thefinaljedi | Appointments

[Lovely timing, Luke. Just lovely. The day after he's washed his hands completely of the self righteous little turd, and Luke calls the meeting. He's already in a bad mood, with Rogue gone and the unresolved nature of that situation. This only conspires to put him in an even more foul temper.

But he will be in control of this. He's better than the boy, and he'll not be judged by him.

Loki shows up at the Battle Dome precisely on time, simply appearing in the doorway and walking through. He pauses at the front entrance to wait for the others.

He's dressed neatly, expression cool and utterly controlled. He doesn't want to be here in the slightest, but he's not going to give any sign of that. He'll bide his time and see how things play out, then decide what he'll do.]

Edited 2013-01-07 01:56 (UTC)

[Luke turned up a few moments later, walking out of one simulation and into the hallway to meet the two Lokis. The workout had been good, and he figured that he was going to need it to relax himself before this mess began in earnest. He could feel the...irritation from the oldest Loki as he rounded the corner, but his face was calm as usual.

With a salute, the Jedi approached, glad that he'd had the foresight to bring food. And tea.]

Good afternoon.

[Loki has spend half of his day with Leah and Thori and almost forgot about the gathering. Almost, but not entirely.

So when he appears Luke and his older self are already present.

He is not planning to apologize.]

I got caught up in very important business thus I am a bit late.

[Loki bows his head politely toward Luke.]

Afternoon.

[He's not convinced there's anything good to be had about it. And even less so when his younger self shows up.]

Not even bothering to think of a convincing lie?

[Luke looks between the two Asgardians with a rather long, patient look. Clearly, something had happened, the tension was thick enough to choke a rancor.]

If you'll follow me, I've set up a room we can talk in privately.

[He gestures, expecting the two to come along without a fuss.]

[Loki raises an eyebrow at that.]

You raise an interesting point there, older self. But alas, I am afraid I have to disappoint you.

[And the more he notices that he really does not wish to be here. Or having to deal with his other older self.]

Aye. I do not wish to make this intervention a terribly long one, Luke Skywalker.

[Loki doesn't bother to answer his younger self. It has been made painfully clear to him that his words are wasted when he uses them on the boy for any purpose other than pushing him. Which is not a useful thing to do right now. And hopefully will not become a useful thing, since this isn't really a place for his younger self to try to start grilling him about his friends again.

He follows Luke without further comment, expression set in calm, unconcerned lines.]

[Luke ignores the child's words as well, instead heading into a simulation room that's laid out like a boardroom. Three chairs are spaced evenly apart around a round table just large enough to be out of arms reach, and at the center is a mixture of food that he figures will be good for everyone. Sour and sweet, bitter and tart, the works. He'd taken his time preparing this. Of course there was also tea. Better to keep things comfortable.

He takes a seat and gestures for the others to sit as well.]

Alright. Now, first off, why do we not clear the air. I am here only as a mediator, but I expect both of you to refrain from yelling and personal attacks. There is nothing to be gained by that. We're here to form an understanding between the two of you, nothing more. Understand?

[Loki follow Luke but he feels more and more reluctant with every step. Of course he is quite aware of what is at stake and what he has heard. But there is also the part of his older self that is like him, exactly like him. But what is there to understand when there was no reason for him to do so?

He helps himself with the snacks and the tea and finally moves to sit in one of the chairs. Instead of focusing his attention to the conversation at hand he focuses everything on picking green Skittles out of the bag of Skittles and placing them on the table.

The look on his face is completely blank.

When Luke is done talking he raises his hand.]

I ask your permission to speak.

[Loki pours himself a cup of tea and listens to Luke's words impassively.

Well, he isn't the sort to shout unless he loses his temper, and he refuses to do that now. And personal attacks, well. It depends on how one defines that.

But that is neither here nor there at the moment. He simply says coolly:] I do not really have anything left to say on this subject.

[Luke nods to the boy.]

By all means.

I have been pondering about this meeting and I have concluded something.

[He taps his fingers on the table.]

Something very important...

[He looks at Luke and then at his older self.]

