Mischief Makers Ch. 05

"Why? What don't you like?"

"People stand around watching and judging every move you make. The instructors act like drill sergeants, yelling and stuff."

He stepped over and picked up a pair of boxing gloves, which he tossed to her. Then he went to the punching bag to wait while she pulled on the gloves and joined him.

"Give it some hits," he said. Then he picked up where he left off with his questions. "What goes through your mind when you're hitting something?"

Cami gave the bag a few weak hits at first, trying to focus on her answers more than the actual punching. "I don't know. I guess I used to think it wouldn't matter if I got a hit on someone or not. I didn't feel that strong."

Cami paused to focus on the bag, remembering what Sif had told her about harnessing the strength in her torso and hips. Then she let loose with a quick, concise punch that jolted the bag harder than she'd managed before.

"That was a good one," Clint said. "Nice roll of your hips there."

Cami struck the bag a few more times, her efforts prompting him to ask, "What's made the difference?"

"In Asgard it was just me and Sif most of the time, and she encourages me to think of the moves as part of a dance. It makes more sense to me that way."

Clint was impressed. The Asgardian had excelled with Cami where at least a half dozen S.H.I.E.L.D. trainers had fallen short.

"Sif wants dancing lessons."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Mike mentioned to her that he knows some of the ballroom dances."

"Are you going to teach her?"

"I thought I'd show her a little bit of this and that. Just a thanks for helping with my confidence."

Clint thought more about the correlation between a fight and a dance. He said, "A fight isn't going to be choreographed per se. You can anticipate an opponent's moves if you can read them effectively though. We just need to train your brain to read and react instantly to an attack."

Cami frowned a bit. "You've been watching footage from my class, haven't you?"

"Yeah. I had to get a feel for what was going on. I noticed that you hesitate a lot. You're a little too afraid of your opponents."

"I can't help if I'm afraid of them," Cami said, looking hurt. "I'm small and I don't like getting hit."

"Nobody does," Clint assured her, "but you don't have to be afraid. It's only pain that will ease with time."

"The instructors constantly put me up against the taller trainees," she complained.

"That's because size doesn't usually matter. For instance, Natasha is your height when she's not wearing heels. She takes out big, strong guys all the time."

"Yeah, I guess."

"OK. Time to focus," Clint said. "We've got to get this hot wired into your brain."

- - - - -

For Cami the rest of the week was full with a lot of the same thing. She spent several minutes each morning coaxing Loki to consciousness only to have him blatantly avoid her questions about it. Combat training took up most of her days, while early evenings were spent with Sif for dancing lessons. Nights were occupied with studies and some team bonding activities (i.e. games, movies, etcetera.) The fact that she was on her period and miserable with cramps only added to the hectic, stressful nature of her days.

Aware of her discomfort and anxiety levels, Loki had a knack for appearing at just the right moment, whether it was to deliver a heating pad, painkillers, back rubs, kisses or a bowl of her favorite cookie dough ice cream. He was just as proficient at disappearing, usually in the process of removing some obstacle or vexation from her presence. He'd waylaid at least a dozen people on her behalf just so she could focus and deal with her own issues.

The Natasha birthday countdown had her especially anxious. So, Loki enlisted members of the Hellhounds, Sif and a few others to assist with the efforts, running diversions and manipulating situations to force Clint and Natasha to spend more time together. Since there was a general consensus around the helicarrier that Hawkeye and Black Widow should be together, it wasn't difficult for Hopper and his guys to get even more crew members to help with these covert operations.

"We've pushed them together all week long," Hopper said two days before Natasha's birthday when he came down to the suite to assist with Sif's dancing lesson. "I think we should keep them apart tomorrow."

"Do you think they suspect?" Cami asked, guessing that might be the reason for his suggestion.

"I don't know about that, but I believe a little forced separation will make a significant impact because they are getting awfully used to being together now. Clint's been watching her - even getting a little distracted. I think Loki's senses idea has really worked."

Sif was standing at the center of the area cleared for dancing. When Hopper looked back her way, she waved him over, eager to begin.

Cami put the music on and let Hopper lead Sif through a waltz while she sat back and smiled proudly.

