Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It has been a quiet and rather eventful day in the Dark World, well at least for right now, Asgard was entirely a different story. Thor, Loki, and Jane have already set up camp and are now discussing a plan on how to get the Aether out of Jane and defeat Malekith and his army of Dark Elves. To stop the elves on their quest for conquest and to put the world in an eternal darkness. To also avenge Frigga who died in the hands of Kurse and both brothers are ready to give the Dark Elves a piece of their minds and to make sure that justice is served,

Loki can hardly wait for them to confront these elves put an end to their evil plans and get revenge on his mother's death, along with to start to move on to his plan that will put him back on top. A plan that he has been working on ever since he was arrested after that little incident back on Earth with the Avengers and... At least this plan will work and will change the fate of Asgard forever, no one will ever suspect a thing and if they ever find out, then they are in for a big surprise...

Loki is planning to fake his death to escape from the group and sneak back into Asgard to take over the throne. He is planning to capture Odin by surprise and take the throne from him. He has been waiting for the right moment to initiate the plan, to find some kind of escape from his cell and make his move against Odin. Surprisingly Thor of all people gave him the opportunity when he sought him out for help, now he must take this opportunity and maybe even set up a noble ending for his 'story.' He is thinking that perhaps he can do one of those 'heroic sacrifices,' so that way both Thor and Jane would be so focused on his 'demise' that he can escape and take away the only source of power away Odin ever had. What better way to start a new life after he avenges his mother's death than by taking the throne right under their noses?

But somewhere deep down, Loki is suddenly starting to have second thoughts and feels as if this plan is not the right path for him. He doesn't even know if this is what he wants and that maybe it might be wrong. Though this plan might be mild compared to his past actions and even then at least things didn't even go that far, no thanks to his brother and the Avengers. He hasn't even thought of what he is planning to do with Odin once he overthrows him, that is if he succeeds with his plan and puts Odin at his mercy. Should he banish him like Thor or lock him in a cell in the dungeon? He doesn't have what's left in his heart to kill the only father figure he had in his life, at least he didn't leave him behind on that rock after Laufey abandoned him and. other than that he can't think of any other reason to spare him and at least when he's done then he will finally get what he wants. Then why does he feel so empty about this and have a sense of regret about what he is about to do?

Regardless of his feelings or the overall circumstances, what choice does he have? No one will ever care for Loki for who he truly is and will only look at his history to make their judgment. He has already lost everyone and everything that he has ever cared or rather the only two that ever cared about him being gone. Odin sees him as nothing more than Laufey's son and probably regrets taking him in, his mother is now dead and his former allies look down on him and he barely even knows them anymore, as for Thor, he wouldn't be surprised if his brother hates him for everything he has done and right now even believing that Loki is nothing more than a frost giant and a monster. He doesn't blame Thor for thinking that, he already knows that's true and now all he can do is to go through with the plan.

He starts to plot out the rest of the plan and finds every potential flaw in the plans, how is he planning to deal with the remaining Guard and Heimdall? All he needs to do is create an illusion powerful enough to trick the gatekeeper long enough for him to move the plan forward. Loki continues to think of how he can avoid all the flaws that might stand in his way. Loki is thinking so hard about how to avoid these flaws in his scheme. He continues to think of the plan, but he is not even paying attention to the plan and his attention finally returns to the situation at hand.

"Brother, are you listening?" demanded Thor once he noticed that Loki was lost in thought.

"Yes, I'm listening." said Loki attentively and a little annoyed.

"Then once he gets a hold of Jane and gets the Aether out, Loki will uplift the illusion and we will fight them off while you run," said Thor and quickly turned to Jane to hear her feedback.

"We should also try to act like we traveled too long and that we are super tired from the whole trip. That it has been so long and that you both have had about enough being on the same team." suggested Jane. "Then when they least expected, Loki will look like he's stabbing you in the back and that alone might convince them that you will truly betray Thor and give him the Aether willingly."

"I believe that might work, though we can't overperform the act, otherwise then anyone will be able to tell that it was a fraud," said Loki a bit sadly and less focussed on the current situation.

"If we manage to succeed, when the Aether is free then we will destroy it once and for all. But we will need to be ready for anything, Malekith will be looking for a fight to try to obtain it. Once that happens then I will deal with the Dark Elves, I don't want you to join in the fight no matter how much it may urge you to do so." said Thor to Jane before he turned to his brother. "That goes for you too, Loki."

"Oh finally noticed about my safety have you?" asked Loki sarcastically. "I thought you said that if I dare betray you then you'll kill me."

"I meant for an actual betrayal, not one that we're going to set up to fool a couple of fiendish Dark Elves," said Thor. "Besides Mother wouldn't have wanted you to die in the hands of Malekith and on a quest for vengeance for her."

"Of course, she wouldn't," said Loki in a gloomy-like voice.

Thor knew right then that he needed to talk to his brother about their recent loss and what happened the past year. To try to make things right between the two of them and maybe even when all of this is over they can start anew. He knows that Loki might not be open to trying to repair their relationship and that they will be able to start anew and they can move past everything that has happened. He has to somehow convince Loki that things can go back to the way it was before everything happened and they can be brothers again.

If he's going to talk to Loki and try to see if they can repair their damaged relationship, he just hopes that Loki will listen to what he has to say. But the first thing that he has to do is at least be there for him as they deal with the loss of their mother, they are going to need to talk about it sooner or later. Thor turns to Jane, he figures that Loki might want to speak to him alone and not like Jane watching the entire conversation unfold. Especially a conversation that might touch on any personal matters or emotions Loki might be holding up inside. Ones he probably wouldn't want anyone to know and Loki will keep denying it even if it is obvious, especially towards Thor. He just hopes that he can somehow convince Loki to allow them to rebuild their relationship.

"Uh... Jane, can you leave us alone for a couple of minutes?" Thor asks. "Loki and I have some family matters to discuss."

"Sure, I'll be on the ship if you guys need me for anything," said Jane nervously.

She quickly got up to leave and go back to the ship, leaving both brothers alone to deal with one another. Thor knows that this is his chance to talk to his brother and spend time trying to break the walls between them and now might be the perfect time to do so. Whatever grudge Loki may have towards him needs to stop, neither of them can continue to live like this. Plus it will only hurt Loki more if they ignore whatever feelings Loki is hiding, he knows that Loki will be trying to push Thor away and make sure that he won't let him in. But still, he is going to try to be there for his brother and this time try to get through to him.

If they are going to have a conversation, then maybe it might be best if he starts things off. The last thing they need is Loki taking over the conversation and then it turns into an argument. Then one thing leads to another and they will be right back where they are started and their relationship becomes worse than it was before and that definitely won't end well...

"Look, brother, I know that you're upset about mother's death-" begins Thor and is about to continue before...

"I'm not upset, I'm furious." interjected Loki.

"Yes, I am as well." starts Thor. "But that doesn't mean that you should heed orders that might end you getting hurt or worse killed over this."

"Well at least we would be setting our point across, then it would be worth it," said Loki. "Besides we might as well face it, you would all be better off without me in the picture. I am nothing but trouble anyway and I bet you would give anything for me to die like the Frost Giants in those stories and that never-ending feud. Simply because you and everyone else hate me."

"That's not true Loki, I would never want anything to happen to you," said Thor. "Mother loved you and the relationship that you both shared was so close, it was closer than my relationship with her was. If what you're saying is true then why didn't father kill you the moment when he found you as an infant? That's because he-"

"Your father wanted nothing more than simply use me to unite the two realms." interrupted Loki once again. "If you must know, he would have killed me for that little incident on Earth if Mother hadn't interfered and asked him to spare me. Fun fact Odin even disowned me in the trial, in case no one has even bothered to tell you what happened back then."

Thor had no idea that happened, he didn't think that would even occur simply because of the past that they all had. Probably because he wasn't at the trial and always assumed that Loki would have had it easier compared to the other prisoners. He would have never thought that his father would do such a thing or consider it for Loki, though Loki has been a difficult subject to talk about ever since they got back. No one dared or even tried to talk about Loki to Odin, they left it as something that Odin would eventually talk about at the right moment and when he did then it would be time to move forward. Not like this, unless...

"I'm sure father wouldn't or rather didn't mean what he said," said Thor reassuringly. "You know how angry he can get."

"That does not excuse him in handling everything in that particular way," said Loki defensively. "I can understand him in doing so because I am a failure in his eyes, for being a Frost Giant and a monster! He never cared for me and I would not be surprised if Odin only cared about power. The only thing he wants is for you to take the throne and once you are king then-"

Thor is about to try to find the words to not only defend their father but to get Loki to hear him out before he has a chance to say anything...

"Don't say anything, I am not finished. He has never cared for you or anyone for that matter," said Loki. "If he really cares about you then why did he banish you a year ago and won't let you return to Midgard with Jane over there? If that's not enough, I bet all you have to do is battle some beast and later poof automatic approval. While, I have to constantly have to prove myself and always be stuck hiding behind your shadow. It's more than just that, you never seemed to care either."

"Loki, you have no-" started Thor before Loki interrupted him once again.

"You never did, simply because you never even cared to visit!" said Loki angrily. "After all these years when we were children and all we have been through, there you were telling me that I am your best friend and you never even bothered to see me or even consider that-"

"Loki stop this now!" said Thor having enough of hearing both Odin's and his past failures, he quickly sighed as he calmed down enough to continue. "I wanted to come see you, but it wouldn't be the same as before and I didn't know how to push forward. You were in a prison cell for your crimes and I wouldn't know what to say without starting an argument between us."

"That may be true... but still that doesn't change the fact that you now hate me for what I am," said Loki. "That you despise me simply because of my heritage and for everything I have done."

"I don't hate you and would never hate you for whatever reason," said Thor catching Loki by surprise. "If I knew before or if they told us before everything happened, I wouldn't have thought of you any differently. I would have said and I am going to say it now, you're my brother. It doesn't matter if you are a Frost Giant or an Asgardian, whether we were blood-related or not, that wouldn't have changed our relationship. It's never too late to change and you can decide who you want to be, whatever path you go on I just hope that there is still some good in you, I just want you back."

Once Thor finishes, Loki immediately notices that Thor ends it in an almost pleading tone. Loki is surprised by this entire conversation and doesn't know what to say. He had no idea that Thor felt this way or might possibly still care for him, that maybe the very thing that he thought that he would never regain might still be possible. Could he have hurt Thor more than he realized? Could his actions cause more damage than he realize? To not only hurt his mother but maybe to Thor as well? Can he escape from the path that he's going on? What if there is hope for Loki after all?

But still, he finds it unbelievable simply because this might be a ruse, a ploy to get him to voluntarily work with him on this mission. Then later he can put him back in his cell without a second thought and he will never have to deal with him again. He's skeptical of that possibility and the idea that Thor would still care about him as a brother, simply because of everything to consider. It doesn't stop Loki from being hopeful that there might be a chance that his brother might still care about him and that they might still be brothers after all. Loki hopes that this might be true...

"You are the only other piece of family I have left Loki, I don't want to lose you," said Thor. "Please just think about what I said and..."

Thor sighs and leaves Loki alone to think about what he said, and hopes he finally talks Loki back into his senses. Loki on the other hand is speechless about the conversation that he just had with his brother. He just wishes that he knew if Thor's words were genuine and that maybe... No, it has to be a trick right? This sounds too good to be true and at the same time shares the hope that it might possibly be true. All he can do now is think about what Thor said and see what happens tomorrow...

Chapter Text

The Next Day

After successfully tricking all of the Dark Elves into taking the Aether out of Jane and Loki uplifting the illusion, Thor tries to destroy the Aether for good. But to all three of their surprise, the Aether seems to rebuild itself and Malekith manages to get a hold of itself. The object is indestructible, Loki might have an idea why the Aether might have been able to reconstruct itself, he just hopes that he is wrong. Before Loki can even have a chance to think about it further, a full-on fight begins with Thor against the Dark Elves to try to stop them for good. Along with finding a way to get the Aether out of Malekith before he uses it, but unfortunately, Malekith was already leaving for Earth and they now have to deal with Kurse and the remainder of the Dark Elves.

The fight starts and both brothers are doing everything in their power to make sure that they take down as many Dark Elves as they can. While Thor is busy fighting off the Dark Elves, Kurse quickly throws a Kurse Stone right at Loki and Jane. Loki quickly realizes what it is and to both Thor and Jane's surprise, he quickly pushes her ahead in the nick of time. Before Loki can even have a chance to escape, the stone is activated and a portal is created and is already sucking Loki into it with no escape in sight.

Loki can already feel like the end is coming, it looks like his plan has failed and that maybe this is his fate. To die in the hands of a creature that has no moral direction and wants nothing more than to destroy. What an ironic way for him to meet his end? Though Loki wonders what has gotten into him and why would he be willing to sacrifice himself to save a human? The other question that is now going on in his mind is why would he do something like this? Something so heroic that he never knows that he will never find the answer, as he is about to reach his doom...

Thor quickly pushed Loki out of the vortex's path just before he is sucked through it, they both landed on the ground andluckily neither of the two brothers was hurt. Loki quickly turns to look at Thor, completely surprised. He is surprised to see that Thor would choose to risk his own life to save him, especially after everything that they have both been through in the past year because of Loki. Instead of letting Loki die in the vortex, Thor chooses to save him and that alone is already making Loki feel a sense of hope. Maybe what Thor said last night is true, that maybe he truly does care about Loki and still considers him as a brother. Both brothers got up as they were about to face the Dark Elves.

The fight continues from that part, both Thor and Loki take down as many Dark Elves as they can. Thor is fighting off Kurse as hard he can, while Loki is taking down as many of the Dark Elves as he can. To take as many as he can and to make sure that as many are defeated, the Elves all try to surround Loki to see if they can all take them down, but the Dark Elves are no match for Loki as he quickly defeats each one of the Elves. Before he can even have a chance to catch his breath, something quickly caught Loki's attention and he knows that this is anything but good.

Beyond where Loki is standing, he sees Thor being beaten by Kurse on the ground, and from one look at things Loki believes that things are not looking good. He already knows that at any given moment, Kurse might kill him and Loki can already tell that moment is going to happen sooner than he would like it to. Loki knows that this might be the perfect moment to move forward with his plan and at the same time to save Thor from Kurse. Regardless of any reservations and everything that has happened, there is no way he is going to lose Thor like how he lost his mother and no one tries to hurt Thor except him. At least it will be a good moment to finally move forward to the next phase of his plan...

Loki quickly checked the bottles of healing potion that he smuggled into his cell, so that way he could start to plan his escape and move forward with his plan to take over Asgard. He also managed to find one of the blades that the Dark Elves used to create vortexes, it would be perfect to use for his plan and at least he would be able to get rid of the Elf for good. Loki quickly creates an illusion and drinks up one of the healing potions that can heal any injury for up to twenty-four hours instantly, once he finishes the healing potion, undo the illusion and Loki heads over to the scene...

He quickly got up from behind Kurse and is about to make his move, Kurse stands menacingly over Thor as he is about to stab him and finish him for good. At that moment, Loki made his move and stabbed Kurse with the blade, he anticipates that Kurse will try to do something as an act of retaliation. Something to make sure that he wouldn't come out of this alive if he hadn't drank the healing potion. His suspicions turn out to be correct, Kurse without a second thought pulls Loki closer and stabs him without a second thought.

"No!" yelled out Thor immediately as he saw his brother get stabbed right before his eyes.

Despite all of the reduced pain that he is now feeling, Loki is now feeling an overall feeling of shock. As he faces the reality that he is too blinded to see and now he is finally seeing the truth. Thor was telling the truth, he does care about him and all the questions that are going on in his head have only one answer, 'yes.' Loki now knows that and all of this is making him have second thoughts about his plan. But he knows that he can't back out now and that the plan is not done yet, Loki already has one advantage over Kurse and now all he can do is enjoy the show.

"See you in hell monster!" said Loki confidently.

Kurse quickly realizes that Loki stabbed him with a blade from his own world and by the time he realizes the truth, it is too late. Before Kurse does anything, the vortex already begins to form and kills Kurse immediately. Loki is happy to see that his mother has been avenged and he just put an end to Kurse's life of terror, that he put an end to that ignorant Dark Elf who doesn't seem to have thought ahead when it comes to combat.

He's also happy to see Thor's feelings are genuine and this entire battle allowed him to see that. Simply because Thor justchooses to save Loki's life, at least he repaid the favor by saving Thor from Kurse. The main thing that Loki is now thinking about is what might happen if he takes over Asgard and Thor ever finds him sitting on a throne alive. Now afterthis revelation, Loki can already imagine the disappointment that Thor is going to be if that ever happens. Well at least,Loki will keep it a secret and maybe he will even let Thor live out the rest of his life on Earth, as a thank-you for saving his life and to avoid any possible moments of suspicion. Before Loki can even stop to think about his plan or any more consequences that may occur, Thor runs towards him and starts to hold Loki in his arms.

"No, no, no... You fool, you didn't listen!" said Thor regretfully, referring to what was said between them last night.

"I know, I'm a fool, I'm a fool!" admitted Loki feeling completely honest, more than he has ever been in a while.

"Stay with me ok?" said Thor in a pleading tone, which made Loki see that he needed to say something, this might be the last chance that he'll ever speak to Thor again.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm sorry." said Loki who at first does not know if he meant everything he did or his doubts about Thor until he realizes that he meant it for both reasons.

"It's alright." said Thor trying to make Loki's "last moment" as comfortable as he could. "I will tell Father what you did here today."

Loki can't believe that Thor seriously thinks that Odin would care about him being dead or what he might have done to help the situation. He wouldn't be surprised if Odin wanted him dead from the very beginning and hoped that it would happen now, so that way he would never have to worry about anything Loki-related ever again. One less problem for him to worry about and Odin will be able to move past the biggest mistake of his life. But that doesn't matter, he needs to tell Thor that he did this for him, their mother, and now apparently his mortal true love Jane. He needs to let him know that orelse Loki will never have the chance to tell Thor again...

"I didn't do it for him." said Loki and as planned, he closed his eyes and 'died'.

"No!" yelled out Thor in anguish, he took a quick look at Jane before he began to cry and mourn for his brother.

Jane just stood there, sadly watching Thor mourn his dead brother and already starting to feel some sense of grief herself. Even though she only knew Loki for a couple of days and yet during these days, he has shown her that he's more than a power-hungry manic and that he might have some good in him. She's not just thinking that because Loki helped and even saved her life, maybe Loki can change. If things weren't the way it is and if Loki had survived, then she would have given him a second chance.

As for Loki, he would give anything to just drop the act and reveal that he's alive. To surprise both of them with the truth and at the same time get rid of any feelings of guilt that might be on his mind. After he just been through, this quest and now seeing Thor's true feelings and knowing that there is someone that really and still truly cares about him that he would risk his life for him, at least Thor will think of him as a hero and it is a comfort to know that he still cares. Loki knows that Thor would be surprised and disappointed if he someday discovers Loki faked his death, took over Asgard, and put Odin in a cell in the dungeons. But it's too late to turn back now and Loki has to do this, to get revenge on Odin for everything that has happened and all of the pain he is now feeling because of him. Loki needs to do this, doesn't he?

A Few Hours Later

Thor is still crying and mourning for his brother, not even caring if the world is at stake and only wanting to spend the last few moments with his brother. Before he has to leave him to deal with Malekith and save the world from eternal darkness. Loki wishes that Thor would just leave, he knows that if Thor doesn't then he will regret it later and many lives will be lost (not that he cares but he knows that it might hurt him later on.) Not to mention, he's almost healed and Loki doesn't know if he will be able to create a quick illusion without someone noticing. The last thing he wants is an angry Asgardian and human on his back and probably would be listening to angry lectures for the rest of the trip until they arrive back in Asgard. The universe and Loki can't handle all of that, Loki's injuries are almost healed and the truth is about to appear.

Fortunately for Loki, Jane is having the same thoughts and is ready to comfort her boyfriend as he says goodbye to his brother and moves forward to save the world...

"Thor, come on let's go," said Jane gently. "We need to go stop Malekith before he uses the Aether to destroy everything. Staying here won't bring Loki back."

"No, I can't just leave him." protested Thor much to both Loki and Jane's disappointment. "Not after all of this and everything we've just been through, he saved our lives. He sacrificed himself to save us and..."

At that moment, Loki starts to feel guilty about this entire situation and wishes that he could just drop the act to show Thor that he's alright. He knows that he can't or else his plan will be foiled and he won't be able to take over Asgard and get his revenge on Odin for everything. But from seeing how Thor is reacting to his apparent demise and trying to take over Asgard, is that how he's going to repay him? After everything Thor has done to try to save him and everything he said to Loki before they fought Malekith... He may be having some second thoughts but he is not going to call off the plan, Loki thinks that it might be best if he just goes through with it. There's no hope for him, he can't escape from this path and he might as well just continue on this path...

"I understand that you feel this way because not only of what Loki did just now, but he's you're brother and the memories that you both shared have played a huge role in your lives. It's already hard enough to lose him when he turned against you and did everything he did in the past, now to lose him forever..." said Jane. "Loki saved my life and I would have loved to get to know him. He has shown me that he's more than just the guy that wants to take over Earth. I don't know what his intentions might have been, whether doing this for himself or if he wanted to help us, but Loki wouldn't have wanted you to stay here and grieve for him. I bet he would want to get out there and do your thing rather than staying here giving him 'sentiment'."

Loki can't believe what he is hearing, Jane practically just said exactly what he is thinking and how he would have felt if he had died. He is starting to see why Thor fell in love with her and what he might see in her. Loki has to admit that Jane is wise for a human and he can picture himself getting along with her well, he's even starting to like the idea of them being allies and hopes that their relationship somehow works out. They already seem to be a good pair and at least Thor will be happy with Jane and he can move on from everything.

Fortunately for both Loki and Jane, Thor seems to have considered Jane's words and realized that she was right. Part of him doesn't want to leave Loki or at least take the time to say goodbye to Loki. Yeah, that's what he'll do, say goodbye to his brother and then come back for him once all of this is over, that way he will be able to focus on defeating Malekith, and then once all of this is over he will take the time to mourn his losses and to try to process the guilt that he is now feeling for failing Loki. But first...

"You're right Jane, he wouldn't have wanted me to stay here and be this upset over him." said Thor. "But I would like a minute or two to say goodbye to him if it's alright with you."

"Of course, take as much time as you need." said Jane.

Thor gave her a grateful smile before he turned his attention back to Loki, ready to say his goodbye. Loki knows that this will be hard to hear. If he wasn't being held in Thor's arms, if he wasn't pretending to have died then he would have used his magic to disappear from the scene and to never hear these words. But at the same time, he wants to hear what Thor has to say. Even if it's going to be the hardest thing that he might hear and how rough Thor's words are going to be as he wonders what he might say and is ready for all of this.

"Loki, brother, I am going to miss you and will always be grateful for not only what you did here but for always being there for me. Even if you weren't there recently but you were there for most of the time." begins Thor. "Aside from all ofthat, you are still my brother and the best friend that I have always loved and cared for. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you in the past and you had to deal with the pain of discovering the truth of your heritage on your own. I wish I was, it is and was partially my fault that this and everything else happened"

This caught Loki by surprise, he is now wondering how any of this is Thor's fault?

"I could have protected you better, I could have been a better brother for you these past years and tried harder to reach out to you. I failed you and I'm sorry for everything, I wish I could have made things right with you when I had the chance, but now I will never have the chance." continues Thor. "But now I must go and I will come back to you as soon as I canwhen all of this is over and Malekith is defeated for good. So goodbye for now brother and may you forever rest in peace."

Loki can't believe that Thor just said all of that, his goodbye was surprisingly beautiful. Loki has always known that his brother is sentimental but he never thought that he would be so much to the point that Thor would be willing to speak sotruthfully. The two problems he would have to face are Thor looking around for a dead body that he will never find and dealing with- It doesn't matter, if he's disguised as Odin and the news of his death then he doesn't have to worry about anything happening. Now all he has to do is to wait for Thor and Jane to leave before he goes out to make a move.

It takes a while for Loki to wait for Thor and Jane to leave and leave far enough that he won't be heard or seen once he gets up again. He is just happy to see that his injuries are almost healed and he will be able to make his move. When Loki is finally healed then he gets up and begins to head over to a portal that will lead him back to Asgard. He walks slowly on his way over to the portal, with many thoughts going through his mind and he doesn't even know what to think or feel about all of this. That was the hardest thing that Loki had ever done in his life. He continues to think about his plan to take over the throne and to go through with the plan despite any reservations that he may have, at least things will work out in the end.

Once Loki finds the portal, he just sighs as he uses his magic to turn his normal Asgardian armor into one that the guards would wear. This will be a perfect disguise, no one would ever suspect that this guard is Loki in disguise. Once the moment is right then he will unleash his disguise, deal with Odin, and take over Asgard, he knows that no one would ever accept him back into Asgard and he might as well just continue on this path and make sure that he can accomplish these goals. Loki quickly goes through the portal to head back to Asgard...

In Asgard

Loki just arrived back in Asgard and he can't believe his luck, the portal had him arrive right in front of the palace. He quickly starts to head through the doors to continue to the throne room. Loki can't believe that he is now back here, aftereverything that has happened, he never thought that he would be back here again. Nothing seems to have changed, aside from the damages that was made in the attack and their escape, it looks the same and Loki wouldn't be surprised if Odin is already planning to do more than just put him in a cell if he ever finds out what Loki is planning to do. At least he's going to make sure that Odin will pay for what he did, for his lies and he will get everything he has ever wanted.

Loki is happy to see that Odin is in the throne room, sitting on his throne and awaiting any news of the current Malekith and Dark Elves situation. He approaches him, ready to give him the news and set his plan into motion. Loki stood before Odin, gaining the king's attention, and that alone is making things go smoothly and from the rate that it is going then Loki is going to be done earlier than planned...

"What news you have of Thor and the others?" asked Odin.

Loki quickly figured that Odin must have sent a guard after them, probably to keep an eye on them or to bring them back to Asgard. It might be best to play along and pretend to be this guard, so that way he will add the element of surprise and play with Odin's emotions for a little bit. Now this is a good moment to beat Odin in his own game and to start things off.

"Thor, the weapon, and the mortal are nowhere to be found," reported Loki. "But I did manage to find a body and immediately took the liberty of burying it, I'd tell you more but..."

"Loki?" asked Odin immediately after with Loki nodding his head to confirm it.

What occurred next captured Loki by surprise, he can't believe that he is now seeing Odin's face fall after hearing the news and he quickly places a hand on his face as he begins to grieve over his son's apparent death and everything he has lost in the past few days. Loki is surprised by the entire sight and how Odin is reacting to this news. He should say something...

"You're majesty, are you alright?" asked Loki confused and uncomfortably.

"No, I am not, first my wife now my son! I should have told him the truth if only I acted differently around him and told him that I loved him," said Odin. "Now it's too late."

Loki can't believe what he is hearing, Thor is telling the truth, and Odin deep down truly does care about him. He always thought that the moment he disowned him, it was the moment that Odin stopped caring for him and what he did back in Midgard was the final straw. He never thought that maybe deep down Odin might still care about him, let alone love him. Loki continues to see Odin react to the news, feeling a little awkward and at the same time uncomfortable seeing Odin act this way and his true emotions being shown. He doesn't know how much more of this he can take.

"Leave me." said Odin as he tried to withhold the tears that might come out at any moment.

Loki quickly bowed and started to head out on his way, he didn't even need to be told twice and now he needs to figure out his next move. He now knows that he can't go through with his original plan, he doesn't feel like he can do this. Not after all of this, he knows that after all he just found out that he can't do any of this or even have a heart to do it. Loki also knows that he needs to leave Asgard now, he can't just go back and reveal himself, he would have to face Thor and Odin and know how angry they can both get. It might be best if he doesn't do so unless he wants to face a fate worse than being in a cell for eternity then he does not want to see their angry expressions because of his deception and find out what happens if one does something like this the hard way.

The best thing that Loki can do now is leave Asgard and start a new life outside of this realm. He can't stay here in Asgard and risk his luck, someone might see him and. report it back to Thor, Odin, Sif, one of the Warrior Three, Heimdall, or one of the guards of his existence. He knows that once he leaves then he will never come back or will ever see Thor and anyone else again, but that is the price he will have to pay and one that he knows that he has to if he wants to start a new life away from all of this. Loki needs to leave Asgard before anything like that happens. But the question is where will he go?

Loki quickly starts to head towards the nearest portal he knows to leave and is happy to know another one that will lead him out of Asgard. When he finally arrives, Loki uses his magic to transform back into his Asgardian armor and toquickly fix up the hole that the stab created. Now that he's back in looking presentable and ready for anything. He doesn't remember where this portal might lead to or if he'll even care as long as it takes him out of Asgard, though he does have some preferences. Loki just hopes that he doesn't end up back in the Dark World simply because of the memories of why things are the way they are or Jotunheim just because the fact that there would be a ton of angry Jontuns that would be ready to kill him just because of what happened the last time they encountered.

This Portal might lead him anywhere, but Loki knows that he will need to go through it and be ready for anything that may be out there. Loki bravely starts to head towards the portal, hoping that wherever he ends up it's not anywhere in those places and that he will have to make the most of what his new life will be like. At least it will be better and more peaceful than the life that he has now. Loki goes through the pathway, not even knowing where he is going and what he might face next but the place he is going to will be unexpected and one that will change Loki's life forever.

Chapter Text

Darcy is trying to do everything she can to make it through the wild day she just had and does all the research she can to find the answers to all her questions and any possible weird activity that might be going on that fits under the supernatural category. After she saw Thor take Jane to Asgard with him, Darcy tried to figure out why he would take her there in the first place. She even has been checking Jane's equipment every five minutes to see if there are any signs of a certain Asgardian coming back with Jane or any other weird things that might be happening on Earth or have already happened.

After a wild day of investigating and successfully breaking Erik out of rehab, all thanks to Ian's help, She is heading back to her apartment. To take a break from today's events and at the same time watch the news and continue trying to figure all of this out. Before Darcy can even go further, she quickly rechecks the equipment in case of anything. After one glance, there is nothing, and then suddenly, the device starts to beep, and it's blinking. This might be the big clue she is looking for, one that might give her all the answers to her questions and finally help her find out what's going on.

Darcy quickly reads the coordinates and begins to follow the device, ready for whatever might be up ahead and to see what might be going on. She hurries over toward the area and quickly checks back to the device to see if she's going the right way, the coordinates of whatever might be on Earth, and if it's Asgard-related. When she finally arrives, Darcy is surprised to see that there is no sign of the Bifrost, any Asgardians, or anything out of the ordinary and she is still getting some strange readings. So Darcy decides to keep her eye out for anything weird. That is until...

Someone comes out of nowhere and out of the shadows, almost as if this person just went through some portal or secret magic pathway. Darcy quickly takes a good look at him and quickly realizes that it's Loki! He's back on Earth and so far the only thing he seems to be doing is looking at his surroundings and maybe even trying to figure out where he is. Darcy has many questions going through her mind and is also surprised to see Loki with the main thought "Oh my Gosh! It's Loki!" She's wondering what he's doing here. She always thought that he would be in some Asgardian jail unless he found a way to escape and might be planning to take over the planet and later the universe!

She has to admit that it is kinda cool to see a supervillain in action and he does look cool and handsome compared to the wanted posters of him, but she needs to remain focused and find out what he might be up to. If Darcy doesn't then she might as well consider Loki the king of the universe until Thor and the other Avengers come to defeat him again. She continues to keep a close eye on him and so far he doesn't seem to be doing anything that might fall under the evil category. But still, she might need some evidence to show every one of Loki's return, so she quickly grabs her phone to try to see if she can get a picture of him. It takes her a quick moment to adjust the position until she finds a good spot to take the picture.

Then without a second thought, Darcy quickly takes a picture, but she immediately starts to regret it once she sees a flash of light coming right out of her phone. She forgot to turn off the flash and obviously, Loki saw it. He turns around to see where that light came from and once Loki figures it out, he starts to head towards Darcy's direction. To see what might have caused the flash of light and see if it might be a threat against him, at the same time to find out where he might be. If he's going to start a new life, the first thing he should do is find out what realm he is before making his next move.

Darcy quickly hides behind a car and wonders if Loki spotted her and if so what is he going to do to her? She can't help but imagine what Loki might do just because she took a picture of him with the intent to use it to tell the Avengers that he is back on Earth on a full-on world domination scheme. Darcy tries to think of a possible escape plan before the unexpected happens...

Loki not only finds Darcy in her hiding place, but he grabs a hold of Darcy's cell phone off her hands. Loki looks at the phone and observes it, interested in what this object is and how it might have never seen something like this before and wonders what this strange device is and the possibilities that it might be able to on the other hand are beyond nervous and is now wondering what Loki might be planning to do to her. She doesn't want to know if he's already planning to do something right now, though she is surprised that Loki hasn't done anything yet and what happens next catches Darcy even more by surprise...

"Hm... What is this contraption?" asked Loki curious about the object he is now holding.

"A cell phone, you can use it to communicate with others, play games, and take pictures," said Darcy nervously, believing there might be no harm in Loki knowing. "You know that sort of thing..."

Loki takes a closer look at the phone and notices the complexities of the device, he's amazed that the Midguardians can create something so complex, and that alone shows that maybe these humans are smarter than he thought, maybe they are not imbeciles that only just run around screaming at the first sight of danger and only made to be ruled, that they may not still regardless of the question if Midguardians can have the capacity to have the brain power to create something complex. He can't afford to keep the cell phone in one piece, in case she dares try to tell anyone of his existence and knows he needs to get rid of it.

So in a quick second, Loki breaks the phone in half and then breaks the halves into smaller pieces to the point that no one can ever guess that it was once a cell phone. Darcy can't believe that Loki just came over to her and decided that it was alright to break her phone like that, even then what makes him think that it's alright to come back to Earth to try to take over it again? She's both so shocked and angry that she knows that she needs to say something right now about this and everything that Loki has done in the past. Darcy might as well stand up for herself and say something before Loki turns her into his loyal servant or kill her on the spot. To let him know that she is not going to go down without a fight.

"What are you doing?!" said Darcy angrily and a little defensively. "Don't you know that you shouldn't go around breaking people's phones in half or more importantly try to take over planets that you feel like ruling? Especially if it winds up killing and hurting people in the process?"

"Don't you know that it's rude to spy on people?" said Loki glaring at Darcy before his attention returned to the situation at hand. "But anyway, do you think you can tell me what realm I am now in?"

"You're on Earth," said Darcy, rather annoyed. He always thought Loki would recognize the very place he tried to take over.

Loki on the other hand is now starting to feel a sense of annoyance, he can't believe that he wound up on one of the planets that he doesn't want to land on and the place where he tried to take over the last time. He should be grateful that he didn't land in New York, that is if this city is New York, though Loki doubts that his luck would be that bad. But still, maybe he can use this to his advantage, no one would think of Loki surviving and coming to Earth. Thor and Jane would tell everyone that he sacrificed himself to save them, but they would never think that not only is he really alive but has come back to Earth and is hiding there for a couple of days. All he has to do is find a place to hide for a couple of days and start planning his next move. Then he'll leave and that's it, he'll leave and never look back...

"Look I don't know what you might be planning or if you're already going to start your evil plan soon, but you will never get away with it," said Darcy bravely interrupting Loki's train of thoughts. "The Avengers will stop you and there is no way that you are going to go as far as you did the last time!"

That immediately caught Loki by surprise, he was about to ask what made her think he would cause some commotion. Before he can do so, he quickly remembers and chastises himself, he had forgotten the most obvious argument and the last time he was on this planet. Loki knows that he and the humans are not the best of friends. He should explain himself to her before she starts crying for help and starts a panic, the last thing he needs is to have everyone on the planet know of his return.

"I am not here to take over this planet, though to be honest I don't even know why I wanted to take over Midgard in the first place." said Loki earning a sigh of relief from Darcy."It's probably just to spite my brother or believe that it would have been easier to simply conquer it and rule it."

"Then why are you here?" demanded Darcy as she started to reach into her pocket to try to grab her teaser to see if she could use it against him and try to escape to tell someone about Loki's potential return.

"Let's simply say that I want to start a new life, to leave behind the path I was embarking on." said Loki. "Recently I began to see the error of my ways and would like to start anew on a different realm and it looks like it will start on Midgard or what you call Earth to both of our surprise."

"Yeah that is a surprise, to say the least..." said Darcy who didn't even know what to believe. "So do you have a place to stay or crash while you try to figure out what to do next in your new life?"

"To be honest, I haven't thought that far into it and it was a short-notice decision, I'll be sure to think of something or find somewhere, somehow," said Loki being truthful and surprised that something like this escaped his mind, he thought to just leave Asgard and start a new life somewhere, never what happens beyond that.

While Darcy on the other hand is already coming up with a plan herself. What if Loki is just trying to get everyone's trust and then when everyone least expects it all of a sudden he stabs everyone in the back and moves forward to the next phase she has to do is to keep an eye on him and then wait and see if Loki will strike and if he does then she'll call the Avengers, SHIELD, or someone else who might be a pro at dealing with supernatural threats. But the way she is going to do so is crazy, no one would ever agree to this and at least she'll find out the truth, and if Lokireallyhas changed then at least one of his problems would be solved. This is more than perfect!

"If you want, you can come and stay at my place." offered Darcy. "That is if you really have nowhere else in mind and it might be better than sleeping on a park bench and would suck if your new home is a sewer or something."

"I believe that would be perfect, at least it saves me time and makes things easier," said Loki. "Are you sure that you would be ok with that?"

"Yeah, it's absolutely fine, I mean I have enough room for two," said Darcy. "That is if you are open to staying with a human and if you really have changed that's all."

"Well then with that settled, thank you," said Loki grateful that at least that problem is solved.

"No problem..." said Darcy who is surprised, for a supervillain, Loki is surprisingly polite.

"You must have obviously heard of me from my previous infraction on this planet and my reputation here is not exactly one to be proud of," said Loki. "I believe that we should try to start fresh, I'm Loki of Asgard and you are?"

"My name is Darcy," said Darcy who doesn't even know what to do with all of this and hopes she is making the right decision.

"So, should we start heading towards your home?" said Loki. "I would like it if we head over there before any trouble."

"Right, let's just hope that we can get there before anyone sees us," said Darcy nervously and didn't want to know what Loki might do or the consequences in London for helping a fugitive.

"No need to worry, I got this," said Lokiand he quickly cast an illusion over both of them and looked at Darcy for any directions for where they were heading.

"Ok, what did you do? What's going on?" asked Darcywho is trying to see if something big happened just now and everything seems perfectly normal.

"I used magic to create an illusion, no one can see or hear us, so we don't have to worry about that," explained Loki.

"Really? That's so cool!" said Darcy amazed. "You can actually use magic to do that? What else can you do with your powers? How long does this spell last?"

"It will only last until I stop the enchantment and that can be anytime I want," said Lokiwho is surprised by Darcy's enthusiasm. "You really believe that magic is amazing?"

"Yeah, it's totally cool and I can't believe I just saw something magical and you guys can do more than swing magic hammers around," said Darcy. "I mean real actual magic, that's actually one of the coolest things I have ever seen."

"You'd be surprised to see what else I can do," said Loki slightly touched by Darcy's excitement before reverting his attention to the situation. "We should leave now before we are here for more than an hour."

Darcy quickly realizes that he has a point there and reluctantly starts to lead the way, she tries to be as quick as possible and has many things going through her mind as she keeps going through. So far the only thing that Loki has done is surprise her and that is something that she wasn't expecting. But still, it's too early to tell and she still might be walking right into a trap, and... Loki doesn't seem to be that bad, and maybe..

She can't let her guard down, though she doesn't even have a guard, to say the least, and for some reason finds Loki kinda least she'll find some kind of answer and if Loki is somehow here then maybe he knows what's going on and if Jane and Thor are still, it might be possibly right, that Loki can change if he really takes the time to do so. Even then there is the fact that it might be a trick, but she doesn't even know and somehow believes what he is saying and thinks that he might be telling the truth.

"Well then, I guess we better get going and the sooner we will be there." said Darcy awkwardly.

After getting a brief nod from Loki, she starts to lead him to the apartment building where she lives and they both head over there. Darcy doesn't even know how to make of this entire situation, she has never thought that she would go through something like this or at least think she would even meet Loki or invite him to stay with her. But still, he might be telling the truth and soon she will be asking all of the questions and will find out.

20 minutes later, inside the apartment

Loki and Darcy soon arrive at the apartment building and make their way inside, Darcy can't help but sigh in relief and is happy to be back after the day that she had. Finally be at her temporary home in London, even if she has Loki as her guest and she has completely no idea what to do about this situation. But she knows one thing, maybe Loki knows something that is going on and he might be able to answer some of the questions going on in her mind. Along with hopefully seeing that he's telling the truth and that maybe she will get some answers before the day is done.

Well from the look of things, Loki doesn't seem to be trying to do anything, he seems to be more interested in everything in the apartment. He seems to be admiring the things in the apartment and anything from Earth in pieces of technology and anything that he has never seen before, ones that he is curious about all of the things that Earth has to offer when it comes even start to trying to figure out how these devices work, so he starts to press some of the buttons on the TV and the radio, to see if he can not only turn them on but to see what these objects can do and once he figured out how to turn on these objects, he is surprised to see that humans have the capacity to create something advance before Asgard can take the time to develop it.

"I admit this place is better than I thought it would be." said Loki.

"What did you think that we all would live in caves with little to no electricity?" asked Darcy sarcastically.

"Well a little more advanced than that but I always thought that humans would either be living in skyscrapers like the one Stark has or in those cottages that are either next to each other or hidden away in the forest," said Loki. "Never a small confined location with advanced technology that isn't an iron suit or a jet with complex control panels."

"Well not everyone can be Iron Man or have those luxuries..." said Darcy a bit awkwardly before turning her attention to try to be a good host. "So do you want something to eat or did you already have something before you came here?"

"I have been fighting Dark Elves with my brother and practically faked my death to escape from going back to a dungeon cell and in the process learning that my own brother and father truly care about me." said Loki."I barely had time to relax, let alone bother to eat anything and it has been a busy day, to say the least."

That immediately catches Darcy's interest and her curiosity grows like rapid fire, Loki knows what's going on andhewas there where all of the action can tell her everything that happened and she'll finally get the answers to all of her questions, to finally know everything and to actually do something to help rather than just stand on the sidelines on isDarcy hopes that she'll find out the truth and she can do something rather than get the wrong idea or at least do almost nothing to help make things better.

"Wait, you know what's going on? You were there?" said Darcy rather excitedly and curiously. "Have you seen your brother and Jane? How is she? What in the world is a Dark Elf?"

"Yes I saw my brother, I was there fighting the Dark Elves with him. Your friend is fine, she no longer has the Aether inside her and she's now safe from the dangers that were there andMalekith." said Loki."As for what they are, the Dark Elves are the most vile monsters in all of the nine realms and all they desire is to gain the Aether's power for annihilation, we are now all in danger of a Dark Elf invasion as we speak."

"What? Earth's going to be under an elf invasion now?!" yelled a surprised Darcy. "What is whatever you said that was inside Jane? On the topic of which where is Jane and Thor?"

"I haven't heard anything about them in Asgard after the battle and judging from your reaction, I am going to safely assume that they haven't returned from the Dark World." said Loki. "The Aether is a powerful property that the Dark Elves want to use to eventually destroy the universe and it was inside her, slowly tearing apart until it eventually kills her and if it did then they would use it for infinite destruction."

"Ok, so how did things lead up to you coming here? I mean I know that you said that you faked your death and all of that stuff, but why did you faked it?" asked Darcy. "What led you to come to Earth? What happened back there? Is this thing that the Elves are looking for that somehow got into Jane why Thortookher to Asgard in the first place?"

"Yes, I am assuming that he believes that he could have found out how to save her through magic. The Dark Elves have been looking for the Aether and nearly succeeded in trying to obtain it the first time. Now it's in their grasps and they are ready to create-" starts Loki before-

"Yeah I get it, they want to use some magic red liquid thing to destroy the world, the typical supervillain stuff." interrupted Darcy. "But tell me what's going on with Thor and Jane, the whole story, and how you play a part in all of this. I really want to know what happened and I don't even know how I could have handled not knowing and staying sane."

"They made their attack on Asgard, wanting to find Foster to extract the Aether from her," said Loki, sighing at the next part. "My mother was protecting her and an elf known as Kurse found them, he wanted to capture Ms. Foster and bring her to Malekith. But my mother... She sacrificed herself to save her from being captured and escorted to Malekith."

"Whoa that's so deep and sad..." said Darcy who is now starting to feel sorry for Loki and wants to say something, she just doesn't know what. Before She even has the chance to do so, Loki continues.

"Thor later enlisted my help to lead them to a hidden portal to the Dark World and to help defeat Malekith. Before the battle, Thor tried to make amends and told me that he truly cared for me." said Loki "Then the following day, when we fought Kurse and his Dark Elves after Malekith removed the Aether from Jane. Thor showed me that he truly cares about my well-being and is willing to sacrifice himself for me. So when I saw Kurse was beating Thor and could stab him at any moment, I used that moment to not only save my brother but to make my escape."

"So this is the part where you faked your death right?" asked Darcy already figuring out where the rest of the story was going to go.

"That is correct, I was originally going to do so to live the remainder of my days free from that prison," said Loki. "Once I saved my brother, got stabbed and while I healed myself, I pretended to die in his arms and after they both left, I got up and went back to Asgard to try to complete some unfinished and I found out that Odin still cares about me and sees me as a son. I felt like I couldn't face him, so I fled through the first pathway that I could find and I ended up on Earth, ready to start a new life away from it all."

"So let me get this straight, there are these things called Dark Elves who want to make all of the nine realms blow up and that includes Earth," says Darcy trying to get all the facts straight. "Their leader was after Jane and now has this powerful object inside her and that is this guy's tool to help them do so. These elves also hurt and killed many lives including your mom recently. You also teamed up with Thor to help take these guys down, sometime during your climatic battle, you take the time to fake your death and during the whole thing you happen to find out that both Thor and your dad truly care about you and that inspired you to turn over a new leaf?"

"That's just about summaries of everything," said Loki who is impressed that Darcy managed to catch all of that.

"I'm guessing that I'm the only one who knows about all of this and that you are kinda on the run?" asked Darcy.

"Yes, you are and I must keep everything as low as possible," said Loki."The last thing I need is to face them and be put back in my cell. We don't have anything to worry about dealing with the Dark Elves, my brother will be able to defeat them easily and won most of the battles that he has ever fought, so we have nothing to worry about and all we have to do is wait and see him defeat them easily."

"Um ok, if you say so.." said Darcy. "Sorry to hear about what happened to your mom."

"It's fine, her murderer is now dead and her death has been avenged and that's all that matters now," said Loki turning away from Darcy who is saddened by recent events.

Darcy is starting to have the feeling that maybe Loki might not be alright and everything that happened might still be bothering does sound like Loki has been through a lot in the past few days, so there's so much that is going on in his mind and she doesn't know what to say or do to at least try to be some kind of comfort to she knows nothing she can say to change things, at least she can try to be nice to him and maybe he's not as bad as people say that there might be some good in Loki, that is if it's possible and she's not being manipulated into feeling this a quick second, she already decided that it might be best if she took the casual and friendly approach to this situation.

"So are you still hungry and want something to eat?" Asked Darcy catching Loki by surprise by the sudden change of tone. "Sorry if this isn't the fanciest meal you ever had, but I wasn't expecting anyone to stay for the night, let alone possibly get a roommate. So the only thing I can really offer to give is frozen pizza. You cool with that?"

Loki just quietly nodded his head and hoped that possibly having a good meal would help him get his mind off his mother, all of the recent events, and his current situation. One he has to figure out what his next move is and hopefully figure something out, he knows that for now he should at least stay here and take his time to try to plan something or where he should go next. For now, he knows that the best thing for him to do is to stay and figure everything out before trouble starts to catch up to him and that it will only come back to haunt him.

At least he is now in one of the last places that anyone would suspect him, though so far it hasn't been that bad, Darcy could have run away and gotten help to deal with him. But she didn't and he wonders why would she help someone like him, especially after everything that he's done and his past. He might as well accept that things are the way they are and at least being back in Midgard isn't so bad. The pizza that Darcy just heated and served him was surprisingly good and despite it being extremely unhealthy he would never eat regularly but right now he would like another slice. For research purposes to see if he's right, not that he's actually enjoying something on Midgard or anything. He still thinks that humans are inferior to Asgardians and is planning to make this little living arrangement only temporary.

While Darcy on the other hand can't handle another minute of this silence, she wishes that she can continue to get to know Loki and is also surprised to see that Loki hasn't even tried to do anything evil or anything against her. The news reports from last year make Loki sound like a heartless bad guy who doesn't care about anyone but himself and is just plain evil. But now Loki is showing a different story, he had a rough day and he might not be up for it and even then that would give him more of a reason to act out. Maybe there's more to Loki than meets the eye. She might as well break the silence and say something, otherwise, it's going to be a very quiet evening.

"So um... I'm sure you're wondering where you will sleep tonight?"Said Darcy trying to get a conversation going and it definitely got Loki's attention."I was thinking that maybe you should sleep on the couch until we get something set up, that is if it's ok with you."

"It's fine, I'm sure I'll be comfortable," said Loki accepting things just as they are right as they are.

"I hope that you like Earth, or here or anyplace in this world for that matter, I mean you are going to be staying here for a while and this kinda going to be your home now," said Darcy trying to be friendly. "While we're on the subject, you can do whatever you'd like, you can grab whatever you want from the fridge, watch TV, or do whatever you want here for fun. Except anything illegal that could get us in serious trouble or little annoying things like making too much noise at night or hogging the bathroom or anything that crosses into the annoying roommate line."

"I'm sure I will not cross that line..." said Loki before turning to the most prominent question. "Why are you helping me? I know that it is rude for me to ask a question like that, but we just met and barely know each other and it's obvious that you know of my past on Earth and what I did. Regardless of that knowledge that doesn't stop you from wanting to help me. Why would you help me after everything I have done?"

"Uh... let's just say that I feel sorry for you," said Darcy who is unsure why she is helping Loki, but might as well be honest about one thing that she's sure of and figure out the answer from there.

"Well then I guess I will be heading to my quarters to rest," said Loki. "I have had a very trying and long day and am exhausted by it, so..."

"Yeah, of course, you had a long day," said Darcy rather awkwardly. "Uh... Let me know if you need anything."

Loki gives a quick nod before he heads towards the couch, to get ready for bed and his first night on Earth. He doesn't know what to make of this situation and what his next move will be. But Loki knows that he's going to need to stay for a while and think of something before anything happens, either way, he's going to be stuck there and for now, he has to make the most of this. Making sure that no one else finds out that he's on Earth and that nothing happens on this planet beyond Asgard's control.

Darcy, on the other hand, feels that she should be careful and as much as she would like to give Loki a chance, and thinks that it is cool to have a supervillain in her apartment. But still, she doesn't know if Loki is waiting for her to fall asleep and is ready to do some crazy evil plan or something, that she would be partially responsible for whatever invasion might happen. Maybe she should go and confront him about it and get it over with, that way at least he'll know that there's no way he will fool her into whatever trick he's hoping to pull off.

Darcy walks into her living room, ready to talk to Loki about a few things and speak her mind, something catches her off guard and she doesn't know what to think. She finds Loki already fast asleep on her couch, she knows that if Loki's going to do something then he's going to either wait it out or better yet his illusions to hide and later do something that guarantees that it won't end well for her. But instead here he is being honest to his word and peaceful when it comes to telling her everything and not really doing anything...

Maybe Loki has changed and can somehow become a good person, it might be possible that he can turn over a leaf and be a good person. That alone is hopeful and maybe there is more to Loki than being an infamous trickster. Though she still knows that she should be careful in case she's wrong, she doesn't think that Loki is up to anything and is some guy who wants to start a new life and he wants to start now. Maybe it would be best if she just let him stay for the night and see how things turn out before she starts to assume the worst. In case of anything, she decides to lock the door from her room just in case and hopes she doesn't regret what she's doing.

Darcy hopes that she's right about Loki, now all she has to do now is give him a chance and wait and see...

Chapter Text

Soon morning finally arrive, to Darcy's surprise; it is strangely quiet and calmer than she thought that it would be. Well she was mostly expecting something out of control to happen or anything that would automatically guarantee that she would be regretting later on. It seems to be perfectly fine, if not normal, that is if she somehow got this crazy dream about meeting Loki and he suddenly comes up to her saying that he has changed for the better and wants to start a new life. But that's impossible, there is no way something like that would ever happen. Though it would be cool to seeing Loki being a hero and seeing him change his ways, to actually see him do some good in the world.

But still she shouldn't focus so much on yesterday and just get on her day, it is probably is a crazy dream and she should try to do something. Even if there might be something big going on such as a Dark Elf invasion, she still needs to get ready for the day and have some breakfast. So that way she can get ready and head out to do something. Though she finds it wired that her door is locked and she never locks it, though she wonders... No it can't be, can it?

She quickly heads out of her room and to her surprise, she finds Loki with an opened refrigerator looking for something to eat. The living room itself doesn't even look that much like a living room, since Loki didn't exactly leave things better than how he first found them. The couch is a complete mess and it looks like if Loki made it his personal mission to mess up the couch and the kitchen. Loki took everything from the entire refrigerator both top and bottom to see what each object might be and whenever Loki either finds something that isn't appetizing or he doesn't even know what it is or if it's something that he knows, then he would put it on the counter in case he finds something better. Completely making a mess and putting everything on the counter regardless of what it might be and where it might need to be stored in specific location. From a quick glance, it's clear that Loki isn't even bothering to tidy up once he's done.

"Um... what are you doing? Staring at my fridge, keeping it open without grabbing anything and when you do then it's to just put it somewhere else, making a mess?" asked Darcy confused by her new roommate's behavior as he continues to stare at the fridge.

"A greeting would do just fine." said Loki defensively, turning over to face Darcy. "You said that if I wanted something, then I am more then welcome to grab it."

"I meant whenever you're hungry then you can grab whatever you want to eat." said Darcy. "Not open the fridge, stare at it and take everything out and not put it back. Why didn't you fix up the couch?"

At that moment, that question catches Loki by surprise and he doesn't even know what to say or think of the entire scenario. He doesn't expect that Darcy would even say such a thing to him. That alone makes Loki's mind go blank and he knows that there is something that he wants to say and that alone is something he needs to say and it's the most obvious thing on his mind.

"I thought that you were going to do it." said Loki honest and indifferent. "Besides I'm hungry, it's morning and there's no food on the table. So you really can not accuse me of needing to take matters into my own hands."

Darcy can't believe what she is hearing and is now feeling a wave of anger and shock all at once. Does Loki really expect her to do everything around here? Every little thing and hoping that he would be living in a five star hotel with the best living accommodations? But then again, it is their first day together and Darcy can't blame Loki for having this mindset. He was a prince of Asgard, she wouldn't be surprise if people waited on him on hand and foot before every crazy thing happened. Maybe she should cut him some slack for being used to that service, but still that doesn't mean she is going to do everything for him. She can't do everything for him and Loki is going to need to learn that if he's going to live here then she will have a say in everything and going to have some ground rules.

"Look, when I said that you can grab whatever you want, not just open it and mess everything inside up." said Darcy trying hard to be patient. "Plus, can you please try to keep the couch less messy? I don't have time every day to fix it for you every day, but since this is our first day together, I will make today an exception ok?"

"Fine, I believe I can handle the simplest task on my own and your food did not look appetizing anyway." said Loki cooly much to Darcy's annoyance.

"Why don't I get something that might be more appetizing to your taste?" offered Darcy as she got to the counter and begin to work.

"That would be perfect." said Loki quickly closing the refrigerator and heading towards the table to wait for Darcy to serve the food.

Darcy starts to get to work and try to see what might be a good enough meal that might satisfy Loki and that it would be good enough for them to eat and that it won't lead to some kind of argument with Loki. After doing some thinking, she has finally figures out what would be a good breakfast for both of them, that they might both enjoy. So she got to work on her idea of a great meal, one that would make anyone even a grouch be excited to eat. Well she hopes that Loki would agree with her and think that this would be a meal fit for a king. When Darcy is finally done, she quickly grab two plates, put the food on it and serve it for both Loki and herself. Without even saying a word or a glance, she begins to eat her meal and is relief that things seem to be quiet. It would have been a perfectly quiet breakfast, that is if Loki doesn't have a few things to say about it...

"Uh... what is this?" asked Loki pointing at his meal, still on his plate and even going as far as using his fork to point at it.

"That's a pancake." said Darcy as if it is obvious.

But from one look at Loki's face, Darcy can already tell that answer is not good enough for Loki and it's clear that he's not going to let it go. Now she's a little worried that Loki might use his Asgardian magic or some unknown Frost Giant magical ability that might end up the entire apartment in being destroyed. Maybe all she need is to give Loki some encouragement, that way she won't have to deal with this any longer than they may need to. At least she hopes so...

"Come on, it's pretty good. You are going to love it." said Darcy reassuringly as she continues eating.

"I believe I am no longer that hungry anymore." said Loki who got up from the table, clearly not finding the meal fit for an Asgardian, much less a prince and that mindset alone is starting to get on Darcy's nerves.

"Seriously?! Come on, one minute you are raiding the kitchen for food and the next you suddenly loose your appetite because this food isn't good enough?" said Darcy frustrated. "You can't just expect me to drop everything and get you something else whenever you want or if you are not in the mood for anything on your plate."

"Pardon me, but I do have a right to have a say in this matter as well." said Loki defensively and getting a little frustrated. "I do live in this household now, so I have a right to make a stand whenever I disagree or if I ever feel like it."

"I'm the one who's giving you a roof over you're head, so don't be surprise if I'm a little snappy." said Darcy angrily. "No scratch that, make that really snappy. Since this is my apartment and I have a say in everything around here and that includes anything that would require me of putting my foot down. Also fun fact, not many people are open in letting super villains who wants to take over the planet to move in with them, so there is also that fact you should consider before going all high and mighty about it."

"Well, I'm you're housemate now, so get used to my complaints." said Loki ready to give Darcy a piece of his mind.

"Well, I'm you're roommate too and the one who pays the rent around here." argued Darcy. "So, get used to my orders and rules that is going to make us living together more tolerable."

"How am I supposed to follow any rules if you are not so kind enough to tell me what they are?!" said Loki angrily.

"I would have told you if-" begins Darcy and she is about to continue, but suddenly the phone starts to ring and stopping this argument from going from bad to worse.

"I'll get it!" said Darcy as she quickly get up to grab the phone and before she can even reach it, she stops and turn to Loki. "Don't move! The last thing I need is for you to break this as well."

"Is that another one of those cell phones of your's?" asked Loki who quickly let his anger disappear and let his curiosity take over, but that doesn't mean he has stopped being angry at Darcy underneath that cloud of curiosity.

"No! Wait you're right, it is a phone but this is one that can only work here." said Darcy feeling like she owes Loki an explanation. "It's a home phone, that one can use for emergencies like when you can't find your cell phone or use it at all if you either loose it or if someone breaks it into smithereens."

Loki can't help but give Darcy an angry glare, how dare she create that encounter a bigger deal than it needs to be? If anything she should be amazed by his presence and move on from the entire situation. It might not even be a problem if she still has a mean to communicate with the outside world, but she is just refusing to see that he might have a point or could possibly see that this might be a blessing in disguise. But still there are a couple of things that he wants to say and it's something that he is planing to say a couple of things to her and he's ready to give her a piece of his mind. That is...

"Look, I would like to discuss the history of phones with you and maybe even argue with you more." interjected Darcy sarcastically. "But right now, I really need to answer this call and I might even owe him an apology if he tried to call me and I couldn't answer because of my phone problem. We can talk about all of this later and preferably sometime after all of this is over."

"Wait just a minute, I-" starts Loki and before he can get another word in, Darcy just picks up the phone and is happy to have an excuse not to talk to Loki for a moment.

"Hey Ian, what's up?" asked Darcy relieved that it's Ian and she having a break from the roommate trouble.

"Darcy, I have been calling you for about an hour now? What's happening on your side of the city?" asked Ian, resulting in Darcy giving a laugh, while Loki is rolling his eyes.

"No, there is nothing going on over here... It's just that I have been having some technical difficulties that's has been an unplanned inconvenience." said Darcy glaring at Loki for a moment before returning her attention back to Ian. "Can you just call me on this number until further notice?"

"Yeah, I understand, it happens." said Ian understandably.

"So have you heard anything yet? About Asgard, Jane or Thor?" asked Darcy and at that moment, Loki becomes more interested.

"Yeah, I have the other piece of this equipment thing that you and Jane use, it's starting to beep out of nowhere." said Ian. "I don't even know how it started or if it happens regularly... Haven't you seen or heard your piece beeping?"

Darcy quickly look over at the piece of technology on the table and notices how it's beeping wildly as it continues to light up and attract both Loki and Darcy's attention. They are both surprised by the object and how it suddenly is becoming more active by the minute and that alone is so surprising that it made them aware that something is definitely going on. Darcy quickly takes a glance towards Loki to see if he's doing any magic that might have gotten the equipment to react that way and if that might be the reason why the devices are going haywire. But Loki just shakes his head, as if he was saying that he's not doing magic of any kind, Darcy just gives a sigh of relief as she returns her attention back to Ian.

"I noticed it just now, maybe it has something to do with Asgard." said Darcy. "Maybe it's Thor or some other Asgardian or... Something that has to do with whatever might be going on. Yeah, I'll be right there, then we can talk some more."

"Alright, where do you want us to meet?" asked Ian who is unsure if he should step in or not.

"Let's meet at Erik's place, so that way we can make a quick update with him of what's going on and to hear his input. Then we'll figure something out from there and maybe something will get done. See ya there."

With that she quickly hangs up the phone and starts to get ready to leave, it's looks like that things might be moving quicker than plan. She just hopes that it's something big that might change everything or Thor and Jane returning back to Earth. But there is still the fact that she will be leaving Loki here, home alone and she doesn't even know if any of this would lead to trouble or if she'll even have a home once she gets back. Then again, maybe things wouldn't be so bad and besides she should really give Loki a chance and see what happens. But first she has a couple of things to say to him...

"Listen I have to go, apparently my job is to help save the world from evil Dark Elves." said Darcy. "So I want to set some ground rules before I find this place turn into a pigsty or if you completely demolish the living room if you are practicing spells or something. The last thing I need is to clean up a mess all night long, so the first rule should be if you knock something or move something put it back where you found it, the second rule is to do only small spells that might not cause some crazy amount damages and more importantly-"

"Darcy, are you going to spend the rest of your time telling me what to do or are you going to leave and deal with whatever you may have to deal with?" said Loki annoyed by Darcy's rambling.

"Ok then... so you got all that?" Asked Darcy nervously and awkwardly, hoping that she is not going to regret this.

"Yes, I believe I already have the idea and won't need you to write me a rule book." said Loki. "Before you leave I have one request for you."

"Yeah, I'll be sure to tell you everything." said Darcy before stopping herself in realizing that she hasn't heard what Loki's request is. "What do you want exactly?"

"To not to tell anyone of my location and that I am back on Midgaurd or my survival." said Loki briefly, hoping that he isn't going to be dealing with more Midgaurdians or worse the Avengers.

"Don't worry about it, I wasn't planning to tell anyone anyway." said Darcy. "I mean who would believe me if I sat down to tell them everything that has happened and all of the things I know about the Dark Elves and you? Everyone would be skeptical of the idea of you of all people want to turn over a new leaf, they probably wouldn't even let me come home alone without a bodyguard. Besides Thor is probably going to tell everyone that you died, so I can't just go around telling people that you are alive when two of my friends had a front row seat seeing that happen."

"Then good." said Loki relief that there is that fact to consider and only hoping that he was right to put his trust in Darcy, that he will not regret it.

"Well then..." starts Darcy rather awkwardly. "See you later..."

Without another word, Darcy leaves the apartment, leaving Loki alone and he doesn't even know what to do or make of the situation. He still has to figure out what his next move should be, where he should go next after his unplanned detour to Earth. He knows that it is going to take a while to figure out what's next for him and how is he going to make the most of it. It probably going to be another planet outside the nine Realms, in a place where no one will detect him, but for now he is going to need to make the most of the situation right then and there. He just hopes that he will be able to keep his sanity from having Darcy as a roommate and find an escape from this planet as fast as he can before the real trouble begins...

Two Hours Later

Loki is bored out of his mind, not even sure on how he can entertain himself and yet desperate to find something to do. To his surprise after Darcy left and sometime for himself planning what his next move should be, he starts to feel bored and really can't find something to entertain himself. He tries to see if there is any books that Darcy has that might interest him and so far he hasn't found anything that catches his attention. So far, he has found nothing that would capture his attention and it's mostly books with colorful illustrations and words in bubbles blurbs. Loki is surprised to see that many humans finds this literature and their idea of entertainment, as he frowns at the illustrations and tries to see if he can find something that is more appealing to him. But so far, the only books that he managed to find is The Hunger Games and possibly it's sequels. There's also some signs of other books or rather novels that would be better than simply reading the illustrated books that seems to childish for his liking.

For now, he figures that it might be best for him to venture out and see what the city looks like and to possibly see if there is anything going on. If he's going to stay here for a while, then he might as well see the city and figure out how to navigate here and to simply explore a little bit. It's better than him sitting around and doing nothing but simply lounging around with no other reason than to be bored. So he quickly changes from his Asgardian outfit to a Midguaridan suit and tie, to avoid anyone recognize and that he won't draw attention to himself.

With that he heads out of the apartment and starts to head towards the outside world, to see more of Midguard and from one glance of the city, Loki realize to his surprise and relief, he wasn't in New York. That the only thing that makes him feel a sense of satisfied when it comes to his luck and how he doesn't have to worry about an angry mob of midguardians and he can safely confirm that at least that part of the past won't catch up to him. But he wishes that the environment of the outside world is better than it looks right now.

The outside world is being attacked by Dark Elves, the destruction that the Elves are causing is prominent. They didn't care for what they might be doing and how it will affect the humans, but as long as they don't get in his way and Thor stops Malekith and the rest of the Dark Elves, then it would be perfectly fine. That monster will be defeated and the he will focus on himself. But still the damage of the city continues to grow, Loki has to admit that they might be going a bit far, but this is nothing compared to what he has done.

He might as well go back inside and try to see if he can protect the apartment, the last thing he needs is to deal with the fact that not only he would need to find a new place to stay. But part of him doesn't want Darcy to come home and find her home completely destroyed, not that he cares about Darcy or wants to be partially responsible for possibly leaving Darcy homeless. Not only he won't be able to escape her constant reminders, but it might increase the chances that someone might find out his presence on this planet and him being taken back to Asgard as a prisoner.

Before he can even make it inside, there is suddenly a scream and judging from the sound of it. The person who screamed sounds like they are in trouble and that they need help right now. Loki starts to get a little curious and wonders what might be going on and to see what might be happening, so he starts to run towards the cries for help and to see the current events. He doesn't know what he might do once he gets there, but he knows that he won't be able to do anything unless he uses an illusion to hide himself. Though he wouldn't take action unless it is absolutely necessary and he knows that he has to avoid as many confrontations and troubling moments as he can. It has to be this way, for the sake of his freedom and himself...

Chapter Text

Loki continues to follow the cries, not even knowing why he is this curious on seeing what's going on. But he knows that he probably won't let any of his curiosity go until he figures out what might be going on, from the sound of it he believes that the cries sound so much like a child. That alone is making his curiosity get the better of him and it probably won't escape his mind for a while and he might even be letting his curiosity get the better of him. At least, he will have a chance to fight off some Dark Elves, since he's not going to let them get away with nearly killing him and to some extent Thor and Jane that easily. Plus there is also the fact that they are working for Malekith and one of his allies is Kurse, he may not know who was in the room when his mother died, but he blames them all for it. He can hardly wait to make them all pay for what they did and to make sure that they don't get away with what they did to Frigga and everything they have done against him.

When the screams starts to get louder, Loki creates an illusion of himself in order to not be seen by anyone that might be in the area. He takes a good look at the area to see who might be causing the screams and then spotted something that he did not expect. He sees a small child, a girl to be exact about to meet her end by a Dark Elf who is about to stab her. The girl looks like if she is about seven or eight years old, if he has guess when it comes to human years and from one look of the Elf, he notices an evil grin that indicates that he's enjoying himself. No one needs to tell him that the Dark Elves are now enjoying torturing humans or rather human children, not that he cares about the well being of a child who had nothing to do with the current problem at hand.

He can't believe that this is what all of the commotion is about and part of him just wants to interfere for the sake of the fun that it would lead. He would be going around stopping all of the Dark Elves that dares come to this area and at least he would give them all trouble. Even he decides that he might as well do it, he knows that it wouldn't hurt to actually save the child from the fate that the Dark Elf is about to place on her. He would be no different than Laufey and to some extent Odin, if he simply just leaves the young girl to fend for herself. Besides he will mostly be causing trouble for the Dark Elves, he isn't trying to help her or anything. He is just going to cause some trouble for them and that will ultimately result in saving a child's life and then it will end there.

He uplifts the illusion and begins to fight off the Dark Elf and is doing everything to speed things up, he focuses hard on trying to hit the Dark Elf and making sure that it doesn't escape from the area. The Dark Elf tries to put up a fight against Loki and to see if he can stab Loki or distract him long enough to make a sneak attack of some kind. But Loki is one step ahead of the Elf as he quickly uses his magic to create an illusion of himself to distract the Elf and to get close enough to the girl and to get her out of the way. To make sure that it would buy him enough time to get out of there with the child safe and sound.

The plan works perfectly as the Dark Elf begins to fight off the illusion and is trying to hit it with everything he has. Even though there is the fact that the illusion is passing through his every attack. Loki can't believe how much of a foolish imbecile the Dark Elves are. He can't believe that they are all so blinded by their desire to win the fight that they don't even stop to think that there might be something wrong and they need to prepare themselves. If that's what all of the Dark Elves are like, he figures that Thor will have an easy win.

He quickly reveals himself to the girl and use an illusion to cover them and takes her away from the Dark Elf to a safe distance. Before the girl can even have a chance to say a word, Loki quickly creates another illusion of himself and then later use one to cover himself. About to finish off the Dark Elf, but he didn't get that far as he sees the the Elf has brought out the daggers that creates vortexes and called in some reinforcements. Loki quickly realize what is going on and how things are about to get worse as he sees two more appear in the area. He quickly returns back to the girl, ready to help her and to finish this. Though he does feel a little awkward as this is the second time he has ever saved a human and doesn't know what to say as he reappears in front of the girl. He figures that he might as well start with the most obvious question.

"Are you alright?" Asked Loki who is already feeling a sense of nervousness.

The last thing he needs is to find himself in a medical situation that would guarantee that he would get caught because he didn't bring a bottle of potion with him and left it back in the apartment. It is already painful to think of the embarrassment of being caught in less than a day. He will never live it down and there is no way he is going to submit himself to that, but at the same time he feels a need to help the girl and remembers the memories of finding out the truth and the feelings of abandonment. He doesn't want to inflict that, if he could avoid it.

"Yeah I'm alright, but my family is still trapped in my building." Said the girl pointing out to the building. "Those scary monsters are taking over and they can't get out."

Loki is feeling a sense of where this might be heading and he is really hoping that he is wrong.

"Can you rescue them? I really need them, they are the only family I have and I owe them everything." Said the girl. "They took and gave me a home from the orphanage when I was three, if they die like my last parents... No one wanted me back then, they might not want me now and I love them."

Loki stares at the girl, realizing that they were more similar than he thought. He realizes that he can't leave just get up and leave, the girl is in a similar position and he should help her to make sure that he she doesn't even know what it's like to be in his position. But more importantly, he can't allow himself to be discovered by anyone else in this planet. If he leaves, the girl would tell someone what happened and they might get suspicious figure out that he has returned to Earth and then it will later lead to someone figuring out that he is on Earth and he can't afford that. Plus not too mention, he would have a chance to face off more of the Dark Elves and part of him doesn't even know how he would feel if he later finds out that he was responsible for having a child get hurt. There is only one thing for him to do...

"How many are in your family?" asked Loki ready to get the girl's family to safety for her sake and leave as quickly as he can.

"Well, there's my mom, my dad, my little brother, my baby brother and sister. They're twins by the way and my mom just had them and there's also my pets, Taffy and Layla." said the girl. "Taffy is my kitty and Layla is big puppy, you got to help them! Please!"

Loki can't help but wonder what in the nine realms did he just get himself into? He did not expect to needing to save all of these lives, let alone wonder what a kitty is and what does the young girl mean by 'big puppy?' He doesn't even know how he can do it without looking suspicious and quickly realize that he can use his magic to create an illusion that might make him be completely unrecognizable. That can work, if this young girls' parents doesn't see who he is, then they would trust him for long enough to follow him out of the building. Then that way, he would not be recognize and jeopardize his secret, the family would be saved and the girl wouldn't be put in a place where she would get hurt and he can move past this. He turns to the girl, looking pretty confident on his quick thinking and ready to get this over with and yet provide some comfort to the child.

"I will do everything I can to save them, but I only need you to do one little thing for me, alright?" said Loki. "For now, stay here and if one of those monsters comes by then run and hide from them, I'll come find you once I get everyone out. Right now I can't protect you from them and need your help in keeping you safe and... I just need you to be a little warrior for a little while, can you do that for me?"

"Yeah, I think I can and will." said the girl rather excitedly and Loki just gives her a sincere grin, he is about to leave before. "Quick question, are you a superhero?"

"Uh... you can say that..." said Loki slightly taken aback before he starts to race towards the building.

He is surprised by the question and how this child can remain so innocent, did she ever see any footage of the attack he created back in New York? He's assuming that there would have been video footage because of the screens and everyone seems to know of him and his attack. But then again, maybe the girl either doesn't remember any of it or paid attention to the news to see that he is no hero. But right now that doesn't matter and he has to get this over with, if he wants to keep his secret and he can't even believe that he is racing towards a burning building. The thing he must do now to ensure that his secret remains safe and now all he has to do is to make sure that none of the Dark Elves notices him. So Loki quickly creates an illusion of normal people who are just trying to live their lives for the Dark Elves to distract them and once the Elves sees them, they begin to chase after the 'humans.' But every time they try to chase after them, the Dark Elves winds up running into trees, cars, mailboxes and telephone poles.

Loki smirks at the sight and laughs at the tomfoolery, he is happy that his mischief is causing the Dark Elves some trouble and even more so as he is about to reach the building. That things are now working through swimmingly and he is getting the area in a quick manner where he is able to get there without anyone spotting him. Though that didn't stop him for having a moment to enjoy the chaos that is happening and the difficulty the Dark Elves are having and how he is the cause of it. If he didn't have to rescue the girls's family to protect his secret then he would have stayed to enjoy the show. But he has to get to that building and then save the family, with the hope that they will not suspect a thing and to get over this with.

He is standing right in front of the building, ready for to enter it and to do everything to save this girl from the pain that he knows that every child shouldn't have to experience and one that he is ready to prevent. He has to, if he doesn't then he would be discovered and then it will all be over for him. From one look at the building, he is already dreading what he is going to do and wishes that it would be over already, as he makes his first steps into the building and is about to do a task that he can't fail or even try to succeed in the task that he is going to do. As the flames of the fire continues to grow, Loki's confidence continues to grow as he believes that this won't take any longer than a few seconds.

A couple seconds later in the burning building

Loki makes it inside and sees the sight of the building and how it currently crumbling apart, as the fire continues to spread and to continue to consume every corner of the building. That there is a lot of smoke clouding up the area and the view is fogged up, Loki doesn't even think that creating an illusion is necessary, but he did cast a spell that allows him to see through the smoke and flames, he starts to try to see if he can spot the young girl's family and walks around to make progress and to make sure that he stays away from the flames that is creating some discomfort for him.

Ignoring his heritage, there's the mere fact that he is now inside a burning building and that alone is dangerous for anyone regardless of what they are. He just hopes that the enchantments placed by Odin are strong enough that the most he would get are just small burn marks as the rest of Asgardians. But still he has been close to fire in the past and he should be fine, he hasn't had to pay any consequences from it, though he can't stand a hot summer day from the mere fact that it is more of an annoyance that he always finds himself in the palace with some cooling spells, so he can read in peace and the only go out when nescicarry. At least thing are going smoothly, as he makes it through and makes sure that he avoids the flames at all cost.

He tries to see if he can spot anything or anyone in the flames, he doesn't seems to be seeing anything and just hopes that he doesn't have to go up to any of the other floors to try to find them. That is until he hears what he made out to be a howl, specifically from a dog, deciding that it might be best to follow it and see where it might lead, with the hopes that it would lead to the young girl's family and that he would be done with the task. He continues to follow the howls, as he hears it get louder and louder as he continues to head right towards the sound. Once he gets to the sound where it hits the loudest, he quickly looks around for any sign of the family, until he manages to catch sight of them and before he can go towards them, he quickly place an illusion over him in order for them not to recognize him. Loki heads towards them and is about to say something, he doesn't know what or he will have a chance to say it...

"Oh, thank goodness someone finally found us!" said the girl's mother with relief in her voice. "We were beginning to worry that no one would find us."

"Is everyone alright?" asked Loki hoping that he won't have to deal with anyone with any injuries.

"Yes, we are all fine." said the girl's dad, Loki takes a glance over making sure that everyone's there. "But my daughter... Casey, she got out, those things were chasing after her and-"

"Your daughter's fine." said Loki as he sees the sigh of relief from both of the parents. "We met prior and she told me that you all were in here, I said I would find and save you all."

Despite feeling some regret of the reminder of what he has lost and how he destroyed the only family that ever cared for him, he pushes that aside and tries to think of a way to try to get the family out and to find some kind of escape route or to think of a plan that might speed up the rescue. Sure he can try to see if his Jontun powers might put out the fire and they can all simply walk out of building, but that wouldn't be keeping a low profile and would give him away. Besides it would reveal a part of himself that he is still ashamed about and wish that he can find a spell to get rid of that part of himself. He has to find a way to get out without resorting to that and he already has come up with a plan that might work and if luck is on their side then he might get everyone out exactly how he got in.

"I know a way out and I am going to need you all to follow me, it's very close by and I need you all to stay close." said Loki as he gives the family explicit instructions and then give them a good look. "Are you all ready for this?"

After earning a couple of nods and yeses, Loki begins to lead the way and making sure that every single member of the family is following after him and to head right where he got inside the building. Making sure that both the dog and cat are following them and that the young boy is safe and just grateful that the family is carrying the babies, he doesn't know how Thor can handle going through this and stay sane. So far, there hasn't been any complications or anything that would cause an inconvenience, he is just relieve that the path is still clear and he can lead the family out. They are still in a building that at any moment ready to drop something on them or the firey flames can grow in a second, the following couple of minutes feels like hours as Loki leads the family to safety, he doesn't even know how much longer he can take this. That is until...

They finally reaches the door and are now one step closer to safety and is about to reach their way to the door, to escape from the building that is ready to colaspe at any moment. Loki is just relieved that this entire ordeal is almost over, that he will move past this and that he will never have to do any of this again. Well, it would have been that way if something didn't stop them and the sound of the roof didn't just dominate the environment, from one look it doesn't look stable enough for it to hold and before a chance for anyone to say something the roof starts to crumble and collapse. Without wasting a second, they all managed to get out of the way just in time, though Loki wishes that the same luck would have allowed things to be easier on him. Since half of the family is on the other side near the door and Loki and the other half is still stuck inside the building, needing to find another way out.

Loki does a quick head count and sees that the girl's father holding one of the babies and the cat are near the exit, while he is stuck with the mother with the other baby, the boy and the dog still trap inside the building and they need to find another way out. Loki gives out a groan as he sees the severity of the situation and realizes that he needs to find another way out right now. Maybe there is a back exit, he remembers that some of the buildings in Midgard has another exit, he remembers seeing some of the Asgardians racing out of the building from that type of exit. Maybe all he has to do is find one of these exits and then lead them out, it's the only solution they can do and one that he hopes that he would have to try and has to or else he would be trapped as well.

"We don't have enough time to get everything out of the way without the building collapsing on us. We are going to need to find another way out, do either of you know where there might be another exit?" said Loki hoping that someone would give him an answer without having to resort to magic.

"There is an emergency exit on the other side of the building." said the girl's mother. "It's right past the lobby and it's through the hallway and then it will be right there."

"Good, it's close by." said Loki as he turns to look at the other half with a look of confidence. "You all go on ahead, I will get everyone out the other way and will have them meet you outside. Your daughter is nearby hiding from those creatures that are now distracted to say the least and it's not going to last forever, now go before it's too late."

"Ok, are you sure that it might still be possible and that-" starts the girl's father before...

"Of course it's possible and I am sure we will be able to handle whatever might come our way." said Loki. "I can assure you all that I will succeed in getting everyone out of here and they will be unharmed. Now go."

"I-" starts the father wanting to thank Loki, but he's not having any of it.

"Leave, have you forgotten we are still inside a burning building?" said Loki not even bothering it to hide frustrations before turning to the others with a calm expression. "Let's go."

With that they all went their separate ways as they continue to escape the firefly flames and the Dark Elves that are ready to make an attack. Loki tries to find a way to escape from the firely building and to continue on the directions that the mother is giving him. He has to find a way out, if he doesn't then he would be trapped and would later have to pay his consequences. During the hurry, the young boy trying to keep up and trying to fight off all the fears that he has been trying to get past as they make it deeper into the burning building and get closer to the exit. The young boy tries to grab the closest hand that he can grab a hold of, to get some comfort of the situation and to at least get some comfort and someone who would give it to him. It turns out to be Loki's hand, instead of trying to shake it off or being annoyed by it, he just allows the boy to keep hold of his hand until he finds a way out from the firely building and to find a way out. He continues to head his way out and to get closer to the exit that will allow them their escape and to return to safety.

Eventually they find their way to the door and to much of Loki's surprise and relief, they have all managed to get through this without any kind of set back or having to resort in using his magic and that it somehow worked out. Before anyone can get out of the building, Loki quickly just goes up ahead, to see if the door is safe and to make sure that they can walk through it without having to worry about the fire. To make sure that no sudden blast of fire comes out and Loki would have to use his magic to put it out, he gives a sigh of relief as he opens the door and they are now free from the fire. But only to give a groan a little later, as he sees a group of three Dark Elves walking through the alley way, making sure to hunt down their next victim and help Malekith bring darkness to the universe. It looks like he has to deal with the Dark Elves and to make sure that they don't stand in his way.

"Listen, these creatures want nothing more but to cause pain and destruction, they are not leave anyone alone until we all meet our deaths." said Loki. "I will hold them off while you all run. Don't worry about me, I have experience in fighting off creatures that are impossibly irritating. Just run and find your family, save yourselves before it's too late."

"Wow, you're so cool and-" starts the young boy who is happy to have met Loki and his help, though the reaction catches Loki by surprise and confused by what the boy meant by 'cool.'

"Now Timmy,-" starts the mother before realizing that her son has somewhat of a point and turns to Loki. "I don't know how to thank you-"

"If you don't leave then your appreciation might not be applicable." said Loki. "The moment where I start to attack them, I will need you all to run as fast as you can and to make sure that you all leave before they try to follow you and make sure that you all put a good distance away from them."

Before any of them can have a chance to say anything, Loki simply starts to head right towards the Dark Elves and begins to fight them off. He focuses on trying to make sure that they are so distracted while they are fighting off him that they are not even noticing that the remainder of the family are escaping. He is more than eager to take down all of these elves, to not only to make sure that his efforts haven't been for nothing, but these Dark Elves might have been there when his mother died and it would definitely be fun if he gives them the defeat that they deserve. He focuses hard on trying to see if he can take the Elves down in one go, but they are putting up a good fight and one that is harder than before. Since the Dark Elves are ready to fight off Loki and are ready to fight off anyone that might stand in their way and to bring down another Asgardian and have another casualty.

But Loki is not going to give up without a fight and just starts to fight even harder than he has before and is hitting the army of Dark Elves with everything he got and making sure that he put in more force and his attacks counteracts the Dark Elves and thus keeping them all in an equal fighting range and continues to fight them off until he ultimatelt dominates the fight and one where he is about to win. When he got close enough to the Dark Elves and without waiting for the right moment, he stabs each of the Dark Elves with the portal vortexes daggers and before they can have a chance to retaliate. The vortexes started to form and absorb the Elves just as Kurse did. Loki feels a sense of satisfaction as each of the Dark Elves are now no longer a threat. Regardless of his opinion of the Dark Elves, he really admires the daggers that creates vortexes. What better way of defeating one's opponent and destroying them in one go?

He figures that it might be best if he returns back to Darcy's apartment before he gets himself in more trouble or runs into Thor or another scenario where he has to play the hero. The last thing he needs is to draw any more attention to himself, but before he can even have a chance to leave the alley, more Dark Elves start racing towards him. Ready to fight and make sure that no one but themselves leaves the alley. Loki gives them all a frustrated look as he sees the Dark Elves approaching him, ready to give him a fight that is going to be an easy win.

"Oh, come on." said Loki with an annoyed groan, as he pulls out his daggers and race over to start to fight off the Dark Elves.

The fight begins almost immediately and Loki doesn't waste a second to fight off the Dark Elves and continue to fight them off. He doesn't know how many more he would have to fight off, but he's ready to fight them off and is going to keep doing so until he eventually wins. He is hitting the Dark Elves with everything he got and is going to keep up the fight until he eventually wins. But little does he know that there is someone else there, keeping a close eye on him and watching his every move, the creature is ready to report to it's master on this development. That Loki is on this planet and they can finally make him pay for everything that happened and that they are ready to make their master happy and can't wait to finish what they have started...

A Couple Hours Later, in Darcy's apartment

Loki is now sitting on the couch, experimenting the television remote and seeing how this piece of Earth technology works. For once, he is just happy to be back and to finally be back in the apartment and to have an opportunity to finally be back in the apartment. He has been tired fighting off the Dark Elves and just wants to do nothing more but to relax and rest for a little while. He is glad that he doesn't have to fight off any more of the Dark elves and that he can move past what happened, there is no way he is going to do any of this ever again. If this is what Thor and his newfound friends do everyday or whenever something catastrophic happens, then he has to wonder how can any of them stay sane?

At least for now all of it is over and he can just relax for a little bit before anything else can happen, then he will focus on his next move and where to go after he leaves Earth. He does admire how humans managed to create pieces of technology that hasn't been in Asgard yet, but some of them does seem pointless. He doesn't see the point of anyone sitting around and staring at a screen all day. At least when Darcy comes back then he would at least have someone to talk too rather than try to figure out what he should do next. He doesn't even know how Darcy can handle living in this home without having something decent to read or any forms of actual literature easily available. Maybe he can ask if she knew where he can find something more suitable to read, one where he can at least explore his options. For now, he might as well see the wonders of this thing that humans called television until Darcy returns.

Soon Darcy arrives and from one look at her, she is feeling a sense of excitement from the day's events and is exhausted from her part of the fight against the Dark Elves. She doesn't even know what excites her the most, the mere idea that she helped stop the invasion and that Ian also asked her out and became her boyfriend. After he saved her during the battle and gaining the courage to ask her out after they won. She now has a boyfriend and is going to have some more excitement in her life, though she is going to have to tell Loki this. Since he is going to need to know that she is going to be out of the house more often and he won't be seeing her that much, it might be a good starting point for them to have a friendly conversation and smooth over the argument they had. There is still some anger and awkwardness between them that should get resolved if they are going to make this work.

"Hey, how's it going?" said Darcy hoping that this would be breaking the ice.

Loki just grumbled and gave a shrug, much to Darcy's annoyance and quickly figures out that it must be from the argument earlier. Though she figures that it would be this way, but still it mostly his fault in the first place, that they even argued because he acted like if he became king of this apartment and expected her to be his loyal servant or something. But she is not going to back down that easily and is going to try her best to be friendly towards Loki, even if he is being a pain at the moment and try to be a good roommate.

"Well, today has been really crazy and I can't believe that everything happened. I mean it's a Elf invasion, what could be cooler than that?" said Darcy rather excitedly. "Sure I'm kinda bummed out that I missed out on the adventure, I mean you get to go to this other planet to stop at least one of them and get to have an out of this world experience."

"Darcy, it is not as wonderful as you make it sound and I can tell you that was anything but enjoyable." said Loki with annoyance in his voice.

"Yeah, I know that it was more of a get back at the guy who killed your mom and save the world sort of deal." said Darcy. "But who wouldn't want to have some kind of life changing adventure?"

Before Loki can even have a chance to answer and even change the channel that he is now on, the programing is interrupted by a breaking news bulletin. Catching both of them by surprise and yet they are both feeling a sense of different emotions as they see the screen. Darcy's excitement only grows like wildfire as she sees as what the news story might be and that they are going to put everything she did to help on the news and while Loki just rolled his eyes. The last thing he needs is to hear about one of Thor's latest accomplishments and he can already tell that Thor won against the Dark Elves from simply seeing Darcy's excited attitude and the mere fact that the universe hasn't blown up in an everlasting darkness. He is about to pick up the remote once again, before...

"Don't change it!" cried out Darcy hastily. "I want to see what happened today and hear everything."

"Is that even necessary, you were there?" said Loki in disbelief.

"I know, but it's kinda cool to see what you did on tv." said Darcy. "Besides, wouldn't you want to see what happened and know everything what went down?"

"To tell you the truth, I would pretty much like to know if there is still the threat of the Dark Elves to worry about." said Loki. "So I am assuming that this device let us see what is going on in this planet and everything that might be involved?"

"Yes and no, since there are some things that appear that aren't real like tv shows and some that are like real like the news." said Darcy. "Now Shh! I want to hear this!"

Loki gives a sigh as he waits for the tv to start to report on the events on the past few hours, he knows that the reporter will probably cover the details of what went on and maybe even get a little over excited about Thor being in this particular Midgard city. That alone would make any of these humans excited and he knows that after saving this planet again, he wouldn't be surprised if they are ready to give him a victory parade to thank him. But little does Loki knows that the news report is not going to be as predictable as it appears...

Chapter Text

"Good evening, after a day of another alien invasion on Earth, I am happy to report that the invasion is now over and clean up crews are starting to come in to clean up the left over debris from the attack." said the reporter in front of a wreckage. "There hasn't been any more sightings of the unknown beings."

Once the reporter said that, both Loki and Darcy just gives a sigh of relief as they hear that confirmation and the idea that they no longer have to deal with the Dark Elves and they can move forward from all of this. Loki is just happy that his mother has been avenged and now he can try to move on, no matter how hard it might be, since he has lost everything in past two years and the past couple of days is the moment where his fate is sealed and he can't go back. He can't go back home, he has lost his mother and all chances to ever try to make amends to his father or rather Odin, since he doesn't deserve to still call him, his father after everything that happened. That now both Thor and Odin now think he's dead and there is no way he can ever reveal himself without having to pay the consequences later and right now he has to focus on trying to get past everything and figure out his next move. At least he doesn't have to worry about the Dark Elves anymore and he can move past all of this.

"Now this is so awesome!" said Darcy rather excitedly catching Loki by surprise. "I can't believe that I helped stop a Dark Elf invasion! Isn't that so cool?!"

"Come on, it's just a typical invasion." said Loki annoyed. "It's not like you actually stopped it."

"But it's still great to see what I did on the news." said Darcy returning the annoyed tone, before turning back to the tv in excitement. "Now shh! I want to hear the next part."

"That's right folks, the one and only Avenger from Asgard, Thor saved London from what could have been a major catastrophe." said the reporter. "He returned to Earth to save us all from the imminent threat according to bystanders and Video footage."

"Typical, he was only here for a day and already the Midgardians are worshipping him." Said Loki. "I wouldn't be surprised if they are ready to declare a holiday dedicated to him."

"As we get further development of this story, we are getting reports and following another recent story." said the reporter. "Apparently Thor isn't the only hero in London today, we have gotten recent reports of a mysterious hero."

"What?!" said Darcy who is surprised by the news and eagerly waits for more details.

"That's right folks, a mysterious stranger went out of his way to save some lives that could have been lost today." the reporter continues. "We also received some video footage of this stranger fighting off some of the aliens from earlier."

The next thing both Loki and Darcy knew is that they are watching the footage of Loki fighting off the Dark Elves and as Loki continues to see the video, the footage makes his presence look blurry and the illusion helped make him look completely unrecognizable and at the same time. But still the unwanted attention is not making Loki feel any good, he just hopes that for some miracle no one would piece together the puzzle and realize that it was him. The last thing he wants is to deal with Thor, Jane or any of the Avengers. He can't believe that he even bothered to save those people and even with all of the precautions he took, he was still caught. What was he thinking?

Darcy is focussing on the tv screen and tries to see who might be the mysterious hero, before it came to her that from what she have seen on the tv and the sight of what happened. Remembering all of the time that she spent doing her part in helping to stop the Dark Elves, aside from them, she didn't really see anyone else fighting off the Dark Elves and quickly put the pieces together. She turns to see Loki as she realize the truth and figures that aside from them, he's the only one who knew about the Dark Elf invasion and could have been able to put up a fight or at least have enough reason to fight off the Dark Elves. The only one that knows enough to put up a fight and yet has a reason to be upset about the Dark Elves to be ready to fight them off, but at the same time she thinks that it would be so awesome if Loki did that and really hope that he did do it.

"That was you isn't it?" asked Darcy surprised and unsure about her roommate. "Did you really help those people?"

"It appears so and I am starting to hate these phone devices." said Loki with a sigh as he stared at the tv annoyed at the development.

"Thanks to this hero, he not only defeated some of the creatures but he also saved an entire residential area from the attacks." continued the reporter. "I'm here now with the Evans family who claims to have met the hero and is willing to tell the story of how he saved them from these alien beings."

The cameras heads over to focus on the family that Loki saved a few hours ago, he is relieved to see that the family is alright and his efforts were not all for nothing and that at least they all made it out alive. But he still wishes that his actions didn't land on the Midgardians' minds and really hopes that no one else figures it out that it was him and Thor will tell everyone of his 'death' in the coming days, so anyone else would give up on that theory. Even then he was under an illusion and there is also the fact that his reputation would be the cover that he needs to keep anyone from finding out the truth. The last thing he needs is for his attempts of unintentionally saving that family to bring him any trouble, as much as he enjoys receiving the positive attention and taking it away from his brother for a brief second, he still has to make sure that no one else knows he's on Midgard.

"So tell me about this guy, how did this mystery stranger found you guys?" asked the reporter as he reach out his microphone towards the family. "Did any of you see what he might have looked like?"

"Due to the smoke, we didn't get a good look of him, my husband with one of our babies and our cat were the first to make it out. My son or I didn't have a chance to glance at him before he started distracting the Dark Elves for the rest of us to escape." said Mrs. Evans. "By the time we left and found the others, he was gone. I have no idea on how-"

"He's really nice, I told him where everyone is! I saw him!" said Casey excitedly. "He has a nice black and green suit, with long black hair! He saved me from the monsters and said that he would love to save my family."

"Really? You would 'love to save her family?" asked Darcy in disbelief and in an almost mocking tone.

"I never said that specifically, I believe that girl is exagerrgtinng." said Loki hastily.

As the girl continues to talk, he grows more worried from the girl's rambling and hopes that Thor wasn't watching this or putting the pieces together. Since from the sound of it, she is doing a good job praising him and at times he feels it is a little too good of a job. They continue to watch the girl rambling his her praise, Darcy can't help but let out of a giggle as she sees the scene plays out. She finds it cute that the girl is praising Loki nonstop and find it funny how he doesn't know what to make all of it. Along with being a little impressed by what Loki did and starting to see him in a new light, one that she doesn't know if anyone other than Thor or his mom has ever seen. Before she can say anything...

"That's enough Casey, we don't want to embarrass your newfound friend." said her mom patiently and playfully as Loki gives a sigh of relief.

"Besides, we're almost out of time, is there anything else you would want to say before we go?" asked the reporter.

"Yes I do." said Casey before anyone has a chance to say anything. "Hi out there! Thank You!"

"I do as well. If you're watching, I would like to thank you for your bravery and for saving my life. More importantly my family, I wish you the best and hope that we can meet again someday." said Mr. Evans. "I will always be grateful for what you did for us."

Without even saying another word, Loki quickly and quietly turns off the tv and takes a quick second to reflect on the entire situation. He's annoyed by the revelation of what he did and at the same time, feels a sense of gratitude from the recognition and how the family was grateful of what he did for them. Though he is more worried that this could have and might still lead to his exposure of his survival and being on Earth. It doesn't help that Darcy is now staring at him in disbelief about what just happened and he is starting to become nervous on how she is going to react to it and what she is going to say.

"Loki, what you did was amazing!" said Darcy excitedly to much of Loki's surprise before turning annoyed.

"No it was not." said Loki. "That was a foolish mistake I just made, I could have done more harm than good by endangering myself in that building. Not too mention, it nearly exposed my presence on this planet and it could have led to more complications for me later on."

"But Loki, you're a hero." said Darcy pointing out the facts and is surprised that Loki would be so dismissive towards what happened. "You saw those people on tv they're happy that you did what you did and-"

"I am not a hero, I was just someone who wanted to do nothing more than give the Dark Elves a hard time while I was on my walk." said Loki. "I only even came across them because I was nothing more than curious in what was going on when I heard that child's cries for help, I wasn't planning to save her, let alone everyone in that area." I only did it... to protect my identity being revealed and later continue living my life on the run without ever having to deal anything of this sort again."

"Yeah, but you still went out of your way to save them whether it's intentional or not." said Darcy. "I mean you saved those many lives and that alone makes you a hero right? I mean going out there and doing everything to-"

"Darcy, I am not a hero and I don't believe in the foolish philosophy that my brother does." said Loki. "I am just someone who wanted nothing more to look after myself and I am not going to make a habit of going around saving humans."

"That won't change the fact that you are a hero and what you did, saving these people's lives was wonderful." said Darcy. "You shouldn't be ashamed of it, whether it was intentional or not, you still saved all of those people. Once people start to find out that it was you, then they are so going to forgive you or at least start to see you differently."

