already moody prince. If she gave in to him, however, he would do whatever he wished with her. Somehow, she had to find a way out.

Half of her thoughts were being broadcast, like a radio station that doesn't come in quite right. She had no idea.

At first, the silence in Paige's mind was refreshing. It was nice to have her thoughts left alone for once. But, after about an hour of sitting in silence, the lack of the usual chatter was getting to her. Soon, the sound of her own breathing grew deafening to her ears. She needed someone to talk to, even if it was her captor.

Prince Loki, she called out in her mind, hoping her broadcast would penetrate through the stone walls around her. I'm sorry for the hurtful things I said. I was angry. I still am, but I'm willing to listen now. Please... I need someone to talk to. Some other noise than the sound of my beating heart. This silence is driving me crazy! Please... forgive me for what I said.

Loki heard her thoughts, her plea. Him, a murderer! The thought was almost too much to bear, that this woman blamed him for what he had no choice in. He had to explain, but he could not bring himself to do so cowardly. He could not bring himself to say it in his mind.

He strode back in, not bothering to wipe away the tears. She knew, anyway. He had heard her call him a coward, and he probably was. Nothing special, that's what she thought. And it hurt, because she was so special in her own right.

"People always speak as though I was given a choice." He tried not to break down, it wouldn't help him any. "I am sorry for your father, for your loss. I know it well, this hurt. Others hurt, as well. What choice does one have when Death himself has brought so many tortures upon you? When he commands you to lead his army or face your fate. A fate worse than death. Truly, I am sorry for what my actions have caused, but I did not have the choice most claim I did."

He stepped closer, the tears flowing again, and this time he was not ashamed. What shame could such a coward feel? He wanted to comfort her, to show her just how sorry he was for her loss, but couldn't quite bring himself to do so.

Paige looked up when Loki entered the room, his face still damp from his tears. She listened to his explanation, but didn't quite believe him. She took a moment to think before she responded.

Perhaps he had acted out of fear for his life. He did seem very childish, the way he was so jealous of his brother and wanted power over Earth. Like a child throwing a tantrum. Perhaps it was that same childishness that made him fearful of Death, the way children are fearful of the monster in their closets. ...But, she had watched him on the news. He killed so many people and looked like he was enjoying it. …But, of course, he was a god. He probably had the mentality of a boy with a magnifiying glass, burning ants for fun. Maybe that's all he was: a hurt little boy. That's why he ran from the room when she started crying, and why he had cried himself. He had felt guilt for making her cry, and unable to bear it, he fled.

She decided to run with that theory.

I'm sorry I judged you so harshly. Paige broadcast softly. I didn't know. …I still don't trust you, but I am willing to listen to you. You said you wished to help me. If you truly want to help me, I'll need to see an act of kindness on your part. Release me.

Loki shook his head. She was strong. And quick-witted. Given the situation, he would have thought of the same way to talk his way out. Mischief was his specialty, and she was playing in the wading pool. He had long ago moved to the ocean.

"As tempting as your offer sounds," he began, choosing his words carefully, "I have no guarantee that you will not attempt to flee. It would seem we are at an impasse, as neither can truly trust the other to keep their word. As for what I wish from you... I do not wish anything. I only wish to help. To show you the true extent of your great power. You are, after all, far mightier than you know."

It was the first time in a long time that he had spoken the truth. Lies were easier to digest. Lies were better than the reality he faced. He only revealed truth to special people, and this Paige – this telepath – was special. More like him than she wanted to admit. Prone to mischief, he could tell. How else would he have found her?

/ /

Panting, Drake nearly collapsed in front of Stark Tower. He was very out of shape, but that wouldn't stop him from trying to save the one he loved.

"Please!" he pounded furiously on the front doors with what strength he had left. "You have to help me. She's one of you... she's one of you."

Brooke hung upside-down from the flagpole above him and studied him hard. Drake, she thought, because her mind told her that was his name. Like a dragon, but sad. A sad, sad dragon who needed help.

"They hear, but don't listen," she offered her advice. Lines and arrows had brought her here, and they hadn't listened yet. They would, she knew, but they were slow. Dragon needed fast. Needed help now. She waited for him to answer.

Drake looked up to see a woman hanging upside-down, like a bat, from the flagpole. "Are you one of The Avengers? Please, you have to help me. My girlfriend... she's been kidnapped. Here, I found this at the scene." Drake held up a shimmering piece of cloak. "Don't tell me to go to the police. They won't do anything. She's not... like them. She's like you. All of you. She's... different. Please."

Brooke brought her hands up to the pole, swung her legs off, and dropped easily to the concrete twelve feet below her. A single combat roll took care of her extra momentum, and she landed up on her feet, inches from Dragon. Dragon was definitely bigger.

"Dragon needs help?" She tilted her head to one side, sizing him up.

Drake blinked at the woman. Maybe she was part animal after all. "Yes. That's what I've been trying to tell you. I need your help!"

Brooke eyed him again, then stepped to a large cold air exchange vent on the outside of the building. She mumbled some numbers, then walked back to Dragon. She put a flat palm on the outside of each of his shoulders, then removed them to study the distance. She nodded. "Going to be close."

