The Girl in the Iron Mask
Chapter 4 – The Discovery
Jasmine's eyes immediately opened with a flash. Had she been dreaming? Maybe so. Psychologists usually said that people remember their dreams if they woke up fast. Then again, she didn't trust most of those brain doctors. She did, however, remember a gun going off, police sirens, and people fighting each other. She then decided that she either did dream, or she went sleepwalking to a seedy part of town.
As Jasmine lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling though, she realized that what she dreamed had really happened. She hadn't recalled that night in a long time, and with good reason. Even though she was just ten, her sense of safety had been compromised. She'd been so stricken with insomnia and nightmares that her parents put her on medication until she calmed down.
Why had she suddenly recalled that traumatizing evening? Did something that happened yesterday spark her memory? She didn't know the answers to either of those questions, but she did know that she would never forget that night, no matter how much medication she was put on. She was also glad that since then, such an event had never been repeated.
But before long, Jasmine's restless mind caused her to notice that the sky was still a bit dark. She sat up in bed and began rubbing her eyes and stretching her arms.
"Jarvis," she yawned, "time?"
"Six-thirty a.m. Miss," Jarvis replied.
Jasmine groaned in response and then flopped her head back against her pillow, not knowing whether or not she was looking forward to the long day ahead. She tried falling back asleep, but all she could think about was the dream that made her recall that event that had so distressed her.
Fortunately, by the end of the morning, she was busy enough to keep from perseverating on it. Before noon, she and her parents arrived at the airport to see her mom off. Jasmine sat with her mom while her dad was talking on the phone.
"I'm gonna miss you Mom," Jasmine said.
"I'm gonna miss you too honey," Pepper said, "I know a month may seem like a long time but, time seems to pass faster as you get older."
Jasmine made a confused face. "Yeah I'll, try to keep that in mind."
Pepper chuckled, "My point is that I'll be home before you know it."
Jasmine gave a combined sound of a chuckle and a groan. "Will you quit talking to me like I'm a little girl?"
Pepper shrugged. "I don't know. Time has gone by so fast that, I can't remember when you grew up."
Jasmine couldn't help but laugh, which caused Pepper to laugh as well.
Suddenly, they heard on the intercom, "Last call to Flight 589."
Pepper then stood from her seat. "Well, that's my ride. I'd better get going."
Jasmine stood up as well, and, though she had just complained about being spoken to as if she was a little girl, gave her mom the sweetest hug possible. "Bye Mom."
Pepper hugged her back. "Promise me you'll be good?" she asked.
"Only if you promise me you will be too," Jasmine smiled.
Pepper smiled back and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Don't worry," Jasmine assured her, "I'll be a perfect angel."
"I'm sure you will," Pepper said before walking over to Tony, leaving Jasmine to wonder if that was to be taken as a compliment or a joke.
Tony hung up the phone and proceeded to hug Pepper.
"Well, time for me to take off," she said as Tony wrapped his arms around her waist while she rested her hands on his shoulders. Jasmine watched with slight dismay. She had seen this before, and didn't really want to see the rest.
"Well then, I suppose we'd better get to our last goodbyes," Tony said in a voice that if materialized would be syrup.
"Don't make me wait honey," Pepper smiled.
They then kissed passionately while Jasmine watched with an unreadable expression. She didn't particularly like it when her parents made out in front of her. While she did think it was cute, there was something about them doing it in her presence that put her off. She blocked the scene from her vision with her hand for good measure.
They soon stopped, however, allowing Pepper to quickly get her things together.
"You'll be fine?" she asked.
"We'll be perfectly fine," Tony assured her, "Just go."
Pepper nodded, waved a final goodbye to both Tony and Jasmine, and hurried to enter through the door, which was then closed behind her.
Tony and Jasmine stayed silent as they watched the plane take flight. Once it was out of sight, they left the room and soon, the airport.
They remained mostly silent on the car ride home, mainly because both of them were thinking about the argument between them the night before. Later, when they pulled up in front of the house, Tony let Jasmine out and went over the rules of staying alone with her. Though she knew them well enough, she listened to him anyway.
"Keep the doors locked, don't answer the phone unless it's me or mom, don't go driving after dark, and above all, no parties. You cool?"
"Cool as a block of ice," Jasmine replied.
"Alright," Tony smiled, "I'll call you every once in a while. And if you need anything you can always call me."
