A Tale of Mischief and Mutants part 2

The Chain

—-Loki—-

"Get help?"

What 'Steve' has said has struck a memory with me that I now regard fondly. During the times Thor and I would carry out his sorry excuse of a plan I would feel so humiliated. Thinking of those memories now and how safe it felt when fighting alongside my brother who would always, always defend me when I'd fail due to my lack of strength I'd happily relive the experience.

I'd give anything to be safe by his side again. Steve takes a step towards me and I feel myself involuntarily tense up once again. I don't trust any of these people their story is one I'd love to believe but I simply can't. I don't recognize any of them besides an odd feeling of familiarity so I can't trust that what their telling me is true.

Though they don't seem hostile this means nothing, neither did Thanos when he first found me. Soon after the false concern and kindness fell away and I was handed over to the Maw and The Other to be broken. Even though I want to trust this situation I can't, I will not be lulled into a false sense of security. I have to be ready this time. Steve takes another step closer and I manage to shuffle away from him.

"Lokes...?"

I shake my head. 'I wish they'd just leave me here!' 'I can't do this again, I can't!' I don't even feel any shame as I feel tears fall from my eyes and freeze as they roll down my face and neck. I don't care if they see me weak they already have and they're probably here to bring me somewhere they'll eventually see me in a far worse state.

I let my fear fully show knowing it will make absolutely no difference to my situation whether I appear strong or weak. Still I'm in a debate with myself with how much I should comply. I don't want to make them angry that will only cause me more pain but I don't want to go with them willingly to be broken even further either.

'Bucky' motions to Steve and the other man and they move away. I take a shakey breath for the first time noticing I was holding it. Bucky scoots towards me gaining back the little distance I had moved away from him. To my surprise he halfway lays back on the wall I'm pressing myself up against his position leaves him extremely vulnerable.

If I decide it's worth it to fight them I might actually be able to do some damage to him if I attempt anything with him in this position. There's the problem of the others though so of course I'll do nothing. Nevertheless his vulnerable posture is enough to make me feel slightly less anxious. He begins speaking in a soft tone.

"Loki, nobody is here to hurt you. I know other people did, and I know they also used you and messed with your head. Trust me I know that's not something you just get over. But you have to understand that we're not them or anything like them.
I know that's hard to believe right now and that you're scared and that you probably don't believe a word of what I'm saying but we have to get you some help before it's too late. You're dying of dehydration. I don't know how long you can go without water but it's already been over a week.
We have to get you help. We can do this at your own pace but only if you're willing to actually work with us. I really, really don't want to but if we have to we'll get the necessary tools to put you under so we can move you. Please don't make us do that."

I really don't want to be unconscious who knows what situation I could wake up to should that happen. I know the end result will be the same either way but it's far worse to me to not even have the laughable illusion of control being awake and aware gives me. I Reluctantly nod I still don't want to make them angry either.

It's for the best that I cooperate. Perhaps I can find a way to escape so I can go die in peace or some other way to end my life before we get to our destination if I'm awake. These are all fantasies as I can barely move, but at least if I'm awake I can still move at all. Bucky turns towards the others again.