Stark's Shadow

Chapter 7 - I Should be That Kind of Doctor

I woke up early, despite going to bed at two in the morning. The TV was turned off; someone put a blanket on me while I was asleep. Steve and Bucky had left at some point. The silence of the tower was so loud, but not as loud as my thoughts. Between "Piano Man" and my recent memory playing on repeat in my head, it felt like mental silence wasn't an option.

I sat there, thinking over that horrible memory over and over. My head hurts from how loud my thoughts are. More pain than usual, anyways. The worst part was I don't think that's the worst I've done.

"You're up early," A smooth voice says from behind me.

"Unfortunately," I sigh, leaning back into the chair, "You sure you can't stab me, Loki?"

"Well, I would, but why would I kill someone who so obviously has a better plan than I to take over the world," He responds, "I may need you,"

"I can't tell if you're joking or not,"

He doesn't respond. He sits down, picking up the TV remote, "How does this work?"

"I'm not sure," I tell him, "Steve showed me how to work it. It's way more advanced than the remote I had as a kid,"

"Steve?" Loki asks in disbelief, "How does he know more about modern technology than you do? And what do you mean when you were a kid. Are you not one?"

"I'm forty-two,"

"No,"

"Yes,"

"How do you look so young?"

"Magic,"

"No, I truly am curious," Loki leans forward as if a secret is about to be shared.

"Well, the only answer I have is magic," I tell Loki, "I don't fully understand how my lack of aging happened. It's just physical appearance, I think. I don't think anything else stopped."

"Explain," he demands, then gives his head a light shake and smiles at me, "My apologies. Explain, please,"

"I don't have much to explain,"

"Why is that?"

"I don't remember much," I say quietly, unsure why I'm being honest with him. I hardly know Loki. I haven't told anyone the whole story- or what I know of it- not even Tony; I hadn't had the chance to.

"What do you remember?"

"About five years ago," I start, "Was my first time remembering anything before I got kidnapped, so-"

"Kidnapped?" Loki asks, "How does one so casually mention that? That's not right,"

"Neither is taking over the world, starting with New York," I say, "But I guess everyone has their flaws,"

Loki nods, "You still refuse to move past that. You are a pest,"

I roll my eyes, "If I'm such a pest, I guess I should leave you alone,"

"No, wait!" Loki says, sounding almost panicked, "Please, tell me,"

"Alright," I say, then get into the story.

I was in a bright room, so much so I couldn't bring myself to open my eyes. All I could do was lie on the floor, shielding my eyes. Then the lights went out. There was panic and shouting. I couldn't make out a single word. With every passing second, I felt stronger. Then I felt a sensation in my stomach as if I was being pulled. It didn't feel like it was pulling in one direction. It felt as if there was a pull from everywhere. Then it focused and pulled me across the room. There was silence. I opened my eyes and found I was outside between two buildings.