Fallen: Reborn

Two o’clock rolled around. Everyone had gathered in one of the conference rooms, minus Fury and Perse. Eventually, The group saw Fury and Agent Hill walk down the corridor through the glass windows of the conference room and into where they were. Fury’s eyebrows shot up as he saw who was all in the room. He addressed Natasha first.

“I don’t believe you were on the attendance roll today, Romanoff.”

“Perse asked that I be here.”

Fury nodded. “And where would our guest be?”

Nat stood up, about to walk out of the room. “I’m not sure. She knew what time the meeting was. I’ll go find her.” As Nat exited the conference room, Fury turned his head to the gods seated before him.

“Thor, I see you brought someone. To be honest, it wasn’t something I planned on today, seeing either of you.” Thor stood up and addressed the reason for their attendance. Fury looked to Loki, who had simply sat back in his chair, arms crossed with a look of boredom plastered on his face. Fury nodded at Thor’s explanation and simply said, “We’ll address it.”

Nat came walking along the corridor, an arm wrapped around a sulking Perse. When they walked in, Loki took notice of her tear stained eyes. A slight pang of guilt took over him. Had he done that?

Why should I care? She should be afraid of me.

Loki immediately put away the small amount of guilt he had and continued his unbothered demeanor. This whole gathering was really beginning to bore him.

Perse looked at Fury, eyes fearful. He simply reached out and shook her hand. “Persephone, I assume?” She nodded slowly. “It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. Please, have a seat. We have quite a bit to discuss.”

-

Nat walked down the hallway towards the elevator. She clicked the button, and surprisingly the doors opened right away, revealing a distressed Perse. Perse was on the floor, her head clamped between her hands and her face stained with tears. She had a white glow and crackle over her skin as she tried to reign in her breathing. Nat sighed.

“Perse…” raising her gaze, Perse locked eyes with the spy. In an instant she broke down. Nat quickly pulled her into an embrace. They sat on the floor, Perse unable to keep herself maintained. A white aura began to surround Nat where she was holding Perse, tickling at her skin.  She let go of the embrace and held Perse’s face with her hands. “Perse, you have nothing to be afraid of. We won’t let anything happen to you.” Perse nodded, her crying evening out, but not slowing. Nat eyed her for a moment before asking, “There’s more to this, isn’t there?” Perse locked eyes with her and slowly nodded again. Nat sighed sadly and pulled her back into a hug. “You know we’ll be there for you through anything, right?”

“…yes. Thank you, Nat…” Nat pulled them back up from the floor of the elevator. She wiped a tear from Perse’s face and gave her a smile.

“Come on, the pirate is waiting.” Perse’s face grew confused, but she shook it off. They walked back down the hallway and into the conference room. Perse’s eyes immediately widened at Director Fury, who had an eyepatch over one eye. Ah, the pirate thing makes sense.

“Persephone, I assume?” He held out his hand, which she grabbed for a handshake as she nodded slowly. “It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. Please, have a seat. We have quite a bit to discuss.”

-

As Perse took her seat next to Nat, her eyes glanced at Loki, who had been staring at her from the moment she turned the corner. Immediately breaking the gaze away, she looked back to Fury, who had begun the conversation.

“So, first thing’s first. I’m concerned as to how Stark decided that keeping you here,” he pointed to Loki, “was the right thing to do.” Nat spoke up.

“Director, it actually was all of us who decided it would be best. I’m sure Thor informed you on why they are here.” Fury nodded. “We all decided collectively, due to to Perse opening our minds a bit,” Perse dropped her head again, embarrassed at being called out, “that if he had truly been under some kind of mind control during the events of New York, then it would only be fair to give him a chance to make reparations and improve himself. He is to live under strict rules, however. I’m sure Tony can fill you in on those.”

Fury turned to Perse, eyes still on her hands.

“I’m assuming it was your past that had you so soft at his situation?” He asked. Loki looked at her, eyebrows knitted in confusion, as her eyes widened and her body went tense. Nat placed a hand on her shoulder as she cleared her throat and spoke up.

“T-that would be correct…” she answered.  Fury spoke firmly, but calmly.

“Would you be so kind as to inform me on why HYDRA had their hands on someone like you? Were you an experiment or were you naturally gifted with powers?” She looked around the room nervously. She didn’t want to explain to everyone here why HYDRA had kept her hostage, but it seemed she didn’t have a choice.

“They’re natural… HYDRA harnessed them. Or tried to. They did research on whether or not my powers could be extracted and used to enhance their soldiers. After many failed attempts at that, they…” her eyes began to well with tears once more as she fiddled with her hands in her lap, “… they continued with their attempt to turn me into a weapon.” She looked away from everyone in the room. Fury only nodded.

“So you are the one they called The Angel.” That name. It sparked so much sadness and anger in her. She tried hard to regulate it, but white sparks began to emit from her hands.

