Chapter Text
Darcy makes it out of the apartment building and continues to head her way to where she think she found and met Loki for the first time. With the hope that she can somehow find the portal and then they get through it and be in Asgard in no time. Then they will figure out how to get the Infinity Stones from there and then they can get two Infinity stones and the Guantlet, return back to Earth without anyone finding out what happened. She doesn't know how she is planning to do or how she is going to pull this off, but Darcy knows that she is not going to give up and going to find some way to get Loki and herself to Asgard to grab a hold of the objects without being caught by someone. Though Darcy feels like they have nothing to worry about, with her street smarts and Loki's brain, fighting abilities and magic, they might be able to stand a chance.
While Loki on the other hand is racing to catch up to Darcy, with the hopes that he can somehow talk her out of this. Hoping that she would see reason and not want anything to do with an angry Odin who would be more than happy than to place him back in a prison cell. Even then that's the least of his worries as he thinks about all of the possible consequences that might be in store for both of them. He wouldn't be surprise if he face a worser punishment for him awaits him and there is also the fact that Darcy would be paying the price as well and she would be really lucky if Odin places her in the dungeons, best case scenario. Not that he cares, but he has to point it out when it comes Odin and Asgard. But Thanos on the other hand...
He would do more than just simply put them in a cell, the memories of his time being trapped with the Mad Titan is now flooding through his mind and all of the trauma he had to endure. Now all he has are those memories and can already imagine what Thanos might do to them if he finds out what they are trying to do. That he would head straight towards them and then they will face a worse wrath than Odin can inflict on them. Thanos would give them a crueler punishment than anyone can ever anticipate and would do anything to get what he wants. Even if they succeed in getting all of the Stones and the gauntlet, they would be doing good to the world by keeping the Stones and the guantlet away from Thanos. But at what cost? What would they eventually have to pay for all of this and would they be ready for the journey ahead?
"Darcy, wait up and listen to me for one minute." called out Loki from behind, catching Darcy's attention and finally catching up.
"Look you can try to talk me out of this all you want, but it is not going to work." said Darcy. "I already made up my mind and we are going to Asgard to get those Stones and Guantlet. I know that you don't like the idea, but we are the only ones that know about Thanos and his plans for the universe. We are the only ones that can stand in his way and if we don't try to stop him, then who will?"
Loki is about to argue and try to make some kind of point that she would agree with, but he stop to realize that there isn't an argument that he can even give to counteract hers. As much as Loki doesn't want to admit it or want to accept it, he knows that Darcy is right about everything. They are the only ones that know about Thanos and what he is planning to do. They are the only ones that can stop him, the only ones that can do anything and maybe even have to do this.
Since the fate of the entire universe is now in their hands and the same goes for all of the lives within it. The innocent, themselves and the many other lives that are now in jeopardy as long as Thanos is still out there and if they can somehow figure out how to get everything before Thanos does. Not only he would have some leverage over the Titan, but he might finally do something that is worth while and something that would not only prove his strength and worth to himself at least, but he would be gathering the greatest power in the universe and keeping it with him for the time being.
But if they are going to do this, then they are going to need to do it right and he is going to make sure that they don't go without a plan. The last thing he wants is for all of this to fail before he can even have a chance to start off the journey ahead of them and ruins all of their chances to succeed in the battle for the Infinity Stones. That is if they have a chance to think of a plan, since it doesn't look like that Loki has much of a choice when it comes to when they should even start to consider on going, unless he wants to have an argument with Darcy over this and waste even more time. Though the last thing he wants is to end up dealing with any of the consequences with Darcy by his side, that alone is the worst possible outcome for the two of them and one he can't predict how it will go.
"Alright, you win, we'll go to Asgard and get the Guantlet and the Stones." said Loki giving a sigh. "But before we go anyway, we need to come up with a plan on how are we going to break into the vault? If we fail then we better make ourselves comfortable in a prison cell and hope that Odin does not give both of us or at least myself an execution."
"Why would you think that your dad would give you an execution?" asked Darcy surprised and confused. "I mean isn't he your dad? I don't think any dad would be open to be planing their own kid's execution. Why would you even think he would do that?"
"He is supposed to be my father, though it is complicated at the moment regardless of the fact that I am adopted." said Loki. "But according to the laws of Asgard, if anyone dares to commit treason then one would face public execution."
"Ok, if that was the case then why are you still alive?" starts Darcy. "You did a lot of bad stuff in the past to both here and Asgard, so how come you are still alive?"
"It's because I was once a prince of Asgard and due to my mother's persuasion, Odin decided to give me a life sentence in a cell and forbade anyone to see me." said Loki. "That also includes my mother and Thor, I was alone in my cell for the majority of the time."
"So, your mom and Thor decided to break the rules and visit you anyway right?" asked Darcy.
"My mother did and she used to come to see me through a illusion projecting her right inside my cell. That is until... I said something to her and she died before I could even try to make amends." said Loki. "As for Thor, he told me that he could not bare to see the sight of me in a prison and didn't even know what to say to me if he came to see me, so he thought it would be best not to come. I must have hurt him so hard did I?"
"Yeah, he sounded so sad when he told us that you died." said Darcy. "From one look at him, he already started to miss you and whenever something happens and if he either remembers you or about to say something about you, he looks really sad and says he regrets not making things right with you when he had the chance."
