| The Amelie Chronicles | (MCU)

Part One: Chapter Nine

Upon arrival at Loki's base, Amelie could see how much progress he actually made in the short span of a few days. People bustled about in the abandoned warehouse, all contributing to building a large machine. In the center of that machine sat the Tesseract.

"We lost Barton, sir." One of Loki's followers said to the Asgardian.

"Dead?"

"Captured."

"Very well... he served his purpose." Loki shrugged as he lead the group inside of the warehouse. Amelie followed behind, her eyes tired and body sore from the ordeal that took place a few hours ago.

"Amelie." He called to her, "You have been a great help. You posses a potential for greatness like no other."

The young girl sheepishly nodded, "Potential?"

"I can see that with proper guidance, you can do great things in the future." He explained, "There's a place for you to wash up over there. Make yourself comfortable, and then I'd like a word."

"Loki?" Amelie asked, tucking a lock of dark hair behind an ear.

"Yes, child?"

"Did you have potential?"

Loki stiffened, his eyes glazing over momentarily as if he was deep in thought. His grip on the scepter tightened, and his kind smile towards her became more forced. Amelie took a tiny step back, fear tugging in her chest.

"I did, yes." He said shortly, "A long time ago."

Amelie knew that she had pushed too far with her questions. Loki turned away, his green cape flapping behind him as he walked towards the large machine in the middle of the room. With a sigh, she turned away herself, heading to the corner where she was able to wash up.

Some of Loki's agents were able to provide Amelie with some clothing that wasn't stained, as well as shoes that fit properly. Although the water was freezing and smelled like lead, she washed herself up quickly. It was nice to get the blood off her hands, as well keep herself more alert by washing her face.

The water reminded her of stumbling through the snow in Siberia a few days ago. It also brought back memories of Amelie watching the Agents at Hydra hose blood down the drain in the center of the lab. It was never hers- but always others. It stained the floors and always made Amelie vomit from the smell.

Which is exactly what she did.

Nausea seemed to work its way up her throat, and his time she couldn't keep it down. Amelie's knees went weak as she nearly scrambled for the garbage can. Her stomach painfully heaved, and whatever was left in her stomach from the last time she ate made another appearance.

"You okay?" Someone came up to her, dressed in scrubs as if Loki had taken them right from the hospital.

"I am fine." Amelie blinked through the tears, shaking her head as she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. She stiffened, pulling away, "Just a nausea spell."

If she had a home, Amelie would have claimed she wanted to go there. She longed for a comforting space to want to crawl to when things got tough. She longed for a caring parent or guardian to comfort her when she was sick. All she got at Hydra were doctors, scientists, Agents, and strangers. Strucker and him made appearances almost everyday- but she was always surrounded by negative people.