My Friend Loki: Strange Magic

Chapter 1

Booking off some well-deserved vacation time from my workplace, I had made plans with a friend to go to New York. It was a place I had never been and was very excited to make the trip to see the sights, sample the traditional foods, and take in the culture.

However, a week before we were supposed to depart, a serious medical emergency on my friend's part put a kibosh on the trip. It was an awful feeling worrying about my friend, coupled with the disappointment of the abrupt change in plans.

At least it was heartening to learn that they would recover and their family would take care of them for the duration of that process.

They would also get a full refund on their airline ticket due to their medical issue.

Unfortunately, for me, I was uncomfortable to go on this trip alone, so for a certain fee, I was able to change my ticket for another time.

A part of me had considered calling on another friend...

However, I had not heard back from them for quite a while. A lack of communication was not an error on their part, it simply meant they were busy working on a special assignment. Nevertheless, with the passage of time, I missed them dearly.

I resigned myself that this was now going to be a 'staycation,' and tried to think of the things I could do to make the days just as fun as being in New York.

There wasn't a lot that came to mind...

I decided the best thing I could do, for now, is go to my local deli to get a corned beef sandwich and figure it out from there. Putting on my jacket, and making sure I had everything I needed in my pockets, I was ready to leave my home...

When suddenly I heard someone knock on my door.

I wasn't expecting anyone.

Going over to the door, I asked, "who is it?"

"Doctor Stephen Strange," a voice said from behind the door.

Doctor Strange?

I recalled that was the name of the person Thor had contacted with his cell phone some time ago. He had opened up a portal that took us to that auxiliary SHIELD facility to...

Oh no...

I opened the door immediately, praying that my mischievous friend was not yet again in serious trouble.

I was awed and a little taken aback by the sight of the distinguished man in my doorway. He cut a fine figure with his dark hair, handsome features along with sporting a blue tunic/shirt, dark pants and red cape.

"Y-you're..." I took a deep breath, "Doctor Strange?" I said, not able to contain my wonderment.

"Yes, and I believe you are Beverlee... Loki's friend?" he asked.

"Yes, yes I am," I replied with a hint of pride.

"May I come in?"

"Of course," I said, showing him in and closing the door, "with you being here, I can only imagine that my... friend... is in another predicament?" I led him to the couch and we both sat down.

"You could say that," Strange said. "Thor Odinson came to see me recently and we had a very engaging discussion about you."

"Did you now?" I said in a curious tone. "What about me would be so interesting to discuss?"

"Among other things, your friendship with Loki, of course."

"And...?" I wasn't going to make this a guessing game. What was he trying to convey?

"I keep a watch list of individuals and beings from other realms that may be a threat to this world. Your friend is one of those beings."

"Maybe years ago he was," I said, my voice thoughtful, "but not anymore. As you must know, he's part of a new initiative, making the world a better place."

"That I am. Thor tells me that you are calming influence on him and are able to reach him in ways that others can't."

"Well... I don't know about that," I said, trying not to sound presumptuous. "I simply treat him with respect and offer compassion when he needs it and... well, he really does need it. He's been through so much and many still want to hurt him because they don't understand... or don't want to understand that fact."

"Funny you should say that," Strange said. "Because right now, Loki is embroiled in a scuffle in a bar in Soho..."

"What? He wouldn't do that!" I said in defence of my friend. "He's very aware of his probation and what would happen if he broke it. Let alone that... awful tracker... they would find him immediately if he did anything..."

"You know your friend well," Strange said, sounding impressed. "You are correct. He did not start it."

"That's good to hear," I said, not realizing how upset I had become. "Wait a minute. How do you know what Loki is doing at this very moment?"

"I am a Master in the Mystic Arts," he said matter-of-fact. "I am privy to things others would not be aware."

"Then, are you aware of why he is even there?"

"Alas, of all things, that is the mystery, Beverlee. I hope you can discover for Loki's sake."

"But, you said he didn't start the fight? That would normally mean he isn't in trouble."

"Not in trouble as such, but because of who he is, he really shouldn't be there. At least not by himself."

I took a moment to think about what this Mystic Arts Master just said. Once it began to sink in, I realized his logic was undeniably damning.

"Okay," I said with a sigh, trying to wrap my head around this, "but, if you're here and he's there..?"

"I'm here because the first time Loki and I met, it... wasn't under the best circumstances. If he sees me, I suspect he will not respond well to my offer of help. Therefore, the best course of action would be to get you - to make sure he can be extracted from the situation with the least amount of hassle."

"You met Loki before?! What happened?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"That is a story for another time," Strange firmly replied.

"Well, you are very kind, Doctor Strange, to help him like this," I said.

"It's not kindness," Strange clarified. "While Loki remains on Earth, it's simply my job to supervise and police his activities as needed."

"You're... not going to hurt him, are you?" I asked with concern.

"I have no intention of doing so if he cooperates."

"In that case," I said, "tell me what I need to do."