"Darcy this is a one time thing, there is no way I am going to do that again or even consider making this a reoccurrence." said Loki. "It would be best if you forget about all of this and the idea of me becoming a hero. If I want to deal with unwanted popularity and an angry Thor then that would be the best course of action and it would be best if we ignore all of this and move on before it goes too far."

With that Loki simply leaves the living room and heads right into the kitchen, to try to see if there is something edible in the refrigerator and to try to forget about everything that happened and hope that it won't lead to anymore trouble for him. While Darcy stayed and turned on the tv to see if there are more reports about Loki's heroism or find other stations that are now reporting on it. From the look of things, she starts to see that Loki is on the starting point of change and one that she sees that he has the potential of being a good guy and that this could be the turning point for Loki. That maybe he can change and he already started to change, maybe all Loki needs is a push in the right direction.

All she needs to do is give Loki that push and try to help him, to show him that he can be something more and to help him become a good guy. Darcy knows that he might want to do good things rather than evil things that might end up being destructive such as taking over a planet if he sees how much more rewarding than going down that dark path. Darcy knows that he is starting to change and maybe she can help, to get him to see that he can be a hero or it's the last thing she do.

Meanwhile back in Asgard

Thor just arrived back, leaving the comforts of Earth, Jane and the friends he made there to face his father and to deliver the news of his victory and Loki's death and to bring the Aether to Asgard for safe keeping. He is saddened by the recent events and how he has lost half of his family in less than a week, how he has failed to save his mother and let Loki out of the dungeon to face his death. If he haven't asked Loki for his help then maybe he would still be alive in his cell and be safe from the wrath of the Dark Elves. It is his fault that it led to Loki's death and he will forever have to live with that as he continues to go down the halls that are full of memories of the time that they spent growing up and every moment of being together.

He eventually made it to the throne room, not even sure how he is going to break the news to his father or if he would be ready for the next part. Thor figures that it might be best if he starts with the good news and then transition towards the bad news. He doesn't even know if it was more for his father or for himself. But he is going to have to to do it and is about to face his father with not only the truth but to also make the request that he has been wanting to make. He heads his way towards Odin, ready to say the words that he needs to say and at the same time he also is ready to follow his own desires with the hope that his father would be willing to let him go.

"Um... Hello Father." said Thor trying hard to hide his own anxiety with a straight face.

"Thor, I thought that you would be off celebrating with your friends either on Midgard or find time for both." said Odin catching Thor by surprise and quickly offered an explanation. "I had Heimdell watch the battle and report the results of your glorious victory."

"I also have more news to share and it might not be as glorious." said Thor as he looks down on the ground somberly and sighs. "Loki is dead and I would like to return to the Dark World and retrieve his body."

"I know, a guard came to me yesterday and told me everything." said Odin catching Thor by surprise. "He also took the liberty of burring Loki's body for us and gave him the respect of burying him and giving him a private funeral for us."

Thor starts to feel immediate anger at himself from this development and is upset that he failed his brother again. He didn't even have a chance to pay his final respects and lay him to rest, he couldn't keep a promise to Loki even after he died saving him. Thor can't even keep the promise now, if Loki is now buried and Thor couldn't even be there for that. Then he failed his brother yet again, a random guard took care of it without even thinking of anything else. Why didn't he do it himself after the sandstorm? Now Thor feels that he has abandoned Loki yet again and doesn't even know how he will ever move past the immerse guilt that he is now feeling or if he will ever be ready to move past this moment and will face the guilt that he is now feeling for the rest of his life.

"Now I know that I would never be a good king, if I can barely keep a promise to a dead Loki, how am I going to keep my word an entire realm?" said Thor hiding his true emotion "Let alone protect it and many others as well." t

"I believe that you would make a great king and Loki would agree if had never gone down the path of a tyrant. He saved both of your lives and that alone is more than enough for you to honor his sacrifice." said Odin who has the feeling that this is about Thor being king. "You once said there would never be a wiser king than me, you were wrong, the alignment has brought all the realms together. Every one of them saw you offer your life to save them. What can Asgard offer its new king in return?"

"My life Father, I can not be king of Asgard. I will protect Asgard with my last and every breath, but I can not do from that chair. Loki for all of his grave imbalance understood rule as I know I never will." said Thor. "The brutality, the sacrifice, it changes you. I would rather be good man than a great king, I may have saved all of the nine realms, but I am not ready to sit upon a throne and rule. I wish to spend time with my friends on Earth, be with Jane and at times to return here to see you and my friends in Asgard before even considering to take the throne."

"One son who wanted the throne, another who will not take it? Is this my legacy?" asked Odin surprised to see how crazy the family has become since the first coronation.

"Loki died with honor, I shall try to live the same, isn't that legacy enough?" said Thor. "If there's anything I have learned from all this is how precious time is and want to spend every moment treasuring the ones who I care about and to spend as much time with them. I don't want to lose another moment and lose the chance to spend time with anyone else I may care about."

"I see your point, I believe that it might be best for you to return to Earth for the time being and stay with these mortals until you are ready to take on the responsibilities. Asgard can't have a sentimental king who is not emotionally ready to take on the throne, you may return once you are ready to take on the throne as strong and emotionless as you are expected to be." said Odin. "One that has gotten over your grief and be ready to move on from the grief that is consuming you and be ready to take on the duties of a king."

"Thank you, father." said Thor as he hands out his hammer to Odin.

"You keep it, I have a feeling you might need it." said Odin.

Thor just gives a nod and leaves the throne room, he is glad that his father has given him the opportunity to return to Earth and at least understood what he might be going through. He stood up for what he believed in and allowed him to return to Earth, now he no longer has to worry about the burdens of the throne for the time being. But before he can return to the planet, he makes a detour to Loki's room, wanting nothing more to have one last moment to honor his brother. Ever since Loki fell to the void and the entire fiasco Loki caused on Earth, they never touched it or took anything out, Thor hopes that the same thing happens this time around as he looks at the room and remember all of the times they had together. Wishing that there was more that he could have done to save Loki and how he should have tried to reach out to his brother more.

He knows that he is going to honor the memory of his brother and is not going to forget what Loki did and for who he was before everything happened. Thor is going to make sure that he lives up to what his brother did for him and not let his sacrifice be in vain. It looks like he is going to have to move forward from all of this and try to get through this, as he leaves Loki's room for one final time and make his way towards the Bifrost. Every step he takes feels harder by the minute and he just wishes that time will start to fly faster and he would be back on Earth. All Thor could do and say is brief goodbyes to Sif and the Warriors Three, well the two that are in Asgard at the moment. When he finally arrive at the Bifrost, he just gives a brief greeting to Hiemdell as he requests to return to Earth and to try to move past the loss that he has and to move past the guilt that he is now feeling towards failing Loki. With only the hope that he will be able to find some form of healing during his time over in earth and ready to start his new life.

Once Thor is gone, Hiemdell wishes that he could tell Thor what he saw and this news is something he knows that would cheer him up and one that would end his misery. He is uncertain if it would be a good moment or if Thor would believe him or might even want to hear him say it, but one thing Hiemdell knows for sure is that he is going to keep an eye on Loki and see what happens, ready to alert Odin if Loki steps out of line. If Loki is going to use his second chance of life well and where would any of this leads...

Chapter Text

The Bifrost soon opened and landed Thor on Earth, he is still feeling all of the heavy emotions from everything that has happened recently and the loss that he has been feeling for both his mother and most of all for his brother. How he led Loki to his death and all of the time that they have lost in the past and how now they could never repair the broken relationship they both had and one that he was hoping that the journey to the Dark World would have been enough to give them some good footing where the two can bond and repair their relationship. Now that Loki is gone, they can never fix their relationship or he would ever see his brother again.

Now he is heading back to Jane's home, to try to get over the rough day that he has gone through and one where he is going to have move on from. But yet will always stick by him and the day will always be one that he is exhausted from the day events and from fighting off all of the Dark Elves and just yesterday he saw his brother die right in his arms. He had enough of this adventure and simply wants to go to Jane, talk to her about this and try to move on, no matter how hard it may be and all of the feelings of guilt and grief he is now feeling. Right now he is feeling a sense of emptiness that he doesn't even know how he could ever fulfill or even understand why he is feeling this void. He has gotten everything he wanted ever since he returned to Asgard after his banishment, he is free to stay on Earth, be with Jane and doesn't have to worry about the burdens of the throne anymore. What more does he want?

The answer is clear and that he wishes that Loki is still here and by his side, that things are the way it was before all of this happened, but that is something that he knows that it is never going to happen. But he wishes that he could still have the chance to do so, as he finally makes it to Jane's house and ready to enter and tell her everything that has happened, relieved that he is finally there and he can just go in without having to worry about anything else at the moment. He simply wants nothing more but to have some time for himself before he has to face whatever threat he would have to eventually fight off. He enters the house, catching Jane by surprise and she can already tell that things are not alright and she might as well start to break the ice and be there for him.

"Hey Thor." said Jane trying to be cheerful. "How did things go with your father go?"

"It went well..." said Thor rather sadly. "I told him about the battle, our victory and Loki. He said that I can stay in Midgard for a while, to recover and have some time for myself as I take some time to move pass Loki and everything that has happened."

That was one of the questions, that he was hoping that Jane wouldn't ask so soon. He does't want to talk about Loki so soon and reopen the wounds that he has been trying to conceal. The pain that he has been feeling over the course of the past day or so, the one that he has associate it with Loki at the moment and he doesn't know how he will move past Loki. How he can ever start to move on from all of this and wondering all of the things that could have been if he had try to reach out to him sooner or if he has never thought of asking Loki for his help, but it's too late and he will never know what would have happen or how to let go of the feeling of pain deep inside him.

While Jane look at Thor with emphaty, she knows that Thor is going through a hard time and how much he must be hurting from losing both his mother and his brother in less than a week. It must be too much for him to handle, that he lost two of the people that he cares the most about and for one of them, he couldn't have spend any time with due to recent events and how he didn't have the best relationship with Loki at the moment and they couldn't make the more memories with Loki before all of this happens. Especially since Thor and Loki must have had a strong bond and have been there together ever since they were kids. They must have had a close friendship if he is this upset about Loki, from the fact that Thor has already lost Loki twice before and this time it is worse just because Thor was about to finally win Loki back before he chose to sacrifice himself to save them and any chances of the two making amends disappeared.

"How did he take the news?" asked Jane. "When will you be going back to the Dark World?"

"He took the news surprisingly well, he fortunately found out and knew about Loki when I arrived." said Thor as calmly as he could without letting his guilt overtake him. "I am not going back to the Dark World, a guard went to look for us and found Loki's body. He already buried him for us, now I can't even go there and keep my promise to him..."

"He shouldn't have done that." said Jane almost immediately. "Loki was your brother, you should be the one out there, looking for him and planning a burial not that random guard."

"I strongly agree with you Jane, I fail him yet again..." said Thor. "I wish I was the one who buried him or at least be allowed to make one final goodbye. I wish I didn't make a promise that I wasn't able to keep and unwillingly break it before I have the chance to fulfill it."

"But you tried to keep it, that counts for something." said Jane. "Maybe one day, you could go back to the Dark World and see his grave. I'm sure your dad and Hiemdell would allow it and let you go see it for a day."

"What's the point? I don't want to see a grave, I just want to see my brother again, alive and well." said Thor. "Even if I try to look for the grave, it might take a while and even then there's no guarantee that I would ever find it. The surviving Dark Elves could have destroyed the grave and from judging from their attitude towards Asgardians and anyone that stands in their way. I wouldn't be surprise if there isn't anything out there to look for."

"But hey at least Loki has gotten some kind of respect and he's in a safe place now." said Jane trying to add a voice of comfort. "Loki didn't die as a maniac who tried to take over Earth, he made it up to you by doing everything he could to save us. He helped save the world and made a huge contribution that actually make everything better for all of us. I mean maybe if he had survived, then he would have seen the error of his ways and maybe try to make amends and redeem himself even further. He wouldn't have wanted you to be upset about him."

"I know, but it doesn't stop me from feeling guilty about failing him and how I failed to save him." said Thor. "It's not just Loki, there are many that lost their lives from this entire ordeal including my mother, I feel extreme guilt beyond one's comprehension. Now it only escalated the moment that Loki died right in my arms, it is my fault that he met this fate and now he's gone. He sacrificed himself to save us, I could have saved him but I didn't and instead I just let him die... Just like everyone else..."

"Thor, none of this was your fault." said Jane hoping that he would see that. "Sometimes things like this happens, sure the whole Dark Elves trying to destroy the entire universe is extremely rare. But losing people is never anyone's fault, all we can do is try to honor their memory and move forward with our lives, it's the least we can do for them and ourselves."

"I know..." said Thor. "But I still wish that I could have done more to save him."

"Yeah, I wish he is still alive too. You still have me and we are finally together again." said Jane. "Whatever happens next or any challenges up ahead, we are going to face it together. That all that should matter, you will always have the memories of the time that you had with Loki and your mom. Remember them and move forward, I'll be there for you and stay by your side."

At that moment, not another word can be said as the two shares a passionate kiss, one that is powerful and yet comforting as they are ready to face the future they now are going to spend together. Thor still feels the sense of guilt towards what happened to Loki and knows that he doesn't think that he is ever going to let that feeling go and knows that he is going to always remember what his brother meant to him and what he did for him. That deep down he will miss his brother and is going to make the most of his sacrifice. Even if the sacrifices that were made are weighing them down, but both of them knew that they have each other and that is the comfort that they need at moment. Thor is happy that he gets to have a chance to start a new life with Jane, they are both grateful for what Loki did for them and ready to face the future together.

Meanwhile back in the other side of the city, back in the Apartment

Darcy is hard at work in trying to make the perfect breakfast that is fit for a king and already has the perfect plan as she has the news on the background and paying attention to the tv. To make sure that she doesn't miss anything about a crime being reported and ready to get Loki in action, she is ready to get the first phase done and she just hopes that it would be as easy as she is hoping that it would be. The first step is apologies for the argument they had yesterday and get them on good terms, then she is going to butter Loki up by being nice to him like doing favors and nice things like making breakfast. Once he is in a great mood, then she will get Loki to go out on a "walk" with her and lead him to a crime scene and get him to help out. With luck on her side, then Loki will see how it's great to be a hero and will be thanking her. It's the perfect plan and one that she knows that Loki just needs a push, one that she is determined to give him.

Soon Loki arrives and make his way to the kitchen, he is still tired from events of yesterday and want nothing more but to relax and forget that everything that has happened. He is just ready to get up and leave the first chance he gets and simply go before any more attention is drawn to him, but before he can even have a chance to think of a plan, Loki just stops himself as he stares at the sight right before him in shock, he sees that the kitchen is filled with edible food and Darcy is now trying to do everything in the kitchen. He doesn't even know what to make of the scene or if he has anything to say on seeing Darcy trying to do everything for him when it comes to food. He's even asking himself if he's really awake?

"Good morning!" said Darcy rather excitedly as she does the finishing touches of the breakfast and trying to be extra nice to Loki. "Did you sleep well last night? I hope you're hungry, since right now we have plenty of food to eat."

"I slept well..." said Loki surprise and suspicious of Darcy's strange behavior. "Is there a Midgrdian holiday or a special occasion coming up?"

"What? Can't I do something nice for my roommate for once?" asked Darcy immediately and already starting to get nervous as she looks at Loki.

"Well, yes, I believe so..." said Loki confused. "But you have never done so in the past two days since I have been living with you."

"Yeah, I know... But I just wanted to make it up to you, about the argument that we had yesterday." said Darcy. "Plus I would like to get to know you better as a person, not from whatever the media, the Avengers or anyone has to say about you. I always believe that we should hear all sides of the story and plus it's kinda cool to have a super villain living with me and having the chance to talk to him about anything. So I just thought that it would be nice for us to get to know each other better and try to be good roommates rather than get on each other's nerves all the time."

Loki is surprised by this revelation and how Darcy is trying to get to know him or if she might have something else planned. He knows that Darcy might have some other reason why she trying to be so kind to him all of the sudden and that alone is what causing him to be more suspicious by the second. No one needs to be a deep thinker to know that there is more to whatever Darcy is up to and he is trying to figure out what it is and if it this reason might be putting him in a position where it would only lead him to trouble. He waits to see what Darcy might have to say or if she is going to say it at all, so that way he will at least have an idea on what she might be up to.

"I guess this is the part where I should be apologizing." said Darcy. "So, sorry about all of that, I acted like a jerk and hope that you might forgive me for all of that."

"It's fine, maybe our disagreement was partially my fault." said Loki much to Darcy's surprise and relief. "I did expect you to do everything and I should't have expected someone who is inexperienced to get everything right or at least shouldn't have placed all of that on you."

"Ok then I guess with that settled, that is I think." said Darcy. "Let's eat!"

The two soon starts to eat and enjoy the good meal, even if they have many things to think about when it comes to what would be the best thing to do their own individual plans and to somehow make them work out. There is a silence between them as they start to eat and to make the most of the meal that they are eating, at least the food was edible much to Loki's surprise and enjoyment. While Darcy is keeping an eye on the tv to see if there is anything that might be happening that would require some kind of superhero and so far there's nothing, but that doesn't mean it won't happen soon or if it might happen later. But still she has to find something and she might as well try to be a good roommate and try to be friendly.

"So... How are you enjoying Earth?" asked Darcy. "This is your second time on this planet right?"

"Well it's actually my third time on time on Midgard, it's not as bad as I remembered." said Loki. "Though I expected much worse than this, but then again the last time I was here I was trying to invade this planet. So my drive might have clouded my judgement from the entire experience."

"Alright, I'll take that as didn't have time to see anything or make a judgement." said Darcy. "Well Earth's not so bad once you get to see to see it, I'm sure that you might find at least one thing enjoyable."

"Maybe, if Midgardians aren't too busy around screaming or acting extra paranoid than it may be possible." said Loki who is annoyed at the sight he has seen so far.

"Well humans were running for their lives and too busy trying to escape from maniacs trying to take over the planet. Perhaps you should try to being on the other side of the story, sometime." said Darcy before she stops herself. "Sorry, I didn't mean like that-"

"I am not offended by that, at least you described Malekith accurately." said Loki. "At least he met his end and Thor dealt with him, for once I am happy that my brother was victorious in one of his battles."

"Ok, we know he's that bad if you are happy that your brother saved the day." said Darcy. "But still ignoring everything that went down the last time, I'm sure that deep down you still care about him and-"

"I never said that I didn't, I don't know why even after everything that happened, but I still care for him." said Loki. "Even more now, I don't know if it's from what he said before we got the Aether out or everything that has happened all at once or-"

"He's your brother and you're going to still care about him no matter what happens." said Darcy catching Loki by surprise by her perception and he is impressed by it. "Sure all siblings can get on each other's nerves at time, but at the end of the day you guys definitely care and love each other right?"

"I believe so, even after all of this time I have always still considered Thor as a brother." said Loki as he remembers that he would never be able to his brother again, deciding it might be the best to try to change the subject. "You see to know Thor and Jane really well, I'm assuming that you are well acquainted with both of them?"

"Yes, Jane is practically my boss and I'm her intern, we don't have those type of relationships where I have to be panicking over losing my job, over time after she recruited me, we became friends." said Darcy. "I met Thor when he literally fell out of the sky after your dad sent him on a unplanned vacation to Earth, it was an interesting experience to say the least."

"I can imagine so." said Loki as he is trying hard not to laugh at the idea of a confused Thor on Earth. "So do all Midgardians simply go around their days in these small living spaces and do activities within it until one either has to go to work or something else that may require them to leave and later get themselves into trouble?"

"I think you are mistaking all of us for teenagers and we all do more than just that." said Darcy. "We sometimes go out to have fun, you know go the mall, museums, the movies anything that might be in the mood for. Earth can be really fun if you give it a chance, I mean I always have fun whenever I get out of the house and just do my own thing."

"Of course you do, it's obvious that you are easy to please." said Loki as he finishes his meal and notices Darcy doing something. "Why are you constantly going back and forth to try to keep an eye on that screen?"

"What? No, I'm not doing that..." said Darcy as she tries to lean over to see the tv and earns an annoyed look from Loki, before quickly having to correct herself. "Ok, I am trying to get an eye on the tv, just to see what's on. I just like watching tv a lot..."

Darcy can't believe that so far, there hasn't been any reports of anything happening or at least something that would require a superhero. It looks like crime decided to take a break after the Dark Elf invasion to much of her dismay. Not that she was hoping for a crime to happen, but she would have really liked something to get Loki started and for things to get into action. There has to be a way to get things to get going and the plan to get back on track. Maybe there is a way and she already has the perfect idea, one that not only might move the plan forward, but one that might be fun and at least she'll get to know Loki better. It's the perfect plan and one that she's happy that she just came up with just recently, she just hopes that Loki would go for it.

"So I was thinking, since Jane gave me a couple days off as a thanks for helping defeat the Dark Elves, you know to rest and have fun." said Darcy. "Since I don't have anything to do today and I don't want to be cooped up in here all day, I might go out for a walk, might go to the mall and all of that stuff. Want to come along?"

"Are you asking me to accompany you?" asked Loki surprised by what Darcy just said.

"Yeah, didn't you hang out with anyone back in Asgard?" asked Darcy. "Before everything happened? Any friends?"

"Thor was the only one that ever paid any attention to me when we were growing up." said Loki. "The only one that ever wanted anything to do with me, in turn I have always tried to repay the favor. We often spend time together and looked out for each other, that is until everything... Thor was the only one that ever cared about to include me in everything and he was always by my side and included me in everything, whether it's a simple game or one of our many adventures. He was the only friend I had back in Asgard."

"So, I'm guessing that those warriors that came for Thor wasn't..." starts Darcy with Loki only giving her a nod as she makes a slow realization, before she decides to continue to be friendly. "So do you want to come with? That is if you are open to expanding that group and want to see more of Earth while your at it."

"Yes, I believe I will accompany you and would like to go with you." said Loki nervously, taken aback from Darcy's kindness.

"Great!" said Darcy happily before growing concern. "But first quick question, do you have something else to wear besides that? I mean if you wear your Asgardian outfit and look a lot like yourself then we might attract some unwanted attention at us."

"I see your point and I have another outfit that might fit better in your society." said Loki confidently.

Without another word being said, Loki simply uses his magic to change into some Midgardian clothes in hopes that he would not be recognize if he tries to head out to more places on Midgard. He winds up wearing the same suit that he wore in Germany a year ago and hopes that no one would recognize him wearing this, that no one filmed him in this outfit. That he would look more like a Midgardian and he quickly cast a spell in case that scenario would have occurred. Darcy on the other hand is amazed by what she just seen, not only she saw Loki do more magic, but she think he looks super handsome in that suit and can't help but admire him for a second. Before she snaps out of it and remembers why she is doing this, if she does not stay focus then this plan will be for nothing and they will be back where they started, she needs to stay cool.

"I'm guessing you are going towards business casual?" said Darcy. "You know, since your clothes are all that fancy and..."

"I believe the word you are looking for is sophisticated." said Loki. "Well these are the only clothes I have that I acquired during my first visit to this planet. It's all I have to work with, I never cared to pay attention to Midgardian affairs or what they would wear on a daily basis."

"I don't think we can pull off business casual all the time," said Darcy already imagining all of the unwanted scenarios. "maybe while we're there then maybe we should get you some casual clothes. So that way you might be able to blend in better and you will have things easier for you to get around easier."

"Perhaps, but I am mostly interested in seeing more of this planet." said Loki. "To see everything I can in this world and to see what else is this planet has to offer.

"I'll show you everything I can, but first let me get ready and then we'll be right on our way." said Darcy. "Just meet right in the front door and then once we're both ready to go then we'll be on our way."

"That sounds good." said Loki giving a nod as he got up from the chair and starts to head his way towards the door. "Let me know when you are ready."

"Alright then, great to see you being cool about this." said Darcy. "I guess I'll see you in a bit."

With that Darcy finishes her meal and they both got ready for their outing, Darcy takes another look at the news to see if there is a last minute update before she turns off the tv and see that there is no crime going on. She hopes that something or rather anything happens to get Loki to go out and stop it, she doesn't know how she is going to do it or if she will be able to find something going on. But at least plan B will allow her to get to know Loki and hand out with him, at least that would be a win and they can have a chance to spend some time together. Then she can figure something out, with the hope that she can figure out how to convince Loki to be a hero and somehow make him see that it's not that being a hero would be the best thing that could ever happen to him and that it would be the first step on making him get a great start on his new life.

While Loki on the other hand is hoping that this outing won't be a mistake, that he would be fine if he just go out for a walk. As long as the spell keeps him unrecognizable and he will simply see more of this planet before it's time for him to leave all of this behind and to start to live his life away from all of this and that he can at least escape from all of the problems that are destined to follow him outside the protection of Asgard and trouble that he is more than ready to avoid over the course of the journey that is ahead of him. Even then he will be able to escape and then maybe just maybe he will be able to escape without having the past coming up on him. For now he is just going to make the most of this, try to have a good time and simply try to see what this planet has to offer and to figure out what Darcy is up to.

Soon they were both ready to go and ready to try to enjoy this as much as they can, maybe this would be a good moment to bond and try to build a better relationnship between each other. To somehow be on good terms during the time that they are going to spend together, the desires that they both have are now dominating their mind and that alone is what causing the two to become them more ready to pursue their goals with the hopes that they will be able to accomplish them.

Chapter Text

So far everything seems to be running smoothly as Loki and Darcy makes their way through the streets to get to the mall. After looking through the situation and all of the options, she figures that it might be best to take the subway to get there. Since there's the important fact that she is now hanging out with Loki and she doesn't want to attract any attention or want something to happen that would later lead to trouble for them. So she just led the way and heads towards the nearest station, with the hope that there are no delays and they can get in and get out without any worry. Especially since subways are suppose to move fast and the sooner they get to the mall, the sooner they can get there. While she's hoping that she can get the plan into action and show Loki that being a hero would be awesome, she is hoping for a crime to happen, then she will get Loki to go out and to be a hero and show him that what he did yesterday was great. With the hope that he would see that being a hero would be so awesome and that he can be a good guy.

They made their way to the platform, Darcy quickly pays for the ride and fortunately they didn't have to wait long for the train to arrive and quickly goes inside the one that just arrives at the station. Loki doesn't even know what to make of this piece of Earth technology, one part of him is annoyed of the concept of everyone having to share a train car to get anywhere in this city. But at the same time, he is impressed by the technology and is curious on everything about it and wants to know what it is and is surprised to see a bit of advanced technology that hasn't existed in Asgard yet and wants to know everything about this. As he and Darcy makes their way right in the train car, he wasn't impressed by the seating arrangements but he is intrigued by the technology of the car and is curious about the functions and how Midgardians are able to get the machinery to move.

"So this is how Midgardians travel around a big city aside from those flying ships and motorized four wheeled transports?" asked Loki amazed by the machinery. "Tell me Darcy, how does one know exactly where it's destination is suppose to embark?"

"Uh... the trains run on things called tracks and they go on them and it leads it to wherever people needs to go." said Darcy. "There's also a driver who makes sure that the train stops and won't move to fast."

"How does one operate the car? Is it through a simple lever or is the system more complex that it will need specified training to operate?" asked Loki. "Are those straps from the metal bar is a system to alert the person operating it to stop for anyone to get off?"

"Uh, no that's buses, we just wait until we reach the right stop and get off when they open the doors." said Darcy. "As for how to operate one, I think that people have to get training for that and not normal everyday people can just get behind the wheel and go for a joyride."

"How does the car operate? Does it run on a specified fuel or does something else cause it to run?" asked Loki with intense curiosity. "What is the mechanical structure of this contraption? What makes it capable of go in a rapid speed in seconds? What's the maximum speed? How does one manage to control and maintain a contraption like this and make sure that it doesn't collide with another car or if the friction that is created in the rails allows the car to run smoothly or does it create a complication where it needs signals in order to fully be able to make it's designated stops? Does it has something built within it that allows them to stop it if one choses to?"

"Uh... I don't know..." said Darcy unsure. "But I think that these trains are run by electricity."

"Fascinating." said Loki. "Do you know how do Midgardians get a hold of this electrical power? Do they have a stored power for the entire planet to share or do they have a way to gain the power through some form of means?"

"Maybe wires..." said Darcy rather awkwardly. "I have no idea..."

Darcy quickly notices that they are now earning some annoyed and confused looks from the other passengers, from the questions that Loki just asked and the more questions he is continuing to ask and that alone is making her wish that they would end up at their stop quicker to avoid the many questions that Loki is now asking. Ones that she doesn't know the answer, Loki continues to ask more questions of train cars and electricity. They are a mix of both the most complex ones that she doesn't know the answer of and the most obvious questions that many people from Earth knows the answer. The ride has only been for three minutes and it already feels like three hours.

Fortunately they reached their stop and without wasting a second, Darcy got Loki to hurry out of the car, happy that the awkward ride is finally over. The two of them got out of the station and continues to head their way through the city to get to the mall. Loki takes the time to look at the city, slightly admiring the architecture and yet surprised that the humans are able to make buildings that are at least decent to look at and it might be better than he thought. Darcy just trying to get them to hurry towards it the main concern of someone recognizing Loki on her mind. They manage to quickly arrive to it and that it was close by to the station and that now they are one step closer on spending the day in the mall.

Once they got inside, Loki can't help but stare at the location in disbelief as he sees the building full of stores interconnected and how big it is. Even through his travels in all of the nine realms, he has never seen anything like this in his life...

"Welcome to the mall." said Darcy. "So what do you want to do first?"

"I don't know Darcy. I have never been to a place like this before or ever seen anything like this in my life." said Loki."Perhaps it might be best if you lead the way."

"Ok.. I can't believe you're letting me lead you around the place." said Darcy happily and then later groaned at the next part. Well since you need to get clothes that might blend in better with the crowd, let's get started."

"Terrific, just what I have been wanting to do since I found out about these locations. " said Loki sarcastically as he lets his frustration come out. "Come on, let's get this over with."

"Wait, you don't like clothes shopping?" asked Darcy surprised by the revelation and can't help but adding her own opinion almost imiediatly. "I know right, I never was a fan of it myself and always found it boring. I never really got what made it appealing for other girls and how they can stand going there and actually having fun."

"That's understandable, I understand on how tiring that must be." said Loki almost immediately. "As a prince of Asgard, one has to always look his best in public gatherings or simply have a sense of style. I have grown tired of the constant attention of getting a new attire and focused on something that captures my interest more, besides winning the crowd's admiration was more Thor's talent rather than mine."

"Yeah... I sorta figured that out on my own during the whole New York incident last year." said Darcy. "There were a ton of people who were thanking him and the other Avengers for saving the city, well most of all the entire planet. I bet most of them were even ready to start a fan club, not that I'd blame them."

"It wouldn't surprise me." said Loki. "They were strong adversaries and were a great team. Skilled, strong and intelligent, I'm surprised that they did not hurry to my brother's aid once the news broke out of the Dark Elf attack."

"Well, they have been busy dealing with their own thing." said Darcy. "According to the news, Iron man had to deal with some wired thing with some guy, a bunch of Iron man suits and some wired power thing, Captain America and Black Widow are now on the run and they are dealing with something going on with S.H.I.E.L.D and some guy called the Winter Soldier, there might be a new Avenger with wings or something, but that's what I have been hearing from the news. Though they don't mention what is going on with the Hulk and Hawkeye, but still they probably taking some kind of break doing whatever they do whenever they are not being superheroes."

"But still if they ever did report anything regarding the Hulk wouldn't it most likely be a out of control rampage?" asked Loki.

"Yeah, but the Hulk is way more than that. I mean he uses his power to save people and plus I think that it would be cool to have some kind of super power." said Darcy. "I mean who wouldn't want to go around and get out and save the day?"

"I know that I wouldn't want to get involved in that tomfoolery, now can we end this conversation and get started on getting the most dreaded part of this trip over with." said Loki. "The sooner we are done, the sooner we can see more of this mall."

"Let's get started." said Darcy as she starts to lead him to the biggest clothing store in the mall. "One more thing, it might be best if you don't use any magic. You know that spell that you just did, back in my apartment to change into that suit. Can we limit the possible usage of that to little to nothing? The last thing we need is to draw attention to ourselves or for anyone to see or figure out that you are here."

"That is a good point and for once I am going to take your suggestion, to avoid trouble." said Loki. "It might be for the best, the last thing I need is to draw more attention to myself as I unintentionally did yesterday. The last thing I need is a repeat of that or to land myself in worse situation."

Darcy just gives a sigh as she sees that it is going to be tougher to convince Loki than she thought, the two of them entered a department store where it is exactly how they both imagine it would. With both of them already starting to dread it, but they both quickly got to work on trying to make this part go as quickly as possible and to make sure that they get something that Loki would deem presentable. Along with something that would at least make Loki look cool and fit in on Earth without anyone suspecting a thing and someone recognizing Loki. So she let him choose what he'd like and at the same time also give him some advice when it comes to getting casual, though Loki is stubborn and is ready to dismiss anything that doesn't fit his standards.

Eventually they at least agree to some outfits and Darcy showed Loki to the fitting mens fitting room, so that way he can try on some clothes and they can decide what works and then they can both decide on what works. Darcy sits on the couch right in front and picked up one of the many magazines that is on the table and starts reading them, waiting for Loki to be done and for the two of them to leave and enjoy the rest of the mall. She is tired of waiting but she has to be patient, at least when Loki comes by and show off what he was wearing, he tries to make a comment about whatever might comes up his mind. Thus leading them to have some kind of conversation before he leaves to try something out.

The two of them spent the majority of the time to figure out how to chose the best outfit in the least amount of time with the hope that things would speed up. But ultimately they decided that it might be best to pick the clothes that not only comfortable, but the ones that not only look good but the ones that they can both agree on that would be alright for Loki to wear and fits his idea of presentable. So they quickly made their purchase and quickly leaves the store, both of them are relief that this part of the trip is done and they are now free to explore the rest of the mall.

"Am I ever so glad that we left that store." said Loki. "I was starting to think that we would never get out of there, does getting new attire in Midgard always take this long?"

"Sometimes it takes longer, we are lucky, it only took us an hour if we trust the ad screens right in front." said Darcy.

"So where to now?" asked Loki as he turns to Darcy awaiting her answer.

"You tell me, where do you want to go?" asked Darcy catching Loki by surprise. "I figured that since this is your first time in a Earth mall that you should get to see whatever you want to see."

Loki doesn't even know what to think about Darcy's kindness so far and how it's obvious that she is doing everything to give him a good time. So far she hasn't done anything that would justify his suspicions or give him a reason to believe that this could be some kind of trap or anything that might lead to someone finding out his current residence on Earth. But he doesn't see what might be the ulterior motive that Darcy might have in mind and from what he is now seeing he feels as though she is being genuine and that alone is surprising him and wonders on how long this might last before she turns against him and sees for what he is. Though for now he might as well make the most of this opportunity and thought hard of what he wants to see. Until finally a realization came to him and that alone is making him hopeful that maybe there will be something that he would enjoy.

"Does this mall have any shops where they sell books, magical potions or any similar possessions?" asked Loki capturing Darcy off guard.

"Well... I don't know about magic potions or wands or anything magical in general." said Darcy trying to find the way to answer without being rude. "But we do have a book store, we can go check it out if you want, though it doesn't have any spell books or anything in that category."

"It will have to do, at least I know that Midguardians have enough taste to have a shop for literature." said Loki. "As long as it does not have more of the books where you see the illustrations and the words in bubbles."

"You know you can call us humans right?" asked Darcy hoping that Loki would the hint and quickly focus on that last comment. "Oh you must mean comic books, don't worry the store has more than just that and they have other types books."

"Now that's satisfy a sense of relief, maybe you Midguardians do have a sense of appreciation for literature." said Loki. "I fail to see why I should accommodate to calling you all a-"

"Well, not everyone call all of us Midgardians, so unless you are aiming to look wired then we have no problem for you drawing attention to yourself." said Darcy. "Yeah, humans like to read, if they don't then there wouldn't be a store for us to buy books."

"Alright, that's a valid point." said Loki surprised he can't find something to counter argue that. "Well then, lead the way."

Darcy starts to head towards the direction towards the bookstore and with Loki following her behind. She doesn't know how or why, but she is now having fun with Loki and to her surprise Loki is great to hang out with and that it's been really cool spending time with him. She never thought that she would have fun and that maybe she can help Loki and that maybe this will be the start of an exciting adventure, she doesn't know where all of this would lead except the worst case scenario. Darcy knows she is going to be positive and try to be a friend, along with show that being one of the good guys is not that bad and maybe inspire him to take that leap into being a hero.

They made it to the bookstore, Loki is instantly amazed by the sight of the store and the options that he has to choose from. Without a second thought he quickly slips by, wanting nothing more but to see what he might find on his own. To finally find some literature that would capture his interest and to see what Midgaurdians might have written about and to learn more about the realm itself. So that way he would know more about this planet aside from everything that he has heard or everything he has seen from his last visit. With the hope that he knows more about the planet and some of it's complex contraptions that he doesn't even know what they are or at least to explore the literature that they may read.

It only takes a quick second for Darcy to notice that Loki wandered off, a wave of worry is overcoming her as she realizes that Loki is now lose in the bookstore. She quickly starts to look for him, frantically looking for him and hoping that she will find him before Loki gets himself lost if he leaves the store or someone recognizes him or he causes trouble. She can already imagine what the last two scenarios outcomes might be and it's the worst scenario where the two of them ending up in jail and with the worst things that could happen, she would not only lose her internship and her life will be ruined forever. Not too mention, Loki would be the one that would be on a one way trip back to Asgard and his dungeon, with both Thor and their dad gives him a piece of their mind. She needs to find him before he does something that leads to all of that and then later lead to who knows what else.

Darcy continues to look down and to try to see that she can see Loki and with the hope that she doesn't find anything that she doesn't want to see. After a quick look through the shelves to see if there is any sign of her new roommate and if there is any problem that hopefully isn't going to lead to an out of control rampage. Fortunately, to much of Darcy's surprise and relief, she finds Loki him sitting one of the couches reading Lord of the Rings and also seems to be curious on Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. She just relieve that Loki didn't do something that might lead to them racing towards the emergency exit and having to race to escape from whatever mess they just find themselves in. But here Loki is calmly sitting down and reading a book, though she is surprise that he didn't have stacks of books on the floor to read, from the way Thor made it sound, he said that Loki would read the entire library in a day if he could.

"Hello Darcy." said Loki who gives her a quick glance and then return to read his book, Darcy finds that little gesture cute.

"I'm going to safely assume that you like those books?" asked Darcy trying to start a conversation with her roommate.

"Yes, so far they are exhilarating works of literature." said Loki as he doesn't let his focus move away from the books. "I'm surprised that Asgard doesn't have any of these books, if so maybe it would have something to capture my interest and have more stories aside from battles and the occasional myth."

Without even wasting another second, Loki quickly got back into reading the books and is determined to read them both in it's entirely before he leaves the store. No one needs to be a deep thinker to know that he doesn't want to be disturbed and wants to finish reading the books. Darcy finds it admirable that Loki has some form of interest that doesn't involve taking over planets. But from one look she knows that she might not get Loki to leave unless he finishes reading the books or when closing time, that is unless...

"You know before you went wild in the book store, looking for any books that you might find cool, though Harry Potter is an awesome read." said Darcy. "I was going to say that if you see anything that you'd like... just tell me and I'll buy it for you. I mean just until you get some money or at least learn how money works around here and you can pay for it yourself, that is once you get settled here. So if you want those books, I can buy them for you if you want."

"You are willing to spend some of your hard earned money on me?" asked Loki surprised by Darcy's kindness and that is what got his attention and finally got his nose out of the book in a flash.

"Yeah, so that way you can be able to enjoy them more and at least have something that you can call your own and consider it as a souvenir from Earth." said Darcy insisting her kindness to him.

"Well then... at least I won't have to rush through these books and at least I'll have something to do in your home." said Loki taken aback. "I'll be able to enjoy them more since I will have the full experience of reading something I'd enjoy..."

Darcy is just happy that she is at least able to make Loki happy for a moment and that they don't have to move in there. Though she is surprised by seeing that other side of Loki that she doesn't even know that even exist and she kinda like seeing Loki being happy and getting to know him. At least she knows that not all Asgardians are all the big muscularly types that are always looking for the next big battle and one that is garenteed that there would be some evil villain or monster right there waiting for them. Maybe Loki is full of surprises and so far this little outing has been fun, but now she should get to the next thing and then make the most of the time that they have together.

"So, you're hungry?" asked Darcy catching Loki by surprise by the question with only him giving a simple nod. "Great, I guess I'll go up and pay for these and then we can grab a bite to eat and after lunch we can go see everything this mall has to offer."

"That would be nice or I can simply walk out with these books and save you all of the trouble and your money." suggested Loki.

"What? No!" said Darcy almost immediately, not wanting Loki to start a crime spree before he has the chance to even get anywhere close on becoming a hero.

She is ready to put a stop to any plan or at least try to talk Loki out of it and hopes that she can avoid that kind of scenario from happening. Especially from the idea that the two of them might end up in jail if Loki pulls a stunt like this and then it will be over. Darcy can't prove to Loki that being a hero is a good thing or prove to anyone that Loki can be a good person if she's in jail. Before Darcy can even start to protest against the idea or even try to convince Loki that it's anything but a good idea, Loki quickly notices her reaction and knows that he has to explains himself.

"I was just jesting Darcy, I was never going to get up and walk out of the shop with these books." said Loki. "I am trying to start anew life without making any of those previous actions, besides I wouldn't do something as petty as stealing books to do so."

"For a moment there, I thought that... Wow you got me worried there for a bit." said Darcy giving a sigh of relief. "What a relief!"

"I apologize for troubling your worries." said Loki. "I just thought that it would have been humorous and thought that it would have made a good laugh."

"It's fine." said Darcy almost immediately. "I know that you just want to start a new life and you can't start to fall back into your old habits or at least fix your reputation after a week giving up on trying to start to change your ways."

"You made a valid point and I am going to safely assume that I should consider leaving your home and we ought to go our separate ways?" asked Loki who already is assuming the worst.

"What? Loki, I am not going to kick you out." said Darcy surprised by Loki's assumption. "Why would I do that?"

"For simply making you unhappy and worry over what meant to be a jest." said Loki. "It's alright, I'm used to being rejected and can simply peacefully get out of your way and leave your home."

"I don't exactly kick people out for trying to make a joke." said Darcy who is now wondering if Loki is aways full of surprises. "I mean it was kinda funny in a wired and yet concerning sort of way."

"So... I could stay in your home?" asked Loki surprised by his new roommate's kindness.

"Yeah and besides it would be nice to have some company." said Darcy. "Plus you need a place to stay and I don't think I can imagine letting you off into the world just like that. I don't even think that we're both ready to see what would happen if you get yourself into any trouble."

"I hardly get myself into trouble Darcy, I often too busy figuring out how to keep Thor out of trouble or at least used to." said Loki. "But hardly ever get myself into trouble, I don't even remember the last time I made a fuss."

"You better not say that if you are ever meet up with any of the Avengers again or if you're ever in New York, they would be more than happy to tell you off and they have pictures and video footage to prove their point." said Darcy earning an eye roll from Loki. "But argument aside, let's just pay for these and then go grab something to eat."

"Yes, let us do that." said Loki and then turns to Darcy. "Thank you, I truly appreciate your help."

"No problem." said Darcy who is unsure what he meant by that.

Rather than spending a while thinking what Loki is thanking her for, she just smiles and simply just decides to quickly find something for herself before she goes up to pay for the books. Darcy figures just because she is getting Loki a ton of stuff, it doesn't mean she can't get something for herself right? She manages to find the latest issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic and a Disney Twisted Tale novel that she still hasn't read yet and from a quick look of the pages and reading the story, that alone caught Darcy's interest and she quickly picks it up and grab a hold of the books that Loki is interested in and starts to head right the cashier with Loki following right behind her. Darcy quickly goes up to the counter, happy that there is no line standing right in front and quickly paid for the books.

They both leaves the bookstore and head their way to the food court, to get some lunch and then have something to eat before they continue to see the mall and the other stores that they still have left to see. When they eventually arrive, Loki doesn't even know what he would make of the sight of the area and how there are tables in the middle of the surrounding restaurants. He doesn't know what to make out of it or knows if he approves seeing the food being prepared for small spaces, but he knows that it would have to do and quickly takes a look of his options and sees that one of the restaurants is serving pizza. So that what he winds up choosing, while Darcy chose a burger and fries, which Loki deeply frowns on the meal and the preparation and just overlooks it as they find a table to sit at and to start his meal. There is a silence between the two before...

"I have to say that maybe Midgard has somethings that are unique compared to Asgard, I can't even find the words to praise this Midgaurdian dish, uh what is that you call it?" said Loki. "I don't recall what it's called, as I am still new to this planet and still trying to get adjusted to the planet and most of it's terms."

"Oh you mean the pizza, yeah it's pretty good and I am going to safely assume that you guys don't have this in Asgard?" said Darcy.

"Uh no, Asgard is more traditional than Midgard or at least have more formal when it comes to food." said Loki. "I don't even think anyone I know aside maybe Thor ever had this type of meal."

"Wow, Asgard must be a sad place to live, I don't even know how you can survive without pizza this long." said Darcy. "So, what do you do for fun? Aside from the whole possible work out on the daily basis? That alone is what I thought you guys did when it comes to spending most of the day."

"Well that is one activity, though it's more like training rather than as you put it; 'workouts.'" said Loki. "I mostly read during my spare time and if I am not doing that I would have practiced my magic until I have truly mastered my craft and my skill."

"Now that's cool, I mean the whole magic thing has to be the most exciting thing to learn over there." said Darcy. "At least you must have gone on so many awesome adventures and you probably had so much fun on them."

"Those 'adventures' are usually the ones where I always wind up fighting off some foe or monster that I always have to help Thor fight off or if he want us to embark on a quest where it always guarantee to lead to some kind of fight where it would guarantee that we would have to pay some consequence later." said Loki. "Now I can focus on myself and to leave that life behind, to start anew without any of my past actions leading me to more trouble."

"But still I bet deep down you must have had some fun, even if you don't want to admit it." said Darcy. "I mean the whole going off to somewhere or going out there to do something important that involves some epic quest it has to be exciting right?"

"It would if it doesn't usually involve with someone or something trying to kill you and besides I wouldn't desire it that much." said Loki. "Once you take part of it, then you would give anything for it to end and the journey will never will until it finally does. I highly advice you never to go down that path."

"To be honest, I always wanted an adventure and one that is full of excitement or something that would at least has some kind of hero's journey where I can actually go out and do something." said Darcy. "I mean doesn't any of the adventures you have always have something going on? You know that you often go on this journey and over time it ultimately allows you to do more than you ever thought that you could ever do or something like that."

"If you're ever in Asgard and if ever tell Thor all this, then I'm sure he would be more than happy find something to satisfy you." said Loki. "I am just happy that I no longer have to deal with the epic quests, the never ending misadventures where it is always guaranteed to always end with someone paying the price."

"Ok, talk about being negative and who knows maybe you never had the right adventure that excites you or possibly offer you some kind of challenge that might be fulfilling." said Darcy.

"Maybe..." said Loki. "But I highly doubt that it would, if anything then I would want it all to be over before I have to face some kind of consequence."

"I still don't see why you wouldn't want to go on some crazy adventure, but I am just going to drop this conversation and just going to change the subject." said Darcy. "I'm going to safely assume that this is the most fun that you had in a while?"

"It's a little bit more enjoyable than I thought that it would be and at least it beats the dungeons." said Loki. Without even saying another word, he simply finishes his pizza and just drink his water and simply waits for Darcy to finish her meal.

"Well that was delicious, so should we continue to look around ini stores or should we go out and get some ice cream?"

"What is this cream of ice you speak of?" asked Loki.

"Wait, Asgard doesn't have ice cream?" asked Darcy with only Loki shaking his head. "Alright, we're definitely getting ice cream."

Once Darcy is done with her food, she and Loki got up from the table and Darcy begins to lead the way to the part where they usually sell ice cream. Once she arrives, she quickly goes up to the counter and then she quickly orders two Cookies and Creams in bowls. She quickly gives one to Loki and starts eating hers, Loki looks on the dessert and sees that it's a creamy glob that is suppose to be some kind of dessert and one that he is now seeing many Midgardians and Darcy seem to be enjoying. He doesn't know what he makes of it from the looks alone and simply looks at it wondering if this is some strange joke or if this is worth eating. Darcy quickly notices Loki's hesitation and realizes that maybe he just needs a push.

"It's very good, you might like it." said Darcy. "Give it a chance and if you don't like it then I guess then there's more for me. Trust me on this one."

Loki just gives Darcy an unsure glance as he looks at the ice cream and grab the spoon and put a little in and quickly trying it expecting the worst. Though to much of Loki's surprise, he finds it quite living up to the standards of what he would normally eat back in Asgard. Without even wasting another second, he starts to eat it more quickly than one may have thought, really enjoying the treat and only makes Darcy more surprise by the minute. She is happy to see that Loki is enjoying the ice cream and is surprised by the sight that Loki is now eating the ice cream so fast and it's something that no one would recommend anyone eating ice cream for the first time to do.

"How are you eating that without getting brain freeze?" asked Darcy. "You know a headache from eating something too cold that always seems to happen."

"I believe it's because of my heritage, I have always been more tolerant of the cold and prefer it over the warmth of the summer sun." said Loki. "Ever since I discovered what I was, it is the only gift from this curse I have ever tolerated."

"At least that's cool, literally!" said Darcy rather excitedly. "I wish I have that ability or any superpower, then it would be cool having the ability to use and go off and save the day."

"You shouldn't want this ability, it is one where it would cause more harm than good." said Loki as he remembers the childhood stories and everything that has happened. "It's more of a curse than a blessing, one that if I knew the spell then I would cast it without any hesitation."

"Well, I don't see it that way. I still think it's cool that you can withstand the cold and might even have ice powers." said Darcy.

"If only it was as wonderful as you say." said Loki.

"Alright then, why don't we go and look around this place and see the rest of the stores?" said Darcy hoping that this would change the subject and that it would "There is still a lot more that we haven't seen yet. Maybe we can have some fun over there?"

Loki just gives a quick nod with the desire to see more of this mall and the other stores, they quickly finish their ice cream and start to head towards the other stores. They both take turns picking what they want to see and where they want to they want to go, spending every moment to enjoy the mall and to see what interests Loki and to all of Darcy's favorites. Over the course of the entire trip, the two of them seems to be enjoying the time that they are now spending together and having fun. So much so that Darcy has completely forgotten about her plan to trick Loki into stopping a crime or saving someone. She even is now wondering if maybe they can even friends and though that is if Loki allows her to be his friend and if they get close enough to get there. They spent rest of the day, hanging out in the mall, occassionally buy some things, and simply having fun as they go through the mall and got to know each other better.

Soon it is closing time in the mall and the two of them, Loki doesn't even remember the last time that he was able to relax and have fun or the last time that he had experienced true joy without spitting someone else. He can get used to that feeling and that alone is what making him treasure this moment even more, Darcy is more tolerable than he thought she would be and that he actually enjoyed spending time with her. But he knows that he can't get attached or grow fond of her, simply because she was not only being kind to him, but Darcy is enjoyable and he has to admit that she might be alright and maybe living with her won't be so bad. At least he will have someone to talk to and Darcy is at least someone that he would be okay with spending the majority of his time with.

"Today was an awesome day!" said Darcy happily. "It was so much fun! I just wish that it could have lasted longer."

"To be honest, I don't even remember the last time I had this much fun. The type of fun which involves in simply enjoying yourself and it does not involve in making someone injured or someone look foolish." said Loki. "I really want to remember this feeling, I almost missed it..."

"I'm glad to hear that you had a good time, I did too." said Darcy happily. "Maybe we should do this again soon. I mean we are roommates now, we have plenty of time to do so and it would be nice if we can do this again."

"That would be nice." said Loki simply. "Maybe next time, you could show me more of the locations I have yet to see and-"

Before Loki can continue on the conversation and continues to reflect on the past day alone and the idea that Darcy accepted him and voluntarily spent time with him without question, that for once he is feeling touch by her kindness and he's trying to fight off the sentiment intensely. All of the sudden, there is an alarm that is blasting through the loud speakers. Catching everyone's attention as a few people ran towards the exit, calling for help in hopes that they would come running to stop whatever is occurring. The security guards starts to race towards the other way to stop whatever might be going on and to see what they can do to stop it. The answer to everyone's questions start to come through...

"Attention customers, please evacuate the building in an ordinary fashion." said the announcer through the loud speaker. "There is a robbery in Bea's Jewelry, stay clear of the area and leave the building as quickly as you can. They are taking hostages and is still at large."

At that moment, Darcy remembers what her plan was and why she wanted to bring Loki to the mall in the first place, that this is her chance. But she just wonders how long will it take for her to convince Loki that this is a good idea and to go out there and save people. Since if they are going to do it then it needs to be right now before the situation gets worse and she needs to find the words to somehow convince Loki, she needs to do it fast. While Loki is more worried of the fact that there is a robbery and many people are running in to help, that there are more and more people coming in. He's just worried every possible scenario of someone might see through the illusion and realize that he's the person that tried to take over Earth. The illusion can only do so much and he just hopes that he is right and no one can put together the pieces of the puzzle and realizes that it's him.

Both of them exchange an unsure look to one another and stops to think about the situation right before them, that both of them have conflicting desires on what to do. Darcy just hopes that she can convince Loki without argument and that she needs to move fast, she just hopes that Loki would be more open to do it or at least she can somehow convince him. She just hopes that he would be more than willing to step into the path of being a hero, Darcy knows that Loki can be a good person if he just tries to be. Loki watches the situation unfolds, ready to leave and not even bother to look back and before he can even have a chance. Darcy turns to Loki ready to make sure that Loki get out there and save the day, somehow...

Chapter Text

"You can stop them!" said Darcy almost immediately. "Like what you did yesterday, you know when you saved all of those people from the Dark Elves and stopping a ton of them in the process with a super epic fight scene."

Loki stares at Darcy in disbelief, that she honestly think that he is going to get out there and stop a robbery voluntarily. He is now even asking himself, if Darcy keeps forgetting who he is and if she has been watching the Avengers and Thor's heroism a little too much? There is no way he is going to make this a habit and it is against his nature to help others, not only because of what he is, but it isn't who he is. Loki is not the type that would do this, he wouldn't even dream of going out and saving the day for anyone. He needs to make Darcy see once and for all that he is not a hero and he will never will be and there is nothing that Darcy can say to convince him otherwise.

"No, I am not going to run in and stop a crime." said Loki. 'Even if I wanted to, I can't, I am a wanted criminal and if I get caught then there will be great consequences for both of us."

"You're a wanted criminal who can make yourself disappear and use magic to do something so incredibly awesome." said Darcy. "I know that you can do it and you managed to do it yesterday and that was so cool and you were able to save all of those people without being caught."

"You still figured out that it was I who went out and saved those people from a horrible picture on a screen." pointed out Loki. "Besides I can't keep drawing attention to myself, yesterday was a mistake on my part. It was foolish of me to leave your home and to have intervened, from now on I am simply going to stay at your home and be careful to avoid another scenario like that again."

"Great, now you decide to be careful. Come on I know you can do it, you can make a difference if you just give it a chance." said Darcy trying her best to be encouraging. "Then maybe if you start going out there and be a hero, then maybe if your brother, the Avengers, Asgard or S.H.I.E.L.D ever finds out then maybe they won't be so hard on you and can see that you are trying to change and that you actually helped stop a couple of crimes and saved a ton of people. I mean who wouldn't be grateful for someone going out there and making their lives easier?"

"That or they will be more than happy to arrest on the spot simply because they suspect an evil plot that doesn't exist." said Loki stubbornly. "Darcy, I am not going to go running around and put myself at risk to save hundreds of strangers. There is nothing that you can say or do to convince me otherwise and that's my final word on the matter."

Darcy stares at Loki in disbelief, she can't believe how hard it is to convince him to do something as simple as going out there to help out some people and try to do a good deed. But she knows that if she is going to convince Loki to go out there and save the people and stop crime then she is going to get further and try to be even more persuasive than she has ever been in her life. She has the perfect idea on how to get Loki on the move and get him out there, though she is going to be more than persuasive...

"Alright, if you don't do it then... I guess you better start looking for a real estate agent or find some way to look for available housing." said Darcy. "Since... I'll kick you out of my place if you don't do it."

"Darcy, you can't be serious." said Loki. "You can't evict me from your home just like that."

"Watch me, I think I can handle kicking you out, I have my ways." said Darcy rather confidently. "Unless you would rather go out and save the day, then it would totally save us all the trouble. So what do you say?"

Loki turns to stare at Darcy in complete shock by the sudden demand by his roommate. He wasn't expecting her to do it or ever think that he would be at risk of being homeless for not even stopping this crime. Loki thought hard what might be the best option, he can't threaten Darcy to back off and even then he wouldn't want to, she has been nothing but kind to him and that is something that he appreciate. He doesn't know how to approach this problem or if he can find a way to get around it, he doesn't want to put himself at risk of being exposed or to make this a repetitive occurrence where it will never end. He thinks hard on the situation and soon realize that he doesn't have that much of a choice, if Loki wants to make sure that he doesn't get discovered if Darcy dares tell Thor or anyone that he has been on Earth in the past few days. He still can't believe that Darcy just got up and dared to order him to do this, he is slightly impressed by her determination.

"You are not going to give up on this idea are you?" asked Loki seeing the clear determination in Darcy.

"Nope." said Darcy simply.

"Fine, I will do it for you and the fact that I would need a new place to live if I use common sense and refuse to do it." said Loki. "Just this once, I hope that we don't make this into a regular occurrence."

"Whatever you say Loki, just go already!" said Darcy excitedly. "You have a crime to stop and a day to save!"

Loki gives Darcy a sigh of annoyance, as he takes a glance at her and begins to head right towards the crime scene. He is just doing this to get Darcy off his back and to make sure that he's not sleeping outside in the Midgardian parks tonight. He doesn't want to go around and continuously go out of his way to save people that he doesn't even know or would even bother saving if it were up to him then he would just leave the entire scene and head back to the apartment. But Loki knows that he can't risk anyone knowing that he's here, alive, he doesn't know what anyone would do with that information or if he wants to find out. He quickly cast an illusion of himself to make sure that no one sees him and to do it as discreetly as he can possibly can. He is going to make sure of that and races over to the crime scene, with the hope that he will get it over with as quickly as possible.

A few minutes later

The thieves are blocking the entrence of the door, in hopes that there is no one coming in or out of the store. The eight thugs are making sure that they get all of the jewelry that they can carry and the people still trapped inside are desperate to find a way out. The thieves are ready to make a run for it and to make sure that no one leaves the store alive. They are just about done and ready to end the screams of the terrified wanting nothing more but to find a way to get out, that is if there is even a way to get out. Before it got completely out of hand...

All of the sudden, there is suddenly a giant blast that came out of nowhere, the thugs start to look around to try to get a good look of what might possibly cause that blast. Before they can even have a chance to do so, they all been hit by something or someone, that is something that they all can't fight off, since if they are not being blasted to the wall then the next thing they all knew is that one by one of them is taken down and every single one of them did not see what was coming as the flashes of magic surrounds the store and the people trapped inside is now trying to see who their savior might be and if they can find a way to escape. The fight continues on, as the felons continue to put up a fight and yet they are failing in everyday.

After a brief moment of flashing light, magic and screams from the crooks, eventually Loki manages to defeat every single one of them and carefully tied all of them up as he undos the spell to allow the people trapped within the building to see him and to make it look like he didn't use magic to make himself visible just now. He might as well gain some recognition and besides Darcy is going to want some proof that he actually went out of his way to do it. Making sure that there is no sign of any evidence that could lead to any possible theories that might lead to someone figuring out that it was him who stopped this entire store and the people trapped inside. Though from one look at the sacks, right after he dumps them on to the table, he is more surprised and disgusted by the mere sight of what the thieves were trying to steal and it was an endless amount of priceless jewelry.

Loki can't believe that these people would cause a commotion for nothing more than worthless trinkets and it nearly got him exposed for no good reason that anyone can come up with or if he can think of it. He quickly make sure that the ropes are tied tight and that none of these crooks are able to escape from the store until someone takes over and apprehends them. Before Loki can have a chance to make it out of the room, he notices that the people are still staring at him, admiring the hero that went out of his way to save them. Loki stares awkwardly back for a brief second before he becomes annoyed and turns to the people, part of him wishes that he can simply scare them off and get away with it. But he is not going to simply because he is above all of this and simply wants to leave and never look back, he hopes that these Midgardians feels the same.

"Move along, nothing to see here." said Loki rather simply as he makes his exit. "You are all free to go."

Without another word, Loki simply leaves the store, then the wall and uses an illusion to make sure nothing could detect him or anyone else can see him. But before Loki can have a chance to cast the spell and little does Loki know that he is not alone and that there is something or rather someone keeping an eye on him. As Loki is about to leave the mall, there is someone that has been looking for Loki for a while. One that would be the last person that Loki would want to know that he's on Earth and the very creature that will alert to his master and will cause more trouble that would eventually catch up to Loki. To pay a debt that no one would ever want to pay and one that terrifies Loki than any punishment that Odin might come up with. The creature begins to leave the mall amiss of all the chaos, ready to tell his master that their search is finally over...

A couple Hours later

Loki manages to find his way back to the apartment, remembering the way and yet surprised to see how much closer it is to get there by simply walking over and it was nothing more than a thirty minute walk and one that he feels that it wasn't necessary to ride the contraption that he and Darcy rode earlier. He quickly goes inside of the building, with the hope that he would somehow get in without drawing any more attention to himself and quickly makes his way towards the floor where Darcy lives and knocks on the door and confirm his identity and is relieved that Darcy wasted no time in opening the door, though concern about her lack of security and suspicion. He quickly walks in and is about to say something, that is before...

"Now that was awesome, they have been putting your superhero action on the news ever since I got back and the whole scene got cleared up." said Darcy rather excitedly. "I can't believe that you're now a-"

"Wait, hang on just a minute, are you telling me that device is reporting everything that I just did?" asked Loki. "Does that piece of technology report everyone's daily activity all of the time?"

"Not exactly, only the important things and the things that would excite people the most." said Darcy. "But enough about that, just take a good look at yourself on tv!"

Without another word being said, Loki turns to see the tv screen and from one look, he can tell that the Midgardians are always on track on anything that might alert them to report it. That the image is blurry, but it is obvious that there is someone trying to fight off every single one of the thieves. That there is something pushing them and it's creating an impact and one that actually helped the situation and from one look at the screen, everyone who was trapped was describing what they saw and giving their gratitude in case whomever saved them is watching. Grateful on the new opportunity to live their lives, wanting nothing more but to thank their hero and to let him know that they appreciate it.

Loki doesn't even know what to make what he is seeing on the screen and all of the people happy for what he did. Of course, he is enjoying the praise, but he's more worried about possibly being exposed if he keeps this up. Besides he doesn't even know what to make of the entire situation within itself, since all of them are grateful for his acts of heroism and them giving him this much attention, positive attention and he does not know what to make it. Not only because he doesn't even remember ever having this much positive praise for something he did, even if it's something as absurd as heroism. Even if the people didn't know that it was him and he tried to take over their planet once, he does find this positive attention pleasing to say the least.

While Darcy on the other hand is happy to see Loki's reaction and hopes that he is now starting to see things from her point of view. That he would be motivated in going out and be the hero that she knows that he can be. Plus there is also one thing that she is now proud of and she is impressed by the fact that she is able to do it singlehandedly. She was able to get Loki to go out and be a hero by doing something that no one, not even Thor ever thought or even bothered to do... Blackmail Loki to do something against his will.

"Doesn't it feel good, Loki? Going out there and saving the day?" asked Darcy excitedly as they continue to watch the news. "I mean, come on you're practically a superhero now! A actual superhero who goes out to fight crime and save people, you're basically the Joker and Batman all put together!"

Loki turns to look annoyed at Darcy for even suggesting that what he did is a good thing and the idea of him doing it as a regular occurrence is exactly the last thing that he wants. The whole point of him coming to this planet is to stay for a couple of days and later leave, without drawing any attention to himself and if anything he has been doing the exact opposite. He is not going to go out and do anything that anyone may deem as heroic every day or worse. He may not know what a Batman or a The Joker is, but he knows that he has had enough of this childish tomfoolery.

"Darcy, look I am just glad that I had all of this done and got it all over with. All of this was never going to be a reoccurring event and what I did tonight was simply as you Midgardians would put it 'a one time thing.'" said Loki. "Now that I did my part, I no longer have to worry about the situation, all of those strangers are now safe and we can move pass all of this."

"But you can do more, you know there will be more crime around in the future and you can still go around and do a lot of good things to help people." said Darcy. "I'm sure that once you start then you would build a good look for yourself and everyone will be more willing to give you a chance once they find out that it's-"

"I know where this is heading and I am not going to do it." Interrupts Loki. "I am not going to head out everyday to save random strangers, stop crimes and put myself at risk everyday. It's a fools errand to do it, especially knowing that the trouble will never end and one simply wastes their time in doing so. Besides I have a list of good reasons why I shouldn't bother to go down the path that will never end and anyone who dares to do so is fulfilling a illusion that will never become a reality."

"Ok then list them to me." challenged Darcy. "I actually want to hear these reasons, don't worry if you have a long list, we have all night."

"Well for starters, one: I'm supposed to be either dead or be in the Asgardian dungeons inside a cell with no hope of ever seeing the outside world ever again." said Loki. "There is also the fact that I would gain unwanted attention for myself and it could result in Thor, Jane, the Avengers, your world's officials or someone who might contact them. That would result in me ending up in a cell here or in Asgard or worse executed."

"Good points, can't argue with those." said Darcy seeing Loki's concerns. "Anything else?"

"Yes, there is one more thing, I won't get anything in return for my doing any of that except more trouble." said Loki as he is already imaging all of the possible scenarios.

He doesn't know what Darcy would make of his attitude, but he finds not getting something in return or a reward that could benefit him in the future or at the moment. Loki doesn't see the point of going out of his way to risk himself in order to do a good deed and he wonders what is he going to have to do in order to convince Darcy of it. If she is going to continue to go out and try to make him something he's not then it might be better if he gets up and leave this planet. Before all of this continues and it will eventually get out of hand, then they will be right back where they have started.

While Darcy is more surprised that Loki is more busy of thinking of himself then trying to help people and even care of doing so. She knows that this is going to be tough and that Loki will be stubborn and won't hear her out when it comes to the whole becoming a hero and trying to make things right thing. But she knows that she is going to do everything to make Loki see that he can be a hero and somehow convince him to go for it. All Loki needs is a little push and one that she is going to give him and that is going to get him to see that.

"You know, being a superhero isn't all about you and there's more to it than personal gain." said Darcy. "It's about going out there, fighting the bad guys and following the virtues of truth, justice and courage."

"What?" said Loki in disbelief at how the conversation is going.

"I read a lot of comic books, I practically know a thing or two about the whole superhero gig and plus knowing Thor also helps." said Darcy. "But my point is that-"

Before Darcy can continue, the phone suddenly starts to ring and catching the two of them by surprise by the sudden call. Darcy quickly goes over to see who it might be, already missing the luxuries of having a cell phone. She really needs to see how much money she has if she wants to buy a new one, she doesn't know how some people can live without a cell phone for easy convenient contact. But Darcy's annoyance quickly turns into a moment of panic as she sees who the caller id is and she doesn't know what to do except play it cool as she tries to get through it without accidentally let something slip out. She takes a deep breath, as she quickly grabs the phone and place it right on her ear, with the hope that everything will go smoothly.

"Hey Jane..." said Darcy rather nervously. "What's up?"

"Darcy, I just wanted to call and check up on you from yesterday. Plus why haven't you pick up your phone?" said Jane."I have been calling you for hours now, is everything alright?"

"What? Oh, it's just that I have been having some technical difficulties with my phone and might have to get a new one." said Darcy. "Just call me on this number for now, that is until I give you future updates when it comes to my contact info. Everything is great, thanks for calling and see ya-"

"Wait, hold up Darcy. Are you sure everything alright? You seem really jumpy and-" starts Jane.

"I am not being jumpy and I am just doing perfectly fine." said Darcy with Loki facepalming in the background. "Not hiding anything that you might want to know or anything."

"Ok... Here's a head up, Thor and I are going to come over to check on you and we'll be there in an hour." said Jane causing Darcy to immediately go into panic mode.

"You guys don't have to come over to check on me, I'm fine really." said Darcy hoping desperately that Jane would drop this idea. "You don't have to come over and see if I'm still alive. I mean wouldn't you rather spend time with Thor? You guys haven't seen each other for a while, shouldn't you guys spend the time to catch up?"

"He's coming with me and we spent the whole day together," said Jane "it was actually his idea to check on you, Erik and everyone else who helped us stop the invasion yesterday."

"But my place is far from yours, it's across town and wouldn't you rather have me come over to your place, isn't it getting too late?" asked Darcy nervously. "I mean I wouldn't mind going over there and it wouldn't be any trouble."

"We're already in the neighborhood and we don't mind coming over to see you." said Jane. "We're really close by your place anyway and we might as well stop by, so see ya then."

"Wait, are you inviting both Thor and yourself to my place?" asked Darcy in disbelief in how the situation is getting out of hand.

"Yeah, since right now it really sounds like that you really need to talk and we are heading over." said Jane who can tell that Darcy is hiding something.

"Uh... Ok bye." said Darcy as she quickly hangs up the phone.

A million thoughts is now swirling through her head as she stops to think about what is about to happen and how this might possibly lead to Loki's secret in being exposed and then they will see her holding an Asgardian fugitive. That would result in being in an awkward situation and them having to give a long explanation that would result in them ending up in Loki getting a long angry lecture. One that will later turn over to her and they would be paying the big consequences in Loki or worse both of them ending up in a cell or house arrest until they figure out what to do with this information or if Loki is up to something. How can they possibly explain all of this or let alone how Loki survived what happened in the Dark World? She needs to hide Loki right now and fast!

"Thor and Jane are on their way over here to make sure that I'm alright and check in on me for yesterday." said Darcy hastily. "There is also a high possibility that you might be exposed since the chances of them finding out drastically increased."

"I just heard the conversation from your end, I also share that same concern as you. So what do we do now?" said Loki before quickly coming up with an idea. "Couldn't you just call her back and ask Thor and her to not to arrive and say something that would convince her to reconsider?"

"I've already tried to do that and I don't think she is going to take no for an answer." said Darcy. "Jane probably thinks that I am hiding something, which I am but I don't want her to know that I am."

"Perhaps it might be best if I hide somewhere, that is until they leave or to buy us time to think of a plan?" suggested Loki. "But where would be a perfect place for me to hide during that time? One where they would never bother to look?"

"I am trying to think, Loki and-" starts Darcy before her face brightens up. "That's it! I got an idea, follow me!"

Darcy quickly begins to head down the hall and is pleased with herself for her quick thinking and hopes that Loki would be just as happy with this plan as she is. Loki follows Darcy, already dreading the situation and hopes that she knows what she is doing. But all of the hopes that Loki has all shattered, as he sees the plan and what Darcy is thinking is something he finds really undignifying to say the least. He stares at the room in disgust and in disbelief, that he doesn't even know how to make of this and only have one thing to say...

"You can't be serious." said Loki as he stares at the bathroom and not pleased by the idea.

"Do you have a better idea?" said Darcy. "Come on, we have to hide you before Thor and Jane comes here."

Darcy doesn't waste a second as she tries to push Loki inside the bathroom and wants nothing more but to get him inside. She didn't have to put that much effort, as Loki simply roll his eyes and just voluntarily goes inside, though that doesn't stop Darcy in continuing to push Loki inside. Once he's inside, the only thing that Darcy is on her mind is what to do next afterwards. Right now she doesn't even know how long she is going to have to keep Loki in there while she deals with her unplanned house visit. Before she can even say anything...

"So what's next in this brilliant plan of yours?" asked Loki sarcastically.

"Just stay here until I come back and... pretend your not here." said Darcy as she tries to find the words to sound that she has it covered. "If we're lucky then maybe... they won't know that you're here... But I don't know what I am going to say if either of them needs to use the bathroom though..."

"That it is temporary out of order." suggested Loki.

"That can work and it's the perfect cover story anyone would believe, I know I'd believe it." said Darcy. "Now just be quiet and I'll deal with them, I might check in on you later or at least give you a status report. I just hope that they don't suspect a thing or we can somehow pull this off. Maybe while you are in here, maybe you can think about what I said and decide to be a hero by the time I get back, see you in a bit."

Darcy quickly closes the door and while she is doing so, she catches a glimpse of Loki rolling his eyes as he thinks of the idea of him being a hero. Darcy can't help but giggle at the response and heads her way to prepare for Thor and Jane's arrival. That maybe if luck is on their side then they might be able to pull it and they will be home free. She just hopes that they won't stay any longer than a half hour and they will be off to catch up and do whatever romantic thing for the rest of the evening. But still she can't put all of that trust in a blind hope, she doesn't even know it might end up a long evening where the three of them might have a good time while Loki is trapped in the bathroom, waiting for them all to be done. All she has to do is spend time with them, hide Loki and pretend that everything is fine. How hard can that be?

Chapter Text

Darcy has never been so nervous in her entire life, she doesn't even know how they are going to make it past this or let alone how she is going to keep it cool. Sure, she spent time with both Thor and Jane before. But she never had to hide Loki, who happens to not only be a fugitive but Thor's brother and she has to keep him being here a secret before. She wonders what is going to happen and where will all of this lead, even if Loki doesn't become a hero and he will, if she has anything to say for it. Though she doesn't even know how she is going to do it or if she will keep everything under control or ensure that Thor and Jane won't suspect a thing.

She is already imaging all of the worst case scenarios on what might go wrong if something leads to both of them finding out the truth and Loki's secret. Along with all of the scenarios that would lead to them finding out in the worst possible way. One would be if someone needed to go to the bathroom and then when they open the door, they find Loki right inside. But then again, she probably wouldn't have to worry about that, Loki gave her the perfect excuse and she can always say that the bathroom is broken, that she is planning to call a plumber tomorrow. But what if Thor knows something of how fixing bathrooms or plumbing?

Then again, the whole wanting to know everything is more Loki's thing rather than Thor's, that is from knowing both brothers or at least from spending time with both of them. Plus both Thor and Loki are princes of Asgard, she really doubts that their dad would have gotten a teacher that would teach them plumbing, pipes and how to repair them. At least Darcy hopes not and maybe she should ask Loki later on what courses he took back in Asgard to learn more about what life might have been like for them and it seems really interesting and she would like to get to know more about what life might be like for an Asgardian, it might even be cool and a great icebreaker for them.

But right now, she has bigger things to worry about and as she continues to set the place up and make sure that everything is ready for the visit on the horizon. Though Darcy does wonder what is going on in that bathroom and if she should be worried about it, since as far as she knows Loki might be doing some magic or thinking of something that might cause trouble. But deep down, she thinks that Loki is not going to do anything like that or at least have this hope that he is not going to do something and is just going to give him a benefit of the doubt and with the hope that she is right about the good that she now sees in Loki that she doesn't know if Loki can see that within himself. Maybe once she gets him to become a hero and he sees things in a new point of view then maybe he can see that part that he keeps hiding and then...

Even if that's the case, she is going to go back and set some ground rules, she has to make sure that nothing is going to go wrong or if something is going to attract her attention that will make things harder for her later. Darcy heads her way towards the bathroom, ready for whatever she is going to have to worry about later and then again the mere idea of possibly having to deal with a mess that would later lead to someone finding out and she can already imagine how things will go from there and she doesn't like it for one moment.

One that would lead to an awkward moment where they would first discover Loki and demand some sort of explanation and then they would give it. That would result in it having an angry lecture from both of them and being yelled at for it. Thus ending in both of them winding up in jail and being kept on a close watch by Thor or S.H.I.E.L.D or someone else who's in charge. She wouldn't be surprise if Thor never lets Loki and herself live it down and then later lead to them facing even bigger consequences later on.

Darcy quickly make her way through the hallway, hoping that Loki would be willing to listen to her and that nothing will go wrong. She knocks on the door, ready to speak to Loki. After Loki simply opens the door, Darcy doesn't waste a second in coming right in, not even sure what to do next and how to start of the entire conversation and if she is able to find a good starting point or what to say to Loki, the last thing they need is another argument between the two and it takes up for most of the time until Thor and Jane arrives. Before she can even start to get the conversation started...

"I see that you returned soon and rather quickly, I am assuming that neither Thor and his lady hasn't arrived yet?" said Loki.

"No, they are still not here yet and before they do, I just want to go over some rules before it all happens and any of the worst case scenarios happen." said Darcy. "For starters, no big mega spells that guarantee unintentionally getting their attention, if you do magic then try to do small spells that would guarantee me needing a new bathroom."

"Darcy, I am one of the most wanted people in this entire planet, especially if they ever find out of my residence here, then they won't hesitate in getting me apprehended." said Loki. "Besides I am a master in keeping myself hidden and that alone should satisfy any concern you may have towards the subject."

"Ok them, another rule would be to try to make as little noise as possible. So that way we can draw as little attention as possible." said Darcy. "I don't even know if we can even come up with excuses unless you can disguise the sounds as something that anyone would think as a wired noise coming from a broken bathroom."

"I have magic and I can simply use it to make any noise silent through my magic and that alone is something that I have already cast a spell on, only you and I can hear everything that is being said in this room." said Loki. "As long as the two of us are still in this room, no one else can hear what we is being said."

"Really? Now that's so cool and a total upgrade to the privacy in here." said Darcy. "Is there anyway we can keep the spell in here once all of this is over?"

"I could, but wouldn't that also cause an inconvenience?" asked Loki, already imaging all of the scenarios that could happen.

"Alright, you got me there." said Darcy who can already see what Loki mean. "Another rule is that you stay in the bathroom at all times and just try to make sure that you don't get any-"

"I already know all of this Darcy, I don't need you to give me a reminder of everything I already know and one would think that you are so paranoid that you don't have any confidence that things will go well or if it does then it won't be anywhere close on what you are hoping that it would happen." said Loki. "Honestly, I don't even know why you are doubting my ability to stay hidden and assuming that it will end so poorly so profusely."

"Sorry about that, I am just trying to make some rules and making sure that there's no flaw in our plans." said Darcy. "I am just nervous, I have never done anything like this before."

"Well, I never thought that I would ever be in a situation like this before either." said Loki. "I believe I might be nervous too and I can tell that you are too."

"I just hope that this will be over quickly and that maybe Thor and Jane won't suspect a thing." said Darcy. "I don't even know what to think about doing that to my friends or how I feel about this."

"I know... The feeling of uncertainty and all of the desires and emotions that one might be feeling." said Loki. "That it might be tempting..."

"What might be?" asked Darcy confused.

"You know everything I have done and how I wound up in this position." said Loki. "I wish... that I could go out there and show Thor that I survived, I am alive and to make amends with him and make up for everything I have done..."

Darcy starts to feel sorry for Loki, not even sure if there is anything she can say or what else she might be able to do to help. Since it is obvious that he seems to be lost and he wants to change or at least wants to start anew. Feeling as though he can't allow Thor in finding out and that he can't fix his mistakes. If only she can get him to see that being a superhero might be the best way to start to making things and if he agrees then he would be able to do many good things and start to redeem himself. But she is still determined to get him to go for it and say yes, she just have to keep on trying and hopes that she will get him to agree to it.

"Loki-" starts Darcy before the doorbell suddenly rings. "Looks like they're here, I guess I better get going and see through this to make sure that it goes well. You got everything right?"

"Darcy, didn't I make myself clear that-" starts Loki before he notices that Darcy is now laughing.

"Gotcha, there was no way I was going to let you get away your little joke from earlier." said Darcy through her laughter

"That was unexpected..." said Loki taken aback from that prank.

"Ok, now I am on a roll when it comes to trying to get you off guard and maybe surprising you is a secret talent that I never knew I had." said Darcy.

"I am astonished..." said Loki quickly regaining his composure. "I highly suggest that you head over and let them in, it might look suspicious if you keep them waiting."

"Right, I'll be back as soon as I can." said Darcy. "I hope that we don't make this a habit, I don't want to lie all of the time and yet I know that I have to."

"It will get easier in time, yet it will only grow bigger and it will be harder to escape from. Just be ready for that and allow yourself to prepare for the frequency." said Loki. "Now go and get this over with."

With that Darcy just gives Loki quick nod and begins to head on her way, while Loki on the other hand does not know what to make of the entire situation. This has been a confusing and yet surprising past couple of days and he doesn't even know what to make of the entire situation. He now hiding from his brother on Midgard and at risk of possibly being caught or worst taking part in it. But he will leave before it gets that far, he has to and he will, especially before things get out of hand and he will be free from everything and start a new life, one that he won't have to worry about the past and can live his life without worrying about anything causing him trouble because of it.

But still he is grateful for Darcy's kindness and her help, how she is doing everything she can to help him despite knowing what he has done and all of the trouble that he is now causing her. He doesn't know why she would do so, aside from being overly excited that she met someone else who was involved or rather was the cause of the entire situation or simply the fact that she is so amazed by the idea of him becoming a hero and is happy to annoy him until he agrees. But her persistence is admirable and her willingness to help others even if there is nothing in it for her and if it's him of all people.

The one who many would say that he doesn't deserve it and that she should simply let everyone aware that he has returned to this planet. But from what he has seen so far, Darcy is different and instead of being mistrustful, she showed him nothing but kindness and is nothing what he thought of what a human would be and that maybe he underestimated their intelligence and humans are not as weak as he assumed. She chose to give him chance regardless...

Loki decides that it's best for him to stop thinking about Darcy right now and simply hide in this room and wait for the entire ordeal to be over. He can't lose track on what's most important by admiring Darcy's positive traits and any desire to catch Thor off guard by revealing that he's alive, Loki knows that he needs to think about himself and focus on making sure that he maintains the freedom that he is desperate to hang on to and hide his existence in this planet and this apartment. He has to hide in order to maintain the secret...

Meanwhile in the other side of the apartment

Darcy quickly makes her way towards her door and to face one of the most nerve wrecking moments that she has ever had to do. She just hopes that no one would either suspect something or she accidentally let it slip. But she has already came up with a plan in case of that happening or rather to make sure that it doesn't happen. All she has to do is have them either do all of the talking like how great they are back together or just talk about how awesome things went yesterday and the entire battle. She just hopes that she can somehow make it look like she doesn't have a secret and that they won't suspect a thing, she is now writing a mental note to herself that simply thinking not to mess this up, as she slowly open the door.

"Hey guys..." said Darcy rather nervously. "What's up?"

"We just came by to check in..." said Jane as she quickly notices Darcy's nervous tone. "Is everything ok? You sound really nervous and jumpy right now and even more so over the phone."

"Yeah, I'm fine!" said Darcy hastily and begins to worry about Jane being suspicious. "You guys have nothing to worry about, especially if it has something to do with me in general."

At that moment, she gives both Thor and Jane a nervous laugh and the two exchange a unsure and yet surprise look at the entire reaction. She becomes even more worried as she about her behavior that she might have unintentionally made them suspect something and that might possibly lead to them getting some hints and they will figure out the truth and then disaster will strike. All Darcy needs is to play things cool and to get them to forget on any hints that something might be going on and her odd behavior.

"Uh, can we come in?" asked Thor who is taken aback by Darcy's strange behavior and wants to help his friend in whatever may be worrying her.

"Yeah, of course!" said Darcy instantly. "Come right in..."

She quickly open the door even further and allows Thor and Jane to enter the apartment, from one look at Darcy, both of them can see that there is something going on. It doesn't take a deep thinker to see that Darcy is hiding something and it's something that has been clearly dominating her mind and that alone is obvious that something is making her really nervous. Both of them wants to find out what is doing so or if Darcy is having some trouble that might need help in any way they can. Especially if it's bothering Darcy, they are willing to stay as long as it might take if it means that they are there for their friend and they will help in whatever problem that might be going on.

Darcy watches them nervously, as she thinks about the problem that she has gotten herself into and how she is going to get out of this with nothing going wrong and both Loki and herself in big trouble. She takes a quick look at her apartment to make sure that everything looks as good as it did as before she let Loki stay with her as long as he needs to. She just follows the two right into the apartment and is just relieved that it is perfectly fine and that there is no evidence of anything Loki related. She quickly gives a sigh of relief as she decides that it's time to try to break the ice and to try to be a good host and not let any secrets come out. Darcy knows that she needs to just play it cool...

"So, what brings you guys here to my place?" said Darcy. "If it's nothing more but to say hi and coming by to check in on me, then thanks for coming by and I really appreciate it. But if you guys excuse me, I have a ton of... stuff to do and it's really important, we're heading towards the extreme side of it."

"Yeah, that's pretty much why we came here..." said Jane as she sees Darcy's behavior more clearly and wanting to stay there a bit longer for Darcy.

"How is everything after the invasion?" asked Thor. "A lot of the people in this realm is now facing trouble due to it and I just wanted to make sure that you are alright."

"Well, everything is awesome over here and it's still fine." said Darcy quickly and yet awkwardly. "So you guys have nothing to worry, nothing at all. Everything is absolutely fine."

Both Thor and Jane exchange an unconvinced look to one another and then share it with Darcy, it's even more obvious now. Jane is now wondering what might be going on that might be making her this determined to keep whatever that might be going on a secret. While Thor knows that there is more to the story and is ready to find out what Darcy is hiding. Ready to stand by her side and fight off whatever might be bothering Darcy and to help in anyway he can, in whatever way it might be. Both of them notices how nervous Darcy looked and from the tone that she just showed, they know that they need to find out what to help Darcy deal with whatever the problem may be.

"You seem to be really... overly excited for a reason." said Thor pointing out the most obvious fact.

"What? I am just excited in seeing my friends and we saved the world, go team!" said Darcy as she heads towards the door and held it open, silently urging them to get out, hoping they would get the hint that she's kicking them out. "Thanks for stopping by to check on me, but I am doing fine and don't want to hold you guys up from your date, the one that you two have been waiting in like forever to have. You both probably don't want to stay here for any longer than-"

"Actually we don't mind staying here for a little while to hang out with you." said Jane. "Besides we have plenty of time now that Thor is not going back to Asgard any time soon."

"Wait, really? That's so awesome I am so happy for both of you." said Darcy happy that both of them can finally be together. "So I guess you guys will want to leave soon, to make up for lost time and to enjoy every moment that you guys now have and I really don't want to hold you guys up on any fun you might have planed."

"We will have plenty of time to spend time with one another and before the next catastrophe, your safety is more important than our own personal entertainment Darcy." said Thor. "We'll be happy to stay as long as it may be needed and spend the evening with you."

At that moment, Darcy became really nervous and how things are not going well right now or how everything is going towards an even bigger challenge. She doesn't even know how she is going to keep this up for any longer. Since it's clear that there is no way she is going to be able to convince them to leave and even if she tries, it would convince them to stay even more and longer. Maybe she should go tell Loki what's going on and to let him know that there is something going on, along with hoping that maybe she can convince Loki in escaping on the fire escape or something. If she is going to do it then then she is going to need to be really sneaky and to need to stay calm in order to do so.

To try to entertain them, be a good friend and to tell Loki the current status without looking suspicious and letting more hints come out into the open. Plus it would be a good time for her to check in on him, in case of anything else that might be going on and it is something that she should know about and it is going to make her pay the consequences later. Darcy doesn't know Loki very well to know what would happen if Loki is stuck in the bathroom for hours on end and she wouldn't be surprised if he's bored in there. Not that she would blame him, she would probably be bored too if she is the one that is trapped in there for possibly hours with nothing to do. From remembering everything that has happened and how upset Loki can get from simply finding out that he was adopted or being second best according to Thor and the news, she doesn't want to know what's going to happen if he's upset and what else Loki might be capable of...

"I am going to quickly check the bathroom, it has been acting wired all day and I am going to call a repair person tomorrow to see if there might be any damages." said Darcy trying to head the way towards the bathroom and yet not keeping her eyes off her friends. "I have been having problems with the bathroom and I think it might be a broken pipe or something. I can't use the bathroom without some problem coming up, I had to go to my neighbors to shower, brush my teeth or go to a store if I am ever out and nearby, to save myself from more awkward moments. It has been a pain, for whenever I need to use it for you know... all of that stuff..."

Darcy looks at them even more awkwardly and lets out a nervous laugh as both Thor and Jane stare at her in absolute confusion and not even knowing what to make of the entire situation. While Darcy is feeling a sense of feeling even more uncomfortable as she sees and thinks about what she just said and can't believe that she even said what she said. It has to be one of the most awkward, wired and humiliating things that she has ever said in her life and an explanation that she never wants to give again. That is if she has to use the broken down bathroom excuse again, she nervously look at her friends and is relieved that they don't seem to be demanding for answers or figuring out any of the clues that she unintentionally gave or make any theories. At least there is hope there and she can just head over and warn Loki and pretend that none of this happened.

"Ok Darcy, we can just hang out here until you deal with... whatever you have to deal with." said Jane, while Darcy is giving an obvious sigh of relief. "That really sucks, let me know if you need any help. If this problem continues and you need some time off to deal with it or if you need any help paying for the repairs."

"What? No Jane, that won't be necessary." said Darcy quickly. "I don't think I am going to have that much trouble or any at all, when it comes to paying the bills, I have it all covered."

"Really Darcy, I insist and it's fine." said Jane. "I was thinking about giving you a raise anyway, especially after all your hard work during the past year and all of the help you gave us during the invasion."

Wow, that's great! Thanks so much!" said Darcy happily and relieved. "I'l be back soon!"

Without even wasting another second, Darcy quickly leaves the room in a hurry and to get to Loki before anything happens. She is just relieved that she and to some extent Loki, came up with an excuse that both Thor and Jane easily bought and believed it. Not too mention, she also just got herself a raise and that alone is more than enough to make her happy of her luck. Maybe Thor should take Jane on trips to Asgard which would later result in them coming over and she has to hide Loki in the bathroom more often, though the whole broken bathroom excuse would get old eventually, since it would be harder for anyone to believe if she has bathroom trouble every time they come over. It would be and look really suspicious, she wouldn't be surprises if they decide to conduct their own investigation after they smelled a rat and to find out the truth.

Though she wonders what should their next move be, that is if they are going to make some after this recent development. If Thor and Jane going to stay at her home for a longer visit than they both initially anticipated. They should figure out what they are going to do next or if Loki should even stay in the bathroom, the last thing they need is for something to go wrong and then it will ultimately lead to Thor and Jane discovering Loki. Sure she knows that Loki can simply use his magic to literally make himself disappear from plain sight, but she is now thinking of all of the worst scenarios and everything that might go wrong. If they find out the truth then it will definitely be a long night for both of them and maybe she should get a bigger place if Loki is going to stay here for a while, in case they have any more visitors coming over.

For now, they just have to get through this and see if they can make it through the visit and to see how they can keep this secret, well a secret for a while and she just hope that the two of them can think of something for Loki to do and maybe they will get through this. That is Darcy hopes that they will...

Chapter Text

When Darcy arrives to the bathroom, she doesn't waste a second in quickly opening the door and closing it right right behind her, with the hope that neither Thor or Jane finds the slamming it right behind her anywhere near suspicious. That is if they heard it and Loki's spell covered slamming the bathroom door as well, but at this moment, she doesn't want to attract any attention and lead to someone walking right in and finding out the truth. It's the last thing she wants at the moment and she feels as though she is ready to panic and just give Loki a long explanation that he probably would be asking her to repeat herself. But Darcy knows that she has to calm herself down first before she tells Loki anything as she quickly tries to catch her breath.

Loki looks at Darcy, with a confused glance, before quickly realizing what might be going on and sees that there is something going on and it might cause a problem later on. He knows that this might lead to some trouble and one that might lead to someone finding out that he's here, on Earth and then it will only lead to even more issues that he might not be able to escape from. He knows that he has to get through this and find a solution to get out of this room, Loki knows that if they are starting to suspect that there might be something going on then it would be only a matter of time in case, someone decides that it might be best to investigate and figures out that there is something else going on and happens to walk right in to this room. The best thing for him to do is to get out before it's too late and he needs to know what's going on before he takes any action.

"Ok here's the sitch, Thor and Jane are in my living room right now and I think they are starting to think that I am hiding something!" said Darcy in a really panic tone.

"I wonder what gave that away?" said Loki giving her an eye roll.

"But that's not all, they are planning to stay here for a couple hours to spend time with me. I wouldn't be surprised if I accidentally let it slip, since I'm terrible at keeping secrets." said Darcy. "What are we going to do? There is no way that I can somehow talk them out of it without looking even more wired or suspicious than I am already making it look. Now we're doomed, what if I say something that make things sound so obvious that everyone will be able to quickly figure out? What if I mess things up so badly that we end up in some jail tonight."

"Well the first thing we are going to do is not panic and stop to think of a plan." said Loki.

"How can anyone stay calm if thy have to worry about possibly being caught and ending up in jail?" said Darcy. "I mean the whole idea of us ending up in jail from being caught is so nerve-racking, I don't know how you can stay so calm. I might freak out or am I already freaking out and I don't even know if I am already freaking out and haven't realized I am already doing it!"

"Alright, calm down and then we can... Wait I think I already have an idea." said Loki. "How about this? Why don't I leave your home for the duration of their stay? That way I will not only be out of the way, but you might be able to relax and you won't have to worry about keeping me hidden and anyone finding me here."

"Really?! That would be..." starts Darcy excitedly before stopping to realize something.

There is one thought that is on her mind and it's the very thought that Loki would have to leave the apartment and all of the worst case scenarios that might happen if Loki just get up and leave. Since Loki has only been here for a couple of days and only been out of her home twice, she doesn't even know if someone can figure out and know their way around in that short amount of time. The last thing she wants is Loki getting himself lost in London, then it would lead to who knows what, the main problem would be trying to find him before something happens and then everything will definitely not end well. She can already imagine what might happen if someone recognizes Loki or figures out that he's walking around London or something happens and then it might lead to who knows what kind of trouble.

Not to mention, there would also be the problem of trying to find Loki right after all of this is over and if she would find him before anything happens is her main worry. She has no way of communicating with him and it's not like she can call anyone for help without getting both herself and Loki into big trouble and then someone calls the police or the Avengers or S.H.I.E.L.D and then they get involved and things would get harder on both of them. Especially if Thor decides to return to Asgard, tell their dad and brings back the Asgardian army or something that would definitely lead to them having to deal with everyone looking for Loki, ready to put up a fight for absolutely nothing and then everyone will be angry at both of them over the entire fiasco.

There is also the problem that she would still need to get Loki out of here if they are going to do this, since both Thor and Jane are literally right in her living room. There is no way she can get him out without risking something in happening and that would later lead to them having to face the consequences, she doesn't even know how she is going to do it without having the risk of failing being in every scenario she can think of. The more she thinks about it, the more she is unsure if any of this might be a good idea or if there isn't a flaw that she is more worried if it happens or get in the way. She gives a sigh as she continues to think through the entire situation, not even sure what can they even do.

"I don't know Loki, there are many things we have to worry about and the main fact things might not work out at all." said Darcy nervous on how her roommate would react to her response. "Letting you off in the streets of London and with little to no communication to each other at night, doesn't sound like the best idea. Plus what if you get lost and if we can't contact to each other or if something happens and we can't predict what might go on or if you might need-"

"I can assure you Darcy that I don't need any help." said Loki. "I am capable of taking care of myself."

"How am I suppose to let you know that they are gone without a way to contact you? Let alone figuring out how to get you out of here without being caught or where you are and finding you before something happens." said Darcy. "It doesn't even matter if you think that you can take care of yourself and if you can even get past them without even getting caught, we still have to worry about being caught and that is the last thing I want to happen."

"I am aware of the risks and the potential consequences." said Loki. "But I think that it might be best if I leave your home while you attend to them, it would be easier for you to get through this if I leave before either one of them suspects a thing and then it would lead to the disaster. Wouldn't they find it odd if you keep spending time in a damaged bathroom and all of the time needed to repair it? I think I would be fine in this city for an hour or two, besides wouldn't you rather have me see this town and relax or have me stay here and eventually get discovered?"

"Ok, you got me there." said Darcy. "But still we have to figure out how to get you out of here without Thor or Jane seeing you and realize the truth is litterally walking out the apartment."

"Have you forgotten who you are now talking to?" said Loki. "I can simply make an illusion and it can be someone that you, my brother and your friend may know. One that they wouldn't be surprised in seeing them here and one that you happen to be close to. Is there anyone you know like that in particular?"

"You know maybe this idea might work and it definitely sounds like the perfect plan." said Darcy as she is loving the idea more and more by the minute. "You can also get out and down through the fire escape, it's right outside my bedroom window. They are definitely not going to suspect a thing or at least I hope that-"

"Are you going to answer my question or not?" asked Loki annoyed and growing impatient.

"Sorry about that, yeah I happen to know someone like that and I forgot to tell you this, I might not be around here as often." said Darcy as she calms down. "I'm going out with him and now have a boyfriend, his name is Ian and we have been working together for a while and during the Dark Elf invasion, we spent more time together as we try to figure out what's going on and we helped those two and Erik, you know the old guy that you mind controlled back when you tried to take over New York. But aside from that, yesterday while we are fighting Dark Elves, he asked me out and-"

"Ok, I get it, you are so enamored by this beau of yours." said Loki annoyed by Darcy and Ian's love story. "Can we focus on the problem at hand? Especially before you start writing a book about your romance with this chap."

"Come on Loki, I'm sure you can take a little romance if you are not to busy trying to take over the world or trying so hard to hide from it." said Darcy a bit defensively. "I bet you never ever experienced or had those type of feelings towards someone or ever had a bond like that."