“Yes,” was all she could spit out. Nat began to rub her back, trying to soothe her. It wasn’t working. All the emotion began to flood back. She hated being reminded of her past, and the fact that those whom had ignored her desperate pleas for relief were sitting right beside her was painful.

“Miss McLoughlin, I’m gonna need you to calm down.” Fury stated, noticing her powers starting to present themselves. She looked up at him, eyes saddened.

“I’m so sorry, Director… I’m just having a hard time with this discussion, as well as with the company I’m in.” She turned her eyes to look at the gods, who both looked at each other, confused. Fury took notice.

“You have an issue with these two?” He asked, pointing at the gods. Perse nodded, still trying as hard as she could to reign in her emotions. Tears began to fall as she said,

“They let me down.”

Now it was Thor’s turn to speak up.

“Lady Perse, if we have done anything…” she cut him off.

“Don’t call me that!!” She yelled, standing up. “I’m all for second chances for those who deserve it, and I understand that you are a part of this team, but I cannot continue to stand by you as if nothing has happened! I have been good until this point, but I can’t hold it in any longer.” She leaned over the table, getting closer to Thor. Her eyes were angry and sorrowful. “How dare you?! I prayed to you, all of you,” now gesturing to Loki, “for years! How can you sit here before me after having ignored my desperate calls for help?! Why didn’t you help me?? Was my purpose to suffer?? I prayed constantly, when I was in my right mind, that you would bless me with mercy! That you would help me! I even prayed that you would let me die, and you. Did. NOTHING!”

Energy pulsed from her hands as they slammed onto the tabletop, leaving a gaping hole and wood splinters everywhere. Perse stood in horror at what she had done, clasping her hand over her mouth, before turning to look at everyone else in the room. Her face falling into a sob again, she quickly dashed out of the room. Nat called out after her. She turned to Fury, who only nodded, before running after the poor woman.

Thor sat in silence, ashamed. Fury walked over to him.

“Many prayed to us. We never interfered with their personal lives, we simply protected their realm…” Thor stated sadly.

“She’ll get over it. It’ll take a while, but she seems like a bright young woman. Just give her time.” Fury turned to face Loki, who had the same expression of shame on his face. He quickly dropped it when he saw Fury looking him in the eye. “If the Avengers all agree this is the best thing for you, then I won’t intervene. Don’t make me change my mind.”

He nodded to Agent Hill beside him and turned, both of them walking out the door. Thor turned to his brother and let out a sigh. They got up to go to leave, the air heavy from what had just transpired. Thor let Loki know he was going to inform Stark on the situation with his table, and left Loki alone. Loki slowly walked to his room, but stopped in front of his door. He could hear the Widow talking gently to Perse, who was evidently still crying.

-

“Perse!” Nat called after her. Perse had already made it to the elevator, but held the door open for Nat. As the doors closed, Nat pulled her into a tight embrace.

“I would have never thought that’s what was wrong. I am so sorry you had to go through that.” Perse only sobbed in response. They sat there for a bit before the elevator brought them down to their rooms. Nat walked Perse to her room and closed the door. They just sat on Perse’s bed, Nat holding Perse as she let all of her emotion out, not caring about the energy that was surging around them and picking at her skin. After a bit, Perse had calmed down a bit. She sat in Nat’s arms as the spy stroked her hair. After a moment, Perse softly spoke.

“It was easier to think they never had existed. That they weren’t real rather than simply ignoring my prayers. But having to face them…” she softly cried a bit more. Nat shushed her lovingly.

“Perse, I know it’s hard, but you’re such a strong young woman.” She paused for a moment before asking, “Have you thought that maybe there wasn’t much they could do? Or that the religion that they were tied to was simply tied to their image? I’m not discrediting your feelings, they are completely valid. But Thor lives on a completely separate planet. He isn’t even truly a god, none of them are. Sure they have abilities and powers, but so do you. They don’t answer to or influence us here on earth. All they really do is watch over the planet in general, just as they watch over a ton of other planets.” Perse stared down at her hands, saying silent. “I don’t want you to think that I’m throwing your emotion to the side. I would be pissed off too. You deserve to feel the way you do, I can’t imagine having been placed in your position. I know you can overcome this, but don’t think you have to this very second. All I’m saying is perhaps cut the boys a little bit of slack. And you don’t even need to associate yourself with them if you don’t want to. But try to remember that it wasn’t really up to them.” Perse sighed after a moment, wiping away the tears that still stuck to her cheeks.

“I suppose you’re right. It’s just so hard facing who you relied so heavily on and who you thought had abandoned you.”

Nat looked off into the distance for a moment, sadness crossing her eyes. She softly hummed. “Yeah, that would be hard…” She immediately snapped back to reality and embraced Perse one more time. “Take your time gathering yourself. I’ll go make you something to eat and then we’ll watch a little tv. Sound good?” Perse smiled softly.