"Well... It is probably for the best that he never finds out the truth. I have already caused him too much pain to hope he would ever forgive me." said Loki. "Besides it is better if I just leave everything behind, there is no hope for me to escape from all of this. Even if I can find a way to escape my past and all of the things I have done, I know that I am alone and will always will be."
At that moment, Darcy is starting to feel sorry for Loki and is now seeing a different side of him that she never thought that she would see. Seeing him that deep down, how he is feeling about everything that went on and now the current situation. That in less than a week, Loki lost his mother and feels as though he already lost his brother and can never go home without an illusion ever again. She can't even imagine how it must have been like in the past two years for him or if he felt just as lost if not worst than how he does right now. Darcy knows what it is like to feel as if she is alone and lost, though she always tries to look at the bright side and that always lets her go through her day in a upbeat attitude. This is the first time she is starting to see Loki as a real person, not just a super villain who wants nothing more than power, the type on sees in movies and comic books. He is more complex and might even need a friend at this point or at least someone he can talk to while they are doing this.
"You know you're not alone this time, we are kinda like a dynamic duo now." said Darcy tying to give Loki some comfort. "I mean we're partners in crime now who are on a quest to save the world."
"We are not partners." said Loki annoyed at Darcy's wording and attempts of comfort. "I do not need a companion or anyone to pity me or-"
"Hey, I am not trying to say anything like you need a friend or anything. I am just saying that we are now on the same boat." said Darcy rather quickly. "Besides I know exactly how you feel and know what it's like not to fit in and how it feels like to be alone as if no one else understands you or who you are."
At that moment, Loki turns to see Darcy who doesn't even know what to think or feel about saying something like that to Loki, but she doesn't really mind if he knows as long as he sees that he can trust her and it is alright to open up to her. Loki does not even know what to think about Darcy's honesty and starting to see her as somewhat relatable as he is thinking about what she said. Part of him wants to ask Darcy and to get a clearer picture of what might be the reasoning and help her if she is still going through these emotions and experiences at the moment. But he is not planning to ask her, in case Darcy doesn't feel comfortable enough to speak to him about it and to simply respect her privacy. He knows that he wouldn't want someone to make him tell them everything that he is now thinking about or his past, especially if it wasn't well stated before. So he decides to not to ask Darcy and focus on the mission, they still have to think of a plan to get into the vault without getting themselves arrested.
"I was just thinking that since no one has seen or officially met you on Asgard, that maybe you should disguise yourself as an Asgardian and distract the guards." said Loki. "So that way it will be easier for me to sneak in and get the Infinity Stones and the Guantlet without being seen."
"Now that's an awesome idea." said Darcy rather excitedly. "So here's one question about my disguise... Can I be an Asgardian warrior when we go over there and do this plan?"
That question immediately catches Loki by surprise, since he was not expecting her to ask him to give her the typical makeover that he knows many girls back in Asgard, well except Sif would ask him to give them, if they can get away with it. He remembers seeing Jane wear a gown when they were on their way and during the Dark World, he imagines that they must have given it to her when she arrived for more comfort and to blend better in the crowd. But here Darcy is asking for something that she doesn't even know if it is at least socially appropriate. There is also the fact that she is excited about going to Asgard to go on this quest, most people wouldn't even think of going towards any form of heroic quest. So far, Darcy is not like any girl he has ever met in any world...
"I am going to safely assume that you are not into the gowns and glamor that comes with being an Asgardian woman?" asked Loki.
"Nah, I'm more of a tomboy at heart with the brains of a scientist." said Darcy. "I have always been the oddball of the group, in the past everyone seems to think of me as a wiredo for being myself. That is until I met Jane who accepted me for who I am first and then later Erik, Thor and Ian, then I found my group of people to hang out with and have been fine being myself ever since."
Loki can already see what Darcy must have experienced and understands where she is coming from, especially if she doesn't feel as though as she doesn't belong. He remembers throughout his time growing up in Asgard how he didn't fit with the other Asgardian children. Whenever they wanted to practice their fighting techniques, he would rather work on practicing his magic, perfecting his skills or learning a new spell and then he later get ridiculed for it. That he was often seen as a misfit back in Asgard for his interests in books and magic, Thor was always the one that included in any activity and often invite him on any quest that he and his friends does. Maybe he and Darcy are not that different after all.
"You know if you ever need a companion to converse to about your life or anything that may come your mind, I will be willing to do so." said Loki. "Since I have my own fair share of not fitting in and will be happy to listen to you if you ever want to talk about it."
"Wow, thanks Loki, that's really nice of you." said Darcy, while Loki is rolling his eyes in the background. "Are you always full of surprises?"
"Only in my best mood and whenever I am not focusing on getting back on the people that hurt me in the past." said Loki. "But they occur for the majority of the time, only when one least expects them."
Darcy can't help but giggle at the last remark as she is trying hard not to laugh at what Loki just said, how he managed to turn a rhetorical question into a sassy remark and that alone is just makes her laugh for some reason. Whether or not it is intentional or not, it was the funniest thing she has heard him say so far and that she can get used to having a roommate that has a good sense of humor. Though from what she is seeing, Loki isn't so bad and he is unique and great in his own way, hopefully this entire expirrence will bring out the good in him. That he would allow himself to show this side of him more and more, since it's better than the one who is always rude and condescending, since she sees this side of Loki more of his true self then anything. Before she can even say another word...