"Probably because I never wanted one, much less needed to have one, Darcy." said Loki defensively. "I have more important issues to worry about and they are at the moment higher up in my priority list. Besides partaking in a romance and indulging in the urges of the emotional attachment that will only hurts one in the long run, it's nothing but a waste of time. Especially for me..."

Loki ended the last part in a mumble, he quickly turns away from Darcy as he remembers the current situation that he is now in and everything that has happened. He doesn't expect Darcy or anyone to understand or let alone try to see things from his point of view. He knows that no one would want to get to know him in any capacity, especially after everything he has done and how people now see him as a monster, a villain that needs to be kept an eye on for the good of the world. It doesn't help matters when he stops to remember what he is and his biological ancestry, he doesn't know what he should think of any of this and if he can ever get past the curse that he feels every single time he stops to think about it, he simply feels as though he has completely no way to escape from the choices that he has made or will ever find a way to escape his nature, there is nothing good about this and it led him down this path. No one will care or ever see him as anything more like that, he is a monster and he doubts that Darcy or anyone would se him as anything other than that.

"Hey, are you alright?" said Darcy as she notices Loki demeanor has changed from defensive to something completely different.

"Anyway, what does this Ian look like?" asked Loki ready to leave the apartment, Darcy is about to say something and before she could. "Don't even think of saying a term that describes someone as good looking."

"Well, Ian... wait a second I think I have a picture of him that I saved on my tablet when we hung out a day before all of this." said Darcy as she quickly leaves the room and grabs her tablet and showed a picture of her and Ian to Loki.

"That's doable." said Loki as he quickly transforms into Ian to much of Darcy's amazement.

Without even wasting a second, the two of them start to head their way to the door and Darcy even quickly check to see if the coast is clear from the doorway. Once Darcy feels a sense of relief, she lead Loki right towards her bedroom and the two of them are making sure that they don't draw any attention to themselves as they enter the room. Darcy quickly went up to her window and open it as fast as she can with the hope that neither Thor or Jane can hear the sound of someone opening a window. Loki quickly climbs under to reach the fire escape, ready to leave the comforts of the apartment behind and to wander on the streets of London a little more until their unplanned visitors leave. At least he will get to see more of the city before he leaves the planet and embark on his own. Start a new life without anything holding him back, he can hardly wait to get out of this planet and leave all of this behind.

"Wow, Thor wasn't exaggerating when he said that your illusions are super realistic, it's really cool." said Darcy super excitedly surprising Loki.

"Thank you, I think..." said Loki not even knowing if what she meant and simply assumed it as a compliment. "I should get down to limit the chances of them seeing me on this balcony-like platform, I'll try to stay close by and... How do I exactly get down from here?"

"Oh, just simply push the ladder down and you don't have to worry about it falling off, it's automatically attached." said Darcy. "Just watch out for it once you reach the final platform ok?"

Loki simply gives her a quick nod as he starts to embark down the stairs and is going rather slowly, since he doesn't trust it in being sturdy and he doesn't want to fall off the fire escape. All he needs to do is get down and then he will be free from the danger that his existence being known will bring. It won't be long until he makes his escape and he would have one last thing to worry about. Part of him wants to give in to the temptation that he is now feeling, but he knows that it would be best for everyone if he just push forward and continue on with keeping this a secret. What other choice does he have?

Back inside the Apartmement

Darcy watches Loki go down the stairs, after seeing him reach to the second to last platform and thinking that he would be fine for the rest of the climb down. She leaves the window and her room to get back to the living room and to get to the others. The last thing she wants is for her guests to think that something might be going on, Darcy still doesn't even know if that it would be a good idea for Loki to be out in the city by himself, especially with all of the trouble that might possibly bring if something goes wrong. But right now she needs to play it cool and get through this, even if she is more than ready to unintentionally blurt it out at any moment. That alone is making her more and more worried by the minute and the idea of being in a jail cell is not helping matters.

She quickly approaches the living room, trying her best to act natural and then the two of them will see this as nothing more than her usual quirky behavior. Darcy carefully and yet casually approaches the couch where both Thor and Jane are now sitting on and chatting with one another. They stop doing so once they see Darcy approach, once she is there, she starts to feel more relaxed as she starts to think that maybe she won't have anything to worry about as she starts to see that with Loki gone and can easily take care of himself in the world outside of the apartment if there is any problems that might happen. She has nothing to worry about.

"Hey guys, I'm back and everything is going great." said Darcy rather happily as she make her entrance. "Aside from the bathroom still needing some repairs, I found a great plumber that might fix it in a great price. He is going to come in the morning and then take a couple of days for all of the repairs, that is as long as there are no more problems and then everything will be fine."

"That's great to hear, hopefully you'll get that-" starts Jane.

Before she can even have a chance to finish her sentence, all of the sudden they hear a loud bang sound coming from outside. A metal sound that seems to be hitting the pavement and catching all three of them by surprise. One that is almost ready to make Darcy go into full panic mode as she stops to see how the situation is becoming more and more intense. Why didn't she think of going with Loki and lowering the ladder for him? She should be grateful that the ladder is already attached to the platform, so she doesn't have to worry about figuring out how to sneak away and help Loki get down from there. Darcy watches as both Thor and Jane turn to see the window and then exchange a concerned look, while Darcy hoping that they don't start to suspect a thing...

"What was that?" asked Thor immediately after the sound.

"What was what?" said Darcy trying her best to hide the obvious sound of a fallen metal ladder that everyone just heard.

"That noise from outside that crashed just now." pointed out Jane. "It sounded like something dropped to the ground or something."

"What? There wasn't a metal sound! Ok, maybe there was a huge sound, one that the whole neighborhood might have heard..." said Darcy hastily. "I mean it is probably is something, but it's probably nothing. That is something not even close on becoming a big deal."

It doesn't take a deep thinker for anyone to see that Darcy is hiding something and neither one of them buys it for a minute and the two of them quickly got up from the couch. Thor quickly picks up his hammer and both of them starts to head their way to where the sound came from, with Darcy following behind them with hopes of them not figuring out or rather finding out what's really going on. She tries to see if she can squeeze right in front of them and maybe she will be able to stop them before they go any further and she doesn't even know how she is going to continue to hold them off and silently hopes that Loki is a good actor and can pull off Ian, otherwise then it is going to be a long and awkward night for all of them.

They all eventually arrive right in Darcy's bedroom and both Thor and Jane goes right inside to see if maybe the metal sound came from right there. While Darcy is trying to sneak by with the hope that she can block off the window or at least just place some curtains right in front of it and hopefully they would never think of checking right outside the window or realize that it was the fire escape. Before Darcy can get any far or even think of a plan of action, Thor starts to head towards the window, ready to investigate the sound that happened right outside with Jane following right behind him.

"I believe that it must have come from outside this window." said Thor as he approaches the window. "I should go outside on your balcony and investigate, in case it might be dangerous and poses a threat."

"Thor, I'm sure it's nothing." said Darcy trying her best to block the window and divert their attentions. "Why don't we go back to the living room and we can talk about... stuff..."

"It might be wise to see what it is, especially after the invasion, one can never know what might still be out there." said Thor. "It might even be some of the remaining Dark Elves that we might have missed from yesterday's battle."

"We had to face a couple of stragglers that we missed on our way here." Jane explained hastily as Darcy looked at them confused.

"Well that's good to know..." said Darcy. "But I still think that it's probably nothing and we all are just overreacting and-"

Before Darcy can even have a chance to continue, she accidentally step out of the way from the window allowing Thor to get out of the apartment to see what might be going on. Darcy just stares at the window, feeling a wave of terror as she sees Thor outside the apartment and possibly seeing Loki and the secret being out this soon. It doesn't take long in Jane following right behind him, she stares at the situation, not even daring to take another step forward to see what the two might be seeing and if it might be worst if she goes out and tries to make it better when in reality she is not doing so...

"What are you doing down there?" demanded Thor. "Why did you alarm the area by dropping that ladder?"

"Thor, let me explain! It's not what you think-" begins Darcy already assuming the worst and what Thor might be thinking and ready to come clean.

"Is this why you were so hesitant of us coming to your home?" asked Thor. "You were both on a date and you didn't want us to intrude upon it? I can't believe that you of all people would go to these lengths to make sure that we don't disturb your time with your newfound companion?"

Darcy stares at Thor in complete surprise as she quickly approaches the window sill to see that Loki still under the disguise as Ian is standing on the ground. That things to be going fine and neither one of them knows the truth and Loki and her are still home free. Darcy just give a very audible sigh of relief as she sees Loki and how he is alright and still in his Ian form, though she doesn't even know what to say or if she can even say anything at all.

"Yes, you are right about that one." said Loki as Ian. "I was on a date with Darcy this evening."

"Yeah, it's true he was here on a date and..." starts Darcy just relieved that Thor came up with an excuse that they can go with.

"We were simply hanging out and enjoying each other's company, after a long day of fun." said Loki trying to sound as Midgardian as possible. "That is until Jane called and said that she and Thor is coming over. So I figured that it might be best to leave and allow Darcy to enjoy herself with the two of you and we didn't have enough time for me to leave without disturbing your company, Darcy allowed me to escape from the balcony- I mean fire escape. I have my reasons why I am leaving so abruptly and I am really sorry about the disturbance."

Both Loki and Darcy quickly stare at each other as they quickly turn to both Thor and Jane, who is still getting passed the story and thinking about it. Neither one of them are sure if either Thor or Jane believes them or if they can somehow convince them otherwise in someway. Though Darcy is going to let Loki do all of the talking, since not only this his secret, but he is a master of deception and might do a better job when it comes to the getting out of these type of situations. It only takes a minute and from one look, it's hard to tell and they are about to get their answer.

"It's completely fine Darcy, I understand what you two just went through, well I can relate to it since my experiences includes escaping from another planet being chased by guards on a ship." said Jane. "I guess it was partially our fault for barging in on you guys on such short notice, sorry about all of that."

"It's alright, I understand that you guys want to check in on me and I appreciate it. Especially after everything that has happend in the past few days." said Darcy gaining some confidence in her ability and yet rushing it. "I am sure that Ian is more than happy to go home right now and needs to do something important that needs to be done right now right?"

"Yes, I really need to get going and it's good to see you both again." said Loki rather hastily. "That is am I free to go?"

"Yes, I believe that you are free to leave if you may choose to leave and won't join us." said Thor.

"I am really busy and as much as I wish to stay, but I really must be going." said Loki as he tries to back away a bit and with the hopes that they would accept it. "I have a lot of things to do and it can't wait for another minute."

"Of course, I don't want to waste your time any further." said Thor. "I am sorry about my sudden outburst, one can never be too careful and that is no excuse for my behavior."

"It doesn't matter now Thor, it was simply an honest mistake and one that was made with an understandable reasoning." said Loki. "Now if you all excuse me, but I really need to go, goodbye."

With that Loki leaves the area, with the confidence that he is now safe from being exposed and can simply continue living his life in hiding and that he would be fine. Darcy just give a sigh of relief as she watches him walk away with their secret still being safe and a secret. Now all she has to do is to attend to her guests and try to make sure that they have a good time and just enjoy their company. She turns to them, wanting to get back inside and just hang out, while Loki does whatever. he wants during his walk and just hopes that he just keeps his with his Ian disguise and now she can enjoy the company of her friends and nothing will go wrong. That maybe things will work out after all...

"So now with all of that settled, do you guys want to do something or have something to eat?" asked Darcy trying to get her friends' attentions for all of them to go inside.

An hour later, on the other side of the city

Loki has been mostly walking around and trying to get a knowledge on navigating in the city and yet part of him can't help but admire some bits of the city. It's nothing compared to Asgard and he doesn't even know how much longer he is going to be stuck on this planet until he figures out his next move. At least so far, it's a lot more tolerable than he thought that it would be and yet he just wants to get away from the planet, the sooner he leaves, the less likely Thor or anyone else will find out that he's there and that would be more than enough to bring more trouble.

But that's something he knows that he would always have to deal with, due to the choices he made and yet it's not so bad and he can make the most of this. Except if Darcy continues to try to make him go out and save people and stop every crime that might be happening. The last thing that he needs is to draw any more attention to himself, he already has saved more than enough people to last him a life time. That isn't who he is and all he wants is to simply move on and try to start a new life away from everything...

Part of him almost wishes that he never found out the truth, then maybe all of this could have been avoided and he wouldn't be placed in this situation. A path that felt so good at first and one that continues to hurt him more and more in the long run. Doing all of those things and continuing to bring upon pain and destruction to not only on himself but to many more including his family especially Thor and his mother. For what? Why did he really want to do all of it? Was it because he was so hurt by the deception and realizing that he was a frost giant and assumed that is the reason why Odin always favored Thor? Was it to prove himself to be something more than he was and for recognition that he has been yearning for as a child and now he has gotten it, with everyone now hating him.

Loki wouldn't be surprised if he made a grand entrance in one of the cities he took over then there'd be more angry people ready to give him a piece of their minds than anything. He wouldn't blame them, Loki doesn't even know what he really wanted or what to think about the past and what he did. But either way, it's too late now and there is nothing he can ever do to change the past or ever will make amends for it and the most he can do is simply just leaves all of this peacefully. It's not like he can be anything more than what he was and he has to be sure to make Darcy realize that, who is continuing to surprise him and is unlike anyone he has ever met, showing him kindness and acceptance even after everything, he just hopes that she drops her little make him a hero pet project. It is only going to hurt her when she sees him as a lost cause. Not that he would care, she's a overexcited Midgaurdian and one too forgiving in his opinion. That fails to see that he is a villain that is meant to be hated and a monster to be feared, there's no hope for him and that he needs to leave and just maintain the only thing he has left, his freedom...

Before Loki can even continue to reflect on the past or see more of the city, all of the sudden he hears a bang and he turns around to see what it might be and doesn't see anything out of the ordinary. Maybe it was simply nothing more than one of the Midgardians' disposal bins and he is about to continue on his way, until a more sinister growl appears and one that Loki hope that he would never hear again as he keeps up the Ian disguise and simply conjures up his daggers. Really wishing that he is wrong and that he is simply being paranoid over the entirety of the situation and that the Chitauri are not here and they haven't found him. That the very person Loki hopes that he would never see again and one that would stop at nothing to make sure he pays for everything that has happened and for his failure, and with the hope that he still does not know Loki's whereabouts.

Though that all turns out to be nothing more than wishful thinking as he sees the Chitauri approach him and is now ready to make their attack as they are ready to make him pay for his failures. Loki knows that he has to fight them off and is not going to be brought back to that place and going to fight, even if the battle will be difficult as more and more Chitauri surrounds him. With Loki determined to fight them off, ready to make the first move and to win this even if the odds are against him, somehow...

Chapter Text

Meanwhile back in the apartment

"Thanks again for stopping by guys, it's sure has been a blast to say the least." said Darcy as she standing right at her doorway with Thor and Jane on the other end. "Sorry again about the entire Ian thing that happened earlier."

"It's fine, we did just showed up out of nowhere." said Jane.

"Well it's all over now, hope that you guys get home safe." said Darcy as she grabs a hold of the door and is ready to close it and end the visit before anything else happens. "But right now I have to do a lot of things to do, so I'll see you guys later and..."

"Darcy, maybe-" starts Thor before the next thing either of them knew is Darcy just slams the door right at their faces.

"Sorry, I was in a hurry." said Darcy from her side of the closed door. "See you guys soon and yeah... Sorry again."

She waits until she hears Thor and Jane's footsteps leave the doorway to make sure that everything is all clear and once they are gone, she goes over to sit on her couch, completely exhausted and yet is relieved that she managed to pull it off. That neither Thor or Jane or worse both suspect something going on and then they see Loki in the bathroom or saw through the illusion. She's just lucky that they don't know Ian really well and Loki can simply wing it with his Ian expression and he seems to be doing a good job in trying to act as Ian like as he can. Though she doesn't know how she is going to keep pulling it off and make sure that the secret stays a secret, maybe she should ask Loki to use his magic to disguise as her and deal with them next time. She really does not want to find out the hard way of what would happen if Thor, Jane, someone on Earth or Asgard finding out that Loki's alive and here on Earth.

All they have to do is figure out how to pull this off every time and then it will be alright, it has to be and then she and Loki will be home free and they won't have to worry about taking permanent residence in some kind of jail cell. But at least they don't have to worry about that for now and they can at least relax and she can continue to figure out a way to get Loki to agree to become a hero. Since they still left things unfinished when it comes to the whole Loki becoming a superhero debate, maybe she can try the whole bribery thing or try to see if she can somehow break things down and see if there's a way she can emotionally inspire Loki or maybe even find out if there's a secret way of trying to get him to do things or she can simply just talk to Loki and maybe try to see why he doesn't want to be a hero.

Then that way they can find some common ground rather than this sneaky act, she doesn't know if there is any underlying reason why Loki doesn't want to be a hero aside from the fact that he just doesn't want to be one or at least there might be something holding him back. Maybe that might be the key to get Loki to agree to become one, all she has to do is make him see that it would be awesome and then he can see if things will work out. Though she is going to have to wait for him to come back before she can get to work on trying to get Loki to agree to turn over a new leaf. Even then it is probably going to take a while for Loki to make his way back, that is if he knows how to get back and even if he doesn't then she's sure he will be alright and doesn't want to disturb him on whatever fun he must be having as he explores. She remembers how much fun she had when they first moved to the city when she went off to explore it for the first time, though she wonders where Loki might be now...

Meanwhile back in the streets of London

Loki is standing in a defensive stance as he sees the Chitauri standing around him, ready to make their attack and to start to finish their mission. Standing right in front of the Chitauri and taking a look around to see the numbers, Loki quickly starts to think of a plan or try to find a escape route and someway to keep the Chitauri off his trail. He should have known that he would have to face the Chitauri again, especially after the last time he failed in completing a deal for their master. From one look of things, it looks like their master is finally keeping his word on the promise that he made during Loki's time in his captivity.

He notices that the Chitauri already have gotten their staffs and they are ready to strike, Loki simply grip his daggers tighter and really wish that they didn't recognize him and even then he wonders how they all can see through the disguise and what might be to defeat them as quickly as he can possibly can. But with the hope that they can somehow can not see that he is under the disguise, then again they all also have technology that might be capable in doing so or worse their master is near and then he would by then he would be in trouble. Soon the next thing that Loki knows is when he turned around, he sees the Chitauri's leader approach him, the Other in his hooded appearance approaching Loki ready to make sure that they don't leave the planet without completing their mission.

"Loki, how wonderful it is to see you again. Have you been enjoying your inprisoment and what looks like to be your exile?" said The Other. "No disguise you could ever conjure up would ever hide you from us with the Chitauri under my command."

Loki just gives a sigh, as he uses his magic to return to his true form and faces The Other as he got his guard up even more than before. Remembering everything that has happened during the time he working for him and used the Chitauri army to take over the planet. He is even more on the defense when it comes to simply seeing the Other and all of the mind tricks that he has caused in the past and the terror that is always speeding through oneself as he do it. How the Other would simply play his mind tricks on anyone who may let their guard down for a moment and then allow himself to invade someone's mind and torture them for his master in hopes that they would break them. At least now he knows his opponent well enough to try to put up a fight and to stop him from getting anywhere close to him again.

"Well at least, I have been doing better in comparison to how it was when I was working for him." said Loki. "I see that he still commands his army to do his bidding rather than going out and pursue his desires himself."

"Don't worry there is more awaiting you, he simply wants to award you for your failure." said the Other with an evil grin on his face. "He figures that it's time to finally accomplish his life's purpose and to end all of the burdens of the world and finally bring the balance that he has been desperately yearning for."

"Thanos finally decided to go after the Infinity Stones, I have to say that for once I am glad that I have failed in my part." said Loki. "The last thing I need is to face the end of the world because of his foolhardy quest that would result in ruination to the fabric of the entire universe. I have no desire on taking part of that and simply want to walk away from all of this and no longer take any part of this."

"He doesn't want to work with a failure, on the contrary he wants to ensure that you no longer a priority." said The Other. "To ensure that we keep our word and you no longer can stand and experience the pain of your failure and one that you will never forget. Then we will make it our mission to conquer worlds and we might start with this planet due to it possessing the stones and it would be a shame to waste and give up a potential plan all because of a weakling tried so hard to rule a planet much less take the comand over it."

"Well, Midgard is actually quite overrated when it comes to trying to take over it if I am being quite honest." said Loki as he tries to put out his own thoughts with the hopes that this would end. "These mortals would put up a fight and I have to say that we severely underestimated them, I don't think it would be wise to strike an attack when everyone on this planet would be ready to put up a fight and they won't give up that easily. You all are wasting your time, if you truly believe that it would somehow work and still think that the humans are really as submissive as we initially thought. This planet is not worth it."

"I had no idea on how much of a hypocrite you are, one minute you were more than eager to help us take over this planet and now here you are defending it." said the Other. "If I did not know better, I would think that you are starting to care for this planet."

"I don't care about this planet, in fact I can hardly wait to leave here after I finish dealing with you and your army." said Loki.

"You are so much like that idiotic brother of yours, by simply seeing the sight of you now." said the Other. "Now I see why your adopted father always chose him over you. It is not really a surprise, seeing how pathetic and weak you are and how you believe that you could amount to anything."

"Thor is not idiotic!" said Loki defensively. "Sure he can be an oaf at times... But that doesn't make him idiotic, he is brave and reckless to say the least, he is someone who would always try to fight all of the battles for everyone to keep everyone safe from creatures such as yourself and Thanos."

"He has gotten much more powerful than you have last seen him and he will continue to grow his power as he finally about to embark on the journey of gaining the most powerful objects in the universe." said the Other menacingly. "But first we have some unfinished business to attend to and we want to find the rest of the Infinity Stones, before we take you to meet your fate, we would like to know the precise location of the two stones, that is if your failure didn't make you even more incompetent."

"Even if I knew, I would never tell you and I don't, so you should tell your master that and leave now." said Loki. "The stones are extremely dangerous if they fall in the wrong hands, especially when they are together on the guantlet. He is only asking for trouble and that is power that no one in their right mind would ever dream of pursuing it, let alone-"

"I believe that you are in no position to tell us what to do and it is time for us to finally make you pay for your failure." said the Other as he and the Chitauri got in the position to attack. "Don't even try to sneak your way out, you may have fooled many in the past with your tricks, but you are not fooling any of us, don't even try."

"Who says that I need illusions to fight you, the only one who will leave here victorious is the only one who might have a chance of out smarting you." said Loki. "You are making the same mistake twice."

Without another second to lose, Loki starts to make his attack by simply trying to strike as many of the Chitauri as he can with his daggers. The Chitauri are not even wasting any opportunity to hit Loki with their weapons or to try to grab a hold of the Asgardian with the hopes that they can take him to Thanos as they were ordered. The Other is watching from afar, wanting nothing more but to study Loki's fighting style and any patterns that he can break at any moment to ensure that will guarantee a victory. But one thing is definitely for sure, it's the fight is being contained in the area and it's one that Loki is surprised and relieved that it is not gathering that much attention as he fights off the Chitauri, one by one and with the hope that he can somehow wins the fight and escape Thanos for good.

So far, Loki doesn't even have a plan on how he is going to do so, but he is going to fight them all and make sure that he leaves here without ever having to deal with Thanos again and that alone is a situation that he wants to avoid at all costs and do everything to avoid it. At least he doesn't have to worry about Darcy being there, the last thing he needs is to get her involved in this and no one deserves to face any fate or any outcome that leads to Thanos. Besides this is something between him and Thanos, he can get out of this alone and will as he continues to fight off the Chitauri. The battle is at it's full intensity as Loki takes down more and more of the Chiitauri, with the determination to end the battle before it even starts to escalate even further. Maybe he will be able to escape from this and from the rate he is now going, it is safe to say that maybe he does stand a chance.

Back in Darcy's apartment, twelve minutes later

Darcy has been keeping an eye out to see if Loki has returned or if there's any sign of him, whether it's through the window or if there is some knock on the door. But so far, she hasn't heard anything and there hasn't been any sign of what might lead to Loki coming right in. That is if he is close by and he is on his way here right now, but then again Darcy has to remember that Loki is new in town and he has yet to see everything and he has to learn how to navigate it. He didn't receive a grand tour and a map from her, so maybe he's lost or that there might be something else going on.

But there can't be anything more going on, it's not like Loki would get caught by someone or draw so much attention to himself that right now everyone knows that he is here on Earth. That maybe he has gotten himself in some trouble that they might head towards to something even bigger in the end that there might be something going on that might be more trouble than any of them may think. Then again, this is Loki, he seems to be the type that would try to avoid trouble and if he is in trouble then he would get out of it easily. If anything he would cause more trouble than being caught up in trouble, so all she has to do is wait for him to come back and relax for a little bit.

Maybe she should try to watch some tv and relax for a while and then she can return to reality and deal with whatever is going on in the world. Any moment now Loki will be back and then she can try again on trying to get Loki to become a superhero and then once she convinces him then they will be on the next step on Loki's superhero orgin story. She quickly sits back on the couch, grabs the remote and tries to see if there is something good on and relax as she waits for her roommate to return, he probably got lost or something. Not in any form of trouble that he might need some help or at least it would be something that he would get out quickly without making some kind of scene or at least will not draw any attention, whatever is going on isn't even a life or death situation. There's nothing to worry about and anything going on, now she can just relax, enjoy some tv and think of a plan on getting Loki to agree with all of this. Nothing is going to go wrong...

Meanwhile back in the battle

The battle is becoming more and more intense by the minute and Loki is making great progress as he continues to take down more and more of the Chitauri. Every single time, the Chitauri tries to make their attack, Loki simply uses his magic to make a escape or an attack even further. There is still far too many Chitauri to face off and Loki is not having any problem keeping up with them, it is a easy win that Loki thinks that he will probably end this fight faster than he can even fight and will get out of this. The Chitauri continue to fall as Loki makes his attack and fights off the growing number of Chitauri that doesn't seem to be stoping to in them from whatever attack they try to inflict on Loki next.

Loki continues to hit the Chitauri through every attack and even uses some illusions to distract the Chitauri and thus making them run into walls or each other. He even uses his magic to summon some bricks from some near by a construction site and uses his magic to throw it right at each of the Chitaturi hitting each and everyone of them during the fight. None of the Chitauri are prepared for the attacks that Loki throws at them and they are staggering even if there are more and more joining in the fight. Loki is just relieved at the result so far and is getting more and more annoyed by the Chitauri that he is now starting to see how Thor and the rest of the Avengers must have felt when they were fighting off the Chitauri when he tried to take over this planet.

While the Other is simply observing the battle and knows that if he is going to win this battle then he is going to strike Loki when the Asgardian is least expecting and then slowly it will be one moment that will speed up the victory. A tactic that always worked in the past and one that will work again and that will guarantee the defeat that they are hoping Loki will fall and it would be refreshing to experience an activity that he and many find enjoyable when Loki was with them. But at the same time, it will ultimately be the start to change things around for their side. He rushes right towards Loki and tries to hit him on the head with the staff, Loki dodges it before it can even reaches him and is ready to fight the Other and even if he fails in trying, already remembering all of the times in the past...

"I say you are more stubborn than I remember, let's see if I can change that attitude." said the Other as his claw starts to glow and Loki stares at the Other as he realizes what the Chitauri leader, the torture that he still remembers and continue to have nightmares about.

"That's not going to work, I have gotten stronger since the last time we met." said Loki with a hint of determination and yet hiding the fear that is deep inside him from what happened in the past and a connection that he hopes that has been broken after he escaped and ended up in the dungeons.

"Let's see if that is true." said the Other as he uses his power to get into Loki's mind.

At that moment, Loki dropped his defensive stance as he experience the pain that that the connection creates and tries to block away from any of the tricks that the Other might do to try to get him to follow his orders. With Loki distracted, the Other led the Chitauri to make an even bigger attack that continues to become harder and harder over the course of the battle. Loki is trying hard to keep up and yet is struggling to fight off the Chitauri, especially after that resurgence of the pain and torture he had to endure in the past.

With the pain of the memories speeding right through Loki's mind as he sees more and more Chitauri taking advantage of the situation. With the hope that this would provide a bigger advantage than they already provided and the start of the fight having a turn around that might end in the way that Loki would want it to. That he might be trapped in an environment that he is desperate to avoid and the chances are diminishing as more continue to join in the fight and Loki is surrounded by the Chitauri with no hope of getting out.

Thirty minutes later back in Darcy's apartment

Darcy finds herself watching the news, to see if there is anything that is going on, she just finished rewatching the first episode of Avatar:the Last Airbender and she is already hooked and can't wait to see more and rewatch the show again. Though she might as well see what's going on in the world and see if there is some disaster that might be going on that she might be indirectly responsible if Loki has something to do with it or worse he's responsible for it. Not that she is saying that Loki or rather a Loki that is trying to start anew would do anything like that. At least from the sight of the tv, there is nothing going on and just seeing that there is no big breaking news moment, just gives her a sigh of relief as she continues to watch the tv.

But even from the look at the news, she has the feeling that something is going on and that it will ultimately be the start of something and she doesn't know what might be going on. That is if there is a reason why Loki still haven't come back or at least there is something keeping him, even if he had to fight off Dark Elves and thieves, the last two times he had to go out, he always managed to find his way back and then it is usually the end of it. But now Loki is not even on the news doing something that she would be on the must get him to agree to be a superhero mission and there has to be something going on that might be making Loki not return and the question is what?

She sometimes goes over to the window, to see if there is any sign of Loki and if maybe there is something else going on that she should know about. That she would be able to get out and help in someway or at least know that there isn't something that is going to end up with Loki or worse both of them in some kind of jail and she ruined her friendship with both Thor and Jane. That is something that she definitely does not want to happen and let alone be the cause for more problems and create new ones for the four of them. At least she knows that Loki is not causing any trouble and maybe he's just fighting off any of the Dark Elves that are still straggling behind and he's just fighting them off with hopes that it will bring justice to what happened to his mom.

Even then, Darcy decided that if Loki doesn't come back in an hour than she is going to go look for hm. So that way if there is any trouble then she can try to put a stop to it before it gets out of hand or find him in case he is lost and then she should go and find him. The last thing she wants is to be partially responsible for something that she might have let happen, even if it would be mostly Loki's fault that things happened in the first place. But for now, she is going to wait and see before going towards into action and try to fix some problem that is not going to end well or she knows that even exist. Besides it's probably nothing and she is simply worrying over nothing...

Meanwhile back in the battle, a half hour later

The Chitauri are doing everything in their power to hit Loki with their attacks and while Loki is trying to see if there is a way to possibly turn this around. To try to figure out that there is another angel or a weakness that he can hit, as he continues to fight of the Chitauri one by one. To take down as many as he can and to see if there is a vantage point that he might be able to hit. Then he can take them all out in one attack or blast of magic that would allow them all to fall to their knees and then later he can escape before they regain their strength. But that always finds someway to somehow backfire and Loki always landed right back where he started and he has to fight off even more Chitauri than before.

The Other always makes sure of that the Chitauri are either well protected or he gives Loki the same trick over and over again as he either tricks Loki into letting his guard down long enough to play his usual mind tricks and to ensure that they still have their advantage. To make sure that Loki still finds himself submissive towards his methods and he will maintain control over the Asgardian. The fight continues on as they head towards Loki and is hitting him with their staffs as Loki continues to dodge, with only the hope that he would get out of this motivating him and the desire of getting away from Thanos being the only thing that is giving him the motivation to fight as he continues to face the very things that have the dangerous urge to obey their master and complete their mission. The fight continues to overtake Loki and it is getting harder and harder for him to keep up, that is if he can keep it up at all as he continues to fight.

That is until, Loki has an idea and it may not be the best idea or if it might hold them off for a while, but maybe it will be long enough for him to think of a plan. He quickly uses his magic to create an illusion of himself and make himself vanish, as he quickly runs towards a corner of building and hides right behind it. Loki slowly turns his head towards the scene he left behind as he sees his illusion continues to dodge every attack and with the magic ensuring that none of the Chitauri hits the illusion and none of the Chitauri even takes the time to notice that they are fighting an illusion. Loki simply gives a quiet sigh of relief, as he watches and tries to think of a plan that might work and one that he would somehow find a way to win long enough for him to escape and leave this planet long enough to a place where Thanos would not reach him for a while.

As Loki is quickly coming up with the basis of a plan, he notices that the Other is watching from afar with a sense of suspicion in his eye and that the circumstances that might be a little too easy and it simply the moment that is making everything feels too convenient. Without even wasting another second, the Other leaves the battlefield to try to see where Loki might be hiding and to make sure that he doesn't escape and to end this fight. It didn't even take a mind reader to stop to see where Loki is hiding and decides that it's now time to make an attack that they will guarantee a victory.

"You can try to hide all you want Loki, but you need to remember that we will always find you." said the Other as he quickly speeds right behind Loki and catches him by surprise as the Other inflicts more pain on Loki, making him fall to his knees as he exspirence the inescapable pain that Loki is desperate to escape from.

Loki can't seem to find a spell to get out of the trap that the Other has place him under and even then he doesn't know if he can fully escape without the Other somehow figuring out what he is trying to do or inflict more pain before he even has the chance to think of a plan or find a way to escape. That is unless he does something that is expected and at the same time no one would ever stop to think that he would agree to do or stop to see that there might be something going on. There is one thing he knows that would blind any of the Chitauri or opponent so much that he might be able to do something bigger than any of them may think or even suspect. So Loki slowly got up and face the other and the many Chitauri that are slowly approaching him. Loki gives a sigh as he begrudgingly looks at them, dropping his daggers and feeling a sense of defeat as he continues to face them and to see if this part of his plan might work and if he will have a chance.

"I give myself up to you, I surrender." said Loki defeated, as the Other gives him a victorious smile.

An Hour later

Darcy just have about enough as she heads through the streets to try to see if there is any sign of Loki or if there is anything that is going on that would result in more trouble. The kind of trouble that would get everyone's attention and she finds a lot of cops and news crew already there with a crowd watching, then later the Avengers come in and it's a huge mess. As much as she wants to see the Avengers in action and meet the others, but she definitely does not want to see Loki doing something that might result in them arriving. Though she knows that Loki probably isn't doing anything and he just wants to have a fresh start, that is she thinks and would like to help him. If only he just gives her idea a chance and then he can see that he can start a new life and can be more than what he was. Plus it would be cool if she can somehow turn a super villain into some kind of superhero, she knows that he has the capability of being one if he gives it a chance.

But still she has to find Loki and she is now rapidly looking around the city to see if she finds Loki or if there is a sign that might lead her to Loki. So far there is no sign of him or if he's in trouble, that way maybe she can help him get out of trouble and then they can pretend none of it ever happened and they can just try to make this least Thor and Jane might have gotten home by now and she doesn't have to worry about them spotting him, plus Loki being disguised as Ian is also a plus. She also hopes that she just finds him before someone does or else then she might find herself dealing with Thor, Jane, the Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D and whoever else might get involved in trying to get Loki and trapped right inside a problem that will be impossible to get out. She doesn't even know if she can help if...

Before she can even think any further than Darcy stops at the sight that she sees right in front of her and she doesn't even know what to do. Right now she found Loki, but not in the way that she thought that she would ever find him or see her newfound roommate. The Chitauri are busy beating Loki with their staffs, looking as though they are enjoying every minute of the attack, while the big one that Darcy must assume is their leader is leading them to do all of this. With one look at Loki, she can tell that he must have been defeated. There is also the fact that the Chitauri are back and from one look, they mean business and it's obvious that they are no longer pals with Loki anymore. It looks like Thor and the Avengers didn't do that great of a job of dealing with all of them or maybe these are more of these aliens that might be ready to make an even bigger attack that might make last time look like it was nothing.

It looks like she is going to have to go out there and help, there is no way she is going to stand here and watch Loki like this. Besides if she doesn't then who will? She has her taser right here with her and did pick up some fighting moves from Thor and the blurry video of Loki on the news last night. Plus Black Widow and Hawkeye managed to fight off hundreds of them and they don't have superpowers, how hard can it be if Darcy puts her mind and her taser to it?

It's not like she can even call for help, since no one might believe her and she can already imagine how long it will take for her to somehow convince everyone that she is telling the truth. Not to mention, the authorities might not even want to help because of everything that happened in the past and even if they do help then she might put Loki in a situation where they are getting unnecessary input where they are getting unwanted attention and people trying to take control of the entire situation and then it will make things worse. Not too mention, Thor is guaranteed to find out when they call him to help out and she can already imagine how things are going to turn out and thus being the end of Thor and her's friendship. That is if Thor finds out what happened and sees Loki, but she is going to do something and do everything to make sure that they both come out of this alive.

Though she doesn't really have a plan on how she is going to defeat the Chitauri and if she would be able to help, but she is going to do everything she can to help. Darcy just hopes that it would be enough and slowly got closer to the scene, ready to somehow fight off the Chitauri, she has to wait for the right moment and then she will strike and then they can get out of there. As Darcy gets closer to the scene and closer on being ready to fight, she just hopes that all of this will somehow workout...

Chapter Text

Darcy races towards the scene or rather to hide behind the closest dumpster that is closest to the scene and she quickly counts all of the Chitaturi there. Well all of them, not counting the big one, she starts to make her attack with just the hope that she is not doing something completely crazy and that she is starting to get the idea that maybe she might be overestimating her ability. But she is ready to help Loki in anyway she can and to somehow get them out of this, besides if she doesn't then she would have to face the fact that both Loki and the world would soon be history if the Chitauri are back and from one look at the situation, it doesn't really look like that Loki was the ringleader of the entire incident a year ago.

So Darcy grabs a ton of rocks, that is right next to her and starts to try to get a good vantage point where she can hit the Chitauri without accidentally hitting Loki. Once she finds it then she starts to throw the rocks right at them and with the hopes that she is distracting them and that they would stop beating Loki. Fortunately, the Chitauri starts to take notice when they feel the pebbles hitting them and they all turned around to see what it might be and if there might be something else going on and if there is someone there and that person might jeopardize their success in their mission. With their guard up, the Chitauri begins to investigate what might be there and to put a stop to their interference.

She is keeping an eye of the Chitauri, as they start to no longer focus on Loki and head towards different directions as they try to see anything that might be out there. Darcy notices that there is one that is heading right towards her, she carefully grabs out her taser and is ready to fight if she has to and yet she doesn't even know if she can defeat all of them, but she has to try. Once the Chitauri soldier arrives close enough to see what might be hiding behind the dumpster, then Darcy quickly takes out her taser and uses it against the Chitauri. From one look of the ones that is now racing towards her, she continues to use her teaser and tries to hit as many as she can as they are making their moves to attack and Darcy continues to use her teaser to hit more and more of the Chitauri with the hints of electricity continuing to stand in their way and to try to see if there is a way to defeat Darcy in one go.

But Darcy tries her best to get out of the way and continues to fight off the Chitauri by either punching them or using her teaser even more than once and tries to get closer to Loki and yet with the hope that she doesn't fail or some wired freak accident happens and she hits Loki with her teaser or something. Though she really doubts that could happen and it might be her nerves speaking, but at least she would know how powerful her teaser is, so that would be a plus. She continues to knock more and more of the Chitauri out, she doesn't even know how many more she would have to try to fight off or if she would somehow have to put a stop to all of this on her own and somehow pull this off and continues to take down all of the Chitauri that are near by and just feels a sense of relief that the many that are still surrounding Loki and they definitely look like they are not going to leave anytime soon.

At that moment, Darcy realize that she needs to speed things up and to try to see if she can get Loki out of there. Since from one look of things, it definitely does not look good and she needs to speed things up and continues to fight off more and more of the Chitauri and it looks like that it is never going to end. She starts to try to keep the fight contained as she defeats each and every single one of the remaining Chitauri that have already seen her. She quickly uses her teaser to make sure that all of them are defeated and continue on the fight until she managed to knock out all of the Chitauri and quickly grabs a rock to throw it as far as she can. The Chitauri surrounding Loki lifts their heads and they hear the sound further away from the scene and thus they and the Other starts to head towards that way to investigate, with the belief that they would be finne if they leave Loki alone for a few minuets.

Darcy can't believe that this actually work, that she actually did all of this and managed to pull it off and defeated that many Chitauri with her trusty teaser. That she managed to fight them and win, she actually fought off the Chitauri and if she isn't still in the danger zone and if Loki is right here then she would totally invite him out to celebrate. But first she should wait till all of them leaves, then she can run over to Loki and check if he's alright, since from one look and just seeing the sight, she wonders if Loki is really alright and maybe he is hurt. So hurt that he would need help right now, that alone is surprising because she always thought that Loki would be the type who would get himself in this position and always seemed to be tougher than he looks.

So she waits until every single one of them are nowhere in sight and starts to race towards Loki and is ready to get him out of there. Darcy runs towards Loki and hopes that things are not as bad as it looks or the Chitauri doesn't do backup plans and they are just going to be distracted long enough for both of them to leave and make their escape and get out of there before anyone notices what's going on and they start to make an even bigger move of attack. When she arrives and then she sees that Loki hasn't move or even make a movement that indicates anything or if Loki is alright and if he knows that things have stopped and that the Chitauri are gone. From one look she doesn't even know if he is unconscious or maybe even dead, she just hopes that it is not the second option and maybe she is just overreacting. She crouched down where Loki is lying and ready for them to escape.

"Hey Loki, we need to go now! This is our chance!" said Darcy almost immediately, she sees that Loki hasn't started to move or acknowledge her, so she goes closer towards Loki and not even know what to make of this. "Loki, are you ok? Please don't tell me that-"

Before Darcy can even have a chance to continue or react to the development, the moment she tries to touch Loki, he is suddenly transparent and disappears from Darcy's touch. She slowly back away from the shock and tries to see if she can find any sign of Loki and to see if she can finally see what's going on and turns her head around to see anything. Suddenly she feels a force knock her to the ground and thus feeling as though as she is now spinning on the ground and continues to do so until a hard force stops her right on her tracks. She lets out a panicked gasp, as she quickly sees who her attacker is and the sight of Loki right on her.

"Hey, what's the big idea?" Said Darcy almost immediately as she sees Loki.

"What? Darcy?" Asked Loki slowly getting off her in complete shock. "What? How? What are you even doing here?"

"I came looking for you after you didn't show up in my place and found you dealing with these jerks. Are you always this sneaky when it comes to fighting off anything?" Said Darcy as she gets up, not even sure if she should be happy or angry at Loki. "I am now even starting to wonder if you have ever tricked Thor like this? That or how many times he would have to save you whenever you find yourself in trouble?"

"Hardly never Darcy, I always find myself trying to get Thor out of trouble rather than getting myself into trouble." Said Loki.

"Uh huh, tell that to the evil alien army that was just pounding on you." Said Darcy not even having any of it. "But then again, you just tackled me without even checking it's me, what do I know?"

"I apologize about that, it was simply because I thought up a plan on how I might defeat their leader." Said Loki. "I simply thought that if I pretend to be dead, then maybe I could fool him long enough to attack him and plan my escape."

"What is it with you and pretending to be dead to people?" Said Darcy. "I have to say at least that plan worked really well and all. But it was good idea, if I didn't just walked right in and ruined everything."

"At least I know that it would have worked, though now I may need to think of a new plan." Said Loki. "Why did you stay here? What were you even thinking of trying to help me? Have you forgotten what they did the last time they were here? Do you have any idea of what they might do to you?"

"A 'thank you' would be great." Said Darcy sarcastically before turning annoyed. "I am trying to help you and all you're doing is calling me out on it? But anyway, let's just agree to disagree and get out of here before those creeps come back and-"

A loud hissing sound stops both Loki and Darcy on their tracks. They both turned to see the Chitauri racing towards them, ready to do more than just continue to beat Loki and has their spears up to make the attack. Many more are jumping right behind and in front of the pair, with the determination to finish the two of them. Both Loki and Darcy are standing defensively as they see the situation and tries to figure out how they can even get out of this.

Loki is trying to think of the number of scenarios and to figure out what might be the best plan. That unless, to see if it is possible for him to simply fight his way out of the area. Along with making sure that Darcy leaves out of this alive, not that he would normally care. It would be the least that he would do since she did just risk her life for him, then it would be enough for him to declare it even. The last thing he needs is to find a way to make sure that they would believe any excuse he can come up with for Darcy's disappearance and his survival. He knows that he is going to have to do this alone, it is the only way to do this.

"I will deal with them, you need to go now!" Said Loki instantly.

"Wait, what?! Do you honestly think that I am just going to leave you to deal with these freaks?" Asked Darcy surprised and then became determined. "There is no way I am going to do that and I didn't distract them for nothing to get up and leave."

"Darcy, you need to understand that this is too dangerous. Especially for a Midgardian with little to nothing in combat experience." said Loki. "Besides, I think you helped enough, thanks to your meddling, they now know that I am well enough to continue to fight."

"But, I can help!" said Darcy annoyed and already pulling out her teaser, ready for round two.

"I think I can manage and-" starts Loki.

Soon the Chitauri starts to attack the two of them and Darcy simply dodges them and hits them with her teaser. Without even wasting another second, the two of them tries to fight off the many Chitauri that is never going to give up the fight that is right up ahead and they start to attack even harder. The two of them are doing everything to fend for themselves as they try to fight off the Chitauri and Loki is facing them off as he tries to hit every single one of them. Along with trying to see how he can use his magic to make an attack without accidentally hurting Darcy in the process, simply because he has to figure out the strategy and one that would work and guarantee that it would work. The two of them continues to work together, with Loki using his magic and daggers to fight of all of the Chitauri in one go and the hope that it would defeat more as they continue to attack. Being swift in his attacks and taking down more and more of the Chitauri by the minute, being efficient in his attack moves.

While Darcy on the other hand is trying to keep up with the fight, as she tries to defend herself and to see if she can defeat even more of the Chitauri that they are starting to make an even stronger form of attacks as she keeps dodging from the Chitauri and using her teaser to ensure that it would take down even more. Though she has some trouble keeping up, since more of the Chitauri are racing down to make their attack and this time more are not even taking any chances. They keep on making bigger and yet harder attacks on Darcy, which she keeps trying to avoid and yet failing all the same. She uses her teaser to try to keep up with the fight and at the same time try to knock more out, that is until...

One of the Chitauri knocks the teaser right off her hands, she quickly stares on the ground to see the teaser lying on the ground, beyond her reach. She quickly tries to make a fighting pose that she sees in her comics, the one that she would always see where a female superhero would be bending their knees and with their fists up ready to fight off whatever they might face. Darcy is ready to not go down without a fight and from the look of things, she is going to have to fight harder than she may already be anticipating and that alone is making her nervous and really wishes that she has a pile of rocks to throw at them. The Chitauri starts to approach her, with the staffs ready to get hit her and have one less to deal with. That is until...

Loki appears right in front of Darcy and uses his telekinesis to create a blast of magic to throw the Chitauri flying through the air. Once they were all on the ground, they slowly starts to get up, ready to fight. That is until Loki uses his magic to create numerous number of illusions to distract the Chitauri before starting to attack every single one of them, by clocking himself through the illusion and taking them down one by one. Using the element of surprise as an advantage, hitting every single one of the Chitauri and defeating every single one of them. That in the end, Loki manages to defeat all of them as they still see that there are more that are coming right towards them and Darcy just quickly heads for her teaser ready to help.

"Now, that was an awesome save!" said Darcy rather excitedly. "The way you went out there and used magic to defeat all of them! One minute you were like magic blast there and then there were hundreds of you and then-"

"Don't get too excited, we are not out of this just yet and we still have to deal with all of those." said Loki pointing out the many Chitauri heading their way. "I will hold them off, just get out of here as quickly as you can."

"I am not going to leave you, Especially seeing that you're still outnumbered even if I wasn't here and going to stay here and help." said Darcy. "Now here's the real question, why are they after you?"

"It might be better if you don't know, the less anyone is involved the better." said Loki. "I had everything under control before you-"

"It didn't look that way to me, it looked like if at any moment some UFO will come in to pick them up and take you with them." said Darcy. "Besides I have been fighting off these things and they know that I exist now, if anything I need to know what's going on even more so now."

"Let simply say that I made a deal with their leader and the Chitauri, it is obvious that it did not end well and now..." said Loki. "They are here to settle some unfinished business, especially since I failed in my end of the bargain."

"Alright, you made a deal with these guys to try to take over this planet and now they want to get their revenge for you failing them." said Darcy. "The lesson to learn from all of this is to- Next time you try to make a deal with someone, be sure to do it with someone that doesn't want to kill you if things don't work out and preferably someone who doesn't want to get someone to help them take over a planet for them."

"I will be sure to keep that in mind, leave now before it's too late." said Loki. "The less that I allow you to be involved, the better it would be for you." said Loki. "I honestly don't see why you would want to help me and-"

"Maybe because it's the right thing to do and I don't exactly hold grudges or judge people for their past actions." said Darcy. "Even if they are trying to take over the planet and being a total jerk in the process."

"Darcy... I know that you are trying to help..." said Loki who doesn't even know what to make of this. "But... They only want me and if you stay here then you would only be putting yourself in more danger and you will become a target. The Chitauri will not hesitate in using you to get to me, in fact they might even kill you and-"

"You know that might not be a bad idea." said the Other. "Grab the girl and make sure that he doesn't have an opportunity to attack."

The next thing both of them knew is that the Chitauri makes an attack and jumps from behind to grab a hold of Darcy and Loki is about to make his attack to get her out of their grasps. He holds his daggers in a tighter grip and gets ready to fight if he has to. He sees the Chitauri move further back with Darcy trying her best to fight them off and find a way to escape. He notices that the Other is looking over at the situation rather menacingly and is glaring at Loki, as he starts to ponder on the endless possibilities that are available to ensure that Loki does everything he say. That it would lead them to victory with Loki in their grasps and they would please their master, now all they need is to give Loki, an offer that he can't refuse and one that they know he would never refuse.

Loki stands there, ready to fight and is about to, that is until the Chitauri place Darcy right in front of them is only when Loki just holds his stance. He can already see what they are trying to do and they are going to keep doing it, to make sure that he doesn't fight back and that he would listen to all of their demands. But Loki knows that there is always another way and there has to be one that would get the two of them out alive and yet it allows them to lose the Chitauri in their tracks, he doesn't have a plan or know what to do, but he will figure out a way and first in order to do so. Loki would need to hear the Chitauri out, keep them busy and then he will strike, all he needs is to figure out the perfect strategy and to do it once the opportunity calls upon it. He glares at the Other and the Chitauri, ready to fight and find a way to get out of this.

"Hey, let me go before I break free and give you a life of pain or something like that." threatened Darcy as she struggles to break free from the Chitauri's grasp.

"I would like to try to see you try." said the Other rather coldly at her.

"She has nothing to do with this, any of this." said Loki with the hope that reasoning might change the current situation right before them. "You're fight is with me, let her go and we will-"

"I believe that it is too late for her to leave, she is now involved and there is no going back for her." said The Other as he stares at Darcy before turning his stare to Loki which becomes more of a glare. "Here is my new deal, I will let her go, only if you give yourself us to us and only then your little friend will be free to go."

"If I don't?" asked Loki as he tighten his grip on his daggers.

"If you don't, then you can say goodbye to her and start planning her burrial." said The Other as he lightens up his hand.

"Ok, I don't think any of that is nessicarry." said Darcy rather nervously as she tries to escape even harder than ever before.

"The choice is yours, if you want her to live then surrender is your only option." said The Other. "Choose wisely, it will be too late to change your mind once your choice is made and I will only ask you once, what will that choice be?"

Loki stares at the situation right before him, not knowing what to do or how he can even get past them or make an attack without unintentionally hurting Darcy. He knows that he can't get up and leave Darcy, for some reason he is feeling a deeper sense of loyalty as he sees Darcy and doesn't want to see her get hurt. Maybe it's because of the kindness, she has shown him and it would mostly to repay her for it and then nothing more because of it and he can simply get up and leave before anything else happens.

He quickly looks through the situation and starts to think of the numerous scenarios and situations that might lead to any possible successes and yet the scenarios where it would end and cancels out anything that would guarantee that would either make things worse or defeats the purpose of getting them out of it. Loki can't think of a way on how to get them out of there, alive and free from all of this. A plan that would benefit the chances of the two of them to escape and be free from all of this, but every plan leads to a dead end. There is no way of escape from this and a way out, they are trapped...

Chapter Text

Loki still hasn't come up with a plan and sees how things have suddenly became more harder and how he has to get Darcy out of there. Especially since The Other and the Chitauri now has Darcy in their grasps and one wrong move then they will not hesitate in killing her. He doesn't even know how he is going to do it or if there is another option outside of surrendering. But every time he thinks of a plan, it always leads to a failure, one that would end up in Darcy dead and him still having to fight the Chitauri or worse. Loki knows that he can't go back to that place, he just can't and the only way to guarantee Darcy's survival is by surrendering and he can't find a way out of this, that is unless...

He doesn't have to figure out some way out and he has to give the Chitauri exactly what they want, then they will let her go and they have to leave the planet peacefully. He just needs to make sure that they are pleased with what they see and wouldn't question any of it. That they would bringing Thanos a lie that they would believe without any other question and to see that they are the ones that ended up victorious in this little fight between him and the Chitauri. He knows what he has to do and he just hopes that it would work and the Chitauri will fall for it, they just have to or else Darcy will meet a terrible fate. He simply sighs as he faces the Other with a look of defeat on his face and wanting nothing more to get it over with.

"If I give myself up to you then would you really let her go?" asked Loki hoping that they are not seeing through his act, he can fool them easily and maybe they haven't changed their minds and give up on their ultimatum.

"That is the agreement, she will be free from all of this." said the Other. "What is it going to be?"

Loki sees the situation and how things are falling into place and it will be the start of moving his plan into action. Then the next part will play it on it's own and then it will slowly start to head towards with what he hopes a victory and a successful escape. With only the hope that they would somehow believe him and things work exactly how he is now hoping it would happen. Then he and Darcy can make their escape the first chance they get and then the only thing that would happen is them being discipline with Thanos after they return with him. But first he needs to make sure that they are telling the truth and he is not going to walk right into a trap or put Darcy in more danger than she is already is. Loki knows that the Other has a history of twisting the truth and he would have to make sure that they do. Darcy's life depends on it and he has to do this to make him and her even and then it will be enough for the two of them, it has to work...

"I will go with you, only under the condition that you will let her go." said Loki. "I offer you my surrender."

At that moment, Darcy stares in shock as she sees the sight right in front of her, Loki is standing there and instead of running away and not even caring if she lives or dies, he's choosing to save her. She knows that she can't let him do that and has to figure out how to save him and get him out of this or somehow defeat all of the Chitauri, though that would be easier said than done. But the only thing that she knows is that she has to help him somehow and the real question is how? How does she get both of them out and get out of there without being caught?

"Are you willing to finally take responsibility for your failure by giving yourself up to us?" asked the Other with an evil glint and yet disbelief in his eyes.

"I am, only if you let her go right now." said Loki. "I see no reason why I should let you take me to Thanos and face my imminent death if she's dead. I will only agree if you keep your end of the bargain and let her go right now, then I will leave with you peacefully without a word said and meet my fate."

"Loki, you can't give yourself up to them! Don't do it!" said Darcy as she makes an effort to break free. "Just find another way to get out of here, you don't have to do this!"

"But I do, Darcy it is my fault that they are here and you are now in their crutches." said Loki. "It might be best for everyone if I go with them, not only you would be free, but it would be better for everyone if I surrender."

"For once you have made a wise decision." said the Other and turned to the rest of the Chitauri. "Grab him."

The Chitauri all start to race towards Loki and with their staffs lifted, ready to hit him in their attack, believing that this will be nothing more than a easy win. They are about to strike that is until a blast of magic pushes them back and away from the scene with Loki unharmed. Loki knows that if it were up to them then he would be walking with them on to the ship, badly beaten and lost the will to fight. But he's not going to have any of this or will be willing to give up the fight, especially seeing Darcy trapped and not knowing what is going to happen to her if he looses. Loki makes a tighter grip on his daggers, ready to fight and not going to let the Chitauri push him around especially without a fight and will stand his ground.

"I will only agree to go with you if you release her first, right now." said Loki as he stands his ground, ready to fight if he needs to.

"We would prefer it if you come with us now and we release the Terran later." said the Other as he stares at the Asgardian suspiciously.

"Well then I believe the agreement is off, I can't really trust that you will keep your side of the deal." said Loki rather nonchalantly. "Maybe it would be best if I simply leave now and walk away. Since I don't know if you would really set her free first and I have no reason on stay here, especially if I have to stand by and watch her die, I might as well do us all a favor by simply leaving. That is of course ,you would rather let her go and you don't want to disappoint your master."

At that moment there is a tense silence overtaking the room and one that really got The Other to think about the gravity of the situation and how if he doesn't make the right choice right now then he would pay. If he simply orders the Chitauri to get rid of her then Loki would simply walks away and then they would lose him, even if they keep the girl as a bargaining chip. Not too mention, he doesn't want to stay on this planet any longer than he has to, especially if it means that he would have to search for Loki after this confrontation. But if they release the girl then they will have Loki right in their hands and then they can simply get past the trouble and take him to their master and the conflict would get resolve.

As the Other thinks about what the best solution to this problem, both Loki and Darcy stares at the Other rather nervously and the take a quick glance at one another as they start to worry and see the gravity of situation. Darcy hopes that whatever Loki is planning to do, it works or at least ends with both of them leaving this place alive and away from the Chitauri and never having to deal with any of them again. She doesn't want to die in the hands of the Chitauri and knows that she will be forever mad at Loki if he just gets up and leaves her like this. Especially if it might end up her dying in the end, then she is going to be really upset with Loki and yet at the same time she doesn't want to see him get captured by the Chitauri and they do whatever they are planing to do to him.

Loki looks at the Other rather carefully, he knows that the Other would do anything that cross his mind if it not only succeeds in his goals and yet hurts him as well. Ever since the two first met, the Other has always hated him and no matter what Loki may do whether it's making a mistake, excelling in his mission or making progress with any of his training, the Other couldn't stand him. Loki always figured that maybe Thanos always chose him to lead the invasion and later be in charge of the Chitauri leaving the Other as second in command. It didn't help matters when Thanos made them work together and the failed invasion, that the Other must have made sure that he got all of the blame for everything. But he doesn't have a positive opinion towards the Other himself, especially after how he has tortured Loki in the past and would continue to do so if given the chance.

Right now, he is not at all worried about what the Other may think of him, he is more worried about whether or not his plan will succeed. If there is any hope in the two of them making their escape and to somehow win this victory and then he can figure out his next move and leave the planet before things get out of hand and worse from there, that it would draw more attention than any attempt of stopping some crime would be and then it would mean more trouble than anything he can even imagine and he would need to leave right now. Loki watches the Other as he continues to think and every single time he looks at the Other, the more nervous he becomes and with the hopes that he would be able to succeed and yet is unsure if he would have to fight. It took some time, but eventually...

"Fine, release the girl and grab him." Ordered the Other.

The Chituari quickly obeyed the Other by dropping Darcy to the ground and races to get a hold of Loki, Darcy slowly got up from the ground to see the sight right in front of her in horror. She sees the Chitauri grasping Loki's arms with their clawed fingers and how they are holding Loki, seeing him wince in pain and in real trouble. That is the moment she knows that she has to help him, that Loki is in real trouble and needs to get both of them out of there before it's too late. She doesn't know how she is going to do it, but she is going to do something and will do something before it's too late. Though the question is what?

"You can't take him like this!" said Darcy defensively as she puts her fists up. "I won't let you do this!"

Darcy's defesiveness and her eager to fight for Loki, simply caused the Chitauri to laugh at her and the entire street filled with laughter and mockery. The sight and idea of a normal human girl daring to stand up to them, to stop them on their tracks and somehow defeat them without any powers of their own? It is not only absurd in the eyes of the Chitauri but laughable and besides they have already complete their mission. They have grabbed a hold of their former ally turned enemy, now all they need to do is get him to Thanos, not waste their time fighting off a Midgardian that is so underpowered that she doesn't even have any superpowers. So the Other slowly approach Darcy, giving her a menacingly glance as he looks down on Darcy.

"He is no longer your concern and if you dare try to fight us, if you think of following us or try to cause us any trouble." said the Other. "We will kill you without a second thought and our little agreement with Loki will no longer be applicable, we will make a grander attack on Terra and we will torture him harder, take him to the ship, it is time for our master to finish what he has started."

The Chitauri starts to take Loki away, leaving Darcy in the dust and ready to do more than they have ever done before and ready for a larger plan than anyone may anticipate. She doesn't know what to do or how she is going to help, she can always just tell Thor and Jane, explain to them what's going on and tell them that Loki's alive. Though the only downside is that she and later on Loki might not be able to fully live it down and get some lecture on how it's important not to lie about stuff like this. That is best case scenario, they can always react worst than that, for starters they could never believe her and it would take her forever to convince them that she is telling the truth, once she does then things would get worst.

Not only that they would be angry at both of them forever, but there is also the fact that there will be big consequences waiting for them and how they are more than likely not going to live it down. Loki would end up in jail and might never see the light of day again and that alone will be bad, since he will never have a chance to be free again and would have to be in a trapped area for the rest of his life and with no hope of escaping. Plus she would not only lose her internship, but she would ruin her friendships with both Thor and Jane. They would probably be so angry at her, for not only trying to help Loki but keeping him alive a secret, they would probably be ready to shun her and never forgive them for the rest of their lives. Plus it doesn't really help matters that Loki is trapped with the Chitauri and there is now a chance of an alien invasion on the horizon, that is set to come really soon and it might lead to another fight against world domination scenario. What could be better than that?

"I was beginning to think that they would never leave." said a voice right behind Darcy.

She quickly freezes from shock from the familiarity of the male voice that she really hopes that it would be a a good sign. One that at least gives her some relief and that gives her the hope that things are going to work out fine. So Darcy slowly starts to turn around and when she makes the full turn, she sees Loki standing right there and completely unharmed. Darcy can't believe her eyes, that Loki is still here and he's not on some alien ship under tight security. She wonders if she was dreaming or did the Chitauri did succeed in killing them and that they are now in some twisted after life that she needs to find out. So Darcy punches Loki as hard as she can, to make sure that she isn't hallucinating and she wasn't.

"Sorry, I just wanted to make sure that you were real and really here. Not an illusion." said Darcy before Loki can even say anything, she punches him yet again. "That was for giving me a heart attack and lying to me like that!"

"I only did that to ensure that they would not suspect that there might be something going on or to distract them long enough to make our escape." Loki quickly explains hoping that it would stop Darcy from punching him again. "I only needed your reaction to be as realistic as possible if I wanted to fool them and it was the only way I could think of that would guarantee that we would escape and we'd be alive in the end."

"You still should have told me!" said Darcy angrily. "I could have kept a secret and played along with the plan pretended that I was against you sacrificing yourself to save me or something."

"There was no way I could have told you without looking too suspicious or making a wrong move and putting the whole plan in jeopardy." said Loki. "Besides it was the only way I could think to save you that guarantees that you wouldn't get killed."

"Alright, fair enough, but still it wouldn't have hurt if you gave me some kind of sign or at least apologies for making me freak out." said Darcy. "Just do me a favor and don't pull off anymore stunts like that again."

"I was never planning it or had any intention on doing so." said Loki. "I only needed for all of them to get distracted long enough for us to make our escape and by the time they realize the ruse, they will be back with their master and it will be far too late for them to rectify their mistake."

"Ok, not big on apologies. But still what was that all about? asked Darcy. "Why are they after you? Does it have something to do with New York? If it is, that all happened a year. ago and they still haven't moved on from all of that? What is-"

"Darcy, right now it is not a good time to answer any of these questions. We need to leave right now, I will explain everything once we get back to your home and let's leave before anyone shows up if we brought attention upon ourselves." said Loki. "I had about enough of this place and I do not want to be here if more Midgardians show up and it only draws attention simply because they will know that I am here and I already have enough trouble to worry about."

Darcy gives Loki an nod and they both start to hurry to the apartment and to head towards safety and to avoid any crowds that might soon be gathering right at the scene. She already has a ton of questions going through their mind and it continues to flow through her mind and she is not going to let go of them. The problem that Loki must be trying so hard to hide and yet might come back to haunt him, the last thing she wants is to get the problem to escalate and cause trouble. But she is starting to see that there is more to the story and that maybe Loki is more complex than she thought and that he is more than she thought and maybe even is in trouble. That he needs help and might deep down even feels trapped in the past and doesn't know who to break free from it. She may be overthinking it, but she knows that she is going to do everything to help him.

A few minuetes later right after the apartment

Both Loki and Darcy entered the apartment completely exhausted and relieved that they got back to the apartment right before someone spots them and tried to follow them. But then again, with Loki by her side, he could have created an illusion where it would be hard for any of them to detect and that would solve that problem, at least they are both alive and safe from the Chitauri. Loki is simply glad that entire ordeal is over and knows that he would have to leave this planet tonight, for now he is just going to relax and heads to the couch to sit right on it to rest. He doesn't even know how he is going to escape from the Chitauri, especially if Thanos is now after him and he will ever leave him alone until they grab a hold of him and then he will do worse than anyone can ever imagine.

Darcy on the other hand is not going to let things go that easily and she is going to find out what's going on and to try to figure out what the next plan looking forward. That it is the start of something bigger and she needs to figure out what's going on and that she has to help in anyway she can. She stares at Loki, waiting to hear what he has to say, hoping that he would either start or get the hint. Especially since there is the fact that this is not going to be over and might come back to cause trouble, she wants to help stop the trouble before it gets out of control. She waits for Loki to start and yet he hasn't and she doesn't know if or when he'll starts, as she crosses her arms and stares at Loki, hoping that he would start.

"Well?" said Darcy as she decides to break the silence.

"Well, what?" said Loki annoyed.

"Are you going to start telling me what happened and explain why they are after you?" said Darcy. "I'm ready to help and want to know what's going on, I need to know right now."

"It is none of your concern." said Loki with the hope that Darcy would drop it.

"What? This is totally is so my concern or whatever you say that means my business." said Darcy. "Not only because these guys are going to keep bugging us until we eventually give in and then later take you to their leader. But you are in trouble and I want to help and I can't help if you don't tell me what's going on."

"Darcy, you can't get involve in this, no one who dares to get themselves involved ever gets out of this free much less alive." said Loki. "You would be doing yourself a favor if you simply forget about this and let me handle this on my own."

"Come on Loki, we're roommates, we are supposed to be cool with each other and be ready to help in anything that might be going on." said Darcy. "I mean isn't it what roommates do? Try to be friendly and-"

"We are not friends and you would't want to be my friend." said Loki. "Besides I wouldn't want to be friends, for the fact... that it is against my nature and Midgardian and Asgardian bonds are always destined to fail."

"Uh, I am friends with Thor and he and Jane has a romantic relationship going on." pointed out Darcy. "It seems to be working out so far and we haven't had big fights that would guarantee the end of our friendship or worse the end of the world."

"It's not that, aside from the fact that the idea of someone of Midgard and an Asgardian being companions is not only just absurd, but it's look down upon and it's really humiliating." said Loki. "Besides all of this is a long and complicated story that I don't even think that you would at all be interested and it wouldn't really matter anyway. All hope is already gone and that alone is more than enough reason for you not to know."

"Didn't they see me with you? If anything, it's kinda too late for me to turn back and pretend nothing happened, these guys know that I was with you and they might later target me." said Darcy. "So I should know what I have to deal with and I have a right to know, not only that I just want to be there and help, if you just give me a chance."

Loki stares at Darcy, surprised by her stubbornness and yet impressed by her persistence and continues to think about everything she just said. He realizes that she has a point on many things and thinks that it might be best if he does tell Darcy. As she points out, they might not stop until they get any information that would lead to his capture, they would be more likely ready to kill her. Not that he would care or anything, but he has to make sure that no one would dare try to do anything, in order to do so then he would have to tell her. Loki just gives a sigh as he faces the reality of the trouble up ahead and the gravity of the situation and he doesn't know what might be the best choice or if he is making the right decision, but he knows that he has to figure it out soon and then act upon it, somehow...

Chapter Text

After some deep thinking and debating with himself, Loki knows that it is time to tell Darcy the truth and he doesn't even know if it is a good idea to do so. It's better for him to go and then later they will be able to just move past it and she would be better prepared for whatever might be up ahead. He doesn't know if it is a good idea or if he even should, but she is going to find out the truth eventually, it might be best if it came from him rather than from the Chitauri and that alone is better than letting her find out the hard way in case the Chitauri captures Darcy and they start torturing her for information. Besides she is going to keep bothering him with all of the questions in the long run, he might as well just get it over with and hopes that this will be the end of all of it. He turns to look at Darcy and gives a sigh as he knows that this is the best moment to tell her everything and with the hopes that he can get this over with.

"If I tell you, then can you promise not to tell anyone?" said Loki. "It's better for only as little as a few people to know what's going on? He's a dangerous threat and one that you are fortunate to have never met and would ever want to meet."

"Wait, who's he? Who are we talking about?" said Darcy. "Loki, whatever is going on, you can tell me and I don't know if I will be able to find anyone that might believe me to be honest."

"What are you possibly-" starts Loki.

"Come on Loki, you can tell me and I don't know if I can promise yet that I won't tell anyone." said Darcy. "But I do know that I want to help and want to hear the whole story and ready to help in anyway I can. Only if you let me, just give me a chance and we can fix this together."

"I honestly doubt that it would help matters." said Loki.

"But it might help talking about it, plus I want to get my questions answered and I don't want to be left hanging." said Darcy. "Besides you can trust me with this, it's not like anyone would believe me if I tell them that the Chitauri are back and that there is a chance of another alien invasion and this time their leader is coming with them. The only ones who saw them was us and if I go up to them blabbing about this, then they might think I'm crazy and the only proof I have is you and there is no way I am going to expose you to the world."

"Wait, you are not planning to tell anyone that I am here on this planet?" asked Loki surprised.

"No, I don't think that I will, you don't seem to be doing anything or planning to do something." said Darcy. "I think it's safe to say that it would be cool if you stay and besides I think we would find ourselves in trouble if I did tell and I believe in second chances. You can trust me, just give me a chance alright?"

Loki starts to think about what Darcy just said and he has to admit that she has made valid points, but it is too soon to tell and he doesn't even know if he can trust Darcy and yet at the same time, he feels like he can after what they just been through. Though his main concern right now is whether or not his presence will remain a secret and if he can remain free. Part of him knows that if Thanos is finally coming after him then there will not a place he will hide that will guarantee that Thanos would never find him, then it will be known that he is alive. But then again, Thor must have already told everyone that they no longer have to worry about him anymore or at least on this planet. There is also the fact that he already told Odin of his demise and if Odin already believes that, then Asgard must already known by now and he wouldn't be surprised if they see him as a monster.

But still he doesn't see any harm in telling Darcy and it would at least might help him clear his head as he reflects on everything that has happened. He has time to tell her before he has to leave and plus it wouldn't cause him any sort of problems in the future. Even if Darcy tries to tell anyone, it not like anyone would believe her or they will at least ask for proof and Darcy can't prove anything without exposing him, at least he can take the chance and just leave before she can even have a chance to say anything. At least she would have all of the answers to anyone's questions if Thanos dares try to do anything. Loki gives a sigh as he knows that he is going to have to start telling the truth and then that will be the end of it.

"Fine, I will tell you everything I know about Thanos." said Loki.

"Wait, who to the what now?" said Darcy really confused.

"Thanos, the mad titan and a conqueror of many planets with the intention to destroy." said Loki. "He leads the Chitauri or rather orders the leader of the Chitauri to make sure that they follow his every command."

"In other words, he's their boss and wouldn't that make him that anyway?" said Darcy. "I mean the Chitauri's boss follows this Thanos guy's orders, wouldn't it make Thanos their boss?"

"Uh... You made a valid point that I can't argue against." said Loki. "But still, you honestly couldn't have believed that I found a random group of creatures to lead into an invasion that is extremely incompetent? Thanos lent me his army and no matter the amount of magic or the power of the scepter would change the outcome."

"Ok, Thanos let you borrow his army and you are not a big fan of them, I guess that throws out everyone's theories of you brainwashing a group of aliens to do your bidding." said Darcy. "So, exactly how did you guys meet? I'm guessing that he wasn't in Asgard for a friedly visit or something?"

"I didn't meet them on Asgard, it happened during my exile after I fell in the void. I ended up in a strange place after I fell, a realm unknown to most beings and I was the one the most unfortunate to discover it." said Loki.

"Ooh, you landed in an unknown world, now that's so cool and-" starts Darcy before earning a glare from Loki and stopping right in her tracks.

"It was anything but wonderful, after I fell from the Bifrost, I was on my own and when I landed there..." said Loki. "It wasn't a present experience, he offered me a proposition, an offer that guaranteed that I would be king and gain all of the power that this entire universe can ever offer me. That I would finally gain and complete my glorious purpose, but I have to keep my end of the agreement if I wanted to make sure that he would his."

"Ok, talk about a rotten deal, you try to lead an alien invasion and failed miserably and then this guy sends his army after you." interrupted Darcy earning an annoyed look from Loki. "Come on, this guy is ready to kill you for things not working out and made taking over a planet sound like the best thing that anyone can do. Practically encouraging you to ruin your life even further and all of that stuff."

"Are you going to keep interrupting me or can I finish telling you the story?" asked Loki exasperatedly. "I can't do so if you are going to keep doing it."

"What? I am just trying to get a clear picture on the entire thing." said Darcy. "Plus someone has to point out the most obvious things and say them out loud."

"How is that any relevant or offer any assistance for-" starts Loki who is not even bothering to hide his frustration.

"Sorry I was just curious, carry on." said Darcy with extreme excitement.

"Thanos promised that if I fail then he would hunt me down and torture me." said Loki. "He would kill me the first opportunity he has if he sees me again, Thanos never had the opportunity because I was taken back to Asgard and was held in the dungeons. Now that I am free once more, he must be ready to track me down and finish what he has started."

"So, what's Thanos big plan?" said Darcy. "I'm safely guessing that he didn't just send you to rule over here, is it one of the big three?"

"The big what?" asked Loki completely confused by what that meant.

"The big three, you know the most common motivations for villains." said Darcy. "It's always power, money and revenge, what is Thanos's driving force? Does his plan-"

"Anilalation, Thanos wants to destroy everything in this entire universe and he won't stop at nothing until he ends everything." said Loki. "He is looking for a power, one that is more dangerous than anyone can ever imagine."

"Well that's a new one, so he wants to kill everyone in the universe, why would anyone want to do that?" said Darcy. "So what is this power that he is looking for? Is he really going to go down on every planet to succeed in doing it?"

"Not exactly, he wants to do it only because he wants to impress someone or rather win the heart of someone who values death above all else." said Loki. "He calls her his Mistress Death and Thanos believes that the only way to win her heart is by anilating all of the realms with everyone in it."

"Wait, so Thanos wants to make the universe self destruct in order to impress some girl that he has a crush on?" said Darcy in disbelief. "This is unbelievable, an evil alien wants to make the whole universe explode to get a girl to like him. I can already see the headlines if someone ever finds out what's going on and they are definitely not looking at all pretty."

"To be fair, the entire motivation that is driving Thanos is plain absurd, especially knowing the fact that she doesn't return the feelings that Thanos is giving her." said Loki. "So not only the quest is futile, but it will ultimately lead to the destruction of everything."

"You still haven't explained how he is going to blow up the universe or what he did do that convinced you that it was a good idea to help him?" said Darcy. "What does he possibly want that would give him that power?"

"He is after the Infinity Stones." said Loki.

"The what?" said Darcy in an instant.

"The Infinity stones, six stones that existed since the beginning of time with unlimited cosmic power and extremely dangerous if united and in the wrong hands." said Loki. "I am safely assuming that Midgard doesn't exactly have any knowledge of the Infinity Stones."

"I didn't know they were a thing until you mentioned and just explained what they are." said Darcy. "I don't think anyone on Earth knows that much about the cosmos except the solar system."

"Pathetic, your realm needs to gain more knowledge of the worlds beyond your 'solar system.'" said Loki rolling his eyes. "Not only it would be imperative for the people of this planet to know about something as simple as the planets beyond this galaxy. But it would be important for everyone to know that there are dangerous threats and the history of the universe, so that way they can better prepare for any threats that might come their way."

"Wow, I didn't know that you care." said Darcy who can't help but smile at Loki's statement.

"I have no care for this planet or whether it gets destroyed or not." said Loki crossing his arms. "I am simply pointing out the facts and in all honesty I wouldn't be surprise if one day, this planet get attacked and can't win a battle just because of their ignorance and someone takes over someday."

"Now this is bad! Where are the Stones? How is he planning to destroy the universe? How many of these stones does he have now? Does he have to wave his hand around with these rocks or-" starts Darcy.

"Can you calm down for a moment and stop with the interruptions?" said Loki exasperated. "At the rate we are going, it is going to take centuries for us to get through this conversation, let alone take me longer to explain everything."

"Sorry! I can't help it, what you are saying is getting more and more intense by the minute." said Darcy. "We're talking someone that wants to make the universe explode and is not going to leave us alone until he gets what he wants. You can't blame me for asking questions, just keep going already, I want to know everything and all the details."

"I would have told you if you haven't kept making interruptions." said Loki as he rolls his eyes.

"Aside from all of that, so if Thanos gets these six stones then he would have the power to do all of that?" said Darcy.

"Well not exactly, he would also need the Infinity Guantlet in order to use the stones." said Loki. "We don't have to worry about him obtaining it, the Guantlet is safe in Odin's vault and Fath- Odin keeps it under tight security and there is no way he will able to get in there without a fight. But that won't change that Thanos will do everything to get the stones and he will do whatever it takes, that is why he sent me to this planet, to grab a hold of the Tesseract and in the end it resulted in loosing not one but two of the Stones. He is going to make an attack on Earth someday, to not only get the stones but to finish me."

"Oh snap." said Darcy in shock. "So, you're saying that Thanos is going to come back and make another invasion against Earth?"

"Not just that, he is going to do more than simply try to take over a planet." said Loki. "He is going to destroy it, Thanos is going to hunt down the stones and apparently now me, once he finds out that not only I am now on Earth but there is two Infinity Stones on this planet. He will do everything to make sure that he gets every single one of the stones and the gauntlet, to gain a power that many fear and one that many try to keep the stones apart in order to protect them from anyone that may try to use their powers and it later lead to disaster."

"Now this is bad, beyond bad." said Darcy as she reflects what she just heard and turns to face Loki. "So how do we stop him?"

That very question catches Loki by surprise and he doesn't even know what to make of it, seeing Darcy right there and still believing that foolish wish. Trying to make him a hero and thinking that it would be a make a difference. That it would somehow change everything or they would stand a chance against Thanos and put a stop to the Titan's plans, that thought within itself is unrealistic and he knows that there is no hope. Especially if Thanos is going to go after the Infinity Stones and later him, there is no escape from Thanos and the best he can do is leave before the problem gets worse and to try to live out the rest of his life hiding. Away from all of this and if he's lucky then maybe the Avengers will deal with Thanos and he can just simply leave without ever worrying about Thanos ever again...

"I'm sorry, I believe that I did not hear you properly." said Loki. "Did you just ask how are we planning to stop him and referred to the question as 'we?'"

"Well yeah, since this is a major threat to the entire universe and one that is going to practically lead to the end of the world, someone has to do something to stop it." said Darcy. "Since we are the only ones that know about this, then we should try to stop him and if we don't then who will?"

"Maybe, I don't know... My brother, his friends, someone from Asgard or anyone that we don't even know that might be willing to do something as foolish as that." said Loki. "Look I have already done far than my fair share in the foolish venture of being a hero, it is against my nature to do something like that and I don't go around saving people, let alone try to stop anyone who may dare threaten the universe."

"Come on Loki, you managed to save a lot of people in the last two days. From that robbery to the fire, you managed to save a ton of lives and gave everyone a second chance." said Darcy. "Plus you also saved Thor and Jane back in the Dark World, I mean after all of that, you're already a hero. You would be so awesome as a full fledge superhero."

"I am going to go around and make this into a habit." said Loki. "Besides what you are asking me to do and want me to be, it's extremely dangerous."

"How can it be dangerous?" said Darcy. "Sure we are going to be facing an alien warmonger who happens to be after you, but if we can make this work. Just think about it, we will be using the element of surprise to our own advantage, no one would ever expect to see you of all people or rather Asgardian to go out there and save the day and-"

"That is exactly my point, there is no possible way I can do this without jeopardizing my own safety." said Loki. "I can't continue going out there without the risk of me getting exposed to the public."

"Ok, I can't argue with that one..." said Darcy agreeing for a moment before her face quickly lights up. "Wait, I have an idea, but first do Asgardians read comic books?"

Before Loki can even have a chance to answer that question, Darcy quickly head towards her room to quickly grab a comic book and tries to find a good one that would not only let Loki see her point of view but to also give him a chance to see comic books in all their glory. She quickly searches through her pile, hoping that this will be the trick, if she wasn't trying to convince Loki the great benefits of being a superhero, she would definitely read her books all over again and relive the excitement of the stories they hold. But she might just reread later, since right now she just found the perfect page to show Loki, she grabs a hold of the book and quickly head back to the living room. She finds Loki sitting on the couch, completely annoyed at the entirety of the situation. She just lets herself fall on the couch, to much of Loki's annoyance and once he sees that she is holding a comic book, he simply roles his eyes as she opens the book and shows him the page of a guy in a suit on one half and him in a jumpsuit with a giant S and a cape in the other.

"Don't you see? It's a normal guy who seems normal and they have a normal life and all that stuff, but the thing is he's not..." said Darcy rather excitedly pointing at the page and then the next. "When trouble calls, then he takes off the suit, puts on a cape and then he's a superhero. You want to know what the best part? No one even knows that he's a superhero!"

"Midgardians fall for that?" asked Loki in disbelief, as he questions the logic of this idea.

"Yeah they do." said Darcy rather confidently.

"That has to be the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard in my life." said Loki. "It may be ideal for your stories, but in the real world it would never work. Anyone would be able to see and recognize me in an instant, the only way around it is an illusion."

"That or we use a mask and a costume to hide your identity." said Darcy rather excitedly.

"I am not going to go out to help people whenever they find themselves in danger and even if I did then I wouldn't want to be dressed as a clown doing so." said Loki. "Besides I don't know if it hasn't slip your mind, but you are suggesting that we go and fight against Thanos. A being that would crush you with a simple grip ad he would never regret it or even think about it again. We don't stand a chance as is and there is no way I would ever agree to do this, I have dealt with Thanos before and the last thing anyone would want is to cross him."

"Well maybe if we go around this in a sneaky way then maybe it will buy us more time or at least it might make him leave us alone for a bit." said Darcy.

"How do you propose we do that?" said Loki. "Go around and gather the Infinity Stones before he has the opportunity?"

"That's not a bad idea actually." said Darcy.

"What? No, I was simply making a rhetorical question." said Loki. "I didn't mean a word of it or was even considering-"

"Why not? Thanos doesn't have any of the Stones or the Guantlet, he's in the same starting point as we are." said Darcy. "With your powers and brains and my superhero knowledge, we might stand a chance and we can pull this off. By saving the universe then not only you'd be the awesomest superhero in history, but you would-"

"Darcy, can we please stop talking this nonsense?" said Loki no longer wanting to hear any more of it. "I am not agreeing to pursue a path that would lead to nothing but consequences and bigger problems that we might not even be as lucky to get ourselves out of."

"I know that it might seem silly, the idea that you are going to save people and the world in a costume, but I know you can do it, that you can be more than this." said Darcy. "I know you can be a hero and you would make an awesome one. We can start small, you can save a few people, stop some crime and we can mostly focus on getting the stones before he gets them and then-"

"Darcy, can you just forget about this mad idea and move past this?" said Loki exasperatedly before giving a sigh with a calmer tone. "We need to face the facts, I am not a hero or will ever be one. What you are asking me to do and want me to be, that is impossible, Thanos is not going to simply just give up on his quest if we gather the stones, he will only target us and he will do unspeakable things. We would be only doing him a favor and destruction follows wherever I go anyway, it would be better if we just let it go past us."

"I don't think that you bring in disaster wherever you go, from what I have seen of you in the past two days." said Darcy. "Loki, you can be so much more and you will never know if you don't try. Plus if Thanos get these Stones then would we all be screwed? Wouldn't there be no hope left if no one knows about Thanos and no one does anything to try to stop him?"

"Darcy, what you want is nothing more but a fantasy and Thanos is more powerful than anyone can imagine, it's against my nature to do anything, it's too sentimental." said Loki. "Besides even if I tried, there wouldn't be much that I can do and he always finds a way to be on top, it would be a war that I don't know if I want to take part of. It would be better if you just wake up and accept that there is no hope for Thanos being defeated or for me..."

With that, Loki simply heads to get ready for bed and just heads into the bathroom and locks the door right behind him. No one needs to be a deep thinker to know that Loki wants to be left alone. Darcy wonders how is she ever going to convince her roommate that he should do this and if there is anything that would convince him out of his stubbornness? The whole universe depends on it and she has to figure out how to convince Loki that he needs to do it somehow, as much as she wants to do it and would be happy to go out to save the world. She knows that there is no way that she would be able to do it on her own because of the fact that she doesn't have super powers and she doesn't even know where the Infinity Stones are and she doesn't even want to know what a fight between her and Thanos would go. As much as Darcy doesn't want to admit it and really wishes that she has powers.

But Darcy is determined to try and will do everything to make sure that she gets Loki to agree to become a hero or at least try to save the world before Thanos does anything. She wonders if Thor ever have these problems or have any tricks on how she can perform to get him to agree, Darcy just wishes that there is a way she can ask him for tips. There is no way that she would be able to pull it off without accidentally blurting it out or saying something that might eventually reveal that Loki's on Earth and alive. Though she knows one thing, that Thor or no Thor, she is not going to give up that easily and she will think of a plan on how to do it. Somehow...

Chapter Text

Loki is standing right in front of the bathroom mirror, not even sure what to think or how to make of the current situation. Since the past two days then there has been nothing more of inconveniences and the very idea that Thanos is finally coming after him is what is taking over his mind. That it would be the start of the end for him and then he would be after the stones and it would be the end of everything. It also doesn't help that Darcy is now pushing him even more to make a stand against Thanos and he knows that it's impossible. Not only it would lead to more trouble than what is worth, but he would also have to deal with Thanos again and he doesn't want to end up in a war against someone that is more powerful than him, that it is almost terrifying.

Not too mention, there is also the fact that Darcy is basically asking him to fight off him in order to save the universe from Thanos's twisted plans and that alone would guarantee in failure. Even then he would not go around and pursue a childish and sentimental desire to go around and save the universe like a hero would and it would simply be against who he is. Loki knows that he is never meant to be a hero or would ever consider going down that path, just thinking about it is already making him want to gag and roll his eyes at the same time. Darcy just doesn't know what she is saying and doesn't understand that what she wants is impossible. Not only because Thanos is more likely to win regardless of what anyone may try to do, but there is no hope for him. No hope that anything would change...

He decides that since he's here then he might as well get ready for bed and to at least prepare for tomorrow. He decided that it would be best to leave this planet before it gets out of control. Loki is going to wake up really early and then head on his way, without Darcy seeing that he's leaving and that alone is what he is going to do. He is not going to stay here when Thanos knows where he is and hearing Darcy on her futile goals of trying to turn him into a hero. That it would continue happening over and over by the time that it will become overbearing and he is not going to stay and be told what to do by someone who doesn't even know who he is and thinks that she can just go in and try to get him to go out and do something that is not only impossible but at the same time he would never do it. He is not going to go out to help the universe, especially with something that would only just bring more trouble.

Loki decides to just try to forget about his troubles and Darcy's ideas of him becoming a hero and just try to get ready for bed. Since if he is going to leave then he is going to need all of the rest he can get. There is no telling what he is going to face or if he will be ready to face whatever he might encounter on any planet that he may end up in or worse Thanos or one of his associates. He simply transform from his Asgardian armor to something that might be more comfortable to sleep in and then opens the door to leave the bathroom and return to the comforts of the couch and just go to sleep.

When he opens the door, he is happy and relief to see that Darcy must have already gone to her bedroom and with the hope that she would already be asleep. Then he can get himself settled and then he can just relax a little bit without even having to deal with Darcy and her ideas. He can't even imagine what it would be like and so far things are not working out for him and that is making him even more frustrated with his current living situation. Loki has always thought that when he arrived on Earth, maybe before he wound up on this planet, that he would find somewhere that he would have a quiet life where he doesn't have to worry about any of his troubles and can simply go into hiding and then live out his days. Not going out and about, doing these heroic deeds and being as Darcy would put it "superheroing."

He is tired of going around and needing to use his magic to hide himself and creating illusions to try to save people and help the situation. While he hopes that his secret would still safe and he won't have to worry about the wrong people finding out and dealing with them. Not too mention, Darcy made it really clear that if he doesn't comply than he would have to find a new place to live and he would be playing right into her blackmail. Then he would be trapped in this repetitive cycle where the only escape would be leaving before it's too late and he is going to do so before it gets to that point.

Sure he can always just talk to Darcy about his concerns in hopes that she would understand and forget about her wishes of him becoming a hero, but where would that lead? If he leaves right now then he won't have to worry about dealing with all of the unnecessary things that is coming or Darcy pushing him to do anything about it. Though the real question is where would he go, no one knows that he's alive except Darcy and once he leaves then he is going to have to be more careful simply because Thanos will be after him and that alone is what makes him more nervous by the minute as he stops to think about the entire situation and the problems that he is going to face once he leaves. He thinks that it would be alright if Darcy still knows and he doesn't see the harm of her knowing.

It is not like he stands a chance or will find a way to escape if Thanos finds him with all six Infinity Stones, the Chituari and the Black Order anyway. He won't be able to escape from them or even try to fight them off without a guaranteed lost in his attempt. Who is he even kidding? There is no way staying on this planet or let alone anywhere with Thanos finally coming after him and they will stop at nothing until they find him. The Avengers would never let a manic cause destruction and if they ever find out that he's alive then he will be used as a bargaining chip and that will be the end of it.

Besides Thanos is too powerful for anyone to dare to try to put up a fight and he can't fight him, he will target Darcy for information and then he will target anyone who he believes that might have the answer and the universe will be doomed. He knows that Thanos would never accept an 'I don't know' or 'he's dead.' Thanos would probably take them as prisoners or worse kill them just because he thinks that they are all lying to him. Loki doesn't know what he would think about this, he knows that it would end terribly if that were to happen and that alone will cause more destruction.

He just have to leave before it gets out of control and then Thanos will have no reason to attack Midgard, not that he cares or anything and he would only care if it means that his secret would be in jeopardy and then Loki will only fight just because he has to protect his secret and he would need to be one step ahead of them every time. For now Loki is just going to have to rest and then he will go and make a plan on the way and he just hopes that it would be a good plan and one that would somehow work and yet allow him the opportunity to escape from everything and leave before something happens and then he will just start a new life away from it all. Loki lays down on the couch and then just simply use his magic to turn off the lights and make the room more comfortable, he has a busy morning ahead of him and he is going to need all of the rest he can get. Even if he is going to think about it all night, though the thoughts that are going around Loki's head is allowing him to fall asleep to only escape the pressure and yet allowing him to see something new...

A few seconds later

Loki finds himself standing on a strange land, one that is similar to the world he ended up when he first met Thanos. Yet there is something mysterious and unfamiliar about it, that Loki knows that it's not the planet that Thanos usually inhabitates and that just makes him feel a sense of relief as he sees that he's not there. But the real question is where is he and how did he get there and why is he even here? He doesn't even need to think hard to know that this has to be a dream or some strange figment of his own imagination that is probably not going to lead to anywhere and it might be simply because of his own nerves of the future and leaving before Thanos has the chance to get him to do anything to get the Infinity Stones, he may not care that much about others, but he definitely does not want to contribute to the end of the universe and then die from the entire ordeal.

He figures that it might be best to start exploring and see what might be in this place, then maybe see what might be the best thing to do. The world is everlasting and that everything seems to be peaceful and yet allowing one to admire it's beauty as he sees the world that he is now in. Trying to figure out the mystery that is right in front of him and Loki is trying to see if he can find any clues or to see if there is something that might give him a hint that might possibly lead to answers. He continues to make his way through the world and so far he is not seeing anything that might lead to anything. It's just a strange world where it's no where close on being where he was when trapped with Thanos. That is until...

Suddenly there is a movement and Loki immediately pulls out his daggers ready to fight off whatever might be out there and to see if there might be a need to fight off whatever creature that might be lurking in the shadows. He takes a good look of his surroundings, wanting to see what he is up against and to fight if off, if whatever is a threat and he's going to fight off it and only hopes that it would somehow get past this without a fight or if he can make an easy escape that he would be able to finally get out of it and then hopefully wake up from the entire ordeal and he would still be at Darcy's home. The tension starts to grow intensely as he feels the movement right around him and to start to see if there is something approaching him or if there is a way to try to know what it is and ready to fight off whatever is right out there. That is hiding right out there and he is ready to face it.

"I know you're out there, who are you?" said Loki rather defensively. "Show yourself!"

"Loki, It is so good to see you again and to speak with you again." said a voice hidden from sight.

"I would say the same thing if I knew who you are." said Loki as he tighten his daggers and trying not to get his hopes up.

"Loki, I am surprised that you don't recognize my voice or have you forgotten?" said the Voice as she heads closer to the light. "I would never forget you, a mother would never forget her own son."

As if it was on cue, the figure reveals herself from the shadows and from the sight, it makes Loki drop his daggers on who's right in front of her. It is Frigga, who looks ever so elegantly as she was the last time he saw her and Loki can't believe that he is actually seeing his mother again, after everything that has happened and what was said in their previous conversation before her death. Loki doesn't even know what to make of this or if he can find the words to say it, his mother is right here and she is alive and well. That is he thinks she is and hopes that she is alright, that this is not a dream...

"Mother... How can you be here?" said Loki as he stares at amazement towards his mother. "It's not possible for someone who died to make any contact to someone who is in the realm of the living, unless... Did you somehow find a way to survive?"

"No, I am still dead." said Frigga, resulting in Loki looking down with regret and disappointment. "But I came back just this once to provide some guidance that will help you in the long run."

"Does it really matter why you're here?" said Loki happily. "I am glad that you're here and that I can see you again."

"I am delighted to see you as well Loki." said Frigga. "To see you on the start of your second chance and the start of a new journey and-"

"Before you can say anything, I just want to apologies for everything." said Loki full of guilt. "I am sorry for what I said, back in my cell and what I said. If I could take that moment then I would and I would have done something to change the words that were said and find a way to save you. But I can't and I only hope that I will earn your forgiveness someday and you still call me your son."

"I have already forgiven you, who would I be if I don't?" said Frigga.

"I only wish that there is a way that I can make it up to you, that I can fix the mistakes of the past and find a way to bring you back." said Loki as he looks down on the ground as he stops to think about everything that has happened.

"You can not change the past no matter how much you may wish that you can." said Frigga. "But I know that there is a way to make it up to me and give you a chance to heal from this entire ordeal and offer you a chance to heal from everything that has happened."

"What? Yes mother, I will do anything to make it right." said Loki. "What is it?"

"Do as your friend suggested and go out help those people, become a hero and do everything in your power to try to stop Thanos." said Frigga catching Loki by surprise. "Try to fix your mistakes and make amends for the past by helping the world in trying to help save it."

"First of all, Darcy is not my friend and second there is no way I would ever do something like that." said Loki. "Not only it is not my concern, but it would also jeopardize everything. No one else aside from Darcy knows that I am alive and Thanos will be ready to come after me even more so now, since he knows that I am on Earth."

"Loki, you and your friend are the only ones that knows about what Thanos is planning to do and thus making you the only ones that can make a stand against him." said Frigga. "If you don't then it would not only be a threat to the entire universe, but he would also be a threat to you and he would continue to hunt the stones down and won't rest until he gets a hold of them and later you."

"I am not the hero type, the only thing I am good at is causing pain and destruction." said Loki. "I killed and hurt others for my own benefit, I have become the monster that children hear about in those stories. Even if I wanted to do so, then there is no hope for anyone and it would only help make everything easier for him. I would only make things worse and would create more destruction and... it would not change anything and would never make things right."

At that moment, Loki turns away from his mother and thinks about everything that has happened in the past two years, developing a sense of guilt and not even sure if he wants to think about it. If he chooses to face Thanos, then it would guarantee that he would have to face him again and that is something that Loki doesn't want to do again anytime soon. There is also the fact that he has done many things that this futile quest would never be enough to make up for the past, he has done many things and hurt his brother, mother, father and his home and one of the places that Thor is fond of. Nothing can ever change the facts or allow him to make up for the past, it will never be enough and he knows that and can't do this. Especially since he's someone who is never meant to be a hero and the only thing that he has ever done in his life is cause pain and destruction, there is no way he can do this and what he did is unforgivable...

"You are not a monster Loki," said Frigga placing a hand on Loki. "you were hurt by the truth and that pain made you do horrible things. One can hardly blame you for being hurt by living a lie for the majority of your life, anyone would feel the same as well. Though they might not make the same choices as you did, but this is your chance to do something that will allow you to make amends."

"Just because I was hurt, it doesn't make anything better. Doing this won't undo what I did, I'm just lost, I don't even know what to do or if I can do anything." said Loki as faces his mother. "I don't know what to do, I need to leave Midgard if I want to escape Thanos, but now part of me wants to stay only because if I leave Earth then I would be on the run from Thanos forever and I would like to live the rest of my life hiding somewhere in peace, not on the run. But from everything I did, I doubt that it would ever be enough and it is far too late for me to do anything."

"Many at times loses their way Loki, when one finally realizes how far they have fallen, it leads them to question who they are and they doubt that they can do anything to make it right." said Frigga. "It is never too late to make things right, you can go out there and be the person that I know you are and can do this."

"Even if I do this, what if I fail?" said Loki. "Thanos will never give anyone mercy if one dares stand against them and that always result in disaster to say the least."

"You are not going to fail, no matter what may happen, I know that you are going to rise above it and continue to fight even if everything seems impossible." said Frigga. "You survive all of the challenges that are right up ahead and never give up even if the odds are against you."