I have absolutely no desire to be here nor do I wish to come to an agreement that would mean I have to engage in the act of understanding him, you see? And I am not lying. I never lie.

So may I leave now?

[Loki smiles thinly.] Lying by making a statement about never lying. How delicious.

[Loki is of the opinion that his younger self is incapable of understanding him, and does not particularly care. He owes the boy nothing.

Loki leans back in his chair, lounging as is his habit, and sips his tea.]

Edited 2013-01-08 06:23 (UTC)

[Even before Luke can open his mouth to respond properly Loki chuckles softly.]

Lying about not needing company and friends while actually craving nothing else. How delicious.

[Luke gives the boy a look that could freeze a wampa's blood and curtly replies]

You are not helping, Loki. I'm not asking you to understand one another. I can see that will never happen. I would like it, however, if you would find a way to dwell within fifty kilometers of one another without these antagonistic jabs at each other.

[Loki goes cold with anger, to the extent that the tea in his cup actually freezes.

How dare the boy. But that certainly justifies every bit of caution and dishonesty Loki has displayed toward him. He is not worthy of trust, just like nearly everyone else in this place.

As if he has a right to Loki's carefully protected inner thoughts, to see and mock his weaknesses after a careful tour. As if Loki needs people or craves anything from these mortals.

Bastard. Just like them. Just like all of them, hypocritical little toad.

But he smiles. Because he's very good at smiling when he's angry, when he's upset, when he's anything other than happy. (hit him, he laughs instead of crying) The tea starts steaming in its cup again and he takes a sip before speaking, his tone dangerously pleasant.]

Honesty with those who would take everything from one is such an intelligent policy.

[He has killed to defend far less for himself. But he will also bide his time before deciding what to do.

He already knows this - Luke's efforts will be wasted on the boy.]

[Did that tea just...? Loki's eyes narrow as he watches the cup his older self is holding.

Anger.

Even though his face shows a broad smile and the tone of his voice is awfully pleasant, Loki knows better. His older self is absolutely furious.

And that is good, in a sense, because now Loki knows all he needs to know. He ignores the words coming from his older self's mouth and shifts in his chair to look at Luke.]

So be it, Luke Skywalker.

Yet, I shall refrain from apologizing, I sincerely hope you understand that.

I have no desire to damage the friendships my older self rather does not have.

[Luke's eyes frost over, as cold as Loki's tea. He can feel the anger mounting in the room. Diffusing the situation was probably beyond him, he guessed. The child just seems to be so set on causing trouble, and his words seemed extraordinarily hurtful to the older Loki.]

Both of you, please stop.

[With a pointed look at the older Loki, he says flatly]

Marshal your emotions.

[And to the child]

And stop antagonizing him. This conflict is entirely unnecessary, and you're only escalating it. I'm rather disappointed you're unwilling to work towards a peaceful solution, but that is your decision.

[He puts his palms down on the table.]

After seeing this rather...childish display, it's fairly apparent that unless you agree simply to avoid one another, there will be arguing. You're both clearly unwilling to really talk to one another without attempting to undermine the other in one way or another. Does this about sum it up?

[Luke gets a narrow-eyed look for that. Is he not controlling himself? He hasn't dragged the brat out of the room by his hair. He hasn't even raised his voice. The mask is still perfectly in place.

Loki smiles like a knife edge.]

Oh, I am quite willing to be polite. [Courtesy is one more type of knife.] When I'm not being pecked at by magpies. [Loud carrion-eaters seem a decent analogy for the boy. He shifts slightly in his seat, wishing for the cushion he normally uses, but it's better to not display that sort of weakness overtly right now.]

That is a very accurate analogy, older self. Painfully accurate even.

[After that he shifts in his chair.]

I shall explain myself, yes? For once, I do believe that my older self is capable of kindness, sincere kindness. So I also believe he is capable of forging friendships and bonds with others. Yet, he keeps denying that he needs that, and calls me the fool for desiring such things.

[Loki speaks slow, very slow, carefully choosing his words. He will stand his ground regarding the apology Luke has requested.]

As I stated earlier, breaking that agreement has been nothing more but a slip of the tongue. And it shall remain nothing more than that, you see?