“Yeah, that sounds good. Maybe dessert after dinner?” Nat smiled widely.

“You know it.” She walked off, leaving Perse alone with her thoughts. She sighed a heavy breath and brought her knees to her chest. She knew Nat was right, in both ways. She knew the gods hadn’t intentionally hurt her, but she couldn’t just get over it. It was going to take her some time, and that was okay. Thor seemed nice enough. She would warm up to him in time. His brother though, she wasn’t sure. After what has transpired in the hallway, she wasn’t sure about his character. Sure, she had vouched for him to stay, but that didn’t mean that he was a good person. It just meant he wasn’t the evil murderer that the world thought he was, which she could relate to. This was his opportunity to become a better person. Maybe once he made some progress she could grow to like him more. However, right now, she thought she’d keep her distance. She didn’t need another hallway episode to happen.

Nat eventually came back with food and the two sat down to watch a movie. She had discovered that Perse was quite the fan of film and television. She loved a good story. The two sat and chatted together, easing the tension that had previously built up.

-

Once the movie was over, Nat stood up, stretching her arms into the air.

“Alright, I promised Steve that I’d help make dinner tonight. I’m gonna go, but feel free to stay here, join me, whatever you want.”

Perse smiled. “Thanks Nat, I’ll be down in a little bit. I’m just gonna rest for a little.” Nat smiled back.

“Dinner’s at six, as usual. As long as you’re down by then. And don’t forget, dessert after, me and you.” Perse laughed lightly.

“Wouldn’t dream of missing it.”

Nat smiled once more before walking out.

After a small nap, Perse went to clean up her face a bit, makeup dried underneath her eyes. She washed her face and fixed her makeup, giving herself a few pats on cheeks to gather her mind. It had been a ridiculously long day...

She changed into something a little warmer and walked out of her room. Just as she did, the door across from her opened as well. She glanced up curious, but dropped her gaze back her door when she realized who it was. She closed her door and began to walk away, before she heard a voice speak up behind her.

“We never had any jurisdiction over the people of Midgard. We could never hear the prayers of mortals. They only worshipped our image.” She stopped in her tracks, taking in a deep breath before turning around. Seeing the dark haired god, a pang of anger hit her, but she quickly swallowed it.

“I’m aware of that now,” she said in a tense voice.

Loki continued. “Yet you’re still so angry.” He folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe, a small smirk on his lips. He could see himself getting under her skin. It was quite entertaining. He really shouldn’t be exploiting her pain and hurt like this, but what harm was a little bit of fun?

“Why shouldn’t I be? My feelings are valid. I’m just working on not taking it out on you both,” she said, gritting her teeth. For someone who claimed no wrongdoing, he certainly was acting smug. She could feel her energy bubbling, preparing to be released.

Loki could see the anger in her eyes, but looking deeper he saw also conflict and pain. This woman was confusing. She was hiding something, he just knew it. No one could possibly be that innocent.

“How you managed to get everyone under your spell is beyond me. I commend you for it, actually,” he said, picking at his fingernails.

“‘Under my spell’? What is that supposed to mean?”

Loki gazed at her and took a step closer, his smirk falling from his lips. “Don’t think for a second that I don’t see through this little act of yours. No one is that generous and kind as to give someone like me a chance. No, not without ulterior motives. I don’t trust it. You’re either hiding something, or you’re ludicrously naive.”

“Maybe some of us just want to help. Have you ever considered that some people look out for others rather than for just themselves?” She stepped forward, the space between them becoming scarce. “I can see through your lies. I can see past your anger, right into your soul. You’re scared. Terrified, in fact. You’re hurting just as much as I am. I know exactly what it’s like to be in your place.”

“You know nothing, mortal,” he hissed through pursed lips.

“Don’t I?” She asked, her eyebrows knitting gently. “I can read you like a book. Believe me when I say I’ve felt nearly everything you’re feeling now. The only difference is I’m trying to make something positive out of the situation. You want to hide like the child you are and make people feel less than you to disguise how you truly feel.”

“Hold your tongue, you disrespectful wench. I will not tolerate a pathetic mortal like yourself speaking in such a manner to me. You are beneath me. Do not forget your place,” he spat.

Perse looked at him for a moment before letting out a humorless chuckle. “I pity you, Loki. I really do.” As she began to walk away, he grabbed her by the wrist and held her in place.

“I don’t need your pity, mortal.”

“Then there’s a cell awaiting your arrival back on Asgard,” she practically whispered, holding her stance. Her skin began to crackle with small bursts of energy. Her anger was getting the better of her.

Suddenly from behind them, the elevator doors opened. Loki quickly released Perse, who rubbed the pain from her wrist.

“Ah, Brother, I was just coming to fetch you! They’ve prepared a meal, let us eat,” Thor spoke loudly, opening his arms out wide. Loki rolled his eyes.