"As I was saying, when we are in Asgard, then your job will be to distract anyone that may come in our way." said Loki wanting to end this side of the conversation before it has a chance to start. "That would mean, keeping the guards occupied while I go grab the Infinity Stones and the Guantlet. Once I grab a hold of them then I will come to find you and give a signal for us to go."
"That's cool, so are you going to create this signal with your magic?" asked Darcy rather excitedly.
"Yes, of course I am going to use magic." said Loki as he gives an eye role. "Once you see the signal then hurry and meet me where the portal is and then that will be the end of it."
"Ok got it, though I do have one question." said Darcy excitedly and immediately
"What is it?" asked Loki annoyed and impatiently.
"When we do this... will we have a chance to fight off any Chitauri while we're there or any Asgardian?" asked Darcy excitedly capturing Loki by surprise. "I always wanted to see what it is like to be in the middle of one of those epic battle scenes that you don't even know what is going to happen next."
"It is best to avoid as many confrontations as we can and focus on completing our mission." said Loki immidialaty surprise and knows that she shouldn't be excited about something like that. "The whole point is for us to get the Stones and the Gauntlet, then leave with them with little to none noticing and if someone does then we escape as fast as we can preferably alive."
"But still it would be cool to see what one of those is like and experience once." said Darcy. "It will be like if we are living straight out of a comic book or awesome action movie."
"We shouldn't even thinking about this," said Loki. "getting these objects as quickly as we can should be our priority not keeping count how many Asgardians we would have to fight off. Now are we going or are we spending the entirety of the day debating about this?"
"Yeah, we should definitely be going." said Darcy. "I mean it would still be cool to see all of that in action."
"I doubt that, it gets to be more of annoyance if it happens regularly." said Loki. "Now follow me, we are not far from the nearest portal. The sooner we get this all done, the sooner this will be over and I can leave all of this nonsense behind."
"Yeah, sure Loki whatever you say." said Darcy as she rolls her eyes before becoming excited. "But I still think it's cool that we are doing this and going on our first superhero mission."
"Not really, all I want is to end Thanos quickly and return to our everyday lives." said Loki. "Then forget all of this ever happened."
"Like that's ever going to happen." said Darcy knowing that there is no way he would forget and just need time to see that what they are doing is great.
Without another word, they head their way to the portal with Loki leading the way and wanting to get this over and done with. That this would be the start to make their first steps in saving the universe and the start of the journey up ahead. One that is going to give the universe a fighting chance to beat Thanos and to try to beat him before it's too late. They soon arrived to the portal and to much of Darcy's surprise, it looks more like an alley way than an actual portal. She watches Loki quickly heads right through it and then disappears, reminding her the part in Harry Potter where they run into the wall to get onto the train platform. So she quickly gives herself a running start and heads to where Loki disappear to with the hope that she doesn't crash into something, as she closes her eyes with the hope that she ends up in Asgard.
A Couple of seconds later
When Darcy opens her eyes, she is surprised to see the world that she has ended up in and a world that she has never thought that she would ever end up in. She sees the golden buildings and complex artitechure that she has never seen back on Earth and that alone is more than mesmerizing. As she continues to see how the complexities and beauties of Asgard, she really wishes that she had her phone, so that way she can take pictures and then print them out, since there is no way that she would ever miss out her chance to let this moment fade and even wonders if the Asgardians accept any Earth money. So that way she can spend as much as she can for souvenirs and there is no way she wants to miss out on anything.
"Wow! this place is so awesome!" said Darcy. "I can't believe that you and Thor used to live here."
"It's not that much of an excitement for you to react this way." said Loki annoyed.
"Are you kidding? This place is so awesome, I mean look at... Well everything!" said Darcy happily. "Just look at the technology, the enviroment and that huge castle over there! Is that where you guys used to live?"
"Yes, the palace is where Thor and I grew up in and that is where we are going to go." said Loki. "The Stones and the Guantlet are in there and we will have to sneak around to make sure that we get inside and we will have the chance to get the stones and the Gauntlet. If luck is on our side then we will be a little over half way done and we would need to figure out where the other stones may be."
'Yeah that's an awesome plan and all we need to do is to find a good lead and then we can figure it all out from there." said Darcy before returning to admiring Asgard. "But still I can't believe that you used to live here and left everything behind, if it were me I would be enjoying every moment of it. I mean just look at this place and from looking at that castle, it looks totally luxurious. Did you have many luxuries living there?"
"As a prince of Asgard, I did have some, I had access to the library and can ask the servants to do things if I ask them to." said Loki. "But it wasn't as simple as that and I still had to live up to the expectations of a prince, for one I had to train to be a warrior and expected to have the same dream as the other men, to fight to defend Asgard to my last breath and follow through the passion that continues to be placed expected of me that only increased because of my status, magic was my only refuge and even then that was looked down upon."
"But your magic is so cool and amazing, how can anyone look down on it?" asked Darcy.
"It is because it was not expected of me and as a prince of Asgard, I was expected to be someone else and had them higher due to my status. I felt like that I had to hide who I am in order to live up to them, especially if I wanted to gain respect from others including Fathe- Odin." said Loki. "Who I always felt favored Thor more, though from recent events, I see that he does care, though I wish he can show me that affection when I am in the room, not when there's an illusion cloaking over me."