She smiled at him, wanly, then dashed back to the vent and pulled it open. One beckoning motion to the boy on the sidewalk. "Come on, Dragon."

And then she disappeared into the air ventilation system.

Drake watched in awe as the woman disappeared into the vent. "Can't we just use the front door?" He walked over to the vent and peered inside. "And why do you keep calling me 'Dragon'? Because of my shirt? My name is Drake."

He looked around, nervous to be breaking and entering, but followed his guide. If it would get him to The Avengers, he would do it.

The vent was small and cramped, but he fit. "How do you plan to go up thirty floors? Mr. Stark lives on the top floor. And isn't this place supposed to be riddle with tech? Isn't the robot butler guy gonna report us?"

"Jar-jar's my friend," Brooke sing-songed, referring to the computerized butler. "Up and in, Tony doesn't like to walk." She half army crawled, half shimmied to a metal plate on the side of the ventilation shaft and studied it. "Drake. Dragon. Same boy, still sad."

"Jar-Jar?" Drake questioned, continuing to follow the mysterious woman. He got stuck in the vent every so often, because of his large size, and had to squirm to get himself free. "And, yes." He sighed with frustration. "I'm sad. The woman I love was kidnapped. I have to go speak to Mr. Stark."

Brooke beat a single flat palm against the middle of the plate, and it gave way and fell back toward her. She painstakingly pushed it aside. On the other side sat a dumbwaiter, just large enough for two people to squeeze into.

Drake watched in awe as the dumbwaiter revealed itself. Obviously, this woman had done this before. "You're never gonna cease to amaze me, are you? Hey, what's your name, anyway?" He squeezed himself into the small space of the lift, and tried his best not to crush the small woman next to him. All at once, he wondered how Thor must feel being in this building with its small and cramped elevators.

"Brooke." She flattened herself against one wall and pressed the single button on the side of the wall. Up. The dumbwaiter creaked, a little, but moved. Pretty fast. Seconds later, something dinged, and the sliding door opened.

Thor smiled in at her, and hid his confused expression about the boy. He reached for her hands and pulled her out. "Stark, the tiny human has returned!" he called.

Brooke wrapped her small arms around his middle and squeezed tightly. "Lightning!"

He laughed and hugged her in return.

Brooke thought to Dragon. Help. He needed help. Had to concentrate. Had to complete the mission. But, hugs. She liked hugs. Most people too afraid to hug her. Lightning not one.

Drake was a bit shocked to see Thor staring back at him from outside the lift. But, the giant god was quickly amused with the small guide next to him, giving Drake enough time to climb out of the dumbwaiter and sneak around him. Good. He wasn't a fan of being crushed by large mythical giants, anyway.

Seeing his chance to finally get help, Drake headed straight for Tony Stark.

"Mr. Stark, I need to speak with you," he hurriedly began. "I know your time is precious, so I'll only take thirty seconds of it. Last night my girlfriend was abducted from her home. Before you tell me to go to the police, hear me out. She's a telepath. We were part of AVCORP's top secret military experimentation program. They did things to our minds that we will never know about. When we escaped and returned home, that's when her telepathy began. She was going to come to you for help yesterday, but I convinced her not to. Last night, someone broke in and kidnapped her from her second-floor bedroom. Her house has vaulted ceilings. It's like she lives on the third floor. I know whoever took her stole her for her abilities. He left this behind." Drake tossed the piece of shimmering green cloth down on the counter. "Please, Mr. Stark... I know you're busy, but I have no one else to turn to. It's not like she's some kid off the streets. She's one of you."

Thor managed to pry Brooke from his abdomen and instead clung to her hand and towed her across the room. To Stark. "Man of Iron, I have heard this tale from the tiny one and I believe their plight is a worthy cause." He nodded once, definitive.

Brooke smiled. Lightning had made up his mind. Besides, if Tony wouldn't help, Patriot would. Patriot understood experimenting. Beasty too. Experimenting was never good. Brooke shuddered, remembering glass in her mind. No experiments. Never again.

An arrow shot across the room, at her head, and Brooke caught it midair. She smiled at the quiet Hawk who always tested her mind. He understood, too. Understood her mind could do anything. Her mind, her superpower. But not an Avenger. Aliens were too boring.

Drake gasped as an arrow shot past his head. He quickly ducked and scrambled up against a nearby wall. He wasn't used to this. He was just a geeky kid who sat behind a computer all day. Where was Batman when he needed him? He would understand, being a recluse himself. Surely the calm of the Bat Cave was preferable to the chaos of Stark Tower.

"Is one of you going to help me?" Drake finally stammered out. "I have to find Paige before something bad happens to her."

Brooke dropped the arrow to the floor and looked up at Thor earnestly. "Dragon needs help. You help people."

Thor nodded again, then turned sorrowful eyes to Drake. "I believe your story. Truly. Though it is difficult to hear that Loki has returned to Midgard, it is not impossible. However, we must remain safe, and you know this. We will discover Loki's presence before we move forward. Is this agreeable?"