“I will not be joining in this ridiculous affair. I have much better uses for my time.”

“Apologies, Brother, but you must eat. You don’t have to stay long if you don’t want to, but at least come up and get some nourishment.”

Loki doubted the food that had been prepared would provide any nourishment at all, but when he glanced over and saw Perse’s irritated face, he smirked.

“Well, Brother, you’ve twisted my arm. Let us join the others.”

Thor clapped his hands together and gazed at Perse. “Ah, Lady Perse, you will be joining us for the meal, yes?”

“Unfortunately,” she said, already walking to the elevator without the brothers. She slammed her fist into the button, the doors opening. She watched the brothers from inside the lift, scowling at Loki. “You can take the next one.”

As the doors closed, Thor sighed. “What did you say to her, Loki?”

-

Perse stormed from the elevator, making her way to the dining area. She paused before entering and closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. This was a defense mechanism of his… he was purposefully trying to get under her skin. She needed to be better. She couldn’t let her poor feelings towards him affect his rehabilitation. Or hers, for that matter.

Just ignore him… you don’t even have to look at him. Just make it through dinner…

Shaking as much of the anger and tension away as she could, she walked in the dining area. She was greeted with hello’s and welcomes, though Nat took notice of the last remaining bit of tension left on Perse’s face. Perse just shook her head gently and gave her a pressed smile, to which Nat gave a gentle nod.

“Alright, Nat, what do you have for me to try today?” Perse asked, sitting down at the table. She tried very hard not to let her irritation flare up as she saw the gods enter the room from the corner of her eye. Nat smiled as they took a seat, Loki irritatingly and purposefully taking the seat just across from Perse.

“Alright, tonight Steve and I made some fettuccini alfredo, garlic bread, and caeser salad. Dessert will be some chocolate cake for you people,” she said, looking everyone in the eyes at the table.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Tony asked, already helping himself to the food on the table.

“Perse and I will be going out tonight for dessert, and the answer is no, before anyone can self-invite themselves,” Nat said, raising an eyebrow at Tony. “Anyway, there’s enough food for everyone,” she said, looking around the table, “even for the two gods over here. If you eat as much as your brother does,” she addressed Loki, “we’re going to have to start buying things by the barrel.” The table chuckled as Thor looked sheepish. Even Loki let out a small smile.

“I don’t eat that much…” Thor defended. The whole table, even Loki, broke out into objections. Perse laughed softly as she watched the antics of the team. Looking back at her plate, she grabbed her fork and plunged it into the pasta. Since living with HYDRA and being fed the same minuscule meals everyday, she had missed out on so much cuisine the world had to offer. It had become a dinner tradition whenever they had something new, Perse would try it and say what she thought about it.

All eyes watched her as she tried the pasta. She looked at it skeptically, all for show off course. The suspense was necessary. As she took a bite, she grinned, giving her approval. The team clapped and let out small cheers. Loki looked confused, but Thor cheered along with the team, blissfully unaware as to why.

“Great job Nat, it’s delicious.”

Nat chuckled. “Well, Steve made the pasta, I made the salad and bread. Try some of that.” Perse did just that. Her eyes widened at the garlic bread, a whole new world being discovered. She made a mental note to grab more of that before it was gone.

The whole team laughed and chatted throughout dinner. Perse didn’t even have time to think about the agitating god sitting across from her. Eventually, dinner was over, and Nat stood up, gesturing to Perse to do the same.

“We’re headed out, we’ll be back later.” She said to the team. “Tony, I do believe cleanup duty is yours tonight.” Tony groaned and rolled his eyes.

“I still don’t see why I don’t get to come along. It’s my money you’re spending…” he muttered. Nat smacked the back of his head as she passed by him, Tony letting out a hiss of pain.

“It’s much needed girls’ time. Suck it up.”

Nat grabbed Perse’s hand and dragged her away, while Perse turned to Tony, put her free hand up defensively, and mouthed the word ‘Sorry!’ The team chuckled and began the cleanup process.

Loki watched the women walk away, intrigued and mystified by Perse. He still couldn’t grasp it. Was she really just… good? Just for the sake of it? Could it really be that she had no ulterior motives besides wanting to be a helpful and decent person?

How disgusting.

With a moral compass like that, surely she must’ve been through hell to get to who she was. Maybe he could use that. Sure, he might not have been in control when attacking New York and attempting to rule, but that didn’t mean he still didn’t deserve to be in power. Everyone was beneath him. He deserved what he was promised. And maybe, just maybe, her kind and giving nature could be exploited to help get him there.

That is, if he could resist irritating her to no end. That was purely enjoyable, and hard to stay away from. But he could try. For the sake of gaining everything he’d been promised. Then he’d look up to no one.

And that was all that really mattered, wasn’t it?