"It still won't be easy and I doubt that interfering won't be enough." said Loki. "I don't think that it would make everything better or would help."

"You can help make things better for everyone, you have to face Thanos again sooner or later." said Frigga. "He will go after you and the only way you will be safe and to make up for the past is to go and make a stand against Thanos. You're everyone's only hope and the only one that can do something that can save this universe."

"I'm still not sure, I am not the hero type." said Loki. "It is completely against my nature to do something like this and I do not even recall anything of a Frost Giant doing anything more than creating some form of disaster."

"Loki, you are not your heritage or at least anything like Laufey, we do not know anything about the others. Regardless you can write your own story and don't have to follow the same path as the other Jontuns." said Frigga. "You have already proven that you have the ability of doing this, if it were not for you all of those people would have died. You are better than what you tried to be and can be so much more. If you are really sorry and want to be able to move past the pain of the past then you know what to do."

Loki stares at Frigga and knows what she is implying and yet don't know what to say that would guarantee that it won't lead to some kind of argument or if there is a way to convince her that he can't do it. He is about to hold her hand. Before he can grab it, Frigga fades away from sight and leaving Loki alone and yet lost in thought as he stops to think about what his mother just said. He doesn't know what to do and how he feels about the idea of him going out and trying to stop Thanos, the odds that stand against him if he tries to do it or if he even dares to do so. He knows that the odds stand against him and he doesn't even know if he will succeed in the fight up ahead.

Though deep down Loki knows that he is going to have to do this because his mother would have wanted him to do everything in his power to do something. He doesn't want to disappoint his mother and not disregard what might be her final request towards him. At the same time he doesn't want to face Thanos as he stops to think about all of the challenges ahead and the mere fact that Thanos would be after him and won't hesitate to make him pay the price right on the spot. But if he goes out and try to stop Thanos, then not only he would be free and never have to worry about the mad titan ever again and it might draw attention away from him as he focuses on getting on all of the stones. He would be free from any guilt that he might have by doing the universe this favor and he would do this for not only because Darcy would at least won't be annoying him about it and he would be doing this for his mother. Loki just hopes that it would be enough and he would somehow succeed...

Back in Darcy's apartment

Loki soon wakes up and finds himself back in Darcy's apartment and gives a disappointed sigh as he faces the fact that his mother is still dead and he is still on Earth, he knew it was too good to be true. He quickly gets off the couch and knows that things are going to be changing as he reflects on his choice and the dream that he just had. Knowing that his mother would have wanted him to do this and he is going to do it. He may not know if he will succeed or if he is going to enjoy a moment of being a hero or if he really wants to go down this path. But he is going to do this, in hopes that it would be enough, that he would somehow succeed in this quest and for his mother, that he would somehow stop Thanos and get all six Infinity Stones and the Guantlet before he does.

But if he is going to do this then he is going to need help or at least someone who knows about this more about the path of a hero. He is going to ask Darcy to help him, since not only because he needs someone knowledgeable on this planet, but simply because she would know more about these things better than him. Though from what he has seen Darcy would be the last person that he would ask simply because she is too excitable for everything that happens, but what other choice does he have? At least Darcy has proven to be trustworthy and yet something about her at least makes him at least feel comfortable enough to talk to her. Maybe it is because she is the only one that knows that he's alive and she would somewhat understand what he is going through.

So he simply heads right towards Darcy's room and ready to tell her of his choice and what he has decided to do. Nothing is going to stop her from knowing it right at this moment and he is going to make sure of it. He quickly arrives right in front of the door and begins knocking it hoping that Darcy would get up and then he can get past this daunting task and get some sleep before he can get to work and he starts to plan the following days with hopes that he would be done as quickly as he can, so that way he will have gotten this over with and can simply just leave the planet without ever needing to come back again.

Unfortunately Loki didn't check the time before he decides to knock on Darcy's door, while Loki is on the other side knocking, Darcy is trying her best to ignore it and go back to sleep. But every time she tries to ignore him, it becomes more and more annoying as she realizes that Loki is probably not going to leave her alone until he speaks with her. She turns to see her clock and sees that it is 2:30 in the morning. Letting out a silent groan, she gets off the bed and starts to make her way to the door to see what's going on and speak with Loki. Tired and annoyed, Darcy knows that she is going to speak with Loki, to see what he wants and then go back to sleep, maybe before she goes back to bed, she should set a ground rule about no waking her up this early in the morning. She opens the door to find Loki, seems to be eager and awake that she would think that it was New Years Eve.

"Hi, can we talk for a minute?" asked Loki rather nervously.

"Can it wait till morning?" asked Darcy tiredly. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"It can't and you will be pleased to hear what I have to tell you." said Loki as he can tell that Darcy wants to go back to go back to bed, but this too important and can't be put aside.

"It better be, what could be so important that it can't wait until morning?" said Darcy unimpressed by Loki waking her up this early to speak with her.

"You will be happy to hear that I have come to the decision that you were right. We are the only ones that can stop Thanos and I have decided to do my part in stopping him, to be what is needed to stop him, even if it means I have to be a hero." said Loki, he is about to continue before. "Wait, are you alright? You look and seem a little baffled after hearing what I just said."

"What? Of course I'm baffled or surprised or whatever you say that means really shocked. You just said that you are going to be a hero and now ready to fight off Thanos." said Darcy as she tries to get past her shock. "How- What made you change your mind? When did this all happened?"

"I would tell you, but I doubt you would ever take me seriously ever again." said Loki. "Aside from that, I am going to need your help if I am going to succeed in doing this, especially when it comes to navigation in this planet and to learn more about it. But we can discuss it more in the morning, I can see that you are tired and would like to continue resting. We can talk more about this in the morning, sleep well."

With that Loki starts to leave the hallway and start to head back to the couch, leaving Darcy wide awake and surprised. He is simply happy to at least have told Darcy about his change of mind and knows that he is going to need some rest before he and Darcy start planning what they should do next. Loki knows that there will be challenges ahead and that this quest will be anything but easy. That if Thanos finds out what they are trying to do then he is going to do everything to make sure that they or at least Loki doesn't make it out of this alive. But they are going to talk about this in the morning and they will come up with a way for him to go around the universe or at least on Earth without drawing attention to himself. Then it will make this quest easier, at least they are going to talk about it and plan things out before they start.

While she watches Loki walk away, Darcy is still standing by the door of her room, completely wide awake and not even sure what to think and not even sure if she can believe what she just heard. Since Loki was just here right now and telling her that he is going to go with the whole becoming a hero thing, willingly without any need of persuasion. That he came to making that decision on his own and she doesn't even know what to think of Loki's new found selfless attitude, but right now she is just surprised by this development and how she didn't even need to come up with ways of persuasion or tricks to get him to do it.

"What just happened?" asked Darcy to herself as she stares at the end of the hallway after Loki returns to the living room and not even sure what to think.

Chapter Text

Soon morning hit and Darcy has a lot of things going on in her mind and she still can't believe in what happened. She almost lost a few more hours of sleep and yet she still got them as her thoughts continue to dominate her mind. In fact for what happened last night, it is almost like a dream that actually happened and the fact that Loki literally came right up her door and told her that he is ready to become a superhero and wants to help out by trying to stop Thanos. The idea that Loki wants and decides to do this and anything good on his own, without any form of persuasion, bargaining, pleading or threat that is making him do this without anything getting in her way and she doesn't have to think of an over complicated plan where she would have to overdo her plan that it becomes a little too complex and it leads to nowhere.

It's really obvious that something must have happened last night that made Loki change his mind and changed his perspective when it comes to becoming a hero and that alone is more than surprising and she doesn't even know what to make of the entire situation. Darcy just hopes that Loki hasn't changed his mind or this is some kind of prank that Loki would find hilarious or just wanted to have fun through it and then later just drop the desire to just laugh in her face. At least she hopes that Loki is not going to do that and as she gets ready to head right into the kitchen/living room. She simply decides to just wear a black shirt with a blue hoodie and some jeans, then she heads her way down the hall, with many thoughts going through her mind.

Darcy knows that she should be thinking about why would Loki change his mind so suddenly? What would she have been planning to do if Loki didn't give in? But she doesn't care, at least he's going to do it and going to go out there and be a hero. Though she is wondering how are they going to pull this off? Since she can't just have Loki going around as himself going around doing hero work, especially knowing that it would draw too much attention to them and then they would definitely be in trouble.

So she figures that the only way they can avoid all of that is for Loki to wear a costume, but the real question is how is she going to convince him to go for that idea? He doesn't seem the type that would be open in dressing up for a costume party or anything unless he just uses his magic to shape shift into someone else and pretend to be them for a bit and then it would be it, not in a superhero disguise for an unknown period of time. But either way, she is happy to see that Loki decided to do this and they will work the details out throughout the day.

Soon Darcy makes it to the kitchen and finds Loki awake and trying to make some kind of meal with the bread he must have found in the fridge and trying to see if he can make a decent meal with it and some of the cheese. She should tell him about the wonders and convince of a toaster or at least give him pointers, but for now she just heads over to the fridge to grab some waffles, enough for two and places two of them in the toaster and waited for a couple of minutes and once those pop out, she puts them on a plate and puts two more in and once they are done, she puts the other two in another plate. After grabbing the bottle of syrup from the fridge, she heads her way to the table and joins Loki as he starts to eat the make shift sandwich. From one look, she can tell that he must have placed an illusion over it to try to make it look more presentable and to hide it's awkward state.

"Morning." said Darcy briefly passing over one of the plates of waffles to Loki. "I thought that you might want to have something more tasty than that."

"What is that?" asked Loki staring at the waffles, not even knowing what to make of the dish right in front of him.

"These are called waffles, one of the best Earth's breakfast meals and it's always something that I always try to keep in stock." said Darcy. "Don't you guys have waffles on Asgard?"

"Our meals are usually more nutritious than what I have seen on this planet so far." said Loki as he picks up one of them and tries it. "Though the food has more rich flavors than this."

"Try putting syrup on it, it always taste better with something sweet on it." said Darcy as she hands him over the bottle and Loki accepts it and starts to pour it into his waffles.

While Loki pours the syrup, Darcy is wondering how is she going to start off this conversation and how is she going to get straight to the point? To know whether or not Loki is really going to do this and to start planning their next move. She just hopes that he hasn't changed his mind and starts thinking that it is a bad idea and winds up dropping the idea without another thought. Darcy knows that she has to find the right moment, but she knows that she can't wait another moment longer. That she has to know the answer right now and she has to ask him and needs to do it now, she is not going to wait another moment.

"So about last night..." said Darcy. "Were you or rather are you still serious about wanting to become a hero? That this isn't a joke or some wired dream right?"

"Of course I meant what I said last night. Why would I back out on my own decision?" said Loki. "Especially after I just made it? In case it has not occur to you, I am not the type who second guess my own choices."

"I have noticed and it is great that you decided to do this." said Darcy rather happily. "Now all we have to do is figure out what would be the perfect superhero costume for you to wear and-"

"Wait just a minute, I am not going to go around dressed like a clown every single time I have to go out and either stop a crime or we find some lead to the Stones." said Loki. "I agree with your idea to gather the Infinity Stones and live out your delusions of grander while we are under the condition that I don't have to reveal myself to the public. I may not want my presence and the fact that I am alive revealed, but I do not want to look ridiculous."

"You are not going to look ridiculous, in fact we're going to make you look really cool." said Darcy reassuringly. "It will be the least of your worries, all we need to do is figure out how to protect your secret identity and make sure that no one can pick up clues to figure it out. Since if someone finds out that it is you and if it happens to be the wrong person, then it can be the difference between life and death."

"I think you are overstating the last part, the one we really need to worry about is Thanos and he is not the type who would be willing to forgive anyone for anything that may occur." said Loki. "The most the people of this planet can do to me is lock me up somewhere until Thor arrives and then I will face my judgement."

"Yeah, but that will be as equally as bad and we don't want either option to happen." said Darcy. "Besides it's less likely for someone to find out that it's you here because you would be wearing a costume, so quit trying to make this into a bigger deal than it is."

"That would be easy for you to say, you are not the one that will be going around in a disguise." said Loki. "Even if I conjured an illusion every single time I go out, it does not guarantee that I will not be exposed and someone-

"That just the thing, you won't need your magic to hide yourself and wouldn't that be a big give away?" said Darcy before returning to her plans. "I was thinking that along with your superhero suit, that maybe we should also give you a mask, so that way it will not only add to your superhero image but it will protect your identity. Especially since the people will be thinking about who is underneath the mask and yet it allows you to keep your identity a secret and no one would even know what you look like. It will give us wiggle room to focus on Thanos and find the stones and the gauntlet."

"Fine, I see your point." said Loki wanting to avoid an argument and got to to the point. "Is there anything else I should do or know about that will further humiliate me or will that be it?"

"Oh yeah, there is one more thing. I don't know how you feel about this or how well you are going to take this, but..." said Darcy nervously. "We or rather you are going to need to change your name, whenever you are in the costume and in public."

Loki stares at Darcy in disbelief, that idea is so surprising that it leaves Loki speechless and he doesn't even know what to think or let alone know what to say. The idea really caught him off guard and knows that he does not want to have anything to do with that idea. He can't believe that Darcy would have the audacity of even to suggest that he should change his name and whatever she has in mind then it would sound absolutely ridiculous and lead to an even bigger humiliation. He may have agreed to do this, but that does not mean he wants to look ridiculous while he's doing something that he already thinks is absurd. He wonders what Darcy may be thinking and if all Midgardians usually follow this logic and come up with these ridiculous ideas and go through with them. He sees Darcy is about to say something and would have said it, that is until...

"What?" said Loki immediately in complete disbelief as he stares at Darcy, completely speechless.

"You know something that will help keep your secret identity, a secret. Something for me to call you whenever we're out there and something that people will easily say that isn't, I know 'Mystery Hero Guy.'" said Darcy. "We are going to need to create some kind of identity for you, a super hero identity that will be something everyone will know and won't even suspect who is underneath the mask. All of the superhero in comics do it all the time and it always work and the best part is no one will know that it's you."

"What a brilliant idea, not only I will be running into danger, risking my life to save billions of strangers every other day. There is also the fact that I would be going out of my way to hunt down six stones and a gauntlet, which are the most powerful objects in this entire universe. While we are going on our wild goose chase, a mad titan will be going after the objects as well and wants to make me pay for the last we met, we would need to get the stones before he does or finds out unless we want a death sentence." said Loki rather sarcastically. "While in the meantime, I will be going around as masked crusader with a ridiculous costume and a name to match. If Thor knew about this then he would be far to busy laughing at how ridiculous and embarrassing I look that yelling at me would be the last thing on his mind."

"Loki, just hear me out for a sec before you just walk out on me. For starters Thor and everyone else is not going to know it's you, wearing a mask and with a new identity that everyone will be too busy thinking you are cool to figure it out." said Darcy. "Besides being a superhero is a cool job, I know if it were me I would be more than happy to take the job. Ever since I was a kid, I have always wanted to become a superhero, but since I am not a alien from outer space or have a cool metal suit or a tough girl martial artist, I can't really do it without getting myself killed. But that doesn't mean I don't want to help to help anyone who is about to become a superhero and that alone is so cool."

"I am assuming that you admire the Avengers? After hearing you so many times talk about heroism and your childhood dream of becoming a hero?" asked Loki letting his curiosity get the best of him.

"Yeah, they are real life superheroes who goes out of their way to help others and fight off evil villains, having the chance to go on adventures and actually saving the day." said Darcy. "They are all inspiring in their own ways, I am practically a pro of Avengers trivia and love hearing their stories and seeing them on the news. Plus I am also friends with one of them, so that makes things even more cooler and even if Thor wasn't an Avenger, I would still be happy to have a friend that is a superhero."

"You are too much of an admirer for these type of heroes for your own good, you know that right?" said Loki, the most obvious question on his mind.

"Well at least I am a fan of something that inspires people to go out there and stop the bad guys." said Darcy. "Helping people every single time you go out to save the day and actually doing something that would be more than I don't know what. But hey at least I wanted to be something that would be great, adventurous and just so cool, I mean who wouldn't want to go out and save the world?"

"I know I would not do no such thing, from all of the things I have been hearing and seeing about being a hero, it only makes me regret my choice even more by the second." argued Loki. "Even if my past actions are regrettable, at least I know what I was doing and had reasons behind it. Not too mention, I didn't follow absurd ideas blindly, much less needed anyone's help in almost succeeding in Thanos's plans."

"Yeah, but you still failed." said Darcy in a teasing tone.

"Can we return our focus to the task at hand and stop this childish manner?" said Loki completely annoyed. "Not only because we are wasting valuable time in this foolishness, but I would like to get this over with. The sooner we start, the sooner we will be done and I will no longer have to deal with Thanos, the Infinity Stones or anything else that may require me in going out risking my life for others."

"Alright whatever you say, but let me just say that what we're doing is going to do is so awesome and you're so not going to be regretting this." said Darcy.

"I doubt it, since from what I have seen and heard from you so far." said Loki. "You are doing a good job of making it sound less appealing by the minute."

"Relax, it's going to be fine, when all of this over then this is all so going to be worth it." said Darcy. "Now let's focus on trying to get your costume and I think I have an idea on how to get it."

"What are you planning to do, go to one of the shops on this planet and see if you can have it tailored for me?" said Loki rolling his eyes.

"That is exactly what I am going to do." said Darcy catching Loki by surprise. "Also I am going to need to borrow you're Asgardian clothes for a bit."

"What? Are you saying that there are shops in Midgard that dedicate themselves in creating foolish outfits for absurd reasons?" said Loki in disbelief.

"Well, not exactly, we have these things call costume stores and they are for people to buy something to dress up in. They are very useful for halloween and costume parties when you don't have one." said Darcy. "Don't you guys have any of that in Asgard?"

"In Asgard, the way we celebrate any occasion is through feasts, ceremonies and maybe even an occasional ball or two." said Loki. "We don't have a need for disguises, most Asgardians have always tend to fight their way through a battle rather than try to find a clever way out of them."

"Ok, Asgardians have uptight parties and would rather wrestle with one another than have a chat if there's a problem. No wonder why you and Thor turn out the way that you did." said Darcy. "But still I am still going to need your Asgardian clothes and if I hurry now then I won't have to worry about a crazy long line that will take me most of the day to get past."

"I am assuming that this shop is really popular?" said Loki.

"Yeah it is, it has the costumes made with the best materials and everyone mostly goes over there to get something that might work." said Darcy. "You know something that would be really comfortable for you to run around in and at the same time something that doesn't make you angry because you think you look like a clown."

"Would the people who work in this shop realize that my armor is a little too authentic? That they would realize that it's made out of armor and leather and if I am standing right there who I am and call the local authorities?" asked Loki. "Then it would definitely end well as we are both apprehended and end up behind bars."

"Why would I end up arrested?" argued Darcy. "I am not the one who send giant robots to destroy towns or lead alien invasions just because I made a deal with a maniac who happens to also be an alien and he wants the universe to literally self destruct."

"You are helping and hiding a fugitive that would be wanted on both Asgard and Midgard and giving him shelter. " pointed out Loki. "Not to mention, lying to everyone including the authorities and that includes my brother and let us not forget they will think you helped cause a disturbance."

"Wait, we didn't cause a public disturbance or do anything wrong." said Darcy, as Loki rolled his eyes at her. "Why would they think that we did anything wrong?"

"Maybe it is because, I do not know they will not believe that I had nothing to do with the robbery or our confrontation against the Chitauri last night." said Loki. "If they find out what happened and that we were involved in the entire incident, then they wouldn't hesitate in putting the blame on us. They will think that I was responsible of bringing the Chitauri here and will use it as excuse to apprehend us and I would be very surprise if someone does listen to us or find it inside themselves to even believe us."

"Ok, you got me there and besides we don't have to worry about someone recognizing you." said Darcy. "Maybe if I go to the store by myself then I can possibly make just say that I am going to a costume party and want my friend's costume to be made out of the same or a similar material."

"Are you not worried that one of the workers might might recognize my armor and ask questions?" asked Loki.

"I will just say that my friend has a wired obsession with heroes and super villains and thinks that the Avengers are overrated." said Darcy. "So I suggested that he should wear something completely original and new because wearing this would be inappropriate, especially if someone remembers what happened last year and it would lead to a lot of awkward moments."

"So exactly how are you going to make this costume look?" said Loki. "I am assuming that you already had a design planned and going to bring that with you when you need to make my perfect disguise?"

"Well, I don't exactly have something all planned out, if I am the greatest with costume design." said Darcy earning an annoyed groan from Loki. "But I already came up with some awesome ideas, I will just combine them into making it something not only cool but it would be something that suits you. Heck, I will even make it green, you always seem to wear it and it makes the look more like you and probably would make the costume more like you too."

"You know this would never work, I have noticed ever since Thor and that girl's visit that you are a terrible liar and i am really surprised that they didn't figure our little secret." said Loki. "Though I have to give some credit for choosing a good color for the color, at least this costume is not going to be completely unbearable."

"What? You like the color green?" asked Darcy ignoring Loki's rude comment.

"Of course I do, it happens to be my favorite color." said Loki.

"Well it's mine too." said Darcy rather excitedly. "See we're getting along great and finding things that we have in common already."

"No we are not and this is simply a coincidence and at least I know now that you have a good taste when it comes to colors." said Loki as he crosses his arms.

"Yeah, whatever you say, but it's still great that we are finding some common ground." said Darcy as she starts to get up from her seat. "But anyway, I really should get going, the sooner we get the costume, the sooner we can get started and we can stop Thanos. So see ya in bit."

With that Loki uses his magic to change into a suit and hands his Asgardian armor right to Darcy, with the hope that nothing is going to happen to it. Darcy simply accepts the armor and places into a bag, then she quickly grabs her wallet and keys and simply leave Loki alone in the apartment, not even sure what to make of the entire situation or if he feels confident in what he has gotten himself into. That alone is making him feel a sense uncomfortably and one that he wants to nothing more but to shake off and simply ignore it, by only focusing on the idea he is going to have to wear a costume that he really hopes that it does not make him look ridiculous. Though part of him is surprised by the new feelings that he is now feeling and it's completely brand new feeling. One that happened after Darcy just left the room, he doesn't even know what to make of it and really hopes that he didn't catch a strange virus from this planet, the last thing he wants is to become ill, especially if he is on this planet and he just hopes that all of this passes soon.

Loki also hopes that Darcy hurries back soon, so that way they can get to the most important details such as focusing on getting the Stones and the Gauntlet before Thanos and to avoid to little to no confrontations with him. Since the sooner they defeat Thanos, the happier he will be to leave all of this behind and he no longer have to do any of this ever again. He is more than ready to leave this planet and to get past all of this and then he can go into hiding and live a peaceful life away from his past. This might be his chance, if he succeeds and the only other thing that Loki now hopes is that he doesn't regret any of this anymore than he already does.

Two hours Later

Loki simply makes himself comfortable as he continues to read Lord of the Rings and continues to enjoy as the story is developing and it's complex themes. He is pleased that it is allowing him to distract himself for a little bit and giving him something to read that excites him more and more as he reads through a book that allows him to think and engage. Though he can hardly believe that Midgardians were able to have the skills to create pieces of literature at the same level as the books he have enjoyed back in Asgard that are not only complex, but has a level of enjoyment and sophistication that leaves him wanting more. At least Midgard has some elements of enjoyability and pieces that he is grateful that existed to keep him sane for the time being.

Soon Darcy comes walking right in, disrupting Loki's attention from his book and he turns to see her walk right in and from one glance, he doesn't even know what to make of the sight or at least he is already dreading it. She is holding two giant bags, one with his Asgardian armor and the other which he is assuming his new hero costume, one that he can hardly imagine on how bad it might look and hopes that he is wrong and it is not as bad as he is making it sound. Plus he hasn't even seen the costume and it's too early to tell that it is the worst, at least he hopes that it would not be the worst thing he has ever seen, let alone wear. He continues to try to focus on his book and yet find it hard to keep his focus as she starts to head right towards him with the bags at hand.

"Hey, I'm back." said Darcy rather happily with Loki only giving her a shrug. "You won't believe our luck when it comes to the costume."

"I will be the judge of that." said Loki. "I wonder how horrible this is going to turn out."

"Come on Loki, you're going to love it and besides it actually looks really cool as far as costumes go." said Darcy rather excitedly. "Ok, I took the time to tell them all of the things I want for it to look like and I think I managed to get something that is not only cool but something you would not even think of complaining about. Well at least not at first, just take a look of this."

Darcy quickly pulls out the costume from the bag and shows it to Loki, who is staring at it in disbelief and not even anywhere close to feeling a sense of sastification as he looks at the costume. Loki stares at it, not even knowing what to think of the idea of him going around wearing that or even know how he is going to feel about it, at least it is not as bad as he initially imagined it. The costume is a dark green body suit with hints of black and yellow in various parts of the suit, along with a golden Spark in the front of the costume and the Spark insignia also appears on the center of a black belt.

To much of Loki's surprise, there are pieces of armor right underneath it and from the touch, it is surprising to see the it is genuine armor. He even touched the pieces of his Asgardian armor to make sure that it wasn't some kind of imitation and now only is wondering why would a Midgardian ever want to wear Asgardian like armor? Let alone where did they even get the metal to even make this piece of armor? He also sees that the costume also came with thick black leather boots that looks really comfortable when it comes to the idea possibly having to run in them. It also came with a cape, a golden green colored cape that seems to shine in the light and combine a golden color scheme with a green over tone.

"Well I have to say that it looks better than I thought that it was going to be." said Loki. "It could have been worse but it's not and that alone is simply a relief. Though I am curious where did you get the metal to make the armor?"

"They had a ton of left over armor from some Iron man costumes that no one bought, something about it being being too heavy and uncomfortable to wear, which is crazy to think about." said Darcy. "But it's the closest thing they had to Asgardianlike metals, so I had to ask to use it for the costume and aside from getting some wired stares, they agreed to do it."

"I am surprise that they didn't ask any questions or became suspicious." said Loki before he gives a sigh with high sarcasm takes over. "I wonder what grand convincing excuse you came up with."

"Hey, at least I got the costume, but enough about all of that." said Darcy rather excitedly. "Now come on, let's see how it looks on you."

Loki sighs and rolls his eyes, ready to get this entire moment over with and uses his magic to change his suit to the costume. In a quick second, he is wearing the costume and is waiting to hear Darcy's reaction. While Darcy is staring at Loki in complete amazement, from one look if anyone ignores that it's Loki, then anyone would see him as a hero and one that is about to start off his hero's journey and he is now going to need a name and a mask, one that has to be as cool as and great as the many superhero names in the past. Loki on the other hand, he is willing to give anything to get out of this costume and forget all of this ever happened. Before he can even say a word...

"You look so cool in that! We are so going to make this work and it is going to be so awesome." said Darcy happily. "Now all we need is a mask and the costume will be complete, I also got one designed for you while I was there and let me just say that it looks awesome."

Darcy quickly reaches inside the other bag that holds Loki's Asgardian armor and pulls out a piece of fabric and she is about to put it on him. That is until Loki places a hand, wanting nothing more but to see the mask before he places it on. Darcy rather disappointed that he wouldn't put it on just yet, hands it over and gives it to Loki and he stares at the mask, not even sure what to make of it and to stare at it. The mask is green as well, while the eyelids are covered by this black fabric material and made to cover his eyes from anyone who may see him. Loki quickly put a hand right under the mask and can see bits of his hand through it, but from judging from the material, Loki knows that he can use his magic to help fix any vision problems. He also sees that on the top of the mask, there are two yellow horns sticking right out and almost reminiscent of his helmet.

After a quick look at the costume, he heads over to a mirror and once he arrives, he doesn't know what to make of the sight right in front of him, as he doesn't look anywhere close to himself. Loki quickly puts on the mask and only stares at his reflection, suddenly feeling like if he was suddenly teleported into one of Darcy's comic books and thus making him feel even more ridiculous than he has ever felt in his life. He doesn't even know if he should even feel ridiculous or disgusted by his look, since he never thought that he would ever wear something like this and he would be more than happy to take it off and never to see it again. Regardless of how he may feel towards the costume, Loki knows one thing, exactly how he is going to respond...

"Do you honestly expect me to gather the Infinity Stones, along with go out in public to not only stop crime and possibly confront Thanos looking like this?" said Loki as he points himself out. "I will not go out looking like this or never going to leave this house looking as though I lost my, especially when it comes to the whole concept that I would be going out, drawing attention to myself and saving hundreds of people. It's humiliating."

"To be honest, I actually think that you look cool." said Darcy. "Besides you are not just going to go out there to just save people, you are also going out there to stop bad guys like Thanos. You also have to fight for what's right and along with stopping Thanos and saving the world at one go. Since part of a superhero's job is to bring justice to the world and you are going to bring it, to all nine of them."

"If you are so interested in super heroics and are so desperate in trying to get me to pursue that path, why not you do it or tell my brothers and his friends about Thanos?" asked Loki completely annoyed. "They would be more than happy to do it, no questions ask. Especially knowing that you are so invested in this idea and making me do it against my will, at least that would get the job done. While I get to live my life in peace and to forget everything that has happened in the past and everything i ever cared about, that I lost and will never get back."

"In a perfect world, I would be more than happy to do it for you." said Darcy in deep frustration. "I would probably have my own set of powers and be part of the Avengers, went on many adventures and saved the world a ton of times. Along with the fact that there wouldn't even be another alien invasion about to happen where he is going to anilate the world with six rocks on a magic glove. While you are living some perfect life without a care in the world, unfortunately that is not the case and why don't you quit complaing and arguing with me, so we can work together on this?"

"I am simply trying to point out the facts," said Loki, "and the facts are that this is doomed to fail before we can even start. I just presented an easier alternative that might work and you are not taking it."

"An idea that I might have to expose you to them because they would have questions and I won't be able to answer them without exposing them." pointed out Darcy catching Loki by surprise. "So why don't we start to come up with a great superhero name before you have to go out and save someone?"

"Alright, so exactly what names that you have already come up with?" asked Loki, still a little annoyed. "I am willing to hear them, unless you are planning to call me 'Horn Guy' every single time I am out in public. Why did you ask to put horns on top of the mask? Are you not worried that someone will recognize the horns and figure that it is me under the mask and make everyone aware of that?"

"I just wanted to add something that would still make you, you. Something that still would make you like yourself that no one would even realize that it's you and at the same time, it's something that would still keep a part of you. in your costume." said Darcy. "Plus I always thought that your helmet was the coolest part of the whole Loki look you had during the invasion."

"Finally, someone who actually thought that my helmet is great choice of style." said Loki. "It's about time that someone sees that it is a great choice in style."

"You're welcome, I think..." said Darcy not even sure what to make of Loki's response to compliment, before she gets her focus back on the topic at hand. "I already came up with a couple of ideas that might make awesome superhero names, they are Green Beetle, Sparkman, Count Green and Mystery Man."

"You know those names are really good ideas." said Loki in a monotone voice.

"Really? You really think so?" asked Darcy surprised by Loki's reaction. "For once in your life you actually like my ideas?"

"Yes, I actually do and think that they would make fantastic names for me." said Loki with a groan as he rolls his eyes. "If I want to become the biggest laughing stock in this planet's history and do not get started on the nine realms. Not too mention, none of my future foes, let alone Thanos would ever take me seriously with one of those names."

"Ok, Mr. Smarty pants, do you have any better ideas?" asked Darcy annoyed by his remark. "If you do then tell me, sp we don't have to do those ideas, give me something to work with."

"From the list of options you gave me, I think that I like the term mystery if that help narrow things down." said Loki. "That or we come up with something better, if I am being honest, you are failing when it comes to coming up with ideas."

Darcy stops to glare right at Loki, before stoping to think for a moment and to try to come up with a name that is not only perfect and yet original. Though it's also has to be something that isn't going to get them back to the name drawing board. She wonders what would work and plays around with the word mystery and what might work and so far she hasn't come up with something that would not only work, but it's not catchy enough and that alone is not memorable enough when it comes to making a superhero statement that would work if they are ever known to the public. It only takes a few seconds right before Darcy's face lights up as she stops to realize the perfect name, one that is not only perfect for Loki, but completely original that will make him stand out.

"That's it I got it!" said Darcy rather happily and excitedly. "The perfect name for you and one that will definitely work!"

"I will be the judge of that." said Loki crossing his arms, with little to no enthusiasm.

"Hear this, how about Mysto?" said Darcy happily.

"Mysto?" said Loki surprised at the most recent random idea that Darcy came up with and doesn't know if he should laugh or scoff at the idea.

"Yeah why not? asked Darcy. "It has the first three letters of the word mystery and has a cool ring to it."

"For starters, it starts with the first four letters of the word mystery and second it sounds plain ridiculous." said Loki. "It's not even a word in any dictionary that I have ever known."

"But it's better than half of the other names I came up with and it also has a cool ring to it." said Darcy. "Besides I kinda like it better than all of the ones that I just made up and I really think that it would suit you."

"For argument sake, let just choose that one and end this pointless discussion." said Loki. "I would prefer to stop Thanos when the world is still in tact and we are not going to get far by simply sitting here."

"Ok you got me there, now let's start with the simple questions on my mind." said Darcy. "How are going to get the Stones before Thanos does? Where are the Stones? Loki, do you know where they are?"

"I have no clue for all of them, but I believe I have an idea where the Guantlet and two of the Infinity Stones might be." said Loki.

"Awesome! Tell Me!" said Darcy excitedly. "We don't have a moment to lose and if we're going to do something than it needs to be right now."

"Well I know where the Tesseract is and-" starts Loki.

"Wait that blue cube rock thing an Infinity Stone?" said Darcy surprised by this development.

"Yes it is, also known as the Space Stone. Thor brought it back when we returned to Asgard and The Tesseract not the only thing that's there." said Loki. "The Guantlet is in Fathe- Odin's vault and I also think that another Infinity Stone is in Asgard. I have always believed that his scepter might have the Soul Stone, it's a gold coloring, the power it holds and the fact that no one knows where the stone resides, it wouldn't be the first secret that he kept from the world..."

"Great, now we have a lead where two of the stones and the Guantlet." said Darcy excitedly as she . "Now we need to get ready to go."

"What?" asked Loki immediately surprised by what Darcy just said. "Where are you planning to have us go?"

"Asgard, where else?" responded Darcy. " Just lead the way and let's get going already."

"Darcy, this has to be one of the maddest ideas that I have ever heard from you so far." said Loki who is more stunned how Darcy keeps surprising him more and more.

"Why shouldn't we? It's the only place we know that has not only two Infinity Stones, but the Guantlet is there too." said Darcy. "We should get there before Thanos finds out and get there first."

"There is no way I am going back to Asgard, especially this soon and the circumstances that are standing in our way." said Loki. "Everyone thinks I'm dead and in case it never occurred to you, I want to keep it that way because they all see me as a criminal and I can not simply walk in with the hope that no one will notice me. You are asking me to break in Odin's vault, The most secured vault in all of the nine realms, if we were caught by Hiemdell, any of the guards, Odin... Then the consequences will be worse than a simple prison sentence."

"Come on Loki, what's the worst that can happen?" said Darcy. "Besides you have your magic and Mysto costume, it's not like anyone going to know it's you or notice."

"Of course, they are not going to notice a stranger wearing an outfit that is not common in any planet." said Loki rather sarcastically. "If the design of the disguise is not going to attract attention then it's the obvious color scheme."

"That's what your magic is for and we are not going to get in any trouble." said Darcy. "Now come on, we should get going before the Chitauri comes after us again."

Without another word being said, Darcy simply leaves the apartment and is ready to try to find the portal that Loki used to get to Earth from Asgard. While Loki on the other hand, quickly starts to follow her, knowing that this is a really bad idea and he needs to stop Darcy before she does something rash. He doubts that she would be able to find the portal on her own, but is he really going to take that chance? Darcy has already proven that she is more than capable of figuring things out and catching him off guard, he assume that she would be able to find a hidden gateway to another realm. He has to stop her before she does something and it brings more trouble than Thanos can bring at the moment, the idea of them going to Asgard and breaking into the vault is insane. Loki knows that this is a very bad idea and he has to stop her.

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...

Chapter Text

Soon the two of them arrived to the apartment, after having a success with their first quest of getting the Infinity Stones and they are making a good start on the quest to getting the Infinity Stones and stopping Thanos. Both Loki and Darcy are exhausted from the days events and how they managed to break in and get out of Asgard without even getting anywhere close on being caught. Without a word even being said, Loki simply heads over to the couch and uses his magic to reveal the Teaseract and Gungir to place them on a table and then uses his magic to change from the Mysto costume to his Asgardian armor. Feeling a sense of relief that he doesn't even want to get past and happy that he doesn't have to wear the Mysto costume whenever he is in the apartment.

Aside from his opinion on the costume, Loki decides that it might be a good idea to get to work on figuring out how to get the Infinity Stones out of it's containments. So that way, then it would be easier to hide and they will at least have them more secured than if they have a sceptar sitting in the living room. He quickly finds a notebook and a pen, then sits on the couch and starts to focus on the elements that makes the stones attached the objects. Along with the potential power he would have to deal with and try to figure out how to get around any complications or better yet avoid it altogether. At least it will be a good chance to study the Infinity Stones and learn more about the properties that makes them so powerful and the elements that existed in the beginning of time. He might as well learn more about them, as he figures out how to get the stoness out of their objects.

While Darcy on the other hand, grabs a bag of chips from the kitchen and starts to relax after the day they had. She quickly drops right onto the couch abruptly, earning an annoyed stare from Loki and starts to eat her chips. Before she can even think of something fun to do or try to find the tv remote, she sees that Loki is focusing hard on the Infinity Stones and looking over them in a deep focus that it doesn't look like anything can find a way to break his attention away. She sees that he is starting to take notes, along with doing some small experiments with his magic or at least illusions of the objects to see possible ways of removing the stones from their objects or how to use them or something close to it from Darcy's understanding. Though it only adds to her many questions...

"So why are you examining them? I don't see why you would have to relearn how to use them, you already know how to use the blue cube thing." said Darcy. "It's not like we are going to use these things to track down the other Stones. That unless these things already have a built in Infinity Stone tracker, do they? But still I don't see the need on why you have to relearn how to use them if you already have an idea on how to do so?"

"I am not trying to relearn how to use them and no we can't track the other Stones with them." said Loki remaining focus on what he is doing. "I am trying to figure out how to remove the stones from their objects without accidentally creating a catastrophe that guarantees in myself and/or this neighborhood in meeting it's end through a blast that would anialate everything and everyone in sight."

"Wait, what?!" said Darcy immediately in a panic.

She stares at Loki in complete shock and horror as she faces the possible outcome, along with having the growing desire of wanting to grab the stones and lock them away in some room. Darcy doesn't want them to be responsible for that or worse, though she doesn't know how the world is going to handle Thanos with both of the only ones that can stop him gone. Though she doesn't even know if Loki knows what he is doing or if they should even be playing around with the Stones, especially if it is that dangerous. She can already imagine what kind of trouble it might bring and she and Loki would be lucky if they can have a chance to face it.

After a quick look at Darcy's face, Loki realize on how he made that statement sound and his own mistake. It must have sounded like if him studying the stones would bring more destruction than it would typically bring. He feels like he should clarify what he meant before he starts a panic and make Darcy worry over something for nothing. He turns to her, ready to fix his mistake and hopes that would be enough. The last thing he needs is Darcy to try to keep an eye on him and then that would make him nervous, simply because someone would be watching and he would be trying so hard to not make a mistake and then he will end up making a mistake that would be too consequential that they won't be able to fix.

"Calm down Darcy, I didn't mean it like that, why would I make this entire area especially this building self destruct?" said Loki. "In case it hasn't occurred to you, I have changed a lot since the last time I was in this world."

"Yeah, but you are not the type that would care if you caused trouble." said Darcy. "That is unless you are the type to secretly care about others and you try to act so tough to cover up your own feelings and you secretly do care."

"Just because I do not see Midgard as an equal, it doesn't mean that I want to see it destroyed." said Loki. "Besides in case it has not occurred to you, but I am now currently residing on this planet and do not want to be caught up in an accidental apocalypse."

"Alright then, at least I can say that I am right sort of." said Darcy before she gets to her questions. "Why are you so focused on trying to get the stones out of these things?"

"I am trying to get them out as an extra security measure and in hopes that once I do then we will be able to hide them." Said Loki. "With luck, we would have to simply worry about scattering the Stones to harder to reach places where Thanos will never find them."

"Alright, cool we're going towards the divide and conquer approach." Said Darcy. "So I'm guessing that it's harder to get them out of these things, unless you want to accidentally blow something up."

"I would need to break into the object and destroy the shells protecting it to avoid all that." Said Loki. "The shells that is keeping the stones safe from the destruction they are capable of."

"So what happens if you touch one of these stones?" Asked Darcy. "Do you get incredibly awesome superpowers?"

"No, it would only hurt you more, the power of the Infinity Stones has the capabilities of killing the wielder by simply placing a finger on it." Said Loki. "Fortunately anyone with some kind of power such as magic can withstand it's power and I think I can possibly find a spell that would make it safe for at least myself to be able to hold the stones."

"So if you touch one of the Infinity Stones then you might have a high risk of it hurting or worse being killed?" Said Darcy. "Then how is Thanos planning to use the stones without blowing himself up? If he can't hold the stones, then Thanos can't use them and any of his plans won't even be possible. He might as well consider himself a failure and cal it a day if that's the case."

"Unfortunately, he has the Guantlet and with its power to withstand the strength of the Infinity Stones, Thanos can withstand the power of stones." said Loki. "The Guantlet is the only way for a being without any power of their own to withhold it."

"So that means he can hold the stones without worrying about getting hurt?" asked Darcy who starting to see how the situation is becoming worse by the minute.

"All he has to do is place the stones on the Guantlet and then he will be able to use it's powers without any limitations." said Loki. "I was hoping that the Gauntlet and the Aether would have been on Asgard, that we could have gotten a hold of them before he did and we would have gotten them in our grasps and have one less thing to worry about. But Thanos got to them before we even had a chance to get there, now we have to get the others before he does and think of a plan on how to obtain them before he starts to use them."

"Oh that reminds me, I overheard that girl warrior and the guy with the giant beard. You know the ones that came after Thor when he first came to Earth and before you sent a giant robot after them?" said Darcy trying to get the description across.

"That's Sif and Volstagg, what did they say?" said Loki with a deep interest and hope that things are not as hard or lost.

"They said that they gave that Eater thing to someone in some different world." said Darcy. "Judging from the way they were talking about it, they sounded like if they just delivered it to this guy."

"First of all, it is called the Aether and secondly, did they say who they gave it to and where they are?" asked Loki. "If we hurry then we can get it before Thanos knows and go after it himself."

"They said that they decided to give it to some guy called the Collector." said Darcy. "Loki, do you know who he is? Have you ever met him? Plus what does this guy even collect aside from Infinity Stones?"

"I have never met him or was planning to, I only heard about him through Fath- Odin. From what he told Thor and myself, he said that The Collector is the biggest pack rat in the entire known universe." said Loki. "He is only after the most valuable or potentially the most powerful objects that he can get his hands on."

"Alright, so he has a collecting obsession and lives up to his name?" said Darcy.

"Yes and if he the Aether then it might be wise if we leave as soon as possible, if he gets the idea to collect the stones or Thanos finds out." starts Loki. "Then we would have a lot more to worry about."

"If that's the case then we need to go right now." said Darcy. "Before a road block happens and we get to that point."

"We should leave first thing in the morning, I need to come up with a possible plan that might work and I still need to study the ones we have obtained, so we will have that out of the way." said Loki. "I believe that there is a portal nearby that would lead us to the planet where the Collector resides in. The Stone would be fine for one day and we can leave once we know exactly what we are doing, we can not simply walk in and demand the stone without some sort of plan and that alone is dangerous. I hope that he will be in a good mood, once we go see him."

"Is he hot tempered?" asked Darcy.

"No, I don't believe so or rather I hope that is not the case." said Loki. "From what I heard, that the man is difficult and that alone makes me worry that he would give us trouble. He might not give it up to us that easily..."

"Maybe if we find a way to buy or trade something in exchange for the Eater then he might be willing to give it up." said Darcy. "Maybe if we go back to Asgard, we can find something that would capture his interest or there is something the Collector would want from Earth that he might want to add something to his collection."

"We just broke in Asgard and we were fortunate that we were able to escape and now you want return?" asked Loki. "I doubt that The Collector would ever find something that would live up to the standards of the Infinity Stones."

"Maybe we can find a way to get it, even if it means we would have to find something and exaggerate so much that he would be willing to accept it." said Darcy.

"Firstly it is called the Aether and secondly, it is not as simple as you are making it sound. The Collector is going to do everything in his power to make sure that we don't leave the planet with it or it would be the last thing he does." said Loki. "So we are going to need to get ready to fight, be up to every challenge that may be thrown at us. There is also the fact that we would also have to worry about any of the Chitauri that would be ready to attack the first chance they get, they will grab a hold of the Aether and the rest of this quest will be harder than simply breaking in to a vault and grabbing the objects' under everyone's nose."

"I guess that's why we should start preparing and to try to think of a plan that might work." said Darcy. "Then again, we have two Infinity Stones, so why don't we just use them? Use the Tesseract to get everywhere and use your dad's sceptar to fight them off?"

"We can't simply play around with the Stones and trust blind luck in hopes that it would work, these objects are capable of causing mass destruction everywhere and we would be the ones that would be paying the price." said Loki. "Gungir would simply cause to much attention that it would be hard for us to hide from anyone and as for the Tesseract, it absorbs too much power and it would lead to many problems, such as accidentally opening the portal to the Chitauri realm or create so many blasts that would make it easier for Thanos to find us. If we are going to do this then we are going to attract as little to no attention as possible and using the stones in not an option."

"Alright then, let's start coming up with a plan that might work." said Darcy. "Especially now if we are not going to be using the Infinity Stones to get the job done." said Darcy. "Along with making sure the stones that we do have safe, so I'm guessing that we are not going to take them out of the apartment for safe keeping?"

"The more they stay out of the open the better secured they will be." said Loki. "But you are correct, we need to get ready for tomorrow and the challenges that it will bring. I doubt that we can get the Collector to simply hand the Aether over to us, so we will need to prepare and I need to study them. I think the best thing would be for us to plan it out and for me to take the time to do the research that may be necessary for us to get the stones out of their objects."

"We better get to work then." said Darcy. "Alright, I have a few ideas that might possibly work and I need to just throw them out there, just tell me what you think."

With that the two of them spend the rest of the day, preparing for the following day and to see if they can find a strategy. To much of their surprise, they seem to be enjoying each other's company and seem to find themselves bonding throughout the time that they are working on preparations. Soon Darcy decides to take a break and grab some lunch, while Loki decides to stay behind and start to continue to study and seeing the properties of the Infinity stones. From a quick look through and remembering his time with the scepter and the Tesseract, Loki continue to be fascinated by how they work and how the different properties work. Every single moment he sees them or tries to do some kind of magic on it, he only gets amazed by it's potential and the power that gets reflected upon him and stops before it gets too dangerous. Loki doesn't know how he is going to get the stones out of the objects or if it is even possible, but he is willing to do anything to not only to get the job done and to learn more about the stones.

Loki focuses hard on the stones, studying them for hours without anything about to break his focus and the potential of the power that the stones are now possessing. He can already imagine what would happen if anyone dares tries to unite the stones and place them on the Guantlet. But at least they have two of them now and once they get the other four stones, then they will have to somehow get the Guantlet and figure out how to stop Thanos for good. That is if it is even possible and they are not putting themselves in a situation where they are going to make things worse or one they can't get out of as easily as they would hope. He continues to take notes of what he is learning and seeing something new over the course of what he seeing as something more complex that makes understanding it's power a challenge that he is ready to learn more and see, that is until...

"Hope you're hungry, I got us the greatest thing that Earth has to offer and I don't even know if you would like it, but I got us salad in case you are not into it." said Darcy. "Though everyone here likes them, do Asgardians have burgers?"

"What is a burger?" asked Loki looking up from the Stones and see Darcy place a bag on the table.

"Ok, you are so going to try a burger." said Darcy happily as she sits on the table. "Come on, let's take a break and then we can figure out our next move."

"I highly doubt that Thanos would be taking breaks and laying around resting endlessly simply because he is tired." said Loki annoyed.

"I'm sure Thanos takes time for a lunch break whenever he's not busy trying to take over the World." said Darcy.

"Well, to be fair he is tying to destroy it rather rule over it." said Loki as he got up and joins Darcy on the table. "But I suppose a small rest won't hurt, as long as I take the time to plan out what we should do tomorrow."

"Great, since I have come up with some ideas and I think they might work and can make things easier if we give it a try." said Darcy as she reach into the bag to pull out her burger and fries. "We might as well experiment and at least try somethings out while we go around to try to get the Infinity Stones."

Loki grabs his and from one look at the food, he doesn't know what to make it and doesn't think that it's the healthiest plate of food he has ever seen. That and anywhere close on what he would find edible or live up to the standards that he is used to. He grabs a bow and place some of the salad into it and then picks up the rest of the food to see if maybe it's better than how it looks and that maybe he is judging it too harshly. That is right before he takes a bite and sees for himself if he truly likes this Midgard dish and he has half the mind to spit it out. But before he finds himself doing so, he quickly grabs the first cup he sees and pours some water from a pitcher and drinks it as fast as he can, giving a sigh and only put more salad on his plate. Along with simply pushing the burger away.

"Alright, I'm guessing that you are not the type who likes burgers?" asked Darcy.

"That was the most unbearable thing I have ever tasted, not only it does not look if it is anywhere near nutritious, but it taste completely horrible." said Loki. "Do all humans eat something as horrendous as this?"

"Well it's something that we all happen to like, but you're right it is unhealthy but it's still taste really good and I enjoy them." said Darcy.

"Humans do not know what food is well served then, the type that has rich flavor and sophistication that makes one wants to eat more." said Loki. "This is anything but one should really be placing in their mouths."

"Wait, did you just say human?" asked Darcy catching Loki by surprise. "I think that this is the first time I have ever heard you call us that."

"Please do not get used to it, it simply slipped out." said Loki as he tries to be defensive but is falling short.

"You should continue it, I kinda like it when you call us humans rather than Midgardians." said Darcy. "It's sounds more nicer and that you actually are getting know us."

"It would be better if I try not to get to attach to this planet and just focus on the task at hand." said Loki. "On the topic of which, I think that it would be best if we try to plan while we eat and make this a little more productive."

"Talk about being a party pooper..." said Darcy. "Here's an idea, have you ever thought of using your magic to turn into Thanos and find a portal to his planet and just get the Guantlet?"

"Why in the nine realms would I ever do that?" asked Loki.

"To make it look natural and trick everyone into thinking that you are Thanos." said Darcy. "If they think that you are him and they would let you leave with it without a fight."

"What do you propose I do if the real Thanos shows up and everyone realize the truth?" asked Loki pointing out the most obvious question.

"You could always... turn invisible... Can you turn invisible?" said Darcy. "That or you do it... when he's asleep..."

"I don't think that is going to work." said Loki, who doesn't know if he should be annoyed or just be somewhat impressed by Darcy's response and idea.

"Alright, it might not be the best idea. But you have to admit that it is a good one at least on paper." said Darcy. "But still can you turn invisible? I mean you can do illusions, maybe you can hide yourself from plain sight whenever you feel like it?"

"I can create illusions to cloak myself from the world and even cast a spell where I can allow myself and others to be seen by only anyone of my choosing." said Loki. "It comes in handy if I ever may need to hide or embark on a journey where I may have to work with anyone on a common goal."

"Now that's something so cool, that I can't wait to see." said Darcy. "Here's another idea, why not use boomerang daggers or try to turn Thanos into a mouse?"

"What? You do realize that those are anything but a good idea right?" said Loki who doesn't know what to make of those ideas.

"Come on, boomerang daggers would be awesome. They will come back right towards you and it would be so cool and you can totally catch them." said Darcy.

"If I wanted sharp objects flying right towards me, I would either reveal my identity to this planet or foolishly challenge Thanos." said Loki. "While we are on the topic of which why would I go over there and turn Thanos into a mouse?"

"Maybe, it is because it would make things easier and save us from all of the trouble and we save the universe quicker." said Darcy. "I mean no Thanos, no one ready to go after the stones or us and no one needs to worry about him getting the stones and executing everyone in sight."

"No, but someone else will and Thanos have more than the Chitauri on his side, one of his children might come after us for revenge." said Loki.

"Wait, Thanos has kids?" asked Darcy surprised.

"He adopted six and the ones that we need to be afraid of is the Black Order, the four of them are the most loyal to Thanos." said Loki. "They would probably be more than happy to come after us and at least finish us off. You do not want to get on the Black Order's bad side, unless you want to start planning for your tragic death."

"Ok, that would be bad." said Darcy. "Let's just scratch those ideas for now, but still the boomerang dagger idea would be so awesome."

"Well, it would if I didn't have to worry about dodging every now again or become blind." said Loki. "You know for a Midgardian, I have to admire your dedication and aside from being a little too exuberant, you seem to be really into this."

"What can I say? I am really big Avengers fan and love reading superhero comics." said Darcy. "Now I'm practically helping someone become a superhero and helping to save the universe. What can be better than that?"

"You actually believe that we can stop him?" Asked Loki not even sure what to make of her optimism. "Do you really have a strong faith that things would work out or are you so blinded by the admiration of the concept of heroism that you are failing to see that you might be setting yourself to a disappointment? That you might be living in your own childhood fantasy and you might not even know it?"

"Don't you ever stop and think positively Loki?" Asked Darcy.

"I prefer to think realistically, there is no point in giving yourself false hope if it will only lead to disappointment." Said Loki. "I had to learn the hard way that it is better to simply live one's life without wishing for the impossible. It avoids pain and gives one the confidence to accept even if they are desperate in wanting it to be a reality."

"Loki, you don't have to give up any hope and can still go after any of your dreams." Said Darcy.

"I went after a father's love and approval and look where it got me." Said Loki. "I am now stranded on this planet and have to get the stone before a mad Titan who is set to use its powers to destroy everything to impress his lover and do me in just because I failed him on the past. There is no hope unless we get the stones before he does and even then it's impossible. I am surprised that we even managed to grab a hold of two and I know we are setting ourselves to failure, I doubt we will be able to escape failure..."

"You know what one thing that I like about comic books and reading the stories of superheroes who get up and fight these battles is that they give you hope." said Darcy. "The hope that tomorrow will be a better day and one that everyone can be free to live their lives."

"You honestly believe in that lie, the entire concept of freedom is nothing more than a fiction." said Loki. "That and hope is nothing more than illusion to satisfy children, it is useless in the real world and will only lead to pain and misery for whomever is foolish enough to pursue it."

"But that's the thing, it's not just a kids story for us to entertain everyone we meet." said Darcy. "It is something that get us through our day, for example whenever the Avengers come together to fight off some evil villain. Well they only fought you and whenever I pick up and read a comic book, I read about people who are ready to fight for what they believe in and how they are ready to do anything for what is right. That gives me the hope that they would not only defeat the evil bad guy, but that we can fight our own battles and win, that is what makes superheroes so awesome and why I look up to them, admiring that they have the courage to fight these battles for not only for themselves but the world."

"I am assuming that you were excited to hear about the Avengers, how they risk everything to stop me and them going around to stop other foes in doing their bidding?" said Loki.

"Yeah, they're real superheroes and they were awesome." said Darcy. "I was really excited when I found out, that actually have superheroes in the world and they are real and I am friends with one of them. It is so cool!"

"Well it could have been if they stopped Thanos for us while they were at it." said Loki. "Then maybe they would have stand a chance and we wouldn't have to collect the stones or at least I can move past it and move on."

"Yeah, but that's why we are going to do this. We save the world and you can take a permanent break and do whatever you want to do." said Darcy. "Not too mention, it would be so awesome to save the world and we won't have to ever have to worry about Thanos ever again."

"When you put it that way, it does sound appealing." said Loki. "Escaping Thanos without ever having to worry about dealing with him ever again and not to mention, if people ever finds out about Mysto then they would be admiring him, so that is a bonus."

"Yeah, they might even give you an action figure if you save the world and they know about it." said Darcy happily. "So you came up with any ideas or made any progress on getting the Stones out?"

"I think the main objective should be to try to sneak in and if we run across the Collector then we try reasoning him before having to rely on brute force to get the stone." said Loki. "As for my research, I see that the Stones are made with many properties and they have became the main source of these objects' power that it is hard to break it out without causing a disaster."

"Ok, then how are you planning to get the stones out then?" asked Darcy. "If you can't remove them without them blowing up not only this place, but everywhere else then what are we going to do?"

"I have no clue, but I do know that I should get back to my research." Said Loki as he finish the salad. "I am going to need to study them more before we try anything."

"Alright, I guess but you know, we can just hang out for a bit if you want a break." Said Darcy. "That is if you really want one, since I am cool with just hanging out and-"

"As much as I would like to continue our discussion, but I am going to have to decline." Said Loki. "If I don't find a way to get the stones out of these objects then it is going to take us longer to finish the job and it would also be harder for us to even do it. If and when Thanos finds out then he is going to do everything in his power to get the others before we do and once he grabs a hold of the remaining , then he will come after us."

"Procrastination is a bad thing at the moment, ok I get it." Said Darcy. "But still we can always just hang out while we are doing this. You know just have fun while we're doing this and-"

"Dealing with Thanos is anything but fun and it is a situation we must take seriously. He will try anything to get the stones and will not hesitate in killing us if he finds a viable excuse." Said Loki. "I wouldn't be surprised if his desire to finish me has increased. The only way that we can guarantee that he will be stopped is to get them all now and limit his chances on winning."

"Alright I get it, but if you want to chat or talk about whatever plan you are cooking up, the offer will be open." Said Darcy as she gets up. "While you work on that and your plan, I will come up with some cool ideas and things that might work for tomorrow."

Without another word, Loki leaves the table to return to the couch and for once he feels a sense of joy. He never thought that having someone to talk to would give him that joy. Maybe having a friend will not be bad and he can get used to having someone to talk to. At least Darcy is likable enough and even if they are going to be spending most of the time hunting Infinity Stones, he might as well enjoy her company and get to know her. Since now that they are friends and they are on the same team. Then they really should spend some time together, before he has to leave Earth and they lose a chance. At least they have plans the following day, even if they are going to another planet to retrieve an Infinity Stone.

He sits back down on the couch to start to study the stones and hopes that he can get a better understanding on each of them. He sees that the Tesseract seems to have the cosmic energy within itself to keep the stone protected and allow anyone to use it to use its powers. While for Gungir, Loki notices that the scepter has a different structure and sees that there is not as much protection for the overall structure. That it is still the same scepter with the power that he once held and then again, it is no where close to where he thought the Soul Stone might be. Maybe it is more durable than he is thinking and is assuming the worst and letting his fears get the better of him.

Regardless of that, Loki continues to study the objects and even if he notices that there some differences, it still doesn't stop him in learning more about these objects. He continues to study and not letting his focus out of his sight. The only interruptions he allows himself to have is whatever questions Darcy may have and to hear out any ideas that she may have and give his own feedback of the ideas before he continues to prepare for the following day. It looks as though that nothing would make Loki lose focus and continue with his research.

It has been a few hours since they had lunch and those hours leads right into the night, with Loki in deep concentration and he is deep space in learning more of the objects and not even letting anything disturb him. Darcy after taking the time to not only just help with planning for tomorrow, but to also take the time to keep Loki some company as she ask some questions and occasionally often leaves to do something and take a break. Though in the later hours, she tries her best to help out and though it only leads in Loki becoming distracted and him simply remaining focus on his research. After a day's worth of excitement and everything that has gone on, Darcy knows that maybe it's time for the two of them to take it easy.

"Well, it's been fun, but I am going to call it a night and turn in early." Said Darcy. "But before I go, I have been wondering can I keep the armor? It's so cool that I still can't believe that I am wearing it!"

"Sure, if you truly like it so much and it wouldn't hurt having it in your closet." said Loki. "Now if you excuse me, I still have to study these objects and it might take me longer than planned."

"So I'm guessing that you are still going to be up for a while?" asked Darcy trying to start a conversation with her newfound friend and be supportive.

"I have to if we want to make any progress on learning about the stones and it's potential properties." Said Loki. "We can't afford to lose a second if we are going to do this, especially if Thanos is after the stones and if he finds out that we have two then this will be the first place he will look."

"Yeah, I get that we have to do everything to stop Thanos. But I do know that I want to get some sleep and we are going to need sleep if we are going to pull this off." Said Darcy. "So how long are you planning to stay up?"

"I am planning to stay up as long as I may need to." Said Loki. "I was thinking that I should continue studying the structure of these objects and the forces that are keeping the stones contained within them. Then figure out how to break apart the force and see is I can do so through a theoretical basis without making it lead on to a more difficult matter where the objects gains a firm sense of what is going on by strengthening its grip and might require me in possibly using more magic and increasing the risk."

"Alright then, while you are working on your very dangerous science magic project. I am still going to go to bed and just sleep." Said Darcy. "Besides we have a busy day tomorrow and we should really get some sleep. Just try to take a break alright?"

"I would, but right now I have to focus on this research and ignoring the fact that we have pressing issues to deal with. This is really fascinating and I am learning so much more about the Stones then I ever thought I would." Said Loki. "Besides I have to do this and if I don't figure out how to get the stones out then..."

"Loki, we are going to have plenty of time to figure everything out." Said Darcy. "But we still need to look after ourselves if we are going to do any of this and we can't exactly have a showdown with anyone if we are sleeping on the job."

"We are not going around picking up fights with everyone we see or challenge the Chitauri or any of the guards. If we want to succeed in this then we are going to need to be smart rather than reckless." Said Loki. "Besides I would rather have some time alone and to reflect on everything that has happened anyway. I am trying to do the impossible, but then again I have already lost everything."

"Loki, you didn't lose everything." Said Darcy.

"In case, it has not occurred to you, I can no longer go home without hiding and my mother is dead." Said Loki as he turns to Darcy. "My brother believes that I am now now dead and would never take lightly that I fooled him and as for- Odin, I think it would be better if he believes the lie rather than see the truth."

"Maybe you haven't lost both, that maybe if you talk to them then you guys might work something out." Said Darcy. "You should have heard Thor last night, he is really upset about what happened and is now blaming himself."

"What? Even if I was not faking my death, I fail to see how any of it would have been his fault." Said Loki.

"I'm guessing it is mostly because he asked you to come with and thinks that if he didn't then you would be alive but in jail right now." Said Darcy.

"Well, before all of this I would have agreed." Said Loki. "But now, I see that it was not his fault and it was never Thor's intention to have the journey and it's events to harm me. Is he taking all of this hard?"

"Yeah, he is really is and I think the idea of you being 'dead' for good is what hurting him more, despite the fact that you are alive and he doesn't know it." Said Darcy as she sees Loki turns away from her glance. "Maybe if you should go and show him that you're alive and tell Thor the truth. That way not only you two will feel better from all of this and it's not like we can keep this a secret forever. We could use all of the help we can get if we are going to get everything and stop Thanos?"

"Would it even matter? He would never listen to me and even if he does then he would put me back in that cell." said Loki. "Telling Thor will only lead to trouble and these problems are imperative for us to avoid. Even if it might make this mission even more difficult..."

"But wouldn't you be happy to see your brother again without having to hide behind a illusion?" asked Darcy. "That you and Thor can find it within yourselves to move past everything and make up?"

"Darcy, as pleasant as it sounds, you have to realize that it will never happen." said Loki with regret in voice. "No matter how much I would love to go to him and reveal everything, but we can't, I can't. We need to keep this secret even more then we would have before we decided to embark on this quest, it would not only keep Thor, Jane and everyone else safe. But it would allow us to maintain the freedom to do this and I doubt that Thanos would ever go after them if he thinks that they don't even know the truth, I am the only one he wants and it would be better for everyone and Thor to not know the truth..."

"Though, it might be better for him to know and I think he would want to know about all of this." said Darcy.

"It does not mean he should or it would be safe, Thanos will be ready to attack anything in order to draw me out of hiding. He will start with Asgard and Midgard, while he is there then he will try to take over both places or have Thor captured in hopes that it would draw me out." said Loki. "Especially if he finds out that we are going after the Infinity Stones and that will only lead to him to creating attacks on both planets in retaliation. The best way for me to do this is doing it alone, not letting anyone know what is going on and not allowing them to. I am not going to let anyone especially Thor find out, for their own safety and it is not like anyone would offer their help anyway."

"I already know about Thanos and getting the stones before he does is technically my idea." Points out Darcy.

"Of course, you deserve some of the credit for giving me a task that might possibly ruin my life." Said Loki. "Not too mention, I might meet my end and that is also a plus."

"Alright, there's that and I don't think it is going to go that far. If we get them all and you turn Thanos and his goons into mice or something then no one will die." Said Darcy.

"I just told you that-" starts Loki.

"You said that you can't turn Thanos into a mouse when you were sneaking in." Said Darcy. "You never said that you can turn all of them into mice in one go."

"That is not how magic works, I have to take the time to focus on a set goal and use my energy to make it a reality, not rely on wishful thinking and hope it somehow works out." Said Loki. "Besides the most I could do is maybe set multiple illusions at one go. My magic is still on the development stages, I have already mastered the spells, but it would take at least maybe four hundred to a thousand years for it to reach its full power."

"So it's in the teenage stage?" Asked Darcy.

"Later than that and more like an early twenty year old and yes." Said Loki. "But it would not be enough since as I said I am dealing with all of this alone and it would be better if it is kept that way."

"You are not alone in any of this, you know why?" Said Darcy earning Loki's full attention. "It's because you have me."

With that Loki stares at Darcy, who is now unsure what to take by this. The idea someone would voluntarily help him gather the Infinity Stones and would even think about risking her life to help him is not only surprising, but it is a strange concept that he never thought that he would see. Darcy is practically ready to throw her life away to help him get the stones and defeat Thanos. That maybe this girl is stronger than he realize and that her kindness is admirable in a sense. But still he is probably going to have to make sure that everything remains safe for her and try to keep the danger away. Though he knows that Darcy is self reliant and can take care of herself, part of him even seems to feel a sense of gratitude for the friendship that she gave him, not that he would ever admit that out loud. Not only it would be the last thing he would want to admit, but it is too sentimental to even do it much less think it. He must have stayed on Midgard, for far too long and he can hardly wait to leave.

"I really should get back to work." Said Loki rather determinedly. "I would like to make some progress done before we leave to confront the Collector tomorrow."

"Yeah sure, I really want to get some sleep and we really should be well rested for tomorrow." Said Darcy. "Just think about the break and maybe get some rest."

"I will take that under consideration." Said Loki. "Sleep well and I will see you in the morning."

"You know you will." Said Darcy rather excitedly. "Good night."

With that Darcy starts to leave the room and leaves Loki alone to continue his research. He tries to see if he can learn more about the connection between the two of stones or if there is some kind of hidden secret that can lead to him getting the stones out of their objects. Though his mind is often leading him towards thinking about Darcy and the conversation that they just had. How she is so open in being his friend and help him in any possible way regardless of the situation and who he is. That he has found an ally that is true to her word and has no idea what they are up against and it would be better if she doesn't know. But he doesn't have time to think about Darcy and their newfound unlikely friendship, he has to figure out how to get the stones out and what they have to do to get the Aether. All of this can determine the universe's fate and he is not going to sit around and let Thanos win, it is not what his mother would have wanted and he is going to make sure that he gets close on defeating him before it's too late.

Meanwhile in an unknown part of space

The area surrounding the asteroids are in peaceful anthnosphere that nothing is going to break away the peace. Though there is something more sinister that relies there and someone that no one dares to go to the area of Sanctuary and those who do never return. Sitting on his throne, Thanos got up to see the world right in front of him. Ready to make his next move and carefully planning on getting the Infinity Stones.

His thoughts are interrupted, when the Other comes rushing in. Thanos glares at the Chitauri leader and has the desire of doing anything to punish the creature for disturbing him and would be more than happy to take the control of the Chitauri. The only reason stopping him is the fact that he could use him to not only to get more information about the Stones. But to also see if he can be useful in giving Loki a reminder of what's to come and to bring Loki to him at the earliest moment. He only hopes that whatever the Other is going to say it is good news and he is not about to hear anymore failure.

"This better be good, you and your squadron better have Loki or some news." Said Thanos, as he continues to stare towards the view.

"My lord, we went to Asgard as you requested and discovered that you're suspicions have been correct." Said the Other. "Loki and a girl are trying to gather the Infinity Stones before we do."

"So the Asgardian decided to play a foolish move and wants to gather all of the Infinity Stones?" Said Thanos as he turns to face the Other in annoyance.

"Apparently he still has not learned his lesson of what happens if he dares to cross us." Said The Other. "What do you propose we do? Should I send some Chitauri to Earth to get Loki and the Stones he may have already collected."

Thanos turns to look at the view, thinking about the current situation and how much he would want to have a hold of Loki and make him pay for everything. That is until he realize that it might be a better idea, if he simply waits until the moment is right. This might work out in his favor and the only thing that they have to do is simply wait. Not only it would save them trouble. Especially if the work is being done for them...

"No, that will not be necessary. Let them gather the rest of the Infinity Stones and entertain ourselves as we watch them do all of the work for us." said Thanos. "This is an opportunity, we should not allow ourselves to miss it."

"Wouldn't it be wiser if we go after him now and we'll have not only have the stones, but Loki as well?" said the Other. "He failed us before and lost the stones, who to say that he will not fail in his futile quest?"

"No, we need to let it play out and allow Loki the opportunity to complete his mission, then once he does, we will strike and he will give them all to us." said Thanos. "I forbid you in creating attacks that would jeopardize his progress. When the time is right, we will make Loki give them to us. Whether he chooses to do so voluntarily or we make him give it to us ourselves. If he doesn't then we have other means to persuade him..."

He pulls out the Infinity Guantlet with one of the Infinity Stones place right on it and grins out to the horizon menacingly. Thanos knows that he is taking a huge risk in relying the chances to faith and that he would be close on getting another set back. But from the fact that Loki has reobtained the Tesseract and he would be gathering the remaining stones, it is a chance that he can not afford to miss. Regardless on whether Loki succeeds or fails, Thanos knows where Loki is now and he knows that he will be paying a visit to him and one that will make Loki pay for everything. He stares out into the horizon, ready for the future and to succeed in his goals for once and for all.

Back on Earth, the next day

Loki finds himself waking up and to see that he must have fallen asleep on the table from all of the hours that he spent studying the stones. He quickly goes over to try to see if he can find the objects and to much of his relief, the objects falling off the table did not disrupt them and didn't place the area in jeopardy. Loki quickly picks up the objects and take them over to the nearest closet and place them right in there. Though it may be a broom closet, but it is better than leaving them out in the open. He quickly joins Darcy in the kitchen, to have some breakfast and then they will be on their way. He simply grabs some food and start to eat it as quickly as he can, to much of Darcy's surprise as she starts to eat her toast rather calmly and sees how he seems to be ready to leave and definitely looks as though as if nothing is going to distract him or get anywhere close on stopping to take a breather.

Before either of them knew it, Loki is finished with his breakfast and is now waiting for Darcy to finish hers and she quickly starts to get ready and just grabs a backpack. Once the two of them are ready, they start to head out the door and Darcy notices how there's not a word being said between the two and how Loki seems to be more determined than usual. She figures that it has to do with the idea that they would be facing the Collector and they don't know anything about them and he is only relying on some plan or hopes that they are not going to deal with something that would give them that much of a fight. Maybe she should start a conversation, though she doesn't even know what would be a good starting point, as they exit through the door she notices something that captures her immediate attention.

"Hey, you're not wearing the Mysto costume." Said Darcy almost immediately. "Should we go back to get it?"

"In all honesty, I do not believe that it is necessary simply because I have never met the Collector and he has never seen me." Said Loki. "He will not know who I am and we won't be facing any danger of anyone finding out."

"But still are you sure that it's a good idea?" Asked Darcy. "It might be better for us to let him know who's boss and you can start to go on your hero's journey and start of making your superhero identity known."

"It would be best if he sees us as ourselves and then we can make our move without having to fight." Said Loki. "That way he will be more intimidated by us. We don't even have to worry about anyone finding out, just because Asgard gets the news from that planet slower in comparison to other planets and the rest of the realms."

"As long as we don't tell him who we are and just get the Aether and go then we will be fine." Said Loki.

"Of course we will, now come on, fortunately I know a gateway to his planet that is close by and one that I never even went through and a little excited for that." Said Loki. "Especially after all of these years discovering it through my research. At least that will be an interesting experience and one that I for one am happy that I finally have an excuse to go through and see what this new planet is like."

"Yeah, let's go." Said Darcy as the two of them head out of the apartment building.

They start to make their way to the portal that Loki is referring to. Knowing that it is going to be tougher this time around, just because they will have to face someone that is standing in the way between them and the Infinity Stone. That he would do anything to make sure that they both leave empty handed. Loki knows that they might be facing a challenge that he doesn't even know what they might be facing. But he is determined to face the Collector and knows that he is leave unless the Aether is with them.

The walk is going as quicker than they both through that it would and they are making good time in getting to where they the gateway is. Loki is only hoping that whatever happens, that it will turn out alright and that it would be fine to keep the Infinity Stones alone, hidden in the apartment. The last thing he wants is to get right back where they started before they even make any progress. He only hopes that when he gets there it will be before Thanos knows about where the next stone might be and it is already been taken. Loki isn't even sure how he would even handle the situation if that tuns out to be the case and they would have a harder time in getting the stones, but they would also have to face Thanos sooner and they would have to fight him off. He doesn't know how they would defeat him if that was the case and knows that it would be hard, but he is going to somehow try...

They made their way to another alley way and one that feels more empty than it looks like no one has ever been through it or even bothered to. Loki starts to lead the way with Darcy following him and he is slowly starting to take a good look around to see if he is right and from the feeling of being close to something mysterious and yet magical, it gives Loki the sense of home. He places a hand towards a wall and sees that it is the portal and that they found it and that it is time for them to get the next Infinity Stone and to face the fight ahead.

"Ready?" asked Loki nervously, thinking of all the consequences.

"Ready." said Darcy determinedly.

With that they both enter through the portal, to get to where the Collector resides and to get to the Aether. Both of them are nervous to see what might be up ahead and what the Collector may throw at them. They know that they need to do and it will lead them in being one step closer on defeat Thanos and succeeding in their goal, it is not like they have that much of a choice anyway. But they are ready to face it and fight it, determine to stop whatever the Collector may throw at them...

Chapter Text

Once they went through the portal, Darcy is immediately amazed by the sight of the planet and doesn't even know what to make of it. As she sees the space port and all types of space ships and aliens around them, that they are now on a completely new planet and one that she wants to explore and see everything. That is before stopping herself and remembering that they are there to get the next Infinity Stone, but that doesn't mean she can't explore for a little bit and possibly...

No she shouldn't think like that and should focus on the mission and the reason why they are here, to get the Aether and defeat Thanos. But still it wouldn't hurt to see everything and then she would see everything on this planet and then she would get past of the entire desire that continues to get a hold of her, as she continues to admire the world around her. With the desire continuing to grow over the course of the seconds that she is now seeing the brand new world that continues to amaze her. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to explore a little bit and then they will just go get the stone. It is not like that Thanos already knows and she is sure that Loki would be so cool with it.

"Now this place looks so cool!" said Darcy excitedly. "Here's an idea, why don't we go explore for a bit? There is no way that we should pass up the chance to explore a new planet."

"What? Darcy, we are here to get the Aether, not skip around the promenade around this planet." said Loki. "Right now we should focus on getting to where the Collector resides and get the stone."

"I know and it's our job and all of that stuff, but we might as well enjoy ourselves while we're here and see everything this place has to offer." Said Darcy.

"You do realize this is not the best place for a vacation right?" said Loki. "Knowhere is not the best planet for anyone to tour around."

"Hey, I know you are not a big fan of this place,but that's no excuse to call it nowhere." Said Darcy rather defensively.

"Actually that's what this planet is called." Said Loki. "It is a planet where thugs go to hide from anyone who is after them and for smugglers to gamble off their stolen goods to anyone that would be a fool in partaking."

"So this place is practically a criminal underworld and one that the Collector who has the Eater happens to live here?" asked Darcy. "Are you saying that we going to be fighting off our first super villain?"

"I am not saying anything of the sort, we are not going to fight him if we can avoid it." said Loki. "But I am saying that this is not the best place for anyone to want to take a vacation, unless one is in the mood to have a rotten time and to eventually be robbed blind. If we are ever on one of the planets that are worth our time then I will be more than happy to give you the grand tour."

"Can we still see more of this planet anyway?" asked Darcy rather excitedly. "I have never been on another planet before."

"You were just on Asgard yesterday." said Loki pointing out the obvious.

"I know, but we didn't get to see much of it and I am not going to pass up the opportunity this time!" said Darcy rather excitedly. "This place looks like something that I would see in Star Wars or maybe even in the Star Trek movies. The reboot not the original ones and even then, I am starting to think that they might be understating everything."

"I do not even know what either of those are." said Loki annoyed and give a sigh. "It is not as though I know where the Collector resides, so wandering a little might not hurt our chances."

"So, does that mean-" starts Darcy rather excitedly.

"Well, until I figure out where the Collector lives and as long as we stay together at all times, I do not see a reason why you should not admire the sights." said Loki. "At least until we get there and-"

"Let's get going!" said Darcy. "Oh, I so wish I had my phone now. So I can take pictures!"

Loki just rolled his eyes, trying hard not enjoy Darcy's company and yet he finds himself already finding himself that he is enjoying having a friend by his side. That at least, she allows himself to hear a different perspective and then he can later see through all of the flaws of the plan and study through it as he figures out what their next move should be. Though the walk they pass by many things that might catches Darcy's attention and Loki often finds himself having to lure Darcy's attention away from the sights and she needing a reminder that they came to find the Collector, to get the Infinity Stone, not for a vacation where they are there to have fun.

It continues to be that way, for at least ten minutes and even then it already started to feel more like over an hour. That is until he eventually starts to see things that matches Odin's descriptions of where the Collector might live and quickly starts to check around for any more indicators of the location. He sees more of the signs that continue to give him more hints that they are in the right place. Once he sees the pink alien women, that the Collector prides himself as assistants than he knew that they are in the right place. He can't help but grin at their luck and how they found it on their own.

"I believe this might be the place where-" starts Loki before stopping himself and sees that Darcy is still looking around the planet and sees that she is interested in the market place right in front of them. Talking to some sellers and he quickly goes over there, hoping that he gets there before Darcy strikes up a deal. When he arrives, the situation is worst than he thought...

"Hey Lo- Just look at these cool things and how cheap they are!" Said Darcy excitedly. "These would make awesome souvenirs, too bad, we didn't have time to check out Asgard. But just look at this cool Alien stuff and they accept Earth money and it's worth pennies over here and worth just ten dollars."

Loki looked at Darcy and then later to the stuff that she was planning to buy. From a look, he frowns at the objects, knowing full well that this is not going to be anywhere close to that small amount of Midgard currency, if he had to estimate then it would be coming close to three thousand dollars in Midgard money. Part of him knows that he shouldn't be surprised to see Darcy has fallen into the many intriguing scams of the planet, but he just can not believe what came to it. Loki knows that he is going to need to set the record straight before Darcy either buys all of this junk or they find themselves in worse trouble.

"Darcy, I can tell you for a fact that none of this is worth your money." Said Loki. "Why would you pay approximately fifty dollars for a broken bowl?"

"Oh, I see that your friend over here must be Asgardian." Said the sales person taking an interest. "Judging from his armor, he must be up a higher rank and I have something that might take your interest. Here's the rarest object that many Asgardians hope in having, an artifact of dreams and one that many would fight to have."

Darcy stares at it in amazement, knowing that they should definitely get. She can't believe their luck and how they managed to find a souvenir that beats out all of the ones she was going to buy. While Loki can't believe that he is actually seeing this or even thought that he would be anywhere close on experiencing it. He is now questioning if the world has gone mad or if he has from the sight of what the Sales person is trying to sale him.

"It is just a bottle." Said Loki unimpressed by the sight of a green plastic bottle right in front of them.

"Not just any bottle, this miracle bottle is the rarest and most potent object that your people has to offer." Said the Sales person. "I call it the woosh bottle, all you had to do is pour some water and let it mix in with some oxygen and then you can fly. All it will cost the same value as the golden plates of your outfit."

"Hey, I don't suppose you have that kind of money with you?" Asked Darcy rather excitedly to much of Loki's horror and disbelief.

"As far as I know, I do not seem to recall anything about a whoosh bottle and I doubt that there is ever was one in existence." Said Loki. "We thank you for your offers, but for now we will be on our way."

Without even waiting another second, Loki simply grab Darcy by the hand and drags her away from the scene. He knows that they are going to need to talk before they get anywhere, so that way they won't have to go through another scenario like that. Maybe later, when they get back to Earth then he can explain to Darcy how currency works on other planets and hope that she can make better judgments. They continue on their way, to where he thinks the Collector's fortress might be and out of the salesperson's ear shot. He is ready to give Darcy a lecture and won't stop until he knows she has gotten the point. That is until...

"Come on Loki, you made us miss a really sweet deal." Said Darcy with hints of annoyance in her voice.

"More like I helped you save your money from making foolish purchases." Said Loki. "Did I not tell you that the people of this planet would be more than happy to con you?"

"But it's a magic bottle that can let us fly around." Said Darcy excitedly. "Besides, all we have to do is give him something that is worth the gold pieces of your armor."

"Do you have any idea on how much my armor is worth?" Said Loki. "I assure you that it is worth more than anything he was trying to sell to you."

"I'm guessing it has to be a lot?" Asked Darcy.

"A lot more than any lie that he puts out, there is no such thing as a Woosh bottle." Said Loki. "If there was then it would have been better protected on Asgard, not being sold out in the open."

"So you are saying that he might have been trying to rip me off?" Asked Darcy.

"Of course, he tried to take advantage of your lack of knowledge and my history in hopes that he would rob us blind." Said Loki. "Besides, in all honesty, there is no way I would ever pay approximately four hundred thousand dollars in any currency for an empty disposable water bottle."

"That's how much that would cost if we use Earth money?" Asked Darcy in disbelief.

"Approximately." Said Loki before he turns to her. "Now let's move pass all of that and focus on trying to get the Aether out."

"Ok, here's the plan I came up with so far." Said Darcy rather excitedly. "I will be the distraction and make sure that everyone focuses on me, while you run over to the entrance and create some blasts of magic and then fight off the Collector if you can't get the Eater by reasoning him, you win and we go back to Earth and by this this time next week, we will have the other Stones and be planning on how to get the Guantlet."

"As wonderful and complex as that plan sounds, but I believe I have a better idea." said Loki as he uses his magic over them. "I just set an illusion on us, no one can hear or see us and we can simply walk right inside the facility. It's a little more simpler and effective, not to mention it does not draw as much attention."

"Aww, the first battle is still not happening." said Darcy with a disappointed groan, as she faces the fact that Loki is not that eager to get into a fight or anywhere close to something that would lead to that excitement.

"Well Darcy, unless you want to be chased by the Chitauri everywhere you go then it would be better if we stay hidden." said Loki. "Now come on, the sooner we get the Aether and that is what is called by the way, the sooner we can end this."

With that, the two of them start to head on their way right inside the building and to get the Aether. The challenge up ahead and Loki just only wants to go in and get the stone and leave before any problem occurs, with the hope that they will somehow avoid any trouble. Once they get the stone here, then they will be one step closer and that alone is what is making them wonder if the Collector will give them the stone that easily or will he put up a fight where they will be spending most of the time trying to escape from the vault. There is still many things that can go wrong and Loki is already starting to think of all the possible scenarios, though he knows that he is going to fight and is not going to leave without the Aether, as they make it through the halls, that determination only continues to grow with every step taken.

A Couple like minutes later, in front of the front door leading right into the door

The two of them is standing right in front of it, Darcy is standing right there and watches Loki try to see how he can figure out how to open the door. Things were running smoothly before they reach to a literal road block where they don't even how to get past the door. So far they have tried everything, Loki tried using his magic to see if that would push the door open. But every single time, he tries his magic just fires back right at them and from their surprise at the sight, they start to think of other ways on how to get through the door. Darcy tries to see if there is a lock and one that she can try to see if she can pick it and get it open, though she doesn't seem to see one. The two of them continue to try to see if they can find something that would lead to the door opening, so far, none of them are having any luck and they are still trying to find something. Though every second that passes, it starts become more and more hopeless...

"Honestly, I do not see how anyone would want to live in a place where they can hardly get in on their own and would have to rely on something to let them in." said Loki. "If it were up to me, I would simply just use magic to create a system that only I can get in and out towards my heart's content and it would be one that I will be the only one that can go in and out."

"How is that any different then-" starts Darcy before something catches her eyes. "Look, there's a screen thing with a lot of buttons."

Loki turns to see a silver metal object, with a screen and key pad with every letter of the alphabet on it. He can tell that they might need a password in order to get the door to open. The question is what is it? Loki quickly look around to see if he can find any clues or signs that would lead to an answer. So far, he hasn't found anything and only start to think about everything Odin has told him and Thor about the Collector and tries to examine it for anything that might lead to an answer. He turns to Darcy, maybe she will see something that he doesn't.

"It looks like we are now going to need the password." Said Loki. "I think the best thing to do is stop and examine on every single detail we know about the Collector and then we might narrow down the possible answer if-"

"That or we just guess a few and see how that works out." Said Darcy.

"I do not believe that is a wise idea." Said Loki. "For starters, we have no clue what would happen if we press in the wrong one and-"

Before Loki has a chance to finish, Darcy simply goes over to the pad and starts to press on it. Much to Loki's horror and was about to tell Darcy that he thinks that it might be a better idea if they think it through. But the next thing he knew is that the screen lights up green and then the door starts to move and open. Catching Loki by surprise as he sees the opened door and how it continues to remain open for them.

"Lucky guess." Said Darcy happily walking through, as Loki stares at her in shock.

"How did you figure out the password?" Said Loki as he quickly catches up to her. "I thought that it would have taken a while for us to figure it out and yet you knew in mere seconds."

"I didn't, I just guess one of the easiest ones and tried my luck." Said Darcy. "I can't believe that I got it right, on the first try!"

"What was the password?" Asked Loki who can't help but let his own curiosity drive him.

"His password is well... 'password.' Said Darcy as she continues to walk as Loki stops for a brief second to recover from his disbelief.

"What a wonderful and secured password." Said Loki in deadpan annoyed tone. "I wonder how many would never figure that one out."

They continue on their way through the hall, they didn't have much to say or even a opportunity to do so. Since they eventually arrived at the vault and Darcy's stares at the sight. Seeing everything that is right before her and all of the things that she has never seen before or even thought that might exist are right in front of her. She really wishes that she has her phone, to take pictures of everything and just wants to go around and see everything and maybe even find out what they are and learn more. Before she can even say anything...

"Great, we finally made it. I am assuming that this must be the vault." Said Loki. "I only wish we knew where he is and gather enough time for us to find the Aether and leave."

"Yeah, but at least we get to see all of this cool stuff and there is so much to see." Said Darcy rather excitedly. "So can we-"

"I believe the best thing for us to do is separate and search the entire facility." Said Loki. "I will search this side and you search the other. Then we will meet back here if neither of us can find it."

"Ok, but what does the Eater look like?" asked Darcy. "What should we do if one of us find it?"

"The Aether, is a ever flowing red liquid and I believe that it would be trapped in some container or box, just do not open it or touch it once you do find it." said Loki. "As for your other question, I can use my magic to create a signal and while you can... just shout."

"Wow, you get the cool signal, while I get the boring one." said Darcy disappointed.

"More like the practical one that you can do easily." said Loki. "I can't expect you to cast a spell of fireworks in the air."

"But still, it would be so much cooler if we had a code word or maybe even some awesome sound, like I don't know a bird call." Said Darcy.

"Just shout my name and say you found it, then we can bring it back to Earth without having to face any form of conflict." Said Loki rather confidently. "Now why don't we start trying to locate the Aether in order to start trying to make that a reality."

With that Loki quickly goes on one side of the vault and start to look for the stone. While Darcy just gives a sigh and starts to look on her end. The two of them start their search and they start to see every single thing the Collector have in his collection. Neither of them needed to share a word, to know what the other is now thinking as they make it through the halls. The Collector has too much stuff to be able to find anything.

They go through al of the shelves and look at every single glass display case to try to find the Aether, but so far they don't see anything. No sign of something that would be a red liquid like substance that would be ready to assume anyone that might dare try to tamper with it. They continue to search rapidly for it, with the hopes that the Collector will continue to be out and they would have it before he comes back. Though if he does return, then Darcy figures that they can always talk to him and see if they can ask him to give it to them. But even with that hope of optimism, there is no sign of it and they even start to look at the places that one would never expect the stone to be, such as any hidden places or trunks that would be storing anything that even an Infinity Stone might be hidden. But to much to both of their disappointment, they didn't find the Aether.

"Hey Loki, any luck?" Asked Darcy as she reaches a section close to Loki's end. "Did you find the Eater yet."

"No, please tell me you are on the breakthrough of reaching some progress of finding the Aether which is what it is called by the way." Said Loki not even bothering to hide his frustration.

"I wish, wow I can't believe that this guy collects this much stuff." Said Darcy trying to start up a conversation. "When you said that he was a pack rat, you weren't kidding. He even collects living things for his collection and that's insane."

"I must admit that Fa- Odin might have underplayed the truth a little bit or the Collector collected more objects than he did when he first encountered Odin."

"Despite the fact that we haven't found the Eater, it is still cool that we are now in outer space." Said Darcy. "This is getting more and more cooler by the minute and if the Infinity Stones are on some other planets then it is going to be fun to go and get them."

"It is called the Aether Darcy, try to remain focus on the task at hand. We need to find the Aether before the Collector returns or if he does return then find him." Said Loki. "Then he can lead us to the Aether and all we have to do it."

"Ok, exactly how do we do that?" Asked Darcy.

"I doubt that it would be much of a challenge to persuade him." said Loki rather confidently. "All we have to do is focus on getting the Aether or find the Collector before-"

"Well, well I did not expect another Asgardian to visit me this soon." said a voice right behind Loki. "Especially without some form of notification from the All-father himself, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Loki immediately sensing that it was not Darcy standing right behind, he conjures up his daggers and turns right towards whatever might be sneaking around in the shadows. Ready to fight and is standing his ground to see what might be right behind him and ready for whatever that might be lurking in the shadows. Once he turns around, he is surprised to see the Collector is standing right there. That is Loki assumes, he was the Collector and the fact that there is the only person who can get in and owns the place. He stares at the Collector suspiciously and sees the that he is wearing a leather outfit and yet something just as strange then anything he has ever seen before.

Though aside from how strange the collector looks, Loki knows that this is his chance to get some answers and find the Aether easily. That this can end quicker than he may originally thought it would and he will get the Aether easily and they can leave. Even if he tries to stall him or create a attack then he wouldn't have to do much and simply use his talents to get what he wants. It is time to try the civil approach and one that will let the Collector know that he is willing to reason with him, but if he refuse then he will be more than happy to cause a fight to get what he wants. Before Loki can even have a chance to respond or do anything...

"Hey Loki! I know you said that I should focus on the mission and continue looking for the Eater and I am completely ok with that." said Darcy as she approach them to much of Loki's surprise. "But I was just thinking, that this guy has living things in his collection and I just feel so bad for them. I think since we're here that we should also set them free and-"

Before Darcy can even continue rambling on, she sees the sight right in front of her and that Loki seems to be having some kind of confrontation with this guy. No one needs to be a deep thinker to know that it must be the Collector and that is she assumes that he is the Collector, he's the only one that is in the room that is a guy aside from Loki. But from one look, she knows that they should be ready for a fight and one that they would have to win. At least defend themselves if things are going to get out of control, that is if it is about to get out of control at any moment. Though she is ready to fight off whatever the Collector might do, but is quietly hoping that it won't lead to anything and might as well try to get out of this in the friendly way...

"Oh, I see that you guys are in the middle of something and this is my cue to leave." said Darcy as she tries to back away before stopping herself. "That is unless you might need me to be the buffer between you guys and need me to stay. All I'm saying is that I have your back Loki, which is nothing more than a nick name not your real name."

"An Asgardian and a human in my vault together, I never thought that I would see the day." said the Collector with Loki looking annoyed at the situation. "So what do I owe the pleasure?"

Loki keeps his stance, as he slowly makes his way right in front of Darcy and ready to fight to keep his friend safe, to ensure that they escape from this planet from any conflict that might occur. Though he prefer it if they have the Aether with them and they will have one less thing to worry about collecting and to get past this task to focus on getting the rest of the Infinity Stones. But he knows that now it is his chance and one that he can't afford to lose and now he has to take the lead and hope that it would help the situation and that it would be enough to change the entire situation. That they won't leave the area empty handed and the Collector is more reasonable than how he appears.

"We are here regarding the Aether, two Asgardians came here to deliver it and the All-father has requested it back." said Loki. "Odin realized that it was a mistake, it would be better secured in Asgard and he wishes for it to return. He sent us to retrieve it and we apologize for any inconvenience and hope that you understand, Asgard will be more than happy to give you a recompense for your troubles. If you can hand it over then we will be more than happy to be on our way."

With one look at the Collector, Loki for once can not tell what someone may be thinking as he stares at the Collector's stoic face and how he doesn't seem to allow anyone to read his expressions. That Loki becomes worried by the sight, wondering if the Collector bought into the lie that he just gave him. One that he knows that is really convincing and should have guaranteed that the Aether would be given right into their hands and they can simply leave. But the Collector does not seem to be moved by it and only just give Loki the hint that he is not going to be corporative right now. That they should be ready to do more and be on their guard if there might be a need to fight and if they might have to take the Aether by force.

"I have been given this object to house under my protection." said the Collector. "I cannot hand it over to the first ones that dare to come to ask for it."

"But surely you don't need it, look around you, there are already a lot of cool stuff in here." pointed out Darcy. "You don't need a big dangerous object like the Eater to be in your collection."

"The Aether is one of the six Infinity Stones, it is clear that one of you do not understand the power that it holds." said the Collector.

"Well as the Earth ambassador to Asgard, I think I might have an idea." said Darcy with Loki rolling his eyes in the background, believing he just heard the worst lie that he has ever heard in his life.

"I still believe that it would be safer if I keep a hold of it." said the Collector rather stubbornly as he approaches the two of them. "If I can gather the Infinity Stones then my collection will not only be complete, but it will be hidden from the world."

"I believe that you do not understand that the Infinity Stones are not objects that one should gather and then place it all on some shelf for display." said Loki. "If we do not keep the stones safe now then we will not be able to in the future, there are greater evils that would be more than happy to take the power for themselves and use it for something that we do not even know what might happen if it falls in the wrong hands."

"You are both not the only ones that came to me recently regarding the Stones, aside from the Asgardians, there was someone who negotiate a deal with me and she wanted to deliver a powerful object that might be an Infinity Stone." said The Collector.

"Who was she? Is she going to bring the object here?" asked Darcy. "When was she here?"

"I would like to know if you are going to give us the Aether before we have to fight our way to it?" Said Loki as he held on to his daggers tighter, ready for the incoming fight.

"Ok, is all that really necessary or-" starts Darcy.

"You were the one that wanted a fight like the ones that existed in one of your books with drawings." Said Loki. "We might have to fight if he continues to be unreasonable. It's either that or we leave the planet without the Aether and in the hands of a mad man."

"Ok, why don't we just buy it from you?" Asked Darcy. "Is there anything you want that we can get for you to give us the Eater?"

"It is called Aether Darcy." Said Loki looking rather impatiently at the Collector and and annoyed at the idea that he might possibly have to go gather another object to help him on this quest.

"My decision is still final, you will not leave here with the Aether." Said the Collector stubbornly. "There is nothing that either of you can offer me to change my mind and accept your proposal."

"Well then, it looks like we are going to have to do this the hard way." Said Loki as he got into the position to fight and would have made the first move to attack, until...

All of the sudden, a blast hit a glass case and more blasts start to head right towards their direction. Loki and Darcy quickly duck behind the nearest table and sees the Collector running to hide behind some case. Both of them slowly got up to see that there are Chitauri soldiers and from one look, they can both see that they are not even stopping in making their violent attacks. Throwing everything they got right at them, causing both Loki and Darcy to run away in a hurry to hide behind a shelf. Knowing that they are going to need to do something right now or else.

"Wonderful, it just what we needed the Chitauri to come in and to try to get the Aether before we could." Said Loki annoyed at the sight of the Chitauri and their attack.

"How did they find out that the Eather is here?" Said Darcy. "How did they even know that we'd be here."

"I have no idea, but we can't let them get the Aether or go anywhere near the Collector." Said Loki. "He is the only one who knows where the Aether is and if they either take the Collector or worse kill him then the Aether is lost."

"So, I'm guessing you are going towards the whole have an awesome fight against the Chitauri route?" Asked Darcy excitedly anticipating that she is going to see a superhero fight between Loki and the Chitauri, along with possibly being able to help with it.

"Unfortunately it looks as though that I must." Said Loki as he sighs and turns to Darcy. "Stay here and try your best to avoid all of the debris you can. Once I am done with them, you can come out and then we will finish what dealing with him."

"What? Hang on, I want to help." Said Darcy as she ducks from a blast.

"No, you can't. These creatures are too strong for anyone without any fighting experience to combat and the last thing I need is to deal with you being injured by what is about to happen." Said Loki.

"But I did a good job, the last time I had to deal with these guys, I did a good job of handling them." Said Darcy.

"That was then, but right now I am going to deal them." Said Loki. "I do not need any assistance and I highly doubt that you will be able to do much as it is."