"Wow, I had no idea that you felt this alone." said Darcy.
"It is alright, I'm used to it. Besides back then I had Thor and my mother by my side, since Thor despite not understanding why I would choose magic over sword play, has always supported my pursuit of it." said Loki. "As for my Mother, she was the one that taught me magic and showed me and allowed me to believe that I can do anything."
At that moment, Loki just turns to look at the palace wanting nothing more but to get this over with and to try to ignore the guilt that he is feeling as he remembers what his anger and resentment has led to his mother's death. While Darcy can see that Loki is feeling upset about this and sees how much he misses how it was back then, when it was only his mother and brother for company. She can see how all of it must have affected Loki and how it must have shaped him up to this point, that maybe there is hope that she is right that maybe Loki can find a new path and there is good in him. But first she should try to see if she can cheer Loki up a bit before they go off to get the Guantlet and the stones.
"Hey, are you alright or do you wanna-" starts Darcy.
"Let's focus on the mission and end this before someone sees us." said Loki. "I believe that there is a hidden passageway nearby that not even Hiemdell knows about or will see us coming through to get to the palace."
"Loki, if you want to talk about it then-" starts Darcy wanting nothing more but to help her new roommate.
"You said that you wanted to dress up as an Asgardian Warrior right?" said Loki. "Do you have a particular request of what do you want it to look like?"
"Uh yeah, can you make it purple?" said Darcy giving up on trying to get Loki to speak and figure that it might be best if they focus on the mission. "Since not only I think a dark purple would look cool in armor, but I really think that it would look cool on an Asgardian armor and it would add my signature look spin and it would make a statement don't you think?"
"I think I can work with that." said Loki as he can't believe that Darcy would be thinking such a thing.
"Great, so do you need me to tell you my size or-" starts Darcy.
"That won't be necessary." said Loki rather confidently as he uses his magic to transform Darcy's Earth clothes to an Asgardian suit of armor.
Darcy stares at the outfit in amazement, how Loki is able to create something that would not only work, but it is something that would be totally awesome to simply just wear. It's looks really similar to the girl that came to Earth the first time that Thor came to Earth. Except hers has long sleeves and it's purple, a shade that is dark and yet it is a color that allows her to stand out. With black pants and boots, only with bits of actual armor to make it less heavy and more practical for her to move around in. Loki doesn't even know what to make of the sight, he doesn't even think that he did that great of a job with what he had to work with, but surprisingly the armor suits her and that alone is more than enough to make him feel satisfied. Not that he thinks that Darcy would look great in more Asgardian armor but he knows that she at least looks presentable and that alone is more than enough to make him feel that it is good enough for them to continue to head on their way.
"Now this is so awesome, this whole armor is making me feel tough and like if I can go up and save the world in this." said Darcy. "That I can be tough and fight my own battles and save the day to. Does this come with a sword?"
"I do not believe that a sword is nessicarry and I know for a fact that you have little to no fighting experience of what I have seen so far." said Loki. "So I think that blindly handing you over a sword would be a wise idea."
"Now that's a bummer, I was really looking forward to getting a sword." said Darcy. "It might have made things look cooler and awesome to pretend that I am a warrior in training."
"Alright, here's you're sword then." said Loki as he picks up a branch and makes an illusion to make it look like a sword. "Try not to hit anyone with it."
"Awe, a fake sword." said Darcy disappointed as she stares at the sword. "Oh we'll, I guess it will have to do."
"With all of that settled, follow me, we are not too far from the passageway and it is one that not even Thor or Odin knows about." said Loki. "I have already created a illusion that will cover us as we go through as a precautionary measure."
"So are we close to this passageway?" asked Darcy.
"Yes, follow me." said Loki.
With that the two of them start to head their way to the passageway and to much of Darcy's surprise, she sees that it goes all of the way underground and starts to head their way to the palace. From one glance, Darcy is enjoying every moment as she walks through the tunnel and is admiring the surroundings that she is passing through and to see everything around them and to remember the tunnel they are going through. She is enjoying every minute of this and part of her is even wondering if she can somehow convince him on giving her a tour later if they have enough time and not to mention not have anyone finding out that they would need to make an emergency run to the portal. Soon they arrived to the palace and they are standing right in front of a door, Loki pushes it open and the two of them start to head inside until...
Loki stops Darcy and they see that there are guards right in front of them, positioned to make sure that nothing would dare try to break in and to take anything that may be hiding in the vault. He knows that he needs to think up a plan that might possibly work and at least now he has someone here to be his distraction and the type of thing that he needs to make sure that the guards does not suspect a thing. He only hopes that this is a good idea and he knows what he is doing, since he doesn't know how well Darcy would be when it comes to distracting others, but he knows that he is going to need to take that chance. They can't risk in Darcy bringing him the wrong object or something going wrong even if he is the best when it comes to distracting anyone. He turns to Darcy, ready to tell her what she would need to do and hope that he doesn't regret this.
"The Guards are standing right in front of the vault, trying to make sure that nothing can penetrate into the vault and destroy all of it's defenses." said Loki. "It is clear that I won't be able to get past them without being seen and causing a disturbance?"
"What are you going to do? Are you going to use your magic to turn them into mice or something?" asked Darcy rather excitedly.
