Necessary Good, Unnecessary Evil | No rest For Wounded Souls [Bucky Barnes]

To Err Is Human, To Forgive Divine

"Each relationship nurtures a strength or weakness within you."
-Michael Murdock

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Nova's POV

Something that people fail to comprehend when it comes to war is the binding effect it has on people.
It's unbelievable how close strangers are drawn by something so cruel.
Almost the whole team moved to Asgard after Fury's visit to gather with our allies.
A few of us stayed back, Peter, Rhodey, and Scott. Earth still needs someone to keep an eye on things.
I wasn't expecting to return to Asgard so soon.

"Once again, my efforts to conceal my library from you are in vain." Loki's soothing voice reaches my ears, making my eyes dart to the side.
I chuckle, closing the old tome and resting it on my knees. "I apologize, Loki. I needed a quiet place." I sigh, suddenly remembering why I was hiding in there.
Loki shakes his head, perching in the armchair in front of me. "As long as it stays quiet, you're free to spend as much time as desire here." He intones in his British accent.
I give him a faint smile, grateful. "Thank you."

His gaze falls on the book in my hands, and he seals his lips in a line. "Good choice of reading. Are you trying to make up for your powers?" He inquires, and I widen my eyes.
"How... how do you know?" I stutter, my fingers twitching on the cover.
He tilts his head, drawing his brows together. "That's healing magic. I'd expect you to look into more harmful resources unless you had to worry about something else. Like healing yourself and the people around you." He points out cunningly.
I hesitate, not knowing how to react. "Did you tell your friends?" Loki inquires.

"Didn't get the chance," I mutter, shifting in my seat.
"Oh, please." Loki scoffs, clearly not buying my lie.
I divert my eyes, guilt growing in my chest. "Is that cowardice I smell? It doesn't suit Agapi's next Queen." He taunts, leaning forwards.
My eyes snap to him as I clench my jaw. "Do not call me that." I seethe.
Loki frowns, his hand hanging between his knees. "I bestowed you two titles. Which one bothers you?" He wonders, knowing too well how to get a reaction from me.
"Both," I mumble, standing up. This conversation begins to feel too heavy.

I hear soft footsteps moving behind me, and soon I see Loki standing next to me. "I'm sure your mother already prepared you for the ceremony, but do you feel ready for it?" His question sounds odd, even for Loki.
"I've gone through worse." I shrug, turning to him.
"That's not the point." He counters.
I roll my eyes, worried about where he's trying to go with this. "The Rise is not just a ceremony. And it is usually faced by both leaders." He says, staring at me.
I run my fingers through my hair, sighing loudly. "Agapi barely has an heir, and it's the first time this ceremony will happen after the very first," I mention.
I still can't believe how huge this is. And everyone expects me to handle it.

"Yes, it would be the first time Agapi has only its Queen to rule. Sounds like a lot of responsibility." Loki hints, finally breaking my patience.
"Loki, what are you doing?" I scowl, crossing my arms over my chest.
"Making sure you know what you're getting yourself into." His words make me laugh bitterly. If he only knew how badly I don't want to do this.
"Its not like I have a choice," I mutter, my eyes perusing on the shelves full of books.
"That doesn't mean you can't prepare yourself." He counters, following me as I head to the door to leave.
"I'll do what I have to do to ensure no one gets hurt." I snap, turning around.
Loki stands a few feet from me, frowning as he studies me. "It's a war, Nova. People will get hurt. It's inevitable." 
My breath hitches, knowing there's nothing I can say. He's right.
"Then I better finish that reading." I scoff, leaving the library before Loki could reply.

I rush down the crowded hallways, keeping my head low.
There are so many people here, more than the last time. All of them will put their lives at stake.
"Hey, Nova!" I hear a familiar voice shout. "Where are you going? Dinner is being served in a bunch of minutes." Sam notifies, and I stop my march.
"Oh, already? God, I need to get a watch or something." I groan, slapping my forehead.
"Get one for your man too. He's still training." Sam scoffs, waving me goodbye.