Without another word being said and before Darcy can have a chance to say anything. Loki got up from where they were hiding and start to fight off the Chitauri and is not letting anyone of them near Darcy. Leading them away and starting a fight to make sure every single one of the Chitauri is defeated, trying to get past every single one of them and using his magic to create illusions to distract every single one of the Chitauri and then strike his attacks with every move that he makes and not letting any of them get in his way. He moves swiftly and uses his daggers to take down all of the ones in his way, not afraid of what might happen and believing that he has the capability of defeating all of them in a fight. Loki is just relieved that the Other is not there and he can easily fight all of them off, that is until...

Out of nowhere, the Other comes out holding a staff and tries to do everything to stab him and to catch him off guard for long enough for him to knock Loki out. While Loki is trying to keep his ground and to stay on his feet and to try to fight with the hope that he would stop the leader of the Chitauri. Loki tries to keep finding some kind of advantage and with the hope that he would get past of the attacks and somehow get the upper hand. But the Other is always finding ways to be one step ahead of him and no matter what Loki does, he always finds a way to get out of the way and continues to make his attack as Loki tries hard to keep up the fight and is having trouble doing so. As the Other is trying to be a couple of steps ahead of him and it continues on for a while, until...

The other pins Loki against a wall and knocked the daggers right off his hands and glares at him, as Loki tries to break free from the grasp, that is before the Other places his claws right on his arm. Fortunately for Loki, it is on one of the pieces of armor and Loki tries hard to not resist. He just needs to come up with a plan and one where he can not only escape from the grasps of the Other, but to also find himself having the upper hand and to get past the fight and then deal with the Collector and then they can leave witht the Aether in their hand. But first...

"It looks like you haven't been able to enjoy your freedom for long." said the Other with a menacing smile on his face.

"I would not gloat this soon if I were you." said Loki. "You should know better than anyone that I always have tricks up my sleeves."

"I don't see you trying to find a way out." said The Other. "Now why don't we finish what we started and by the time we are done, I will have the Aether in my hands and will take you to see Thanos to meet your fate."

"It is going to take more than a friendly reminder to get me to comply." said Loki about to see if he can use his magic to break out of the Other's grasps, he is ready to get into action and before he can even do so...

"You're right, you are going to need a little more force if you are going to corporate." said the Other.

At that moment, he is about to lean his claw right towards Loki's head, ready to make him feel more pain and in hopes that it would be enough to beat him. Loki is about to fight back and is ready to do so, but something inside him suddenly stops him. Loki feels as though he froze in place as he remembers all of the pain that he has gone through. How the moment that the Other enters through his mind then he will be back and he won't be able to fight him off or will even have an escape from the trap that he doesn't want to ever go into again. One that he still have nightmares just thinking about and one that he would give anything to get out of and he only wishes that he can gather the courage to fight. Things seems to be hopeless, that is until...

A loud zap appears out of nowhere and the Other collapse from the electricity, completely unconscious. Loki takes a good look at what might have been the cause of the Other's collapse and once he sees, then he doesn't know if he should feel grateful or frustrated. Though the sense of annoyance keeps growing deep inside him as he looks at Darcy, who is now holding a metal object rather proudly and standing right in front of him, smiling proudly. What was she thinking? Doesn't she have any idea on how much danger she probably put herself in? Not too mention, give the Other another reason to aim to get his revenge on him and now he is probably going to add Darcy to the list. That is once he wakes up and realizes what happens, before any of that happens, there is a few things that he has to say.

"Darcy, are you mad? Why did you do that?" said Loki. "What is that thing? Do you have any idea what you just did and how many more problems you could have started?"

"Hey, I just knocked this creep out after it looks like he is going to hurt you!" said Darcy rather defensively. "You know a 'thanks' would be nice."

"Darcy, this is the Other we are talking about and he has methods where he can torture you without even trying." said Loki as he gives a sigh. "I appreciate what you did just now, but I think it would be better if you hide somewhere and stay out of this."

"What? Come on Loki, I think I proved myself in being more than capable of holding my own during a fight." said Darcy. "There is no way, I am going to just stand there and watch that guy hurt you or let you handle all of them on your own."

"This is my fight, they are after me and the last thing I need is to worry about your safety." said Loki. "If it didn't occur to you, I was handling it well on my own. Look, I know that you want to help, but I think that-"

"Before you say anything Loki, I don't think that it's just your fight anymore and I am not going to let you face this alone." said Darcy rather determinedly. "We're friends, we have each other's back and I think it start being my problem, the very moment they started to attack you and I saw you in trouble. You are going to need all of the help you can get and I am going to help. You can try to push me away and tell me to hide all you want, but I am going to help in anyway I can and now with being said, how are we going to stop these others and find out where the Aether is?"

Loki is surprised to see Darcy's stubbornness and determination to help him, he doesn't expect Darcy to be anywhere close to this assertive or be willing to help him. Especially after seeing what the Chitauri is capable of and all of the danger that would eventually come, anyone with a decent mind would want nothing more but to avoid at all cost. But instead, Darcy is running towards the danger that is right in her front of her, she is not letting it stop her and is staying loyal right by his side. He doesn't know what to make of it or say, until he realizes that it would be best to try to make it casual and accept it. They'd waste more time arguing if they take the time to do so, Darcy would eventually realize it on her own and then leave him, it is eventually going to happen. But still, he finds it admirable to see that Darcy is strong willed and minded...

"I must admit that you did a good job sneaking up to them with your electric metal contraption." Said Loki who can't help but to say it out loud.

"Awesome! Now you are seeing that I am capable of handling myself." Said Darcy happily and then suddenly. "Alright, is it just me or have you not noticed that we haven't seen the Collector guy stand up and fight?"

Loki turns to see if he can find the Collector and if there is any signs of him. After a quick look, he notices that he is hiding behind one of the display cares of his objects. Not even bothering to stand up and fight and is cowering away behind his collection in hopes that nothing will hit him. It doesn't take a deep thinker to know that he has little to no fighting experience. For that, it would be a good time to take advantage of the situation and he is already coming up with a plan and one that might work. He turns to Darcy, already feelings hints of determination and ready to finish this fight.

"It looks as though as if the Collector is not experienced with any combat training and we need to use that as advantage." Said Loki. "The best thing for us to do is to take advantage of it and then with luck, he will agree on our terms. But we are going to have to prove that we are capable of doing so first. Darcy are you ready to fight off more of these creatures and take part of this battle?"

"You know I am born ready." Said Darcy as she pulls out the teaser as she tries to make her own hero's pose, while Loki is rolling his eyes. "So what's our game plan?"

"I will go out in front to take care of the ones right in front of us." Said Loki. "Deal with any ones that is either behind me or preparing to make some surprise attack. Please tell me that you know more than how to use that thing and you are one of those Earth women who are excellent fighters like Romanoff."

"No, but I wish I can have skills like Black Widow." Said Darcy to much of Loki's disappointment. "But I did take self defense training in college and karate when I was a teen."

"How recent was this?" Asked Loki who is hoping that the learning is fairly recent.

"A while ago..." Said Darcy earning a look of disbelief from Loki. "But I have been practicing on my own time or at least every time I go out for a run."

"At least you are handy with that teaser." Said Loki with a little groan escaping him.

"Yeah, I am great with a teaser." Said Darcy. "I know that it seems bad now, but we have to be honest here. At least my skills are better than nothing."

Loki had to admit that Darcy has a point, at least some combat experience is better than none. Though if he looks at the bright side, he realize that he doesn't have to worry about Darcy so much. Sure, he would need to work on keeping her safe, but he at least know that she can put up a fight and that alone gives him the confidence that she would be fine. Maybe the plan will work, if they are going to do it then they need to do it now.

"Alright then, follow me and with luck this will work." Said Loki.

The two of them start to fight off as many Chitauri as they can and to start off the battle that they didn't even think they would have. It seems to be going smoothly, aside from the fact that Loki had to save Darcy a couple of times. Other than that, they are taking down more and more of the Chitauri and the fact that the Other is now unconscious as they continue on the fight. Both Loki and Darcy are doing their best to defeat every single one of them through magic and Darcy's taser. No matter the attack that are thrown, the two of them always find a way to get out and stop the Chitauri before they can have the chance to be one step ahead of them. The number of Chitauri continue to decrease more and more, it look as though they are about to reach their own path to victory, as the Chitauri keep falling. It looks as though there is no stopping them as they continue to fight through the army. It doesn't look like if nothing is going to stop them, that is until...

Loki quickly pulls Darcy aside and whisper something in her ear and she gives a quick nod and the two of them continue to fight. The Collector watches them from a distance, feeling grateful that they are fighting off all of the Chitauri and that he doesn't have to worry about any of his collectibles getting destroyed or worse he getting killed. At a glance, anyone can tell that the Chitauri will be stopped and he can go back to his day. Though he doesn't know what he is going to do with the Asgardian and the human, they are probably going to keep asking him to give up the Aether. But he is going to have to worry about dealing with them, once this is over and he is just going to continue to hide from the scene with the hope that it would be over quickly and he can return to collecting. That is until...

Loki and Darcy appears right in front of him, he quickly looks over to see that there is still a Loki and Darcy fighting the Chitauri and then realize what he is seeing. That it must be an illusion that must have been cast and now one of them is real, though he figures the ones that is now standing right in front of him must be the real ones, since none of the Chitauri seem to be falling to the ground or any sign of them being defeated. It doesn't take a genius to see that the two of them are now smiling at him and they are now up to something and he has the feeling that they are not going to get past the two of them that easily.

"It looks as though as someone is a little nervous of the Chitauri, wouldn't you say Darcy?" said Loki with a grin.

"Yeah, he does seem nervous." said Darcy. "He doesn't seem to be trying to fight back."

"If I did not know better, then I would say that he has no fighting experience of any kind." said Loki. "That he may need our help in trying to get the Chitauri attacking his 'lovely' home."

"I guess, since we are the only ones here then we would have to help him don't we?" asked Darcy.

"We would, but I doubt that we should." said Loki. "Since we don't have what we came here for and this fine man made it clear that we are not to have it. So let's save all of us the trouble and just return to your home."

"What?! Loki-" starts Darcy who is ready to argue before Loki lifts a hand and gives her a wink, giving her the hint what is going on and just nod.

"Are you both are just going to leave me here to-" start the Collector.

"Oh no, that would be too cruel, especially since there are innocent lives to consider." said Loki. "Though I am willing to propose a deal with you, if you give us the Aether-"

"And with set the living things that are trap here free." added Darcy.

"Along with that, we will offer you our protection for the rest of your days." said Loki. "We will defeat the Chitauri that are here right now and make sure that you stay safe from any more attacks."

"If I don't?" asked the Collector who is intrigued by the offer and yet does not want to give up an Infinity Stone if he has a say in it.

"Then it looks as though we are going to have to leave you to face the Chitauri by yourself." said Loki with an evil smirk.

"Yeah, good luck with trying to escape from all of these guys. From what I learned from my experience is that they are always ready to put up a fight and if the Chitauri want something, then they won't stop until they get it." said Darcy. "So I would give up the Eater if you want to get out of this alive and want to be safe if I were you."

"It's Aether, Darcy." said Loki giving her a smile, before turning his attention back to the Collector with a serious look on his face. "What is your decision sir? I can tell from one glance is that the Chitauri will not be kept occupied for long."

Some of the Chitauri decided that it might be best to take advantage of the situation and to try to get to the Collector before their opponents do. They slowly start to approach him, ready to make him feel pain and won't stop torturing him until he gives up the stone. The Collector looks at Loki and Darcy, then the incoming Chitauri and then them again. As he thinks about his situation and the deep thoughts that he now has been having. Knowing that there is no way that he would be able to get out of this alive unless he accepts Loki and Darcy's help. Though as much as he hates the idea that he is going to lose an Infinity Stone before he can have the chance to gather the others. But it doesn't look as though he has that much of a choice in the matter. Before the Chitauri has a chance to get closer or anything else happens.

"I accept your offer, I will give you the Infinity Stone." Said the Collector. "Only under the condition that you will offer me me protection from Thanos and any of his followers."

Loki and Darcy exchange a smile, especially after hearing the desperation in his voice. The two of them start to flight off the incoming Chitauri, we'll rather Loki starts to fight them off and then head over to the ones fighting the illusion. While Darcy is simply using her teaser to get the ones heading towards her and the Collector out. The two of them continues to use their abilities to counter every attack and to try to defeat every single one of the Chitauri that stands in their way. The call for a potential victory is becoming more likely by the minute, as more Chitauri starts to get defeated over the course of the fight.

To much of Loki and Darcy's surprise, the amount of Chitauri that they have to fight off is less than they thought that would be there. Especially knowing how Thanos is after the Infinity Stones and he is not taking advantage of the situation. Regardless of that fact, both Loki and Darcy are just happy to get through this fight and they are almost done with it. The Chitauri's chances of making a comeback has decreased rapidly and soon before they all knew it. The remaining Chitauri begins to retreat and some are even carrying the Other with them, wanting to do nothing more but to return to their master. Once they see the Chitauri starting to leave, they head towards the Collector who is starting to stand up and regain his composure. Hoping that he is going to keep his end of the deal and they would've leaving here with the Infinity Stone in their hands.

"We were hoping you would say that." Said Loki. "Now if you can give us the Aether and free any living creatures here, we'll be happy to be on our way."

With that the Collector starts to head further into his vault, while Loki follows him to make sure that he doesn't try to escape or grab something that would guarantee the end of the deal. While Darcy is going around the display cases to let out anything that is alive go free. It wasn't that much of a challenge and sure she had to encourage some of them or duck for cover, but it is worth it and she is more than happy to do so. She continues to open all of display cases until she reaches a dog in a astronaut suit, she really wishes that she can bring that home and then she can keep the dog as a pet. But she knows that she can't because it's an alien dog that probably wants to start a new life and she doesn't know how Loki would feel about a pet or if he's allergic to dogs, that is if Asgardians or anyone from other planets can have allergies.

So she opens the door and quickly pats the dog on the head, before the dog runs through the exit. Darcy doesn't have to wait long, she sees the Collector carrying a black chest with a lock, while Loki is following right behind him. She starts to head right towards them, noticing that the Collector looks a little shaken, she wonders if Loki has something to do with it. They all reached a table where the Collector puts it down on one end, while Loki and Darcy stand in front of him in the other. He quickly unlocks it and opens it to reveal the Aether, Loki quick grabs the case the Aether in and just gives a nod and is about to make his exit, before...

"Hey, I know that this guy caused us a lot of trouble and I really shouldn't be saying this, but we're not going to help anyone if you make him afraid or hurt him." Said Darcy.

"I wasn't going to-" starts Loki.

"I know, but it might draw attention to ourselves if you hurt him to the point that they will call an investigation on us or worse, he tattles to them and say that you were here. Let's just try to be a little nicer about this." Said Darcy. "Let's go before Thanos sends more of these freaks after us again."

Loki doesn't bother to move to the exit, he knows that there is still one more thing that he has to do and it is absolutely necessary. He moves forward to the table and wants to make sure that The Collector has a good look at him and one that Loki knows that he would never forget. He stares angrily at The Collector who is slightly taken aback by the glare and tries his best to maintain the composure that is about to break at any moment. The two of them stare at one another as Loki knows what he has to say.

"Do not tell anyone we came here and have the Infinity stone or else the deal is off and we keep the stone." Said Loki menacingly.

Part of him is tempted to flip the table at the Collector, but after seeing the look on his face, Loki knows that it has been effective. That he doesn't have to worry about making sure he put the message across even further and he can simply move on and leave this planet. Loki makes his way through the exit and to start to head towards the gateway back to Earth and just happy that he got it over with. Ready to move on and to leave all of this behind and then he can be one step closer in getting the job done and make this quest a little easier and then they can get past from this entire ordeal. The sooner he gets all of the stones and no longer have to deal with Thanos, the happier he will be.

While Darcy is standing there, feeling a sense of awkwardness as she watches Loki walks away from the scene and she's right now alone with the Collector and turns to face him. Knowing that she has to go and doesn't even want to stay here for a longer period of time, so maybe she should just go. Though first she is going to have to say something that will allow her not only just say it, but also smooth out any damage that Loki might have caused from how he went around with dealing with The Collector just now. In case he feels as though he should sell them out and they find Thanos or the Chitauri attacking Earth the next couple of days.

"Well it was nice doing business with you, though sorry about my friend's aggressive approach towards the end... But you kinda deserve it..."" said Darcy. "Have a nice day!"

With that Darcy quickly leaves the vault and runs to catch up to Loki and leave the planet, aside from gaining some confuse glances from the others who heard all of the sounds and yet also saw the Chitauri going in and everything running out. Darcy tries her best to ignore the stares and raced away from the crowd. Until she finally finds Loki and starts to walk with him by his side as theey make their way towards the portal. She sees the Aether glowing in the container and how the red glow makes it even more shiny, though she wonders how they are going to get the stone out of the container and if it is even possible to get it, especially with it being a liquid. For now she is happy that they got the Stone and they are one step closer on getting the Infinity Stones. The best part is that they managed to do it together and was able to stop some of the Chituari, that is she thinks they have, but for now she is happy that they made progress.

"Now that was so awesome, how we went around stopping all of them and how we got the Aether and how we were practically unstoppable!" said Darcy. "We are going to make such an awesome team!"

"Do not celebrate this soon, we still have to gather the other four Stones and I would prefer it, if we would do it sooner rather than later." said Loki. "It will not be long until the Other and the surviving Chitauri tell Thanos what has occurred here and he goes on his own quest to get the other four stones before we have a chance to do so."

"But we still have a chance and we are going to take it." said Darcy confidently.

Before Loki can say another word, they reached the portal that would let them return back to Earth, they just had a successful mission and one that leads them one step closer on getting the Infinity Stones. They still have a long way to go and there is no telling what the rest of the journey might bring and if they will succeed, but at this moment they have a good chance on doing so. One that they will take and to try to see if they can accomplish. Both Loki and Darcy step through the portal to arrive back to Earth, to continue on their journey as they bring the next Infinity Stone back to the apartment and be one step closer on succeeding.

Back in Darcy's apartment, one hour later

When they arrive, the two of them start to get to work on studying the Infinity Stones and to learn how to get them out. While Loki wants to understand more about the properties themselves, so he can find a way to get the stones out of the objects and then they can think of a plan on how to get the Guantlet without having to face Thanos. There is also the fact that he would have to find a way to get the stones out of the Aether and the Tesseract safely, he has no way of predicting of what would happen if he makes a wrong move or how safe it would be if he simply just removes the stone just like that. Since they are dealing with the Infinity Stones, objects that they don't even know if they are making the right choices right now.

He has seen how dangerous the Infinity Stones can be, especially the Aether which can easily go right through Darcy and kill her with the power it has within. Unfortunately he can't just trick Malekith or a Dark Elf removing it out of her like they managed to do with Jane, it not as though he cares, but he does know that the last thing he wants is to find themselves in that situation. Loki wishes that there is a spell that would make things easier and he can simply just use it to get the stones out without worrying about the potential consequences. But he knows that he can't and if he is going to do this part of the plan, then he is going to have to do it right and make sure nothing happens.

Still, at least it's not so bad right now, that he would have to worry about Thanos coming in to gather the stones they do have. Now at least the two of them are taking the time to take a break. By taking the time to study the stones, they are having the time to take a break and yet still make progress on their mission and while doing it, they are spending time together and getting to know one another as they do so. Not only getting a better understanding of the infinity Stones, but making a connection between themselves and building a bond that the two of them are now starting to find that they can rely on.

Right now, he is starting to think of the Chitauri scepter and it's whereabouts. He knows that it was still on this planet and that alone is what is taking over his mind and making him wonder what the Avengers did with it. That is the next Infinity Stone that they can easily and one that they would need to get before it is too late. Though he only wishes that he knew where the scepter is and know how he is going to get it out wherever it may be hiding, then he can just go and grab it. Maybe Darcy knows, maybe the Midgaurdians mention it in a news report or Thor told her about it. It wouldn't hurt to ask and then they can figure out the next move to obtain the next Infinity Stone, it has to be somewhere on Earth and he has to get the scepter before anything happens to it. Loki just hopes that she just knows or they find out before Thanos somehow does...

"Darcy, has my brother ever told you what became of the scepter?" asked Loki as he continues to focus on the Infinity Stones. "You know the one that I used in my first visit to this planet?"

"No, he never told us and I never even bothered to ask." Said Darcy. "Heck, I don't even think that he thought about talking about his little trip to New York or wants to talk about it. Probably because there's still the topic about you..."

"Right..." said Loki as he remembers how all of that led to this and is now even wondering if trying to take over the planet was the way to go. Along with what Thor may have thought and if he now felt any differently towards him after everything that has happened.

"But that doesn't mean he doesn't know what happened to it." Said Darcy. "Maybe he does know something, I'm sure the Avengers or at least Captain America must have told him what happened to it. Wait a minute, is the scepter one of the Infinity Stones?"

"Yes, it is. The first stone Thanos obtained and lent to me to get the Tesseract." Said Loki. "We all saw how well that played out."

"At least one of the only good things about you failing Thanos is that you lost the scepter." Said Darcy. "If only we knew where it is..."

"Well it is up to us to find out." Said Loki as he takes the time to think, before coming up with the perfect plan. "I think that you should go and pay my brother a visit and ask him."

"Wait what?" Said Darcy surprise by the very thing that Loki just said.

"We need to get the information and then later come up with a plan on how to get the scepter in the most effective way imaginable." Said Loki. "You are the only one that can ask without blowing my cover."

"Haven't you noticed that I am terrible at keeping secrets?" Said Darcy. "They are already think I am acting wired enough by trying to keep you a secret. What if they think something is up once I go and ask them about the scepter?"

"I have noticed your difficulty on concealing the truth. But they would never suspect you of all people in helping me and we are going to use that for our advantage." Said Loki. "I believe you can do this and you can get away with this without either Thor or Jane suspecting a thing."

"I don't know about this..." said Darcy as she thinks of all the scenarios that could go wrong.

"Come on Darcy, it is really quite easy. All you have to do is start a conversation and use it to cover up your intention and later ask the question while you are all in the middle of it." Said Loki. "Just try to make it casual and as convincing as you can possibly can and it will work."

"What do you expect me to do? Go over to Jane's tomorrow morning and have breakfast with them?" Asked Darcy. "Then later make some small talk? Then late out of nowhere I say, 'Hey Thor, how ya doing? I was wondering whatever did happen to that scepter thing, you know the one that Loki used in New York. I have been curious about that for a while and want to know more Avengers trivia?"

Without even thinking too hard, Loki is already finding himself imagining what tomorrow may bring and how the conversation that Darcy is going to have with Thor and Jane is going be like. Even before it happens...

Chapter Text

"'Hey Thor, how ya doing? I was wondering whatever did happen to that scepter thing, you know the one that Loki used in New York. I have been curious about that for a while and want to know more Avengers trivia?" asked Darcy with an eagerness to get this conversation over with.

It has been an interesting morning to say the least, right now she is having breakfast with Thor and Jane. So far things have been going well and the three of them are having a good meal together. One between three friends and she thinks that she is doing a good job on playing it cool and find the right time to bring it up, if she is going to do it then it has to be now. Neither one of them ask her any questions where it might lead to her accidentally saying the wrong thing and then it becomes awkward. Not too mention, there is also the fact, it would put Loki in trouble because of the main concern that she would accidentally reveal him. At least she hasn't said the wrong word yet and they doesn't seem to suspect a thing, that is Darcy hopes they don't and things will continue to run smoothly...

While Thor and Jane quickly glance at each other, already surprised to see Darcy already at the front door without even calling ahead of time to let them know that she is coming over and invited herself for breakfast. So they let her join them, they allow her to get started a conversation between the three of them and they all were enjoying each other's company as they have the meal.

Then the moment when Darcy asked the question and catches them by surprise then it is the moment they know that something must be going on and it has to be big if she is asking about the there's the fact that whenever she talks about what happened in New York and the Avengers, it is always about the cool action and how great there is a superhero team that is willing to go out there to save the day. Neither one of them remembers Darcy ever mentioning Loki or the scepter. Especially with the idea that there are superheroes now overtaking her mind and the fact that Loki is Thor's brother, she always tries to avoid it as much as she can. The two of them knows that there has to be something going on.

"Well, when I left Earth after the battle... It was decided that the scepter should be left here in the hands of the government facility of S.H.I.E.L.D, for better protection and research." said Thor. "But I had a call from Rogers recently how it fell apart because that division has actually been an evil society called H.Y.D.R.A this entire time and has been a danger for Midgard this entire time."

"So S.H.I.E.L.D has been this twist villain this entire time?" said Darcy surprised by the news.

"It seems as thought it is, recently Rogers and Romanoff had to fight them off after they try to take over the planet and eliminate anyone who may dare stand in their way." said Thor. "They also took any important powerful objects that S.H.I.E.L.D was keeping safe into their custody and that includes the scepter."

"So if H.Y.D.R.A has the scepter then they must have it with them in their secret headquarters? Where do you think that the scepter might be?" asked Darcy. "Since right now they have a really dangerous object and should be retrieved. I mean it is really powerful and in the wrong hands, it can be extremely dangerous right?"

Darcy hopes that neither one of them is now seeing that something going on or see something through her sudden interest in the scepter. She nervously waits for Thor to respond and hopes that these answers will be anywhere close on being good. Since she knows that they would have to get it and the last thing Darcy wants is for Loki to be anywhere near H.Y.D.R.A if they are really back and can't even imagine what they would be ready to do to experiments on him or something. She only hopes that it won't be something that would result in them having to somehow go and face a group of H.Y.D.R.A soldiers that will be more than happy to trap them to do who knows what to them. Darcy wishes that their luck turns around right now and they can just sneak in to Avengers Tower and then they get past the obstacles and easily get the scepter and leave without anyone even noticing.

While both Thor and Jane quickly comes to the conclusion that there is something going on and Darcy is hiding something from them. Especially her sudden interest in the scepter and how she is now this determined in asking for it's whereabouts. Sure Darcy loves reading comic books and a big superhero fan, but aside from making the occasional reference or trying to get an idea what the other Avengers might be like, she has never made it the dominant focus of a conversation. Usually she gives Thor space and allow him to enjoy the company of both Jane and Darcy as they spend time together. Even after the three of them got reunited again for the first time, after Jane quickly leaves to deal with the police and left her alone with Thor. Darcy didn't push on the Avengers questions and focuses on simply catches up with him and allow the two of them to do so, even if she thought what Thor did in New York was the coolest thing ever. But now the only thing on her mind this morning is the scepter and where it might possibly be? The two of them start to grow concern towards their friend and wonders what could be the cause of her sudden strange behavior.

"Darcy, why-" starts Jane before-

"I'm just interested in the scepter and want to finally know what's going on, that's all." said Darcy rather hastily and smiling nervously.

"I received an invitation from Rogers to rejoin the Avengers to help track down the scepter in a land called Sokovia." Said Thor. "Though he also would like us to team up again to find and stop H.Y.D.R.A indefinitely."

"Wait, does that mean the Avengers are getting back together?" Said Darcy rather excitedly and then become nervous. "So are you guys going to go after the scepter then? Especially knowing that H.Y.D.R.A has it and leaving it with them is nothing but bad news?"

"Well right now we are simply trying to get all of the information we can to find out where each one of their locations may still stand." Said Thor. "Though even then it is harder than it sounds, Romanoff is still trying to figure out where most of them are. So we are going to do everything as soon as we can and when we can."

"Yeah, but shouldn't you guys go after it first?" Asked Darcy trying to play it casual but failing miserably. "Since it is a dangerous weapon in the hands of a Nazilike organization. Shouldn't that be top priority."

"Darcy, what is going on?" Asked Jane immediately before things continue down this route. "Ever since the entire Dark Elf incident, you have been acting strange for the past week. You seem to be hiding something from us, is there something that is bothering you?"

"What?! Nothing's wrong, nothing at all!" Said Darcy frantically. "What makes you think that I'm hiding something?"

"It's because you seem more anxious about something." Said Thor. "Whatever it is, you are more jumpy than how you usually act and more focus on the scepter than-"

"No it has nothing to do with him!" Said Darcy abruptly. "Why would I want to hang out with him? Isn't he in jail or something?"

Both Thor and Jane stared at Darcy confused by what she just said and it only confirms their suspicions that something is going on. While Darcy can't help but feel really awkward and worried over her reaction. They obviously know that there is something wrong now or at least starting to think that there is something is going on and her defensive outburst confirms it. Darcy knows that she is trying hard to hide the secret and this is her best. Especially knowing the fact that if she fails then she and Loki will end up in a prison cell for who knows how long. She feels as though they are both inches away in finding out the truth and she needs to add some more cover before they find out. Darcy doesn't even know who would be more angry Loki or Thor and Jane. But she does know one thing, she does not want to find out...

"Hey Darcy, is everything alright?" Said Jane. "You know you can always-"

"That is if there was problem and if I was totally hiding it then that would be something I would say." Said Darcy. "But since I'm not, that's just a big coincidence. Not if I am at all worried about anything that might possibly become a problem or anyone ending up in jail in anyway."

"What do you mean by-" starts Thor completely confused and wanting to help, since he doesn't need to be a thinker like Loki to know that something is going on.

"It's really is nothing Thor, besides all of it is in the past and we should just focus on moving on with our lives." Said Darcy. "Along with talking about scepters or anything that might be... cool right now."

Neither Thor or Jane looks convinced at the excuses that Darcy just gave them. Neither one of them can figure out how Darcy honestly think they would believe that. The two of them has a shared concern for their friend and really wish that there is a way to help. Maybe if they continue on with the conversation, then maybe Darcy will slip it out. That is Thor and Jane hopes so and they can help their friend.

"Darcy, why don't we-" starts Jane.

"Hang out and have a good time? Now that's a great idea!" said Darcy rather excitedly and trying to brush their focus aside from their suspicions while trying to make it casual. "Maybe we can just talk, have a good time and enjoy our breakfast. We can talk about New York and the battle that went on and maybe even more about the scepter... That or we can talk about anything, but preferably scepters and anything magical."

Thor and Jane exchange a surprise and yet concern look, as they see that there is definitely something that Darcy is hiding and one that would be something they should know about. Not even knowing how to make of the situation or if they can say anything about it, but they are going to be there for their friend and somehow figure out what is going on or if they can even get past through the walls that are really easy to break. But they know that they will find out and will help Darcy in whatever she may be going through. Thor is simply ready to just get to the point and with the hope that they would know by the time he breaks the ice. He is about to ask, that is until...

"That or we can talk about life and ourselves for a bit?" suggest Jane.

Darcy quickly groans in full frustration before stopping to realize her reaction and quickly make a fake smile. Before Darcy knew it, she is now having a typical normal conversation that she would normally have with Thor and Jane and it's one that won't guarantee in her finding out anything more about the scepter or where it might be. That is if she relies on the rate that she is going and how things have shifted, since no one has to be a deep thinker to know that they are trying to change the subject and wanting to talk about other things. But she might as well enjoy their company and maybe even bring up something that might lead her to answer to the scepter or clues for her to figure something out. For now, she is going to just going to spend the time to enjoy the company of her friends, even if she is not going to find out anything more than she already did and try to keep Loki's secret safe. Though from one glance and remembering all of the things that she has to keep track of, she can tell that she is going to have a tough morning...

A couple of Hours later, back in Darcy's apartment

Loki has been patiently waiting for Darcy's return, he already had his breakfast prior to her departure. He tries his best to keep himself occupied and to spend the time taking a break from the Infinity Stones. He quickly reads his books and is surprised to see how Midgardians can have the imagination to come up with works of fiction that can be engaging. Due to his books being relatively short and it also helps being a fast reader who can still engage with the text as though he was reading it slow. But he couldn't put it down and found the world of Lord of the Rings fascinating and complex, though Harry Potter is rather easy to read and well below the level of his intellect, but he enjoyed the storyline. Though he really thought that Hermione was the character that should be the main focus on and Harry should have turned the Dursleys into toads after he learned how to do it, but still it was imaginative and see why Darcy likes it.

After he read through the only books he now has and wishes that he could have gotten some of the ones he owns back in Asgard. Then he would have gotten more to read as he waits, even if he is going to reread some of them for the many times he already has read them. But still this is a good chance for him to learn how to use some of Earth's technology and to see if he can figure out how to use it. He starts with the tv and that is the easiest thing to learn, since all he had to do is use a little box with buttons to turn it on and change the moving pictures on the screen. He plays around with it as he sees the wonders of the screen before settling with this interesting form of art and sees it for a bit, though he doesn't know what to make of the whimsical tone and songs, but at least it is enjoyable even if the stories are strange and does not portray women correctly. Loki can already imagine Sif frowning at the sight of these women aiming about princes, does not stick up for themselves and everything about this.

Afterwards, he changed the channel to try to find anything that would make him want to watch the programming or he sees if it tells him if there is something that might be going on that would lead them to a hint of where the next Infinity Stone might be or if Thanos is doing anything that might guarantee that he has the other three Infinity Stones and is making his attack on Earth sooner. So Thanos can get the three they already collected and then later capture Loki to take him to Thanos's ship to have him face judgement. That would be the perfect opportunity for him to get the job done, one that Loki knows that it would be a disaster if it happens...

Loki continues to relax as he plays around with the tv and to see what the other buttons might be used for and with the plans later to try to learn the other pieces of technology that is in the apartment. Trying to take his mind of the situation, while learning more of Midgardian culture and seeing more of this device. To have an escape from reality, that or he can always reread the books again and then he won't have to stare at a screen. While leaving it on, he grabs one of the books to read it from the beginning once again.

Before Loki can even make it past the first page, the door opens and Darcy comes through it. She quickly just heads right in after closing the door behind her, one look and anyone can tell that she is tired as she heads right over the couch and falls right on it. Loki turns his attention to Darcy, as he puts the books on the nearby table and knows that something is wrong. As she appears exhausted about something and from what he has seen of Darcy, it's rare to see her like this. It must be whatever they said to her about the scepter and where it may be, thus affecting their entire mission drastically. He knows that he should be placing locating the scepter above everything else, but he feels that it would be better to check on her and for some reason he feels inclined to do so.

"Darcy, are you alright?" Asked Loki.

"Yeah I'm fine." Said Darcy and before Loki can even try to ask her again, she burst out. "You won't believe the crazy situation we are now in Loki. Getting the scepter is going to be impossible!"

"What in the Nine Realms make you say such a thing?" Asked Loki and after some quick thinking, he already fears the worst. "Is it Thanos? Has he made an attack on Earth, I mean Midgard yet? Do you think he knows that-"

"No, it's not Thanos." Said Darcy. "I don't think they know he exists yet and besides how would he even know where the scepter might be?"

"Maybe it is because- Never mind, then what is the trouble then?" Asked Loki giving a sigh of relief.

"Right now no one has a clue on where the scepter might be and the only place that Thor and the Avengers think that it might be is Sokovia, another country here." Said Darcy. "If that's not all, then the scepter is in one of the last places we want it to be."

"Darcy, you are making it sound as though we are going to the most dangerous planet in the universe and whomever may have the scepter they are the most dangerous monsters alive." Said Loki. "Surely they can not be as bad as you claim."

"Well this is H.Y.D.R.A we are talking about, you have no idea how bad they are and what they are capable of." Said Darcy.

"I am sorry, but what are you speaking off?" Asked Loki completely confused.

"Right, Asgard doesn't have a secret evil spy organization or at least I hope not." Said Darcy. "H.Y.D.R.A is a secret organization of people who wants to take over the world and rule it with absolute power. They don't care who gets hurt if it meets their goals and if they have the scepter then it's bad news."

"They are only Midgaurdians with lack of knowledge of Infinity Stones." Said Loki. "How dangerous can they be?"

"These guys have been around for seventy years and they are brutal to say the least, Captain America have already defeated these guys once and now they're back." said Darcy. "Fun fact, can you believe that they were S.H.I.E.L.D and they wanted to take over the world by pretending to be the good guys and tricking the whole world that they are done, when they were really still running?"

"Ok, now that is surprisingly cunning for a group of Midgardians and I would have been impressed if I still stayed in my old ways." said Loki. "But this is nothing we can't handle and we can fight them off."

"We don't even know where their headquarters, how are we going to get there?" said Darcy.

"We will find where they are located, I can figure out where they might be and then we will infiltrate it." said Loki.

"What? Loki, this is H.Y.D.R.A we're talking about, they are not the Avengers who would just put you in a cell after a fight, they would torture anyone they can grab a hold and turn you into a lab rat and do who knows how many experiments." Said Darcy. "Plus did I also mention that the Avengers are going to bring the band back together and hunt them down? It's not only getting harder, but it is starting to feel impossible."

"Is it really that difficult that you are already starting to loose hope." Said Loki. "You are making this H.Y.D.R.A sound worse than Thanos and the Chitauri."

"Well if you lived on Earth for all of your life, knowing their history and learned that S.H.I.E.L.D was them the entire time, then you would know they are bad news." Said Darcy. "It's not easy to pull this off with all of the stakes up against us. Especially since not only they have the scepter, but with the Avengers, it is going to be harder to keep your secret."

"Well, it could have been worse, at least we are not going to be fighting off any more Chitauri or worse the Black Order." Said Loki. "Come on Darcy, all we need is to think of a plan, find their location and we will get the scepter."

"Yeah, but things will come easy for you since you are an Asgardian or Frost Giant or whatever you call yourself now." Said Darcy.

"I am an Asgardian and will always be." Said Loki. "No matter what my Jontun heritage may say otherwise, I may be biologically a Frost Giant, but that doesn't mean I have to accept it."

"Ok, calling you an Asgardian from now on." Said Darcy. "Plus for the record, I think I like the term Jontun better than Frost Giant, it sounds a lot nicer."

"Well, it is the current term for the beings in Jontunhiem and my heritage. Asgard used that term to show disrespect to the monsters who were ready to create war against us in the past." Said Loki.

"Well, they should stop. I'm sure not all of them are that bad, I mean you are not that bad." Said Darcy catching Loki by surprise. "Well if we ignore recent events and see the person on the inside."

"Um... You were saying, about the scepter and me being Asgardian?" Asked Loki hoping that this would revert the conversation back to the current situation and shake away any touched feelings he may be having.

"Oh yeah, I was just saying that since your Asgardian and have superpowers and all of the cool magic. But me on the other hand... I don't have anything except this teaser, along with knowing some cool karate tricks and that isn't going to help fight them off or us get the scepter." Said Darcy. "I don't want to just sit back and do nothing, especially knowing that I can try to help. But even if I try, it won't be enough and I would get killed before I can even try anything. I don't even know how we are going to get it, without me having anything to help and from just looking at the odds."

Darcy turns away from Loki, feeling as though as her lack of super human abilities are only a burden and really wishes she can do more to help and do more. While Loki is looking at Darcy, not feeling at all comfortable with the girl's self doubt. He can see Darcy's concern about H.Y.D.R.A and how they may seem a danger to not only Darcy, but to the whole planet and from seeing how determined Midgardians can be, they are likely to pose some kind of threat and he can see why Darcy is against them and how they won't hesitate to hurt anyone for their cause. But he knows that Darcy is capable of defending herself against anyone who may try to go up against her. Sure she doesn't know all of the best fighting techniques in the nine realms, but it does not mean she does not have her own strengths and Darcy can help in her own way and can help him get through this journey. He just have to show her that...

"I can not believe that you are so ready to give up this easily. Especially after all of the effort that you putting in not only helping me find the stones, but to turn me into the masked character we created." Said Loki. "You are underestimating our ability to break into the facility to obtain the scepter and what's worse, you are underestimating yourself and all of your capabilities."

"I guess, but Loki, I'm only human and these guys are highly trained humans who have years of experience and won't even last a minute in the compound without getting myself trapped and never seeing the light of day ever again." Said Darcy. "Sure, I fought off the Chitauri and helped out a lot in the Collector's vault, but it is not enough to actually help out and make a difference if we'd succeed or not."

"If you can fight the Chitauri and still continue to go out to face them and live to tell the tale, then you can fight off this H.Y.D.R.A like an Asgardian warrior." Said Loki. "From what I observed, you are a fighter in your own unique way. You run to danger rather than run from it and always persistent, too much for your own good. You face challenges and never stop fighting, sure you do not have the ability to cast spells or have the skills to take down a Frost Beast without assistance, but you have your own strengths and that allows you to make that difference."

"Wait, are you trying to be nice?" asked Darcy, surprised to hear Loki's attempts of being a friend.

"What? No, I was just trying to be encouraging in hopes you would feel good about your abilities and then we can focus on the task at hand and we focus on coming up with a plan that will allow us to locate and get the scepter." said Loki. "But I do mean what I said and really think that you can provide assistance and if we are lucky then we can get it before anything happens. It is a shame that I couldn't sneak in to S.H.I.E.L.D and just see through the databases or maybe one of their allies, then it would save us the trouble."

"Wait, databases..." said Darcy as she starts to think of the current situation.

"Yes, they are surprisingly informative and I learned so much when Barton gave the assess codes to me, when I had him under my control." said Loki. "But if I am being honest, I always suspected that S.H.I.E.L.D is not as benevolent as they seem and that there might be something else going on. Now I know that my suspicions are correct and that things will surely get interesting now."

"I got it, I know how we can find out the location." said Darcy determinedly, getting up from the couch, heading right into her room to much of Loki's confusion and surprise.

It does not take long for Darcy to arrive back to the living room and she is now carrying her laptop and then continues to heads towards the couch and quickly sits back down. She opens it to start to get to work, while Loki watches her a little confused and yet curious. Wondering what she might be doing and the object that she is now tapping all of the buttons, with the screen on the top. She keeps her focus on the screen and it looks like nothing is going to take her focus away, that is until...

"What are you doing?" Asked Loki. "What is that?"

"This is a laptop, one of the coolest and most useful things that humans ever invented aside from the internet." Said Darcy as she continues to work. "I am trying to hack into the H.Y.D.R.A's database and then I can see if I can find the location of their headquarters and if they have the scepter."

"Now that is a intriguing idea that a concept that I would like to learn more about." Said Loki as he looks at the laptop with a deep interest. "Now tell me, how does this work?"

"It's really an interesting trick, it's something that I taught myself. Mostly to watch the highly anticipated movies and recently to try to figure out what was going on during the whole Dark Elf situation." Said Darcy. "If anyone finds out about this, then I might get in big trouble. So can this stay between us?"

"I am a little confused, why would you want me to keep these skills a secret?" Said Loki. "The device and the skills seem to be useful. But still how do you figure out how to find their location in this? It looks like a book mix with those devices with the screens, the one with the moving pictures. Does those buttons allow you to tell it what you want to do and give you the answers?"

"Well kinda, a laptop is basically a computer and it allows you to watch things, read and research for any information you want and what I'm doing is called hacking." Said Darcy. "If anyone finds out then I am in big trouble. So, please don't tell anyone, especially Jane. Since I might have accidentally read her most embarrassing deleted messages from her phone. So..."

"Your secret is safe with me and besides that will be one thing you will not have to worry about." Said Loki. "She does not know I am alive and even if I tried to tell her, the only way I can get her to believe my word is by getting you to confess to her."

"Wow, thanks." Said Darcy relieved that she is not going to find herself in a awkward situation.

"Of course, you are keeping mine despite your open bluntness and the least I could do is keep yours." Said Loki. Before either of them can say anything, Darcy's face lit up as she see the results on the screen.

"I got it!" Said Darcy happily. "I know where the H.Y.D.R.A base is and its in Sokovia like Thor said and the best part is the scepter is there!"

"That's wonderful, we saved weeks worth of searching. If I have to be honest, I think you should be proud of your skills." Said Loki happily "What you just did was really impressive, I think I am going to like that mischievous side of you."

"Hey, I am not a big trickster." Said Darcy as she got the laptop set up to print the page.

"I'd argue to say that you are by this hacking technique and besides you are more intelligent than I honestly thought you would be." Said Loki. "As I said, you have amazing skills of your own and if it were not for you then, I would have to try to find it on my own. Fortunately from one look at this image, it looks as though that there is a portal nearby that we can take."

"Awesome, it's walking distance." Said Darcy happily as she prints the map overview and gets up to take it off the printer. "Now let's go and-"

"Hold up, we can't just go and walk in to this place." Said Loki. "We are going to need a plan, to know the entire area from top to bottom and know what we would be facing."

"But that would take too much time, we don't know what they are planning to do with the scepter." Said Darcy feeling a panic. "If we don't hurry than H.Y.D.R.A might use it or worse Thanos somehow finds out and we would have to get the other two Stones before he has the chance and we don't even know where they are."

"I know, but if we are reckless and if we fail then we would only be making it more difficult on ourselves." Said Loki. "If we want to succeed then we are going to need to think of a plan and one that would work, we are going to need to prepare or else H.Y.D.R.A will use our failure against us. They would tighten security and be better prepared if we try to strike again."

"Ok good point, so what's the big game plan that we are going to do?" Said Darcy. "Aside from sneaking in and grab the scepter and get out without anyone noticing."

"The best thing to do is to prepare, we are going to need to know everything about the base. So we or rather I go to the base to observe their daily routine for a day and then we discuss all of our findings and figure out a plan." Said Loki.

"Wait, you said all of our findings then what should I do?" Asked Darcy. "Oh, do you think I should go out there and stand guard or we have a stake out to find a week spot in the security and somehow use your magic to make the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers let us in without even noticing."

"Darcy, we are going to use illusions, but mostly to cloak ourselves not to make us transparent and even then that's impossible. Look the only way I can even do that is through advance dark magic, but I would never go that far and I don't even know if it is at all possible." Said Loki. "But I really think you should look at your device and try to see if you can find out more about the base and it's security."

"So maybe I can disable some cameras or shut down some systems?" Said Darcy rather excitedly towards the idea.

"Whatever can help us get in and get the scepter, then do whatever you need to do." Said Loki.

"Oh now this is becoming so exciting, we are actually going to pull off a heist." Said Darcy. "This is so giving me spy movie vibes!"

"Let's put this excitement to good use then." Said Loki. "We should get to work, so we can come up with a plan before they try anything."

At that moment, that is exactly what they both start to do. They start preparing for the days ahead and to be ready for the ultimate goal, to break into H.Y.D.R.A and get the scepter and then they will be halfway done. The two of them start their preparations and to learn everything they can about H.Y.D.R.A as they can and then use it to their advantage to make their quest a success. It may not be easy and they would possibly have to face more challenges up ahead, that so many things rely on this mission to go well and there is also the worry that the Avengers might show up and might even get the scepter first. But they still have to try and they will try to get the scepter first, somehow...

One Week later

Loki and Darcy are now making their final preparations for their plan and the infiltration of the H.Y.D.R.A based, they spent an entire week learning what they could and preparing for the break in. Loki has made frequent visits to the base that at this point, he knows it as well as he would get through Asgard and while he does that, Darcy is learning everything about the base and thinks that she at least stopped most of the H.Y.D.R.A's security system. While the two of them are learning everything about the base and preparing for the break in, they are enjoying every moment they are together and start to develop a trust that makes the two feel that lasted for a life time and will last forever.

Throughout the morning, they have been making final preparations for their mission and getting everything ready if they have to face the worst case of the scenario and one where they would have to get out of as fast as they can before it is too late. The two of them are looking at the makeshift picture board that Darcy has made, to help organize the information she has gathered and what Loki found out throughout his visits to the H.Y.D.R.A base. That this is it is almost time for them to get into action and to get the scepter with the hope that they would succeed, that is if luck is on their side and if there plan works.

"Ok, the base is constantly being watched over by security guards and every single time, I sneak past them, I always find that there is a highly secured vault and it is always secured." said Loki. "I can easily knock the guards out with my magic, but I know that I might still need the code in case my magic fails to open the door. Darcy, did you find the code?"

"Yeah, after breaking through some back walls and cracking some codes, I think I managed to find the code to the door and I don't know if I am right, so I made a list of back up codes." said Darcy as she hands a list right to Loki. "One of these will open the door, if you can't get past it with magic, all of the cameras are down and from what I have seen on the map, there are some places where someone would have to physical be there to get them open."

"So, while you find a way to take out the remaining security, I will focus on getting the scepter." said Loki. "It seems easy enough, I already know where the scepter is and I laid out the directions to what I believe to be a control room."

"In case anything goes wrong or we have to make a quick getaway, I got us one of the coolest things that will make communication easier." said Darcy rather excitedly as she pulled something out of her backpack. "Walkie talkies!"

She hands one over to Loki and he stares at it, he sees the blue, grey device with a giant dinosaur sticking out and doesn't need to ask to know that it is a communication device of some sort. One that is completely different from a phone and yet he feels as though that this is nothing more than a toy for a child, he doesn't see how this would be a effective way of communication. He turns to look at Darcy in disbelief and continues to let the thoughts continue on his mind and doesn't even know what to make of the sight of the object and have only questions forming and ones that he wishes they would all get answered, to see if this is some kind of joke and one that he would find anywhere close on it being humorous.

"So you want me to go around, infiltrate the facility and use this toy?" asked Loki.

"It's not a toy, it's a state of the art communication device that will allow us to talk in a two thousand foot radius." said Darcy as she earns a disbelief look from Loki. "Ok, I know it's Jurassic World themed. But it's the only one, I can find and get last minute and since I don't have enough money to pay for two cell phones. But this is the next best thing I can find when it comes to communication and at least it's giving me spy movie vibes."

"What is the point of this Midguardian technology if it is for similar functions as phones?" said Loki annoyed. "In my honest opinion, Midguardians spend too much time on them and it is a waste of technology and resources. Especially since we don't know if these objects record our every conversation or something."

"You do realize that this are used for communication and everyone especially spies use them to help save the world right?" said Darcy. "Besides it's important to make a quick getaway if we need to make one."

"I can always simply send a spark of magic to alert you of any danger and we can simply meet at the exit." said Loki.

"Yeah, but sometimes we may need a way to communicate to one another, that is a little more conversational." Said Darcy. "Why are we standing here debating on whether or not we need walkie-talkies or cell phones? We should be heading out there and putting our plan to action and bust into H.Y.D.R.A already."

"You make a fair point, we should start to head out to the portal and then we can work our way through there." Said Loki, he starts to make his way out the door, before...

"Wait, don't forget to put your Mysto costume on." Reminded Darcy.

"Right..." said Loki giving an annoyed sigh.

As he simply rolled his eyes, Loki quickly uses his magic to change into the Mysto costume. Then the two heads out of the apartment and start to head on their way. Normally Loki would be angry if someone tries to talk back at him and would argue against them. But knowing the situation at hand and how it is more important at the moment for them to work together to get the scepter, he will overlook it just this once. Plus Darcy is still determined and passionate about the idea of him becoming a superhero and saving the world from Thanos. Knowing everything at stake and how they are about to enter a place where they would cause trouble if asked. They are going to have to work together and it would be best if they can avoid an annoying argument if it's possible for both of their sakes or worse, he crosses a line that would result in him living out on the streets. Especially if he pushes her too far and they reach the point of no return.

Still aside from the threat of potentially becoming homeless and him still feeling ridiculous wearing the Mysto costume, he is still ready to carry on the mission and to focus on getting the scepter out of H.Y.D.R.A's hands as fast as they can. The walk is rather quick and yet not quiet, as they head on their way, Darcy continues to talk and she is letting her excitement dominate the conversation. Loki is trying his best to ignore her and yet is failing, since after the time he spent with Darcy bonding and their friendship, he is actually starting to enjoy her company far more than when they first met. At least it was nice to have someone to talk to again, his mother tried to be there for him and yet he rejected her and the only two that were friendly towards him were with Thanos.

Though she is overly optimistic and he at first wonders why she couldn't just tell the Avengers about Thanos rather than push him to try to stop the mad Titan himself. Believing that he is capable of doing so and not many have ever believed in him before and always thought he was nothing more than a trickster. He knows Darcy is relying too much of a fantasy to even realize that it is futile and she is trying to work with a lost cause. But he will get this over with as quickly as he can and then get the stones out of the objects and then scatter them in safe places in the universe. By the time he is done, then he will finally leave the planet and get away from all of this before Darcy realizes all of this and wants nothing to do with him. Well at least she is by his side for now, before eventually he will be on his own again. They soon made it to where the portal is located and Loki is about to go through right before...

"I can't believe we are actually doing this and I am so getting Kim Possible vibes, though without the over the top villains and the mole rat." Said Darcy. "Not too mention, any cool gadgets or cool things that might possibly make this cooler."

"You are good at Midguardian technology and can probably easily figure out how to disable any system without anyone finding out that you were responsible." Said Loki. "Though don't be too excited over this, since we still have yet to see what they have in store for us. Especially since we are going to be split up for the entirety of the time we are there."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun with this." Said Darcy. "Here's a good idea for a name for this mission, how about operation Break-in?"

"That name needs work, a lot of work." Said Loki. "Why don't you forget about giving this a name? We are there to get the scepter and one wrong move, if we are discovered then we will be in serious trouble."

"Yeah, then that would be really bad." Said Darcy admitting that out loud and can hardly imagine what would happen if they get caught. "So are we going to do this?"

"Of course, are you ready?" said Loki.

"Not really." Said Darcy as she remembers that they are about to face hundreds of H.Y.D.R.A soldiers and walking into the last place they should be.

"You will be fine, we will be successful in our heist." Said Loki. "If we are not, I am going to do everything in my power to get us out alive, though I would not worry we have a plan, we are prepared and ready for anything. Come on, maybe we will have luck on our side and we will be leaving the facility victorious."

Darcy gives a determined nod, touched by Loki's words and happy that they are making some progress. That she is now seeing Loki showing off his nice side and one she finds sweet. Though she is feeling slightly inspired by his words and ready to do her part of the plan and to help with the mission. With a burst of confidence that is trying to take over any doubt that still lingers on.

They both share a quick glance and a nod, as they quickly go through the portal and arrive in Sokovia. They are both on top of a a hill, seeing the H.Y.D.R.A base from a far and the soldiers are marching intensely. With their weapons held closely, ready for a fight against anyone who may dare attack. Loki and Darcy take a good look at the situation right in front of them. They still have to fight off some soldiers, but they know that they can handle it. As they both stare, the two of them try to figure out what might be the best plan and ready to begin their mission.

Meanwhile in an Unknown Part of Space

Thanos is waiting patiently for some Chitauri to arrive and for them to bring The Other to him. It is time for him to inflict his punishment on the former leader of the Chitauri for his betrayal. For daring to disobey him and yet failing all the same. They wasted nothing but time and resources over the futile attempt in capturing Loki and nearly ruined his plan. As much as he enjoyed watching The Other pay for his crimes in a cell, Thanos knows that it would be a waste to continue providing food and shelter for a traitor and he is going to need to set an example for them. One that would make them remain loyal to him and make sure that they would never dare try to stand against him. He can't afford to lose resources, but he will be willing to make sacrifices if it's necessary.

He watches the Chitauri take the Other right to his feet, every step they take, Thanos's anger grows more and more that it doesn't seem to ready to fade away or get anywhere close to where the titan is ready to make peace of the situation. Then again would Thanos ever try a peaceful resolution to solve any conflict he has to deal with? He sits on his throne, watching all of the ones right before him continue to walk until they all stopped. Thanos grinned at the sight of the Other who is now standing right before them and how far the former leader has fallen. The Other looks as though someone has shriveled him off, as he continues to try to stand and yet fail as he is weaken from the lack food and the lack of food. The grin only grows bigger as he stares at the Other menacingly and will not show him any mercy.

"Look how the mighty have fallen or rather a traitor." said Thanos. "I suppose this happens when you deliberately disobey me, do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"All I did was to make an effort of progress, to get Loki and the Stone and yet he still managed to escape with the stone at hand." said the Other. "You honestly can't be upset about that?"

"I am, I ordered you to stay out of Loki's way and allow him to gather the stones, instead you create an unauthorized attack and nearly ruined our chances in getting the stones."

"I was only doing you a favor, you were allowing Loki to get all of the stones for himself. You were letting him and his little human friend win, while you idly sit on that throne. I sent soldiers to not only retrieve the stones, but to finish the job." said the Other. "We still have to punish Loki for his failures on Earth and now his treason."

"What you were trying to do was ruining my plans and the future of my cause, if I try to attack them every time I find out they have knowledge of an Infinity Stone, then it would jeopardize our chances to get not only the one they got, but all of the others." said Thanos. "I will deal with Loki when the moment is right, I already have a plan and I assure you, he will suffer for both of these offenses. While we are on the topic of treason, we still have to deal with yours."

"My Lord, I would like to say-" starts the Other ready to commit himself to Thanos again.

"You're words have no meaning to me, I know how to deal with you and it is about time, you get some relief." said Thanos as he turns his head to face the doorway. "Nebula come."

At that moment, Nebula comes right into the room and she glares at The Other and heads right over to stand right next to Thanos. As she stands, she feels a firely fury that seems to be ready to consume her and wanting nothing more but to escape on the first ship she can find. She knows that she should consider herself lucky that Thanos decided to give her mercy and allow her to rejoin his ranks. She really wishes that Thanos would have left her on Xandar after her ship crash landed, unconscious and completely beaten, but the offer Thanos has offered her was nothing more than enticing, the reward of getting revenge on her sister and eventually someday Thanos is hard to pass up. Once she agreed, he made her second in command and gave her the task to monitor the search for the Infinity Stones. Even with the promise for revenge, it doesn't stop the anger as she is now in the same room with the two that caused her so much pain and Thanos seems to notice that.

"So you are letting your weakling daughter back in to your ranks? After she sided with Ronan?" sneered The Other.

"Unlike you, Nebula has proven herself to be useful and she knows where the next Infinity Stone is and will be the only one she is set to retrieve." said Thanos. "I doubt Loki and the Terran would find out about it and if they do then it will be too late. So far, she has proven to be more useful than you have ever been and I have yet to give her a gift for her return."

"What are you-" start The Other as he stares at his former master, completely confused.

"It is more of a test of loyalty, one I know that she will pass." said Thanos and he turns to Nebula, giving her look that means business. "Nebula, finish him."

Nebula turns to her father, at first not believing that he is giving her the opportunity to finish one of her tormentors and after seeing that he means it. She stares at The Other and feeling the anger inside her continues to grow and now realizing maybe this time it will be different. That this is the first step for her, even if she is now trapped with Thanos and she won't be able to escape easily, but she will find a way and now she is ready to make one of her tortures pay and to be the inflictor of his pain, it's something Nebula knows that she is going to enjoy every minute.

"It will be my pleasure, dad." said Nebula as she gives The Other an evil grin and heads over to him.

Once she is right in front of The Other, she starts to beat him and letting the anger inside her dominate her mind. She wants to make him feel the same pain as he made her feel and the same anger that is inside her. Every hit that Nebula gives the Other grows harder and harder over time and she only continues on as she feels the anger grow, it makes it harder for her to stop. The Other tries to keep his composure and to keep on standing, but due to the lack of food and Nebula's brute force that she doesn't seem to be anywhere close on stopping or at least refraining herself from any more. Nebula continues to feel the sweet sense of revenge and a satisfaction that she has never felt before and it doesn't seem to be wanting to end and Nebula isn't even thinking about stopping until...

"Nebula, allow me." said Thanos as he got up from his throne and heads right over to the two.

When he gets close enough, he takes the guantlet off and places it down for a a moment and the places both hands on The Other's neck. He doesn't even look closely at The Other and simply snap the Chitauri's neck, before The Other can make a protest or have a word said and now he is forever silent. Thanos throws his body to the ground. Feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment, as he grabs and puts the Guantlet back on and returns to the throne. Knowing that nothing will stand in his way and the last bit of trouble is now gone and he can set his focus on the plan.

While Nebula stares, as all of the anger and satisfaction fades away, she now sees The Other's body on the ground and is feeling a sense of confusion on why she hasn't feel a sense of satisfaction. Until stoping to realize that she will never satisfy and this revenge means nothing, the only revenge that matters to her now is trying to get back at Thanos for everything and making her sister feels her pain. Though she does not know how she is going to do it, but she will find a way to freedom somehow...

Thanos is gleaming proudly at the sight, knowing that he is now on track and is about to move further. He has to get Nebula ready for the raid to get the Power Stone, then they will wait until the moment is right, to make their attack and to gather the rest. That it will be the start of his conquest of not only gaining ultimate power, but to make Loki pay for his failures and his treason. The plan will work and it will guarantee him absolute power and by the time, he is done then he will be invincible.

Chapter Text

Loki and Darcy are keeping an eye on the entrance, there are many H.Y.D.R.A soldiers that are now keeping guard of the entire facility and making sure that nothing will go in or get what they are now protecting and making sure that no one gets anywhere close to it. The Guards who have no idea what they are now holding and what trouble they will bring if they let it in worser hands then theirs. Protecting a power that they don't even understand and one that let the two of them here, ready to take the scepter and simply leave before they are spotted, but the question is how?

While watching the guard, Loki is trying to think of a plan and one that might work and one he is now hoping that will work. So far, aside from the plan for them to get the scepter, he has nothing or know if he can even think of a plan. The best he can come up with is something that is too predictable and a plan that he knows that would work, though he wishes that he can have some more creativity and can allow himself to think right outside the box and challenge himself into doing something differently. But it is the only plan he knows that will work and one that he knows that would be the easiest way to get them in. All he has to do is make sure that no one finds out that Darcy is here and then that will be enough and they will be able to get in without any more challenges.

"Ok, here's a plan, why don't we just use your magic to teleport us right to the scepter and then we teleport out before they even notice?" asked Darcy.

"That's not how magic works, there is no spell that I know of that would allow us to do that." said Loki. "We would need The Tesseract if we want to teleport anywhere and I doubt we would be discreet if we use it all of the time or be doing a good job on keeping it safe."

"Now that's too bad..." said Darcy as she is disappointed by that failed idea and how they won't be able to make a cool entrance like she was hoping that they would.

"I think I have an idea on how to go around this." said Loki. "Just wait here, I will come back for you."

"What? Loki, there is no way that I am just going to stand around and-" starts Darcy but stops herself when she sees Loki heading towards the direction of the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers. "Wait Loki, what are you doing? Loki, come back here. Loki. Loki!"

Loki ignored Darcy and continues to head right towards the soldiers, using his magic to cloak himself from view except from Darcy and to conjure up his daggers. Once he gets close enough, he starts to fight off the soldiers and starts to beat every single one of them. The H.Y.D.R.A soldiers are automatically alert by what is going on as they see their fellow comrades fall and held their weapons up ready to fight whatever they might be up against. But Loki is using that ignorance against them, as he pops in and out on fighting all of them and continues to do so as they keep falling one by one. No matter what they do Loki is still one step ahead of them and more continue to fall.

Darcy watching the scene from a far, can't help but enjoy the show. As she feels really impressed by how Loki just thought of this plan and one that simply works and is really cool to watch a real life superhero battle right in front of her. She sees how Loki continues to destroy every thing that might be either a weapon or a communication that can used to warn others. He keeps on fighting every single one of them, defeating every single one that stands in his way. Until he finally does and then heads back to Darcy, like he said he would and feeling accomplished by the fight he just won, he simply walks back casually as if he didn't just fight off a squad of H.Y.D.R.A soldiers.

"Wow, that was so awesome! How you went around beating up every single one of those guys and practically catching all of them off guard and surprise sneak attack!" Said Darcy excitedly. "Now how did you do all of that without being seen?"

"I used my magic to cloak myself from being seen, no one except you could see me." Said Loki. "Something that I happen to know the spell for and have done so numerous times for pranks, to help Thor sneak deserts before dinner and... to see him when he was banished..."

"Hey, you ok?" Asked Darcy as she notices that Loki starts to look down with his eyes starting to look as though as they are full of guilt, that is before...

"I am well, anyway we should really focus on getting the scepter." Said Loki rather determinedly and snapping out of any emotions he may be feeling.

"You know if you ever need to chat about-" starts Darcy, hoping he would want to open up and they can talk about it.

"I believe that this is our chance to infiltrate the facility, stay behind me in case we have to fight off anymore of these soldiers." Said Loki brushing her off. "We do not know how long we have before someone finds out or how many more soldiers we may still have to face or what else may be hiding behind those doors."

Darcy is about to make another comment and one that she hopes that Loki would see that she has a point and maybe stop for a minute. That is until she gives a sigh and follows after him, after realizing that he has a point. They don't know how long they have until trouble finds them and that is always a guarantee and they should take advantage of it before it's too late. The two of them heads towards the door, the entrance that will lead them right into the base and one right into H.Y.D.R.A territory. Loki quickly uses his magic to blast the door right open and silenced the door from making a sound. The two of them slowly enter right inside, relieved that they are not to encounter an ambush of soldiers. At least right now, they are in the building and they are one step closer on finding and getting the scepter.

"Alright, we're in. You know this would be so much cooler if I had my phone and I can play some cool music, while we sneak around." Said Darcy as she continues to be excited about this.

"It is a good thing that you no longer have one then, since the last thing we need is to draw attention to ourselves." Said Loki. "You have the blueprint with you?"

"Yeah, I have it in here." Said Darcy as she pulls the printed paper and the two of them look at it for a moment, getting a clear direction where they are. "Looks easy enough."

"It seems as though as I would have to go on that direction." Pointed out Loki, he is about to hand the blue print.

"You keep it, you might need it more than I do and besides I think I memorized the place well enough to get around in it." Said Darcy. "All I have to do is go right, take a left, continue walking straight and third door on the left?"

"Right." Said Loki as he looks at blueprint confirming that she is right and turns to Darcy. "We will meet back here in a hour or two basis, well approximately worst case scenario. Especially knowing what would happen if one of us get caught, though I can easily fight them off."

"Gotcha, you got your walkie-talkie with you?" Said Darcy. "I will let you know once all of the security is gone and you let me know when you get the scepter."

"Ok, try not to let anything distract you long enough for someone to notice." Said Loki.

"Don't worry, I can be as cool and sneaky as you if I try." Said Darcy. "Maybe even be light on my feet."

Darcy starts to head right on her way to the control room, that is until she accidentally trips on a wire and quickly is able to catch herself before she falls. Only giving a laugh at the entire scene, while Loki simply roll his eyes at the entire sight and giving her a quick nod before he heads on his way. There are many things that are now going through Loki's mind and the real question is what was he thinking if letting Darcy go off on her own is a good idea? Since from what he have seen and knowing how she feels about H.Y.D.R.A and the idea of them becoming heroes. That is what making him feel a little unsure about this, but at the same time, Darcy has proven herself to be loyal and that is enough for him to allow her to come with him. But is she able to focus long enough to do the job? Is he trusting dumb luck in letting him make a bad decision and one that would come back to get him later on?

Right now, he is just going to give her a chance and hopes that he doesn't regret it...

Ten Minutes later, in the Control Panel

After going down the endless halls that Darcy feels as though that it it is taking her forever. She wonders how do the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers, scientists or whatever other followers handle the halls without getting tired of just going through them endlessly. She also wonders how Loki is doing and if he has found the scepter yet, since she really wants to get out of there before H.Y.D.R.A decides to brainwash her to do their bidding and turn Loki into a walking talking science fair project. Even then, at least she has hopes that with her quick thinking and Loki's powers then they will find a way out, now that she thinks of it, maybe Loki is right earlier and she really was worrying over nothing. Loki can easily defeat H.Y.D.R.A soldiers in a snap, they won't even be there for long if one of them an Asgardian who has awesome fighting skills, they will be fine, at least she hopes they will.

Aside from the long halls, Darcy is able to quickly find the control panel and she is amazed by the sight of it and really wishes that she can have time to learn more about the system and just wishes that she can play around with it. But she knows that they are on a mission and it's her job to shut down the remaining security measures and cameras. Darcy quickly locks the door behind her and got to work and logged in to all of the passwords and codes to open the databases. She got to work on trying to find all of the remaining security measures, to see if she can crack the code. Once she got a couple of leads, she clicks the remaining switches to see if it does anything. She doesn't stop until she sees giant red letters where it says, 'security off.' Darcy can't help but grin at it and is ready to celebrate, that is until she remembers that she has to let Loki know right now. She quickly looks through her back pack and once she finds her walkie Talkie, she turns it on to let her contact Loki.

"Science girl to Mysto, the security is down, I repeat the security is down. Free to enter secret vault, over." said Darcy, she earns an annoyed groan from Loki on the other side of the line.

"Darcy, can you speak in proper English?" asked Loki not even bothering to hide his annoyance. "Just keep track on the Midguaridian technology and make sure that no one heads my way or nothing can activate it again."

"Affirmative, what's your status over?" asked Darcy.

"Aside from from this nonsense, I am getting close to the vault and now that you have done your work. It has been effective to say the least." said Loki. "If something goes wrong and if someone finds out, then try to alert me immediately. Also can you stop with that foolishness."

"You know, all I was doing is talk in code to make things more cool and fun right?" said Darcy as she rolled her eyes, as she keeps her focus on the screen. "It's something that a lot people do for fun, especially if they are doing something like this."

"Well I am not of Midgard, so speak in a form that you know I would understand and know that this is not a game." said Loki exasperatedly.

"Hey, it's called lightening the mood and that what I was doing, trying to lighten up the situation" said Darcy.

"Darcy, you do realize that we are in a dangerous place, trying to accomplish a dangerous mission right? This is the last place where we should be fooling around." said Loki. "Just try to make an attempt to keep watch and alert me if anything happens.

"Ugg! You clearly don't know how to have fun!" said Darcy annoyed as she ends the call between the two.

She feels a sense of annoyance from the entire conversation and yet Loki's no excuse to have fun attitude. It's not wrong to try to enjoy every single moment of the entire situation. Just because they are here to grab the Infinity Stone, it doesn't mean that they can't try to make every moment of the situation a little more memorable. Especially since they are on a mission to save the universe from Thanos and apparently be the adults of the situation and take the scepter away before H.Y.D.R.A grabs a hold of it. They are doing something not only brave, but really fits the superhero mode when it comes to doing anything as awesome as saving the world. Plus what''s worse, it doesn't seem like Loki takes her seriously, especially from the way he just emphasize on how he only wants her to keep guard and then it will be enough and she can just call it a day?

Darcy knows that she does take all of this seriously and all she wants is to help, it's not that much to say or hard to assume. Well she figures that if Loki doesn't want her help, then she is just going to sit around and relax, maybe read some comic books. Since if Loki doesn't think that she can help, then if Loki runs into trouble then he will be on his own. Though she is not going to leave him in the dark and will keep her walkie talkie on her if something happens or when it is time for them to go or make a quick getaway. But she is not going to just going to go help if he just asks for back up, though she doubts that and knows that he would try to handle it on his own. So she got a comic book out and starts to make herself comfortable on the chair and simply starts to read rather nonchalantly. Ignoring everything that is happening on the screen and with the assumption that Loki can probably take down anything that he might face easily, he doesn't need her to keep watch and do this without her help. But part of her hopes that she doesn't regret this...

Meanwhile, right near the vault

Loki keeps watching the guards going back and forth. He is just grateful that he only has to deal with and that he can simply just defeat the guards right now. Though he is failing to see what Darcy might have been nervous about, H.Y.D.R.A has the weakest security defense he has ever seen and that is only helping them with their quest. Though he does see what might be terrifying about H.Y.D.R.A from a Midguardian's perspective, he can see why she and many others would be terrified of them. Part of him even starting to feel bad for the conversation they had and once all of this is over, he will try to be nicer to her, especially after everything she is doing for him and to avoid the possibility of being kicked out. He knows that he can easily kick Darcy out, but he doesn't want to or know if he can, maybe it is because of them now being friends is making things confusing and he has to admit that he is starting to grow fond her...

Aside from that, Loki notices that there are a couple of guards that are now distracted. So he makes his move by appearing right in front of them. They start to make their attack by shooting at Loki, who simply shrugs it and begins to defeat every single one of them in the room. He doesn't hesitate in fighting off any of the soldiers really swiftly and continues to do so, until every single one of them is down.

Once all of the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers are all defeated, Loki makes his way to the vault door and can already see that it is locked. So he quickly grabs the list of passwords that Darcy wrote down for him and starts trying a couple of them. He really wishes that she labeled which one is which, that is unless her device did not tell her which one might be which and if the only option would be to write it all down. At least she didn't leave him in a place where he would have to guess. It took him a few minutes, until he eventually opens the door and walks right into the vault. Feeling a sense of relief as he sees the scepter inside.

The scepter is lying on a table, safely secured and yet look exactly how Loki has seen it the last time. Looking as though no time has passed and that nothing happened. The power that the stone carries is what drove him into believing that he could take over a planet. A power that he knows that he does not want anymore and one that he nearly let destroy a planet and he, himself. Loki carefully pick up the scepter, feeling the power go through him and how it seems to want over take him. The familiar touch of the golden metal, sends chills up his spine and he would give anything to not be the one to hold it. Yet, he knows that he has to continue on the plan and take the scepter back and meet up with Darcy before they head back to her home. As he uncomfortably starts to carry the scepter out of the vault...

"Freeze, put the scepter back down!" Said a H.Y.D.R.A soldier that Jumps right in front of him, with a few more coming from right behind.

"You have no idea what power you are holding and the danger that you all are dealing with." Said Loki as he grips the scepter tighter.

"Last chance, put the scepter!" Said another soldier. "This is your last and only warning!"

"It looks as though, I am going to have to do this this the hard way." Said Loki. "Here's my warning, you should get out of my way before you pay the consequences that I have in store for you."

Before any of the soilders can have a chance to say anything, Loki uses the scepter to create a blast. One that two of the soldiers can barely escape, while one of them is flying backwards away. The two soldiers race towards Loki, starting to hit him with every punch, they can throw at him and every single time Loki simply dodges their moves. Once he has fun entertaining himself form their futile attempts, he simply starts to hit back with everything he has within him and fought the soldiers and from one look he sees that they are starting to lose the fight. But at the same time, they are not giving up on it or getting anywhere close on choosing that path, so Loki just continue to hit harder and only uses the scepter if he has to. Wanting to use it only if I it is necessary and to avoid it altogether and continues to fight the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers until they both were defeated. Loki takes a look around, wanting to make sure that there is no one else that might be coming right over to look for a fight. He uses his magic to create an illusion of the scepter, with hopes that no one else would find out. Loki starts to head on out, that is until...

A loud crack enters Loki's ears and he quickly step back from where he is standing. He finds his walkie-talkie completely broken and beyond repair. Loki realized that it must have fallen out of his pocket during the last fight he had and he didn't realize it until after he accidentally steps on it, leaving him without a means of communication to Darcy and they are now separated in a H.Y.D.R.A base. Well it shouldn't be a problem, he has the blueprint of the entire base and all he has to do is follow it and then it will lead him right to the control panel. As long as she stays there, then there wouldn't be a problem to worry about and he can easily find her. Loki is now feeling a sense of confidence as he heads on his way, things are going to work out and Darcy will be fine, he has nothing to worry about.

Forty minutes later, back in the control room

Darcy has just finished reading her comic book, for the eighth time. She thinks that she read it so many times that it has gotten to the point that she has memorized all of the dialogue the characters said. She wonders what is taking Loki so long? She is starting to get tired of sitting around and not even knowing what might be going on or at least seeing something that might cause some kind of trouble.

So she decides that it would be best to go back and focus on her the screen for a bit. Darcy quickly put her comic book in her back pack and sees that things are still going smoothly. It doesn't seem as though that she has missed much. The screen still is showing the same mode as she left it and things are definitely running smoothly. If it wasn't then she would have seen something on the screen or maybe heard something from Loki by now. She can relax, that is until...

All of a sudden, the screen starts to get blurry and everything is frizzling out, catching Darcy's surprise and attention. She starts to focus on the screen and tries to see if she can reset it back to way it was a couple seconds ago, that is if it is even possible to do so. But Darcy just remember that she didn't even touch anything that might have caused all of the computers in the control room to shut down. It can't be a technical issue, since she just spent a good couple seconds trying every trick in the book and nothing is adding up or getting anywhere close on her fixing it. Something must be going on and it is something big and it might mean trouble...

From one look at things, it's clear that the system is not broken and now that she thinks of it, she hasn't heard a word from Loki ever since their last talk. What if he's been spotted and now in real danger? Sure she doesn't have to worry about Loki, since he is an Asgardian and he can easily fight off any battle that he might face and anything that life might throw at him.

Still it doesn't mean he can win every battle he has to fight in his life. Maybe she is overestimating Loki's abilities and he is now trapped somewhere in the base. There is a first time for everything and it is possible that H.Y.D.R.A somehow captured him and keeping him locked up. She wouldn't pass H.Y.D.R.A for doing good such a thing, the news did reveal that they made the Winter Soldier and probably have an army of them, in case the worst case scenario happens and he turns his backs on them. So they have some experience in hiding anyone with super natural abilities.

Why is she sitting around wondering what might be going on or thinking the worst happened? She has to go out there and find him, even if she has to search through the entire base. Darcy will find Loki and they will get out of their with the scepter in their hands, before it's too late and the the situation becomes worse. Just when she started thinking that things are becoming easy and that they will be done with it in no time. Now she has to...

Wait, maybe she doesn't have to run out, she should try to see if Loki responds to his walkie-talkie. If he does, then she can just give him a status report and laugh that she was panicking over nothing . But if he doesn't, then she is going to search this entire place from top to bottom. She turns on the Walkie-talkie and place it in her ear, silently hoping that she is just not going to hear the frizzing sound from the walkie-talkie and knows exactly how to set him off and then they will have a conversation or more of a debate on a topic that she knows that will get him talking.

"Mysto, Mysto, can you read me? Over." Said Darcy as she hopes that the whole talking in code thing will get on his nerves. But she didn't receive an answer and from living with Loki for a little over a week, she knows that he is not the type to ignore others.

With that in mind, she quickly went over to the computer to shut down the system with the hope that it will be logged out and no one would suspect a thing. She vigorously tries to find a way to turning it off without unplugging the computer, pressing every key she can find, with the hope that she would shut it down and so far no luck. That is until she decides that it would be better if she just unplugged the computer and she hastily does so without a wasting another second. At that moment, she just races from the control room, beginning to look around if she can spot him or see if there is a sign of him and if she can reach him through the walkie-talkie and that alone is what she is trying to see if she can get a response from Loki to avoid the search altogether. Though no matter how many times she keeps calling him, Loki just never answers and it made her more worried that she might soon be facing a quick escape, that is if they even have time to escape.

Darcy is just relieve to see that there's no army of guards heading towards one direction for any potential 'intruder alerts' and no one has to be a deep thinker to see that H.Y.D.R.A still doesn't know that they are in there. She wants to keep it this way and just hopes she can find Loki before H.Y.D.R.A does and she starts to search around the facility. So far there's nothing and no sign of Loki, the worst part is that he is not answering and she has no idea on where she can find him because she gave him the only copy of the blue print . She only told him that since she knows he would drop it if he thinks that she memorized the place and can get around it as easily as she would if she is taking a walk through out the city for fun. But it doesn't matter right now, what matters if trying to find Loki before something happens, she continues to look around to see if there is a sign and looks through every door and window to see. As she continues on her search, something stops her and catches her eye as she sees something that made her stop.

When she sees through the window, Darcy sees that there are two people in what looks like a prison cell and what really catches her eye is their abilities. She sees the girl lifting things up the ground with her hands with red telekinetic powers and the guy running back and forth with intense speed and one that continues to run back and forth back in the entire room. She doesn't know who they are, but it looks like H.Y.D.R.A is keeping them prisoners and maybe even be responsible to get the two of them with powers. That maybe they want to find a way to escape and Darcy knows that she should be looking for Loki, but she also wants to help these two out and let them go out and be free. Especially since from one look, she can tell that neither one of them is happy about being there and that they can be more than H.Y.D.R.A's human lab rats, that alone is wrong on so many levels. It wouldn't hurt to try to see if she can get them on their side...

"Um... excuse me. Hi..." said Darcy as she catches both of their attentions. "I can't help but notice that you guys are trapped in here and that is... I know it's too obvious, plus sorry to see you guys like this. But maybe there is a way I can help. Do you two want to get out of here and maybe start a new life in the outside world?"

Darcy watches both the guy and the girl approach the door. She is unsure what to make of their reaction and if this is a good sign. At least she is safe behind the steal doors, but she is going to give them both the benefit of the doubt and allow them to have a chance. She watches the two of them and sees that the girl still has the red light of energy glowing right off from her hands and can tell that she doesn't look at all comfortable with her being here. To the point that Darcy even starting to think that she might even be reading her mind, she doesn't know if this girl can do it, but it definitely feels like it. Darcy is about to say something, that is before she sees that the girl gives the guy a nod and he turns to look at Darcy.

"We would like to get out, to get our revenge against Stark." Said the guy with platinum blonde hair.

"Eh... well revenge is not always the best answer, but the offer still stands." Said Darcy as she keeps her cheerful mode. "So, why do you want revenge against Iron man?"

"For killing our parents with his wonderful inventions." Said the girl.

"Ok now that's kinda unexpected." Said Darcy surprised and then regained her friendly disposition. "Even though revenge is always not the best idea, but I still would like to help you guys. I would like to make a deal with you two and it might interest you."

"Go on." Said the girl interested in what Darcy might have to say.

"My friend and I kinda came here on a super secret mission and we lost track of each other and I don't know where he is." Said Darcy not even going further into the details of why she and Loki are really there. "If you help me find my friend and help us escape, then you guys are free to go to live out the rest of your lives and welcome to call me for help at any time, though anything revenge related is off limits and we would be open for anything. So what do you guys say are you in?"

Both of the two look at Darcy, they are starting to be interested in the offer being presented. They both thought that H.Y.D.R.A would offer them the opportunity to get their revenge and start a new better life. The only good thing that they got from their entire time in H.Y.D.R.A is their abilities and powers from their time with them. But this opportunity is promising and will give them exactly what they want. But first they just need to make a few things clear...

"We accept your offer, only if you and this friend of yours stay out of our way when we go after Stark." Said the girl as she gives Darcy, their decision.

"Alright, cool, you guys got yourself a deal." Said Darcy who doesn't know if she agrees to the last part, but she knows that she will have to figure all of that out later, right now she has to deal with all of this.

"One question, how exactly are you planning to get us out?" Asked the guy. "These cells are specifically made to keep us in and we can't use our powers even if we try since they had us test them before locking us in here."

At that moment, Darcy realized that he is right, she needs to find a way to get both of them out and fast. Darcy quickly looks around to see if there is something that would get the doors open. Like a key or something that might possibly allow her to pick the lock. But so far she hasn't found anything that would give her the possible clue, the only question she has is why couldn't it be open after she disabled H.Y.D.R.A's security? She quickly managed to find a screen pad and quickly tap into it. Once she activated it, Darcy quickly played around for a bit until she finds the unlocking doors section and she sees a word box and the giant word "password" right on top. She pulls out a copy of the extensive list of passwords and codes for any doors. She turns to both of them and pulls out the list.

"Quick question, did either of you catch the password when you guys were first brought here?" Asked Darcy. "I am having trouble figuring out which one it might be and I don't want to spend the entire time guessing for it, so..."

The collective groan from both the guy and the girl gives Darcy the answer she needs. Thus giving her own frustrated sigh, she starts to type the passwords and start to guess all of the ones that are on the list. No one needs to see the future to know that this might take a while. She has no choice but to guess the password and hope that she would somehow find the right one. That alone is already that much of a drag and she knows that they are wasting so much time as it is, but deep down Darcy knows that she would have to be patient. Since all of this will be worth it in the end and she will have two super-powered humans on their side, even if they both have a grudge on Iron man that they need to let go because as far as she knows, Darcy doesn't think that he knew at the time. Still she is going to give them a chance and one that she doesn't think that H.Y.D.R.A would even bother to give them.

As she continues to guess possible passwords and try to see if she can somehow find the right one. Though there is one thing for sure, this is becoming more and more challenging by the minute. Darcy is only hoping that Loki is having better luck wherever he is and it looks like their trip is about to get longer, a lot longer...

Meanwhile near by the control room

Loki is quickly heading his way towards the control room, happy to have the scepter at hand and yet ready to return back to Darcy's apartment and never have to hold the scepter any longer than he has to. He remembers all of the times he had to hold it or the moments that he was in the same room as Thanos and how desperate he wanted to escape and would have given anything to find an escape, but only keep saying to himself that it would be worth in the end, he will rise above and get everything he has ever wanted for himself. But everything Thanos promised and what he told himself were nothing more than lies...

Loki didn't rise above, he hit rock bottom harder than an anchor and Thanos wouldn't care what happens to him and now wants him dead even more so than before. Now Loki has to get the Infinity Stones before Thanos can grab a hold of them and then he would also have to separate them before Thanos finds out. Before Thanos knows that Loki has the very thing, he wants and would hunt him down for it. At least they are making progress and he would have four Infinity Stones in his hands and then he would finish this quest and leave this planet forever. Now all he has to do is find Darcy and then they can escape.

He makes it to the control room and to much of his surprise, Loki finds it empty and there is no one inside or anywhere in sight. He doesn't see Darcy in there or anything that would indicate that there is a fight or if H.Y.D.R.A captured someone. Loki quickly starts to look inside the room to see if maybe Darcy is hiding somewhere and then he can just relax, see that he is being overly paranoid and was concerned over nothing. That she would be trying to turn it into a laugh and he would be so annoyed with it and would be constantly pointing out that it is no where near funny. But he doesn't see her or any evidence of a struggle, so it can't be H.Y.D.R.A, then it must mean that Darcy left the control room and is somewhere out there in the base.

Now this is the last thing he wants to deal with or knows that he can even handle at the moment. Darcy is somewhere in the base and might possibly be in danger and he doesn't even know what might be happening. Well he has the scepter and should just leave, but then again Darcy is still somewhere in the base and might possibly need his help. Loki knows that he should prioritize in taking the scepter to safety and find the remaining two stones. Still it's Darcy being in danger and having no idea what might be happening to her, it's not as though he would care or even should, but...

Darcy is one of the few people that has ever stop to see him for who he truly is and accepted him, even though she didn't have to, especially after everything he has done to this planet and should hate him for it. But instead she showed him kindness, allow him to stay with open arms and is now even helping him on this quest, even though it is mostly her insistence to follow through her superhero fantasies and yet she believes that he can do all of this. He has never met anyone that would be so kindhearted and encouraging to the point that she can move past history and be willing to become friends with someone like him. Loki even starting to have the wired belief that if it was the other way around then she would be recklessly trying to find and save him and here he is thinking about deserting her...

At that moment, Loki knows what he needs to do...

An hour later, back in front of the prison cell doors

Darcy is still trying to figure out what might be the right password and so far, she is happy to say that she has narrowed it down to only three. It has to be one of the remaining ones on the list and that alone is giving her hope that she might be getting close to the right one. She continues to starts to type down the password, hoping that this might bee it, the big moment where she can safely say that she unlocked the doors and they would be free to leave. But she quickly face disappointment when that one fails and looks at the final one, knowing if this one is wrong then they are trapped and she would have to find another way to get them out. So Darcy just gives a sigh, as she slowly start typing the password, hoping that it works and she won't have to guess random things until she is eventually right or worse be caught by H.Y.D.R.A.

She is about to finish typing the word, until she stops to see the almost completed word and how she is about to face the possibility that it could either end in the way she is hoping for or a the worst way imaginable. So she gives a sigh and continues to finish typing down the word that she is about to try and press enter. She waits for a couple of seconds, nervously waiting to see if it works. That is until... A green light flashes and the cell doors immediately unlocks themselves, allowing both the guy and girl to walk out.

"I did it! I can't believe I did it!" Exclaimed Darcy happily.

"Yeah, but can we try to not let everyone in this entire compound hear you?" Asked The girl pointing out the most obvious fact.

"Yeah, we're still in H.Y.D.R.A territory, sorry." Said Darcy rather awkwardly before becoming a little determined. "Come on, we don't have a moment to lose. We have to hurry if we want to find him before H.Y.D.R.A finds us. Please tell me that you two know how to fight?"

"I can move things with my mind and my brother can run faster than the speed of light." Said the girl. "I think we can take care of these guards really well before they try to put us back in those cages."

With that Darcy gives a nod and the three of them start to head on their way through the halls. Looking for Loki or rather Darcy's friend, trying to see if they can spot him and then they can make their escape before someone spots them. Darcy got the two of them to use their powers, if they have to face any one of the guards that are up ahead. She usually tells the guy to run up ahead and see if he can spot anything and if it is possible to see if he can take them down and if not, she gets the girl to use her telekinetic powers to deal with them. It always works in someway or at least to the point where they can get past the guards without having to deal with any problems or anything getting in their way. They are making good progress, but Darcy wishes that there is a way for them to speed things up and if they can somehow find a way to get to Loki a little faster than the pace they are going.

"Ok we have to search this entire joint for my friend and that is a whole lot easier said than done." Said Darcy.

"Especially since you did not say what your friend look like." Said the guy. "What does your friend look like?"

"He's a guy in a green suit with a mask and a cape and you guys will know him once you see him." Said Darcy as she got some confused looks from both of them. "So yeah he is really recognizable if you see what he's wearing."

"So we are looking for a guy in a green suit, is he supposed to be dressed up as one of those comic book heroes?" Asked the girl wanting nothing more but to get the facts straight.

"Yeah, but he is a superhero or rather a solo hero outside of the Avengers, it's complicated." Said Darcy as she got more confused stares. "But anyway, a good idea would be to split up, so we can cover more ground and see if we can find him faster. The only problem is that we don't have a way to communicate to each other and we won't even know the difference except it would be harder to find each other."

"I can always try running super fast around and stop when I find him and race back with him by my side."

"That might not be the best idea." Said Darcy as she imagines an annoyed Loki being dragged around by the speedster and the argument he would be ready to have once they stopped.

"Well it would get the job done sooner, that is for sure." Said The guy.

"But it won't exactly allow us to make a good first impression and besides you always leap before you look, you might accidentally bring us someone of H.Y.D.R.A to us." Said the girl.

"Look, I think the best thing for all of us to do is to continue looking and maybe we will see a sign of him or-" starts Darcy.

Before Darcy can have a chance to finish or even continue coming up with a plan at the very moment. All of a sudden, with a hint of magic Loki appears right out of nowhere and right in front of Darcy. Holding his daggers tightly, ready to fight off the people that is now with Darcy and ones that he doesn't know if they should trust. He doesn't know what is going on or if anything happened before he found them, but he is determined to find out and to get Darcy, himself and the scepter out. Loki is ready to find out answers and he is going to get them.

"Darcy, are you ok? What were you even thinking of leaving that room and putting yourself in the open?" Said Loki looking right behind him to face Darcy and keeping a glare at the two. "What are you thinking of strolling around the place with these two strangers? Who are these two people with you?"

"I am assuming that this must be your friend?" Said the girl as she allows her hands to glow in a fiery, ready to fight if nessicarry.

Darcy can't help but smile, she never thought that she would be happy to see Loki. Even if he is wearing his Mysto costume, she is happy he's here and not trapped inside a cell or a lab being tested by H.Y.D.R.A. Now her friend is here and he's alright and even got the scepter with him. Though that is the least of her worries at the moment, since right now the only thing that makes her happy is seeing that her friend is fine and they are one step closer on getting out of there.

"Lo- I mean Mysto! You're alright!" said Darcy happily, but not before she decides to give him a piece of their mind. "Why weren't you answering your walkie talkie? Do you have any idea on how worried I was? I thought that H.Y.D.R.A had you captive somewhere or worse, heck I don't even know what might be worse than that. Especially since you weren't answering my calls and I had no idea what happened to you."

"Oh right, let just say that there has been a little accident regarding your device." said Loki as he pulls out the dinosaur head and various pieces of the walkie talkie out, catching Darcy.

"Wait, you broke it?" asked Darcy in complete shock and then got her defense up. "I can't believe that I leave you alone for a minute and you broke our only means of communication?"

"I was mostly focusing on sneaking around here and fighting off these soldiers, not keeping track of everything that I may have and it broke during battle, before I had a chance to contact you. I was focusing on the fact that I have to get what we came here for and not alerting everyone of our presence." said Loki. "If there is anyone that should be angry then it ought to be me, you left the room even after we agreed on a plan. Do you have any idea on the shock I had when I enter the control room and I didn't know what happened to you whether you were trapped somewhere in this facility or worse dead?"

"Hey, I didn't know what you are doing and thought that you might have been in trouble. Do you honestly expect me to just stay put and just wait until you somehow get there?"said Darcy. "I am not going to stay there when I know I can do something to help."

"That does not mean that you ought to put yourself in danger to try to possibly help me." said Loki, his focus returns to the two right in front of him. "You still haven't answered my question on who are these people and why would you even go around with random strangers?"

"I had to make a deal with them to get them to help me find you." said Darcy defensively. "They were trapped here too and I agreed to help them if they helped me find you, but I think we can trust them and they might be one of the good guys."

"Darcy, we don't know anything about them and what they might be thinking or if they may have ulterior motives or- Wait, what are you doing?" asked Loki as he spots the girl doing something with her hands and her powers.

"I just need to make sure." said the girl giving him a knowing look.

"See what I mean, we do not know what they are thinking or if they are really on our side." said Loki. "We can not simply just trust the first people we meet or let alone simply parade our way through the facility and pretend that everything is fine and there is no danger nearby."

"But isn't it better to take the risk and try to do something now, rather than have a bigger problem later?" Argued Darcy. "What do you expect me to do? Just sit there and do nothing?"

"No, I would think that you would do everything in your power to find a way out and find a way to survive." Said Loki. "Not just simply go and wander around as if this nothing more but a game."

"Maybe that's what happens when you are in a place where you kinda need to keep tabs on each other and someone doesn't answer their calls." Said Darcy. "Couldn't you, I don't know just use your you know what to somehow send a message to me rather than do things the old fashioned way? Oh wait, you are going to come up with a great excuse why you can't do it or it's not even possible to do so."

"The device being broken was not my fault or anywhere close to it." Said Loki. "I also think you are failing to see that my abilities are more complex that you always suggest that I take the easy way out and in ways that haven't been studied or have not been made possible."

"Maybe if you tell me a little bit about it or better yet just trust me then maybe we wouldn't be having this little discussion right now." Said Darcy trying to keep her cool.

"Well, when it comes to being seen as responsible, you are failing so far Darcy." Said Loki.

The next thing the four of them knew is that Loki and Darcy start to argue and is not afraid to tell each other off for whatever may come their mind or any issue that has been a recent bother to them. The two are so focused on trying to tell each other off that they are not seeing what else might be going on. Both of the twins start to notice that there are some H.Y.D.R.A soldiers that are starting to take notice and they got ready to fight them off and guarantee in their escape. But the only thing that got them a little reserved when it comes to fighting is both Loki's and Darcy's arguing and they need to break it up, especially if they want to keep their chances high to escape.

"Guys, I hate to interrupt your disagreement but we have bigger problems to worry about." Said the girl.

At that moment, both Loki and Darcy stop arguing to see the many H.Y.D.R.A soldiers that are now surrounding them. Ready to fight the four of them and place the twins in their cells and figure out what are they going to do with the other two, to figure out how they can be useful in their plans. Most of the soldiers are impressed to see how they both managed to break in without the security going off and want to see if they use them. They all hold their weapons up, ready to take all four of them into their custody and not let them find a way to escape. Both Loki and Darcy quickly exchange a look and one that they can both tell what the other is thinking and they both immediately agree on it.

"She does have a point." Said Darcy. "Maybe it would be best if we agree to disagree for now and not do this when we are about to fight a ton of communist guys."

"I agree, we can discuss this later." Said Loki rather hastily.

Loki turns to face the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers and Darcy pulls out her taser, ready to help by trying to fight a couple of them. While both the girl and the guy turn to face their former captor and ready to claim their freedom. Without a second thought Loki and the twins start to make their own attacks against the soil diets, while Darcy is trying to fight off a couple of guards and trying to see if her taser can somehow make that direct impact and maybe knock them out. But so far, she is having trouble keeping up or at least being able to match up to the speed where the others are just taking down al of the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers so easily and yet she is doing it really slow. It doesn't look as though she can get the upper hand at all, that is until every time Loki steps right in and takes the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers down. Though she does occasionally successfully find a way to tase some of them.

The fight continues on for twenty minutes, it looks like that there is nothing stopping it and the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers keep on coming. No matter how many ones they stopped, it feels as though more and more continue to come. Even with three who have powers, while Loki tries his best to not use his magic as much as he can or use an illusion to hide it from the two. Though he is surprise to see them this willing to fight by their side and that they are actually helping them, but that doesn't mean he sees them as truly on their side and is not suspicious of their intent. But he is still grateful that he has their help at the moment and tries to think of a plan on how to get them out and defeat the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers with the hope that they would realize that it is futile. But as he continues to fight, he realize that simply fighting them on his own won't work and there has to be another way to get out of this.

The H.Y.D.R.A soldiers are not ready to give up or show that they are ready to stop and that is what frustrates Loki the most and that alone is what is making him think. He sees how the two of them are making progress and even then they would still find themselves right back where they started. Loki notices how they are using their powers to work together to stop all of the attacking soldiers, not daring to leave the other behind and always looking out for one another, seeing the two of them makes Loki realize something. One that they must be siblings because the dynamic they share and it brings up memories of him fighting by Thor's side. Something he is never going to have the chance to experience ever again and he is already regretting thinking that. Other than that, an idea that might possibly work and that might be the best chance they got, especially if they want to escape and win this fight and they are going to need all of their powers to do so.

"I have an idea, but we have to work together and put our abilities to the maximum potential." said Loki determinedly. "You will gather up all of the reinforcements and make sure that they don't leave any further or try to get any help. While Darcy and I will take them down, one by one."

"Can I also try to see if I can restrain them and knock them out?" asked the girl.

"That would help, so yeah, just do everything you think that may help us, do it." said Loki and quickly turns to Darcy. "Try to use that object to make sure that they all stay knock out long enough for us to get out before anything else occurs."

"You got it." said Darcy happy that Loki is now finding it within him to trust her and giving her a job instead of telling to hide somewhere and wait for them to be done.

"Just focus on the ones I will be facing and do not try to hold back." Said Loki. "I can not believe I am saying this but we are going to have to combine our skills and work together if we are going to somehow win this fight."

"I can and that's totally cool seeing you say that." Said Darcy happily.

