Chapter 5
5
Luka watched her companion fly off, idly contemplating their relationship. She somehow knew they had been closer in the past, had a major disagreement, and now Thor was trying to mend that break. If only she could remember more! She sensed that although they had shared concerns and secrets, for some reason, they were never lovers. But she did love him, she knew it in her heart.
Luka automatically waved a hand, filling the tub, heating the water and vanishing her clothes. Frowning, she glanced at her reflection, then down at her hands. She flexed her fingers and wrists, not sensing anything odd. She felt perfectly fine. Still, it was strange, the things she could do without even thinking about them. Why could she? And how? Deciding not to worry about it now, she’d ask Thor later.
So she took a long soak, feeling much calmer afterward. The scented soaps and lotions for the skin and hair were stronger than she was used to, so she was sparing with what she used. The herbal ones were better than the flowery; they were too strong and too sweet. Finished, as she climbed out of the deep tub, she glanced at her reflection in the floor to ceiling mirror.
Not really paying attention, the goddess shivered her shoulders and head, instantly dry. She stood there, staring at herself, wondering why she felt... wrong. She cocked her head to one side, thinking. Thinner, with jet black hair and greener eyes, deep-set. She waved a hand and changed. A gasp of shock, a tiny shriek and she fainted, falling to the tiles.
Friday took note of the accident, unaware of the cause, but responding to the result. Fortunately, Pepper was still visiting, downstairs with Tony, and going over paperwork. She answered the AI’s call, shocked and worried.
The genius wanted to go as well, but Friday cautioned him to wait. The goddess was still unclothed. “What happened, Friday?” Pepper asked as she hurried to Thor’s suite.
“I am unsure, Ms. Potts. Lady Luka took a long, hot bath and stared at her reflection when she got out. Suddenly, she cried out and fell. I do not know why, but she has not awoken as yet.”
“Oh, no! I have no medical training! Should we call Bruce? Natasha has already left, I believe.”
“Perhaps that would be wise. I will notify him immediately.” The AI actually sounded relieved.
By the time Pepper made it inside Thor’s apartment, Luka was sitting up. She was still naked, her head in her hands and she wept silently, shoulders shaking. Pepper instantly grabbed the closest towel and wrapped it around Luka.
“Luka! Luka? Are you alright? What happened? Did you slip?” Pepper knelt beside the goddess, gently rubbing her back. “Are you hurt? Did you hit your head?”
“I do not know. I remember nothing after I stepped out of the bath. My head does hurt, but not from the fall, I do not think. It does not feel like a blow would, rather more like a shock from learning something terrible. Where is my Thunderer? Has he not returned?”
“Um, I don’t know where Thor went. But, Dr. Banner is here. Will you let him take a look at you? He’s very gentle and he keeps secrets very well.” Pepper found a soft, thick robe, probably Thor’s as it wrapped the goddess much more than she needed. “Here, this will cover you enough, I think.”
Both women heard voices in the outer room, recognising Banner and Tony. Pepper called the doctor in, telling Tony to wait outside. Maybe he could get Luka a cold glass of water?
“Nothing to drink until I check,” Banner snapped. “If she has a concussion, it could be a problem.”
“I am certain I do not, Doctor. You are a healer?” Luka, now standing with Pepper holding her elbow, asked curiously.
“Well, I’m not a licensed practitioner, though I do have some training,” Banner demurred.
“Good enough to take care of us in a pinch,” Tony’s voice came from the outer room. “Can I come in now?”
“Rather we will come out,” Luka replied. ‘I would like to sit down somewhere more comfortable than this floor.”
“Of course, of course,” Bruce held out a hand to help. She waved him off, also gently removing Pepper’s hand from her arm.
“I assure you, I am fine. I would like a cup of tea?” She glanced at Banner, but then smiled at Pepper. “If you would be so kind, Lady Pepper? Something herbal, please. There are several varieties in the kitchen.”
The humans continued to fuss over her for a short while. Bruce checked her eyes and reflexes, felt through her thick hair for any bumps and decided she was indeed uninjured. Still, he felt it safest if someone stayed with her until Thor returned. Pepper volunteered before Tony could, saying she thought Lady Luka might feel more comfortable with a woman’s presence.
She brought them both tea and some plain cookies to nibble on. Asking Luka if she wanted to watch the rest of their movie until her companion got home, the pair of them settled in comfy chairs to watch and chat. Pepper did know she should try and keep Luka awake, just in case.