"Thanks Dad," Jasmine nodded. She then gave him a hug. "Bye."
Tony hugged her back. "I'll be back at about eight or eight-thirty. Catch you later."
They then let go of each other, and Jasmine waved as she watched her dad drive off, leaving her alone with the house.
She walked back in, and let out a sigh once she was in the living room. It was going to be like this – her being alone – for more than thirty days. She didn't know how she'd be able to survive it, but she was sure she'd think of something. She didn't come from a long line of geniuses for nothing.
But for now, she grabbed a coke from the fridge and decided to watch some TV. She sat down, popped the lid, turned on the TV, and was just about to begin searching the channels when a news story caught her eye.
"In other news…Is the brand new painting at the Museum of Natural History cursed? That's what citizens are asking this week. A new painting done in the style of the Renaissance period was put on display at the museum a few weeks ago. Since then there have been a number of arrests for assault and battery, even though the individuals arrested have no record of behavioral problems before they went to the museum. Officials would like the public to calm down, but keeping with the public's concern, they are putting the painting off display tomorrow."
Jasmine then muted the TV, and thought over what the reporter had just said. A new painting, at the Museum of Natural History, cursed? Jasmine didn't believe in curses, but she knew that S.H.I.E.L.D. dealt with threats and forces that were usually superhuman. What could a painting do that caused people with no behavioral problems to be arrested for assault and battery? There was no telling.
At least not while she was here. Jasmine could feel it – that urge to get involved – grow inside her, and she desperately tried to stop it. Nevertheless, the fire could not be quenched. She had to do something to help. Plus, this would give her something to do while her dad was away. What she did know for sure was that there wasn't much time. If they were putting the painting off display the next day, she needed to act fast.
She got up and began pacing in circles. That was what she did when she wanted to think. She then went over her options.
She couldn't just examine the painting without some kind of protection. If ordinary people were looking at the painting and being affected, she didn't want to take any risks. She thought quickly but carefully of what she could do to protect herself and get a good examination on that painting, when she finally got an idea.
Jasmine ran upstairs to her room and picked up her favorite sunglasses that her mom gave her the year before. She then searched for the old laptop that she used before she got a new one for her birthday. Her dad didn't approve of throwing something like this out, since it could be recycled for something he could use later.
She eventually found it in her closet, took it under her arm, and hurried to her dad's workshop on the other side of the house. Once there, she placed both the glasses and the laptop on the metal table. She had been in her dad's shop several times before. In fact, when she was old enough, she would even help him every once in a while. But now, she was undertaking a project of her own.
Jasmine then rummaged through her dad's toolbox until she found the tools she needed and placed them on the table.
"Miss," Jarvis suddenly called in, "Might I ask what you're doing?"
Jasmine sighed and closed her eyes in frustration. "Not now Jarvis."
"I'm afraid I must insist, since I am responsible for your safety while your parents are away," he replied.
Jasmine groaned. As if she needed a babysitter at this age. Even so, she explained her plan to Jarvis.
"Okay, fine. I'm gonna take apart this laptop, take two of the chips, reprogram them, and then attach them to my glasses to make some, x-ray specks if you will. You following me?"
"Why are you doing that?" Jarvis asked.
"Didn't you hear the report about the painting at the museum? The one they say is making people act like Terminators?"
"Yes of course, but…"
"And you're gonna help me," Jasmine interrupted.
"Why do you need my help?" Jarvis asked.
"I'm gonna need someone to help me examine this painting and find out what's freaking people out," Jasmine said, "And I'm afraid that someone is gonna have to be you."
"Are you sure you don't want to ask your father?" Jarvis asked.
"Why can't I solve the great mystery for once?" Jasmine exclaimed, "Besides, he's at work."
"Very well, but I won't let you compromise your safety," Jarvis said.
"I got it under control. Oh and, do me a favor Jarvis? Please don't tell Dad about this."
After a bit of a silence, the A.I. replied, "Yes Miss."
Jasmine then put on her dad's gloves – which were way too big for her – grabbed a checklist, wrote down what she wanted reprogramed, and went to work.
Growing up with a dad like hers, Jasmine knew a bit more than the average girl when it came to these sorts of things. In addition on how to use the tools, her dad taught her how computer chips and circuit boards work. And being an expert at advanced math and science did some good as well. Though she wasn't exactly a prodigy like her father, her IQ was deemed above average. All she needed to do was give two of the chips features that would reveal to her the painting's bare bones (or frames if you wish).