"Do not get use to it, since this is only a one time moment." Said Loki. "Now enough talking, let get this over with."

With that the four of them continue the fight and start on Loki's plan and with the hope that they would somehow defeat the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers and then escape the facility with the scepter and themselves out. The speedster runs around trying to get all of the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers in the same area and to defeat every single one of them and then they can get out before it's too late. With the three of them starting to take more and more of the soldiers down, with the girl's powers restraining them and Loki fighting them and winning every single battle that comes right at him and to get a higher vantage point, he often allows Darcy to use her taser to hit the soildiers and they are often knocked out cold.

The overall fight has gotten a complete turn around and one that is definitely making the four of them feel a mixture of confidence and relief. They continue to defeat more and more of the soldiers and as more fall, the remaining H.Y.D.R.A soldiers continue to face the idea that they might be out numbered and that they would not be having the upper hand anytime soon. Some of them even starts to retreat and to find a way to escape, but every time they try, it often leads to more and more failure and it continues on like that for the next few minutes. Even if it is taking them long, but there is one thing that is absolutely clear, they're winning...

The final blow occurs when the girl uses her telekinesis to finally blow all of the soldiers away from them and that only gives the remaining H.Y.D.R.A soldiers the hint that they are not going to win the battle and that they are no match for a team of three powerful individuals and their sidekick. They all retreated with the hopes not only to escape, but to get more help and try to see if they can turn the odds around. Though that only gives them all the perfect opportunity to escape, they all make it out of the base as fast as they can, with the guy slowing down to their pace to not leave his sister and their rescuers and race towards the outside world. Away from all of the dangers that H.Y.D.R.A poses and away from the world that they all barely escape.

Loki thought about where might be the best place for them to go now, though he is having trouble, simply because he doesn't know the area well enough to figure out the best place for them to go. Even if he does, then there would be a problem on how are they going to get there without being seen or possibly being followed, the more Loki thinks about it, the more he realize how dire the situation is and how he needs to think of a plan.

So far the only way, he can think of is through the portal and that idea is only posing a danger of a risk that he does not want to take or know if he can trust these two or know if his secret will be safe and they won't realize that something is wrong and that there might be more to him than meets the eye and somehow figures who he is. But there isn't that much of a choice or one that he can think of that would guarantee their escape, he knows that he can not simply leave them there because who knows what Darcy might have said or any potential hints that might be surrounding possible theories and it would come back to haunt them. Loki only hopes that H.Y.D.R.A doesn't make it their daily priority to keep the two informed of the daily news for the time they spent on them.

"I have an idea on where we can go and it might be the only way for us to leave this area safely without any of them following us." said Loki. "We have to hurry before they see us though."

"Wait, are we really going through the portal?" asked Darcy as they continue to run.

"Well, we are going towards a different one and hopefully it would be one that lead us to a town or anywhere that would provide transportation." said Loki casually before he realized what he's doing and turns annoyed. "Though I would really prefer that we keep this discussion to a minimum, especially if it's about certain topics..."

Both of the twins look at both Loki and Darcy confused by what they are talking about and what they mean by portal? Before they can even have a chance to answer, Loki quickly change the direction where they are going and starts to head towards a new way. Darcy and the siblings look at each other completely confused and then starts to follow right after him. They continue to run as fast as they can and not even looking back to see if there is any danger or if there is something following behind them or if there might be more danger right behind them, they continue to run and will keep doing so, that is until...

Loki finds the portal and goes through it as fast as he can. Catching the twins by surprise, stopping them right in their tracks as they see Loki disappear right out of nowhere and with no explanation of where they might be. They don't even know what to say or what to think about the entire situation and if they should follow. Darcy notices their nervousness and how they are not sure about whether or not they should follow them. She would be happy to tell them more about the wonders of portal travel if they weren't being chased by H.Y.D.R.A soldiers right now. That they can simply just run right in and not even worry about where they end up, that is she hopes that they have nothing to worry about on the other side.

"Did he just-" starts the girl pointing out the area Loki disappeared from as Darcy catches up to them.

"Just trust us!" Said Darcy hastily as she races forward and enters the portal right after Loki, leaving the twins in more of a shock.

Both of them gives each other a surprise glance and they thought about what just happened and how Darcy simply just ran through the portal and allow herself to disappear. They both exchange an unsure look to one another and then decide to follow right after them and hope that wherever they are going it won't be any worse than where they escape from. At that moment, they all leave the area, not even knowing what might be heading and leaving the many H.Y.D.R.A soldiers confused by their disappearance...

A few seconds later

The four of them are on the other side of the portal catching their breath and recovering from what just happened and how they all barely escaped H.Y.D.R.A. That they are now all free from all of the facility and with the hope that they weren't followed right behind. Loki and Darcy are relieved to see that they ended up in a small town and they are still on Earth. That they are still on the same planet, but the only downside is that they would have to figure out what to say or if they can even find a good explanation for all of this. But then again, how can anyone explain how it is possible for them to end up in another town after they come from the forest right out of nowhere and that alone is swimming through their mind. But that is nothing compared to what both of the twins are feeling and all of the thoughts that are now in their heads and want some answers and want it right now.

"What happened?" demanded the girl. "How did we get from the woods to here? Where is here?"

"We have no idea!" said Darcy hastily as panic hurries through her head and she is now imagining the worst case scenarios if they figure out what they really just went through and what is really going on. "There's nothing going on!

"There has to be something going on, with what just happened it is not possible." said the guy as he stares at the area they just came from.

"Look right now, none of this matters or any where close to your concern." said Loki. "Right now, we need to figure out on how to get you two... where are you both heading again?"

"Wherever we can start planning for our revenge against Tony Stark." said the girl as she catches Loki by surprise and confused.

"That or..." starts Darcy before she starts to become excited with the idea she now has. "Maybe you guys can stay with us, until you figure things out."

"Darcy, we cannot afford to-" starts Loki as he is starting to imagine what it would be like if they let the twins move in with them and the risks that would be in place, before he can protest it even further.

"No, our main goals are to find Stark and make sure that he pays for everything." said the boy, with Loki and Darcy exchanging an unsure look to one another.

"Ok then, I guess the best thing for us to do is to try to find some transportation for you two and then we can figure it out our next move." said Darcy.

"But you still haven't answered-" starts the girl.

"Looks like we should go up and ask for directions and where we may be." said Loki hastily. "With luck, we will be able to get this all straightened out before night fall and before someone starts asking questions."

With that the four of them start to make their way through the town and the first thing they found out from the giant sign, they are in Gordes, France. After some wandering around and exploring where they are, seeing the world around them and that alone is catching Darcy's interest, as for the twins, they are just ready to start with their revenge plans and want to leave to the nearest town that might have more resources than this small town may have. While Loki is hoping that they find some transportation for the twins and then they can return to their apartment and they can get to work on the stones they already and have and figure out where the other two Infinity Stones may be. The walk continues on for a while, that is until...

They found a bus station and Darcy quickly check her wallet to see if she has enough money for two bus tickets and if they have something that can take them as far for the two of them to start a new life. After finding out the pricing and paying for one that would take two to not only to a city, but one that would be right near an airport and they can a flight, though she finds herself giving them money that would be enough for a plane ticket. Once she bought the tickets, they all start to wait for the bus and with the hope that the twins would change their minds and Loki is just standing there, feeling completely annoyed and only hopes that the bus would come soon and that he will get all of the answers to his questions and hear the story about the two of them.

Especially with Darcy's instance that she wants to make sure that both of them will be ok and doesn't want to leave them. He knows that he can't just leave Darcy here, not only because she is his friend, but there is also the fact that she doesn't know her way around in these portals. She can easily get lost and then he would have to go find her, there are already to many complications that he doesn't know where to begin and he can already see Darcy being angry at him by the time he eventually finds her.

It didn't take long for the wait for the bus to arrive, people starts to form a line right towards the door. The twins take the place as Loki and Darcy watches them and are ready to say a few more words before they leave. Darcy just hopes that she can talk them out of their desire for revenge and that maybe she can get them to join their side and they will be fine with whatever other option they can give them. That or they will be open to maybe becoming superheroes themselves, they already have the powers and she just thought of the perfect names for them...

"Are you guys sure that you don't want to take my offer and room with us?" Asked Darcy hoping that they would drop their revenge plans.

"We have to, they were our parents." Said the girl. "Besides we are going to need to do this quickly, especially before it's too late. H.Y.D.R.A will come after us and they will be furious about this."

"It is probably for the best, we can't afford to stay together, we would be an easier target for them." Said the guy. "Besides I don't think your friend wants to take his mask off for us or that much of a people person."

"You guessed correctly." Said Loki as he is trying his best to keep his emotions in and hide his annoyance growing into a deep frustration.

"Well if you two ever need anything, be sure to look us up in London." Said Darcy continuing to try to be nice to the two. "We'll be happy to help you in anyway we can."

"Darcy-" said Loki as he is not ready to have any of this and is ready to protest, that is before Darcy sneakily kicked his leg to get him to stop with the hope no one would notice.

"So yeah, just the know the offer will still and always be open to you." Said Darcy.

The two of them just gives a nod to Darcy and start to enter the bus. Once they do and after the bus leaves, the two of them starts to head out of the station and is starting to leave the area. Darcy just only hopes that the two of them can see that they can move past this and they can start a new life. That they can be something bigger than themselves and maybe they will realize that someday. All they need is a little time...

"Ok, now tell me what is the story behind those two?" Asked Loki. "Why were they in the base? Why do they have a vendetta against Stark? What was that about?"

"They were trapped when I found them, I didn't know where you might be. So I made a deal with them and got them to help me find you." Said Darcy. "They want to get revenge on Iron man because before he became a cool superhero, he didn't have the best track record and might have accidentally blown up their parents..."

"Alright I see now why they would want revenge against him." Said Loki. "But still of it was an accident like you said then it might be a little extreme to blame someone for something beyond their control would it? Though to be honest I would want to take vengeance if... I had enough evidence to prove that they were directly responsible."

"Yeah, I know you would." Said Darcy as she starts to notice some changes within Loki, until- "Wait, is that the scepter? The one that you used in the invasion and turned Erik and Hawkeye into your mind controlled zombies?"

"Yes, it is and it is a power that I wish I no longer have in my grasp right now." Said Loki. "If it weren't for me using this, then most of these problems could have been avoided and this thing is nothing but trouble."

"But still it's kinda cool how you can use it to mind control, not that I am saying that's a good thing. Though it's crazy to think that mind control is real and it is capable of doing all that." Said Darcy. "So all you have to do is touch people with this thing and then you have complete control?"

Loki cringes at the question, as he starts to remember his time working for Thanos and how that deal led to his downfall. All of the pain and misery that he had to endure ever since he landed on that asteroid. Loki would give anything to forget about these painful memories and forget about the lowest moment of his life. To leave it all behind and pretend it didn't happen, even if it is becoming harder to ignore it and now whenever he thinks of it, Loki remembers the pain he felt and starting to feel bad about the entire incident. He has been feeling a sense of shame towards the entire incident and yet he doesn't know why and he is does not want to find out. But still, it wouldn't hurt in Darcy knowing some details about it the scepter and she will be asking questions later anyway.

"With one touch on their chest, anyone who wields this scepter would have complete control over their victim's minds and have control of their lives until something breaks them out of it." Said Loki. "It is extremely dangerous in the wrong hands, not only because it has an Infinity Stone. This scepter have the potential of being able cause pain in one's mind that is worse than any given nightmare and can cause some much pain and destruction that no one can predict or may ever fix, no matter how much one may tries."

"Yeah, I sorta figured that out when you wreck a whole city the last time you used that thing. Along with giving your brother and the rest of the Avengers a major headache, especially Thor and Iron man because Thor's your brother and you gave him a hard time, while you also trashed Iron man's pent house tower thingy." Said Darcy. "There's also Hawkeye, you did turn him into your faithful sidekick for a bit thanks to you using the scepter. Along with the people on charge of the city, since they would have to pay to for repairs of the damages and the doctors having to help hundreds of people who were hurt from the entire fiasco."

"Now that's comforting." Said Loki as he is imagining everything that Darcy just said and not even sure why it is bothering him more than before.

"The bright side is at least the entire incident gave reporters a big scoop and probably gave everyone involved in damage control a big pay check and for helping to clean up your mess..." Said Darcy, as she notices Loki's face going no where he doesn't look like if he is going to smile ever again. "Maybe I should stop talking right now and just say no offense."

Darcy only gives Loki a nervous giggle as she sees this bothering Loki. That this friendly reminder is no where close on being a friendly one as Loki remembers all of the things he has done in the past. The time he has spent on Earth and everything he has done to the planet is not exactly something anyone should be reminded or be rubbing it in Loki's face. Despite the fact that Darcy has been living with Loki for two weeks, she backs off in case he wants to blow off steam and she doesn't want to be caught in the crossfire. Since as she said, Loki is capable of wrecking an entire city and he completely caused trouble with the Destroyer in New Mexico. Does Darcy really want to be caught up or worse be responsible for another incident that Loki might start? She watches Loki carefully as she anxiously wait for his response.

"Why would I be offended? You just reminded me of one of my darkest moments of my life and everything I did that led me to this situation. In trying to obtain the stones before a maniac does, who also happens to want to kill me." Said Loki rather sarcastically. "Of course I would not be offended."

"So how much further to the portal?" asked Darcy immediately, hoping that the change of topic would lighten the mood.

"It is not so far from here, if my calculations are correct then it would lead us to the same city you reside in or somewhere from a short distance that we would have to simply either walk or take some form of Midguardian transportation to get us there." said Loki. "We should keep an eye on those two, I have the feeling that this will not be the last we will see of them."

"I know, especially since they are so dedicated in their revenge goals. I don't know about you, but they are going to find themselves into trouble and I don't think it will give them the closure that they are looking for." said Darcy.

"You have a fondness for anyone led astray do you not?" asked Loki. "I am just saying from how you are so eager to open up to me and how you emphasizing on those two, it is obvious that you see something in them, that many others including myself are failing to see."

"I like to believe that there are more to someone than what meets the eye or ears, that it's better to give someone a chance than assume the worst about them." said Darcy. "I mean how do you if someone is bad news if you don't get to know them? Maybe Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are not so different from you and just as lost and alone as you were when you found me."

"I was- Wait what?" start Loki defensively and quickly becomes confused.

"Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, it's what I am calling those two." said Darcy. "We did not get their names and I don't want to just call them speed boy and witch girl all the time. So I quickly came up with creative names that not only sounds really cool, but one that would really suits them. They would make awesome superhero names if they ever decide to go towards that route right?"

"Uh Right... What are you planning to do about those two?" said Loki. "They are after Stark and might cause trouble for us in the future."

"Well, I figured that I should call Jane tomorrow and ask to speak to Thor. I will come up with a story about me somehow overhearing it either from them or somewhere. Then he will tell Iron man and the other Avengers, they will keep an eye out for them." said Darcy. "If they try to cause trouble to us then we will try to reason with them and if necessary we will tell Thor and then the Avengers will find a way to deal with it."

"Are you that willing to put the trust of two people those who you value the friendship you share with them in jeopardy?" asked Loki. "Along with possibly making it harder for yourself to not only get the information shared, but there would also be the fear that they would be asking questions on what may be occurring. Not to mention, there would also be a fact that they might lose faith in you and might start thinking of you as someone who is holding a secret and I can not even imagine what might be the possibility they would be thinking and how much trouble you would find yourself in the future."

"Hey, I would be doing the right thing. Not only I would be helping to save lives, but I would also be helping others and hopefully I will be doing it in the right way." said Darcy. "I mean those two wants to get revenge and they are going to face serious consequences if they go down this path and I don't want to see them get hurt. I just hope that they come to us and they realize that this is not the answer."

"That is very compassionate of you..." said Loki a little taken aback of Darcy's kindness towards others.

"Well someone has to be and I can see that they can be capable of doing something more than just going after others for their revenge. I mean I have to be right about them, right?" said Darcy. "I mean I am helping you and so far things are turning out alright, you haven't tried to blow up anything yet."

Loki can't help but smile at the last bit, since she has a point ever since they met and agreed to do things, it has turned out surprisingly well and he has to say that he is only relieved that they haven't faced any trouble so far. But from this entire conversation, Loki is starting to feel a sense of admiration towards Darcy and seeing her kindness shine through. How she is willing to give anyone a chance even if they are the worst person imaginable and one that there might not be any hope for. From what he is seeing, maybe Darcy is wiser than how he originally perceived her to be and that she is right about everyone having the capability to change. Though he doesn't know if that can apply to all cases, since such a change does not happen over night or may even be possible. He is unsure what to say or if he wants to be the one to break the hope in Darcy's eyes or know what he should say and if he should say it. So he only gives a sigh, not even knowing if this is going to hurt Darcy and hopes that it doesn't as he figures out the words that are on his mind.

"I hope that your beliefs are justified." said Loki. "If not then otherwise, we would have another problem to worry about."

"I don't think it will be that much of a problem, I mean we literally have Thor one call away if they cause any trouble." said Darcy, as Loki gives her a nod, looking completely unsure and thinking deeply on many things, though Darcy knows how to cheer him up. "Hey, I was thinking that maybe tomorrow we can take a day off from all of this stone chasing."

"What?" said Loki in disbelief in what he is hearing.

"I figured that we both deserve a day off from all of this." said Darcy. "Come on, one day off wouldn't hurt and I bet that even the Avengers take a day off every now and again right?"

"Are you sure that it would be wise idea?" asked Loki. "We still have the threat of Thanos to worry about."

"Yeah, I'm sure and beside we practically earned it." said Darcy. "Let's have fun and enjoy ourselves before we come back stronger than we are right now."

"I suppose you do have a point and at least I would not have to go around in this ridiculous costume tomorrow." said Loki as Darcy looks annoyed.

"Aside from that, are we getting close to the portal?" Asked Darcy.

"Correction, we are already at the portal." Said Loki. "All we have to do is walk through this tree and then we'll be near your home."

"Great, let's go! The sooner we're back, the sooner our day off will start." Said Darcy as she is about to go through the portal. "I don't know about you, but I am ready to finally have some fun."

Loki slowly follows right behind her through the portal, wishing that there is more to say to Darcy and yet he knows that it might be better if he keeps the words to himself. He knows what happens when one lets their hopes consume them to the point that it ultimately blinds them from reality. Loki remembers the moment that he picks up Gungir for the first time and all of the promises that it held for him. How he believed that he would finally win love and appreciation, that he never thought he had or would get due to his heritage. But he wrong to assume that and now he has to pay the consequences and that alone is what he hopes that Darcy doesn't have to go through with her beliefs in Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver.

The moment that he landed on Thanos's planet and made that deal with him, Loki is feeling regretful towards the entire incident and that alone is not leaving him in a peaceful state of mind. Since now he has to go on a wild goose chase to get all of the Infinity Stones, Thanos is after him because of Loki's failure in leading the invasion and now Loki can't go to Thor or let anyone else know he's alive because he faked his death. If Thor ever finds out then there would be many consequences awaiting Loki and he won't be able to stop Thanos if he's back in the dungeons. Then Thanos can easily grab the Infinity Stones and will win easily. Now that he thinks of it, Loki doubts that he can ever let Thor know the truth.

For now, he is just going to focus on the plan and get the Infinity Stones before Thanos can get his hands on them, figure out how to get the Gauntlet and then separate the stones and place them somewhere unreachable. Along with continuing on the quest to find the other two stones without getting Darcy and himself killed, then figure out how to get the Gauntlet without having to face Thanos, even if there is a high chance in that happening as much as Loki wishes to avoid it. But they will find a way, they may not know what is going to happen with them now having four Infinity Stones in their hands and Thanos will pose a challenge no matter what they do. Loki knows that they will find a way to get the other two stones and Gauntlet before Thanos comes to Earth to find them, he has to...

Meanwhile in Xander

The Nova corp is fighting the Chitauri in a vigorous fight, trying to protect the vault from the creatures that are desperate to break in and to get whatever they may be looking for. While the Nova Corp are ready to fight back, to protect their home and some of the most dangerous objects in the galaxy. To keep them from falling into the wrong hands, that is if they were not distracted...

While the Nova Corp are fighting the Chitauri, little did they know that they are only dealing with a diversion. Nebula makes her way through the halls of the vault, trying to see if she can to it without being detected. So far she has taken down most of the security and destroyed every single camera that is in the entire vault. No one will know where she is, how she got in or what she is going to take. Giving her the chance to escape and allowing her the opportunity to get the object that she was sent to get prior to Gamora's betrayal.

Nebula finally makes it to the vault, seeing that there are two guards right in front of it. Making sure that nothing is going to break in and take the object that they swore to protect. Not even bothering to be discreet, Nebula beats the two guards without giving them a chance to fight back to the point of unconsciousness. Then she picks the lock and enters the vault, she sees the orb sitting on the table without any security measures. With a grin, she grabs the orb and then press on to her ear piece, waiting to hear Thanos's voice and get this call over with.

"Nebula, status report." Demanded Thanos rather cruelly.

"I got the orb, the mission was a success." Said Nebula. "My plan was a success and I am going to go get the Chitauri and we will move out before anyone figures out what-"

"No! The stone is our top priority, you will escape and leave everyone to deal with the Nova Corp." said Thanos in a tone that Nebula knows she shouldn't argue with. "Get out as fast as you can and bring me the stone, nothing else matters."

"Of course father, I will leave at once." Said Nebula trying to hide a hurricane of emotions and remains stoic.

"Then good." Said Thanos. "If you continue surprising me and keep up this work and maybe there will be a future for you in my new world."

"Yes father, I am on my way." Said Nebula as she turns off the head piece and starts to run.

Nebula's anger starts to grow and keeps on growing the faster she keeps on running. The feeling of being trapped once again is making her feel as though that there's a fiery anger that continues to grow in every step she takes. Giving anything not to be tortured and yet desperate to find a way to escape. With only the promise that things will work out in the end and she will get what she always wanted. She has to stick to the plan and then she will get it. Nebula has waited her entire life to get it and this has to work, it just has to...

Chapter Text

A week after Loki and Darcy's successful heist at the H.Y.D.R.A base and getting a hold of the scepter and moving one step closer on getting the remaining Infinity Stones. Thus making both of them are happy to see that they are making progress in their quest. That they are more than halfway done and all they need to do is find the other three and then they will find a way to get the guantlet and to get it without Thanos giving them a fight that they will both lose. Though right now, that would be easier said than done, simply because they don't know where the other three stones might be and so far the best they have been doing is simply going around on various planets with the hopes that they would find a lead. But so far, there has been nothing...

Darcy has been looking up on anything that might be an Infinity Stone or something so heavily guarded on Earth that might possibly be a Infinity Stone. Though it often leads to even more dead ends or Loki simply dismissing it, especially once he sees the structure of the object and sees if it can possibly hold the power of an Infinity Stone within it. But the two of them continue to keep on looking and to try to see if they can find something, anything. During that time, they have been working together to try to find something and even then the two of them continue to enjoy each other's company as they work through finding the Infinity Stones and their locations.

They also haven't heard anything about or from Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, they don't know where they are or what they might be planning. That alone is what is making both Loki and Darcy stay on their guard, to be ready for anything they may throw at them. Loki knows first hand on how the desire of revenge can consume someone's mind and make them do things that they might regret, how it starts as a simple desire with one goal in mind and then over time, it consumes one and it continues to make one not think straight until it reaches to the point of no return. He may not know either one of them well, but he knows that Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver will not stop at anything until they get the vengeance that they are so desperate in gaining and that alone is what makes them more dangerous.

At least the Avengers now knows about them, since once they got back, Darcy makes a quick phone call to Jane and she was able to pass that message along to them. Though he knows that his brother did have some questions on how she found out and remembers her spending hours on her phone until she found them and that alone was already a challenge as they try to figure out how to avoid all of the questions that are being ask and try their best to get out of it. Even though Darcy got a concerned response and some concern phone calls from Jane, they were able to successfully keep Loki's secret safe.

Though both of them starting to feel a sense of guilt over this secret keeping and from the sound of Thor's voice, he still sounds as though he is upset about what happened in the Dark World and hasn't gotten over Loki's supposed 'death.' Since now Thor is living a lie and one that Loki feels as though he can not tell them the truth. Especially now, since Loki is worried that if he tells Thor and if Thanos finds out that Thor knows, then he might use Thor against Loki to get back at him or for information or get the stones. Plus Loki is just worried of what would happen if Thor ever does find out the truth and how he would react to all of this, not only the moment would be tense, but he doubts the situation would end well. For starters, both Earth and Asgard would know about his presence, but then he would be back in a cell, trapped in a cage for the rest of his life. He can't go back, not after he just be free and as much as Loki feels uncomfortable about having to live in a world where Thor may never know the truth, he knows that it has to be this way.

Right now, Darcy is on the phone for the fourth time this week and now talking to Jane, after having to call in sick again. She has been mostly doing it to help Loki in their research and keep needing to find a good believable excuse that would convince her friend that she needs this time off. But still after taking one too many sick days and if your boss happens to be your friend, then it only leads to some questions...

"Yeah Jane, I'm fine." Said Darcy standing in the living room, as Loki continues to do his research watching the scene. "I just have a cold that's all and it's been really bugging me."

"Darcy, this is the fourth cold you said you had in less than two weeks." Said Jane. "Are you sure you're doing alright?"

"What? Yeah of course I just had bad luck that's all." Said Darcy as she faked a cough. "Tell me, what's the game plan here? The big news that you said that you wanted to tell me and one that might lead to some changes."

"Yeah, as you know Thor left to help the Avengers to take down H.Y.D.R.A and he has been held up with a situation that has been going on for the past few days." Said Jane. "So I was thinking to make things easier for him and for all of us to stay close is for us to move to New York."

"Wait, are you saying that we are moving back to the U.S.A?" Said Darcy nervously and then looks right at Loki. "To New York?"

"Yes, that is if it is alright with you and plus it won't just be for Thor. There is important research we need to do over there, so we have to go there to study it." Said Jane. "Would you be alright with that?"

"Uh... it's no problem, I just have to deal with a few things and then I can move over there after I find a apartment..." said Darcy as she becomes nervous of the idea of being in New York and having to hide Loki in the last place on Earth he should ever be.

"Great, I will give you more details on the information I gathered and keep you posted." Said Jane.

"Cool, I guess I will talk to you later." Said Darcy, as she adds find a new apartment to the to do list.

"Well I hope that you feel better, though if you are going to keep getting sick like this maybe you should go to a doctor." Said Jane not even hiding her concern for her friend.

"Hey, I can handle whatever life throws at me. I don't think I need a doctor." Said Darcy. "Bye."

"Well if you're sure..." starts Jane and before she can continue, Darcy just hangs up and is happy that's over.

"You are aware that you can not continue pretending to be ill forever." Said Loki as he writes down his latest findings. "One of these days, she might come over to check on you or might start to see that you have been pretending this entire time."

"Hey, it's not like I can tell her that I am helping you hunt down the Infinity Stones before we have to fight off a big bad guy who wants to destroy everything with a magic glove." Said Darcy. "So pretending to be sick is the best option at the moment."

"Well until Jane starts to get really concern and send one of those healers in the speeding loud vehicles to come over here and catch us in the act." Pointed out Loki.

"Alright, you got me there, I am going to need to come up with a better excuse before I run out of sick days or just go back to work." Said Darcy. "Maybe I can be the spy that would go around finding out the info and the secrets that are impossible to find."

"If you can keep a secret for longer than five minutes then maybe someone would apoint you for the job." said Loki. "Simply go on your daily life and we can focus on gathering the remaining stones during your time off."

"Right, since we also have to get Mysto out in the world and get you to make a name of your hero identity." said Darcy. "So we are going to need to find something for you to do and get people to trust you or rather Mysto, we need to start training you to act like a hero."

"There is no way I am going to go around with a ridiculous catchphrase and smile at every single person I meet." said Loki rolling his eyes at the thought.

"First of all, how are people going to see you smiling if you are wearing a mask?" said Darcy. "Secondly, you don't have to do all of that, none of the Avengers have catchphrases. But we need to make you a little more approachable, especially if we want the public on our side if things go further than how we are keeping this contained and to get everyone not only see you as a hero, but trust you as well."

"Have you forgotten who I am? I am the last person that anyone should trust, even with the mask on my face." said Loki. "I do not even know why we are even having this discussion, our top priority should be going off to find these stones with the hope that we will be able to defeat Thanos instantiously, making friends with the public even if it would be nice of receiving credit for my heroic deeds."

"I don't think that it works that way and besides we are going to need to build the Mysto image if worst case scenario happens." Said Darcy. "Though I don't know if we should start before or after we move to New York. Are you cool with that?"

"I will try to be, but you do recall the history I have with city don't you?" Said Loki.

"Yeah, which is why I am asking if you are ok with us having to possibly move there." Said Darcy. "Especially after everything that happened and you needing to act more like a superhero while wearing the Mysto costume and going out saving people."

"As long as it doesn't interfere with gathering the remaining stones and the Gauntlet, then I am open for it." Said Loki.

"Speaking of the Infinity Stones, don't you find it wired that we still haven't found a sign or a hint where the next one might be?" Said Darcy. "I mean, sure no one is going to go around bragging that they have a jewel that has intense power and all that stuff. But I would think that we would have found something by now, especially before it somehow leads to some kind of trouble like it always does."

"Well, since most of these stones have been separated for centuries, it is not that much of a surprise that we have not had that many leads." Said Loki. "It is not as though we are going to expect Thanos to give us a daily report on his status."

"Yeah, but here's a question. Do you think that he might have gotten some or at least one of these stones?" Asked Darcy.

"At this point, it wouldn't surprise me if he does have at least one of the stones. With all of the resources he has and probably knows where the next few are." Said Loki. "If only we can find out for sure and we can find a way."

"Maybe if we-" starts Darcy.

"Please do not suggest to infiltrate Thanos's lair, not only it would be a reckless idea and we might not be able to make it out of the situation." Said Loki. "Besides we are not ready to face Thanos yet, so I do not believe that it would end well."

"But we still have to try right? All I need is to learn how to fight and then we will be all set." said Darcy.

"You? Fighting hand to hand combat against the Chitauri?" said Loki trying hard to imagine Darcy fighting off the Chitauri singlehandedly, but is failing to see it. "I apologize ahead of time if I offend you, but I can hardly see you the type who would go out to try to fight off the Chitauri with your fists."

"Hey, I think I can put up a good fight if I try and if I master some moves then we can pull this off." said Darcy. "If we head out and find wherever Thanos might be hiding and we sneak in and grab the stones and the guantlet and then after we sneak out, without anyone finding out. If we can get in Asgard that easily, then we can do it anywhere."

"Darcy, that will not be anywhere similarly close to Asgard and that idea is nothing more than a reckless attempt to try to get the job done." said Loki. "Unlike Asgard, there will be guards and they are loyal to Thanos. They will do everything in their power to make sure that the stones and the guantlet would be protected at all times, they would make sure that we are both dead before we even make it out of the planet."

"But still with your ability to create illusions in a blink of an eye, it wouldn't surprise me they won't know that we're there." said Darcy.

"Even through illusions, we can't predict if they will find out and if we can avoid the danger that lair possesses." said Loki. "If we were to do this then we will need a team and a plan that would work, but as of right now, we do not have either of those at the moment."

"So should we call we call the Avengers or something?" asked Darcy.

"Are we really going to have this conversation again?" asked Loki wondering when she will give up on this idea.

"Yeah, I mean I'm sure they would be willing to help us defeat Thanos or at least help us get the stone and protect it from Thanos." said Darcy. "If you just give them a chance then maybe you would be surprise and you guys can put all of that under the rug."

"When I agreed to become Mysto and look for the Infinity Stones, I did not agree to work with the Avengers." said Loki. "Do you have any idea on how much risk we would be putting ourselves in and the chances of my identity being exposed?"

"Yeah, but we are going to make sure that doesn't happen." said Darcy. "All we need to do is just play it cool and you keep the mask on and we will be fine. We can pull this off and all we need is to believe that we can and then it will be enough, we can do this."

"Darcy, we can't walk around feeling over confident and hope that it would turn out alright." said Loki. "At this rate, I am surprise that you did not suggest that I reveal my survival and my new identity to the public by now."

"There is no way I would ever suggest you do that, especially if it would get you in trouble and not to mention it would get us both in a jail cell." said Darcy. "Besides we're friends and we have each other's back and we are the only ones that know what's going on and the only ones that can stop him."

"Unfortunately." said Loki as he thinks about how they still have to face Thanos and what trouble they would face.

"It's not like we have that much of a choice anyway, it's either us or we face six angry superheroes which also includes your brother." said Darcy.

"Do you have to remind me on that? Do I need to be reminded that my brother will never look at me the same way again or feel the same way?" said Loki getting annoyed at Darcy. "Why would I want a reminder of the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life? I do not need a constant reminder of my past offenses to- We really should focus on finding the remaining stones and protect the ones we do have before Thanos finds out and tries to make an attack on this planet. He is not going to hold back once he comes and that is the real danger."

At that moment, Darcy starts to see something that Loki is trying hard to hide and a side that she doesn't think that she has ever seen from Loki and that maybe she is seeing possibly his true feelings of what happened. That is she thinks, Darcy has never heard Loki talk about what happened back in New York, well aside from any information about Thanos and if it's relevant. But never anything that would show how he would feel or if he has any regret on the entire situation or everything that happened before the entire incident and that alone is making her see that there is something else going on, that maybe there is more to him than she may think. But there is one thing on her mind that she has to ask to make sure that she's right.

"You miss him don't you?" asked Darcy catching Loki by surprise.

"What makes you say that?" asked Loki still off guard and trying hard to be defensive, yet failing all the same.

"It's just that you were just talking about how you didn't want a reminder of the past be with you all the time, plus you seem to be regretting it and worried of Thor finding out and hating you, so..." starts Darcy.

"I am only trying to stop him before it's too late and to fix what I have done, everything I have done let to my mother's death and by doing this then it would make up for it. She would have wanted me to do this and it would make things better." said Loki. "Besides it is already too late for me to make amends with both my mother and Thor, so I might as well try to do this and hope that it would bee enough."

"You know maybe it's not too late for you and Thor to talk and move past all that, I mean Thor misses you and he would be happy to see that you're alright." said Darcy. "I'm sure he would be more than happy to help and most importantly he wants you back. Maybe if you guys-"

"We can't Darcy, we just can't. It is too late for us to mend our bond and reconcile, I would not be surprise if Thor wouldn't even want anything to do with me and even if he does then it is too dangerous." said Loki. "Thanos would try to use him against me and Thor will not back down, I can not risk that. As much as it pains me to do this, but I have to keep this a secret to protect Thor from him."

"Are you really trying hard to keep this a secret to protect Thor or yourself?" asked Darcy as she sees Loki become uncomfortable with the question. "I think Thor would forgive you in a heartbeat if you tell him, plus I don't know about you but I really don't like keeping this a secret, he deserves to know the truth."

"It is better this way, we can not afford in anyone else finding out what is happening. Even then my actions are unforgivable and I doubt Thor can ever forgive me for the pain I caused him, not that it would matter anyway." said Loki. "I know it is hard to keep me and all of this a secret, but this is the only way to make sure that we can get these stones without having to worry about the potential consequences."

"Yeah, but still there is other ways for us to go around this, ways I think that can work." said Darcy. "If you just be open to wonder the possibilities and dare to try them."

"I doubt that those possibilities are possible, what I did was unforgivable and I would rather have Thor think I am dead, than make things worse between us." said Loki. "It would be better if we just focus on the stones and Thanos, I doubt that Thor and I can ever repair our bond and it would be better if he doesn't know, no matter how much it hurts..."

Darcy notices that Loki starts to become more filled with guilt and one that she knows that Loki might be starting to feel some regret, though she doesn't think that she is going to get far in getting him to admit it. But at that moment Darcy knows that she is going to do everything she can to help him and see this through to the end and they will get the stones and stop Thanos. Darcy knows that she will make a hero out of Loki and help him save the universe from Thanos, even if they have different perspectives and ways to go about it. She is going to show Loki that it is not hopeless and will be there by his side, sure this is probably the last thing they both thought that they would be doing and that they would still have to face the challenges that are up against them and it may seem impossible, but they are going to try, especially before Thanos beats them and anillates the universe.

Though for now, she is going to try to lighten the mood and try to see if she can try to see if she can cheer Loki up. Maybe if she just change the subject and stop bringing up the entire New York incident for the good of Loki's mental health. Besides it would be best if they move past that or else Loki might be so annoyed that he doesn't want to be Mysto anymore and she wouldn't blame him though. Maybe they should try to move from it and they should get to know each other now rather than who ever they were in the past and they can build a stronger friendship through it. She just hopes that Loki would be open to it, that he sees that Darcy wants to be his friend and Loki doesn't have to feel as though he is alone and that he can see that he deserves a second chance if he really wants it. Hopefully he will start to see that as they enjoy some company with one another and they have a break from their search for the Infinity Stones.

"Hey, why don't we watch some tv to get our mind of things and wait for something to happen?" said Darcy. "We can just lazy around and just relax for bit."

"Are you sure that it would be wise to let our guard down and have us leisure around your home when you have more pressing issues to attend to?" asked Loki not believing at Darcy's attitude at the moment.

"Yeah, we both could use a break and we might as well try to enjoy these moments while we can." said Darcy. "Besides watching tv beats going down memory lane and worrying about the next alien invasions. Let's watch a movie or maybe we will find something so good that we have to sit down and watch it."

"I still don't like the idea of us dropping everything and stare at a screen for the remainder of the day." said Loki. "Especially knowing that there is a more pressing problem we have to deal with. I fail to see the purpose of this activity and why would we voluntarily do something that clearly have no other motive but to sit and do nothing."

"Well, I fail to see how you don't want a break and don't see that watching tv is one of the awesomest things anyone can do to relax." said Darcy. "Trust me, you'll thank me later when you start having fun."

With that Darcy picks up the remote and turns on the tv, ready to see what's on and all of the things that would be exciting and be great to see as Loki rolls his eyes at the scene right in front of him. As he tries to figure out if there might be a purpose to this activity after all and every single time, he often finds himself falling flat and still have that sense of unsurity as he continues to stare at the screen. Darcy starts to change the channels and see what might be on, with the hope that she can find a good movie they can watch together.

The two of them are starting to feel a sense of relaxation as they spend some time together, Loki is even starting to feel as though as maybe Darcy might be right and they might need a break, that this is his chance to get one. That he doesn't have to worry about Thanos or the Infinity stones, he can simply rest and enjoy not having a care in the world, though he would think it would be more productive if he simply reads and maybe learn more about this planet. But this is the next best thing and he will be happy to take a break, that is until...

Darcy reaches the news and the breaking news builtin catches their eyes and that alone is making Loki feel annoyed as he realize that he is not going to be taking a break just yet. They see a park and it look as though if a tornado hit it and they see some blasts as the reporter is trying his best to dodge all of the blasts of whatever is creating the attack. The two of them watches the breaking news bulletin, wondering what might be happening or if there is something going on and if they are going to have to put a stop to it. But from the look of things, it doesn't take a deep thinker to realize that someone is going to have to step in and stop it, but first before they can go out to do anything, they are going to need to find out what's happening and what they're up against.

"There seems to be a strange situation happening in Richmond park, what once a beautiful day, suddenly turn into a day of destruction." said the reporter. "This is still a developing story and we are still receiving more information as we have been receiving footage of the attack."

The tv turns to a blurry footage of some thing creating blasts right at the park and people running away from the danger, while the screen starts to fizzle out as it doesn't look like whatever is going on is not going to be stopping anytime soon. The tv continues to show all of the footage that continue to show the attack and how it constantly show the attacker making these blasts and the people trying to escape from the danger. Loki sighs at the sight of the tv and how deep down he knows that he is going to have to do something. Not only because the Avengers is not going to do anything surprisingly, but for some reason he is feeling an urge and one that he has never felt before and it is making him feel as though he needs to do it and nothing is going to shake the feeling. Darcy turns to Loki and is about to say something, that is until Loki has a couple of things to say to her.

"You were going to propose that I put on the Mysto costume and risk my life to save those people from whatever that is terrorizing them right now as we speak?" said Loki completely annoyed.

"Yeah, you guessed it, so are you going or not?" said Darcy excitedly.

"Unfortunately." said Loki as he uses his magic to change into the Mysto costume and is about to leave the apartment, right before he glances at Darcy. "What are you smiling at?"

"It's about time you start to embrace your new superhero life!" said Darcy happily as she goes to a cupboard and grab a bag and place it in the microwave. "Don't worry I"ll be sure to leave some popcorn for you and maybe we can watch a movie when you get back."

"I am not embracing the foolish ideas of super heroism." called back Loki as he makes his exit. "I am only agreeing to this in order to avoid another pointless argument. I will see you once I return and hopefully still be in one piece."

"Good luck!" said Darcy excitedly.

With that Loki left the apartment and on his way to the park, to stop whatever may go on and the threat that he would have to face. Though she's sure that Loki can handle whatever he is up against, simply because he is tougher than he looks and he can easily beat anything in a fight. All of it will be done soon and she figures while she waits for Loki to return and to hear everything that happened back there, she might as well watch some tv and watch a movie. She might as well enjoy some downtime and wait to see what happens next.

Forty Minutes later, in the park

After having some trouble finding his way to the park, Loki races to and arrives at the park, only to stop when he arrives and sees what he is up against and stands there with a mix of shock, disbelief and not even sure how he should feel at the sight. He sees that the park is being destroyed by grey robots that are flying around and blasting at everything in sight and making sure that they can hit with their blasts. Loki stares at the sight right before him, not even knowing what to think of the situation and feeling a bit disturbed by what is happening right in front of him and all of the destruction that has already occurred. Sure Loki tried to take over a planet and he might have led the Chitauri to help him destroy a city, but he would have never thought that an army of advance technology would have been capable of creating this much destruction.

After recovering from his surprise, Loki quickly starts to fight off the robots and with the hope that they will be easy to defeat and that none of these robots are connected to Thanos in any way. Though the idea that Thanos would be having a secret robot army is odd, but at this point, Loki really wouldn't be surprise if it was the case and if the titan has literally built a robot army to not only capture him, but to gather the Infinity Stones. Loki fights off the robot right in front of him and not even bothering to hold back in case the worst is right underneath the metal and to destroy whatever function that might be tracking his every move or get anywhere close to where it would end up causing trouble for him. The harder he hits the robot, the weaker it becomes and it is almost as though that it is failing to put up a fight and Loki doesn't waste a minute to take advantage of it. He continues to hit the droid until it eventually breaks and Loki hurries to see if there is a clue or a marking that would give him an answer. But from what he seeing, there is no indication that these robots came from Thanos and now that he is seeing it, the robot looks as though it is made from Earth and the metals indicated anything otherwise.

Now that Loki thinks about it, Thanos is definitely not the type who would play around with pieces of technology. The technology he would use is his ship and whatever spare parts he places on Nebula. Every single time, he deems her as a failure, Thanos would chop off a part and then replace her body with a piece of metal. Always believing that she was a failure and whenever she loses a battle with her adopted sister Gamora. Even before all this, that is one thing Loki has always hated about Thanos and he couldn't stand the moments where he sees Nebula get tortured and seeing Gamora being uncomfortable and manipulated. Wherever they are, he only hopes that he doesn't have to fight either one of them because their father's actions were not their fault and he does not want to cause them any more pain.

Either way, no matter where the robots came from, Loki knows that he is going to have to fight them off and start doing so without even holding back. Trying to defeat as many as he can as many robots continue to make their attack and Loki is finding himself fighting all of them off. Destroying every one that stands in his way and with the determination of finishing this. With the questions on where these robots came from and why are they doing this and do they have a leader telling them to do floating around Loki's mind. He fights all of the robots an only using his magic to push them away and only if it is getting so much. No matter what the attack may be, Loki is always a few steps ahead of them and tries his best to fight back.

Though every single time, the robots try to fight back, Loki only fights harder with hopes of defeating them all. The fight as a whole is incredibly one sided as more robots continue to fly in and Loki keeps taking each and every one of them down. It looks as though the fight will never end and Loki only just hopes that there won't be any more robots and that there will be a chance that all of this will be over soon. So that way he can get this task over with and focus on getting back on trying to locate the rest of the Infinity Stones. To make up for lost time and to somehow make progress on getting the Infinity Stones out of their objects. It looks like it is going to be an easy win for Loki and a victory that will lead to him leaving not only the area, but maybe grateful Midguardians and get a good first impression in tact, one that would please Darcy. Though Loki feels that it might take an hour or two to finish and win this fight, that is until...

Suddenly a huge lightning bolt comes out of nowhere, hitting most of the robots. The next thing Loki sees is someone is fighting these robots and the person doesn't seem to be trying to attack him, so Loki keeps on fighting. The two of them continue to fight more and more of the robots, then out of nowhere more begin to aim towards the ground with the hope that they would stop the two of them before they possibly meet their defeat and to have a chance to fight back. That maybe they will have a chance to win, if they all put their efforts into the battle then they might be able to turn this around. Loki and the mysterious stranger stares at the robots, ready to fight them off and with the confidence that they would win.

So without a second thought, the two of them are doing everything in their power to defeat every single one of the robots and so far it is working. They are working together even if they don't even know who each other is, Loki hasn't taken a good look at whomever is now helping him, but for now his top priority is simply to stop these robots and he would deal with speaking with this mysterious stranger later. Right now he is focusing more on taking down all of the robots and winning this battle, though he is relieve that they are defeating all of them, the robots continue to fall and the numbers are diminishing more and more by the second. The stranger quickly throws something that seems to be knocking some of the remaining robots out and it goes around them in a circle before he catches it, adding more to Loki's questions and determination to end the fight, so that way he can get his answers. The fight continues on, that is until, the final one falls and most of the remaining ones start to malfunction as the remaining ones start to collapse on the ground.

Loki simply feels relief as the final one falls to the ground and glad that this was the end of the fight, despite having many questions going on in his mind. But right now, he is going to find out what they are and see who is as Darcy would put it, 'his faithful sidekick.' Loki simply continues to hold up his daggers, ready for any attack or trap that may be on the strangers' mind. Loki looks at the person who is just as happy as he was when it comes to defeating the robots and yet has a sense of familiarity that he is trying to shake off. Despite that Loki keeps his guard up and is ready to fight against whatever he is might have to face, while keeping a fighting stance, Loki faces at the person ready to find out some answers.

"Who are you?" demanded Loki aggressively. "Why did you help me?"

"I was on my way back and saw you fighting these monsters and figured that you might have needed help." said the person. "I have made a vow to protect this planet and you are no exception, but I should really be asking why were you here fighting this treacherous machinery alone in the first place?"

With that he turns to face Loki, who is grateful for once wearing a mask as he stares at who he is now talking to. The very last person that Loki ever thought that he would have a chance to talk to again or even know what to say. There are many thoughts that is now going through Loki's head and he is not even sure how he feels about any of this, yet a sense of regret is already clouding his mind as he tries to fight the happiness that he is now feeling and the urge to take off the mask. Knowing deep down that he has to keep this secret no matter what, no matter how much he would give anything for things to end out alright and it would be fine, but he doesn't know if it's possible...

"Thor?!" said Loki once he is facing the blond-haired man, not even bothering to hide his surprise.

Now wondering how he is going to get out of this one? Wanting nothing more to tell Thor that he is sorry for everything and tell him every word that he has left unspoken. Words that Thor might never hear simply because his brother now believes that he's dead and a risk that Loki does not want to take because of the fact that Thor would be put in danger. The fate of the universe is at stake and Loki knows that he has to keep up the act and fight off whatever desire that he is now feeling to make sure that he doesn't reveal himself and drag Thor into danger. As much as it pains Loki to do this, he has to do what is best for both of them, by creating an illusion...

Chapter Text

Loki stares at Thor for a brief moment, as he sees his brother again, having the chance to speak with him again and yet knowing deep down that he can't reach out. Wanting nothing more but to use his magic to fade away from plain sight, but that would only give Thor some kind of hint and the last thing that he wants is to give Thor the clues that he needs to figure out the truth. That is something he can not allow to happen and a fate that he is going to have to make sure that he somehow get out of this before he finds himself having to answer hundreds of questions and ones that Thor might not just let go the first moment he dismisses him and refuse to answer any of them. Then that will definitely be the end of it...

He doesn't even know how he has gotten himself into this mess, but he knows that he has to get out of it. Loki thought hard and tries to see if he can find someway on getting out of this without so many questions getting in the way and with the hope that he can escape easily. That is until he stops and thought of something, an idea that is so perfect that he can easily pull it off without even having to do much talking. Without even having to use his magic to try to get out of this situation. Loki doesn't know if it will be enough or if it would work. But Loki knows that he has to try to and it is the only way to get out of this and keep Thor safe.

So he slowly start to approach Thor, nervous on how things are going to go and if he is ready to do this. Since this is the first time that he is facing his brother after everything that has happened. But Loki quickly becomes determined as he becomes more confident in his ability to pull this off and to leave as soon as he can before it's leads to an awkward moment that he wishes that he can easily avoid and would have been more than happy to simply disappear. At the same time, he is ready to ask his own questions and to find out some answers while trying hard to dismiss Thor from any answers, he takes a breath and faces his brother, ready to speak what he has to say...

"I was simply walking and making sure that everything is alright in the area, as I commonly do. Then I see that these people were in trouble because of this strange technology that is invading the area." said Loki. "So I decided to help these people before it gets further out of hand, I mean if I don't then who will? I should be asking you why didn't you come prior to my arrival? Why did you help me? Aside from that vow, you must have another reason why would you help a total stranger. I thought that you would be with the Avengers, fighting battles and dealing with the H.Y.D.R.A or anything that may be more... Avengers level related."

"I was with the Avengers, but I had to leave them temporary because of a vision I had." said Thor.

"What? A vision? What was it?" asked Loki who already knew that this is not a good thing.

"It is of the end of Asgard and... something powerful that would be too dangerous if it falls in the wrong hands and I felt that I needed to investigate." said Thor feeling an unusual sense of trust towards the new hero and yet a sense of familiarity. "I still haven't found an answer or know if I should even continue on, but the trouble Earth is now facing is also concerning as well."

"Wait you know what those things are and what's going on?" said Loki. "Can you tell me? Who created this technology? Was it someone from this planet?"

"Well, it was from one of the humans and I do not know if I am the best person to tell the story and he would not want the entire realms knows one of the gravest mistakes he has ever made in his life." said Thor. "You really do not want to know what hapend back there and as you can see it is a huge mess for us to clean up and we are still trying to do so."

"I may not know much on what is going, but I will take your word for it." said Loki glad that things are going well and that the Avengers are going to deal with the robots. "So what are you planning to do when you reunite with the Avengers? Do any of you have any plans on how to stop this strange machinery before it kills everyone on this planet? From one sight of these objects, they are more dangerous that it would be a threat to everyone."

"I am planning to return to the Avengers, I do not know if they have created a plan since I left them, but I am ready to help in anyway I can." said Thor. "But I don't know what I should do with my vision and want to find it's meaning and that alone will not leave my mind until I find my answers."

"Right now this planet needs you to help fight off these robots and these visions are nothing more than figments in your head." said Loki as he tries to give his own advice. "Your friends need your help and you can't give to them by going on a wild goose chase."

"I know, but if there is a threat than I need to be ready and all of the signs are pointing to one." Said Thor. "Especially since there was a robbery on Xander for an orb a week ago and that alone has the power to destroy planets."

"What?" Said Loki, as he realize that Thanos has gotten the Power Stone and the stakes have gotten higher.

"I know I should focus on this problem but I am worried about what I saw, a looming threat that may come and one that would create more danger than any of us can ever imagine." said Thor, as Loki gets an idea on what might be going on and sighs at the realization, but he knows what he has to do.

"Thor, even if your vision is real and if there is a danger coming, the best thing for you to do is to focus in the priority. Right now, it's to help your friends defeat these robots and you have so much to lose if you and the other Avengers fail." said Loki. "If there is a threat against Asgard, the best thing for you to do afterwards is to get ready for it and then you can put up a fight. But right now you have to go out there and help stop these things, besides most of us live in this planet and I did not just move this city to have to face an army of mindless pieces of dangerous technology every other day."

"You may have a point, that maybe all I need to do is return to help and be ready for whatever the future may bring me, thank you for your advice." said Thor as he fights back the feelings of familiarity.

"It was my pleasure." said Loki happy to have this one moment with his brother once again.

"I assuming that you have just started on your journey on being a hero?" asked Thor.

"Yes, I just started." Said Loki as he hopes that this is the end of the conversation and he can leave.

"Well you are a capable fighter and seem to be really good at the job from what I seen and if you want to help us-" starts Thor with Loki already knowing what is coming.

Though at the same time, Loki feels a sense of surprise at the mere question being asked of him. Loki has never thought that Thor would ever ask him to fight alongside him in a friendly gesture. Let alone fight alongside the friends that Thor has made on Earth and be treated in such a friendly manner. Then again being Mysto and wearing the costume right now is helping and keeping his identity a secret, Thor now believes that he is an entirely a different person and he doesn't even expect to feel as though in a way he is lying to himself. An unknown desire is sweeping up inside Loki, one that makes him want to take off the mask and reveal the truth.

But deep down Loki knows that it will never work out, that at this point it is too late for everything to work out or even trust himself to even try to make it work out. That Loki has crossed to many lines to even try to make amends and he doesn't even know if Thor would want to have him in his life again. After everything that happened and Loki needing to locate the remaining Infinity Stones and the Guantlet. He thinks that the best thing for him to do is to push himself away from Thor and do is while he still can as Mysto. If Thor ever finds out the truth or gets involved then it will lead to extreme consequences and put his brother in more danger because of the mere fact that Thanos might use him to get to Loki. Not only that, then he would also be in trouble with Thor and be back in his cell, Thanos will have the upper hand and for some reason the thought of never seeing Darcy again is bothering him more than he thought than he would.

Loki figures that it is probably because she is the first friend he ever had and one that actually chose to be his friend. He doesn't even know what to make of it or if he is ready to lose her or want to get her in trouble if he decides to reveal his identity. He can not allow his friend to get hurt and get into trouble because of his own selfish desires. He knows now that he needs to keep his identity a secret from Thor to protect both of them on all the trouble that the truth will bring and the risks that he would be putting the three of them in, no matter how much he may want Thor to know the truth...

"Thank you for the offer, but I mostly work alone." Said Loki.

"Well I figured that you seem to be good at fighting these robots and we could use some help in fighting them." Said Thor. "I just thought that maybe you could lend us a hands and help us?"

"I would like to help, but I can not. I have really horrible secrets that you wouldn't want to know." Said Loki. "If you knew them, then you would be so surprise and angry that you might never forgive me."

That response catches Thor by surprise and he becomes really curious about the masked hero right in front of him. Wondering what he might have done and why he thinks that Thor would never forgive him? At that moment he starts to feel a sense of concern for the new hero and has a sense of wanting to help and yet get to know this hero and then maybe help him. He just have to figure out how to get this hero to trust him, then maybe he will trust Thor enough to tell him what is the trouble. Thor knows that he can't help this hero if he doesn't know what is going on and maybe know who's underneath the mask. Then that will be enough for him to know and then he will know what to do to help, then they can fight whatever the trouble may be and it would enough to end the troubles, but Thor has to make the firsts steps first and allow this masked person to speak.

"So, can I safely assume that you are on the run?" asked Thor trying to get a clear picture. "Judging from how you are keeping a mask over your head and how concern you are on maintaining your identity a secret?"

Loki knows what Thor is trying to say and trying to do, to try to befriend him with the hope that he would open up. But Loki knows that he can't let his brother in and he has to keep his distance in every possible way and make sure that his brother gives up on trying to let him back in his life even as Mysto. Since not only it would be harder for him to continue to keep the secret and he would be feeling guilty at all time, it would end terribly and then he would have to put up with this awkward situation at all times and he would have to continue facing his brother and be reminded of what he has lost.

Though he does find it hard to believe that Thor would be so open in wanting to get to know a complete stranger, though Loki did fight off the robots and probably saved a ton of people in the process and that might give Thor a valid reason to try to be friendly and that would be more than enough reasoning for Thor to feel that way. Though Loki has to admit that it feels strange to have a conversation with his brother, underneath the mask and Thor doesn't even know that he's there, but it has to be this way and he needs to keep pushing him away for both of their sakes...

"You can say that if you wish." said Loki. "I do not wish to any further deeper into my story and it is not one that you would want to hear."

That immediately captures Thor's interest and knows that whatever that is happening with this stranger, he must really regret it. Though the question is what did this person do that was so bad? If so Thor wants to help him fix whatever it is and then maybe they can work something out, he has to try, he already failed his brother and he can't fail someone who might have a similar situation. Though now that Thor thinks about it, throughout this entire conversation, this new hero's attitude reminds him of Loki in so many ways that it makes Thor's desires to help grow even more.

Since even though this hero may seem strange at the first sight and deep down Thor knows that he is not his brother, but throughout this entire conversation it only makes him feels like he's here. Sure Loki may have often disagreed with him on many of Thor's reckless ideas, but at the end of the day Loki has always been there to give him helpful advice or try to help him in any scenario . Loki was always the reason why things never turn out as bad as it did or it can possibly be. That Loki always tries to find a way to get them out of trouble, out of danger and any punishment that Odin may have for the both of them. The thing is that Loki has never left his side and wanted to help him, well before the first coronation, that was when everything changed...

While Loki is thinking about everything that has led to this and really wishes that Thor can somehow know that he's alive and then maybe he would possibly help him. To help him get the stones, defeat Thanos and then completely get out of this mess that Loki still doesn't even how he found himself in and the situation reminds him of how Thor used to drag him into these type scenarios that often lead to trouble, but this time it is the other way around and he is not going to drag Thor into anything. Why would he do it? Not only it would lead to him asking Thor for help, but it would lead to his identity being revealed and things would not only be more difficult, but troublesome.

Sure whenever Thor finds himself in a situation he often drags Loki into trouble, but never he would go as far as Loki did and it is not something this big. Sure at times Thor makes Loki want to pull his hair out, but he never had to face Thanos and Loki wants it to stay this way. Since Thor's rash and reckless thinking would lead to him want to fight back. Loki can not even imagine how well would a fight between Thor and Thanos would go and knows that it would be a disaster. He has to do everything in his power to make sure that doesn't happen, for the good of the universe and the mission, to keep Thor safe and not makings harder than it needs to be. He is now more determined to keep his secret get the stones and Guantlet and finish this, before it gets to that point. No matter how challenging and how hard it will be.

"So how long have you been doing this?" Said Thor. "From what I have seen, not many humans decide or have any desire of becoming a hero. Mostly because it is too dangerous and a lot of them do not want to have the burden on their shoulders."

Loki can see why, only thinking back at what Darcy may think being a superhero may be and how she thinks that it is the most desirable thing in the universe. He knows how much it means to her for him to continue on this path and to become the hero that she thinks he can be, to do something more than he can ever do on a throne and something bigger than themselves, but he knows that he can't and will not even bother to try. Since Darcy is only seeing all of the good things that comes from being a superhero and failing to see the downsides of being one. Despite what Darcy may think or say, all Loki sees is that it causes too much trouble for both of them as much as it helped him blend in his quest. There is also the fact that him going around in a masked costume is not helping to keep his presence a secret and only hopes that he can continue to keep his identity a secret, but at least it will be worth it once he complete his mission and defeat Thanos, that is he hopes it would be worth it and he doesn't regret this.

"It was an unexpected decision and one that I am still surprise that I made this choice myself, but I live with my decision and keep on fighting." said Loki. "In fact, I sometimes have the driving force to simply give up and yet I keep going against that desire and live with the decision I have made. I only hope that in the end that all of this will be worth it and something good will come out all of this and I am not wasting my time doing things that will lead to more harm."

"I'm sure you can succeed with your choice and whatever goals you may set yourself. If you try hard enough and won't give up any fight that you may have up against you." said Thor. "Since being a hero allows one to fight those battles and your wins will be something you will be proud of for the rest of your life."

"I doubt that, even if I succeed then it will never be enough or it will ever be." said Loki as he sees Thor's surprise look and knows now that he is on thin ice.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Thor confused by what he just said and wants to go in deeper into the conversation.

Loki doesn't even know how he feels about all of this or if he can even say it, if he will ever feel that way as a hero. But Loki knows one thing that he has to leave and get out of this area as fast as he can before Thor starts to ask more questions. Loki doubts that Thor have pick up any clues that would lead to him to figure out that he's actually Mysto, but Loki doesn't want to take any chances or know if he already risk so much from this conversation alone.

Especially before Thor begins to suspect something similar to Mysto and himself, then once he does then he would put the pieces together and figure out the truth. Even with a mask on, protecting his identity from the world, but there is still the threat of Thanos to worry about and how he can not afford to let his existence known. Since if that happens then his fate could be either end up in a jail cell back in the dungeons of Asgard or be in Thanos's clutches without a chance to escape and neither sounds at all appealing. He must push Thor away and push him hard or else it will make things more complicated between the two brothers, Thanos or no Thanos...

"It was very nice to meet you, but right now I must leave because I have business to attend to..." said Loki as he starts to back away from Thor and move as quickly as he can. "So... Have a nice day and the best of luck on your robot problem."

Loki is about to run away from the scene and make his escape from the scene and to leave the scene while trying his best to avoid the guilt that he is now feeling. To avoid the feelings of conflict that Loki is now desperate to keep it all inside, to not let them take control of him. He has to do this even if it hurts and needs to do this, otherwise there will be consequences no matter how much it hurts. Before Loki can go on further and continue on his way...

"Wait! Just wait for a moment." Said Thor not wanting to let him go that easily and trying hard to reach out to him. "Can you at least tell me what your name is? So I know how to address you and won't have to keep referring you to a complete stranger?"

Loki paused and grew concern at the request, not even knowing what to think or say. Since he did not expect to be asked of that or even thought that he would reach the point that he doesn't even know what to say. Then Loki remembers the superhero name Darcy created for him and the one that he can use right now. To use right now to create a new identity whenever he is talking to Thor, the Avengers or anyone else aside from Darcy. To interact with the people of this planet without any problems during his quest for the Infinity Stones. It got to the point that Loki starts to appreciate his friendship with Darcy more and see that aside from her superhero fantasy, she has strengths that he can appreciate and truly value,maybe staying with her won't be so bad after all.

"A good friend of mine calls me Mysto." Said Loki.

Before Thor can say another word, Loki leaves and runs as fast as he can. Not even looking back to see his brother or see what he is now leaving behind, as every step becomes harder by the minute. Once Loki is far enough away, a distance that Thor can barely see unless he heads over there, Loki quickly conjures up an illusion and tries to make it though he disappeared from the scene. Wanting to get back to Darcy's apartment before anything else happens. Feeling a wave of guilt hit him as he leaves the scene, running from his problems with no hope of finding a way to reconnect with his brother. Even after having that conversation with Thor and have another interaction with his brother, after thinking he might never have a chance again. He still knows that is not going to be enough to make up for the things he has done and all of the damage that he created in the past two years. He doesn't even want to know how Thor would react if he knows the truth and Loki is not ready to see the look of disappointment in Thor's face if he ever finds out the truth...

At least Loki does not have to worry about it and he can just continue to focus on the stones. Gather the next one and then figure out how to get the Guantlet and the stone and deal with Thanos from there, that is the only thing that matters right now and to make sure that nothing happens to Darcy while they are going out doing all this. Then he will leave this planet and then move past all of this and he will still leave before trouble comes to find him. There is one thing for sure, no matter what happens he needs to move forward. In whatever means are necessary and no matter how much it may hurt him in the long run...

An hour later, right outside Darcy's apartment

Loki has finally arrive to the front door, happy that he is finally back and that he won the fight against the robots. But at the same time, Loki feels absolutely exhausted and is relieved that the fight and his unplanned talk with Thor is over. That it ended well and he won the fight and got to see his brother again keep his secret. Loki does not even know how can this day get any harder or know if it is even possible. But at least Loki pulled it off and now he can simply head back inside and return to his priorities.

So Loki heads towards the back of the apartment building and pulled up the ladder. He starts to climb right up the ladder and reach Darcy's window, he uses his magic to unlock it and open the window and climbs right in. Loki is relieved that he managed to get in quietly without a ruckus. Along with feeling a sense of relief to see Darcy is still watching tv and she is not giving him a list of tasks of incidents that are now happening and expect him to continue to go out and continue to play superhero for the city. He nervously approach Darcy unsure what to say and hoping that she is not going to try to get him to do anything that the tv is now saying. He takes a seat right next to Darcy and to much of Loki's surprise, she is not racing over to him with all the demands that he would be dreading. Once Loki takes a seat on the couch, Darcy quickly turns her head to face Loki and he starts to brace himself for what might possibly make the day even longer.

"So are you going to say anything or can I continue watching this awesome movie I found on tv?" Asked Darcy who is suddenly surprised and become annoyed at her roommate's sudden quiet attitude and really wishing that Loki would make some kind of snarky or sarcastic comment that would get a conversation started.

"You do realize that every time you stare at that screen, something seems to be occurring in the real world that involves humans' lives being put in danger from someone or something." Said Loki. "I am starting to think this device is cursed."

"Hey, tv is not cursed." Said Darcy. "It is a great form of human entertainment."

"You are the one that always push me out of your home in a costume for me to put myself in danger in order to save hundreds of strangers that you do not even know yourself." said Loki matter of factly. "Normally I would not be the type who believe in absurd superstitions, but under these circumstances all of the evidence points to it. I would rather have us avoid it if we both know what good for us."

"It is part of the superhero job description, don't be surprise if you are out there doing it more often. That is unless you want to find a new place to crash in your Mysto costume all the time." said Darcy slyly. "But I don't think you have to worry about that, since I know how desperate you are to stay, so you won't have to worry about rent and chores. I won't be surprise if you think that is so undignifying for an Asgardian especially royalty."

"I have no problem doing anything I may need to do to take care of myself, I'll have you know that I am really independent." said Loki. "Though it would help if you don't ask me to go out and do something every five minutes."

"You can relax, this is a movie and it's not something that is happening right now, I also have my laptop on notifications." said Darcy. "Every time something is happening then I would get alert on it, though I wish that I still have a phone so that way it would make things easier."

"Well you are resourceful, you can figure something out, I know that you can do it." said Loki. "At least the task will be worth it, no where near petty and that alone would be a waste of time. Something that I would never bother doing if it were me, especially if there is more efficient things to do with that time."

"I don't know what you mean by petty, but at least it would get the job done and we would have some way to get the news." said Darcy. "Though I don't want to know how much of a wreck this place would be if I left you alone for a week and with that big ego of yours."

"How would you know that it would end terribly if you do not give me a chance to prove otherwise?" asked Loki somewhat defensively. "Besides I have my magic and I can always use it to help my daily activity or use an illusion to hide any damages that I might have accidentally created and hide the truth in a way you never find out."

"I will find out about it eventually and even then you would have to do a lot to try to keep this place in one piece, especially knowing your high standards." said Darcy. "But anyway let's just drop all of that, how did things go with whatever you had to fight off against? Oh what was it? Is it aliens? Some unknown evil organization? A new supervillian or-"

"It was an army of evil robots that The Avengers have been fighting recently and they are still have yet to be defeated." said Loki. "It was an easy win and at least a small victory..."

"Wow, that modesty is unexpected coming from you of all people, especially since you're practically the king of high standards for anything and nothing's perfect unless it's 100% and only then you would call it a success."

"Well if you have been living in a shadow for the majority of your life then you do whatever it takes to make your plans succeed no matter what." said Loki. "I may as well make it clear right now when I say that I'm always one step ahead of whatever plan you may have in store for me."

"I can be as sneaky as you are if I try to be." Said Darcy. "Don't underestimate me just yet."

"Of course, since you have your trusty taser to zap Thanos into surrender." Said Loki.

"Hey, I was the one who saved you from the Chitauri after they beat you up and almost captured you." Said Darcy. "You should thank me for that one."

"As I recall, I already had a plan set in motion that would allow me to escape without being detected." Said Loki as Darcy roll her eyes. "They probably wouldn't have known I escaped until Thanos realized that they were bringing back an illusion of a certain someone didn't try to come after me. Then maybe that scuffle could have been avoided and caused that much of an inconvenience."

"Well when I got there it looked more like that you are losing the fight and needed all the help that you can get." Said Darcy smugly.

"Ok, that was not one of my best fights I ever had to go through." Said Loki. "But at least the plan could have still worked."

"Maybe, but would it be worth taking that chance? There is no way I am going to let them take you away, not without a fight." Said Darcy, as Loki looks at her not even knowing what to think about this. "But anyway other than that you still haven't told me everything that happened back there. How did you defeat these evil robots? How did you find out that the Avengers were fighting these guys off? You need to tell me everything!"

Loki stares at Darcy unsure what to say or how to answer that question. He is still processing what happened back there and his conversation with Thor. All of the things that were said and the words that still remain unspoken that will never be said and the wishes that will never come true. The emotions that he is now feeling and the unsureness that is now on his mind. Loki doesn't even I know what to do and for the first time, he is feeling a powerful regret that he has never felt before. To the point that he has even started to think about his actions and ask himself was it really worth it? Did everything he do the moment he was given the throne of Asgard briefly and try to take all Eart- Midgard worth all of the pain and confusion that he is now feeling? Is the ideas of a fantasy was so important that he now lost his chance to ever make amends with his brother and lost his mother? He has no idea why Darcy would ever want to be friends with him, help him and wouldn't give up on him like everyone else would, but it only leads him to asking more questions.

Though Loki knows that he doesn't want to tell Darcy about his talk with Thor, not yet anyway. He wants to have time to process it and think about what happened. Only after that then he will tell Darcy because the last thing he needs is encouragement to take off the mask and go talk to Thor throughout the entire conversation. No matter how much he may miss his brother and want to believe in the false hope that they can somehow make it work. Loki knows that it would be better if they try to avoid it as much as they can. He takes a breath as he is about to say the next thing on his mind and hopes that Darcy won't read into it (though he doubts she will) and he can find a good time to tell her later, especially since she is going to need to know that she know that Thanos got an Infinity Stone.

"I just fought them off until there was no more to defeat." Said Loki looking to the floor before facing Darcy. "That is all in the past, lets focus on the present. While the Avengers deal with the rest of these robots, we will focus on getting the rest of these Infinity Stones."

"Alright, I am liking where this is going." Said Darcy. "So what's the big game plan?"

"The main objective would be finding out where the next stone is and then when the moment is right than we can make our move."

"Wait, do you mean go over and break into Thanos's lair?" asked Darcy surprised by the idea that Loki is suggesting and that the big part might be coming up.

"Of course, we can't afford to lose any more time and every day he is only going to get stronger." said Loki. "I believe it is almost time for us to finally start planning how we are going to get the guantlet once we are done with the stones."

"Yeah especially before Thanos finds out and comes after us for just having four of these things." said Darcy.

"I see no way on how we can avoid it, we will have to infiltrate Thanos's lair and obtain all of the objects by force." said Loki. "Even then the task is no where close on being easy and we would need to prepare for it."

"So I am going to safely assume that you have a plan, ready for action?" asked Darcy. "At least already starting to come up with one? I don't know about you but I am not in the mood to become Thanos's little prisoner until who knows when and when we get out of there."

"Before we storm into anywhere, we are going to need to come up with a plan and get ready for whatever we might have to fight against without getting ourselves killed." said Loki. "I might also have to teach you how to fight and improve whatever technique you may have."

"Wait, are you going to teach me how to fight?" asked Darcy rather excitedly at the idea.

"If you are going to insist on coming along, then you are going to need to learn how to defend yourself on your own." said Loki. "Especially before we try to make an infiltration and heist like this, there is no telling what Thanos might have in store for us."

"At least I got some experience, I managed to stop some of the Chitauri when they were coming after you." said Darcy.

"What we will be facing is going to be more than the number of Chitauri we have faced in the past." said Loki. "We would be heading to their main base, to where Thanos is and nothing needs to go wrong. If it does then we would have Thanos, the Chitauri and the Black Order coming after us."

"Yeah, it would be cool to know how to fight, though I have managed to stay alive during a battle, well the two I have been in so far." said Darcy. "So yeah, I have been lucky so far, I might have a chance in defending myself if I am given the chance."

"Just because you were lucky the last few time, it does not mean that you are always going to have the same luck." said Loki. "But maybe with practice, then you may be able to defeat at least three of the Chitauri on your own."

"Hey, keep underestimating me then I might start practicing to just prove you wrong." said Darcy. "Just because you have some fancy education with some private touter with only Thor by your side, it does not mean you know everything and everyone in this universe. I mean you would be surprise on how tough humans can be."

"If you and the people of this planet are so 'tough,' then how come the last time I was on your planet, everyone was running away, screaming for their lives?" asked Loki a bit annoyed and tying to beat Darcy in her own game.

"Probably because a crazy maniac was trying to take over the planet and everyone was running, getting out of your way, while you were leading other aliens in a rampage." said Darcy casually before she quickly realize what she was saying to Loki. "No offense."

"You made a valid point, I did acted a little extreme." said Loki.

"Now that's the understatement of the year." said Darcy, the two of them can't help but smile a bit and wondering how their conversation became more fun after it was a serious topic, that they are now enjoying each other's company.

Before Loki can even have a chance to say anything that would continue their conversation, to make the most of their time together and to try to have some fun before having to get back to their priorities. All of the sudden, there is a huge blast that shakes the apartment, across the hall and captures both of their attention. Without a second thought or another word, they both got up from the couch and start to head to the direction of where it may be. No one needs to think deeply to know that the blast came from inside the apartment and whatever it is they are ready to find out and put a stop it. Wondering what could have happen to create that giant blast and what will they have to deal with and when they arrive then all they can do is stare in shock.

The room is utterly destroyed and a complete mess, one of the most secured rooms of the apartment is completely destroyed and it looks as though nothing was holding whatever dared to try to break into the apartment. The two of them head right in to see what the damages were and if the Infinity Stones were all there, to much of their relief they were mostly scattered on the ground. Some were even under debris and Loki after getting over his surprise got to work on clearing some of the debris to get the Infinity Stones out. While Darcy only has a few things to say about all of this...

"My room?! What happened?! How did this happen?!" Said Darcy as she sees this mess. "Please don't tell me they snoop through my things!"

"Your home just got a humongous hole in the wall and you are concern about whether or not someone touch your possessions?" Asked Loki in disbelief as he continues to pick up the stones.

"Yes! Some of the things that are in here are the stones!" Said Darcy. "I just hope no one took them, could it be Thanos?"

"No, from what I am seeing is that the stones are here if it was Thanos then we would still be dealing with them and the stones would be-" starts Loki before he stops himself realizing something and starts to frantically search around as the realization comes. "The scepter, it's gone!"

"What? Now we have an Infinity Stone missing?" Said Darcy. "This is just great, who would want to blow up an apartment and take a overpowered scepter if they are not Thanos?"

"I think I might have an idea." Said Loki as he pulls up a metal arm from one of the robots.

With one quick glance, they both knew that they were not done with the robots just yet and the idea that they now have the scepter is quite nerve wrecking. Loki knows that he needs to get it before they do whatever these robots are planning to do and before the Avengers get a hold of it. The entire situation has hit a whole new level as Loki starts to see how much of a threat these robots are and knows that he is going to get the scepter back before it gets any worse...

Chapter Text

Two days later

It has been nothing but stressful two days for Loki and Darcy, they are doing everything to try to find the scepter and so far they are not having any luck. They have been keeping an eye on the tv, computers and everything that they can think of to find whatever information they can. Darcy has been trying to help by trying to hack into everything she can think of and even went as far as asking Jane if she knew anything about the robots. Only leading to another dead end and one that she got many questions on why she is even interested and leaving them right back where they started.

Loki is hard at work on a plan, one that might give them some answers and hopefully it will not be another dead end. He's currently on a couch with one of his books, with hopes that it would draw attention away from Darcy and she always said that he should try to relax more. So far Loki has already come up with a perfect plan that would work and all he needs is to find the perfect moment. So he plans to go on tomorrow with the hope that he will succeed, that is if he is right and he is not going to waste his time. But what other choice does he have? It's the only place he can go for answers and he is not going to pass it up.

Darcy who turned from her computer and sees that Loki is reading a book, she is glad that he manages to find some time to relax, especially being stressed after losing the scepter to those robots. She really wishes that she can just leave him like this, looking cute as he reads his book and being relaxed, it would be nice. But she knows that they are going to have to make Mysto ready to interact with anyone that Loki may have to talk to, especially if they might have to deal with these robots again. Darcy doesn't even know if this is a good time or if Loki is up for it, but it wouldn't hurt in asking him and they can get started.

"Ok, I know that it has been a while since we have found out about anything about any of the other Infinity stones, the scepter or Thanos." said Darcy approaching him. "But now it's the perfect time to-"

"Please don't tell me that there is another crime to stop, if there is can it wait until after I finished this book?" said Loki annoyed as he is reading Lord of the Rings and yet planning his own mission to find out what they might be up against.

"Well today's you're lucky day, there hasn't been any crime happening and we have no leads at the moment." said Darcy happily. "But this is something important and you need to learn it if you want to become the best superhero that you can be."

"If you have any reliable information of the remaining Infinity Stones or somehow come up with a clever plan on how to get the gauntlet and the other stone." said Loki. "Let's talk about it when I am not in one of the most interesting parts of the story, I am about to learn more about the ring and why it must be destroyed."

"You do realize that out of the two of us, you're the one that is more likely to find out more than I would right?" pointed out Darcy.

"Just because I am from Asgard that does not mean I would know about every single thing that happened beyond this planet and the Midguardian news outlets are unreliable when it comes to interdementional news." said Loki annoyed. "Now are you going to tell me what have you so excited that you are ready to throw a feast or can I just go back to reading my book?"

"I would if you let me tell you without getting interrupted." said Darcy earning an eye roll from Loki. "I was thinking that maybe, it would be a good time to teach you how to be more human and any super hero with basic social skills that anyone might need if they have lived on Earth for longer than a month. The last thing we need is for you to call people Midgaurdians and Thor asking himself why would someone on Earth is calling everyone anyone Midguardian."

"You may have a point, but that does not mean I may need your impromptu courses." said Loki. "I think I can figure out how to communicate and act like an Midgaurdian on my own."

"Oh yeah? Pop quiz, what is a movie?" asked Darcy completely catching Loki on guard.

"Isn't it one of those flying stairs that take you up and down in the building where there are hundreds of stores where you once took me." responded Loki unsure if he is getting the answer right.

"Those are escalators." said Darcy. "See what I mean? If we are going to pull Mysto off, you are going to need to learn a couple of Earth related things before you embarrass yourself."

"That would be the last thing I would want." said Loki feeling a little humiliated from earlier. "But I don't believe I am going to try to talk like a Midgaurdian, you all do talk in horrible grammar."

"Not everyone is going to check their grammer every single time they have a conversation." pointed out Darcy. "But hey I'm not trying to make you in acting like everyone else, I just want to give you pointers before you start saying that your favorite movie is escalators. If you really don't want to learn about how to act like an human to not blow your cover, then I can't make you."

"Alright, one little lesson and that will be all." said Loki. "I am only accepting this in order to get back to my book because the sooner we are done, the sooner I can find out what happens next."

"Awesome, I think the first lesson for you to learn is one of the most important super hero and at times modern day civilian social skill that may have an impact in your daily life." said Darcy. "It's call a hand shake and hear me out, I know you might have your own special greetings back in Asgard, but it doesn't mean that things will be the same over here and plus it's clear that you might have super strength and the last thing we need is for your hand shake to be..."

"Are you suggesting that I might not be able to pull off as something frivolous as a Midgaurdian greeting?" demanded Loki. He is a little insulted that Darcy believes that he might not be capable of an Earth greeting.

"No! It's not like I don't think that you can't do an Earth greeting, but I think it might be helpful if I just teach you how to act more like a human and you blend in better." said Darcy. "Just when you are Mysto and while we are in public, so that way we can avoid anyone asking questions or assuming that you are from outer space or something."

"If it will make you feel any better, I am planning not to use my magic as much as I would usually do. It would be harder to explain on how I got magical powers and will only use them for emergencies such as escaping or to distract whatever foe I may have to face." said Loki. "So that will be one less thing to worry about."

For some reason, Darcy feels sadden by this and she didn't think that Loki would ever consider not using his powers to help him fight his battles as Mysto. She thinks that Loki's magic is cool and part of her is even excited to see how Loki would use his magic to help him in battle. Part of her even wants to encourage Loki into using his magic to fight, but she understands his reasonings and maybe it is for the best. Though she doesn't see how creating illusions would lead to Loki being discovered unless Loki has a signature spell that Thor can easily recognize.

"Now on to the lesson that you are so determined to give me." said Loki with a little impatience's in his voice. "Before you explain to me, I believe I have gotten some ideas from watching the television set. The whole point of these greetings is to be amiable towards others and it can also be sign of business or companionship."

"Wow, someone did his homework before we even have this conversation." said Darcy. "But it is something that many people do around here and we shouldn't be surprised if someone wants to give you one after you try to save them. So... let's get started."

Darcy immediately held her hand up and waited for Loki to grab on it so they can begin their handshake and she even started to explain how a handshake works. But Loki is not listening and just wants to get this over with and believes that he can do it without any explanation. He's absolutely sure that he can do it without any help or practice. So Loki grabbed Darcy's hand and grabbed a firm grip on it and it would be the kind of grip that anyone would make if they are holding on tight to a cliff but a hundred times worse because of Loki's super strength/Asgardain and Jontun physiology. Darcy is trying her best to maintain her own composure and is trying to remain strong, but she is getting a little concern over the grip becasue so far it doesn't seem to be a good sign.

"Maybe you should lighten the grip a little bit..." said Darcy with a grunt. Loki only lightly loosing up, but it was not enough for a human. "Now just move it at the same time as I do... but do it gently!"

They tried to do their first attempt of a handshake and Darcy is doing everything she can to try to remain tough or at least make sure that she can ignore any pain that is now happening because of the hand shake. Loki can't help but notice that Darcy is trying hard to keep a straight face, he is wondering what might be causing all of this bother to Darcy. It is her idea after all and Loki continues to shake Darcy's hand unsure what might be bothering his friend. Before either of the two knew it, they heard a crack and then Darcy quickly pulled her hand trying to do her best to soften the pain that was going on. Loki just stood there in shock, not being able to believe what he is now witnessing and this is more than enough for him to realize that Darcy must be hurt in some way. He is hoping that he wasn't too rough on her during that first practice.

"Darcy, are you well?" asked Loki concerned about his friend and her wellbeing.

"Yeah, I'm fine... you probably held my hand a little too tightly and... Ouch I never felt this much pain before in my life, sure I have been through hard times but it was never just my hand dealing with all of the pain that I probably experienced in my life time..." said Darcy trying to have a conversation with Loki while making it not seem like it is not as bad as it is.

"I do not believe that you are 'fine.'" said Loki concern about her. "May I have a quick look at your hand? I did study some heeling during my time in Asgard, it comes in handy whenever I went on some quest with Thor prior to the coronation. I may not be the best healer but it is better than you having an injured hand that will create complications in the future."

Darcy relunctently let Loki stare at her hand and he took a good look at it, for once he is grateful that humans and Asgardians have similar bone structure because he is able to see the damage more clearly. Thanks to that failed attempt of trying to shake Darcy's hand and realize that he must have deeply fractured Darcy's hand... Now he done it, Darcy is definitely going to kick him out for this failure and probabley never want anything to do with him again. He wouldn't blame her because he broke Darcy's hand! Why didn't he listen to her when she was trying to explain how to make a good handshake? How could he have not realize what he is doing and try to stop himself from doing it?

Thanos would have done it regularly to Nebula whenever she does not fulfill whatever Thanos asks or fails him, was he doing the same thing as Thanos? No of course not, it was just an accident and Loki never meant to hurt Darcy and he never would have. Especially after all she did for him and how she have always remained loyal to him, there has to be a way to make this right. But who knows, maybe Loki is just over reacting and Darcy's hand is perfectly fine and it is just being sore. Though for a sore it must have caused more pain than any of them expected. Then Loki realize that those hopes are not going to be fullfilled as he finally sees what is the problem and he now wishes for a way to go back in time and undo his mistake.

"It looks as though I might have accidentally fractured your hand..." said Loki with guilt on his face. "I may have the solution to this problem."

"Let me guess, you're going to suggest that I go see a doctor or try to see if it feels better in the morning after I put some ice on it?" said Darcy. She is about to move her hand before she groan in pain.

"No, I have something with me that can help and I promise it will work on Midgaurdians or rather humans as well." said Loki. "It managed to save my life once and is one of the most powerful and helpful potions in the history of Asgard."

He begins to head over the couch and find the box that he has been putting all of his stuff that he had when he left Asgard and the things he managed to gain from his time on Midgard. He quickly check the box trying to find the two vials of heeling potion that he smuggled out of Asgard, at least when Kurse stabbed him and the entire Infinity stone chase, he never has to use the potion. Loki is still very surprised that he never had to use the potion during the entire time that they have been risking both of their lives. Once he manages to find the potion, he quickly went to the kitchen to try to see if he can find a cup to pour the a little bit of the potion in. If his estimate is right then he wouldn't need to pour out the whole bottle, Loki poured a quart into the cup and resealed the bottle of healing potion. Once Loki is done, he quickly heads back to Darcy and carefully took it back to Darcy to hand it to her.

"What's that?" asked Darcy staring at the cup. She is surprised that Loki even kept these bottles in the first place, but then again he is from another world and briefly hung out with an alien that wants to destroy the whole universe before the Dark elf invasion, turned over a new leaf and ultimately moved in with her. She shouldn't be question these things.

"It's a heeling potion, one of the best of all of Asgard. Only the greatest warriors and royal family drink this potion, I managed to obtain four vials before my first fight with Thor." explained Loki. "I used the first vial after the incident in this city in Midgard because of some cracked ribs and some minor headaches from the scepter. It also does not help that Thanos's 'training' is really hard to say the least..."

"So what was the second time that you used the heeling potion?" asked Darcy. As she stares at the cup, not sure if it would be a good idea of drinking the potion or if it would really work on humans. But at the same time, she is interested in hearing more of Loki's experiences outside of his most recent adventures and to learn more about Asgard.

"It was when... I faked my death in the Dark World and when Kurse stabbed me..." said Loki. "That part was not an act and I drank the heeling potion before my heroic sacrifice and before all of this started. If it weren't for this potion, I would probabley be dead now and Thor would have someone to truly grieve for..."

"Yeah but then we would have never met and Thanos would have gotten all of these Infinity stones in one way or another." pointed out Darcy. "Are you sure that this will really work on humans?"

"Yes I am sure, what makes you think that I would give you a potion that would potentially hurt you?" said Loki. "We have been living together for more than a month, it's not like I ever tricked you before, aside from the Chitari incident name one time where I have misled you."

"Good point, but you better not make me regret this." said Darcy trying to make her joking around sound tough.

"Just trust me, I promise that you will be healed as early as tomorrow." said Loki. "If you are heeled by then, you may be angry all you want and have the honor of throwing me out of your home."

"Let's not go that far because I know it is an accident and you didn't mean to do it." said Darcy as she recieves the cup and quickly drinks the cup. But it was not quietly because she is absolutely disgusted by the taste, she didn't know how Loki could handle this for who knows how many times. "How can you drink this and stay sane? This taste awful!"

"You do realize that you are acting like a child and the taste is not that bad, well after the first ten times." said Loki. "Let's just be grateful that I had some potion then otherwise it would have been a long couple of months and I could not think of any excuses that you might be able to give to Thor and Jane except you bought new furniture and while you are trying to assemble it, you were not being careful until something heavy fell on your hand."

"Or I can always say that I took a bet with one of those motorcycle guys and it was armwrestling contest, the guy is so tough that he winds up breaking my hand throughout the entire match." said Darcy. "Do you think they might believe that story?"

Loki stared at her speechless, he really doubt that Thor or Jane would think that Darcy would be that reckless to take a challenge like that. He is not saying it out of concern for his secret, but for Darcy's own well being. It was his fault that they are even having this conversation right now, but the last thing that he wanted is to have Darcy try to ruin her own reputation because of him. But then again, the worst she probably would get is Thor questioning why didn't she ask him to help and then Darcy responding that the instructions are complicated for him to understand.

Other than whatever explanation Darcy can think of if the potion doesn't work and if she has to explain how her hand got broken in the first place. He decides that it might be best if he is more careful from now on because his carelessness gave Darcy an injury that could have sent her to some Midgaurdian care facility. Not only that any future handshake wouldn't have worked out as well if he keeps breaking everyone's hand when they are trying to be civil towards him is concerning. He is now feeling an unexplained amount of concern towards Darcy that he can not explain and it is at the same level of concern if Thor got hurt but more than a sibling getting hurt...

"So how long is it going to take for my hand to heal?" asked Darcy.

"Well the potion will take effects the moment after someone takes it and will function in twenty four hours." explained Loki. "I estimate that judging from the injury, it will take you only a couple of hours for it to be fully healed."

"Wait, I thought that you said that it takes longer for the injury to heal if it is really serious." pointed out Darcy. "Would you consider this really serious? How bad does it have to be for it to be really serious?"

"If you take my stabbed wound for example, that took me most of the day to heal and if they stayed for one more minute then they would have figured out what I was trying to do." said Loki. "But since you haven't been fighting off Dark elves or stabbed by them recently, you will probably be fine in about two to three hours from now."

"Well I guess while we wait, maybe we can talk and hang out for a bit without worrying about Thanos or the Infinity stones." suggest Darcy. "We never really have that much of a chance to hang out or talk, I know that we went to the mall only twice but we are always too busy having fun that we don't really talk about ourselves or our lives to even have a conversation."

"I believe that you may have a point and we should spend more time together whenever we are not on another planet." said Loki. "So tell me, how's life in Midgard prior to my arrival? Has it been exciting before alien invasions or Asgardians coming here to turn your lives upside down?"

"Well the only superhero related activity that we had before Thor came to Earth is whatever origin story Iron man and Hulk went through." said Darcy. "But other than that we never had to worry about any intergalactic problems that can result in either world domination or extinction. But I did hear about some super girl that is from space that help these shape shifters aliens happening once. It's mostly a legend/rumor and I guess that story is what got me into super heroes."

"At least Midgard didn't need that much saving before my brother came to the planet, how are things going with you?" said Loki. "With your normal life and I haven't heard you say anything about Ian. I thought that you said that the two of you are now courting?"

"Well we are dating, but we haven't been on an actual date yet. I mean I have been really busy on helping to save the world and we never really have time to actually set up a date." said Darcy. "Maybe one of these days during our downtime, we can go on our first date."

"I am sure that you will have fun with Ian..." said Loki unsure if he is truly happy of that statement. "What do Midgardians do in these dates or for any forms of recreation?"

"Well for dates, it really depends and it can be anything, a movie or just hanging out for no reason. There is really no structure in dates, but I don't know I have never been on a date before. I mostly go on whatever Jane told me and what I see in movies but I doubt it is that exaggerated." explained Darcy "As for fun, it really depends on whatever we're in the mood for. I mean we could be watching movies or reading books or riding bikes or whatever we like to do for fun, it really depends on the person. Ok what do you do for fun back on Asgard? Aside from fighting any glorious battles and trying to save whatever world crisis that may be happening in your world or the rest of the nine realms."

"In Asgard, if no one is training than they are having feasts or now hear the Warrior three telling exaggerated tall tales of their adventures." said Loki. "I on the other hand spend most of my days reading and occasionally spending time with Thor whether it's a friendly conversation or going on one of his many dangerous and reckless quests."

"Well at least you had some company while growing up, so it couldn't have been that bad." said Darcy. "Back here, you have to fit someone's expectations while growing up and you have to be brave enough to try to break through and live your life. I mean have you seen what an Earth high school is like? It's nothing what they portray in movies, it's can either be a dream come true or your worst nightmare, that is if you like the current trends."

"If you believe that is bad, you do not want to live in Asgard. They expect one to be a fearless warrior and whatever social expectations that may have been put in place." explained Loki. "At least in Midgard, you are all obsessed with a temporary thing and in a couple of years realize how silly you have all been. Back in Asgard, it's either conform or find a talent that is seen worthy. I was able to find it with magic, but it is still look down upon."

"Well it shouldn't, I honestly would like to see some of those Asgardians try to make illusions and actually try to use their brains aside from hitting their opponent." said Darcy. "When it comes to battle, shouldn't you have a plan or at least some magic to make the problem disappear?"

"Magic is not something that you can just cast a random spell and hope for the best." explained Loki. "It takes time and practise to even manage to even cast a spell, if one doesn't then it would lead to disastrous results."

"Ok meddling with magic is a bad idea, well at least with illusions you can use them to try to take a break from those expectations and others that it would make you feel different." said Darcy. "So I'm guessing that you and Thor are the only Asgardians that have some kind of extra magic power that helps you in combat or in your case everyday life?"

"Well it is really rare for any other Asgardian to have any powers that requires magic hammers or having the ability to do magic. I still have additional powers because of my Frost Giant heritage and I do not think I may be capable of." said Loki. "I was told when I was younger that frost giants were monsters, I can't use these powers if it will bring more harm than good."

"Yeah but those are fairy tales, they don't and shouldn't define who you are. I may have never heard any stories of Asgardian knights going out and slaying the evil 'Frost Giants', but I do know one thing that those characters are not you." said Darcy. "Even after everything you have done in the past and the moment that we met, you have proved to me that you are not some over the top monster that needs to be defeated. You can be a good person if you really want to and your the one who chooses on how to use your powers, no one else. You don't have to be a monster if you don't want to and plus I only need one look at you and I know that you are not evil. Maybe someday I will be able to see you use your ice powers, I'm sure they are also cool. But enough of that, so who else on Asgard has any additional powers?"

"How's your hand?" asked Loki trying hard to avoid that question because of the memories. "I believe that you must be feeling some of the effects of the heeling potion right about now and time must have gone by while we were talking."

"It seems to be doing better than before and you might be right about it being fully healed by the morning." said Darcy. "I think I might call it an early night and try to see if I can get some rest. Maybe that will help it heal faster and my hand will at least be in less pain than before, at least I don't have to make any excuses to Jane tomorrow when I agreed to meet with her."

"At least it will be healed by the morning, no will know what happened." said Loki. "I on the other hand will be staying up for most of the night and watch some of your Midgaurdian television to learn important social cues. The last thing I want is to land some one in a care facility next time for accidentally breaking their leg, then that would definitely put Mysto in a negative light."

"Maybe we should try with something smaller next time, so that way we can avoid something like this from happening again." said Darcy. "I'm not saying that this might have been too advance for you. But-"

"I would like to try again and this time do it right." said Loki determinedly.

That made Darcy really nervous and she doesn't know if that is a good idea and if she should buy some protective gloves that might possibly be Asgardian proof. What is he breaks her arm as well? What if the next time Loki have to use the rest of his healing potion to cure her? Who knows maybe things will work out with the mere fact that she drank some heeling potion that would probably help avoid any form of injury. What if it doesn't and that will hurt her other hand instead? What if she show Loki how to do it instead of letting him experiment on his own? That way Loki will know how to do it and she won't have to be terrified of the idea of Loki touching her hand or someone else's.

"Alright... but I am going to be in charge and show you how to do it ok? The last thing I need is for you to break my other hand." said Darcy extremely nervous. "We are just going to start slow so you can get it, but just don't make me regret this..."

"I assure you Darcy, I try to not make the same mistake twice and will be more careful now." said Loki trying hard to reassure his friend.

"That's what I am afraid of..." said Darcy as she reach out of her hand and waited for Loki to grab a hold of it.

Loki carefully took a grasp of Darcy's hand and made sure that he is careful with it this time, to Loki it felt like if he is holding a glass cup that is about to break at any moment. Darcy nervously and carefully gripped Loki's hand the way she would do for a normal handshake and she starts to move it up and down in the same rythem as hers. Both Loki and Darcy can not help but feel nervous as they continue to do so, there is suddenly an unknown tension between the two of them and they don't know what to do with the strange moment that they are experiencing.

But they continued to do their handshake as they are starting to develop strange emotions that they have never felt before and they are stronger than they can ever imagine. The handshake continued until Darcy finally felt that Loki mastered the noncrushing normal human handshake, she lets go and the two of them stared at each other as they processed what is just went on between them. For once in Loki's life, he does not know what might be the feelings/tension that they just experienced and think of a plan on how to deal with it. There is a moment of silence between the two and both of them don't know what to say or do as they continue to stare at one another until...

"Well that was unexpected, you managed to learn how to do a handshake and my other hand is still in one piece..." said Darcy finally braking the silence and talking awkwardly. "Well I guess... I should head to my room... For the night and I will see you in the morning... Good night!"

With that Darcy left Loki alone in the room and is ready to try to shake off the emotions that is now racing in her mind, she never felt this way towards anyone and she doesn't remember any one ever being that concern about her or be willing to share one of their biggest secrets in order to help her. But Loki and her are friends nothing more and besides he just thinks of her as a friend, not that she's thinking that he'd be great as more than a friend of course. Ok maybe Loki would eventually be like the older brother that she never had someday and that is it. But still why is she even thinking that way? There is no way that he would ever feel that way towards her, he's Loki and he would never feel that way towards anyone unless they are someone who fits his standards. She would never be good enough and she's in love with Ian and she's happy about it right?

"Pleasant dreams..." said Loki who can not believe what just happened and just watched Darcy go until she is back in her room.

Once Darcy is gone, he heads to the couch and grab the remote to turn on the tv to begin his research of Midgaurdian life and their standards on the simplest encounters. Loki is flipping through the channels to see what he can find that would help him on his research for how to interact with others whenever he's dressed up as Mysto. But for some reason, he is starting to feel strange towards Darcy and is almost disapointed that she decides to go to bed early. He just wish that he knew what is the emotions that he is now feeling.

