Heart Of Stone

Chapter 25

Loki's POV:

When Thor informed me of Lady Lexis being effected by a curse I placed upon a school of merfolk (I forget what they were, but they appeared to be merfolk) over a century ago. They had stolen many things from me and had caused me to do many things off them with their abilities, so in return I turned them into land dwellers.

I went to Lady Lexis's room, but she was asleep. I noticed the wet spots on the pillows of the bed and couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. I decided to let her sleep, so I returned first thing the next day, but she was still asleep.

I sat on the edge of her bed and waited patiently for her to awaken. Surely it wouldn't take as long as the Odinsleep, so I was content with the wait.

When at last she began to stir, a look of hatred and betrayal flashed across her sharp features. "What do you want, monster?!" She demanded, enraged. "I wanted to apologise," I answered, choosing my words carefully as always. "But you were asleep, so I waited until daylight. But you were still asleep, so I waited for you to rouse."

"You are the reason why I have faced so much pain and rejection!" She roared. "You are a monster! You cursed us all! You let us all be killed for our mere differences! You hurt us all!"

Then she began yelling in that strange language of hers that even I could not understand. I listened to her words, slightly worried about what they meant. Judging by her body language, she was not saying pleasant things.

"Rote ins dark realm, demonius exex! Florfire akin Babe-aestro! Florfire akin Bebe-testro! Demonius exex! Coldish confirus causure! Rote ins dark realm! Rote ins dark realm!"

She continued until at long last the Scarlet Witch entered the room and immobilised Lady Lexis, who's eyes turned from steely grey to a dark crimson. She appeared... distant. Lost in another realm with no hopes of escape.

"Leave," the Scarlet Witch ordered me. "What she is seeing... I have to stop it quickly or she'll get hurt. Go. Get away from her for now."

Knowing I have no choice, I leave. I still do not know what Lady Lexis was saying when she spoke in the foreign tongue. Not a single mortal or immortal would ever truly know unless she tells us. I sigh slightly, knowing that the next time we meet shall not be pleasant.

At first I only communicated with Lady Lexis because I was curious of her and because I had nothing more to do. But gradually I have come to respect that strange immortal, even value her company.

I knew that it would only be a matter of time before she hated me. Before she saw the monster I truly am. I need to do much more than not do bad in order to be good. I know this now. It took me far too long for me to learn my lesson, but now I shall prove that I can be redeemed. Maybe I shall even be able to reap benefits such as stable positive relationships that Lady Lexis and I had. I believe the term is friendship?

Well, perhaps I will not go quite that far as of yet, but I wish to be able to reach this point some time soon.

Thor joins me after a while. "How did your talk with Lady Lexis go, brother?" He asks me. "She is not best pleased with me as of late," I confide. "She yelled at me in that foreign tongue of hers. I did not understand a word, but she is furious with me for the curse."

"Is it not possible to simply revoke the curse?" Thor questions. I shake my head. "Not without both my staff and an Infinity Stone, but the only one we have access to is permanently attached to the head of the Vision. Even then it would be an unstable change. She would likely not survive it."

Thor nodded, looking downwards, deep in thought. I was amazed. I've never seen him think before. "Is there any way to... somehow weaken the effects of the curse?"

This caused me to think deeply as well. If it was to happen, perhaps I will be able to further prove that I am capable of change. "It may be possible," I agree with Thor. "Though I would have to find out for sure."

"Father has denied you entry to Asgard," Thor points out. "Then would you go in my place? Simply to retrieve the correct knowledge?" I ask of him. "Why are you trying to get rid of me, Loki?" He seems skeptical of my motives. Well, at least he is learning to never trust me.

"I am simply trying to aid Lady Lexis in order to redeem myself," I say. "So that is what this is all about?" Thor seems mildly annoyed. "Redemption? Do you even care for Lady Lexis aside from her being your best chance at redemption and therefore freedom?"

"The thought crossed my mind," I can't help but to admit. "But I am not acting upon it. While the redemption is a positive outcome, it is more so for Lady Lexis's benefit. Besides, I am here. I am surrounded by these people. What could I possibly do?"

He glares at me for a minute, clearly still doubting my sincerity. I cannot blame him; I would do exactly the same if I were in his position. You should never trust the God of Mischief. This was common knowledge on Asgard and to a lesser extent even on Midgard.

But finally he yields to my plea. "Very well, brother. I shall do what I can to retrieve the knowledge you desire from Asgard. But I can make no promises that I shall emerge victorious."

"You make it sound like a battle is about to take place," I smirk. "It is me against words, brother," he chuckles. "I would say that is more of a war."