"What? No, wouldn't it cause a bigger disturbance if two guards disappear out of nowhere." said Loki. "But one thing that I know that might work is a distraction and that is where you will go in and distract him."
"Ok, so exactly what should I do? Should I try to see if this sword can hit them like a real sword and have an epic super heroic battle?" asked Darcy rather excitedly. "That or rather make it look like something is going on and then later lock them in some broom closet?"
"Uh... nothing of the sort and please don't try to start a fight until after you pass the beginner's stage." said Loki, as he quickly removes the illusion. "All I need is for you to go over to them and talk to them, these ones are always excited to tell stories of their most glorious victories and boast about them until you find an excuse to leave."
"So you want me to get them to talk to me about their famous battles?" asked Darcy. "That seems to be a little too easy and plus I would get to hear awesome stories, so that would also be a bonus wouldn't it?"
"Don't get too excited, you are going to be bored before you know it." said Loki. "But the main thing you would need to worry about is trying to get them to continue talking and once I give you the signal then we will leave."
"Ok, but what should I say if they ask me about myself?" asked Darcy rather nervously.
"Simply say that you are hoping to train as a warrior and needed some help finding whomever might be in charge." said Loki. "Then once you get their attention, ask for tips on how you can become a better warrior and then keep them busy until I give you the signal. Even if you don't want to put up with it anymore, than just deal with it until the time is right, no matter how unbearable it is."
"So how long do you think it is going to take for you to get all of the Infinity Stones and the Guantlet?" asked Darcy.
"I have no idea, but try to keep them occupy as long as you can." said Loki. "If for some miracle, they do not run out of things to talk about, then use your imagination."
"Relax Loki, I am sure that I can handle it and it will be the easiest thing that I'll ever do." said Darcy and starts to head her way to get the guards, much of Loki's surprise.
"Hi guys, do you know where the training area may be?" asked Darcy rather excitedly.
"Another woman interested in becoming a warrior?" said one of the guards. "Down the hall, turn a right, fourth door on the left."
"Great thanks, umm... Do you guys have any tips for beginners or cool stories to inspire me in the start of my journey of being a warrior?" asked Darcy.
"We have wonderful stories of our battles that might give you the motivation to start." said the other guard. "But we do not want to keep you for long, that you would be late for your first training session."
"It's alright, I am really early and would love to hear everything you have to say about the wonders of being a warrior." said Darcy happily. "That is if you guys are willing to tell me."
The next thing that both Loki and Darcy knew, to much of their surprise is that both of the guards start to talk to Darcy and not even bothering to maintain their post. Wanting nothing more but to tell her all of their accomplishments with the hopes that she would be so impressed that she would follow their lead and then they would finally have follower. Loki is surprised to see that so far his plan is working and Darcy is not making a mistake and got them talking, he was almost worried that he would have had to use his magic to create an illusion and then talk for her, before they switch places and then he would sneak away and do the rest. But he is glad to see that Darcy can handle herself and he doesn't have to swing over to save the day, at least Darcy is tougher than he thought or at least from the Midgaurdians he has heard about, since the ones he met are proving him wrong.
Once he is confident that it is safe for him to get into the vault, Loki quickly starts to head his way to the vault and is relieved that his magic is keeping him hidden and then he would continue to pursue the Stones without being worried that he would being spotted. He just hopes that there isn't any guards in the vault and then he would have to find a way to try to get the Stones and the Guantlet through more magic. But still he hopes that he doesn't have to worry about any more guards or reach to the point that he would have to make his presence known or use the magic to ensure that they will be able to escape Asgard with everything they are looking for without a disturbance, he only hopes that it won't have to go that far.
While Darcy is listening to the guards, she sees that Loki is slowly starting to get past the guards and then later enter the vault. She just gives a sigh of relief that the first part of the plan is now done and they are getting close to getting the stones. Things are starting get right on track, they are going to get the stones, the Guantlet and then they will be one step closer to defeating Thanos. But for now she is just going to wait for Loki to grab a hold of the objects and just enjoy hearing what the Guards have to say, they must have awesome stories to tell and she is ready to hear them. Besides maybe Loki is exaggerating on how boring these two might be and she would enjoy herself, she only hopes that Loki can get the stones and the Guantlet without being spotted.
Meanwhile inside the vault
Loki is just relieved to see that he is in the vault and apparently Odin hasn't learned his lesson when it comes to security or the first attack with the Frost Giants. But then again, he knows that the attack of Asgard from the Dark Elves deeply hurt Asgard's military defense. To the point that hundred's of the guard is now dead and it is going to take Odin forever to try to train new soldiers to protect Asgard for any future attack that might dare try to attack them in the future. At least he can take advantage of the situation by getting the Stones that are now in the vault and to find the Guantlet. He quickly starts to look for a sign of any of the Infinity Stones as he heads his way to the Guantlet, Loki is quickly trying to see if there is anything and only hopes that both the Aether and the Tesseract are here.
Since he knows that they can't afford to lose one or worse both stones and then having to figure out where they are, if he can find them at all and it is not the worst scenario where the Stones are now in Thanos's grasps and he won't be able to get to them in time. That he would have to somehow try to get them back, that is if it is possiblle for him to even do it. He is going to try to not think of the worst and just focus on the fact that there is still the fact that he would somehow have to get the stones out of their objects, with the hope that he can simply hide them and protect them from Thanos. But he has to get them first and is happy to see that the he is close to the Guantlet and right near by the Teseract is on it's perch.
