My Friend Loki: Strange Magic

Chapter 19

Returning to the Sanctum, we sat down with Doctor Strange to tell him the good news - that we now had a place to be on December twenty-first.

"So, while the Avengers will be strutting their stuff at Stark's Gala," Doctor Strange tried to comprehend, "you both will be working the crowd at a different venue." Strange smiled. "How commendable. But can you tell me why?"

An impish expression appeared on Loki's face, "well to rule them of course and bring them to their knees. Just don't tell Thor."

"What?" Strange was aghast and turned to me for clarification.

"Loki," I mock-chided, quite amused at my friend's choice of words, then addressed the Mystic Master, "he's just messing with you. As a Drama Major, he's just making a play on words..."

"Those are some pretty strong words to use, considering..." Strange said, in a tone that was not impressed.

"But that's what makes them so amusing," Loki explained. "Strange, you needn't be concerned about me having a 'relapse.'" He looked at me and smiled, "Beverlee reminded me that a captive audience is not as much fun as a captivated one."

"Well that much is certain," Strange nodded. "But you still haven't answered my question. Why?"

Sobering, Loki turned to face me and gestured with his eyes for me to tell Doctor Strange.

Looking at him, I was puzzled.

"I can't tell him, I'll sound arrogant."

"No, you won't," I countered.

"Many times I have attempted to voice my opinion, and every time I do, I stand corrected."

"But this time is different, what you have to say is valid."

"Please, Beverlee," he implored, looking into my eyes, "for this, I feel my silver tongue is trumped by your skills in public relations."

Touching his arm and giving him a sympathetic smile, I said, "okay, if you feel that strongly about it."

Facing Doctor Strange, I began to explain on behalf of my friend.

"Why? Well, above it all, Loki and I share some unresolved issues when it comes to our youth, and we wanted to channel those feelings into something to help others who may be less fortunate. Consider it a way to get in touch with our inner child. Also... Loki has been doing very well during assignments while in the Initiative. He has quite the skill set, but rarely does he get a chance to use his skills for leisure. He's worked so hard, and whether doing this event is a one-shot or could lead to something more, we believe it would be in his best interest to have this opportunity."

"As far as answers go, I don't find that arrogant at all," Strange said, looking at my friend. "Do you truly feel that way, Loki?"

"Yes," Loki replied, his eyes meeting Strange's. "I want to do this."

"And I want him to do this," I seconded.

"Then I don't see the harm in you both participating... in this."

Loki and I looked at each other - with grins now on our faces - then back at Doctor Strange.

"Thank you," we said almost simultaneously.

"If you need any assistance..." Strange offered.

"Well," Loki said thinking, "we would like to visit that main library..."

"Right," Strange said, "I actually I have to go there myself, you can follow me."

Doctor Strange stood up, and headed for the staircase, expecting us to follow.