"Loki?! Loki kidnapped my girlfriend?" Drake was nearly beside himself. The pain was made all the worse by Thor's reply. For the safety of all, they would sacrifice one. Sure, they would find Loki eventually, but it would be too late. Paige would either be killed or brainwashed by then. "You didn't know her."

Drake made his way to the real elevator, and turned to look at Brooke as he waited for the car to arrive. "Thanks for all your help, Brooke. Make sure the heroes keep their promise." His voice was soft and despondent, nearly inaudible as he tried to hold back his tears. The elevator dinged and Drake stepped inside. "I'll show myself out, thanks."

The doors closed and the car made its descent toward the ground floor. Drake took this opportunity to shed a few tears.

/ /

Paige sighed. This was getting nowhere fast. I'm not "mighty", your highness. Nothing of the sort. I'm a peasant among my own people. An overseer of a dying art. …I know your ways, Prince Loki of Asgard. You want something from me, you just aren't telling me what. I do believe you wish to hone my power, but probably for your own benefit. Whatever you're planning, I refuse to participate willingly. Oh, and this is for refusing to release me.

Before Paige finished her thought, the end of Loki's cape came hurling up behind him and wrapped around his face, hopefully disorienting him for a moment. At the same instant, a band of telepathic energy wrapped around his ankles, ensuring his impact with the stone floor.

Paige wanted this Asgardian prince to know whom he was messing with. He might overtake her in the end, but for now... she would give him one heck of a fight.

Loki reached up a hand to swipe away the cape and tried to step forward, but something entangled his feet, and he fell to the stone, hard. It let go. He scrambled to his feet again and the spear appeared in his hand, forming with green light from the floor to the tip of the scepter.

But, that was what she had wanted all along, wasn't it?

Loki closed his eyes, breathed deeply, and flicked a hand to make the spear disappear again. A trick his mother had long ago taught him, an easy way to store heavy burdens. He tried to push the thoughts of her aside by reminding himself she had never been his biological mother. The thoughts wouldn't leave. Frigga had been his mother in every aspect but blood.

"You play at mischief, little mortal, but I was born into it. Trickery surrounding me all my days. If this is how you wish it to be, so be it. However, even I do not desire to see my tricks at their worst." Anger was, he knew, one of his downfalls. Too much temper, not enough control. If only the telepath would understand, then maybe he would have the will to control it. He tried his best to push past his fury. "I have known too many lies in my past to be blind to the half-truths you wish to tell now."

Paige gasped softly as she watched his spear appear in his hand. As much as she wanted to get him at his own game, she was powerless against his spear. She sighed in relief as it disappeared again.

I'm not lying to you, Your Highness. Ask anyone who knows me: I'm usually as calm as a butterfly. However, you have brought all this upon yourself. If you acted civilly to begin with, we wouldn't be in this situation. Do you think just because you're a magical god, you can kidnap women at random? Hmph! I will not stop fighting you until we come to civil terms. I... Paige trailed off as a large, stress-induced migraine started in the back of her head. It slowly crept forward until her whole head felt as if it was going to explode. Her mouth opened, as if a cry of pain would escape her lips.

She was not used to using her abilities this much. A telepathic word or two here, a telekinetically opened door there, but never anything of this magnitude or duration. The overuse of her powers had brought on the pain. She let her head drop forward, as the pain came in waves.

I'm afraid we'll... have to continue... this conversation later... Your Highness. Paige managed to broadcast between the bursts of pain.

He saw the pain on her face and knew she would never tell him how much it hurt. He had forced her to stretch the muscle too far this time. He watched her tense, the pain wracking her. Without a second thought, Loki dashed to her side, uncharmed a single wrist restraint, and released her arm from it.

"My apologies, fair maiden. I meant not to cause such pain." He couldn't resist. He reached a single finger to touch where her vocal chords should have been. "I can restore them, if you wish it so. I shan't do anything without your approval." He backed up quickly, lest he say something or do something he would sorely regret later.

He could barely stand the silence. Silence so loud that it almost screamed in his head. As though Paige was silently screaming out and no one was listening. If only he knew a charm to silence her pain.

As soon as her hand was free, Paige grabbed her head in a vain attempt to stop the pain. Tears formed in her eyes and began to stream down her cheeks.

Not... your fault... Paige thrashed her head back against the back of the chair. She opened her mouth again, a small squeak managing to rise to the surface. She was screaming. She felt as he touched her throat. His fingers were so cold. No... leave it be... heal this... She gently grabbed his hand and pressed his fingers against her right temple. The coolness of his touch helped to ease the pain, but nowhere near end it.

She hadn't felt this much pain since the AVCORP project. She could still hear the whirring of the scientists' drill as it bore its way into her spinal cord.

Help... me...

With each broadcast, Paige's inner voice faded as the pain intensified. Now, her mental cries were little more than echoes of whispers. She finally decided against broadcasting any further, lest she die from the pain.

Another squeak escaped her gaping mouth, this one louder and longer. She was in total agony.