Loki quickly grabs the blue cube and is about to leave before having a good look at it, thinking about the first time that he held it and how he wanted nothing more than power. With the hope that he would get his revenge on Thor and Odin, to prove that he is a worthy son and one that can make a great king, especially to one of the weakest known species that he know of and survival. Now instead of using it to take over a planet or to bring over Thanos and with the hopes that he would survive and rule his new kingdom, he is trying to save everything that is now in danger of Thanos's destruction. Though he only doing it for his mother and the fact that he is going to need a place to stay if he wants to have a roof over his head during his time on this planet, since unfortunately Darcy is the only one who knows that he is alive and the only one that might provide herr assistance, since she knows more about this heroic path and can provide some guidance, though he doesn't know if he might need it.
Now he quickly grabs the uses his magic to store the Tesseract and continue to head towards the Guantlet and tries to see if he can spot the Aether. So far he is not having any luck, as he continues to reach towards the end of the vault and knows that even if he doesn't find the Aether, then at least he is going to find the Guantlet and then the scepter. That alone will be progress and then he can start figuring out where the other stones might be and he can go get them right before Thanos has the chance to get the stones himself. He is just relieved that he is about to get the Guantlet and then he won't have to worry about Thanos having the one thing that would guarentee that he can use the stones' power to his advantage. When Loki reaches the end of the vault, he turns to grab a hold of the Guantlet before...
Loki stops in shock, from the sight right in front of him and not being able to believe what he is seeing. The very idea that Thanos managing to pull off such a heist and that he somehow did all of this right under Asgard's nose is not only shocking, but only makes the situation worse. As a rush of panic enters right in Loki's mind, as he sees that the possible worst scenario that they all would have to deal at the moment. Thanos now has the Guantlet and is one step closer on succeeding in his quest...
Meanwhile back outside the door
The guards are excited to share the stories of all of their accomplishments and trying to make Darcy see that they are the best that Asgard has to offer. Well the best of annoying her to death, since she doesn't know how anyone can put up with these guards without losing their minds. Especially with how they are going towards an endless banter where they continue to brag even if they don't seem to noice that Darcy doesn't want anything to do with them. The two guards are as if Gaston from Beauty and the Beast had two twin Asgardian sons, that makes him look like the humblest guy in the world. She doesn't know she is going to get past this or can even get a word in without them continuing to talk endlessly.
Darcy wishes that Loki would just hurry up and then they can get past the guards, return to Earth with never having to deal with them again and make some progress. Since there is still the fact that they would have to get the other half of the Infinity Stones and then they can and will save the universe. The idea that they would save the universe is just exciting and that the two of them are on the start of it and Loki is on the start to see on how great being a hero might be. Though she wishes that the whole first hero mission is a lot faster than this, but still at least she got Loki to do it and they are no on their way. Even if she is stuck with distracting two of the biggest stuck ups in history and really wishes that she can do something more exciting.
It seems to be going on forever, that is until she sees something that catches her attention and she hopes that it might lead to something. She sees the girl warrior and one of the guy warriors that came after Thor when he was on Earth for the first time. Part of her hopes that they don't recognize her, but at the same time their conversation is catching her interest more and more by the minute and she just hopes that they reveal something. Darcy carefully tries her best to hide her face by simply looking at the guards and making sure that she doesn't do anything that would guarantee that would draw any attention and then she would have to figure out some explanation. She also got close enough to hear what they are saying and yet not too close to make it look as though she is spying as she listens to their conversation.
"Are you sure that it is wise to place the Aether in the hands of someone such as the Collector?" asked the bearded guy warrior.
"It is what the Allfather believes is best for Asgard." said the girl warrior. "He believes that having all of the Infinity Stones in one place is not the best idea, who are we to question it?"
Before Darcy can have a chance to hear more, the two Asgardians walked past her and she has lost a possible source of where the Infinity Stone might be. But at least she has gotten a new development and one that might help with the quest to find the Infinity Stones. She only wishes that she can tell Loki what she found out, but they have no way to communicate to one another and then at least they can start planning what their next move should be. But that is easier said than done, simply because of the fact that she is now stuck with these two guards and that alone is the last thing she is hoping, she really wishes that Loki would hurry up. She doesn't know how much longer she can handle with these two...
Ten minutes later, on the other end of the vault
Loki made it his way to the other exit and is already in a panic, he hopes that Thanos didn't figure out that the scepter might have an Infinity Stone. He figures that this theft must have happened during the year that he was trapped with him, it was the only explanation that he can think of. Loki just can't believe that Asgard has been robbed blind and no one still realized it, that the Guantlet is now in the hands of the Titan. Especially since it is the object that one needs if they want to hold and withstand the power of the six Infinity Stones. That alone is what makes the situation even more so difficult then it was before and they would need to get the rest of the Infinity stones as soon as possible if they are going to have a chance to stop Thanos.
When Loki arrives, he is not only relieved that he didn't have to deal with Odin but to see Gungir in it's usual place and ready for it to withhold the power that a king of Asgard may need to maintain his power. He quickly hurries towards the steps to get a good look at the scepter, part of Loki wants to take the time to make sure that the scepter really has an Infinity Stone and then he can decide if he should take it or not. But Loki is more worried of the risk that it might bring if he simply takes the time to look of the scepter because right now he is worried of whether or not he is absolutely sure, though deep down he knows that it would be harder to grab it if Odin just comes in and then he would have to figure out how to get the scepter out without getting caught.