Yet, for one who claims to rather be alone, I got the most astounding response. Honestly, I am the fool, older self?

[There is a hint of frustration in his voice now, and he looks at the other.]

Am I correct to presume you think I am out to ruin all your friendships? That would not make me any better than you, hence it is you who placed that threat.

You are all that do not wish to become. Yet, I know for sure that the desire to change is just as big for you as it is for me. Only it is you who has fallen victim to anger, jealousy and sadness. And that will be your downfall.

[After that Loki allows himself to relax again. He probably comes off as arrogant, his older self might come at his throat any second. But he thinks he has done well. That he has chosen his words right.]

I might as well reveal the big secret, older self.

[He makes a gesture with his arms as if he is sayig 'ta-da']

I do not possess any magical abilities.

[When Loki is done he turns to look at Luke, gesturing that he is well...done.]

I wish to leave now.

Edited 2013-01-10 16:54 (UTC)

[Hearing all this, Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master, the man that negotiated the beginnings of peace between the Imperial Remnant and the New Republic, groans out loud. The child Loki was perhaps more more frustrating to deal with than any of the stodgiest Imperial Moffs or hardline admirals. And he was only twelve. He was done with neutrality, and tired of the venom flying around the room.

So done.

His eyes gave the older one an apologetic look and he turned to the child.]

Loki. I'd like it if you'd agree to never speak such ills of your older self again. He's not the monster you seem to think he is. I'd like your word on it. And I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your word this time.

[And with a lack of anything else to do, he expelled a breath and prepared to stop the older Loki from tearing apart the boy.

Not that he'd blame him in the slightest]

[Loki smiles, like only he can smile when he is that murderously angry. He would kill this boy, or at least administer a severe beating if it weren't for keeping the longer game in mind, for needing to think of aspects beyond his temper, which has gone from scorching to utterly cold.]

Hypocrite and liar. Oh, you are such a thing to which one should aspire, little magpie.

[The best way to protect something is to hide it away, pretend that it is not important. And Loki refuses to let that preening little shit tear away at his secrets like he is owed something.]

Did you expect me to be surprised by your lack of magics? [He tilts his head slightly.] Maybe if you were in communication with something greater than yourself, you would understand that the mind and words are tools best not wielded like a hammer.

[Odd, perhaps, that so much disgust could be packed into such a mundane word.

He looks at Luke. He has been surprised, by Luke coming to his defense so strongly, but he does appreciate it.] For my part, this boy shall cease to exist to me. My word on that, and I do not give it often.

Edited 2013-01-11 02:10 (UTC)

[Wrong words. Maybe he has been too blunt. No..., not maybe, he definitely has been too blunt. The words coming from his older self fly right past him, even that brilliant referral to Mjolnir.

Alas, he has lost, apparently.

Yet, he feels frustrated. Not even about losing. Luke hasn't even considered his words or listened to them, now did he? Even though they were not exactly well chosen, it has been the truth.

He wonders if the darkness has grown inside of him now. Probably. He turns towards Luke.]

The darkness...has it spread out to my head now?

[And what if Leah would grow fond of his older self? Because in all fairness, his older self would probably look most handsome without a shirt. And Leah was into such things... He slid off the chair slowly and starts to rub the back of his neck.]

I shall take my leave.

[Luke gives the boy a shake of his head.]

No, it hasn't. You're no monster either, you're just frustrated and lashing out. People, good and bad, do that. I am sorry. I do not think ill of you, as I do not think ill of your older self. I just...think it's best if the two of you try and avoid confronting each other. Or interacting. It's better for everyone that way.

[And frankly that was his initial intent. He was a bit better at more aggressive negotiations, anyway. And these two are just...frustratingly difficult.]

Good luck, young Loki. I'm sure I'll see you around.

[Loki is not fooled by any of this. His tone is still utterly cold as he speaks.]

Give your word, little magpie.

Or I shall retract mine.

[And then it would be war, open or not. At this point, he does not care. In fact, he rather welcomes the chance for a bit of destruction, because he is very, very angry at his younger self now.]

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