30 : The Long Awaited Talk

I woke up in an unfamiliar place. The room was dimly lit, bathed in the soft light of dawn creeping through the gaps in the heavy curtains. I tried to sit up but my body protested violently, an array of aches and pains shooting through me.

Scream was awake too, her presence reassuring but muted, as if recovering from the ordeal. {Where are we?} she murmured in the confines of my mind.

I wasn't sure. The room had a sterility to it, but also a comfort I hadn't felt in a while. The bed I was laying on was plush and comfortable, the blanket warm and soft. There was a familiar scent in the air.

I forced my heavy eyelids open again, squinting to take in my surroundings. The room was sparsely furnished, yet elegant. A window to my right let in a flood of soft morning light, and a glance to my left revealed a closed door.

Suddenly, it swung open.

Loki entered the room, a tray laden with food in his hands. He looked different, more regal, his green eyes softer.

"You're finally awake I see," he said, placing the tray on a nearby table. His voice was gentle, a stark contrast to the chaotic memories that had led me here.

{Loki.} Scream murmured in surprise.

I attempted to sit up again, biting back a wince as my body screamed in protest. Loki rushed over, helping me prop up against a mound of pillows.

"Where am I?" I asked, confusion seeping into my words. "Why are you here?" I recalled the angry confrontation with my brother, the ensuing chaos, and the moment my identity had been revealed. "Where's Tony?"

"Your brother doesn't understand," Loki said, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "He thinks the symbiote is controlling you, using you. He doesn't understand the bond you share with Scream."

I nodded, remembering how my brother had relentlessly pursued us, driven by anger and fear. "But why you, Loki? Why would you help us?"

Loki picked up the plate full of meat, some raw and some cooked, off of the tray. "Because I am more intelligent than your brother and can see your friend is doing no such thing." He said, placing the plate on the side table next to me. "It's not as rejuvenating as human but it should help the healing process."

I cautiously took a bite of the meat Loki had offered, feeling the energy barely returning to my tired body. Scream hummed within me, sensing our newfound ally's sincerity.

"I appreciate your help, Loki," I replied, grateful for his intervention and understanding.

"I'm not one to meddle in the affairs of others, but I know you both deserve a chance to be understood." He said softly. Why is he being so kind? "To be free from the misunderstandings that plague you."

I realized that Loki had a deeper meaning to those words, almost sounding from personal experience. But maybe I was just imagining it. "Thank you, Loki," I said, grateful for his unexpected aid. Strangely he's always been more than civil with me.

As I finished the last morsel of food, I felt my strength returning. The bond with Scream seemed to strengthen too, and the pain in my body started to subside. Loki stood up and moved to the window, gazing outside.

"You should rest for a while longer," he suggested, turning back to look at me. "When you're ready... Your brother would like to see you."

I nodded, understanding that Scream and I couldn't stay hidden, but for now, we needed a moment to recover. Loki left the room, leaving Scream and me to rest.

Despite the uncertainty of our situation, it is nice to have found an unexpected ally in Loki, and that made all the difference. With him on our side, perhaps we could prove my brother wrong about the bond Scream and I shared.

Somehow I fell asleep without realizing. The dull ache that had plagued my body seemed to have dissipated while I rested. Now a sense of worry with what was to come when I spoke with Tony invaded my mind.

{You have to, Elisa.} Scream spoke, her voice stronger than what it was.

"But what if he tries to take you away?" I said sadly. I need Scream.

{Like I'll let that happen.} She scoffed, making me smile slightly.

With a deep breath, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, testing my weight before pushing myself upright. Scream moved within me, her strength helping me move as I made my way to the door.

Stepping into the hallway, I gazed around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Every corridor seemed to stretch endlessly, branching off into various directions like a labyrinth of possibilities. The only windows were long thin ones near the ceiling that made me feel like I was underground.

{Where are we?} Scream asked, more anxious to leave rather than explore.

"Somewhere Loki and my brother are." I said, the only things I could figure out.

As I moved through the maze-like corridors, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, as if unseen eyes followed my every move. Scream said I was being paranoid, she didn't sense any human, but I was certain someone was watching us.

After a few turns, I stumbled upon an open space. As I stepped further in, and my eyesight crept around the fogged glass, heart skipped a beat as I recognized the familiar faces gathered within.

{Can I kill them now?} Scream seethed.

There, seated amongst them, was Loki, and surrounding him were the Avengers, their presence both intimidating and comforting. This was the m Avengers' compound. This must be a different section that I'm use to.

(They thought we were a threat, Scream.) I reminded her.

For a moment, I hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. But then, a voice broke through the silence, drawing my attention.

"Elisa," Loki said, standing up immediately and walking towards me. As soon as he walked down to my level he said, "Do you feel better?"

With a tentative smile, I nodded, feeling a sense of belonging wash over me. "I'm alright." I glanced toward the group before Loki took my attention away by helping me find a seat.

{He's being extra nice.} Scream said questionably.

"Where is Tony?" I asked, hoping they didn't say alone. I have no idea how this news would affect him. I'm surprised he doesn't have liver failure yet.

At the sound of my voice Tony walked in from the other side of the room. "Hey, fidget," he said softly, walking towards me. His usual bravado seemed subdued, replaced with genuine worry. "How are you feeling?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Better, thanks to Loki. But we need to talk, Tony. About Scream."

Tony's eyes flickered with unease, but he nodded. "I know. That's why we're all here. We need to understand what's going on."

I glanced at the Avengers, their expressions ranging from curiosity to apprehension. I could sense Scream's wariness, but I also felt her resolve. This was our chance to clear the air.

"I know you all think Scream is a threat," I began, my voice steady despite the tension in the room. "But she's not controlling me. We're partners. We've been through a lot together, and we need each other to survive."

Tony's jaw tightened, his eyes reflecting a battle between his protective instincts and the desire to understand. "It's a man eating parasite, Elisa."

"Tony, Scream has only ever fed on bad people," I said, my voice sharper than intended. "You've all gotten your hands dirty before, so why are you targeting her for simply trying to survive?" I insisted. "Scream has been the best person in my life. She's not the enemy here."

(Except for Logan.) my mood depleted. (He probably never wants to see me again. I'm a monster.)

{Elisa stop.} Scream warned my mind from going down that spiral.

Loki stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "The symbiote is not a threat to her. If anything, they complement each other, much like how different facets of ourselves can come together to form a stronger whole."

The room fell silent, the weight of Loki's words hanging in the air. I could see the gears turning in Tony's mind as he processed everything.

Finally, Natasha spoke up, her voice calm and measured. "We need to trust her, Tony. If Loki vouches for her, and if Elisa says she's in control, we should give her the benefit of the doubt."

Tony sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright. We'll give it a shot. But if there's any sign of danger..."

"There won't be," I interrupted, my determination unwavering. "I promise."

Tony nodded, reluctantly. "Okay." A sense of relief washed over me, and I felt Scream relax within me.

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