The Story of Us (Loki fanfic)

Chapter 5 : Challenge Accepted

Sylvie's POV

I held her hands feebly, trying to find in her mind what exactly happened. But I couldn't, since she was one of the most powerful mistresses of magic. Suddenly I saw a vivid scene playing in my mind. Frigga was showing me the memory herself.

Loki's cell.
Frigga checking on him.
A conversation between the two.
Loki screaming "He's not my father!"
"Then am I not your mother?"
Then came the heart-breaking answer. "No."
Her illusion leaving the cell.

I backed away from Frigga. Loki did this? All of it? Cutting himself off from all of us? From his own family?
Was this destined for me too?

I closed my head and shook my head. I did not return home only to know my best friend has become a stone-hearted criminal. A murderer. A monster.

I immediately realized that seeing what he has done, Odin has forbidden anyone to go visit Loki. But I had to. It seemed better to see him personally than making just wild assumptions in my mind while frantically trying to meet him.
"I need to go see him," I announced.
Frigga already knew I thought this over. We couldn't afford Odin knowing about it.
"Take the stairs to the right, one leading to the cellar. You will find your way from there."

*****

Hmm.. The backstory is clear now. So after knowing he is a Frost Giant, he left Asgard and joined them. Going back to his own roots was natural. That was fine enough. No, do not look at me like that. I stayed between the Jotuns for two years. Even though the atmosphere is freezing, their hearts are warm. They were friendly enough to help me set up my life there for two years, and share what they could with me. Somehow, because of a few power-greedy kings, they were unfortunately labelled as 'monsters'. I resolved that time to break this stereotype; show the world that even though they looked different, they were ready to help.

But Loki is the master of magic. A master manipulator. I can tell you that by experience. Were Thanos or Laufey so influential that they got Loki to commit these atrocities? The Master of Magic in their hold? It doesn't add up. 

I began doubting myself. I knew Loki for years. We grew up together, knew each other too well. I know he must have changed in fourteen years, no doubt, but this?
Did he really change that much?
Or did I know Loki at all?

Then there was only one way to explain that.
Physical comparisons.
I closed my eyes to recall how Loki looked fourteen years ago. Then how he looked two years ago, before all this happened. I got that from Thor's memories by the way. And the way he looked now.
I realized Loki was all good and happy. Having that innocent smile on his face. Ready to help his brother in need. He was healthier two years back. Frigga made him eat the salads at last. He looked a lot more handsome too. More than Thor, I must admit.
And now comparing with the present looks.
Stark differences.

Paler skin. Not that he didn't have pale skin before, but this was whiter.
Dried up pale lips.
Sweaty skin.
Hollow, dark sunken-in eyes.
Blue instead of green.

Something is wrong.
Pale skin and lips showed he looked dehydrated. That cannot be. Even though they were criminals, we have made sure the prisoners' needs are fulfilled. It's obvious he's been given water. How could he survive then? But, why was he looking dehydrated?

He was sweaty. Either due to exhaustion or he is feeling hot. He has been in lock-up since two months, so exhaustion is out of the question. Plus, he is a Frost Giant and can cool himself down. There is enough ventilation in the cells too, despite being closed from all sides.

Hollow eyes. Maybe he hasn't been sleeping in much. Or perhaps something else.

And yes, those blue eyes. No one, not even Gods can change eye colours. Except if they shape-shifted or they were glowing because of their powers. But Loki cannot do that in two years. That was Loki's normal self; that was no illusion. How do I know, you ask? Well, even though I cannot read his mind, I can detect his illusions. Loki has powers, but not the ones which can make his eyes glow. Like Thor's.