It is almost like if he has grown fond of Darcy but it is even more stronger than anyone he might have felt if he has grown fond of someone. It has to be his own guilt trying to manipulate him into feeling some strange and unusual feelings towards his roommate. They are just friends who have traveled across the universe with the goal to stop Thanos and is now trying to figure out how to grab a hold of the scepter, the remaining two Infinity Stones and the gauntlet. When this is over, all they will have is just the memories of the adventure and an even stronger friendship, that he knows they will always remember.

He has no idea why he would have these strange emotions or even be thinking about Darcy in any other way except friends. But still it's feelings that are stronger than he ever thought that he would ever feel towards a human, Loki is sure that it will pass and the last thing he needs is to make any attachments that will eventually effect his own menality in a negative light. It is probably just a strange phase that he's now going through or he is coming down with something. Loki only knows that he should get back on planning his secret mission to get the information they may need. Loki only hopes that this is a temporally thing and that these strange new feelings will end and go away in time.

The Next Few Days later

Fortunately Darcy's hand is able to heal by the end of the night, so they can continue to make progress on trying to get the scepter back, as they try to see if they can find a sign of the robots or a attack that would lead them to the robots. They don't even know where they are or what they might be planning or if they are going to strike with the scepter that will make a bigger impact then any of them has ever imagined or even know what to do if it happens. So far there is no leads and any signs of an attack, Darcy decides to try to see if she can find a signal by trying to connect the robot's arm to her laptop and see if she can find a signal of where the robots might be hiding, it even got to the point that Darcy has start using her vacation days to help out for the entire situation and try to hack into the system.

While Darcy is doing that, Loki is trying to get past the setback and take some action into his own hands, aside from a daily patrol and gathering all of the information, Loki can find. He is starting his own investigation and try to see if he can find out more about who took the Power Stone and know for sure if Thanos took the stone and if it was him, then he would tell Darcy, if not then he will figure out how to deal with the possible thief and then he can get the stone easily. Right now he has to get to Xander and then find out for sure what happened and so that way he will know for sure and he can figure out what would be the next best move for both of them. He quickly change his Asgardian armor to the Mysto costume to avoid suspicion and goes through a portal that would lead him right to Xander.

Once Loki goes through, he sees that the planet is completely destroyed and many construction sights right in front of him, repairing the damages that are now right in front of him. That whatever caused all of this destruction has done a really good job in making sure that they make it look like a huge project for repairs that it would take anyone a long time to recover from and repair all the damages. He doesn't know what to think of all the damages right in front of him and how much people are hurting and everything they have lost during that attack.

For some reason, Loki feels as though it is bothering him more than he thought that it would and almost feels as though as if he feels a sense of sadness for the people of this planet and he does not even know why he is feeling this empathy. If he is letting Darcy's attitude and sentiment get the better of him, then he needs to get over it. Since he shouldn't care about any of this, but he does and he is not shaking the feeling away as he continues to heads his way through the city. With the hope that he can find a place where he can get information and find out what happened and see if his worst fears have not happened yet, that he would be worrying about nothing and that there is nothing wrong. Then it would be the end of it, he just have to make sure of it and only hopes that it would be enough to get to wherever the stone may be easily and then it would be the end of it.

As Loki continues to head on his way through the city with the many conflicting emotions that are going through his head and with all the things that he is now seeing and Loki doesn't even know what to make of it. But he knows that he is not going to find out anything if he is going to let sentiment cloud his judgement, he has to find someone having this conversation or if there is one that is willing to tell him any information. Loki takes a look at all of the residents of this planet to try to see if they would be more than willing to give him the answers that he is looking for, so far from one sight there is no hope in anyone that would be naive enough to tell him. That there would be someone that would be willing to tell him everything and would stop to speak to a total stranger, but at the same time no one looks as though they have the time to do so. But Loki knows that deep down that he can't afford to lose hope and can not give up.

So Loki continue to look around at the people around him, with the hope that he finds someone quickly and so far Loki doesn't even see anyone that would be more than willing to give up this vital information. All of the ones right in front of him are either trying processing what happened through sorrow and lost or people so focus to rebuild that they are not noticing what else may be going on and guards that are trying to protect what little this planet may have left and would be happy to place Loki in a cell for asking the wrong question. From one glance, it does not look like Loki is going to get a answer or any information as he sees the situation before him, that is until...

Loki notices that one of the guards is a little different than the others and from seeing one of the guards is enough to capture Loki's attention. That he is now seeing that there is a guard standing there and seems to be trying to start a conversation and everyone else is now ignoring as they focus on trying to do their jobs. Loki can't help but feel a sense of excitement as he sees how the guard continues to try to talk despite being ignored, he knows that from someone like that will never stop talking unless they run out of things to say. That this guard will give him all of the answers and he only wishes that for once he is wrong and that Thanos did not take the stone, but now he has to get answers before he goes insane and then he will figure out what his next move will be.

So he quickly uses his magic to make a sound that would attract the other guards, with the hope that they would run over to investigate. That they would leave this guard alone in her post and Loki can easily speak to the guard without any interference. He only hopes that she would be willing to speak to him and then he won't have to look around for someone else and spend more time of this planet. Fortunately that plan worked, he watches the guards telling her to stay there and then races towards where they believe the sound is coming from and the remaining guard is standing there right on her own. Loki undo many illusions and then transform the Mysto costume to the guards uniform. Keeping a helmet to cover his face and start to head his way towards the guard ready to get his answers and then he will finally know what is going on and then he can figure out what to do next.

"Talk about these crazy past few days huh?" said Loki rather casually and feels sort of disgusted as he tries to speak the way Darcy showed him if he had to double down his disguise to other humans.

"I know right, the Chitauri really got us good and-" said the soldier rather excitedly before taking an interest in him. "Hey, I don't remember seeing you around, are you new?"

"Yes, I am." said Loki hoping that she will drop the rest and then he can get back to the main issues, at least he knows that the Chitauri were involved and that gives him more of a concern for what might be the end of this story.

"Great me too! My name is Issa Devit, what's your name?" said the soldier rather excitedly with Loki becoming nervous of responding it.

"My name is... Ziss Grant..." said Loki trying to create a Xandar like name and feels that he failed miserably

"Now that's... still a great name." said Issa trying to be nice as she can and maybe even encouraging.

"Issa, did the Chitauri take anything that we need to be worried about?" asked Loki not even bothering to beat around the bush and wants to get straight to the facts.

"Yeah this orb thing that the Guardians of the Galaxy gave us after the save us from Ronan?" said Issa rather casually.

"I'm sorry who?" asked Loki in complete confusion.

"You must have been living under a rock haven't you?" asked Issa. "The Guardians of the Galaxy is this group of former outlaws that changed to our side and save the entire universe from Ronan using the Infinity Stone to destroy planets."

"Alright, the Chitauri took the orb which happens to have an Infinity Stone to Thanos, this is completely wonderful." said Loki as he tries to keep his act together but failing through his frustration. "Please tell me that these Guardians of the Galaxy put a stop to all of this and we no longer have to worry about Thanos using it against us."

"No unfortunately, they arrive to check things out yesterday and promised to try to find a way for us to get it back." said Issa. "Though in all honesty I think they will find a way, especially due to all of their history. Fun fact, did you know that one of the members was Thanos's daughter?"

"Really? Which one?" asked Loki with a hint of curiosity in his voice and wondering if maybe one of his former companions made her way out.

"I am pretty bad at names, but I do know that it's the green one." said Issa.

"At least she finally see her father for what he is." said Loki as he gives a sigh of relief and happy that Gamora made her escape to freedom.

"Yeah and the whole galaxy hold nothing against her and gives her a pardon despite protests for her and the others" said Issa. "But we are all giving all of them a second chance and isn't that what's makes them so wonderful? To let someone have a opportunity to prove that they can do it and make a difference, I don't know about you but I believe in opportunity."

"Uh... I do not know." Said Loki a little taken aback, before regaining his composure. "Issa, if someone to hypothetically wants to go after Thanos to get to retrieve anything. What would you suggest anyone to do? Do you think anything has changed after the past events?"

"I think he would still keep his life in order, but he might be a worser than before." Said Issa. "I think that he would have tighter security and will not even try to hold back on any attack."

"That is what I was afraid of." Said Loki as he sees the challenges ahead.

"Why? Wait are you trying to prove yourself to some big boss here?" Asked Issa extremely curious.

"You may say that." Said Loki trying to hide the truth and distance himself from the entire conversation, before Issa can say another word he uses his magic to make a sound from his arm.

"Wait, I think your communicator is blinking and might be giving a message." Said Issa and Loki quickly pretends to look at his wrist.

"It appears as though you are right, they say they need in another sector immediately." Said Loki. "It was nice meeting you and I wish you the best of luck."

"Wait Ziss, do you want to hang out later or have lunch?" Asked Issa hoping that she is on track to make a new friend.

"As nice as it sounds, but I can not because I still have more training to do and it can not wait another minute." Said Loki. "Plus I will be working in another division and I do not know if our paths will cross again."

"Oh you must be part of the outer legion." Said Issa. "I wish you the best of luck on whatever your life may bring you."

Loki just gives her a nod, he starts to head his way back to the portal and thinking about everything he just seen and heard. The sights of Xander is giving him an unexplainable feeling that he doesn't even know what to make of or even know what to say, since the sights have only made him feel an unknown sense of concern and yet helplessness as the sights keep giving him this impact that doesn't seem to be going away. There is also the concern because of the fact that it is now confirmed that Thanos has an Infinity Stone and they are running out of time. They need to get the scepter back and find the other stone before he does, they do not have a moment to lose and the fear is going through his mind. That they have to hurry before it's too late, that is he hopes that it's not because there are two Infinity Stones in dangerous hands and he is going to need Darcy's help if he is going to do this. He made it to the portal and transform into the Mysto costume as fast as he can. As he quickly goes in to the porrtal, Loki just wishes that Darcy had better luck than he has...

An hour later, back in Darcy's apartment

Loki finally manages to make it to Darcy's apartment and is happy to have made it back, along with Darcy allowing him to have a set of the spare keys. So that way he no longer have to rely on the fire escape and that is now out of order at the moment. Plus it is clear that Darcy is also being more ok with him and trusting of him having the spare keys for him to go in and out of the apartment. Especially with Loki living on this planet and with Darcy for practically a month and what they have been through it alone, that fact gives Darcy enough reason to trust him, despite Loki's questioning and only to be countered that he has already proven that he is a great friend and that is more than enough for her to feel this way.

He opens the door, walks right in, change back to his Asgardian armor, only to see that there is no sign of Darcy, that he is completely alone in the apartment. Loki figures that she must be with the person that owns this building and she is trying to settle some things before they eventually need to find a new place to live and for the destruction of the building which is no where close to being their fault. The idea that she would have to face the consequences for something beyond her control and this man is angry at her for that, it is completely ridiculous and he hopes that Darcy does not tolerate this man's attitude for a moment longer and set some boundaries, there has to be a loophole or something that would guarantee that she would not have to worry about any charges. Now thanks to this complication, they have to speed up the new apartment search and then move out before it gets further out of hand

He looks over and sees that despite all the setbacks, Darcy has been working hard on her research and must have been pretty busy with the time she spent off to help him. That alone is helping to make some progress and then maybe they can get the scepter back before it's too late, that Darcy might have discovered the location. Then all they have to do is go over there and get it before these robots do anything, he is just grateful that it hasn't reached to that point yet and they still have time. They can still get it before it's too late, that is unless Darcy knows where they are and then it would make the entire situation easier. Plus he also needs to tell her everything he found out and that they only need to go after one more Infinity Stone before they go and infiltrate the area to get the guantlet and the last stone. He needs to think of a plan, before he can have a chance to even start...

"Can you believe this guy?" yelled out Darcy busting in the apartment completely annoyed. "He expects me to pay up for all the damages that those thieves made. When it wasn't even our fault!"

"I take it your chat did not go well?" asked Loki as he looks towards Darcy's direction.

"That is a major understatement, if it were up to this guy then he would condemn us for life and send us to jail for messing up an apartment that we didn't even trash." said Darcy. "I honestly can't wait for us to move out of here and find a better apartment, since I am so done with dealing with this. Heck, you are so lucky that you never had to deal with cranky landlords who are ready to increase your rent if something ever happens or whenever they find a good excuse."

"To be honest, I do not see the point of you paying someone else to have a roof over your head every single month, especially if they are as horrible as you just made them sound." said Loki. "I am only surprise that living on this planet is not as easy as I thought that it was, due to humans' sentimental nature, I always thought that you always live in these houses without a care in the world."

"I think that only happens in sit-coms buddy." said Darcy. "Though I wish that I don't have to worry about paying the bills and can use my money on only fun stuff."

"I would offer my assistance, but through my magic there is not much I can do." Said Loki. "The best I can do is use my magic to create an illusion or..."

"Or what?" Asked Darcy confused by Loki's hesitation.

"Or I can use the abilities I inherent from my heritage, but they are far too dangerous" said Loki. "Even then it would be an ice wall that would eventually melt and would not help as much."

"Wait, are you saying that you have ice powers like Elsa?" asked Darcy already excited and amazed by that possibility.

"I may not know who this Elsa may be, but I assume so if she has the ability to create ice than yes." said Loki.

"Now that's totally cool literally!" said Darcy excitedly. "Why didn't you tell me you have the ability to create ice and snow? Oh, I need to see it in action, I need to find something for you to freeze. This so awesome!"

"Darcy, this is not 'awesome,' it is no where close to that level of good." said Loki. "These abilities are made to destroy life and if anyone has these abilities then they should be ashamed of them."

"Why would anyone be ashamed of having something cool like ice powers?" asked Darcy who doesn't get it.

"It is because it is from a race of monsters who want nothing more to destroy for power." said Loki. "Why would anyone want a curse like this? If I have the power then I would have already remove them."

"You know I don't think all Jontuns are that bad, I mean you are technically one of them and you're not that bad." said Darcy.

"Have you forgotten what I have done in the past?" said Loki.

"Well, that wasn't the best thing... But you're not like that now!" said Darcy. "Plus it's your power, just because some big evil Jontuns have used their ice powers for bad things, it doesn't mean it's a bad power to have. It's up to you how you want to use it."

"I doubt I can find anything good about it or if I will ever use them." said Loki. "Nothing good can come from them."

"But it could, I mean I would totally take the ice wall if it doesn't melt." said Darcy. "I'm guessing that you never had to deal with any of these problems back on Asgard?"

"Living in the palace, as a prince of Asgard, I never had to worry about any of that, it was simply given to me." said Loki relieved that they are back to their main conversation. "Darcy, can you promise if you ever catch me complaining about my past life or if I ever someday and in all honesty doubt that I get the privilege in living in the palace again without a drop of concern, stop me, I never want to complain about it ever again."

"Finally, I found someone who agrees with me!" Said Darcy happily. "Yeah, I guess you never really know what you had until it's gone. But at least you have me to have your back now."

"I appreciate your help, since I doubt that I would stay sane if I had to live here that way." Said Loki.

"I will take that as a 'thanks' and you're so welcome. The bad news is that I haven't had any luck in finding where those bots have their super secret hideout." Said Darcy. "I have tried every platform and outlet that I usually use and so far nothing."

"It also doesn't help that we now have more to worry because the scepter is not the only Infinity Stone that gives me a cause of concern." Said Loki.

"Wait, are you saying that we have another Infinity Stone to worry about?" Asked Darcy. "Who took it and where is it?"

"Unfortunately, there was a theft on Xander and-" starts Loki.

"Wait, who took what from who?" Asked Darcy completely confused.

"Xander is a planet, not a who. While I was fighting off those robots the first time, I might have gotten some unexpected help from Thor." Said Loki.

"Wait, you met up with Thor again? When were you going to tell me this?" Asked Darcy rather excitedly. "What happened? Does he now know the truth? What did you say to him? What did he think of Mysto? What is going on with the Infinity Stones?"

"Yes, I encountered him and I was going to tell you when the moment was right and now it seems like the perfect opportunity since I got the confirmation that I needed to have an idea on what we may need to do." Said Loki. "Since the thief was Thanos, apparently he must have been trying to take the Power Stone for some time. He failed once since one of his accomplices was defeated by a group called the Guardians of the Galaxy."

"Wait, there are space superheroes now?" Asked Darcy rather excitedly.

"Apparently so and I am only happy to hear of one member, since we only met once and she seems to be doing well." Said Loki. "Other than that, this time Thanos succeeded in getting it and now has the stone in his possession."

"Alright, now that's bad and we really need to step out A game now." Said Darcy. "So are we just going to get the scepter back and then focus on finding the other stone before we go get the last stone and Gauntlet?"

"That is my current plan and the only plan we have at the moment." Said Loki giving a shrug.

"So about Thor..." starts Darcy.

"He still does not know and believes that Mysto is nothing more than another hero who wants to do nothing but do good deeds." Said Loki. "He did not suspect a thing and we are on a good start, with luck I never have to face another situation like that again."

"But still are you happy that you met up with him? Does that change anything about..." starts Darcy rather nervously and hopeful.

"Darcy, you know as well as I do that I can never go up and reveal myself. Thor would never be happy to see me and we would be lucky if the most that would happen is me being placed back in my cell and you not even having to worry about the consequences." Said Loki. "At this point, we have already crossed that bridge where we cannot return. We are going to have to sneak into Thanos's hideout one of these days and the less that know about what we are trying to do the better. We need to keep Thor and everyone else you may care about safe and we can't do that if they know or Thanos tries to use them against us."

"But still maybe having more on our side would help and we can have more back up." Said Darcy. "Plus weren't you happy to see Thor again?"

"Yes, it was nice to see my brother again and I have forgotten what it was like to spend a moment with him without anger consuming my every thought and to see him smile back at me." Said Loki. "But it can never be that way, not again, we would be doing no one any favors if we put others in danger and... it would only make everything really complicated..."

"But you can have your brother back again, if you just go and talk to him." Said Darcy. "It doesn't have to be that complicated."

"Darcy, I doubt he or anyone would ever forgive me for what I have done. I wouldn't even be surprised if he wouldn't even listen to what I have to say and refuse to believe me." Said Loki. "Nothing of this magnitude can avoid being complicated and I suppose it is for the best and I only wish that there is a better way..."

"You know when we get the scepter back, I have half the mind to use it on the landlord." Said Darcy as she tells him what she is wishing and to try to cheer Loki up. "Maybe use it to make him see what most of us have to go through and get him to go a lot more easier on people."

"The scepter does not work like that, it only allow us to control the minds of others for their actions not their perceptions." Said Loki wondering if spending so much time with him is finally starting to rub off on Darcy? "Besides once we retrieve it, then it would be better if we do not use it for any other reason to try to keep the stone away from Thanos."

"Why? It would be useful, especially if we can get people to forget anything they might have hear or something that would scream bad news for us." Said Darcy. "Plus it would be a cool thing for us to use."

"If one uses the scepter than the stone would allow you to control your victim in a deep lost consciousness. They would be under your command and would obey everything you say and lose a part of their true identities." Said Loki. "If we do that then we would have a bigger problem to deal with, especially if we need to break the spell without giving someone a serious head injury."

"All right, you got me there, plus judging from what happened with Erik, things definitely did not go well." Said Darcy. "It kinda wind up trending everywhere and people are not going to let him live it down anytime soon. Especially- Let just say that all of that led him to a now temporary retirement to live a quiet life away from the world and the press."

Darcy doesn't know if it's a good idea to tell Loki what happened to Erik or if he would want the very person responsible to know. But she knows that she is going to help protect her friend's privacy and just going to hold back, no matter how much she doesn't want to keep secrets from Loki. Besides it's not like Loki would care anyway, he does not seem like the type who would go out of his way to apologies to everyone. So he's probably going to drop it and move on.

But from what Darcy just said, it immediately captures Loki's interest as he stops to think about what he just heard and it only leads to the many questions on his mind. He never really thought about what were the consequences that the planet had to face because of him or even had a chance to see them, especially at the end of the last time he was on Earth. Loki never even thought or wondered if his victims were alright after the attack, he never even bother to ask. The only one he knew was the archer they call Hawkeye and Loki did not even need to be a healer to know he was alright, especially with the fact that Hawkeye did help defeat him in the Battle of New York and is one of the founding members of the Avengers. Though Loki never found out what happened to anyone else he mind controlled or he hurt in anyway, his curiosity is giving him a need to know that is stronger than he has ever felt before and he doesn't even know if he is going to let it go until he gets his answer.

"Whatever did happened to that man?" asked Loki. "I am assuming that he must be a friend's of yours? From the way you were just describing it, you made it sound like he is suffering after I took over his mind."

"You really don't want to know." said Darcy immediately giving his a side glance and hoping that he would give up.

"But I would like to know what happened to him." said Loki not giving up and can already tell that it must have not ended well for Erik. As the need to know on how victims turn out creates an uncomfortable feeling deep inside him that he can not shake away.

"I really don't want to tell you and besides you really do not want to hear it." said Darcy. "Since it was pretty bad, in fact it was even on the news..."

"That sounds bad." said Loki rather simply.

"Yeah, Erik is still not living it down because everyone is still making jokes or some kind of rude comments on social media." said Darcy. "It's not that great..."

"Maybe what I did is worse than I thought..." said Loki as he feels a sense of uncomfortably that only seems to be growing stronger by the second.

"Yeah, it's a good thing that is all in the past and you are making things right?" said Darcy trying to be the comforting before becoming energetically determined once again. "But anyway let's try to focus on trying to get the scepter back before we find ourselves in worse situation like the fate of the world is on our shoulders situation."

"Maybe you are right and we should figure out the task at hand rather than focus on nothing but the past." said Loki. "I was thinking that maybe if we use your technology and somehow advance it even further and try to see if we can hit a larger frequency and track these robots."

"Wow, who knew you could be tech savvy." said Darcy.

"I have learned a thing or two from the box with the moving pictures about technology." said Loki. "But still it would be a good idea to make our search a little without it becoming endless to the point that we wind up back where we started."

"It's a good idea, but the only problem is that we don't know how to advance even further and even then we need a tracking device like a app or a computer or something." said Darcy. "Even then it is not a guarantee that it won't lead us right to them, since they could always find a way to throw us off and we'd be going around in circles."

"What if we combine your technology with my magic, then maybe we can have the tracking locked into their system?" asked Loki. "Maybe that will help keep them from trying to throw the signal off and we can easily find them."

"Maybe, but we don't know what would happen if we try to combine Earth tech with your magic. Who knows what kind of trouble it would cause or if we might do something that might make it worse." said Darcy. "For now, we should also keep an eye on the news, while we find some way to see if your suggestion might work, so we'll know where they strike next."

"Along with figure out how we are going to make them tell us about the location of the scepter." said Loki. "Something tells me that it is not going to be any easy to find out without having to put up some kind of fight."

"We can use your magic, try hacking into one of them or... hope for a miracle..." said Darcy rather awkwardly, she still haven't thought much of that part.

Before Loki can even say another thing, all of the sudden there is a blast coming from the hallway outside the apartment and one that captures both of their attention. Neither of them said a word before they got ready if it is heading their way, Loki pulls out his daggers, while Darcy goes over to the kitchen and grabs a frying pan, ready to fight whatever might be going on outside. With a blink of an eye, some red energy blows the door down, creating a powerful force that might be stronger than either of them can ever imagine and might be stronger than just break down a door. Soon they see something that is speeding right at them through the door before stopping himself right in front of them and the girl walks right behind him. Catching both of them by surprise and seeing the sight of the two of them are now in the apartment, seeing both of the familiar figures there is their main focus.

Even if Loki is now worried about his identity and wondering how he is going to get out of this and really wishes the they haven't seen the recent news. The last thing he need is for both of them to tell the entire planet that he is there and then make the entire situation even worse for him. Since he still doesn't trust them and seeing them break right into the apartment just like that is not helping change his mind or make him feel any better. Especially knowing that he can't allow them to know any of what is going on or knows if it would be a good idea to be open to them. So he keeps a fighting stance and is ready to fight if he has to.

While Darcy on the other hand...

"Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver?" said Darcy surprised as she lowers her pan and only making the two of them confused by what she just said. "Sorry, it was just something that I just came up to call you guys, since I didn't get your names..."

"Very creative." said Scarlet Witch as she smiles at her name before turning serious. "But right now, we really need your help."

Both Loki and Darcy quickly gives each other a glance as they stare at their surprise visitors, at how things has taken an unexpected turn. That they now have another thing on their plate and a problem that they need to deal with right now. Neither one of them knows what Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver wants or why they are even there or what may be going on that they may need their help. But one thing Loki and Darcy do know is that they are getting the feeling that they are going to take part in a long conversation to find out...

30 minuetes later

It takes a while, for Darcy not only to order some pizza, but to try to make the place perfect for four people to sit down and to have some fun or in their case get down to business. She is just happy that she has four chairs, though it is not like she has that many visitors anyway especially after getting Loki as a roommate and she had to limit visiting hours or at least give Loki some time to escape before anyone steps foot in there. Once the pizza arrives, she quickly pays for it and places it on the table and distributes the paper plates to open the box. So that way, they can start things on the right foot and then they can see what is going on and maybe even help out.

While Loki is keeping his guard up and is not getting anywhere close to that table and doesn't even want to take any chances. He stares at the two of them, feeling a deep distrust and doesn't even know what they are thinking or if they are planning to do something. But Loki knows that he is not going to take any chances and is going to find out the truth, as he continues to looks at them with a defensive stance and ready to fight back if he has to. There is so much going on and he can't afford to let the wrong people know or if they might have something else planned. They can not take that chance...

"You know you can relax for a bit right?" said Darcy.

"We can't we do not know what their motives are or if they have us playing right into a trap." Said Loki. "I can not even believe how you can be so casual and be willing to have dinner with them, especially not even knowing why they would come to us for help."

"They didn't exactly do anything to make us feel like they might be a threat, so I am going to be nice." Said Darcy before turning to the two. "I hope you guys like plain cheese pizza, I didn't really know if you guys would like toppings or what you all would want, so I got us the safe bet."

"We never had any pizza, so we are alright with whatever you may have." Said the girl, as she picks up a slice and takes a bite. "Which this is surprisingly really good."

"Now talk, what is going on?" Said Loki. "Why are you desperate need of our help?"

"Lo- let's try not to be rude." Said Darcy trying to be friendly and yet not be annoyed by Loki's desperate need to be overly suspicious. "Why don't we start with your names? We still haven't gotten what they were last time."

"Right, my name is Wanda Maximoff and this is my brother Pietro." Said the girl. "We made a mistake, a big mistake and one that I don't even know if we can fix."

"What did you do?" Asked Darcy who is only getting more confused and concern by the minute.

"We sided with him, we thought that he was going to help us. That he was just only get rid of Stark and his Avenger friends, we didn't see that he was going to do all of this." Said Pietro. "He is planning to do more than little attacks, if we don't stop him now than he is going to destroy all of life of this planet."

"Who? Who were you helping? Who wants to destroy all life on this planet?" Asked Loki already fearing the worst.

"Ultron, he has a ton of robots and is planning to remake his body into a bigger and better body." Said Pietro. "He has this scepter back from H.Y.D.R.A to help him form it, he is making something worse than himself."

"I saw a vision in its mind and saw what Ultron is planning to do and he is creating a monster." Said Wanda. "When I saw it and told Pietro, we knew we couldn't help him anymore or else it would mean something worse."

"Wait this Ultron, is he the leader of those robots?" Demanded Loki. "Is he behind these attacks?"

"Why were you guys helping Ultom in the first place?" Asked Darcy trying to get a clear picture. "You two don't seem like the type who wants to help destroy the planet and everything in it?"

"We only wanted to help him to get our revenge on Stark, we had no idea that it would go this far." Said Wanda. "He was creating these attacks and they were all against him, so we only followed his lead with everything, we didn't care what was the cost."

"Do you both have any idea on what you could have done?" Said Loki in a mix of frustration and anger, not even caring if he was being harsh. "If that scepter is in the wrong hands then the world is already in danger, it is not just even the people of this planet, it's the entire universe. You both put the entire universe in danger because you were ready to focus on getting vengeance that you did not care what price you may have to pay."

Loki knows that he should focus on finding out where the scepter is and then figure out how he is going to get it back from Ultron. Along with how he is going to hide his identity from the two of them, with the hope that he can find a way to deceive them. But right now, he doesn't care and only wants to say everything on his mind and he does not know if he is able to hold back every word on his mind. Thanks to them, now the scepter is in the wrong hands, they have to now deal with an army of evil robots that are never going to stop and will destroy this planet to end humanity. It only makes things harder for him, since not only he now is involved, but it would make him take time away from finding the last Infinity Stone before they have to possibly face Thanos. He is not going to let this go, especially not until he gives them a piece of his mind.

"Yeah, he's right, what you guys did was so uncool and it's already a miracle that no one has gotten hurt yet." Said Darcy agreeing with her roommate even if he is being harsh. "What we're you guys thinking of joining a monstrosity like that?"

At this point, Darcy stops herself as she sees Pietro and Wanda move a little back. From a look, she can tell that she is making them feel a little too uncomfortable. That maybe she is being a little hard on them and might need to stop. She wouldn't be surprised if Loki gives her the whole "you are being so hard on them and should stop speech." Darcy waits for Loki to start, wanting nothing more but to get it over with, but to much of her surprise...

"You both have placed everyone including yourselves in danger. All because of something that happened between you and Stark years ago." Said Loki angrily, trying his best not to lose his temper. "Something that happened that was beyond anyone's control and something Stark did not even mean to do."

"We only did it, to bring justice to our parents. We needed to fill in the gap that we have always felt and we thought that revenge was the best way to do it." Said Wanda. "We felt as though as we didn't have a choice and wanted to make him pay for his weaponry. We thought that it was the path that we needed to take and that by gaining these powers, it can help us gain it."

"So basically you turn yourselves into human lab rats for your quest for revenge?" asked Darcy completely not impressed.

"We thought that bringing Stark down would give us closure." Said Pietro simply.

"Along with the Avengers, we thought that eliminating them for being Stark's associates would also help make the world a better place." Said Wanda. "We vowed to take anyone who may be associated with him down, we did not care what the consequences may be as long as we do it. We only regret it now after what we were almost a part of and once we saw what we have done."

After hearing this, it only makes Loki and Darcy even more displeased and there is not even enough words to describe what they are feeling. They can't believe how things suddenly got to this point and how they have to deal with the problem even more than they thought they would. That the problem at hand is now on a global scale and if they don't get the scepter then there won't be a planet to protect and Thanos can literally just land and walk in to grab the remaining Infinity Stones. It got to the point, that right now defeating Ultron has become their top priority and If he has the scepter, if he is going to do what he is planning to do then they are going to need to make their move now before it's too late.

Darcy knows that this is the moment where Loki makes his grand debut as Mysto. That he is going to have to get the scepter and clean up the Maximoff twins' mess before it's too late and get this all dealt with. Though first she is going to have to combine Loki to go for and make it his first big Mysto mission and then figure out where things will go from there. Especially from one look and she sees how angry Loki is at the moment. She know her roommate long enough to know that no one wants to mess with Loki and his temper, especially if one is on the receiving end. But still maybe he is going to use this as a moment to tell the twins that revenge is not the answer and that now they know what the consequences are for going down this path and what happens when that becomes one's overarching goal in life, especially if one loses sight in what's really important. That is, she thought he would...

"You both have no idea on how much trouble you caused on this planet and on my mission. Not only we have to worry about finding a way to retrieve the scepter, but we also have to deal with many more problems that I have been doing everything to avoid because I have to deal with more imperative objectives." Said Loki in deep anger. "Now thanks to the two of you, we have to not only go defeat a dangerous pieces of technology that we have no idea how much damage we may have to undo. Along with now needing to stop a dangerous threat and one that we can not afford to fail. All for what something that Stark did years ago that he doesn't even know what even occurred and would have moved on at this point!"

Darcy turns to face her roommate, she doesn't blame Loki for being angry and she's mad at the twins too. But at the same time, she feels like that it might be best to try to ease down Loki's temper and try to be the buffer before he does something that he might later regret. Especially remembering all of the times that Loki let his temper get the better of him and everything that led to his past mistakes with Thor and Asgard and everything that has happened. Plus it also doesn't help that his anger is the reason why he got himself into this mess in the first place. Someone has to be the peacekeeper and she is the only candidate for the job at the moment. Especially before Loki ruins whatever relationship they have with the twins and all of their chances on getting help to get the scepter back. It would be a bad thing if they make things to the point where they both feel so uncomfortable that it would hurt all four of them in the long run, they might as well make things run smoothly...

"Why don't we try to keep the yelling to a minimum right before we let things slide into ugly?" suggests Darcy nervous. "Why don't we all just sit down, enjoy our pizza and talk like four rational people who now have a big robot problem to worry about? You know chat about life and try to figure out how to get the scepter back and defeat an evil robot army before anything happens."

"We have every right to be angry and yell at these two as if there is no tomorrow. With every single word we may have in mind, no matter how harsh it may be!" said Loki angrily. "Everyone has a reason why to be mad at others or the world, especially if they have hurt you in the past! But that does not give you the excuse to try to hurt the many around you including yourselves in hopes that you would get what would be the solution to all of your problems. I had to learn that lesson the hard way and it appears as though you had to as well."

With it only got Darcy and the twins to stare at Loki, with many thoughts floating in their heads. Darcy notices that the twins look as though they feel even worse about their actions and they don't even seem to want to argue against him. Though despite Loki's harshness, he does have a point and if anything he is doing a good job in making them both feel bad about it. But the real thing that catches Darcy's eye is everything that Loki just said and how he just gave both Wanda and Pietro a lecture and it feels more personal than any of them thought that it would. That Loki sounds as though he is regretting everything that has happened back then and is ready to yell at both of the twins for their mistake and that maybe he is starting to see a change in Loki, one that she didn't even know that is there, that the twins allowed her to see. But still it might be best if she steps in and take over the situation before it gets out of hand.

"Ok, I think that we pretty much rubbed it in far enough and that is not going to help us solve any of these problems." said Darcy. "Right now, we should focus on trying to figure out how clean up this mess before we have bigger fishes to fry. So do you guys have any idea on where this Ultom is going to strike next?"

"He says that he is going to go back to Sokovia with his new mechanical body. Ulton, the body and the scepter is in Seoul right now." said Wanda feeling a little confident that they can trust them. "If we don't hurry than we will be facing a war, no one will win and a future of Ultron's own creation."

"Did he say when he is going to leave Seoul? With the scepter and this new body of his?" asked Loki still annoyed at the twins and the situation that Darcy and he are now in.

"He said that he is going to move them as early as tomorrow." said Pietro. "He said that after he has seen what the Avengers are capable of, he is now ready for anything they throw at them and is building an even bigger army. He is not going to stop at nothing until he destroys all of humanity."

"Well then we are going to need to hurry before he leaves Seoul, if we're lucky than we can meet up with him on the main highway and stop him right on the spot." said Darcy as she grabs her backpack and starts packing in it. "Maybe we can stop them before the Avengers get there and then we won't have to worry about who knows what to get the scepter back."

"I definitely agree with you on that one, now we should-" starts Loki before...

"Wait, you're not wearing your costume!" said Darcy in an almost panicked tone.

Loki quickly realizes Darcy was right and he is not wearing his costume, he is now exposed and the Maximoff twins now know who is underneath the mask. He doesn't even know what to do or if he can even do anything. Now his secret in jeopardy and he doesn't even know what he is going to do or if he can quickly think of spell that could erase the twins' memories. Even then it wouldn't help matter, since not only it would be immoral to simply just remove their memories, but he is not going to help matters if he just erase their memories without even knowing how far back he is going. He tries to think of every scenario that would work and so far nothing, he continues to try to think of plan and the more he thought of it, the more hopeless it is becoming and he is about to get into a deeper thought process, until...

"It's ok, it's alright. You don't have to worry about it Loki, your secret is safe with us." said Wanda catching Loki and Darcy by surprise and seeing her comfort and acceptance. "When you were both were taking the scepter and helping us escape, back in H.Y.D.R.A, I went into both of your minds. I needed to see if we can trust both of you and after seeing who you were and what you were trying to do, we decided to keep it a secret, as a thank you."

"Now this is a surprise, a very good one and I do not even know what to say to either of you." said Loki taken aback. "You have known this entire time and you never bothered to tell anyone who I was or I was on this planet?"

"No, we know how you feel and can see why you are making these choices, so we couldn't tell anyone, not without hurting you." said Pietro. "Besides it's not like anyone would believe us anyway and you got to deal with angry aliens from outer space that wants to destroy this planet. We'd be doing the whole world and you and your friend a favor by keeping this a secret."

"Thanks so much." said Darcy happily and relieved, as Loki stares in shock by what just happened.

Neither one of them expected Wanda to have the ability to go through others' minds or even thought that she would have the ability to do so and would want to keep her discovery of Mysto a secret. Loki is still angry at her and Pietro for helping Ultron and the reason why things have escalated this far, but at the same time, he can see that they were telling the truth and he is grateful for that. He can see that they are now on their side and maybe they can also pick themselves up and make things right, thenthe four of them can solve this problem before it gets further out of control. At least he knows that there is a better chance and that maybe this won't be so bad, but first they need to see how this goes, before he knows if he can trust them and let them keep the secret and maybe even help at times. Since he still doesn't trust the two and he is going to keep an eye on them and see for himself, especially before anything else happens

"Well then, I believe we should go right now, before these robot depart the city. I think I know a portal that would lead us directly into the city with luck, then we would arrive in the center of the town." said Loki trying to regain his own composure. "If we leave now, then we might be able to spy on them for a little while and come up with a plan that might work and we'll strike at the right moment, if we have any luck on our side that is..."

Without another word being said, they all start to head out of the apartment and to Seoul, with Loki taking the lead and heading right towards the direction of the portal. They all have a big battle that they have to fight right now and it's one that neither one of them has ask for. Yet they all have to win it somehow, this is a fight neither of them can afford to lose. One that they have a higher chance to win, they all only hope that it is possible. Since they have to win, no matter what...

Chapter Text

Soon the four of them arrives at Seoul, much to their relief, the town still seems to be at peace and Ultron still hasn't made his attack and it will not be like that for long. Loki, Darcy and Wanda are now hiding in an alley way, trying to keep out of sight and to be ready for anything. While Pietro is going towards Ultron's headquarters, wanting to see what's going on and to bring a full report to the others. The three of them keeps their guards up and are ready to fight if they have to and to try to defend themselves and be ready for whatever these robots may have in store for all of them. It has been mostly quiet and they have been waiting for a good hour or so and the only thing that Loki has been focusing on is trying to see if he can know for sure if the Maximoff twins really have good intentions or if they are both walking right into a trap.

Sure they haven't told anyone that he's Mysto, but this feels a little too good to be true and that is what making him even more suspicious of him and that alone is what making him feel a sense of frustration that is not going away and all the answers that he is now yearning for is only making him feel as though that he needs them more than ever. Loki doesn't even know how Darcy can handle being in the same area as the twins and not even driving herself insane with questions that never seem to stop. The ones that will continue to go through anyone's mind and will continue to drive them crazy until the end of this entire incident. Since he does not think he is going to start to trust them unless he gets his answers and even then it won't be enough to convince him to trust them or even knows if he can even find it in himself to do so.

The wait is not helping matters, as he starts to feel more and more suspicious and wants to know all of the answers before it drives him insane. He watches the two of them talk and simply getting along, with a sense of unsurity. He doesn't even know how to start of this entire conversation without possibly unintentionally starting an argument, but he knows that he has to find the answers before it's too late. Loki nervously approach the two and hoping that it won't lead to some kind of trouble and one that would guarantee that it would turn the twins against him or anywhere close to making things harder on all of them. That maybe he will get some right now or at least he hopes that he would...

"How long is the hide out from where we stand?" asked Loki tying to get a clear picture and to try to make the conversation as friendly as possible.

"It's only a few blocks away, not very far from here." said Wanda. "Though I do wonder what is taking Pietro so long? It shouldn't take this long for him to get there, find out everything and run back?"

"You're worried about him aren't you?" asked Darcy hoping that it will bring Wanda comfort.

"He is the only one I have left and I can't imagine a world without him." said Wanda. "We have been through everything together and he has always been there for me, I don't think I can ever forgive anyone or myself if anything happens to him.

"I see what you mean, I have hurt my brother so many times and there will be nothing that can ever repair the damage and I doubt he will want anything to do with me." said Loki. "So it would be better to protect him from the truth."

"Is it that why you chose to keep your identity a secret to protect him from what might be coming and what you believe to be best for him?" asked Wanda. "Since you seem so determined to hide him from the truth and you are more worried of what is up ahead."

"I can't afford in letting one thing slip and then he will know and the last thing I need is for him to get involved. Then he will get involved and I don't think I can ever forgive myself if he gets hurt because of me." said Loki. "The danger won't hesitate in going after him and I can't afford in allowing me to be revealed because then he will know and will try to interfere."

"So you are willing to lie to your own brother with the hope that you would keep him safe?" asked Wanda.

"I am willing to do whatever it takes to complete my quest and now to keep my presence a secret." said Loki as he crosses his arms. "I am assuming that would be the same. for you, assuming that Ultron is not making some secret plan that we might not even know about."

"Loki, let's just wait for a moment before we jump to any conclusions." said Darcy. "But still do you think Ultron might be planning something and it's a big plan and one that we need to be worried about?"

"Nothing that we haven't told you, unless something has changed since we left." said Wanda as she looks past them, hoping to see a sign of her brother coming back.

"Here is a thought, maybe he is being really careful about something and it is an issue that would bring more danger than any of us may anticipate." said Loki. "That maybe Ultron has prepared himself for anything or maybe even have a plan for the two of you and all the Avengers if and when someone tries to attack."

"He might have a point, this Ultron seems to be really smart and that alone is really scary for a robot." said Darcy. "Not that I am saying that a robot can't have a mind of their own and who knows maybe there might even be good ones out there."

"I doubt that, they are objects that have been programmed by someone or in this case something to do a specific task and follow a mission blindly." said Loki. "I honestly thought that you would know that better than anyone, since you are an expert in many technologies."

"I am mostly a hacker, but I am not the type who would give others a chance no matter who they may be." said Darcy. "Especially since we don't know what someone is like unless we really get to know them. I am willing to give them a chance before I make any judgements on whether or not they are bad news. I mean at this point anything is possible and there might be a chance there are good robots right?"

"I saw Ultron's plans to use it for destruction and even if you're right, we can't afford to take any chances." said Wanda.

"Especially if we want to get the scepter back and protect this planet." said Loki. "We have to be careful in what we do and who we trust."

"Alright, wait what do you mean by that?" asked Darcy completely confused, as Loki is about to give her a hint through his magic. Before he can even have that chance...

Pietro speeds right back and catching the three of them by surprise, both Loki and Darcy quickly exchanges a look at one another at the surprise. While Wanda races right towards her brother, relieved that he is ok and that he is back and quickly hugs him. As Loki and Darcy watches the scene, Darcy is feeling a sense of happiness as she sees the two of them reunited. That at least Pietro made it out alright and they now have their so far little squad back together, after seeing Loki, Wanda and Pietro together, she is already having some ideas that might work and one that she is not going to let go just yet...

While Loki continues to feel a little more unsure of the Maximoff twins and so far he doesn't even know what would be a good way to catch them in the act. To try to see who's side they are on and if they don't have to worry about being betrayed in some way. He takes a good look at the twins, wanting to know what the whole story and wondering if he had found out anything useful. That alone is what he only wants to find out and have it over with, since the last thing he wants to deal with anyone that might not be anywhere close to being truthful. That he would have to fight them all off and at least he hopes that he can avoid the entire confrontation and then he would have to get past that setback and fight back. The moment continues on, that is until...

"Good, you're back. Did you find out anything that we should know about or are we going to need to leave it up to chance and then hope that we will be ready for it?" asked Loki annoyed as he watches the Maximoff twins break out of the hug.

"Ultron is planning to leave tomorrow first thing in the morning, he is getting a truck prepared and secured the mechanical body." said Pietro. "I think he is not going to allow anything to happen to the body and even then the security of the facility has tightened since we left him."

"Did you see the scepter? What security did you find it under?" asked Loki wanting to know what he might have to do to break down the security

"The scepter has been destroyed."said Pietro.

"Wait, what do you mean that the scepter has been destroyed?" asked Loki wanting to know the answers right now.

"I thought the scepter has and Infinity Stone and there is no possible way anyone can destroy it." said Darcy completely confused and not even knowing what to make of it.

"Well one can destroy the object that is holding it, but there is no way anyone can try to destroy the stone without allowing it to destroy oneself." said Loki before turning to Pietro. "What happened to the stone? What did he do to it?"

"I only caught glimpses of it and from what I have seen the stone is now part of it." said Pietro. "Ultron placed the gold rock on his fantastic masterpiece."

"Wait, he placed on the body?" said Wanda in disbelief.

"Great, just what we need, an evil robot's toy lying around in our new place until we figure out what to do with it." said Darcy. "Please tell me if having that thing is not dangerous..."

"I do not think we would have to worry about as much as the other stones, except putting. it in a safe place where we won't lose it." said Loki. "We can simply remove the stone right from him."

"I thought you said that we can't remove an Infinity Stone from it's structure unless it's has something to do with figuring out the exact structure or something." said Darcy.

"Yes, it is true if it's inside the structure, but other than that unless it simply on the object that easy to see and grab, then we do not need to worry about the city facing any more damage unless it's from Ultron." said Loki. "I think I know a spell that might be able to withstand the power of the Infinity Stones, so at least I can carry it out of here for an hour at least, if I am quick and can get to the portal quickly."

"At least it's on the forehead, you don't have to worry about it becoming that much of a problem." said Pietro.

"Let's come up with a plan on how am I going to get the stone and end Ultron's insane plan before he decides to take over the world." said Darcy. "Here's an idea, why after we all save the universe, we don't start our own superhero team or in our case trio? It would be so cool and I know we'd totally be unstoppable, how does the 'Magic Speeding trio squad?'"

"Uh... what?" asked Pietro surprised, while Wanda rolled her eyes.

"Maybe you should stick to coming up with hero names and not quit whatever career path you have already chosen or your assistance with this quest." said Loki.

"Come on, it would totally work and it definitely would at least get the point." said Darcy. "I know it's not as catchy as The Avengers, but it could work and you guys being a cool superhero team would be totally amazing."

"That's quite an imagination." said Wanda who doesn't even know what to make of Darcy's excitement.

"Yeah, the idea is still a work in progress, but we can make it work." said Darcy excitedly.

"I don't think it would work, not only I am a solo hero, but it would be a little too much." said Loki. "Other than trying to create a band, we really should focus on the task at hand and maybe if we are lucky we can infiltrate the facility without any trouble."

"The problem we would need to deal with is Ultron and he has so much security." said Pietro.

"It should not be a problem, at this point Darcy and I are experts in sneaking into places undetected and this will be too easy." said Loki confidently.

"You have experience on breaking in places that the guards are alive." pointed out Wanda. "Ultron has eyes on the back of his head and he is not the type who would simply let go of the smallest details. Even then he would try to make an attack and that would be something anyone would be unprepared for."

"What if we have someone keep an eye on Ultron and then we will know exactly what is going on?" said Darcy.

"How do you propose that we do that?" said Loki.

"Maybe if we have the twins to go out there and keep an eye on things and maybe even give us daily reports?" said Darcy.

"What?" said Loki in shock as he faces the idea that he doesn't even know what to think.

"Yeah you guys go ahead and keep an eye on him, if anything happens then you guys come get us." said Darcy rather excitedly.

"What should we do if we get caught or is something happens?" asked Pietro.

"You guys can always... use your powers..." suggested Darcy.

"Darcy, I honestly do not think that it would be a good-" starts Loki right before...

"Maybe she's right, we should take this chance and it would be good to make sure that nothing happens." said Wanda. "We can try to slow down progress and make inconveniences, remember how much fun we had when we were sneaking desert?"

"We can even sleep in our old rooms and keep people away from there with your fancy mind tricks." said Pietro.

"The only downside is that you two won't have a place to stay while we keep watch." said Wanda.

"Don't worry, Loki and I will figure something out." said Darcy. "We're really resourceful when we want to be."

"Hang on, I have a couple of things to say-" starts Loki as he is about to say a couple of things right before Darcy stops him.

"We'll be fine, just come get us if something happens or in the morning, we will be fine." said Darcy. "Go out and try to keep watch, then we'll meet up in the morning once we came up with a plan."

"Alright, if you're sure?" said Wanda.

"Of course, we are not-" starts Loki before...

"Yeah, we're completely fine. Go already, we'll see you in the morning." said Darcy rather happily.

With that Pietro picks up Wanda and starts race past the the streets, heading on their way right towards the hideout and to keep an eye on Ultron. To ensure that they are still on the right track and then it will enough to succeed, that they already have eyes on the entire scene and they are one step closer on getting the stone back. While Loki is anything but pleased at how things just turned out and how they are now trusting the entire fate of not only this planet, but the stone and eventually the universe to a reckless decision and that alone is what makes him more and more worried as he continues to think of the possibility that they might get betrayed. He is feeling an anger towards Darcy that he doesn't even know what words would calm him down or if it would be enough without him finding himself getting more annoyed and he is not going to waste another second.

"Darcy, what were you thinking?!" yelled out Loki even more annoyed. "Why would you trust them that easily? Do you have any idea what position you could have put us in?"

"All I did was give them a chance and do what might be the smart thing to do." said Darcy. "If we are going to get the stone and save universe thenn we are going to need all the help we can get. They are our best chance and we can't pass up that opportunity."

"That or you have us fall right for their scam, we do not know a thing about them or if they are telling the truth." said Loki. "How do we even know if we are not being fooled? That we are not falling into some trap and we are actually helping them in whatever plan they may be hoping to succeed in?"

"But that's just thing I don't even think they are lying and we have to take a chance on them." said Darcy. "I don't know about you, but I am not getting the feel or anywhere close that they are up to something."

"Darcy, that is not a good reason to trust them or anyone for that matter." said Loki in deep frustration. "They already know so much and that includes my true identity, we do not know what they might be planning to do with that knowledge. It is dangerous to allow anyone we do not have a reason to trust to have valuable information, let alone important tasks, if things go wrong then it is going to take us forever to find the Infinity stone and-"

"Things are not going to go wrong, I have the fate that it won't go wrong, they are going to accept their second chance and that is good enough for me." said Darcy.

"That is not even a good reason to trust them, the only thing I am getting out of this discussion is that you wants to give them a second chance." said Loki. "I admit that is admirable and generous of you, but we are in a place where we can not offer to give that generosity and with one wrong move then we might be making the biggest mistakes in our lives. If they are still on Ultron's side than we need to find out and not foolishly assume they are telling the truth, we do not know if they have other motives or there might be something going on or-"

"Loki, I didn't know anything about you when we first met and that didn't stop me in giving you a second chance." said Darcy. "Sure, I didn't have a good reason or know for sure if I could, I might have even have some doubts. But that didn't stop me and things have worked out, I mean the twins and you are not that different if we stop to to think about it.

"There is nothing similar-" starts Loki ready to counter the comparison.

"Let's see, the three of you have experience of working with some big bad that would be more than happy to not only destroy this planet, but do you in as well. Let's see there's also the idea that you guys want revenge on someone that might have unintentionally hurt you and the idea that you guys are trying to make things right." said Darcy. "Not too mention, you guys have similar powers, well you and Wanda at least. But still my point being that you guys have so much in common, I don't even think that it is possible for them to be some evil villains and maybe they are just so lost by their anger and grief that they didn't realize what they were doing until Wanda saw what Ultron was really up to."

"Ok, you made a valid arguement and I can see your reasoning behind the argument." said Loki. "But that does not mean, we should foolishly rely on dumb luck and hope that everything would work out. Just because you might have been right about me, it does not mean that you are right about everyone."

"Yeah, but that shouldn't mean that we can't give someone else a chance if they really ask for it." said Darcy. "Just trust me, things will work out, I believe they can help and I am willing to give them a chance, why won't you?"

"Well it's looks like as of right now, I do not really have that much of a choice." said Loki. "I only hope that you're right and I will not be regretting all of this for you."

"I'm sure, everything will be fine." said Darcy rather confidently.

"Though, while they are keeping an eye on Ultron and his associates, we still have to find a place to stay for the night." said Loki. "Assuming that we are going to stay in this city for the night?"

"Yeah, since we're here and Ultron is planning to attack this place tomorrow." said Darcy. "Though I wish I had more time to prepare for this."

"So you do not know if there might be a worthy place for us to spend the night?" asked Loki already having a bad feeling about this.

"Well... Why don't you patrol the city for a sign of an Ultron attack." said Darcy as she tries to look confident and sees Loki looking completely unsure. "I'm sure, I will find something that will make us feel right at home and give us five star acomadations."

A Few hours later

"I can not believe that this is the best you could do." said Loki so annoyed that even he is wondering if he'll ever be in a good mood again.

"Sorry, everywhere else is booked and you won't believe how there's almost nothing for tourists over here." said Darcy. "It's not like I can just go over and kick someone out of a hotel room and even then it is a dump."

"At least it would have been better than this, I may have not been on this planet for long but even I know humans wouldn't want to stoop this low." said Loki completely displeased. "This has to be the worst place I have ever slept in, I do not even know how you can stay this optimistic without losing your mind."

"Look at the bright side... At least it's free..." said Darcy trying to keep her optimism up.

Loki turns to point out where they are staying at, from one sight it does not seem like anyone's perfect vacation spot. They are now trying to make themselves comfortable at the park in the downtown area. Darcy tried to go find every hotel and anything that would guarantee that they have a place to stay and everything is all booked and Seoul doesn't seem to have a high tourist rate to even bother staying in the city. The best she can do is think of something that she knows that neither of them finds at all appealing, sleeping outside. Despite how much Darcy is now dreading this, she knows that they have to stay and be ready for anything. The two of them need to make the most of this until she finds something that would work or at least let it be fine for the night at least. Though some positivity wouldn't hurt and maybe she can lighten up the mood that is in desperate need to be lightened up. For the sake of both their sanities in the morning...

"Of course, you can see that no one would pay to stay here. It is a park, a public area where one goes to for pleasure and enjoying." Said Loki. "You could have at least gotten us a place where we have a roof."

"Sorry, this is literally the best I could have done and even then it's only for one night." Said Darcy. "Here's an idea why don't you use your ice powers to build an ice palace for us? That way not only we will have a place to sleep in for the night, but we would also have a cool experience and actually enjoy it."

"I can't because not only it's too dangerous, I doubt that I have enough experience to even make it possible and it would melt." Said Loki. "Those abilities are only good for destruction and the last thing we need is to lose the robots before we can have the opportunity to do anything."

"But have you ever used these powers is see for yourself what you might be capable of?" Asked Darcy.

"The first time I used these abilities I froze Hiemdell." Said Loki rather casually.

"Ok, maybe freezing people isn't exactly what I had in mind for good uses." Said Darcy. "But we can still use the whole freezing thing and learn what other things that it can be cool to use it for."

"I do not think this curse has any potential to be used for good." Said Loki. "If anything we are just lucky that I have my magic, so that way I would never have a need to use it."

"I am sure there has to be something and I am not going to give up until I find something great." Said Darcy. "Wait before you start doubting yourself a little too hard and ban yourself from using those powers for life."

"You can try if you wish, I am not going to stop you." Said Loki. "Now to try to make this anymore tolerable, I have already created an illusion to make us practically invisible and not allow anyone to come to this area. So that way, I can not only take my mask off but to not be seen that way by the robots and others."

"Right, we can't have that." Said Darcy in a almost joking matter.

"Well we can't, it's humiliating." Said Loki. "I was a prince of Asgard and now disguising myself as a superhero. I don't see the other Avengers making themselves comfortable and taking a nap on park benches."

"Well, I'm sure they are flexible when it comes to these things." Said Darcy. "Come on Loki, it is just one night. Plus didn't you and Thor go on some camping trips when you were younger or the two of you have to go on some quests that requires you guys to stay somewhere outside overnight?"

"They were mostly for a better reason than this, it is always a quest that leads to find something or a trip for the two of us to enjoy each other's company." Said Loki. "It was never something of this magnitude or discomfort."

"Let's try to make it comfortable than." Said Darcy as she tries to get everything all set up. "I can safely assume that you can create blankets and pillows out of thin air."

"Not out of thin air, but I can summon them and easily." Said Loki as he quickly uses his magic to summon some blankets and pillows for the two of them, he also takes off the Mysto cape in hopes that it would be a good blanket for him, while Darcy can have most work of the ones he summoned.

"Now that's so cool." Said Darcy amazed before getting concerned by Loki's kind gesture. "Wait, these are most of the blankets you just conjured up. Don't you want some of them? Won't you be cold?"

"I have always been far more comfortable in the cold and could be standing there for hours without feeling any discomfort." Said Loki. "Though I can not say the same about the sun or any summer heat. It is a nightmare to stand around in, let alone try any other activities."

"You're more of a winter person." Said Darcy.

"Of course, it has always been my favorite out of the four seasons." Said Loki. "I am assuming that it must be due to my heritage, I always did have a fondness for it and I do not think I mind it."

"See now that's one good thing about your Jontun abilities, so far I am on a roll." said Darcy rather happily and Loki can't help but to smile back at her. "I can't believe that we are actually doing this, though maybe next time we might be lucky and go somewhere that is much cooler and maybe we can turn it into a fun trip."

"If only we can afford that kind of luxury, but with the situation at hand, we need to focus on not only on getting this stone, the next and possibly having to face Thanos." said Loki. "I doubt anyone can truly relax without having to put their guard down and risk a chance to fail and not allowing yourself to succeed in your mission and never being free from it."

"I'm guessing that you had a rotten time with Thanos?" asked Darcy as she starts to try to create a bed for herself with the blankets. "I mean from how you want to avoid him like a plague and how you seem to be uncomfortable if we try to talk about him."

"I am not bothered by Thanos and I am definitely not afraid to face him." said Loki rather defensively.

"Never said that you were." said Darcy.

"I didn't mean that exactly." said Loki not even knowing what to say.

"Then what did you mean?" asked Darcy trying to see if Loki would be willing to open up and maybe learn the real story.

"It does not matter, right now my main priority is to get this task over with and then maybe it would be enough." said Loki. "We might finally put a stop to this and... it will finally be enough."

"Hey, we will pull this off and then you will no longer have to worry about Thanos anymore." said Darcy. "That is if something happened between you and him, not that I am assuming anything or something. But just know if you ever want to talk, I'm here."

"Darcy... Just know that everything is complicated and we can not afford to lose, I... do not know what will happen if we fail and the risk is growing every day." said Loki as he turns away, not even knowing what words would be enough before deciding to change the subject. "So, you know everything about me and I do not know anything about you other than your fascination of heroes, your skills in technology and you being friends with my brother and love of his life. What is your story?"

"Trust me, my story is pretty boring compared to yours." said Darcy. "No evil alien overlords are coming after me."

"True, but I would still like to know more about you." Said Loki. "We are on the same team and we are friends, yet I still feel as though I barely know who you are or understand why you would help me. At first I thought it was to fulfill your superhero fantasy, but now I feel that there is something more than that."

"To be honest, I don't know and it is really complicated to say the least." Said Darcy. "Just wait until all of this is over and ask me the last part again."

"Fair deal, but you still haven't told me a bit about you." Said Loki. "So what do you do for a living?"

"Well currently I am a intern for Jane and that's basically a work experience that I get to hang out with her for a while until my time is done." Said Darcy. "The cool thing is I finally made some friends during this entire thing, after not fitting in when it comes to as many would put it, 'perky.'"

"You are not perky, you are just being yourself and that alone is alright, it's more than alright." Said Loki who doesn't even know what perky May mean, but he knows that Darcy is not that.

"Yeah, I mean there is nothing wrong with wanting to be yourself." Said Darcy. "Though at least I don't have to deal them anymore, I can always try to blackmail them by offering Thor's autograph or something."

"I do not believe that is exactly what blackmail means." Said Loki. "Maybe you should try something more mischievous or better yet say that you would say horrible things to Thor about them and maybe-"

"I am not going to go that far, now that would fall into bullying." Said Darcy.

"Right, you would be falling right into the path of revenge and that would be against your nature." Said Loki. "I am assuming that you want to be a scientist as well? Seeing that you are following Jane's footsteps and being her apprentice of sorts."

"Well I was the only applicant, so she had to take me." Said Darcy. "I really don't know to be honest, I was a political science major and I got a taste of what being a scientist is like. As exciting as going around doing experiments and following Jane on going after readings that might lead to the occasional Asgardian. But over time, I start to realize how much I enjoy working with tech and have been teaching myself on some things and every single time, I just find myself loving it."

"Well you are doing a good job thus far, it did help us get the scepter even if we did lose it in the end. But you have talent and that alone can allow you to pursue any goal that you may want to go on." said Loki as he continues on the conversation.

"Yeah, I mostly enjoy the tech side and diving into it, I mean you won't believe how many modifications I made on Jane's equipment when she was missing Thor before he came back." said Darcy. "I don't know why I was doing all that but it did help a lot when we were battling Dark Elves."

"I know it did, you did manage to find me with those devices, you should really pursue a career in it if you enjoy it so much." said Loki.

"Really? You think I am that good?" said Darcy really touched by Loki's words of encouragement.

"Of course, I would never lie when it comes to complimenting talent. I may have only been in this planet for a few weeks and not know that much of it's technology." said Loki. "But I do know how to recognize talent and I believe that you have potential to do great things if you really want it."

"Wow thanks, I never really thought that anyone would ever think that my skills would be anywhere close to being good." said Darcy. "I guess maybe I do have some hidden talents of my own."

"Maybe, at least you are doing a good job in proving humans wrong. I never expected for this planet is full of surprised." said Loki. "This town is different in comparison to the ones that I have been to and even then there are more than I must still not know about this planet and I do not even know where else to start."

"It is full of surprises, but then again you also have been to only a few cities and haven't seen the entire place yet." said Darcy.

"True, maybe during my spare time, I should learn more about this planet and see what else it may have in store." said Loki

"You'd be surprise, as long as you don't break someone's hand again then you should learn more about this planet." said Darcy.

"That was completely an accident and I did say I was sorry." said Loki.

"Yeah I know, but someone had to bring it up and that has to be me." said Darcy. "But at least you were able to fix things and I won't have to worry about having to go out of my way on making excuses and being out of the job for both Jane and Infinity Stone hunting for the next couple of weeks."

"Though we still have to worry about all of the problems that are now right in front of us and that alone is not going to be easy." said Loki.

"I know but we will be ready to face it, as long as we stick together than there won't be anything we can't do." said Darcy. "We are a good team so far or at least I think we are and at least we are steps closer to finally getting all of them."

"Then we will have to worry about breaking in the most dangerous place in the known universe and possibly facing Thanos, oh joy." said Loki rolling his eyes on the last part.

"But still maybe while we are going around looking for the last stone and preparing for that, we can hang out more and try to make it more fun?" suggested Darcy.

"I do not think that would be a wise decision, we are here to get the stone and then later we would have to find the next one." Said Loki. "We can not be foolish with our time or afford to lose a second of our time."

"I am not saying that we would be wasting time, I am just saying that we might want to take a break and if we can just hang out whenever we are not going after the stones or you having to be Mysto." Said Darcy. "I mean everyone needs a break, even super heroes and we can always take one right?"

"I wish it was that simple..." said Loki. "That I can solve all of this in a day and then we no longer have to worry about this any longer."

"We will defeat Thanos, no matter what it may take." Said Darcy. "Just believe I have your back and I will be ready to help you in whatever we might face next."

"We should call it a night, we have a busy day ahead of us and need to be ready and well rested for it." Said Loki not even sure how to make of Darcy's kindness. "The illusion will keep us well hidden and I also placed a shield over us in case we may be in for rain. If luck, we won't be woken up by a pandemonium of robots attacking here."

"Alright, but note I will be here for you through all of this and beyond." Said Darcy rather happily, before she takes notice of something. "So who is going to take the bench?"

"You can take it if you want, I will sleep on the ground." Offered Loki.

"Wait, what? Are you sure about that?" Asked Darcy completely surprised. "I know that you have high standards and might want a for real bed or at least close to one."

"Really, I insist. There is grass on the ground and that might be enough to make it comfortable." Said Loki. "Besides I am used to sleeping on the ground if needed to and I might as well at least make the most of it. This is the least I can do as a thank you for what you are trying to do for me."

"Looks like you can be a Prince Charming when you want to be." Said Darcy. "Are you really sure about this?"

"Of course, I insist." Said Loki as he made himself comfortable on the ground and is ready to get some sleep.

"Uh alright... Thanks." Said Darcy as places her makeshift bed on the park bench and got herself on it. "Night, Loki."

"Good night." Said Loki as he lets his thoughts fill his head and does not even know how he is going to make any of this.

He is surprised that it came across his mind to allow Darcy to have the bench. He has never thought that he would ever do something so generous and feel good about it. Loki doesn't even know why he would even do it or if he has completely lost his mind. Especially remembering that he was the reason why Darcy nearly suffered an injury and at first he thought that it was nothing more than guilt and it was bubbling right inside him. Now he is feeling something else and the question is what was it?

That is unless it was nothing more than some fondness for Darcy and he is just only showing her his appreciation. It has to be it and the only explanation he can think of. Since he can't imagine to have these type of emotions for only a friend and how they are starting to become even stronger as the days are passing by. Though he is trying his best and as hard as he can to break out of trying to form any attachments. Loki does not want to form a bond that will be hard to break out of once he leaves. Since not only it would be easier to let go, but he would also have his focus on the mission at hand and nothing but it. Though that does not mean he is going to abandon Darcy and will look out for her in return for her kindness. That will be enough and then in time, any lingering attachment will fade right before he leaves Earth, the last thing he needs is to get hurt by all of this.

Though Loki knows that he is not going to solve anything if he just lies down and thinks about Darcy. They have important matters to deal with and he can not afford to let sentiment cloud his judgement. He does not know how he is planning to deal with Ultron, the other robots and possibly the Maximoffs and the Avengers. But he does know that he is going to have to deal with it in the morning and try to get some sleep. That is he can even get any before morning comes, especially with all the thoughts that are going through his mind and how he is now on the grassy ground and trying to make himself comfortable and yet clean at the same time. At least this is only for one night and that would be more than enough for him.

The Next morning

Despite their unplanned stay in the park, both Loki and Darcy surprisingly have a good night sleep. That they are both well rested and somewhat relaxed by the night they have spent in the park. Loki slowly starts to wake from his slumber and basically starts to get up. Relieved to see that the spells were still in tact and that the attack hasn't started yet. He got up and makes the blankets disappear from the ground. Loki wants to remove the spell, so that way he can simply just walk right out of the area to see what's going on. But he can't break the spell just yet, since Darcy still haven't woken up and might want to have a couple minutes for herself and to get ready.

So he decides to get ready for the day, he puts his cape right back on the costume and uses his magic to work out the details of his hair. To try to keep it as presentable as possible, even if he would have to wear a mask over it, Loki doesn't want to have to deal with a tangled mess. He figures that he might as well take a brief walk and try to find some food. But if he is going to do it, then he might want to let Darcy know before he goes anywhere. That is if he wants to wake her up, then it would make this long morning even longer.

Though Loki didn't have to wait that long, since Darcy is starting to wake up. She moves out of the blankets to stretch her arms and is trying to get over the daze sleep that she is still feeling. Simply reaching into her back pack to grab a comb and starts to brush her hair a bit, until she reaches something that makes her feel right and let her hair lose, as she always finds herself in doing. Finally done, she heads right over to Loki and ready to start the day.

"Morning, so did anything happen while I was asleep?" Said Darcy rather happily.

"No, I am glad that the morning is off to a good start." Said Loki. "So far, I have not seen a huge catastrophe beginning and we are still safe from anything that may be going on in the world."

"That's good, now all we have to do is hunt down the twins and then the four of us can put our heads together and come up with a plan." Said Darcy.

"I still do not see why you would be so eager to trust them, but you are right, we still need to find them and get some answers." Said Loki as he makes the remaining blankets disappear. "But first we need to take down this spell and illusion. Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be." Said Darcy.

Without another word, Loki quickly removes the spell and made both Darcy and himself visible again. They are relieved to see that no one else is in the park aside from them and they can get to action. Today is the big day, one where the fate of the last Infinity Stone hangs in the balance and one wrong move then it would lead to the entire situation in a difficult place. They need to grab the next Infinity Stone before it's too late.

Both of them know that if they are going to leave then they are going to need to leave right now. Then they will do whatever they may need to do and with the hope that they can somehow succeed in their mission and be one step closer to getting to the next stage of their quest. That they will have the stone back, defeat these robots and be done. Especially with the many things at stake and it is all up to them to make sure that they do everything they have to do in order to protect the universe. Before Loki and Darcy can say anything to one another or even make their way through the park to reach the city and then try to find where Ultron might be hiding themselves...

Out of nowhere, they see something faster than the speeding light races towards them. Loki got into position ready to fight and used his magic to bring out his daggers, ready to fight. Suddenly the light stops right in front of them and reveals that it was Wanda and Pietro. They both seem to be exhausted and look as though they were running all over the place all morning, but if one remembers Pietro's powers, than that seems more than likely. They also notice that the two of them brought bags with them and Darcy can't help but smile at the mere of the bags, hoping that there would be something for the two of them. While Loki eyes them a little annoyed and becomes even more suspicious of the two, quietly hoping that Darcy is right and yet still remains on his guard.

"There you two are, we have been looking for you for over an hour." Said Wanda. "We have so much to tell you and we don't have that much time."

"But first, we brought you guys breakfast." Said Pietro handing them a bag.

"Wow, this is is awesome thanks. Ooh muffins!" Said Darcy happily right before Loki quickly grabs the bag away from her.

"Careful, we do not know if it's something that might hurt us." Said Loki not even wanting to take a chance until he uses his magic to make sure that it's safe.

"Why would they poison us?" Asked Darcy not even knowing what to make of Loki's distrust.

"Maybe there is some ulterior motives that we do not know about and can not risk taking the chance." Said Loki. "In case you have not come to this conclusion, they have done nothing to prove that we can."

"You guys do know that we're standing right here right?" Said Pietro, with both of them turning to face the two.

"He's right, they have no reason to trust us." Said Wanda. "We have only proven exactly what Loki thinks of us, that even when we try to show a hint of kindness, it might not be enough to convince anyone."

"Loki didn't mean anything like that exactly." Said Darcy trying to smooth out any drama that Loki might have unintentionally caused. "I think that-"

"It's alright, just give us a chance to prove to you that we are on your side." said Wanda, Loki stares at her completely unsure until he hears loud eating sounds right next to him.

"Darcy! What are you doing?!" said Loki in shock at her.

"What? We haven't had anything but granola bars and I am starving." said Darcy as she continues to eat the food that is in the bag. "As you can see it's not poisoned and safe and delicious to eat."

"Glad you are enjoying it." said Wanda happy that at least one of them is willing to give them a chance.

"So Loki, what do you say?" asked Pietro. "Are you in?"

"Only because you two have vital information that will help us get the Infinity Stone back and I prefer it if we come up with a plan now before we are under attack." said Loki.

He starts to find himself relunctantly agreeing to grab something to eat, though deep down he is hoping that he is not making a mistake. As he grabs whatever is appetizing and eyeing the twins carefully as they reach into the other bag to grab some toast, Darcy finds a plate and fills a plate with whatever she can find that is appetizing. Loki is trying his best to ignore the urge to eat and to remain strong, but the look of the food is so appetizing and seeing then all eat together with the twins even reaching out to their bag for whatever they can find, with the dominating hunger taking over all of his common sense, he soon finds himself eating whatever he can find.

"I have to say that whatever place you got us this food, it's awesome, maybe we can hang out like this again after all of this is over." said Darcy happily. "I never thought that this place would have great places to eat."

"Yeah Pietro and I managed to find this bakery of sorts whenever Ultron allowed us to leave for a break." said Wanda. "It may not be much, but it is precious to see what freedom might bring."

"Just wait till all of this is over, then you guys will never have to worry about any one keeping you guys locked up again." said Darcy as she adds reassurance to the twins with the hope that they would gain some comfort.

"Aside from the ittilary of what you all are planning to do to celebrate Ultron's defeat, what did you both find out?" asked Loki as he enjoys a bagel. "What is Ultron's plans for this morning that might guarantee in this planet's destruction?"

"He is planning to move the body today, when we left he was already setting up a truck and they are planning to leave in an hour." said Pietro. "They are planning to take it to an unknown location. If we hurry then we might be able to catch them in time, we already got the route and we can get there if we hurry."

"Do you guys know if the Avengers know?" ask Darcy rather nervously.

"We have seen no sign of them and Ultron does not seem to be anywhere close on being worried." said Pietro.

"So far so good." said Darcy as she sees Loki gives a sigh of relief.

"How far is his hide out? If he is set to move this quickly then it would be best if we move right now." said Loki. "We can not afford to lose another second if they are planning to leave in an hour."

"Fortunately, it is not that far from here and it is only a ten minute walk to get there." said Wanda.

"Well a ten second run if you have super speed." said Darcy as she points out one of the most obvious facts that is right there.

"After we eat this food, then we should head over there and see what would be the best thing for us to do." said Loki. "Darcy and I still have yet to see this facility and would need to see more than simply hearing it from both of you, then once we are there, then we will come up with a plan that might work."

"Alright, that might work." said Wanda as she sees the plan so far.

"So, now that we know what's going on, let's eat." said Darcy happily.

Without another word, the four of them start to enjoy their meal and have a few minutes of peace before they have to go out there and put a stop to the entire situation. They all know that they still have a long way to go and there is no telling what they will face or if they will be ready for what might be up ahead. But what other choice do either of them have? The twins are ready to fix their mistakes and Loki and Darcy wants to get the next Infinity Stone before things get even more complicated and then get back on track. But either way, they all know that they are going to have to stop Ultron in order to complete their goals and with hope that they can somehow manage to do so, they all start to enjoy the meal they are now all sharing together with the hope that they will get through this and succeed. They just have to...

Ten Minutes later

The twins leads Loki and Darcy right into Ultron's hideout and they can see that the trucks are now being filled with many pieces of technology, a large box that must hold the body and the Infinity Stone and so many robots keeping guard of the entire facility. It looks like Ultron has prepared the facility for anything and he is not the type that any of them should underestimate. The robots are standing still, not even bothering to move from their post and to protect the precious cargo that is now on its way to wherever Ultron is planning for it to be transported to. To give it the security that Ultron thinks that might be needed to make sure that his new body will be safe from destruction and the Avengers. But little does he know, that there is already a few that are ready to stand in his way and make sure that he doesn't get far.

Loki starts to take a good look at the entire facility and how it works and to spot any weak spots that might give them the upper advantage. So far he is seeing that there is not many or if there might even be some cord or way to shut down all of these robots instantaneously without having to destroy every single one of them. But he does think it might be possible for all of them to highjack the truck that carries the body and the Infinity Stone. Then they can at least have the stone with them and figure out what they should do with the body later, right now they have to figure out somehow or at least hope that they will be able to somehow succeed in one way or another. He keeps his focus on the scene, with the hope that he would be able to somehow figure out a perfect plan and so far he is already getting the elements of a potentially good plan on the horizon.

"So Loki, is this what it's like to get out of your comfort zone and fight off something you probably don't want to fight?" said Darcy. "As much as I think that fighting off evil robots is cool, but I don't think I want to deal with a robot that wants to destroy all of humanity. Even though we don't know who created this thing, but I know that he needs to be stopped." said Darcy before turning to the twins. "Do you guys have any idea on how these things were created?"

"We have an idea, but we are just as unsure as you are." Said Wanda. "At first we thought that Stark might have been responsible for this."

"Wait, you honestly think that Tony Stark, the protector of innocents, an Avenger and someone many people idolize created Ultron?" Asked Loki in complete disbelief. "Do you have a grudge so large that it blinds you from seeing the truth of many matters and blame Stark for every single thing?"

"It what we first thought, due to his past in weaponry and him creating the big metal flying suit." Said Pietro. "Plus we thought it would have been ironic if we help his technology to take him down."

"Ok, that's dark and surprisingly makes sense. But still maybe there is more to it." Said Darcy. "Maybe there is a way to fix Ultron and somehow turn him into our side."

"I honestly doubt that Darcy, the machines do not seem the ones that anyone can easily reprogram." Said Loki. "They are the one that would even take the time to reason with anyone and if anything they would try to hurt anyone that may try to stand in their way."

"Ultron is a monster, all I saw was pain and destruction on his mind and there was nothing left." Said Wanda. "He's someone or rather something that shouldn't have been built in the first place. Who does not care what happens and will not show any sympathy to others. I wouldn't even show it to him."

"Yeah, but if he was just created then maybe we can teach him to do the right thing and get him on our side." Said Darcy. "I mean you guys made mistakes and turn out alright. Loki, you were a former villain and look how much you have started to change ever since the moment we met and even before then. There could be good in Ultron right?"

"I was different, I slowly started to see the error of my ways and chose to leave that life behind, as well as go on the path that I am now embarking on. Plus the last time I check I am also a living being, I at least have the brain and emotions to change." Said Loki. "While Ultron is nothing more than a machine, he doesn't think or feel. So he can never change no matter how much we may want to."

"Just because he's a robot and his army are robots, that does not mean they are all bad news." Said Darcy trying to be on the defense of this.

"Well these ones are all bad news and we should be focusing on how we should stop them." Said Pietro. "At they will never see any of us coming."

"Facing these pieces of machinery are the least of my worries." Said Loki as he turns to Wanda. "Are you sure that the Avengers are not coming or know anything about this?"

"Yes, I don't think they gotten any indication that they know and on their way." Said Wanda, she quickly got her hands up to start to wave her powers around and allow her to see through their minds. "So far, so good, none of the Avengers are anywhere in area."

"Good, the last thing we need is to make this any more difficult than it needs to be." Said Loki. "If luck is is on our side then this will be over before they get involved."

Darcy turns and from a quick glance, she notices that Loki looks deeply uncomfortable about something and is trying to remain indifferent. Though she feels as though he is hiding his true feelings and know why, especially remembering how he ran into Thor before the scepter got stolen and the robots started their attack. She knows how much deep down the interaction might have affected him. Especially knowing how determined Loki is in keeping everything a secret and not letting Thor find out about anything of what's going on. Maybe that is what bothering him and she can try to let him know that there still might be a chance or at least comfort him.

"Hey Loki, if that's about seeing Thor again, you don't have to hide from him." Said Darcy. "Not only because you're Mysto, but he's your brother and he would want to know you're alive."

"He can't and I do not think that he will ever know. That is something I most deeply regret, but this is for the best." Said Loki. "The best for the quest and the best for Thor."

"Is it really for the best?" Asked Darcy. "That it is the best for Thor and the stones? Is it really the best for you? Seeing you hurting yourself because you are too afraid to go out there and try to make things right?"

"I need to keep my identity a secret, otherwise it might unintentionally help Thanos in ways that may cause him more pain. I have to fix any of my wrongdoings and try to undo the pain that I inflicted and to protect him and others from a threat I helped create." Said Loki who finds himself blurting out a part of himself that he has been keeping inside and wonders if he can convince and ask Wanda if she can erase that part of their memories or at least hers,Darcy, Pietro's memory before needing to rebuild a new scepter.

"Loki, what's going on with Thanos was never your fault." Said Darcy trying to be reassuring. "I'm sure he was looking for the stones before and even now without your help."

"I sped things up and- it does not matter, nothing will change it, I lost my brother and I will never get the life that I once had." Said Loki. "I think the best thing to do is come up with a plan to get the stone and then figure out what might be best way to stop Ultron."

"Wait Loki-" starts Darcy.

"All we need is to get on that truck and then grab a hold of the body, once we get the Infinity Stone, we will have the entire package and that includes the body that would be too dangerous especially if we let it fall to Ultron's hands." Said Loki trying to fight off any emotion to focus on the task at hand. "I think the best thing for us to do is to destroy it, the very moment we get it. If we do that then we will have one less thing to worry about."

"Loki, I do not think that might be-" starts Darcy not wanting to drop the conversation.

"The plan I just cam up is relatively simple, Wanda you will sneak into the truck right before they start to drive it away, you will need to use your magic to break open the doors." Said Loki. "While Pietro runs over to help you carry the body out of the truck. To the vehicle that is right next to the truck, which Darcy will 'borrow' one of the big trucks that had the long metal cariers that those ones are using. We will drive up close enough to not only place the body on to it, but for me to get close enough to Ultron."

"Hey Loki, not that I want to stop the awesome plotting or plan making, I don't know exactly what heroes would call it." Starts Darcy. "But I still think that we should have a chance to talk about what's really going on and-"

"What is there to talk about? You know what I did and hurt my brother in more ways that anyone with a decent mind would consider it as unforgivable." said Loki as he not even bothering to hide his emotions. "Do not get me started on how I made this situation far worse than it may need to be and I also dragged you to this 'mess' and may have dragged you into more danger when you should be living a normal life than be in this situation because of me."

"You know, if it makes you feel any better, I really like my new life. It's really exciting and I never had this much fun ever or been to all of these places, I never thought that I would be going out there and doing all of these things and it's been amazing." said Darcy trying to see if she can lighten Loki's mood. "Plus even if you don't want to make the big reveal yet or ever, you can always have a friendship with Thor and try to make things right as Mysto."

"There is no point Darcy, that will only just lead to more pain and if Thor ever finds out then he will not simply let it go. He'll be furious and will never forgive me for as long as I live and I would not blame him if he feels that way and I would not be surprised if he will." said Loki. "There is also the fact that Thanos is out there and once he comes, then he is never going to leave us alone. I already let my mother die because of my carelessness and I do not plan on letting my brother and my friend meet the same fate, especially knowing that everything is my fault to begin with and-"

Before Loki can say another word, Darcy just throws her arms around him and hugs him. Loki does not know what to make of this or what he should even do at this moment, since he has never really received this comfort or be anywhere close in wanting to listen to what he may have to say. The only ones that were willing to listen to him was Thor and his mother, they were always there for him even if he kept trying to push them away, they never try to abandon him. Unlike Odin, Sif and the Warriors Three who refuses to understand and he always finds himself on the receiving end of the later two's mockery. But here Darcy is being a friend and not even asking for anything in return. Loki does not know why she would want to be his friend or why he cares about her so much, but for now he is grateful to have someone like her on his side. Though that doesn't add to his discomfort or know what to do, Loki is just grateful that his arms are out of Darcy's grasp, then he can escape if necessary...

"None of this is your fault and everything is going to be ok, Loki. Even if things may not seem like it right now, but it will be alright in the end." said Darcy reassuringly rubbing his back giving him comfort. "I promise."

Loki continues to feel a sense of unsureness by Darcy's words and her comfort, at the same time he is also feeling touched by her words. He is starting to feel that maybe things won't be so bad and no matter what happens, at least he will have Darcy by his side and is about to hug her back. But only to stop himself, to now allow him to get close because of the fact he has to deal with Thanos and Ultron at the moment and no one is safe from the danger as long as they are around to destroy anything to meet their goals. Not even caring what the potential consequences may be for the many around them and Loki is now starting to wonder if he was like that back in Asgard and New York, with that in mind, he gently push Darcy from him and break out of the hug, not even knowing what to think or say as many emotions go through his mind.

"Wow, I did not see that coming." said Pietro, as both Loki and Darcy turn and see the Maximoff twins, briefly forgetting they were there.

"Thank you for all that..." starts Loki trying to find the right words and trying to regain some dignity. "As nice as whatever we are going to call this was... We really should get into position and prepare for the attack, I do not intend to leave this place empty handed. Let's do this before Ultron finds out we're here..."

Without another word, Loki starts to head down the hill to try to find a truck for him and Darcy to sneak right into. The twins (including Pietro) and Darcy are now following him. They are set to push their plan forward with hopes that they will somehow be able to pull it off. Then they will all be close to completing their goals and hopefully defeat Ultron in the process. Darcy is about to continue walking, right before she notices that the twins stop for a moment. She heads right over to them, to see what and if anything may be happening and knows that there is more that is going on and try to be a friend for the two. Once she reaches up to them...

"Are you two together?" Asked Wanda. "Judging the way you two are close and might even becoming closer..."

"What? No, we're just friends nothing more!" Said Darcy as she tries to shake off the intense awkwardness she is now feeling and be upfront dismissive of it. "A guy and a girl can be really good and close friends without having all of that can't they? Loki and I are no where close to that, if anything we're the rebels that march to the beat of our own drum. We are not anything like that..."

From one look at both Wanda and Pietro, Darcy quickly realize that she did not do a good job with the explanation. If anything, it only convinces the twins the exact opposite and is giving each other a knowing glance at one another. She does not know what to say, if Darcy tries to argue against their speculations than it would only convince them even further. But she doesn't want them to believe anything that is not true and Darcy doesn't even know what to think of that idea or how to feel. The situation starts to grow into an awkward state and before Darcy can even find the words to say anything...

"Can we get a move on? I do not want to risk our chances and lose the battle before it has even begun." Called out Loki right up in front of them

"You guys heard him, let's get going." Said Darcy hastily, grateful that Loki interrupted and his determination to end all of this so he wouldn't be Mysto anymore.

She starts to follow right after Loki as fast as she can. Hoping that this will drop the main conversation at the moment, that they can all simply focus on the mission. Then they can simply go and do the plan, maybe if they are lucky than they may be able to pull it off and that will be the end of it. They have to stop Ultron before it's too late, if they fail then Ultron will destroy everything and then it will lead to Thanos getting all of the Infinity Stones rather easily and then the universe will be doomed. But there is no way either one of them is going down without a fight and will defeat Ultron, along with maybe try to figure out what's going on between them on the way.

A Half Hour Later

They all quickly got into positions, Wanda got into the truck, ready for her part to happen. While Pietro is hiding, waiting for the trucks to start to move and then help his sister get the cargo out. After making sure that the twins are safe in their locations and going into detail what their role is going to be, Loki and Darcy leaves them and starts to head their way to find a truck for their role in the plan.

So far from what they are seeing, they are having bad luck with trying to find one that is perfect. If it has the perfect size for them to carry the body that holds the Infinity Stone then it's too old and has a guarantee that it would break down or it's too small and yet would run smoothly. Every single car, pick up or truck turns out to be a disappointment and they are starting to search quicker, as every second feels more heavier the next. Ultron could get them all to leave at any moment and with the twins regardless on what side they may be on. If they fail then the Stone will be lost and they will be right back where they started.

"At the rate we are going, we will never find a mode of transportation we can use to catch up to the truck." Said Loki not even bothering to hide his annoyance.

"Tell me about it, these guys really took all of the good stuff." Said Darcy. "How does this Ultron expect anyone to drive if the cars keep breaking down? Unless maybe you can do something with your magic that might help us out in this situation?"

"Even if I wanted to, I do not think I know a spell that might possibly work that would guarantee that it might make it move safely." Said Loki. "I can always use telekinesis to try to see if I can move the car with it. Unless you are in the mood to have me accidentally drive off a bridge."

"Yeah, we really don't want that." Said Darcy. "Maybe if we- Wow, look at that one, it's perfect!"

They see a perfectly brand new pick up truck that looks as the many one would see in the car commercials and it is so new and clean that it shines right in front of them. As Loki heads closer towards the car, he has to admit that he finds the car really nice and if he actually knew how to drive then he would have been more than happy to have it. At least judging from Darcy's reaction, it might work and they can easily catch up to the truck. Then again he doesn't even know anything about cars or how they function, maybe once all of this is over then maybe he should ask Darcy how they work and learn more about it's function, once this is all over. But first they are going to need to somehow open the door and start the car, he think he might know a spell...

"This looks promising..." said Loki with a smile. "Now to open it, lucky for us I know the perfect spell that would-"

Before Loki has a chance to finish what he is saying, he notices Darcy leaning towards the car door and not letting her concentration break for a second. Loki notices that she is using one of the hair clips that she she often use to to keep it in place and presentable. From one look he does not even know what to think and wonders what Darcy is doing and how she is planning on opening the door with nothing but a metal pin?

Suddenly... The door clicks and the next thing he knows is that Darcy is opening the door right open, to much of his surprise. Loki stares at the sight of the car and what Darcy was able to pull off without magic and through quick intellect, he has to admit, he is impressed by the sight and what Darcy just did. He does not expect humans to have the skills to be this sneaky, though she did help him so many times, at this point he really needs to stop underestimating her intelligence and now seeing it as one of the best parts about her and that she is tougher than she looks...

"See, the car's open and I did it without magic!" said Darcy happily as she heads right down to the driver seat and with Loki slowly following behind her to the other front seat. "You're welcome."

"How did you do that?" asked Loki simply as he makes himself comfortable in the front seat.

"I just picked the lock, it is a really simple trick that I taught myself when I accidentally lock myself out of the bathroom. I use it only for emergencies not for anything unless it's for something important like something cool like this." said Darcy and she quickly notices something and picks it up to show Loki. "Luckily for us, who ever owns this car left their keys in here. So we can start this thing and drive to victory."

"This is... really impressive." said Loki.

"I knew you might think this would be cool." said Darcy happily and quickly notices that the trucks starting to leave the facility. "I think it's time for us to get this awesome chase joyride thing started!"

"Do you know how to drive?" asked Loki who is starting to have some second thoughts.

"Yeah, at this point I am sort of a pro driver." said Darcy rather confidently.

Loki looks at Darcy feeling completely unsure and before he can even say anything, Darcy turns on the engine and steps on the breaks. The car is speeding right after the trucks, with Darcy having the intent to catch up. The faster the truck goes, they follow right behind with Darcy enjoying every moment, while Loki hoping that the next part will be over, already fearing for both of their lives. The truck goes up a highway, to try to reach an airport and to throw anyone who may be following them off. Only for the car to follow them and not even backing down, Darcy keeps her eyes on the road to not lose the truck.

Even then the chase is becoming harder by the minute, especially with it now taking place on a big highway that is at least ten feet up in the air. Darcy goes around cars and tries to race across different lanes to try to catch up. But it is getting harder and harder by the minute, that it is getting to the point that they would need to be very careful as they continue to drive on the highway and reach closer to the truck. They notices that Pietro is racing right beside the truck and is ready for the next part of the plan, wanting to let Wanda know when the moment is right. Darcy is speeding the car so fast that Loki is starting to worry that they might crash into something or Darcy might drive them off the road faster than he would with magic.

Eventually they manages to catch up to the truck, without anything right in their way or worse either they crash or run over Pietro. Darcy is doing her best to keep the car steady and sees from the rearview mirror that one of the Ultron droids is driving the truck and not even aware of what is going on right behind it. Things seem to be going well and all they have to do is the tricky part and maybe then and only then they will get out of this alive and successful. Though the longer they are there, the more Loki wonders if this is really a good idea and starts to realize how dangerous it is to try to do something like this. What other choice do they have? This is the only way for them to get the body and then they will be one step closer.

"Ok, this is the part where the big moment happens where we get what we want and then make an awesome getaway. You know where you get out of the car and do some cool action moves and we get the stone back, this is so much like an action movie." said Darcy excitedly. "Are you ready for this?"

"I honestly believe that this must be the worst idea I ever had in my life." said Loki as he looks right at the sight and just gives a sigh. "Well, it's too late to turn back now, we need to do this."

Loki then gives a gulp and he got ready for the next part of the plan, opening the door really slowly to get out of the car for the next part of the plan. Pietro sees them and starts to run even faster and get ready for the next phase of the plan. Loki slowly starts to reach towards the door, to try to see if it's locked and if it is then Wanda will get the signal and open the door for him to get in and then get it out before anyone spots him. He grabs the door and tries to pull on it with the hope that he would get it open, only to notice that it is locked tight. So Loki starts to pull right on the handle and it simply makes a sound that anyone in the area would be able to hear, fortunately Wanda gets the hint and she uses her magic to open the door right open and Loki quickly jumps right in and makes his way to Wanda, both of them gives a nod as they use their telekinisis to move the body to the back of the pick up.

With that part done, Pietro quickly runs and climbs right up the truck and ready for the next part of the plan and to see if there is a thing he can do to help out and if he can get his sister and Loki out of the truck as safely as possible. Both of them are trying their best to keep their balance as the truck continues to drive on and Pietro is doing his best to head close right towards them. Though something catches Loki's eyes and a sense of panic stars to consume him faster than he can use his magic to make an illusion, as he sees the many Ultron bots chasing right towards them and seeing what they were trying to do. Without a second thought, Loki uses his telekinesis to get the box back and Wanda quickly got into action once she sees what Loki is trying to do and helps him with placing it back into the truck. They notice some more of the robots heading towards a new direction and one where nether of them knows, Loki turns to the twins, knowing that they need to move fast.

"They know we are here, they might make another attack and we need to stop them before they do anything." said Loki. "I need you two to follow them and try to fight them off before they do anything that may create potential damages. Something must be happening if they are racing towards there right after they spotted us, so we are going to need to be there before they strike. Can you two go and see if you can put a stop to it?"

"Yes we can do it, but what are you going to do?" said Pietro.

"I am going to get to the driver's seat and then try to see if I can get the truck and the cargo to safety." said Loki as he pulls out two of his daggers and heads right towards the door.

He slowly exits, holding tightly to the edge of where the driver seat may be and places one of the daggers to the wall. Once it's safely secured, Loki places the other one and starts to see if maybe he can climb right up to the front. This might not be the best idea he has ever thought of or the safest, but Loki is determined to get there and somehow take the control. He is only glad that the metal from the truck is weak enough for him to use his daggers to to create a hold for leverage, otherwise he would fall right off the edge and one sight that he is trying hard not to look down. Loki continues to climb his way and getting on faster and faster as every single dagger breaks through the metal, until...

He finally reaches towards the end and Loki quickly realizes that he has run out of places for him to stab into. So he tries to see if he can reach the door and then maybe he can reach the handle. Loki tries his best to see if he can grab the handle and no matter how hard he tries to reach out, he can't reach it and maybe he can lean out and possibly get to it. While Loki is trying to move down further to see if he can finally reach it, but only to lose his balance and letting go of the dagger, falling from the height and with no way of being able to catch up. Loki closes his eyes, already expecting the speed of the air to fly right through his face and to meet the ground as though as the Hulk decides to throw him right off the bridge, almost ready for Darcy to yell out his name and everything to meet a dramatic end. Only... it doesn't...

Loki soon notices and realize that he is not falling and he is actually floating, he turns around to see if there is something that is holding him back and to much of Loki's surprise, he sees Wanda holding him with her powers, standing right behind him and trying to see if she can lift him right back to the door. He is surprised by the sight of what in front of him and to see that Wanda and Pietro were telling the truth, that he misjudged them so badly that he failed to see the truth or allow himself to be open in giving them a chance. Maybe Darcy and him made the right choice after all and he is happy to see that Darcy was right after all, as he is feeling a sense of relief continue to go through his mind until he finally reaches on the steps and standing right in front of the door, holding on to the door handle tightly and not daring to let go, he punches right through the window and grabs the Ultron droid's head and pulls it right off and throws the head over the edge and then grabs the rest of it's body and simply throws it overboard.

He then reaches into the window, quickly unlocks and opens the door from the inside. Once he does so, Loki moves a little to the side a bit, opens it and quickly hops right inside the truck. Determined to stop the vehicle and lead it away from the scene, from one look at the rearview mirror, Loki sees that the twins are racing their way to whatever the trouble may be and to help them stop Ultron and get the stone. He knows that after all of this is over then he is not going to leave either of them behind, especially now seeing how much they both meant it. Things are now going perfectly and if things keep going at this rate then maybe things will get back on track and according to plan, at least then he will have one less thing to worry about. That is...

There is one thing he just remembered and it is something important that he didn't think of or even allow himself to let it occur the very thought... He is now in a truck and he does not know how to drive!

He can't help but to stare right down at the wheel and wonders what he is going to do and how he is going to stop this truck? He looks at the controls, quickly seeing that it's completely different than any vehicle and space ship he has been on and the very thought of him crashing into something is making him more and more nervous. That alone is the least is the least of his worries as he is imaging every scenario that always seems to end in some kind of a disaster. Though he has no other choice but to try to figure out how to drive this, it can't be too different from a space ship right? Loki slowly places both hands on the wheel and tries his best to keep the truck steady and he manages to do so for a bit, that is until he pressed the break a little too hard and the truck stars to slurve for a little bit and he starts to unintentionally driving it rather recklessly, not helping in stopping the truck before he or anyone (not that he cares unless it's Darcy or the Maximoff Twins) getting hurt. As low as the chances of him dying from this entire experience are, but that does not guarantee that no one else is safe.

From behind, Darcy sees that Loki is having road trouble and knows that she has to do something before this gets further out of hand. She needs to somehow get into that truck and help him, she needs to do it fast. Loki needs her help, someone needs to take the wheel before Loki lose control and Darcy knows that she doesn't have a choice in this matter and she is Loki's only hope. So Darcy push on the breaks, speeding to catch up with the truck and not to be accidentally driven out of the road and get killed in the process. Every single time that she seems to find some kind of vantage point, the truck is always manages to block her way and she always has to pull back. It only makes her more and more worried about possibly making a wrong move and yet more determined to find a way to get there without getting herself killed. Darcy continues to struggle for a bit and it is starting to look like if she is never going to find a opening for her to drive right into...

That is she finally finds some space and she tries her best to keep the pick up in a safe distance and to reach the truck door. Darcy knows that deep down, this has to be the craziest thing she has ever done in the life and she wouldn't blame Loki if he tells her off later because she'd do it too if it was the other way around and maybe never live it down. She continues to focus on the road, wanting nothing more but to get over to the truck, every second feels like an hour as Darcy keeps on driving. When Darcy finally reaches the doorway, she quickly presses the horn to alert Loki and he quickly takes notices and opens the door right open to help her get in. Darcy gives a nod and she drives the pick up closer and when the moment is finally right, Darcy jumps right to the entrance of the truck. Even though she manages to get on there successfully but Darcy looses her balance and she is about to fall off, until...