Though it proved to be a little bit more difficult than she first thought, she soon found herself on a roll and invested in her task to make this gadget. Soon, she'd added all the features she wished, and attached the chips on the outer rim of her glasses.
When all was said and done, Jasmine put the glasses on, and turned on the very small switch she applied.
Rubbing her hands together in anticipation, she muttered, "Come on glasses. Work for Jazzy."
Seconds later, small flashes of blue light came to her vision, until, finally, she was seeing in blue with all sorts of apps on the sides. Her mouth fell open and she screamed happily at the sight. She'd never felt so smart in her life. She instantly clapped her hands together in victory and shouted, "Yes!"
But then, realizing that she now had less time than before, she asked, "Jarvis, what time is it?"
"Almost four p.m. Miss," Jarvis replied.
"Oh shoot!" she exclaimed, "I better hurry and get down there!"
But before Jasmine left, she looked down at what she was wearing, and realized that she'd probably better change into something less conspicuous. She took the glasses off, hurried to her room, and grabbed the least noticeable clothes she could find. She didn't want to make a big scene, especially not when by herself.
Grabbing her purse and the glasses, she flew out the door as fast as she could and jumped into the nearest car. She then put on the glasses, turned them on, and said, "Jarvis, can you give me directions to the museum."
"Of course Miss," she heard Jarvis reply in a voice that only she would hear.
Jasmine turned the car on, drove out the driveway, and then headed on down the road. It would be at least a twenty minute drive to the museum, and she listened to Jarvis's directions, when she suddenly heard her phone go off in her purse when she was about half way there.
Jasmine groaned loudly in frustration, knowing it was probably her father. Keeping one hand on the wheel – and at least one eye on the road – she reached for her purse, unzipped it, and took out her phone. Looking at the number, she rolled her eyes. It was her dad. This was not the time, but she answered it anyway.
"Hello?"
"Jazz?" she heard her dad.
"Hi Dad, what's up?"
"Well, I'm just checkin' up on you," he replied, "How're you doing?"
"Everything's fine Dad," she said, with the slightest hint of nervousness, "Absolutely fine."
"Are you sure?" he asked, "You're not just saying that?"
"Would I lie to you?" Jasmine asked.
"Alright," he sighed, "Well, I'll be home in a few hours. Don't burn down the house."
"I won't Daddy," she said sweetly, "Love ya. Bye."
She then hung up, and got back to concentrating on the mission. She was as determined as Sherlock Holmes to solve this mystery, no matter what. The closer she got to her destination, the faster her heart beat. After what seemed like an eternity though, she finally got to the museum, a big, impressive building made of marble.
She hurried out of the car, but walked more slowly up the stairs and then inside when she remembered that she wanted to look inconspicuous. Not really easy to do, she quickly realized, if you're wearing sunglasses inside. Luckily, there weren't a lot of people there, and she'd remembered what the painting looked like. But eventually, after following Jarvis's directions through the building's hallways for what seemed like forever, she finally saw it from a distance, took a deep breath, and walked cautiously over to the supposedly cursed piece of art.
She stopped about three feet in front of it, and scanned it with her eyes from top to bottom. It was medium-sized and seemed to be a picture of some major European city. The reporter said it was painted in the Renaissance style, but Jasmine didn't see too much Renaissance in it. Then again, she wasn't really an art expert. She soon, however, reminded herself why she was here, and proceeded forth with her plan.
"Jarvis, give me a scan on that painting," she said.
"Yes Miss," she heard him say.
In a mere ten seconds, Jasmine saw in the blue frames the entire painting being highlighted in red, until she saw the number one-hundred-percent. At first, there didn't seem to be anything there. Jasmine was getting confused when she suddenly saw what looked like a row of electric blue symbols appear in the center of the highlighted painting. When they all appeared, they zoomed to her vision so she could get a closer look.
Not knowing what these symbols were or what they meant, she asked, "Jarvis, can you tell me what language this is?"
"It appears to be Old Norse Miss," Jarvis replied.
Old Norse? she thought with confusion, What would Old Norse be doing in a European painting?
Nevertheless, Jasmine asked, "Can you translate it for me?"
"Of course," Jarvis replied, "Translation in progress."