Once she'd allowed herself to relax, Sif proved to be a natural dancer. Loki thought so too.

The group didn't hear the suite door open with the music playing. So, they were caught a little off guard when Agent Hill walked in with Clint and Natasha. Cami muted the music with the remote. Hopper and Sif separated, turning to give the new arrivals their attention.

"Where's Loki?" Hill asked immediately. Her look was focused and serious.

Loki stepped out of his room, but lingered in the doorway. Cami doubted Loki had purposely laid eyes on Maria Hill since he'd first arrived on the helicarrier. She'd been pretty verbal about not wanting him to join the organization.

"There is a party tomorrow night at the U.S. Consulate in Naples as part of the Health Education Summit," Hill told the group. "A number of celebrities, members of the medical community and important officials are going to be present - including a member of our Council. In light of the recent act of violence outside the embassy in Milan, a S.H.I.E.L.D. presence has been requested. However, we don't want to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves."

"Who is in play for this one?" Hopper asked.

"Clint and Natasha," Hill said, nodding in their direction. "Loki is with me. You two make a stunning couple on the dance floor. I'll take you both if Sif is willing to follow my orders."

Hopper grinned. "I'm in."

Sif straightened, thought a moment and then nodded. "I would be honored."

"Best dress for everyone. Get what you need from supply. Bag your outfits and wear uniforms for the trip over. I need everyone on the flight deck in three hours. Pack for an overnighter."

Cami's gaze had dropped to her lap. She was trying to be motionless and silent, hoping no one would notice her sitting there secretly wishing she was invisible.

Loki asked, "Why isn't Cami coming with us?"

Maria noted and matched his hard tone. "Trainee Barton is not a member of the Mischief Makers any longer. She has been officially removed pending graduation and possible reassignment."

Cami peeked in Loki's direction, watching as he left the doorway and slowly approached Hill. The emotions mingling on his features made it difficult to guess what he was going to do or say.

"Loki!" Clint said sternly. "Commander Hill is your superior. You will mind your manners."

It took visible effort for Loki to choose his words. He was seething. "I'm going to speak to Director Fury."

"This is my operation," Maria said, attempting to stare him down. "I decide who goes and who doesn't."

"Then I suggest you take Agent Stott in my place," Loki said. "He speaks Italian and is very personable."

"You don't get this, do you?" Maria interrupted, losing her cool. "This is not a negotiation. You are going, and she is staying."

The tension was making Cami feel worse. She wanted to run for her room, but figured that would only demonstrate the sort of behavior that prompted her superiors to kick her from the team in the first place.

"They have her best interests at heart," Natasha said to Loki. "She is not field combat ready. You know that."

Loki did not look willing or capable of backing down. Even from a distance, Cami could see his nostrils flaring and the anger in his piercing eyes.

"You will follow orders, or you will finish your stay with us in a jail cell," Maria threatened.

"He's going," Clint said instantly.

Loki's glare shifted from Maria to Clint.

"You're going," Natasha said to Loki just as firmly as Clint had.

Cami slipped off the couch and crossed to the defiant Loki. She took his hand, saying softly, "Let's go find you a tuxedo."

He let her pull him out of the suite; though he didn't relax or speak until they were most of the way to the supply room and he found a quiet corner to pull her into.

"Are you alright?" he asked, leaning down some, but also gently lifting her chin so she would meet his eyes.

Cami said, "Nick informed me in Arizona that the Council wasn't pleased with me being on the team. I should have told you then so it wouldn't have been such a shock."

"Hmm, perhaps," he said, "but you didn't answer my question."

She realized that thinking about her feelings just made the pain worse. "Maybe we can talk about it when you get back."

Their delay put the rest of the team arriving at the supply room about the same time. Cami chose to stay with Loki and the other guys. She helped the attendants with the fittings, gave advice on how the men looked and openly ogled Loki.

Afterwards, her suitemates dragged her off to the cafeteria to grab some quick dinner then back to the suite so they could pack.

"Come see us off," Natasha said as they gathered in the long hallway from the living room to the door. She was showing Sif how to set her communicator.

Cami really didn't want to, but didn't put up much of a fight as Clint and Natasha pulled her along.

