The Light that Shines Within

A Curious First Day Pt.2

Loki POV

The woman kept talking without breaking her sentence, nodding as though I confirmed something she previously thought. "I thought so," she responded and went back to her book.  What bizarre intelligence she had... What was wrong with me? Why was I even giving this... this mewling quim the pleasure of my company?

We sat some time in silence when she rose from her chair. "Want anything to eat or drink while I'm out there? I'm heading to the kitchen for food and caffeine, like no one's business." I shook my head and she nodded, fixing her sweater zipper from being crooked. 

Cassandra walked towards the door, only to stop suddenly and look at me seriously. "I'll be back in five minutes, Loki.  Oh, and if you do happen to see your brain-dead, pig-headed sibling, please inform him that he is no longer welcome in my chambers until he apologizes to me for that extreme embarrassment he caused me tonight." I smirked a little at her language use of old English and gave a nod of confirmation.

"Of course Lady Cass. I shall tell him if he dares enter your chambers." I was not making a joke at all. This creature gave off waves of power, old power. And her fury was something I don't believe I wished to have turned upon me. My brother was truly brain dead if he had this Avenger as an adversary. 

"Thanks, Loki, be back in five." 

Then she left me in the library by myself. I sat in my seat a few minutes staring across from me without thinking at all. I wondered what thick volume had my new acquaintance been reading before she left for her Midgardian foods and beverages.

I looked around a moment, saw no one around me and calmly arose from my seat. I walked over to the seat in which her book rested. The cover was about this country's first president and the war in which this country won its independence. Of course, the raven one would love to read as well.

She seemed to be the always studious type. Always learning about things, places and people. But why did this book feel heavier than it should have? It was at least an ounce off in weight. As a god who loves nothing more than the joy and pleasures of reading, I should know what it is I am thinking.

And so I opened the book to reveal one of those elongated screen devices. A tablet, I believe they're called. It was lit and I read my own name. I couldn't help but read on.

"Loki seems to have really been controlled by the Tesseract, as was my first assessment. And he exhibits a particular fascination for asking me questions, then watching my reactions as well as getting an answer." 

Oh, so the Midgardian was studying me? As well as the Soldier and my brother too, it seemed. She was just as curious about history and the inner workings of the mind as I was. Oh, how the plot thickens.

"Having fun?"

I jumped and turned around quickly. I coughed and tried to regain my composure. "There are not a lot of people who can sneak up on me," I said as calmly as I could. Cassandra raised one eyebrow and shook her head. In her hands were two plates of hot noodles mixed in a red sauce of some sort. She walked over and placed the plates on the table in between us. 

I was somewhat glad for that table, judging by the way she kept glancing at me. Glaring straight into my eyes. "And, there's not a whole lot of people who I know are actually stupid enough to go through people's personal shit. So I guess we both underestimated each other, didn't we? " 

What was I supposed to respond to that? 

I smirked. "Does my brother and the Soldier know you keep files on them as well? "  She reached over and took the device from me. "No, and if you say a thing to either one of them,  I'll make sure you regret it dearly, God of Mischief." She responded coolly, with as evil a smirk as my own. It sent shivers down my spine and I realized, I as the Midguardians say, fucked up. 

She looked as though she was already plotting ways to kill and maim me. I both enjoyed it as as well as being sort of defeated. I decided to put my hands up in defeat. "Alright, alright. I shall no more speak on the subject, Lady Cass. 

She swiped a few times on the tablet and walked to a room upstairs. Curious, I followed her and stood in the doorway. Bed, dresser, photographs on the mirror. This must be her bedroom. I observed quietly. On a hook was a familiar purple cape. 

"You... were the one who stopped the green creature..." I said, bewildered. She only nodded, setting the tablet down on the dresser. "Yup. And also stopped them from finding you for almost two hours so Selvig had time to set up the machine." She looked up at me briefly while looking through her drawers. 

I was confused by all this news. 

Cassandra had actually tried to help in the efforts of my war? She told the Hulk to get off me and cease slamming me around? ( I cringed in instinct at that particular memory...) Why would an Avenger try to help me?....With the exception of Barton, of course. 

"Did I control you?"

She laughed loudly, throwing her hair back. "No, I wasn't controlled, Loki." This confused me even more. "Then why? I didn't know you from Odin." I asked, dumbfounded. Cassandra straightened up and looked at me with crossed arms and a sad sigh. 

"Because you had a point." She said eventually. "On the mountain, with Thor..." She fidgeted with a button on her shirt as she spoke before looking at me again after a second. I was speechless. 

"I did?" 

Cassandra nodded once, "Let's just say... I know firsthand what it's like to be in the shadows of a sibling's glory." Then she walked forcibly passed, brushing against my shoulder on the way out. It was cold as I was. 

This person knew of what it's like to be overshadowed as well? Curious, very curious indeed...