While giving a heavy sigh, he just grabs the scepter with the hope that he is now making the right decision and that he is not going to regret this. He quickly creates an illusion in hopes that Odin won't notice the difference and he wouldn't be using it anytime soon. Once he does so, Loki quickly puts a cloaking spell on the scepter rack, uses his magic to store the scepter to make it easier and races out of the throne room, not even wanting to lose another second. He knows that the only way to make sure that he can possibly get the Stone and keep Thanos from it is to take the scepter, he knows that it's risky, but what other choice does he has? It's either that or risk Thanos in possibly getting another Infinity stone, if he was able to break into Asgard without being noticed then it might happen again...
So he quickly starts to head his way to the front of the vault, ready to leave and give Darcy the signal for her to know that the mission is now completed. Loki knows that they are going to need to hurry if they are going to grab the others. At least get back to Midgard right before Odin tries to pick up the scepter and realize that he was trying to pick up an illusion, that is a scene he can live without seeing and hopes Odin doesn't figure out what really happened. Loki only hopes that he doesn't find something that would eventually create a bigger scene and then it would draw too much attention. But to much of Loki's surprise, when he arrives he only sees Darcy trying her best to be interested and yet failing, while the guards are continuing their endless bragging. From one look, he almost feels bad for Darcy and for placing her in this type of situation, he sees that she is leaning the hard way of what the guards are like when someone gets them started. He quickly uses his magic to create some fireworks, in hopes that he would get Darcy's attention and that it would work as a signal.
After a few moments, the bright lights and sparks catches Darcy's attention as she gives a small sigh of relief and turns to the guards. If she wasn't under a disguise and having a rather one sided conversation, then she would have made a run for it. Darcy just hopes that this doesn't blow her cover or that they are going to be asking questions on why she might be in a hurry. But she doesn't have a second to waste and if she listens to them for one minute then she might die from boredom, that is now slowly making her feel as she is losing her mind!
"Well... it was nice talking to you guys. But i really need to get going and have to get to training." said Darcy as she slowly starts to back away. "I am already late as it is. So bye!"
Before another word can be said, Darcy starts to race towards Loki's direction and ready to leave the hallway as fast as she can. When she finally reaches Loki, he created an illusion to place right on her and then they both start to head towards the portal. Both of them are ready to be quick on their escape and find a way to make it past the halls and return to Earth before anything happens. The walk between them is quiet and focused on getting to the portal, they make it through the passageway as quickly as they can and while they were making their way through it, Darcy only have one big question on her mind as they make it through and one that she knows that is definitely not going to make it past her mind. When they were close on reaching the end of the exit, before they get out...
"So did you get them?" asked Darcy rather excitedly. "Show me the Stones and the Guantlet already!"
"I couldn't get as many as I hope or would have liked to have gotten." said Loki annoyed, as he reveals Gungir and the Tesseract. "But this is all I could have gotten..."
"That's it?" said Darcy surprised by the end results. "I thought you said that the Guantlet was here too."
"It is or rather it was here, when I checked the vault it was missing." said Loki. "Thanos must have came to Asgard before and he must have gotten the Guantlet before we had the chance to do so. He must have also gotten the Aether or Fa-Odin sent it somewhere that might be better protection."
"Yeah about the other Infinity Stone-" starts Darcy.
"We will worry about it later, right now we really should be returning back to Midgard before Odin realize that Gungir is now missing." said Loki. "It might be risky for us to go through the same portal, but if we continue on to the intersection and go through that way, then we can use this other portal to get back to Midgard and fortunately it would take us to the same city as you reside in and we would be undetected from anyone that may have seen us earlier. Fortunately we are not that far from it."
Without another word, they head through the passageway and Darcy wants to nothing more but to get past the tunnels and tell Loki what she heard. Even though right now she really should focus on getting out of the passageway as quickly as they can with Loki by her side. There is also still the fact that they would have to get out before something happens, she doesn't know why but she is enjoying the exciting and knows that this is going to be fun. That every single moment, they would get out there to try to find Infinity Stones then it will continue to bring more fun and she can't wait for that. If this is anything to go by, then it is going to be easy and fun, especially since they are going to see
When they reach the end of the passageway, they both exit out and find themselves in the edge of tunnel. Loki starts to lead the way and she follows him towards the exits and sees that they are in the bottom of some bridge near a giant river like ocean. Darcy stops to stare, to admire it and really wishes that she can see more of Asgard, that is before Loki heads his way towards a rock and goes through it. She figures that it must be the portal back to Earth and quickly places a hand through it to see if it might work on her and is happy to see that it does, as she walks through the portal, quickly and ready to return home.
A Couple Seconds later, in London
Loki and Darcy made it to Downtown London, in an alley way and the two of them quickly make it their way out to see that they found busy crowds and traffic driving arround like wild fire. Darcy quickly takes a good look of her surroundings and see the giant Big Ben Clock Tower and knows where they are and the nearest subway station. She starts to lead them through the crowd of people, trying to see if she remembers if this is where the subway is and the two of them continues to head through the crowd and to not draw any attention to themselves. They may have an illusion covering over them, but they still have to make sure that they don't hit anyone in the crowd, to draw any attention and for others to to see that there is something hidden from them. Since right now they are practically invisible and the idea of someone walking right into them, then that will definitely be a scene for them to get out of. Fortunately for both of them, they eventually managed to get past the crowd and eventually got to the subway station.