"Don't worry," Clint tried to console her as they headed up top. "You'll be running missions right after graduation."

Cami stepped off the lift, but stopped as they headed for the jet. Loki looked back with concern, but she waved him on, afraid that she'd say something to start herself crying or set him off again.

As Cami turned to go below, Hill exited the lift with her own bag.

"Ma'am," Cami said politely with an acknowledging nod of her head. She moved to go around Hill only to have the senior agent sidestep into her path, which caused an immediate spark of annoyance in Cami's chest.

"The sweet and innocent orphan routine gets old really fast," Maria said with a biting tone and penetrating stare. "You might have Fury, Clint and now Loki eating out of your hand, but none of your shit is going to fly with me."

"I'm not sure what I've done," Cami said, watching the lift doors close, stranding her with Hill.

"A few weeks ago you were stowing away on jets, skipping classes, stealing tools and components from the tech workshop and being Little-Miss-Attitude. Then Loki shows up and suddenly you're a perfect angel. Whatever your scheme is, Miss Barton, it isn't going to work. You'll get no more free rides. Get it right or go back to Iowa."

She was too stunned and hurt to respond. Obviously there was a time in the not too distant past that she would have expected to be lectured like this, but not now.

The lift returned, this time delivering Mike Hopper.

"Everything OK?" he asked, stepping up to them.

"Fine," Cami said automatically. Her gaze was locked with Hill's and she didn't dare break it first.

"Let's go," Hill said to Hopper. "They're waiting for us." Then she marched toward the jet, leaving Mike only a moment to give Cami a sympathetic look before he had to hurry off too.

Cami was emotional and honestly confused. If Hill still thought the worst of her, there were likely others in S.H.I.E.L.D. that did too, probably even the Council.

The last thing Cami wanted was to return to an empty suite when she was feeling so down. Taking refuge on her perch at the stern of the ship was out of the question because the deck crew was preparing for the helicarrier to go airborne. She chose to wander the ship, which probably wasn't the best idea either. Enough people caught a glimpse of Cami looking distraught that it didn't take too long for concerned individuals to find out and track her down. In fact, she was lingering in the doorway of the range when Gary Stott, Dan Kotter and Marcus Rodriguez found her.

"What?" Cami asked when they suddenly had her surrounded.

"We heard," Rodriguez said sympathetically, having to speak loudly over the gunfire from the range.

"It's not a big deal unless I let it be," Cami told them, though she kind of wondered if Marcus was talking about her being kicked from the team or left off the mission.

"Hey, we just thought you might want to hang out," Kotter said.

Stott added, "There's no need for you to be alone."

Cami was touched and even considered the offer for a moment before she answered. "You guys don't have to babysit me."

"We're already at the range," Kotter said. "We might as well get some practice in for your firearms final. We've collectively been firing guns for a long time and we each have a slightly different take on them. Wouldn't it be nice to get some fresh perspectives?"

Cami looked into the room again. She'd been contemplating taking some practice shots before they arrived.

"You guys know I suck at shooting, right?"

Stott said, "Maybe you just haven't found the right gun for you."

This comment made her smile and she relented, spending the next couple of hours with three of the agency's best soldiers, shooting an arsenal of different guns and collecting tips. Overall, it was kind of fun for her to be at the range with friends instead of just instructors for once and it showed in her results. Clint would have been proud of her improvement.

Cami returned to the suite about ten o'clock and got ready for bed. She didn't like being alone in the large space by herself and found her mind was too burdened to allow any real rest to happen. So, she walked through the bathroom to Loki's room.

She switched on the lamp and climbed into his bed beside the mountain of books that continuously collected there since he never appeared to put any away until they impeded his ability to sleep. Then a new pile would slowly build up again.

His grimoire and computer were together near the top of the pile and Cami had to smile at the contradiction.

Sitting up against the pillows, she pulled the spellbook into her lap and flipped through the pages. There was a particular illusion she was looking for, so she wasn't really reading until she found it, the self-duplication spell. Since they were dealing with a Loki double, Cami guessed that this was the spell Loki had wanted them to know about. So, she started at the beginning of the page and focused on the difficult script with the goal to actually read the entire entry.

