Tabula Rasa (Unlike Loki: Book Two)

Chapter 10

(Anna)

Peter and I were childhood friends.

We had grew up and played together. He came to New York often, especially once his mom got sick. We were the best of friends and did everything together.

I remember the first time he showed me his headphones and the mix tape that his mom made for him. I remember listening to it for hours, while playing cards or board games, taking turns on who got to listen.

I could still hear those songs in my head.

"Peter. You can't steal."

"It's my job now, Anna. It's how I survive."

"Well, you can't steal here. If that device hadn't worked, you'd be dead right now." I looked at him sadly.

"If you hadn't been here, if be dead right now." He laughed.

I sighed. Same old Peter. "This mystery benefactor really did care what you stole?" I asked.

"No. All he wanted was a random object." His eyes popped wide. "Oh, and he wanted me to see if there was some sort of bracelet thing here."

"Bracelet thing?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Yea, a...uh," his snapped his fingers, trying to find the words. "A gauntlet. Yea. That's what he called it." He shrugged his shoulders.

My face went slack and I grabbed his arm.

"What? Peter. You need to stay away from this man, whoever he is. Stop the deal right now. Get out." My eyes were wide with fear.

"What? Why?"

"Just trust me on this one. Please." I begged.

He looked at me in silence for a moment. "Ok. Ok, yea. Sure." He tilted his head.

"You need to go. I'm giving you this one free pass, ok?" I smiled at him. At my old friend. "Don't come back here unless it's for a good old fashioned visit." He smiled back, nodding. "Or if you need my help with anything. Don't be afraid to ask."

He laughed. "Will do, Anna-Banana."

I chuckled. "Oh! And that device, was it a one time use only thing, or?"

"Uh, no. But your guards took it off of me."

I made a mental note to have it destroyed. And to see how we could improve our security.

I nodded my head. "Now get outta here."

We hugged for a long time. He poked my nose. "Stay strong."

"Be smart."

It was what we always used to say to each other, instead of goodbye.

I called for the guards and asked them to escort Peter out of Asgard.

I watched him as he walked away.

"Hey!" I yelled. He turned back to look at me. "What kind of a name is Star-Lord?" I grinned.

I heard him laugh. "It's what Mom used to call me!" and then he turned and left.

So Star-Lord and Anna-Banana's friendship really was unbreakable.