"Finally, we're here and we did it without running into anyone!" said Darcy rather happily, before turning to face Loki. "Um... is there anyway that you can remove the illusion?"
"Why would I do that?" asked Loki. "This would guarantee in us getting a ride without us being detected and you would not have to pay for the voyage."
"I know, but it wouldn't be right or even feel right." said Darcy. "Not too mention, I would remember it and already starting to feel really guilty about it, so..."
"Fine, if it will ease your concerns." said Loki rolling his eyes underneath the mask and uses his magic to block everyone's view, so he can remove the illusion.
When he does so, Loki was still in the Mysto costume and Darcy is still wearing her new Asgardian armor. They both go down the stairs, Darcy is ready to catch the next train before anyone asks questions and then get back to the apartment before anyone they know sees them. They need to get out of there, before anything happens and someone suspect something is going on. She is about to press her pass to the tab, that is right before she realize that she has it in her other outfit. At least Loki left some money in the pockets of the armor and now she has to ask one of the workers if she can have one and then put money on it. She starts to head towards the counter nervously as Loki slowly starts to follow her and she really hopes that no one finds it wired seeing them like this. Even if they ask questions, Darcy already has thought of the perfect answer and only hope that it won't have to go that far. They reach to the ticket booth and with Darcy silently hoping that no one will suspect a thing.
"Hi, I was wondering if you have a spare train pass I can have?" asked Darcy to a bored train worker.
"Yeah, here you go." said the train worker bored before seeing the duo catching him by surprise. "Um... Excuse me, why are you both dress up like that?"
Both of them stared at each other and feeling a sense of awkwardness, Darcy knows that she needs to say something or else they might suspect something that might later lead to more questions. She just hopes that her idea works and it would somehow be enough for them just to leave. That maybe they can just get past it and they will just be able to get past the station and get back to the apartment. She has to take the lead and do all of the talking, then it might work and they can cover the story up, she needs to somehow try...
"We were just at a costume party." said Darcy almost immediately. "My friend here is a superhero, who might make his debut in sometime in the distant future, but hasn't due to the lack of crime if you know what I mean. While I'm dressed up as a warrior and wanted to be Xena, but this was the only costume they had so it would have to do."
"Alright then, here's your train pass and be sure to remember to pay up." said the guy. "You guys have awesome costumes by the way."
"Thanks, now if you execute us, we need to go and meet up with our other friends." said Darcy. "So have a great night."
Ignoring the confused look from the employee, Darcy grabs her pass in one hand and manages to grab Loki's hand in the other and starts to leave. She drags him around the station, as she paid and leads them to the platform. Loki doesn't even try to break out of her grasp and let her drag him around the station, taken aback from the words that Darcy just said and for once can not tell what she meant by that or if it is part of the act that she is trying to pull off. He doesn't even know if he has anything to say, since the words that Darcy just said and ones that continue to go through his mind as he does not know what to believe and yet has many questions going through his head and yet he doesn't want to assume a fantasy from being a reality and wants to make sure.
The two of them got to the platform, before a word can be said between them, a subway train soon arrives and then they both got in. Ignoring the stares that they are getting and just try to get back without making a scene. The car is mostly quiet as they ride through the tunnel, with Loki in deep thought and thinking about what Darcy just said and waits for the right moment to bring it up. As more and more people exit the train car, Loki really hopes that more continue to leave the train car than he can bring it up, the last thing he needs is a group of strangers to hear what he has to ask and to find himself in a way that he doesn't even want others to see, even if he is under a mask. Soon the train car becomes empty as they head down more stops, as they are still a few stops aways, Loki figures that it might be a good time to bring it up...
"Did you mean what you said to him?" asked Loki. "Am I really your friend?"
"Yeah, of course we are especially after everything we have been through in the past few days." said Darcy immediately surprised by the question. "Sure, we have our disagreements, but we will find our way to work around them somehow. I'm surprise that you didn't realize that."
"It was never easy to find someone who understands my point of view or find someone who I can form a real connection with." said Loki. "That is unless I suddenly gain an interest in brute strength and brawn or if everyone somehow turn into Thor or develop a care about the art of magic."
"Well, they don't know what they're missing." said Darcy. "Oh wait, till we get home, since there is something I really need to tell you and it's going to be really good."
Loki can't help but feel a sense of happiness as he stops to see the fact that he has a friend now and not completely alone for once in the past couple of years. One that believes in him and possibly might even trust him, that someone is seeing him for who he is. Not too mention, Loki is now starting to see Darcy in a whole new light and starting to see her as a worthy friend despite the fact that she is a Midgaurdian. Maybe they are not as weak minded after all and even then at least Darcy gives him a new purpose, one that he is even starting to think that it might be possible to pull off. Though it won't be as easy as it was today, but he thinks that it might be possible, simply because of the fact that aside from the Guantlet and the Aether, they have gotten two of the stones in one day. Even if the odds may be against them and Thanos will eventually find out of this development, but he thinks that it might work out and maybe this new secret life on Midgard might work out. Somehow...