"That book isn't for children," a cold, yet familiar voice warned softly from the shadowed doorway of the bathroom.

Cami startled and slammed the book shut as a tall, lean figure stepped forward into the light given off by the bedside lamp. To her dread, the intruder looked exactly like Loki. He was dressed in black leather with gold adornments.

"I assume I don't require an introduction," he said, taking in the room with a bored expression.

Shit! I'm alone with the Bad Loki, Cami thought, and knew she'd be dumb to assume that he'd simply leave when he realized her Loki wasn't there.

Cami slipped out from under the covers and carefully climbed over the book pile to get down on the other side of the bed, inching toward the main door while his attention was averted. Then instantly he was gone. She spun around to find him standing between her and her intended destination.

"Apparently you are grossly ignorant about me and my abilities," he said, looking offended.

Cami ran the other direction, just to have him appear in the doorway of the bathroom so suddenly that she nearly collided with him.

He grabbed her by the arms before she could backpedal and pulled her tightly to his frame. The height difference hadn't bothered her much before, but this Loki was intimidating as hell as he leered down at her.

She yelped, pushing against his chest and leaning back, trying to break his strong hold on her. Then she began to scream, even though she doubted anyone would hear her down on the third level amongst the storage rooms and old laboratories.

He rearranged his grip to pick her up, then delivered her swiftly to the bed and dropped her. She tried to roll away again, unintentionally knocking some books, the computer and the grimoire to the floor.

"Enough," he said harshly as dark, shadowy tendrils snaked out of his sides to wrap around Cami's limbs, pinching and bruising her flesh as they dragged her back and held her down.

Cami continued to scream and struggle.

"Oh, shut up," Loki said with exasperation. He pulled a vicious-looking knife out of thin air and leaned over her. "At least wait until the real pain begins."

Somehow the appearance of the weapon did instantly silence her. Cami shuddered, feeling fear squeeze painfully at her heart and lungs and churn her stomach.

Loki reached out with the knife and skimmed the line of her cheek, but didn't let the tip of the blade actually touch her.

"Cami is your name, isn't it?" he asked. His gaze fell on her and stayed, awaiting the answer. His eyes were cold and intense, yet so much like her Loki's eyes.

She didn't know if speaking to this Loki was a good idea at all. It might give him ideas about other things he might question her about. Of course, not answering him could escalate his agenda much quicker than she could figure out escape options.

"Yes," she said, trying not to sound as weak as she felt.

He shifted his attention to the scattered books, reading the covers and spines of some with a deepening frown.

"Does he think he will defeat me with this rubbish?" he asked.

She hesitated, unsure what to say. "This stuff is part of his job now," she told him.

"He's a slave to the humans. How pathetic. Odin is so predictable with his punishments."

Cami decided the comment didn't warrant a response from her, though she did get an idea. Taking in a deep breath, she screamed as loud as she could muster for Heimdall.

Bad Loki chuckled at her. "Nice try," he said, "but I'm not stupid. My magic masks us from Heimdall's particular talents."

Cami cried with frustration and fear, "Why do you want to hurt me?"

He considered her for a moment and answered casually, "I've made promises. I might even keep them."

This answer didn't give Cami any information that she could use to her advantage.

"Please, I haven't done anything to you."

"Little One, I won't kill you," he assured her. "Not yet anyway. I have need of you."

"I won't help you hurt people."

He smirked. "I expect resistance. So, I'm not going to bother asking."

He moved the knife along her left shoulder then down the edge of her breast while amusement and anticipation danced in his green eyes. His left hand touched her stomach, making her jump. Then he gripped her t-shirt and pulled it up just a little to reveal the smooth skin underneath. "Hmm, very nice," he said, caressing her flesh then reaching for the waistband of her pajama pants next.

Cami tried to move away, but the tendrils countered her every attempt to get leverage, even tangling in her hair and gripping her securely around the throat.

As his fingertips curled around the waistband, his eager eyes shifted up to meet hers. "Now you can scream," he said, yanking down the material and thrusting the knife into her lower abdomen.

- - - - -

It was a loud banging that woke Cami. She looked around, slowly realizing that she was in Loki's room on his bed. According to the clock, it was just after one in the morning.