Chapter 50

"Sure. Kokoro no Yokubo. Heart's Desire."

"Those are so cute!" Wanda seemed almost giddy. 

"Thanks." I had to giggle at her. 

"Can you teach me some Japanese later?"

"Sure. Once you get the main syllables it's pretty easy to pick up."

"Ok, so can we see this show Steve has been going on about for weeks now?" Clint sounded a little impatient.

"Sure thing, Robin Hood." He scowled then grinned in my direction. 

I unsheathed my blade and checked for damage as always. I moved to the middle of the room, with plenty of space away from everyone to do a good bout. I stood with my eyes closed, clearing my mind and centering. I bowed and then began the steps that were second nature. The blade began to whirl, and I heard murmurs and whispers as I increased speed. I imagined my opponent and began to fight my way around the space I had chosen. I heard someone gasp, but I didn't pay much attention. I was lost in the intricate steps of shadow battle. The blade became a sliver blur as I ducked and dodged, always mindful of my shadow opponent. Gradually I brought the dance to a close, slowing my movements until I came to a standstill. Holding the blade at my side I bowed to my partner for a good fight and turned to the group.

Everyone was staring at me, even Steve. I was puzzled. I knew everyone else hadn't seen it, but he had. I didn't know why he was staring too. 

"Um, is everything ok?"

"Your movements are amazing. Now I see why Steve wanted you to teach us. But Ari, who what that guy?" Nat looked confused.

"What guy?" 

"The one you were fighting, Doll."

I shook my head. "There isn't anyone. It's a shadow dance. You battle as if you are fighting your shadow." I got my sheath from Bucky and sheathed my blade. I didn't want any nicks in it.

"Pet, this may lead into the talk we need to have. Were you picturing anyone?"

"Well, yes. I always do so I know how to move."

He nodded. "We could all see him."

I looked at Loki. I felt my legs give way and sat down hard on the floor. Loki and Bucky jumped up and rushed to me. I stared up at Loki, feeling scared for some reason.

"What does that mean, Lokes?" I whispered.

"If the current trend holds, it seems you have my illusion powers." He arched an eye at me. "Lokes?"

"Mhmm." I was thinking hard. "Kinda like how Bucky is Buck. Shorter, more familiar."

"Do not even think it, Brother." Thor had come over to see if I was okay and had heard the name.

"Too late... Lokes."

Loki growled. I sighed. "Thor, stop teasing your brother." 

"But it's great fun, Ariane."

"No."

He grinned and crossed his big arms. "And how would you stop me? I'm bigger and stronger than you."

Before I could think I held my hand up, palm out. I felt a mental push and green-purple energy hit Thor and knocked him off his feet. I stared at my hand. I had no idea what had just happened, and it scared me. I started to breathe really fast. It was like a band was tightening in my chest. Loki pulled me close.

"Breathe, Ariane. It's ok just breathe. It's just the edges of a panic attack." He gazed into my eyes. "Breathe with me. Slow your breathing to match mine." 

He kept talking to me and gradually it became easier to breathe. 

"Lokes, what just happened?"

"I fear, my pet, that's it's time to discuss yesterday's events." 

I nodded and he helped pull me to my feet.

I looked at everyone. I was scared at what I would see but everyone just looked impressed or interested. No one looked at me like I was a monster. 

"That is because you are not a monster. No more than I or Barnes is."

I took Bucky's and Loki's hands and together we headed to the living room to have that talk. Everyone else could follow or not, I didn't care. I was in need of some answers.