As she waited for Jarvis, Jasmine sat down on a nearby bench. Soon, she began to see the symbols turn into English letters, followed by words, until the entire row was translated. Jasmine squinted her eyes on it carefully and read it out loud softly.
"I am Loki Laufeyson, surrender your will to me. The end of this world is now drawing near, you are now part of my new army."
Jasmine thought carefully over what she'd just read. Loki? Where had she heard that name before? Suddenly, she remembered, and it sent a shiver up her spine. Loki was the adopted brother of Danielle's dad Thor, and her best friend had told her about her quote-unquote "uncle". She'd learned about him from Tony and Pepper too. Before she and Danielle were born, Loki stole the Tesseract and tried to invade the earth, but Thor, her dad, and the rest of the Avengers managed to stop him. Even though afterward Thor went to Loki for help against the Dark Elves, he kidnapped Danielle when she was just a baby and forced Thor into an uneasy truce before returning her.
"Loki," Jasmine whispered, "Oh no."
"Miss, are you alright?" Jarvis asked.
"Jarvis," Jasmine breathed, "I think Loki's trying to invade Earth again."
"Did you read what I sent you?"
"Yeah, it's some kind of, brainwashing thing!"
"I shall inform Mr. Stark right away."
"Wait Jarvis wait!" Jasmine exclaimed, "Please, please let me think for just a minute."
Jasmine thought of her options. She could go to her dad, then again he might not believe her, or blow her off again. No, she couldn't get him involved just yet. She thought of something else. She could go to S.H.I.E.L.D. themselves, but she didn't really know how to do that, nor did she think they'd listen to a sixteen-year-old girl. If only she could call Danielle, if only she weren't in Asgard – and she doubted they'd have great reception in that alternate dimension of theirs. No, she couldn't get S.H.I.E.L.D. involved either, at least not this minute. They'd probably try to defeat Loki in the same way they did last time, but Jasmine decided that it was better to fight subtlety with subtlety.
Wait, Jasmine thought. She, like only a few hours ago, felt another idea coming on. But this one was even more dangerous than the first. No, she couldn't, she wouldn't…But she had to. Yes, she had to, and she would. Was that why she had that dream? Was it a reminder of what she had learned she wanted to do? Maybe. And maybe now was the time to realize it.
"Jarvis."
"Yes Miss?"
"I've made my decision." She then took a deep breath before announcing quietly to the A.I., "I'm gonna steal it."
"Pardon?"
"I'm gonna steal that painting," she clarified. She then hurried out of the hall, back through the rest of the museum, and outside to her car in front before Jarvis could say anything.
But he did say something before she could put the keys into ignition.
"What do you mean you're going to steal the painting?!"
"Jarvis," Jasmine replied, frustrated, "Loki's using that painting to brainwash people. And I'm not entirely sure my dad or S.H.I.E.L.D. are the ones to call on right now. Even if they do put it off display the officials are still gonna be looking after it and putting themselves in danger. Besides, I'm the one who made the discovery; I have to do something!"
"Then I suppose you're prepared to put this idea into action," Jarvis said, "In fact, I suppose you know what you'll do when you're arrested and when your parents find out!"
"I'm not gonna get busted and they're not gonna find out!" Jasmine exclaimed, though she somewhat knew in the back of her head that both of those were possible, "But you are right on one note. I am gonna be prepared."
Jasmine then thought of an even more convoluted idea. She was beginning to both love and hate herself for doing this.
"You know, if Dad can build an Iron suit, then so can I!"
"You're going to steal your father's blueprints too?" Jarvis asked.
"No!" Jasmine replied, "I'm going to borrow them. Same with the painting. Once Loki is defeated I'll return it."
After a few, anxiety filled, moments of silence, Jarvis said, "I suppose there's no way of talking you out of this?"
"Nope," Jasmine shook her head, "and we can't let anybody in on it. Not even Dad. Got that?"
Another few silent seconds. "Very well," Jarvis replied, "But I will not lie to him."
"And neither will I," Jasmine promised. She then looked up at the sky and realized how dark it had become between the time she came in and then out.
"Jarvis, time."
"Five p.m. Miss," he replied.
"Oh man, how'd it get so late? I'd better get home. I've got work to do." Jasmine then turned on the car again and turned it around back on the road. As she traveled through the city, she followed Jarvis's directions again. But what she was really focused on was planning what would likely be her most important, daring, and perhaps even dangerous, plan ever.
Reviews would be appreciated.