Loki manages to catch her in the nick of time and holds her hand in a tight grip, giving Darcy the confidence that he is not going to let go. He quickly moves over to the other seat to make room, helps Darcy on the truck and let's Darcy seat right on the driver seat. She takes a couple of deep breaths as she thinks about what just happened, that she just jumped out of a moving car and landed right on a truck without even breaking a bone. Along with Loki being here to help her up and not even daring to leave her side and in a way saving her life, she knew it, she was right about him all along. They watch the pick up fall right from the bridge and falling so rapidly to the ground that it breaks completely destroyed beyond their sight. Without wasting another second, Darcy quickly grabs the wheel and drives them away from the edge and exits the highway.

Both Loki and Darcy gives a sigh of relief as they process what just happened and completely speechless on what just happened. They just went through the most unbelievable dangerous moment so far and all of the luck that would be so far off that it somehow manages to happen. They were alright and in Darcy's case alive, that dumb luck happens to be right on their side and they were fortunate for it to happen. Once they had a moment to actually breath, Loki has a couple of things to say and he is going to say it right now.

"You do realize what you just did was extremely dangerous and-" starts Loki before he was completely cut off.

"Yeah I know, it's probably in the top ten craziest things I have ever done in my life." said Darcy not even want to listen to a lecture that she knows how it is going to go, especially with the situation at hand. "But let's agree to never talk about this again!"

"Well as your friend, I believe this is not something that we should just let go the first moment of convince." said Loki. "Especially the very moment the situation itself has ended."

"You are not going to let this go aren't you?" asked Darcy annoyed.

"Of course not." said Loki as if it is obvious.

"Look, I would like to talk about all of the times I mess up, but we don't have time to focus on only this right now!" said Darcy. "In case you forgotten, we are trying to get an Infinity Stone and possibly save the planet and there are a ton of Ultrons chasing after us or something to try to get it back."

Loki is about to argue and try to get Darcy to realize that he is not going to let this go, but after seeing through the rear view mirror, he sees that Darcy is right. They still have to get through this and then end this entire fiasco, then they will have one less thing to worry about, that is until he sees the rear view mirror. Loki quickly takes a closer look and he becomes more and more nervous by the minute and really hopes that he's wrong. He notices that there is a motorcycle right behind them and with one glance, he recognize the fiery red hair and looks on with dread by the mere sight.

"I believe we have bigger problems than discussing of your recklessness." said Loki as he stares on to the road. "If I am not mistaken then the Avengers are here and we may have to leave the area fast."

"Wait the Avengers? How do you know?" said Darcy, the next thing they knew is that they see Iron man fly right by the truck and she grows really excited. "Now this is so awesome! We're going to team up with the Avengers and help stop an evil villain with them! I don't even know how today can get any better!"

"Maybe if the Avengers themselves were not here and I might not have to deal with them later after we help deal with the Ultron problem." said Loki. "If it has already slipped your mind, I am currently on the run and my brother believes that I recently passed on and I would not be surprised if the Avengers have already been told. I can not risk any of them finding out or else it would lead us to dealing with a problem bigger than Asgard finding out."

"Come on Loki, if they find out then it would not be the worst thing in the world." said Darcy as she continues to speed through the streets and finds herself entering another highway.

"They are my brothers' friends and the moment they find out the truth, not only they won't hesitate to put me in a cell, but they will tell Thor immediately." said Loki. "I wouldn't be surprise if that will be the first thing they do and that is chance I am not willing to take."

"But here's the thing you're not Loki right now. As long as you are wearing that costume then you're Mysto; a soon to be awesome hero and one that is ready to do anything to keep the universe safe. Ready to defeat the bad guys no matter what it may take and what the cost may be." said Darcy. "Though there might not be a high chance for them to believe our story if they ever find out the truth unless Thor backs us up, only because he knows us. Especially if Thanos comes along and make things a nightmare, but just so you know I have your back no matter what. I am not going to sit back and see you in trouble when you need my help."

"Uh... thank you. That is I believe that is the correct term for gratitude." said Loki who is feeling a sense of surprise of Darcy's loyalty and starting to see Darcy's most admirable traits shine through and he is starting to feel something he has never felt towards anyone before, that is until he stops himself from a daze. "As much as I would like to talk about this, but can we focus on trying to escape from the Avengers and not losing the Infinity Stone again?"

"Yeah, now that we got the whole we're great friends and be there for each other thing done out of the way." said Darcy. "Especially now that we have to keep your secret identity safe, getting the stone out of Ultron's weird invention thing before anyone else gets it and defeat Ultron."

"I do not think that it is going to go that far, but we should try to keep this vehicle on these high rising streets to make it harder for anyone to catch us." said Loki.

Darcy simply gives an unsure nod and tries her best to outmaneuver Black Widow and try to see if she can somehow loose the Avenger. Though that is easier said than done, since Black Widow always finds a way to get closer to the truck no matter how hard they try to do so. It seems as though they are getting a huge advantage and they might make it, that is until they hear something coming right into the back of the truck. They both turn to towards the rear side mirrors to see that Iron man got a hold of the body and begins to fly away with only Black Widow remaining hot on their trail. Darcy and Loki quickly exchange a quick look, knowing that they are now going to need to get the box back and this time from the Avengers, Darcy tries to see if she can make a U turn to go after the red armored hero. That is until she realizes that she can't...

The truck just run out of gas and Darcy lost all control of the truck and it's speeding right down the hill and is about to reach the end. Darcy is now trying to see if she can somehow steer the truck away and avoid them driving off the highway. She is desperately pressing the break as hard as she can and even then it is not enough and the truck continues heading right on it's way to the edge. The chances for them to escape is now diminishing more and more by the minute and there is no telling how this is going to end and despite the chances of losing the Infinity Stone increasing, both Loki and Darcy are more worried of getting out of this alright, no matter what the consequences may be. The edge keeps on going closer and closer, they are running out of time and if they going to do something then it has to be right now!

Chapter Text

Meanwhile in the subway car

The battle is intensifying and there is no telling how it will all end or if any of them will leave victorious. The Maximoff twins found themselves helping Captain America fighting hundreds of droids in a train car and helping to save all of the people that are now trapped inside. That they also have to keep an eye on making sure nothing drives the train off the tracks. Even with their best efforts, the droids continues to put up a fight, one that the Maximoffs and Captain America fights against and get the upper hand and get right back on top of the battle. They continue on the fight to defeat as many droids as they can and make their escape.

The Maximoffs continues to keep their focus right on the droids and doing everything in their power to get this part over with. Though they do not know what they are planning to say to Captain America later, but right now they are not letting a moment pass or be at risk on making a small mistake that would lead to a disaster. Pietro runs back and forth to punch at every single one of the droids that are about to make the attack, Wanda is holding as many as she can with her powers. Along with tearing every single one of them apart and to defeat every one who is continuing the attack. The three of them not even caring that they were all once on opposite sides are putting aside their differences and working together to fight.

Wanda keeps using her powers to try to maintain the grip on the droids and use her powers to blow the droids up and tear them apart. More blasts continue to come out of her and she continues to fight, along with try to save everyone in the train car. She lets her powers continue to make an attack, careful not hurting Pietro, any of the people that is now in the train car and even Captain America from getting hurt by the robots. They were all here to get the weapon before Ultron gets it and then use it for his own purpose and then he will be unstoppable, at least Loki and Darcy now has it and won't let anything happen.

That is she assumed they won't, though to much of Wanda's surprise, she soon sees Iron man carrying the weapon away from the scene and now she knows that something is definitely going on. It is not like Loki and Darcy to simply fail, especially if there is an Infinity Stone involve and one that they are desperate in retrieving and they are doing everything to help them. So far she hasn't seen any sign of them and she already knows something is happening and that simply seeing them chase after Stark is enough conformation that something is going on. She quickly uses her powers on Captain America to get him to keep on fighting and to go over and talk to her brother, to try to figure out what might be going on and see if they might help them. That is if they can even find a way to help them, once they find out if anything is happening and if they can do anything at the moment.

"Pietro, look. It's Stark, he has the body and he is leaving the scene and something must have happened to them." said Wanda being careful with the words that she is ussing and yet telling her brother the situation.

"I don't see them or the truck." said Pietro as he realizes the problem. "What are we going to do? We can't just leave these people in danger and we can not just abandon them."

"I know, especially since they are the closest thing we ever had to real friends aside from each other." said Wanda. "I don't even know if I can try to sense them if I am not in the exact location that they are in some close proximity. But I also think they would want us to stay and to find a way to help, I do not even know what is the right thing and if we are making the right decision for anything."

"Maybe we should continue to fight these ones and pay attention to the window?" suggested Pietro. "Maybe we will spot them while we ride through this city and then we can go over to them and help them get the machine back before the Avengers try to do anything on it."

"Yes, but I still wish that there is a way for us to do something right now before we lose it." said Wanda as she starts to fight off more droids. "I really think that our main goal should be is grab that thing before they do any experiments."

"I agree, but we also need to stay here to help, we need to fix our mistake." said Pietro. "We will find them and once we do then we will get the machine back."

"I just hope that we find them before Stark starts his experiments, activate it and build a bigger monster than we can ever imagine." said Wanda. "The last thing we need is a worse problem than Ultron can even create on his own."

The two of them continue on the fight and now they are also paying attention to the window, if they can see any sign of Loki and Darcy. They don't even need to be told on how the situation is becoming from bad to worse in every second. There is no telling what might happen if Stark starts to tinker with the machine and if he is ready for the trouble on the horizon. Though they do wonder what might have happened to Loki and Darcy and how did they manage to lose the machine out of no where like this. That maybe there is more to the story and one that they might hear later, but they are going to have to get through this entire ordeal first. Once they do and if they still haven't find Loki or Darcy or both of them. Then they are going to go find them together and then they will work through these challenges, they wonder what might have happened to them and what may be going on...

Meanwhile back in the truck

Loki and Darcy are now doing everything they can to stop the truck. But so far, Darcy is only finding herself in a futile stage where she doesn't even know if the breaks are working anymore. That it is as though she is losing more control and she can't even turn the wheel anymore and no longer how hard she tries, it doesn't turn and probably because of the friction that is right on the tires. She continues to try to steer and press the breaks as hard as she can until ultimately, she realizes the truth and hit her back on the seat.

"It's no use Loki, this thing is going too fast and there is no way I can stop it." Said Darcy feeling defeated as she states the truth.

"There has to be a way for us to stop this vehicle." Said Loki refusing to give up hope.

Yet, from one look around him and everything that is going on. Loki knows that it is hopeless and that if Darcy can't even stop the truck then what does he honestly expect to happen? He sees all of the Ultron droids flying around with the hope that they would get some more control of the situation and that they are ready to do anything for their master. The truck is about to do more damage than anything the droids might have done on their own. With a speed that is increasing rather than decreasing and feels as though as they were about to reach Pietro's speed at any moment and with a guarantee that they won't be able to stop themselves. He even tried to see if he can think of a spell that might slow the truck down enough for Darcy to stop and they can simply hop off. But even that only leads to a dead end.

The truck continues to go towards a faster speed where it continues to grow to much of Loki and Darcy's frustration. At any moment, they will reach the edge and the worst possible fate will happen and they will be trapped right in it. The truck is going to crash and hurt hundreds of people, Darcy has a high chance of dying from all of the injuries anyone would sustain and Loki would come off with a few small injuries, but he is going to have to face many problems when the entire situation is over. Plus the last thing, Loki ever wanted was for Darcy to get hurt because of him and that is something he would ever forgive himself for. As he thinks about everything that Darcy has done for him and being the only true friend he has. Loki doesn't even know what is making him feel this way towards her, but he is determined to find out before he loses his mind, after they get out of this, that is if they can even get out of it.

Darcy is desperately trying to think of a way for them to escape and so far every single time she comes up with and idea, it always leads to a dead end and then it is back to the drawing board. She doesn't even know what else they can do and she is running out of ideas that might possibly work or be anywhere close on being realistic. It seems like that it is going to be completely hopeless, that is until...

"Hey Loki, I think I might have an idea and it's a little crazy. Just hear me out for a sec, before we start another disagreement or better yet let's just skip that part because our lives kinda depend on it at the moment." Said Darcy nervously. "First, let me ask you, is it true what Thor said about Asgardians and Jontuns having strong durability that if you jump off a moving truck it would look like you trip or something?"

"Well assuming so, since I can withstand any injury that Thor can have and the most that may happen is obtaining a minor injury that our bodies will immediately heal and we won't be forever affected." Said Loki a little off guard. "Why do you even ask such a thing at a time like this?"

"I was just thinking that maybe if we jump off the truck right now that maybe if I land on you then it would be like landing with a suit of armor." Said Darcy.

"That is a horrible idea, not only it would never work and we do not have that much time to attempt to do so." Said Loki. "But it is completely dangerous and there is no guarantee that you would land exactly on me."

"Ok, scratch that, unless we hold on to each other and-" starts Darcy before earning a look from Loki as if he is saying that there is no way he is going to do that. "Well so much for the idea that might have hopefully not break my neck. I don't even know what else might work unless-"

"Unless, what?" Asked Loki as he stares at the end he mere seconds away.

"Unless you use your ice powers!" Said Darcy as she feels the panic rushing in. "Use them to somehow stop the truck without freezing us."

"Darcy, my Frost Giant abilities are far too dangerous for us to play around with." Said Loki. "I might make things worse for us, we do not even know if it will work or-"

"Loki, we don't have that much of a choice. It's not like how it was before and heck I don't think this is something that we should even be having a conversation right now." Said Darcy. "They might be the only thing that can stop this truck. Just freeze the wheels or something. You are our only hope in saving our lives, especially mine since I have a higher risk of dying from all of this because I am not asgardian!"

"These abilities are for destruction nothing else and if I use them, then it will only put us in more danger. I am not going to follow the same path as the ones before me, I am not going to use this curse to destroy anything." Said Loki. "I am not going to go down that path again and I am not going to become... one of them. There has to be another way..."

"Loki, I think we just ran out of time of coming up with ideas and even then I think that's our only option at the moment." Said Darcy. "You don't have to be ashamed of what you are and afraid to-"

"I am not afraid of these powers, I..." said Loki. "I just do not want... To be... one of them, a creature that would only aim to hurt others for nothing more for their own purposes. To be something from a child's story book, the very thing that many fear and... I do not want to be the person that many may think I am."

"It's your power, you can decide how you can use it and just because a ton of other Jontuns decided to freeze over towns, it doesn't mean that you are going to do the same thing." said Darcy. "You can create your own path, you can use this power for good and in anyway you want, it's a gift, not a curse. Just embrace that part of you and just... Let it go."

"I do not think I can." said Loki as he is imagining all of the worst scenarios that can happen and he does not even know if he can.

"Just try please and fast!" said Darcy as they about to go over the edge. "I believe in you, I know you can do this."

Loki looks at Darcy for a brief moment and gives a sign, he can not find another word to argue or an excuse that anyone including himself can agree with. He sees that Darcy may be right and reflects on the current situation that they are now in and how they need a way to escape and his Jontun abilities might give them that chance. Loki doesn't even know if he is ready for it or if he is going to completely regret what he is going to do and if this is really a good idea. He doesn't know if it would work and wonders if he is making a mistake, one that he will regret and never forgive himself. Maybe if he tries to just freeze the wheels and then it will be enough, more than enough to stop it. He is only grateful that he is wearing the Mysto costume and that his true identity is now hidden from the world and Darcy doesn't have to see his Jontun form. He knows that he has to do this, he takes another breath and starts to focus on the power deep down inside him and to try to get it to do what he wants.

He closes his eyes as he concentrate and with nothing ready to destroy his focus, except the mere panic that he is now feeling as it doesn't seem to be working. Loki tries even harder to make something happen with the hope that he would somehow manage to get it to work. But little does he know is that he is doing a lot more than realize and only for it to head towards the wrong direction, when Loki opens his eyes, he is shocked by what he has seen and is now dreading it. He sees a large ice path right over the edge and making a road for them to go over and it is completely made out of ice and at any moment they are about to go over it. That he is if he maintains control over the entire moment and then somehow make the ice lead to them the ground as safe as he can.

Before either of them can say a word, they both finds themselves going on the ice path and going down faster than any of them can get a word out. With both of them screaming for their lives as they continue to go on faster without a sign of stopping. Loki continues to increase the path of ice to make sure threat they don't end up falling and crashing down to the ground. It seems as though, that nothing is going to stop them or go anywhere close to the ground. Loki is desperately trying to lead the truck to a stopping point, as he continues to let his ice powers out and is only surprised to see how much he is capable of and only wishes that Odin at least try to teach him some control and passed it off as magic. Since it would be very helpful right now, though he is trying to get the truck down in hopes that they will be able to stop it.

But every single time, it winds up in a situation where Loki has to dodge over buildings or make wild turns or make the ice go up higher than either of them may expect. It is a constant struggle as he keeps trying to make the situation better and to find a escape that might possibly lead them to a safe distance where they can find the twins, defeat more of these droids and then plan out their next move. The more he unleashes the ice, the more he finds that he has better control him her it than he may realize. Soon he eventually got the ice path to head close enough down, Loki is just feeling an overwhelming amount of relief as he sees how close they are to finally reach to their destination, that is if he can find a safe place for him to land the truck. It seems as though as it is going to continue on to the point of now return, that is until Loki sees Darcy's face light up and giving a excited smile to Loki, one that he is already dreading.

"If you are going to suggest what I think you are going to suggest, then I highly recommend that you do not say another word of it." Said Loki. "There is no way I am going to agree to do something dangerous and an idea that is so insanely absurd that you would be putting your life in danger if we do it. Besides we have no guarantee that it would work if we even dare to try this reckless idea."

"I know that this is a really crazy idea, but I don't think we have that much of a choice." Said Darcy. "This is the closest that we have ever been to the ground and I really don't think we can make this thing go down safely with the speed we're going."

"I am trying the best I can, I do not even know a spell that might slow it down enough for us to try anything." Said Loki. "Besides I am sure that you might get seriously hurt if things do not succeed."

"Hey, the worst I can get right now is a concussion and you maybe some sprained ribs and breaking every bone in your body, even then it would heal and with your healing potion we won't have that much to worry about." Said Darcy. "But between jumping off a truck and maybe hopefully the most a broken wrist or staying on and taking our chances to meet our possible end, I'd pick option one and deal with it later. So I really think it may be better if we just get off now while we still can."

Loki thinks about this for a moment and no matter how hard he tries to disagree, he eventually realize that Darcy is right and either way they are at risk no matter what they may do. He knows that time is running out and if they don't act soon then they may find themselves in a worse scenario. He does not like this idea or think he wants to do this, but he is going to try to do it as safely as he can.

"You better not make me regret this, I am only agreeing to do this because our lives are at stake or rather yours is." Said Loki. "Hopefully it goes according to plan, I do not want to be responsible if you get seriously injured or worse die from this."

"Come on Loki, this can't be one of the most dangerous things you have ever done in your life." Said Darcy as she rolls her eyes while trying to reassure Loki. "Now let me climb on you , so you can hold me tight and we can jump off this thing together, with the hope that we are not going to be needing to take a breather to heal from anything."

Loki makes a pathway ice to keep it going in a straight direction and lower it a little bit with the hope that he manages to make it safer. Darcy slowly climbs right on to Loki's lap and holding him tightly as she brace herself for the jump. Loki tries to see if he can position her in a spot where the least amount of injury can happen. Though Loki feels a little uncomfortable that Darcy is putting so much trust in him, believing that everything will be fine and he is able to do all of this.

He has never met anyone that would think this highly of him and knows what to make of the emotions that he is now feeling towards Darcy. Especially now that he is starting to think about Darcy's well being before his own, as he starts to realize that he really cares about Darcy and does not want her to get hurt by Thanos because of him. Over time, Darcy has become more tolerable and he has started to grow fond of her. He appreciates her kindness and willingness to help others, it is almost like...

No, it can't be it, he not feeling that petty, sentimental, weak emotion. It is against him to feel that way towards anyone and it needs to fade away. There is no way he is going to let himself feel that way or let Darcy close, he has already hurt people if they tried to get close to him and he has hurt his family so many times, he is not going to do the same to Darcy. Besides he vowed not to form any attachments and this is the exact opposite of his vow and he is not going to simply sit by and let himself break it before he hurts Darcy and allow it to become a fantasy that consumes his mind for the worse. He is not going to accept this nonsense and really hopes that he is over thinking it and is simply assuming the worst. He turns his focus on the drop as they are about to pass onto some green pasture is about to aim a landing down there, as he lets many thoughts go through his mind and hopes that this is not going to hurt.

"Hey Loki, are you ok?" Asked Darcy noticing that Loki seems to be out of focus.

"Yes, I was simply lost in my own thoughts." Said Loki as he turns to Darcy.

"Are you ready for this?" Asked Darcy of determination and hints of nervousness being shown.

"As I will ever be..." said Loki with a sigh. "Let's get this over with..."

Darcy unlocks the the truck door and kick it open, as Loki quickly makes sure that Darcy is well protected and that maybe the grass will be soft enough for the both of them to land as if they were landing right on a pillow. When the moment is right, they both make the jump and the fall itself feels as though they are falling through light speed drastically and that there is no sign for it to stop. The wind that is going through them is making the terror deep down grow as they continue to fall towards the ground. Both Loki and Darcy wishes that the fall would end and the nightmare would be over, then they can get to the next part of the mission and get the stone later, that is if there will be a later.

Eventually, they both landed safely on the ground, with Loki getting hit the hardest, while Darcy landing safely on top. Fortunately they were both alright and they out of the truck, Darcy is right on top of Loki and quickly getting off him and stand on her own feet, feeling a little awkward while she does so and relieved that it's all over. Loki carefully got himself to sit up, as he slowly gets up and is surprised, happy and relieved that it all turned out alright and they were both fine, he takes a few moments to catch his breath and enjoy the few seconds he has, until...

"That was awesome!" said Darcy happily as the adrenaline quick in.

"What?!" said Loki in shock and in disbelief. "In case you haven't realized or somehow forgot... We just jumped out a truck in midair!"

"Yeah, but the thrill is what made it so exciting and terrifying all at the same time." said Darcy happily. "Look maybe after we save the universe and stop Thanos, if the whole superhero doesn't work out then you would be an awesome roller coaster designer because you would totally rock at it."

"I do not even know what a roller coaster is, but I think it is far to dangerous and why in the world would I want to design one." said Loki with Darcy giving him a smile as he can't help but look at her confused.

"I knew you can do it! Now all we have to do is-" starts Darcy before...

"Keep the praise within you for a moment while I finish this!" said Loki as he keeps an eye on the truck and starts to use his ice powers to try to keep it on the ground.

It is a struggle to keep the truck up in the air and to try to keep it under his control, Loki keeps finding himself in a struggle. One that he doesn't even know how he is going to put a stop it and if it is even possible. He continues to make the path and is only relieved that the truck doesn't roll out of the direction and create some irreparable damages, something that would create a new set of problems and he is only grateful that it hasn't gone that far and as long as he maintains control, then he might find a way to land it and then maybe it will be enough and this part will finally be over. He tries hard to keep a grip, that maybe he can get some control and find a way to get it down safely. That is...

Loki accidentally makes another path way to the wrong direction and instead of making it turn, he is making the truck go forward. Before Loki can even have a chance to fix that mistake and try to see if there is a way to change it's direction. But it is too late, since the truck is heading right towards it's end and is about to hit a train bridge and soon that is exactly what happened. The bridge starts to collapse as the force of the truck winds up hitting the poles so hard that it begins to crumble. Soon everyone underneath the bridge running for their lives from the robots than quickly race in different directions to escape from the collapsing bridge. To make matters worse, a subway train is heading right towards it and with no signs of stopping.

Loki stares in shock as he sees what his powers just did and how he only made things worse, that now because of his powers. There will be many more people that continue to suffer because of the wrath of the Frost Giants and the monster his heritage is. He knew that using these abilities was a bad idea and he shouldn't have done it, what was he thinking? That he would wave his hands around and he can just land them safely with the truck magically stopping? He should have never agreed to do it and he doesn't even think that anyone would forgive him once they find out what he did and he does not even know what Darcy may thinking and he wouldn't be surprised if she is starting to see a new side of him and one that would make her regret to have encouraged him to use his abilities. Loki is about to put a word in and with the hope that she would listen, until...

"Ok, I totally did not see that happening." Said Darcy immediately as she stares at the situation and how they need to stop and save a runaway train. "But it's ok, we can totally fix this, we just have to do it before the train comes."

"What? Darcy what exactly do you mean by-" starts Loki.

"We use your ice powers to fix the bridge and maybe we can even get these people down somehow." Said Darcy while Loki stares at her not believing what he is hearing. "It is so going to work, maybe you can make a slide or something, but it's the perfect way for us to get everyone out of this safely."

"Did you forget what happened just now? Not only because of me these people are now in danger, but we should really... Focus on trying to find Pietro and Wanda and tell them the whole predicament. Then laterplan out what might be the best way to get the machine back." Said Loki. "This should be the last thing on our mind, especially with the other pressing issues we have to attend to. I am not in the mood to voluntarily put our lives in danger for strangers we barely even know."

"Loki, this is not an excuse for us to leave all of these innocent people to fall to their deaths. Since as a superhero, it's your responsibility to go out and help people because it is the right thing to do." Said Darcy as she rolls her eyes and knows that they are going to have this argument again. "Besides you would be doing the Avengers a favor and be making Mysto look good."

"It is more than a simple first impression, you are asking me to do something that is extremely dangerous. We already tried these powers, but it only led to this problem in the first place." Said Loki. "These powers are nothing but trouble and I do not think it would be a good idea if I try to use these abilities again. If it weren't for them, then we wouldn't even be in this scenario right now."

"Loki, that wasn't your fault and it was just a mistake. There is no way we could have predicted that it would have turned out in a broken bridge." Said Darcy. "You can't give up on hope and worse yourself just because of something like happens."

"It is not only that, I... was right about these abilities and myself. I knew that my powers would have brought some kind of trouble. Not only because I have little experience using them, but it would get us in more trouble that we might not escape from." Said Loki. "These abilities are nothing more than a burden and a curse I put us both in more danger than I was hoping for. I destroyed a bridge, they cause more problems than I was hoping for and they are not worth the trouble. I do not know what I was thinking and I am no better than them..."

"Loki, if it weren't for your ice powers, then I don't think I would be here right now." Said Darcy. "You saved my life and maybe hundreds of others by making sure the truck defies gravity. If anything than you should be proud of your abilities, not ashamed of it."

"That still does not change the fact that I still destroyed a bridge and put us in this position in the first place." Said Loki.

"So what? You made a mistake and the whole point of mistakes is to learn from them. " said Darcy. "Plus if possible, try to fix them and you already have the keys right in front of you. You can fix this."

"I do not know if I can..." said Loki as keeps his eyes on the bridge.

"You are stronger than you realize." Said Darcy. "Just know that I still believe in you and will always will, no matter what."

Loki thinks hard of the situation and how things are at the blinking point of what might be one of the most important decisions of his life. He still believes that it is a bad idea to rely on his Frost Giant abilities to save these people, let alone for anything else. But something inside him is making him feel this confidence that he has never felt before and maybe even inspired by her words. He didn't even know what he was capable of before he unleashed the part of him that he has been trying so hard to keep in. Sure he is not going to permit himself in turning blue or at least without the Mysto mask on, but he thinks he can use his magic to find a way to stay true to his Asgardian form and then maybe he can do it more often.

That is if he can even find a way to do this successfully without causing any more problems for them to fix. Especially something that Loki knows that the Avengers can fix themselves without a consequence on its way to make them pay later on. He is now in a place that he never thought that he would be and yet he really wants to know for sure. If Darcy is right and he can be more than the children stories say, Loki may not feel comfortable using his ice powers again, but he knows that he likes to prove others wrong. Maybe he can create his own path...

"Alright, I'll do it." Said Loki.

"Yeah, now you are finally getting my point." Said Darcy happily and excitedly.

"It is only to stop the train, nothing more. Then after that I am done and I will never use these powers again." Said Loki. "Plus doing this will allow Mysto to look good and that is my current identity at the moment, so in a way it will make me get praise from the people of this planet for a change."

"Yeah, everyone will be so happy to see you and saved them from a terrifying fate." Said Darcy adding encouragement. "Just think of all the people that will be happy to see Mysto and remember him as one of the greatest heroes that ever lived. I can see all of the action figures, fans and people ready to chant your name. You know for right now at least, let's try not to let it go to your head or anything."

Loki doesn't even know what to say and as much as he would love to get that kind recognition. He knows that he has to make sure that nothing goes wrong this time. He looks at the damages carefully, to see what he has to try to rebuild with his magic. With the knowledge in mind and already coming up with a plan that might work and one that is risky and yet effective. He make a stance and got ready to do the plan and somehow make it work. He briefly turns to Darcy with a nervous glance and yet tries to make it look more annoyed than how he is now feeling.

"You better not make me regret this or try to get me to do something insane." Said Loki annoyed and frustrated. "Such as climbing up there and attempting to stop the car by pushing it back with my strength or something."

"There is no way I would suggest you to do something like that, it only works in the movies." said Darcy.

"Good, since I am not in the mood to get run over by a high speed Midguardian vehicle that is nothing compared to Asgardian transportation when it comes to speed." said Loki as Darcy roll her eyes.

"Yeah I would never suggest you put yourself in real danger if there's another way, especially if it's impossible to pull off and you might get hurt Asgardian or not." said Darcy. "Well it is impossible unless you're the Hulk."

That only makes Loki annoyed and he shudder a little bit, as he hears the Hulk's name and the flash back in his mind. As he remembers his last encounter with the human who can transform into a giant green monster. Along with the idea that Darcy won't push him into danger if she finds it too dangerous like that, it is rubbing him off in the wrong way and he knows that he can put up with any challenges that may be up ahead no matter what the danger may be. That he is not the type who would throw in the towel or rather mask at the first sign of danger and that is unless it is something that is life threatening and it might have a high chance of him dying.

Then again he is not the hero type and he highly doubts he will ever be and yet still he has to do this, probably for the sake of Darcy's friendship because if anything happens to the people on that train car then Darcy might never forgive him and it would be for the good of his newfound friendship. Along his own good unless if he wants to be kicked out and needing to find a new place to live. Loki takes a deep breath as he focuses on the bridge and he is only hoping that he would be able to do this and yet he doesn't even know it would be enough or if he will be able to get this at all right. But he knows he has to try and only hopes that he is making the right choice, that the magic deep inside him that he never knew he had and a power that he thought he'd never use would be enough to save the bridge, he is not making a mistake.

Loki takes a breath and then starts to unleash the power deep inside him to make a new bridge and one that is completely made of ice. That it would be strong enough to hold and then he finds himself restructuring a bit to build walls with the hope that it can head towards a slide that he just made. Once the train is on the slide then he will see if he can use his telekinesis to lift it from the ground and then lift it from the slide and safely on the ground with the hope that no one will realize what occurred as he does it while Darcy is watching from a safe distance. He knows that this plan is relying on so much for it to work, but this is the only way and at this moment there is no turning back as the train is about to reach its destination.

"We need to move now." said Loki as the train is a couple feet away from Loki's ice bridge.

"What? It's perfectly safe, isn't it?" said Darcy as she takes a couple of steps back.

"Not yet." said Loki as runs further back to get a good view of the bridge and to keep an eye on it with the hopes that he can somehow do this.

"Wait, I just remembered that the train might not slow down because of the friction it will create on the tracks because of the ice." said Darcy getting worried as she places a hand on her face as she makes the realization. "It will go too fast for it to stop, there might not even be a driver and we won't even know the difference."

"Relax, I have everything under control." said Loki.

The train enters the tracks with a fast intensity and one that looks even more hopeless than anyone may even consider. Loki notices that from up above, that Black Widow is trying to catch up with the train with the hopes that she would help in someway. Loki knows that if he is going to to do something then he is going to do it right now, so when the train is about to reach the edge. Loki creates some ice that pushes the train to slide and it rapidly speeds right towards the slide, even going faster than anyone may thought that it would. So Loki uses all of the magic he has within to grab a hold of the trains, struggling a bit since he hasn't tried to lift something this heavy and yet it can't be any harder than a extremely heavy metal beam that he used to practice on. Loki quickly tries to see if he can place the train to the ground without any more problems coming in the way.

Through a swift moment, he levitates the train cars through the air and it shakes as quickly as a dog's wags their tail. Loki quickly tries to find where might be the perfect place to put the cars, until seeing an empty street that has no one in sight is near and a little further off, so it would buy them time to make a quick getaway. Plus it would provide a distraction for Black Widow and one that will give them time to escape when the moment is right. It's the only way and he does not give up on his focus and leads the train to land right over there, with the hope that he doesn't leave behind any hints and lead to the chance that someone may figure out the truth. Once he gets the truck right over where he is aiming for, he drops the truck right where he wants it to. It creates a quick crash and the only sign of life is the people getting up and trying to figure out how to get out, he also notices that Wanda, Pietro and to his surprise Captain America and Black Widow going down with a grappling hook and begins to help. He doesn't know what to make of the sight of the two Avengers or if he has a plan on how he is going to deal with them. But for now, Loki is happy that he succeeded and he actually did it!

"There, now are you satisfied?" Asked Loki rather proudly as they both of them stare at the sight of the bridge and the many passengers, the Maximoffs and the two Avengers now safe and are out of the danger that now they would also have to save the twins if they run into any trouble with the Avengers, at least that's over.

"Wow, that was really cool! Pun really unintended, though." said Darcy excitedly. "The way that you were able to create a bridge out of ice was so amazing and I can't believe you managed to create something as great as this! You are like Elsa from Frozen but with ice rather than snow!"

"I am just surprised that it worked." said Loki. "I am even more surprised that you know that bit about the vehicle itself."

"I kinda did some research about train cars and tracks in case you start over asking them in public again." said Darcy. "Plus it is also common science knowledge that every scientist or an intern to a scientist should know about."

"It is the basic concept of friction and you having the knowledge of that is impressive." said Loki. "Maybe humans are not as clueless as I thought they were."

"Thanks, I think..." said Darcy unsure before becoming confident with her knowledge. "it is just basic physics and- That's beyond the point, you just stopped a runaway train and practically saved hundreds of lives in one go!"

"I haven't stop anything, not yet. There will be more of these that will continue to go towards these tracks and we can't stay here to constantly monitor the Midguardian contraptions until someone fixes it." said Loki. "I believe that there may be a way to stop these complicated contraptions, if they stop and possibly hit at what you may may call a road rock."

"'Road rock? Don't you mean a road block?" asked Darcy immediately. "Wait, how do you even know about road blocks? Since I always thought that Asgardians fly around in highly advance space ships or something like that. Judging from what you guys said about Asgard and from what I have seen so far, it doesn't seem like the place where I can head down the street and pull over a taxi."

"In Asgard, there are streets for the citizens to walk in and for anyone who wish to own a street cart to move it to wherever they may be permitted." said Loki. "That and maybe a carriage, that is basically the most anyone in Asgard would use roads for."

"Alright, that's a little wired, the idea that everyone uses the streets to carry carts rather than having a store where they can simply just go in and get everything they want." said Darcy. "It would make things easier when it comes to getting things like groceries and cool souvenirs."

"I would argue that Midgard has methods that may be a little more strange than anything Asgard may seem to your eyes." said Loki. "I saw in your television box set, some customs on this planet that I simply have to question. Especially when it comes to coming up with names that are so absurd that I honestly almost feel humiliated for them."

"Says the guy that is named Loki and around here that is what people would name their cat and maybe Thor for a bulldog. Plus you came from a planet of people with wired names." said Darcy who can't believe what she is hearing and wanted to hear his insight. "So what Earth names are making you raise an eye brow at?"

"There is nothing wrong with Asgardian names, they have a chance to create rich history and the one thing you should know Darcy is that no one shares the same name thus making it unique." said Loki. "It's much better than White Snow and Cindyellly or anything of the sort."

"First of all, their names are Snow White and Cinderella, no one would name their kids after a Disney character that would be a bad role model for kids especially girls to look up to." explained Darcy briefly. "Didn't you watch the new Cinderella, the non animated one? That one explains how she got that name."

"No, I saw the illustrated one with the talking rodents who can only speak in extremely bad grammar and that is the least of my worries. The idea that they would create a story for children where it portrays a woman who can hardly stand up for herself and marries a complete stranger is concerning, absurd and unrealistic." said Loki. "I truly hope that most women on Midgard do that or the romance between my brother and your friend is anywhere close to that. If you ever get to that idea to do it with the fellow you are now courting, as your friend, I truly advice not to marry him so quickly and get to know him properly before you make any rash decisions such as marrying him without thinking. The last thing we need is to have another problem to deal with that would hurt you in the long run."

"Well, you will be happy to know that Ian and I are not planning our dream wedding anytime soon." said Darcy as she wonders how much she has to clear things up for Loki before he says something and accidentally embarrass himself as Mysto. "We really need to talk about clarifying some things about Earth and pick out a better movie selection."

"As much as I would like to learn more, but right now we really should leave before they start to come after us." said Loki. "If I am not mistaking, Rogers was in that train and it look as though Romanoff is over there helping those people."

"Wait, are you saying that you just saved two of the Avengers?!" said Darcy turning over to Loki with a big grin on her face. "This is so awesome!"

"It is no where close on being fantastic, I only saved Rogers and even then I am more worried if they come after us and that is the last thing we need is to have them coming after us." said Loki. "What's worse, they have the twins and we are going to need to come up with a plan to rescue them when we need to and that can only happen once we are at a safe distance."

"Come on Loki, you just saved the Avengers, ok at least one of them. You should be happy and maybe even proud of it." said Darcy.

"It will only put my identity in jeopardy and we can not afford in allowing any connection being formed with them." said Loki as he starts to walk away from the scene. "I do not think it would be wise trust them and know for sure what would happen if the worst scenario happens and even then we would have to be ready. We need to leave before they start to investigate, I have to get up there to build the blockage before another contraptions comes towards the bridge. After we have to find a place where we can hide and come up with a plan, to get the machine and the twins out before Ultron makes another attack."

Darcy just gives a sigh, as she follows him and already knows that Loki is only making the situation harder than it needs to be. That they have to hurry before more trouble comes their way and to try to build a blockage before another train arrives. They both quickly manage to find a stair case that workers often use to do repairs, they both quickly makes their way up the stairs with so many thoughts in their minds and that is not letting it stop them. When they arrive right on the tracks and Loki got to work on building a giant ice wall with the hopes that it would work as the blockage for the train to simply stop and then it would be enough. He makes the tracks be placed as a bit of a ramp and with the hope that it would reduce the friction that may allow the train to safely stop without the high speed overtakes itself and slow down. Especially before reaching the wall and it is made of the thickest ice Loki thinks he has ever made ever since he started using these abilities, yet he is proud to see the sight before him.

They quickly race off to a safe distance, to wait for the next train to come and to see for themselves if this might work and in case Loki might have to save it again. Darcy watches the tracks nervously, hoping that Loki knows what he is doing and that this is not going to be a disaster. While Loki is watching the tracks hoping that he is able to pull it off and quickly puts a cloaking spell on both him and Darcy with the hope that no one would spot them. A train soon heads it's way through the tracks, the driver must have seen the ice wall and quickly presses the breaks and the pressure of the wheels starts to slow down as it continues to heads towards the wall. After a quick few seconds of tension, out of nowhere the train stop. The plan worked and they no longer have to worry about the worst. Both Loki and Darcy gives a sigh of relief at the outcome and that they no longer have to worry about this problem and Loki fixed his mistake.

"I can't believe this, we stopped just stopped two runaway trains... We just stopped two runaway trains!" said Darcy really excitedly, as Loki rolls his eyes at Darcy's childlike excitement even if she can't see underneath the mask.

"Actually, I was the one who stopped both trains and all you did was encourage me in using my Jontun powers and cheering me on as you supervise my every move." pointed out Loki wanting to get the facts straight. "Prior to that, take control of that truck when I was having trouble the first chance you got, which might I add you did a fantastic job in doing so by the way."

"Wait, is that suppose to be a compliment?" asked Darcy surprised before she decides to push harder. "You know if it weren't for me you wouldn't even have been able to do any of this or you would even be a superhero right now."

"Do not push this any further, right now we really should focus on leaving this place before anyone comes up here to help these people." said Loki as he rolls his eyes as he starts to make his way to the other side of tracks. "We really should take advantage of this opportunity while we still can."

"So much for you having a new out look on life..." said Darcy sighs as she seeing that Loki is heading towards a longer road than the tracks will lead them.

They both start to head their way on the tracks, to find a new place where they can plan out their next move. They may need to deal with the Avengers now, not only to get the machinery back, but to also rescue Wanda and Pietro from whatever trouble the twins may now have to face. The challenges up ahead is still something that they need to face and neither Loki and Darcy knows how they are going to pull this off. But Loki knows that they are going to need prepare and deep down, he is just happy to see how his heroic deed unfolded. Along with maybe for the first time, even feeling a sense of true pride...

One Hour later, in a hill further away from the train bridge

After a quick search, Loki and Darcy managed to find a place to hide out and to monitor the situation from a far. It didn't exposes them from the outside world and they didn't have to worry about the Avengers possibly finding them. That alone is making the spot more comfortable and then they can start to planning their next move, then they can get through the entire situation and then they will somehow succeeds in their mission. While Darcy is simply relaxing and enjoying the view that the hill offers them, Loki is busy practicing his Jontun powers and seeing what else he can do with it. Maybe even experiment some things with the powers and see if there is a chance for them to use them even further.

Though Loki doesn't even know how to feel about what he did today or if he has anything else to say or think about as he practice more than he has ever done so in his life. He did not expect on being capable of being capable of doing this with Jontun powers or even considered of doing it in his wildest dreams. Loki does not even know what to think or how to feel about any of this or if he should be happy or upset with himself for doing it. For once since he discover his true heritage, he does not know what to think and for once he is happy about himself and wonders what else he may be able to do with these abilities and what are they planning to do and if they are ready for the next phase of this journey? Since they still have to settle some things and to get the Infinity Stone back and find out what is happening to the Maximoff twins and right now Loki is only focussing on trying to learn more about his Jontun powers and nothing will break his focus. That is until...

"Wow, out of all the craziest days I ever had in my life, this has to be the craziest and I know I can definitely get used to the excitement that being a superhero brings. Ok you do most of the work, but that doesn't make this any less exciting don't you think?" said Darcy. "I knew you could do this, both being Mysto and doing your awesome ice powers to save the day."

"I am only surprised that it did not end in a disaster." said Loki. "As much as I would enjoy to reminisce but can we focus on planning how we are going to infiltrate Avengers tower and get both the twins and the stone?"

"Yeah, yeah I know that's the top of our to do list at the moment, but can I ask one question?" ask Darcy as she waits for Loki's response and once he gives her a nod, she continues. "So what made you change your mind about Mysto? Since that definitely came out of nowhere and you gave up on fighting that idea, was it my threat to kick you out wasn't it? You hated the idea of living on the streets and begging for spare change so much that you would rather spend time being a superhero didn't you?"

Loki doesn't know what to say as he roles his eyes and thinks hard on what is there to say and if there is anything more to say. He does not want to say what happened that led him to go through with the idea of becoming a hero and to hunt down the Infinity Stones. It would not only go against his nature, but he does not want to seem as though as he hasn't moved on and he's more sentimental than any of them may think they may be. Maybe he should tell Darcy some version of the truth and one that she can accept without question and it would be enough for her. Loki doesn't know how Darcy would receive if he tells her that he is taking advice from his mother through a strange dream, she would probably think that he has lost his mind and at the same time Loki doesn't want to lie to Darcy, so he decides to take the third option.

"Let's simply say that about what my mother would have wanted me to do and what she would have said to me. She would have wanted me to do this in hopes that this would make up for the things I have done." Said Loki trying to keep it brief and vague. "To redeem myself by going out stopping crime, gathering all the Infinity Stones and all of the injustice in the world even if I have to dress up as a cape crusader to do it. To make things right, even if... We are getting off topic here and I really believe that we should start preparing ourselves, what else do you know about the other Avengers aside from what I already know?"

Loki stops himself because he thinks that he has already gone far enough and only wants for them to get on working on some kind of plan. Besides it won't matter anyway, it will never happen no matter how much he may want it to, no matter how much he may dream it. Since he can't regain the life he has lost because of him his mother is now dead and Loki can't even go up to Thor to apologize because of the lie he has created. He would have to reveal himself to Thor and Loki can already imagine how his reaction will be. Thor would probably be so angry that he can barely say a word to Loki. An anger that Loki believes that Thor may never look at him the same way again or be seen as a brother ever again, one that Loki realize that he is not ready for. Before Loki can have a chance to think more about it or try to figure out what they should do about the current situation...

"This is also about Thor too right? You feel bad about everything that happened between the two of you guys right? You do know that you probably won't feel as guilty if you just tell him you're alright right?" Said Darcy. "I know right now it may seem that way now and Thor doesn't know that you're Mysto and everything what you did so far. But maybe if he did, then he would not only be proud of you but he may even forgive you for everything else."

"Darcy, Thor is not the type who would easily forgive others for their mistakes no matter what or who they are." Said Loki.

"I don't know what he was like before his unplanned vacation to Earth, but he is not like that." Said Darcy trying to be reassuring.

"I know, he has changed since the coronation, but that is not going to change the fact that I have hurt him far too many times." Said Loki. "We also have to be worried about Odin and if Thor ever chooses to tell him if my brother ever finds out the truth."

"Yeah, your dad might be a little tougher to deal with and he is going to have a lot of things to say to you." Admitted Darcy.

"That is only putting it lightly." Said Loki as he smiles from that praising.

"But maybe he will be happy to see that you're alright. That he is regretting the last time you guys talked it was a fight. That maybe it ended with him saying something bad and he will want to talk to you." Said Darcy. "That Odin will be happy that you are alive and want to apologize. It's either that or he try to be nicer to you. Especially after almost losing you once and not wanting to lose you again."

"That is probably the least likely scenario to happen, especially after the last time we met and that was during my trial..." said Loki. "He would have sentenced me to death if my mother hadn't intervened."

"He was probably really mad, I can't say I'd blame him because you did trash a city and led an alien army to conquer a planet." Said Darcy as she got a look from Loki and yet it doesn't stop her from speaking her mind. "But I think that execution is a harsh punishment and he should take it easy on you. No matter what you're still his son and he's still your dad right?"

"I doubt Odin would share your views and I do not think that it would be wise for him to know. He would simply send me back to my cell if I dare to reveal myself and that would be the end of it." Said Loki. "I doubt that Thor would be anywhere close to understand what I am now going through. Even if he does then he probably would not be anywhere close to a forgiving mood and I doubt he would believe me."

"Yeah sure the whole thing with Thanos is a bit far fetched, but we can prove it to him somehow and I'm sure he will definitely notice if he sees him chasing after you." Said Darcy.

"That would only lead to more danger, Thanos always targets the people that had some form of meaning to his target., he will go after Thor and Odin for his own purposes." Said Loki. "If you want me to stop Thanos, then keeping me and all of this a secret is the only option. We need to protect everyone we can if we are going to face him and that includes Thor and Fa-Odin. Besides I also recently just used my Frost Giant abilities to for our mission and to save people and ourselves. That will not go over so well in Asgard."

"Only because of that stupid centuries old grudge that both you guys and Jontuns are holding. I wouldn't be surprised if you guys forgot what you all were even fighting about." said Darcy. "You're powers are so cool and amazing I don't know about you but if I had your abilities than I would use it to create my own snow days and maybe blizzards to end all heatwaves."

"These powers are meant more for simple luxuries, maybe if I can't get rid of my powers then I can use them for my own purposes." said Loki.

"See, now you're getting it and what you did out there was so awesome." said Darcy. "Just imagine what you can do with them if we add it to you're battle technique."

"We should not try to get ourselves, I am still processing what happened. Before now I never knew my potential or how powerful these powers were, what I may be capable in doing with them..." said Loki in disbelief. "All of my life, I have been told that the Jontuns were monsters of destruction and only use their powers to destroy lives. I never thought that..."

"Well you did and it was awesome, you saved so many people today and proved that you can do more with your powers than just destroy. That you don't have to be a stereotype and you can be more than all of the others, you can create your own path away from the expectations of others ." said Darcy. "You don't have to be what others say, you are nothing what they say in all three planets. Underneath the whole you personality, you are a nice guy deep down the villain that didn't know who he is because of Jontun heritage and Asgardian identity. Too hurt by what you think you are that you'd be mad even if you were a speck of dust, but you don't have to be what they say, you can choose who ever you want to be and it's also ok if you want to be your own person."

Loki does not know what to say, no one aside from Thor and his mother has ever told him that, let alone gave him such praise. He never thought that someone who he may consider as a friend might think that or even find themselves believing that he can be capable of being something more. Here Darcy is giving him that praise, the one that he has never gotten from Asgard and the belief that he might be something more than a villain. Maybe she is right in her own Darcy way, even if the Asgardian fairy tales depict him in one and he doesn't have to continue to go on the path that he was going on and maybe he can be something more. Maybe he can be a better person and fix his mistakes, sure he doesn't want to run around in a costume for the rest of his life, but he doesn't want to be the villain that attacked New York and he does not know what he wants. But Loki knows that he wants to be a better person, Darcy is now inspiring him to do so and he is going to do this. Before Loki has the chance to say anything...

Out of nowhere, Wanda appears right in front of them and starting to catch her breath from the entire experience that they all just went through. Then again she did help stop many Ultron droids, was on a runaway train while doing it and somehow escaped from the Avengers. It is not that much of surprise if she is exhausted from whatever she had to go through, both Loki and Darcy are relieved to see that she made it out. Darcy is happy to see that she's alright and that she found a way to make it out and Loki is happy that they would have one less thing to worry about, that maybe the twins have gotten their hands on the machinery or at least know where the Avengers are going to hold it. Though deep down, Loki is happy to see that she is alright and really want to hear the story on how she escaped from the Avengers and everything that happened back in the car and after they left. Since if the twins have gotten the stone then they can leave this city and let the Avengers handle Ultron. Wanda is about to catch her breath right before...

"Wanda, you're alright!" Said Darcy happily and then change her complete tone to let her feel comfortable. "What happened back there? Did everything go alright? Where's Pietro?"

"What about the machinery you claimed that the InfinityStone is now in?" Asked Loki almost immediately. "Did you and your brother managed to obtain it?"

"We kinda managed to have a hold of it, well the location at least." Said Wanda looking at Loki nervously. "We don't have it with us, but we do have both good news and bad news on the subject. Do you two have a preference on what you want to hear first?"

Both Loki and Darcy exchange a worried look as they start to realize that something is going on. That they may have other issues to deal with that may not allow them to leave the situation as easily as Loki hoped. There is also the fact that Wanda didn't answer the whereabouts of Pietro and that is also a major sign of concern as many questions start filling their minds. Realizing that the situation might not be that great and they wonder how bad the situation may actually be.

"The good news." They both said at the same time, as Wanda gives a sigh.

"The good news is that we now have access and knowledge where the body is." Explained Wanda, only to grow nervous for the next part. "Plus the bright side is that we now have two of the Avengers on our side now. They know what the machine is and way would happen if it ever falls to the wrong hands."

Loki and Darcy start to become worried of the idea that the Avengers now know the truth. Well, two of them at least and can see now what the implications it may bring to the entire mission as a whole. Since if two of the Avengers now know about the machine and it's connection to the scepter, then there is no way that they can simply ask them to give it back and let it be the end of it. They are also wondering what led the twins to become allies with the Avengers and the whole story of it. At least they no longer have to worry about breaking into Avengers tower with the twins on their side and they can safely assume that Pietro is with two team members that the twins spoke to. Though that also leads to them wondering of the bad news and the possible challenges that they may have to later face.

"What is the bad news then?" Asked Loki breaking the ice and hoping that he does not regret it later.

"The bad news is that the machine is with the other Avengers on their way to the tower. If we don't hurry then they are going to experiment on it and maybe accidentally finishing what Ultron started. With Stark coming up with this idea than it may bring bigger problems." Said Wanda as Loki and Darcy stare blankly at her. "Not too mention, we may have said something about having friends who are now helping us and Romanoff spotted a new hero of sorts back on the bridge. She and Rogers wants to talk to you."

This catches both Loki and Darcy by surprise, that they don't even know what to say. They quickly exchange a look to one another as they let this new development sink in. Black Widow and Captain America are asking to meet to talk to Mysto A.K.A Loki...

Darcy can't help but smile a bit as she realize that Loki is getting to the closing point of becoming an Avenger. If they are starting to become interested in Mysto and might even ask him for his help, then they will be in and they are one step closer on reaching that goal. She can't believe that he is getting the possible spot right now and he hasn't even made his public debut yet. She would fangirl right now if they didn't have to run out and get the Infinity Stone back before Iron man makes the biggest mistake of his life.

While Loki is anything but happy with what just happened. Now he is going to have to deal with the Avengers on top of trying to get the stone back, that is the last thing he wants. At least he has Mysto to cover his identity and that alone is what makes him dreading everything that is going on and what may happen. He can not afford to bond with the Avengers, let alone trust them. Not only he has his identity to worry about, but he would also have to worry about Thor. Loki knows that he has to try to avoid Thor at all costs and helping the Avengers is not going to make it easier. He tries to keep focus on the current conversation with the hope that maybe he can avoid the entire scenario of meeting the Avengers.

"Wait, does half of the Avengers want to meet us or does half of them want to experiment on the machine?" Asked Darcy wanting to clarify some things and fearing the worst.

"Both." Said Wanda confirming it, she and Darcy turns to Loki.

"So what do you say Loki?" Asked Darcy. "Are you ready to meet the Avengers again?"

Loki doesn't respond and thinks about everything that is now going on, how everything has turned out. Since he is going to have to face a scenario that he has been desperately trying to avoid ever since he agreed to become Mysto. Loki knows that this is a big risk and he would be relying on chance to make sure nothing goes wrong. He can already imagine how the Avengers would react if he simply ask for the Infinity, especially since out of every one on the team, Thor knows about the power of an Infinity Stone better than any of them. He is only worried what would happen if someone starts to put the pieces together as they look at all of the hints.

Loki would be lucky if he can somehow convince them into giving him the Infinity Stone. If there is even a chance to cover up any other questions without something going wrong. The more he thinks about it, the more he realize how hopeless it is to somehow hope that things would work out in their favor. That is unless he somehow twist it around and he can somehow make it work...

Maybe this won't be a bad thing, meeting the Avengers and seeing him as Mysto. If he is able to create some kind of hero image, one that he knows that would gain trust from the Avengers. Then maybe it will come in handy, not only on getting the Infinity Stone back, but to also possibly have back up ready. In case Thanos tries to make some kind of attack against Earth, only if the situation gets out of control and it somehow leads to him needing more help to defeat him. Deep down Loki knows that the fight against Thanos is not going to be easy and it might be good if he has some allies necessary. But at the end of the day, he is going to be the one who is going to fight the Titan and he is not going to let anyone get close if he can. Though right at the moment, they are going to need all the help they can get.

No matter what happens next, Loki knows that he is going to need to be prepared for anything. To do whatever he may have to in order to get the stone back and if he has to help fight off Ultron then he is willing to do it. Plus it might not hurt in hearing the Avengers out before making a decision. It is not like he is going to reveal his identity and if there is a chance to keep his identity and everything else a secret then Loki is going to take it. He can't afford in anyone else finding out the truth, discovering he has been alive this entire time on Earth. Not only the Avengers especially Thor will be after him, but all of them will be in danger of Thanos's wrath.

Now that he is thinking of it, Loki does not like what they are about to do and thinks that this is a terrible idea. But this is the only way for them to get close enough access to get the Infinity Stone back, plus part of him wants to know the whole story of the start of this robot madness. He gives a sigh as he turns to face both Wanda and Darcy, ready to give his answer and hoping that he won't regret this...

"We better not keep them waiting then, we should hear what they have to say and get it over with." said Loki letting out a small groan. "Lead the way."

With that Wanda only nods to Loki and Darcy, she starts to lead the two away from the scene and they are heading on their way to where Pietro, Black Widow and Captain America now are. To make a start and to try to see what the Avengers have to say and what they are going to do before this would only leads to more trouble, Loki knows that if the Avengers know then there will be many factors that will change. It will create a risk that he doesn't even know if he is ready for, one that he does not even know what the outcome will be or if they are ready for it. But no matter what happens or what they may say or do to them, at least he knows that he has Darcy by his side and that they have each other's backs. One way or another, they are going to find a way to get all of the remaining stones and get the mind stone back.

The fate of the entire universe depends on this going well, Loki only hopes that they are ready for whatever challenges are up ahead and be willing to do anything to overcome them...

Chapter Text

A few Minutes Later

Loki, Darcy and Wanda are about to reach their destination and to face the Avengers, to allow it be the start of a new start and one that no one knows how it is going to turn out and if things will go well or if it will end in some kind of disaster. There is many thoughts that is now going through Loki's head as they get closer to their destination and he doesn't even know what to make of the situation or how to escape from it. Every single step that is taken, it becomes harder to continue on and to get towards the Avengers and to having to hide his identity even more than he may have to. To hear them out and hope that they would be more understanding rather than be the type who would be overly suspicious and then not allow them to get any where close to the Infinity Stone and lock them up somewhere.

That is the least of his worries, he is more worried if Thor already returned and then he will want to talk to him, before they have a chance to get the stone back. The last thing he wants is to be reminded of what he lost and can not get back no matter how hard he may wish for it, maybe even have the feelings that he had back when he faced the droids the first time. The guilt that is trying to take control of him and not let go, as he face his brother and the truth of what he has been doing, by trying to keep his true identity a secret. That he starts to see what he has done in the past and to his brother, that maybe he is everything that he hated about himself and that...

There's no way he has gone that far and became that, sure he knows that he went too far when he led the attack, but that doesn't mean he is a villain or anywhere close on to become one. He is nothing like Thanos, Ultron, Malekith or even his biological father Laufey, unlike any of them at least he admits when he was wrong. He is going out of his way to get the Infinity stones, one of them happens to be from the scepter that Thanos gave him and he lost it when he lost the battle of New York and later on it needed up in a H.Y.D.R.A base and then they lost it to Ultron. It probably wouldn't even be on Earth if he hadn't agreed to help Thanos in the first place.

For now he is going to simply just focus on what he is planning to say to Captain America and Black Widow. He can't believe that he will be meeting the Avengers again, especially after all the efforts he put to try to avoid them at all cost. To avoid any confrontations and live his life as quietly as possible even if he has to go out as Mysto to do something. He doesn't even know what they are going to think of Mysto and how he is planning to make sure that neither one of them suspect anything. Especially Black Widow, he remembers how she was able to figure out his plan to break up the Avengers before they even have a chance to join together. If she can figure out that, then she might be able to figure out his true identity if given enough clues. As admirable as it is to know at least one human that might have his level of intellect, knowing how she was able to outsmart him and figure out his plan. So she is going to be the most dangerous to keep this secret from and he is not going to take any chances.

Every step he takes, feels as though he has been walking slowly forever. That Loki's worst fears is flowing through his mind faster than a waterfall and he is feeling a mixture of emotions every single second that passes by. Part of him wishes that he can just use his ice powers to freeze them like he did to Hiemdell, run as fast as he can and get it over with. But he highly doubts that will go over well with Darcy and his current living situation on Earth, he does not need to be on the run from the Avengers as well. So that would not be the best idea and he can already imagine how an angry rant from Darcy would go. If he had the choice, he would rather talk to the Avengers than do something so reckless that it would bring more trouble than it's worth.

Especially if he wants to avoid anyone suspecting Mysto's true identity and accidentally expose his whole life on Earth. He continues to think about what may happen during the conversation, only for Darcy to take notice. She can tell that something is on Loki's mind and even though he is not the type that would open up his feelings. But she wants to be there for him and knows that she can't if Loki keeps closing every door and opportunity for her to do so. She turns to face Loki really quickly as they continue to walk and head on their way. Hoping that Loki would start to let her in.

"Hey Loki, you ok?" Said Darcy not even wasting another second to get her question out there.

"Yes, of course I am, why wouldn't I be?" Said Loki annoyed at Darcy possibly insisting to tell her everything that is going on in his mind.

"It's just that you are about to meet up with the Avengers again or rather two of them at least." Said Darcy. "You guys didn't exactly have a great start when it comes to any relationship and I just wanted to check in, if you're nervous or anything."

"I am not nervous and have never been a single day of my life or ever will be." Said Loki and before he can continue walking, he turns to Wanda. "Please if anything do not read into my mind."

"I wasn't going to." Said Wanda. "I don't exactly go through and read people's minds for fun."

"You went through Darcy's and my own minds when we first met." Said Loki not even bothering to hide the most obvious fact.

"I didn't know if I could trust you." Said Wanda. "I did what I had to do."

"Ok, let's just drop this for argument's sake and you can just tell me what's going on." Said Darcy trying to be the buffer between the two and get Loki to be a little more open with her.

"Darcy, we do not have time for these type of conversations. Especially since Stark and whoever else may be helping him might start experimenting on the machine." Said Loki. "Why can we not continue on to our destination and try not to make this into a bigger problem than it needs to be."

"Ugh! Why do you have to be impossible?" Asked Darcy completely annoyed and frustrated.

"I prefer not to share my emotions and would rather just make the most of this time focusing on the priority which is gathering the Infinity Stones." Said Loki. "If we spend the majority of the time, speaking of sentimental feelings then... We won't get anything done, so it would be better to ignore them."

"Yeah, but there's only so much that you can do to hide them." Argues Darcy. "You are going to have to get through them eventually."

"The thing is I don't, I am a master on keeping all of my emotions in and I believe that is what best for all of us at any given time." Said Loki. "As much as I am enjoying this debate, we still have to speak to Romanoff and Rogers, preferably I would like to speak to them in a present mood. We should be more worried about that, do you not think?"

"But..." starts Darcy before just placing a hand covering her face, asking herself what's the point of Loki is just going to try to give her a argument? How is she going to get him to see that she's trying to help? Why Loki can be so difficult at times and why her?

"I have no comment on this." Said Wanda trying her best to distance herself from whatever argument the two might start at any moment.

"Come on, we should really keep on going before anything else happens." Said Loki as he starts to walk towards the direction they are headed in and then get the task that he is dreading more than every passing second.

Wanda simply gives a symphatic, awkward look and starts to quickly catch up with Loki to lead the way to Pietro and the Avengers. Darcy sighs as she follows right behind them as she thinks about all of the challenges that Loki now placing on her. Especially if she wants to be a good friend and find a way to be there for Loki while they get through this and help him through whatever emotions he is now feeling. But what was the point? Right now Loki is more determined on getting the next back than even stop to talk to her about any emotions he may be feeling, that he wants to get their meeting with the Avengers over with. No matter how hard Loki tries to shut her out, she is going to find a way to get him to open up.

But first they are going to need to meet up with the Avengers, that is something she is so excited about and she can't wait for them to get there. Darcy just wishes that it will go well and that it won't end in some kind of disaster, whether it's through the Avengers thinking that they are the bad guys or Loki, just being Loki. The last thing she wants iss for things to go wrong, then again who knows? Maybe things will work out, this entire trip has been full of surprises so far and she is not going to give up hope. As long as she, Loki and the twins continue on and not give up then they will succeed, she has to believe that it will...

A Few minutes later, right near the train tracks

Soon they didn't have to worry any longer of how the Avengers may react towards them or think about it any longer, they arrived right at the meeting place and right in front of them, with Pietro standing right near by them. Loki stares at Black Widow and Captain America, not believing that he is right in front of them again, after everything that has happened the last time and only hoping that this will be over soon. He knows that he has to keep things with a straight face and make sure that he doesn't let one thing slip and allow all of the clues to finally figure out what might be going on and his identity. At least the entire Ultron situation can be used at a shield and main basis of conversation that he can always turn to if they suspect anything.

While Loki is starting to come up with good potential questions to ask, Black Widow and Captain America does not know what to make of the sight right in front of them. When the twins said that one of their friends like to wear mask to cover his true identity, they weren't exaggerating and they can't help but look right at the duo right there. Wondering why is he is wearing a mask let alone a costume and not daring to reveal his true identity? That there must be a deeper story that they are not even realizing and one that they might never know unless they befriend him, maybe they can after all of this is over. While the masked hero's friend is standing right there looks as though she seems to be a regular civilian who seems to be helping him and the twins now get through the entire fight and defeat Ultron. With a quick nod, they know now it is the time to break the ice and get some answers.

"So we got a guy in a wired costume and his sidekick who doesn't seem to have any special abilities as the rest of you." said Black Widow as she crosses her arms when the three of them finally arrive.

"Wow! You're Black Widow and Captain America! This is so awesome!" said Darcy with a big grin. "I'm a huge fan of what you guys do and think it's awesome how you guys save the world and everything you guys are? Can you guys sign my Avengers poster? Once I go home to get it or buy a new one?"

"Um... Sure. Thank you for all that, so you guys have been helping them defeat Ultron?" said Captain America not even beating around the bush.

"Yes, we noticed that there were these robots flying around and causing destruction, I couldn't stand by and watch them destroy everything and I decided to play my part and try to stop them." said Loki. "We met the twins a little while on our journey and agreed to help them when the moment is right and to get the opportunity to find where their next strike happens which is a lot sooner than we thought it would occur."

"Yeah, we decided to go out there and do our part and be heroes in case you guys are busy." said Darcy as she earns some glances from Loki and the Twins. "But hey I am just the tag along girl who often help out in these things and basically the Velma of the group, the brains and the girl with the plan and-"

"Darcy, please stop yourself before you go even further." said Loki already annoyed by that.

"What, I am just trying to give the spiel and be the type who just going to sell you guys to them, it's like a business play." said Darcy.

"Right now we do not have time to do any of this and we really should focus on the mission." said Loki as he turns to her.

"Hey that's what I am doing, if you just give me a chance-" starts Darcy.

"Guys, let's stick to the subject." interjected Black Widow. "Look we have some questions we want to ask you guys and we would like to hear some answers."

"Sorry about all that, what are your questions?" asked Darcy before giving an annoyed look at Loki.

Loki simply ignores Darcy's annoyance and tries to prepare himself for any potential question that may be asked and any convincing reasoning that would make them accept all of the answers. So they will know what answers that are believable and they would all believe it without another question in mind. Then he can find a way to get the Infinity Stone, if he can somehow convince them to hand over the Infinity Stone then it would definitely make everything easier. Maybe he can find a way to get their trust, that all of this is his chance to get it and then maybe he can reason with them to give him the Infinity Stone after all of this is over. That they will believe that the stone will be safe with him and then he can continue to gather the Infinity Stones without any interference. Maybe even face Thanos on his own and then he can get everything settle and with luck right on their side than he can get through this without having to worry about meeting Thor.

"What exactly is going on? I find it hard to believe that you guys would simply help two random people that you barely even know." said Black Widow suspecting something, but she doesn't even know what it is that makes her question them.

"We simply only met when these robots start these attack, after a series of saves during the same battle, we all built a trust within one another." said Loki. "It is a little hard to explain, but we only started to go after these contraptions that I believe they are only set to become even more dangerous over time and we can not afford to lose another second if we are going to stop him."

"Especially with what just happened just now and our theory about the machine that Ultron is planning on using as a body." said Darcy. "We think that it's possibly going to be a the key for him to win, that if we don't stop these possible experiments then we might be making a bigger problem than Ultron."

"The last thing we need is to make this any longer than it may require it to be." said Loki. "So should we get going and get this task over with, though I wonder where do all of these robots come from, but right now we have to focus on what's more important and it's stopping them."

"Yeah, the last thing we need is for Stark to create any more damages." said Wanda as she crosses her arms and only moved her fingers a bit.

"Hey, did you just use your mind powers to read our minds?" asked Natasha who noticed the red glow right on her hands and Wanda is only taken aback by the quick deduction and quickly stops what she is doing.

"Wait, are you telling us that Stark was the one responsible for this? That he created Ultron?" asked Loki who is very surprised by this development that he just found out and knows that he has the answers to his questions and does not know what to think of the discovery.

"Oh snap, that was totally unexpected..." said Darcy. "But I am still a big fan of you guys, even with that detail in mind."

"In that case then we are going to need to leave now and get to the body before they start experimenting." said Loki hastily. "Anything could happen if they are not careful and that is a risk we can not afford to take."

"He's right, we can't afford a second of this machine being out in the open for long and we need to stop the others before they accidentally make this problem worse." said Captain America. "As... Wait, what's your name again?"

"Mysto! His name's Mysto." said Darcy earning an annoyed look from Loki.

"Right, as Mysto said anything can happen and from the look of things we are going to have to work together if we are going to stop this." said Captain America. "Though the real question is are all of you ready to do this and really want to do this? Since this is going to be really dangerous."

"I care too much of my own and everyone else's well being to let that thing destroy us thank you very much." Said Loki. "Look if you all are willing to take the risk of experimenting on that thing in hopes that it would work out then be my guest, I am not going to stand by and let Ultron destroy everything without a fight."

Darcy can't help but turn to Loki completely surprise by what is happening right in front of her. Here Loki is standing right there, giving the hero speeches and being so overly determined to the point that he is about to win them over by his attitude. That is she hopes that she and Loki are making a good first impression, since from one glance of them so far, it is really hard to tell since they haven't said anything. She just hopes that they keep this up and nothing goes wrong.

"How do we know if we can trust you?" Asked Black widow, catching both of them off guard.

"Well... it's because we... need a piece of it to study!" Said Darcy catching all of them by surprise.

"What?" Said Captain America and Black Widow at the same time.

"Darcy!" Said Loki in complete shock at the sudden revaluation.

"Yeah, you guys see we're scientists and have been hoping we can get a hold of it to study the structure of it." Said Darcy. "So that way we can study all of the functions of it and help us further in our research..."

Darcy just gives a nervous smile, hoping that it would be a convincing reason to both of the Avengers. She also hopes that she started getting better in lying, especially after she spent all of that time hiding Loki and helping him track down all of the Infinity Stones. At least she would think she would have gotten some experience, especially after everything that happened. If she still hasn't then they all would be doomed with a capital "D" and she doesn't even want to know how the Avengers would react to Thanos. But she knows one thing, that she has to help Loki, no matter what challenges it may bring and what they may face and no matter how much she wants to fangirl of actually talking Captain America and Black Widow and get their autographs and maybe take a picture. She is going to help him get these stones and find a way to help him defeat Thanos. Besides maybe saying part of the truth and twisting it up to a small white lie won't hurt right?

Loki on the other hand feels a sudden panic from what Darcy just said. He doubts that not even his illusions could somehow make his feelings disappear from oblivion and only ask what in the world would make things turn around for the better? That is if there is even a chance, since Darcy just destroyed their one chance of being able to win the Avengers trust. But maybe there is a way and he can return everything back to their favor. All he has to do is appeal to them and maybe just maybe it will work.

"I know we just met and you have every good reason to not trust us. But right now the situation is bigger than any of us and this planet is now at stake and we are going to need to work together." Said Loki. "Especially with the circumstances and everything that has happened, I wouldn't trust myself either. But-"

"But we can help and we will. Why don't we go back to Avengers Tower with you guys and help fight off Ultron?" Said Darcy catching all five of them by surprise.

Loki is only growing more and more frustrated by the minute. He has been trying to get all of the Infinity Stones in order to stop Thanos as discreetly and as quietly as he can. But here Darcy is saying everything on her mind and revealing some details and at the rate she might as well reveal his true identity and say it to Thor in person while she's at it. Now that he thinks about it, the chances of him encountering his brother is increasing. Loki is not ready to face his brother again especially after everything that happened or knows if he is ready to face his brother's anger. Since if Thor were to ever find out what is now happening and Loki being Mysto, then he should forget about Thanos, he would have to deal with Thor, Odin, the Avengers and an army of angry Asgardians to deal with. Ones that are ready to make sure that he meets his doom and regrets lying to them, things would definitely not go well if the truth comes out to say the least...

Then Loki would really wish that he knows a memory spell to make everyone forget. But even then the most he can do is simply make someone regain a memory or feel the same emotions as they originally felt as they relive it. Though in that scenario he would definitely need one, but first he has to talk to Darcy about all of this. To make sure that she hears one thing clear from him and to put a stop to all of this right now. Especially before Darcy suggests that they move in with them Avengers any second now. He has the urge to speak his mind and he doesn't even know what he is going to say, but he he is going to say it now...

"Will you guys excuse us for a minute?" Asked Captain America, as he and Black Widow start to walk away from the group. "We just need to think about some things that were said."

"Of course, Uh... Darcy, can I have a word with you? Now?" Asked Loki trying hard to keep his patience in check, but failing miserably.

With that both groups separated to have their respective discussions. Loki knows that this is the perfect opportunity to talk to Darcy about the recent developments. It's either right now or wait if they get back to Darcy's apartment. They start to walk a little bit further away from the two Avengers with Wanda and Pietro following them. Once they made it to a good spot where it would take a long walk for anyone to get there, Loki quickly cast a spell around the area. So that way no one will be able to hear a word they were saying, similarly to when he visited Thor when he was trapped in the facility in New Mexico by those S.H.I.E.L.D agents. For trying to get the hammer back and being under interrogation of what happened, though Loki wasn't surprised to see Thor in trouble to the point that he found himself to be arrested.

At least this spell offers a cloaking for all of them and this time it is not going to turn them invisible, transparent to everyone that passes them by. He is glad that he know of this spell, than he can say every single thing that comes to his mind without revealing a thing. His frustration continues to goes towards a changing point, one of growth that feels as though there's a volcano about to euros at any moment. His deep frustration continues to grow to the point that it is close on becoming a fiery anger that has no limits. He is trying to keep as grip and yet is failing hard in doing so and Loki honestly does not even know what else may annoying him even more.

"So... That was unexpected..." said Pietro.

At this moment, Loki does not think he can take it anymore and he is not going to put up with this another minute. He doesn't even know what to say without losing his mind and can only think of one thing. A wise four word question that he has on top of his mind and he is not going to miss the opportunity to say them and it is something that he would like to say to Darcy...

"What were you thinking?!" Yelled out Loki, the moment that his patient finally worn out. "Are you trying to get the four of us arrested? Not only we have to deal with possibly having to continue fight an army of talking metal bins of nuts and bolts, something that might derail the entire mission as a whole. Do I need to also add the mere fact that you also just jeopardized my secret identity? You practically told them why at least you and I are involved in this and you didn't even stop to think of the consequences and what it might happen if the worst comes to pass?"

"Loki, I only told them a stretch of the truth, nothing more." Said Darcy trying to be the peacekeeper at the moment. "It's not like I told anyone that you're alive and you re Mysto or anything."

"You might as well have and we wouldn't know the difference." Said Loki rather dismissively. "Putting us all in a situation of unsureness just because you yearn so much to live in the desirable world through your book of drawings!?"

"You know you don't have to shout right? Plus I know you guys would make an awesome team if you just give it a chance. Plus I am not trying to live out my childhood dreams, I am only trying to help." Said Darcy now getting just as frustrated as Loki is, but trying now to not lose her temper. "If you don't keep your voice down then they are going to hear us."

"That is something you do not have to worry about, I casted a spell that only the four of us can hear everything I say or at least when it comes to anything we need to keep a secret." said Loki as he does not back down. "But still you have to be careful, we do not know what they will think or what they would plan to do with that information and it is a risk we can not take."

"This might be our only chance to get that stone and I don't see you taking on any risks to do it. You're just standing there, hiding right behind the mask and making sure that no one sees your identity, let alone your true self." said Darcy. "You are so ready to stop whatever might happen that you are not taking a chance and acting like someone is going to grab you, reveal yourself to everyone and take you away like that's ever going to happen. You are pushing yourself into a bigger shadow than anything that Thor may never unintentionally make no matter how many years you spend living in the same palace together. At least I am not trying to miss every opportunity that comes out way to get the stone, the real question is why are you so afraid to take them?"

"First of all, I am not afraid or worried about anything or anyone and second there is nothing wrong with taking extra precautions, especially with the circumstances at stake." said Loki so frustrated that he's now regretting to agree to do any of this. "I am trying to grab all of the Infinity Stones and doing everything I can to get all of them, doing it in a way that guarantees we would not get caught or worse one or both of us get killed. Maybe you should try thinking ahead every now again, then you would not continue to find ways to make reckless decisions that would get us and yourself into trouble."

"At least I am not the one who is trying to have a mask on me at all times to hold me back. Maybe if you let go of your fears for one minute then maybe you can feel more free and live your life more freely and maybe even more happily than how you're living it right now." said Darcy ready to stand up to her pessimistic and difficult roommate. "Just go with the flow every once in a while and you might see you might feel better about the whole thing than being the doubtful Grinch who steals all excitement because he might possibly have to work with the Avengers. Treating it like it's the worst thing that has ever happened to you."

"If I knew that things were going to go down this path, I would have used my magic to create an illusion to make Thor think that I returned as a ghost to be his guide to go after the stones. Not make him so reckless that he goes after to fight a maniac that will not hold back to get the ultimate power he desperately yearns for." said Loki. "You are being so reckless that you have forgotten what we might have to face. I am not talking about facing an army of evil robots, if it hasn't occurred to you, my brother is a member of their team, if anything goes wrong then he'll know. Do you not care if we end up in a jail cell?! You are being so irresponsible with no regard to our well being that it is a plain miracle that we are still alive!"

"Says the guy who practically needed saving from being trapped in a runaway truck!" said Darcy. "At least I am the one who is moving everything forward rather than holding us back because of the past and intense brother issues that can easily be fixed if you just talk to him!"

"I find that hard to believe!" said Loki as he rolled his eyes. "You are relying too much on a childish wish that you fail to see reality."

"I'm not the one trying to hide from the world!" said Darcy. "We have to do something if we want to get them to help us and telling the truth, while we twist around with it was the best way to go."

"Was it or was it the best thing you can come up with and you simply assumed that it was the only way to go?" said Loki.

With that an argument breaks out between Loki and Darcy, growing more and more intense by the minute. That simply the word 'intense' is simply a big understatement and one that would not describe the argument that is going on. Both Wanda and Pietro are standing there watching the entire scene, feeling a little awkward as they watch the scene right in front of them. They share a quick glance at each other and then watch the scene before them, both of the twins are glad that Loki made the sound proof barrier because from the argument itself then Loki's secret would be revealed a lot faster than anything Darcy can say. They continue to watch the scene and keep an eye to see if Captain America and Black Widow are coming back to alert the two of them to stop the arguing. It only takes a few minutes for one of them to break the silence...

"Should we say something?" asked Pietro unsure of what to do.

"I don't think so." said Wanda as she watches the scene right before her as the argument has no sign of stopping. "Maybe we should step in if it gets out of hand or at least when they come back."

Pietro gives a nod agreeing with the plan and they continue to watch the scene right in front of them, they see that both Loki and Darcy are so focus on one another that they didn't even seem to notice what is going on in their surroundings. At this moment, they both start to see the change in Loki play out as they see that no matter how angry Loki right now, he is not ready to use his powers. That maybe there is more to him than anything the Avengers and the world may think of him and that Loki is changing from the villain that tried to take over Earth and he is more than what anyone may think and both Wanda and Pietro may have found friends within Loki and Darcy.

That is whenever they are not arguing nonstop, as they watch the argument right in front of them and turn their heads to see the current speaker and keep an eye on the scene. Seeing Loki and Darcy argue is as though they were watching an intense tennis match with the scores tied, they made it over time with the best players in the league and they wait for the other to make their move. The twins watch the scene wondering how long it's going to last and as they see the argument continue, they notice that there is something between the two of them that they really care about each other and yet they are failing to see how much their friendship may mean to them as every word continues to unleash a bit of anger. They hope that Loki and Darcy can quickly resolve their differences to preserve the friendship they share before the wrong word is said and there is no telling how that would turn out...

Meanwhile far from the group and behind a building

Captain America and Black Widow are heading towards that spot so they can have a chance to talk. To allow themselves the chance to have some privacy as they think about what Mysto and Darcy just said and to see if they and the Maximoff twins are on their side. To figure out what might be the best course of action and what they should do. How they should handle the four that are now waiting for an answer?

Since they both know that even after when all of this is over, they can't give up the machine to them without even know inch if they can trust them. From the look of things, the twins have done nothing but cause trouble and work for Ultron the moment they escaped and they just met Mysto and Darcy. They don't even know who they are and they haven't done anything that would convince them that they should trust them. But one thing is for sure is that they need to think of something that might work or else they may need to think of numerous back up plans on how to hide the machine or at least the part they want really well. Especially if this weapon is really more powerful than Ultron might ever dream to be.

"So we have the twins and their two friends coming up to us wanting to help, while costume guy and the fan girl wants to keep the very body Ultron created to transfer his database to for a secret little science project?" Said Black Widow. "Now this is one of the weirdest things I have heard of the day. The real question is can we trust them?"

"I don't know, but I am willing to give them a chance." Said Captain America. "To at least prove that they can be trusted, to let them help us. The same goes for the twins, I think they are most likely either too hurt or misguided that they fail to see what is really happening."

"Maybe, but we don't know that for sure. But that's the least of my worries at the moment, there is something about Mysto that feels oddly familiar." Said Black Widow. "That I have seen and spoken to whomever is under that mask."

"We can figure out his secret identity later, right now we really should focus on Ultron and this offer to help." Said Captain America as he sees Black Widow's point, but pushing it aside to focus on the current priorities.

"I know, we can't just give them this machinery and then call it a day or make a promise that we might not be able to keep." Said Black Widow. "If we are going to do something than we are going to need to do something right now, we need to come up with a plan and eventually choose what we may have to do."

"But the question is what are we going to do and how are we going to do it without upsetting anyone?" Said Captain America. "I can't see how we are going to do this, unless... Unless..."

That stop catches Black Widow's attention and she turns to face her teammate and friend. Knowing that he has a plan and it might be one that might help them in the long run. That it might be one where it may help move things along and yet work in everyone's favor. The more Black Widow thought about it, the more interest she is becoming and curious on what it might be.

"Unless what?" Asked Black Widow deeply interested and almost immediately.

"We should let them help us." Said Captain America with a sigh. "We are going to need all the help we can get if we are going to defeat Ultron. But before we agree to give them anything, we will let them earn it."

"What do you mean by that?" Asked Black Widow not even sure what to make of the plan.

"I am simply saying that we need to see and know for sure that they are on our side." Said Captain America. "We will tell them that in order to get the part then they going to need to earn our trust. Then we will find out more about them as we all fight, we will know if they are truly on our side and prove that they are telling the truth. We will be giving them a chance and one where they can prove themselves to us, one that I am happy to give to them."

"Wait, are you really willing to make a promise like that? To give up the machine to two total strangers and work with people that initially hate us?" asked Black Widow. "Are you willing to take that chance and to try out and hope that it would somehow magically make it work out? Are you ready to give up that part and not even know what is going to happen to it?"

"I am ready to give them a chance and give them the benefit of a doubt with a honest deal. If we try to manipulate them to help us, then we'd be no different than H.Y.D.R.A." said Captain America. "I think that it would be better if we are honest with them right from the start, to let them see we're the good guys. Even if that means... we'd have no choice but to keep our end of the bargain."

"Well Steve, I really hope that you know what you're doing and we are not going to regret this later." said Black Widow giving a sigh.

"I know we are taking a lot risks and I do not even know if I am making right choice." said Captain America. "But deep down, I just feel that I am making the right choice, maybe even the only choice we have at the moment, one we have to hope for the best."

The two of them gives each other a unsure look and they start to make their way back to the others, to give them an answer and a chance to prove themselves. They don't know what might happen or if they are making the biggest mistake they have ever made in their lives. But they are going to take this chance and try to prepare themselves for every scenario that may happen and to be ready what may be up ahead, with only the hope that they are not making a mistake. The only bright side of the situation is that at least they will get answers to all of their questions, but at the same time would it really be worth it? They continue to make their way towards the four and to make their move before it's too late and something else happens.

Meanwhile back near the bridge

The bickering is still going on strong, Loki and Darcy is showing no signs of stopping and not even hesitating for a minute. They are so determined to tell each other off and prove each other wrong that they are ignoring everything that is going around them. That both of them is only letting the anger deep inside them, as the twins continue to watch on and feeling a overwhelming feeling of annoyance of their arguing and wish that the argument would end. From what the twins have seen and for how long they have known Loki and Darcy so far, they can agree that they both fight like an old married couple and the twins are tired of all this.

Pietro ran off to keep an eye on the Avengers from a far and to be ready to alert the others in case Captain America and Black Widow comes back and tell them what they decided to do. The last thing they need is to come up with an awkward explanation on how the Avengers weren't able to hear the argument or worse Wanda having to need to use her powers to make both Avengers forget the entire scene. She watches the scene in complete annoyance, Wanda knows that deep down she doesn't want to brainwash Black Widow or Captain America to make things right with the Avengers, but she is starting to wish that she can do that to Loki and Darcy so they can stop. She is not going to do that, especially after everything they did help them. It starts to feel endless until Pietro came back...

"Wanda, they're coming back. They want to talk to us again about whatever they are planning, we have to-" said Pietro anxiously before stopping himself to only stare at Loki and Darcy. "Are they still fighting?"

"Unfortunately yes." said Wanda in annoyance before becoming somewhat relieved. "We should break up the argument before they arrive."

"I know, I doubt we would have a good explanation if they see them like this." said Pietro. "Should I?"

"Don't worry, I got this." said Wanda earning a quick nod from Pietro.

She quickly activates her powers and is ready to push them away from each other, to knock them gently on the ground and then hopefully they will stop themselves long enough to hear what's happening. Then they can stop the argument themselves, see that the Avengers are coming back, Loki undos the spell he created to block sound and that will be the end of it. But it isn't going to turn out like that and Wanda's powers might have a different plan, as it did give them a push, a push forward rather than backwards instead... Wanda's powers pushes Loki and Darcy closer together so quickly that they can't escape the pull, to the point that there is no stopping. In an instant, Loki and Darcy wind up hitting their heads to one another.

Wanda watches the two of them in complete shock in what her powers just did, she wasn't expecting or planning to do that. They both ribbed their heads and turned to look at the twins in complete annoyance. They did not expect for it to happen or be anywhere to the point that it might have happened, neither of them needs to ask to know that Wanda is the one that used her powers to do it. Probably to grab their attention, they figured it may have been annoying but even then did she really have to do it that way? They give silent glares until...

"Ugh! Did you really have to do that?" asked Loki as he rubbed his head, not even knowing if he should be more annoyed with Wanda or Darcy or maybe even awkward at the moment. "If you wanted us to stop so badly, you s hould have said so.

"Yeah seriously. I know that it might possibly become annoying, but was using your powers really necessary?" asked Darcy as she tries to soothe out any temporally pain. "I mean honestly, what could possibly be so important that you had to do that?"

With that both of the twins exchanges an annoyed look at one another and then turn to face Loki and Darcy. They gave them a look and one that neither one of them have to say a word to know that they would say "really?" But they both quickly put aside their personal feelings to return their focus right on the current situation and one that they know none of them can ignore.

"As much as I would love to resolve your identity crisis and figuring out ways on how you can continue to do this without taking risks." said Wanda hastily. "But right now you two might want to drop all of this. Unless you want to owe them an explanation of Loki's powers or try to pretend you don't even know what they are talking about even if it means that neither one of them believes you, especially when they come to give the final verdict."

"What are you talking about?" demanded Loki as he sees Pietro and Wanda point right behind them.

They both turn to see Captain America and Black Widow on their way back, to speak to them and probably have seen them argue. With a quick gasp, Loki without any hesitation quickly removes the spell around them and make the sound audible again. He doesn't know what the Avengers must have seen, but he does know that they need to think of something. Darcy is already thinking the same thing and is trying to think of perfect excuses or a plan that might work. Since anyone would be asking why they were both in a shouting match, especially if they can't hear it and it looks like they were in one. After some quick thinking, she comes up with a perfect plan, to cover up their argument with another argument.

"Here's the plan, act like we're fighting over whether a burger is a sandwich or not." Whispered Darcy.

"What?" Said Loki surprised and unsure of what to make of Darcy and her plan so far.

"Play along and follow my lead." Whispered back Darcy.

"I do not even know- You better not be trying to make a fool of-" starts Loki as he feels more unsure by the minute.

"It is a sandwich! Come on, anything with two slices of bread and something that is holding them together in between is a sandwich!" Said Darcy trying to make it sound like an argument, but being really awkward about it. "I can't believe that you actually think that a burger is a sandwich because it is obviously is a sandwich."

"What are you talking about? Why would I even be debating about a meal, I have never had before?" Asked Loki absolutely confused.

"Come on don't you play dumb to me... We both know what you said." Said Darcy awkwardly trying to make it sound more aggressive, but instead rather ridiculous. "We both know that burgers are definitely a sandwich. That is unless you said they were not and you somehow forgot about that argument and now you're having trouble remembering what you said. On the past argument that we agreed to go back to later, one that we both agreed to settle whenever it's the most convenient..."

"I hardly would say that this is at anywhere close to convenient." Said Loki as he crosses his arms, deeply frustrated at how this conversation is turning out and completely foolish and humiliated for Darcy.

Before Darcy can even continue with her weak performance of a argument even more awkward and humiliating. They see Captain America and Black Widow return, from one look of their faces, they can tell that they were just as surprised and uncomfortable as they are. Loki really wishes that he can use his magic to create an illusion to hide himself right in it and hope that they would walk away. Especially after simply witnessing the most humiliating argument in the history of the entire nine realms. He doesn't even know what to say or how to get out of this situation, at least he knows that it is that bad if even he does not have a plan on how to get out of this.

"Uh... What was that all about?" Asked Captain America.

"They we're arguing about sandwiches and hamburgers." Said Pietro not even believing what he is saying.

"Seriously?" Said Black Widow in disbelief.

"It's a long story, you do not want to know." Said Wanda.

"Sorry..." whispered Darcy to Loki, as she gives a awkward laugh while he silently glares at her.

"Aside from all of that and by the way a burger is a sandwich like it or not." Said Black Widow wanting to give her input before returning her focus back to the current situation. "We talked about it for a little bit and we are prepared to offer you a deal."

That got Loki's attention and annoyance all at once, he was hoping that they would have been able to get the Infinity Stone easily without having to do anything more than what may be initially needed. But what other choice do they have? They need to get the Stone back and the Avengers are the ones that have it and he has to convince them to give it to him. If it means to help the Avengers to defeat Ultron, then he is going to have to be willing to do whatever it takes to get it, even if it means that they are going to be fighting hundreds of robots that he doesn't want to deal with.

"We're listening." Said Loki ready to hear what this deal is.

"If you all can prove to us and the others that you are all telling the truth and if we can trust you with our lives then we'll forgive any past misdeeds and you can have the piece that you are looking for." Explained Captain America. "If and only if you guys managed to do so. I know it's a lot to ask and we are going to push you all to do it, but we really need your help to defeat Ultron. If you guys really want to help that is, but we are not having the best of luck and we are going to need all the help we can get, so what do you all say?"

"In all honesty I am not sure, one end is saying that we have to fight off these robots and the other is that this is the perfect opportunity to prove our loyalty." Said Loki thinking of his choices and wondering how he protect his secret identity. "I think that we may need-"

"Now that's sounds like an awesome deal and I know we are more than happy to help in anyway we can." Said Darcy almost immediately. "Sure some of us feel a little more reserve than others, but I am sure that deep down we are all ready to help, right guys?"

"Yes, it's time we finally stop Ultron and his reign of terror." Said Pietro.

"At least this will give us a chance to fix our mistakes and maybe even be the start of us being on the right side for once." Said Wanda with hopes that they will defeat Ultron.

"Plus this isn't just about getting that part anymore. It's about saving the world from Ultron and stopping the experiments on that thing before it's too late." Said Darcy. "What do you say, Mysto?"

Loki doesn't know what to think, here he is ready to find them a way out. Darcy is going about making promises that she can't keep and ones that are just as dangerous if not more. Now she thinks that they have to go out and face Ultron, just to get a chance on getting the Infinity Stone. Even if it might be there only chance on getting the stone and they have never been so close on getting it back until now...

As he continues to think about the situation and plays around with the idea. Loki starts to realize and he is starting to regret the realization as he continues thinking. That he might have to work with the Avengers and help them stop Ultron. If he wants to have a chance to get the Infinity Stone then he might have no other choice and any other method or scenario he can think of, it always to end in a failure. Even if he tries to create an illusion that might end up fooling the Avengers into thinking that he is with them this entire time. It still would not guarantee that they won't find out one way or another.

Plus he also start to realize that he can't just say no or come up with an excuse why Mysto can't help. Since that would only open a never ending amount of questions and ones that will become harder to answer over time. That it will only lead to suspicions and Loki wouldn't be surprised if they try to come up with their own theories about him. That it will eventually get to the point where someone will figure it out and he wouldn't be surprised if Black Widow would be the first one to figure it out. Then she will definitely have an interesting conversation with the rest of the Avengers and then it will become a long week for all of them. Loki feels as though he that he can't take that risk.

Plus for some reason, Loki is feeling an urge to do it. That deep down he wants to help out and yet he is fighting it off. He knows that Ultron has to be stopped and from judging on all the things that he has stop underestimating the robot and now considering him a serious threat. With all of the factors being there and Loki's own worse fears in mind. He has now come to conclusion that he may have no choice in this matter. Against better judgement, he knows that he needs to do the last thing he really want to do...

"When do we start?" Asked Loki in a defeated tone and quietly hoping that he won't regret this...

Chapter Text

The next thing that they all knew was that they were in a Quinjet to New York city and for now things were just getting interesting. Since now Loki is helping the Avengers in order to prove that they are trustworthy to have the stone that they already obtained. He personally find this new development ridiculous because both Darcy and himself had to retrieve the stone only to having to buy it back by helping the Avengers stop this Ultron. He really wishes that he can just find a way to get the stone without doing this. Since not only that he would have to be extra careful when it comes to his identity and making sure that his mask stays on at all times, but he would have to face one of the last person that he really want to face at the moment.

Fortunately Loki figured that it might be best if he just only speaks to him when only spoken to and maybe he can get Darcy have them stay at an inn somewhere. Depending if earth have inns for anyone to stay at whenever one may need to stay in one of course. Especially when he has to work with the last people that he has ever wanted to work with in his entire life and would leave the first chance that he gets. The things he does in order to get the Infinty stone before Thanos and to make sure that he makes amends from his past actions. Along with making sure that he still has a roof over his head in case Darcy finds a creative way on kicking him out. But still it will be alright if he continues to keep his mask on and try to avoid any questions that would lead to any trouble and make sure that he doesn't go anywhere near the Hulk or make Banner angry enough to transform into the Hulk...

Since it is bad enough that he will have to face his brother and lie to Thor in order to keep his secret a secret. But the Avenger that he is anything but excited to see was the Hulk. Not after their last smashing encounter that Loki is not eager to possibly become the Hulk's playtoy again. He could still feel the pain that happened after the last time, he got rag dolled and it was not pleasant to say the least. Not too mention if Darcy ever finds out then she probably would laugh hysterically and never let him live it down. He just really hopes that he can get the Infinity stone without any of these complications in the way.

But still at least the ride to New York was nice thus far and even though it was in a human made vehicle. If he didn't have some other plans or Thor later throwing him overbored then maybe he would have enjoyed it further. From this ride and spending that much time with Darcy then maybe these midguardians are smarter than he thought. Since they were able to put some of their resources to make these forms of transportations that doesn't exist in Asgard. Part of him really want to find out how the technology works and more than just any basic answers that Darcy gives throughout their spare time. But he mostly stopped himself because Darcy explained that people stare if he asks too many questions that humans don't normally think about like the functions of certain technology.

Plus she also got him a book the last time they went to the mall after bombarding her with questions after what feels like the hundreath time. But in reality it is actually the fourth, but Darcy got him the book anyway for three reasons; one to stop him from asking more questions, a reward f or his relunctant heroism and a late housewarming present. Even though Loki felt like it was completely unnessisarry and he doesn't deserve to get a present for just putting on a costume to collect Infinity stones and relunctantly save people's lives. If that what it takes to get recongnition in this planet then Loki doesn't know if he should be happy that he was able to gain something good from all of this or a little annoyed that midguardians are getting excited over the fact that someone save someone else's lives. But at least he was able to get all of the answers from that he wanted from the book unless there is another edition that tells him more about midguardian technology then he is satisfied.

Aside from that at least the flight thus far has been running smoothly and it has been a little relaxing, well compared to last couple of times he was in a flying vehicle. Since both times resulted in Loki falling off the ship, though it was mostly Thor's fault that occured and it did have him involved somehow. But at least this time there is no way that he will be falling off a flying ship this time. Though it has been mostly silent and this is exactly how Loki would like it to be. Well that is until...

"So how did you guys ever found out that piece was in that thing?" asked Captain America breaking the silence and trying to start off a friendly conversation with the four of them.

Along with trying to make a fresh start with the Maxioff twins and get to know this new masked hero and his friend. Since if they are going to be working together then they are going to have to get along. Though that already made the two of them nervous because they were not ready to answer that and were already did not know what to say. But Darcy quickly made a nudge to Loki to say something convincing, since out of the two of them he's the best liar. Along with the fact that they need a great story and fast.

"We managed to find out by meeting those two over there when we were on our way to try to stop some more of these droids." said Loki. "We ran into these two during a fight that we were loosing and they saw us. So they helped us defeat them and explained to us what happened."

As he was explaining, Darcy was just nodding her head and trying to act like if this story is nothing new. Along with hoping that they don't even ask any other questions or at least make them towards her specifically. Since Darcy is definitely not in the mood to accidentally blurt something out that can eventually lead to anyone figuring out their biggest secret. But fortunately Loki had the whole situation under control and she can relax by letting Loki do all of the talking.

"Why did you guys ever decide to get involved in this? Aside from getting that part you two need, why would you two want to risk your lives to save people that you barely even know?" asked Black Widow trying to see if their intentions were as genuine as they claim they are, by asking a thought provoking question. "Since it seems like that you are both are doing this for more than personal value like the glory of being a hero. Not that many people would put aside their own personal needs in order to help others unfortunately."

With that it resulted in both Loki and Darcy exchanging a nervous look, since they were clearly not expecting that. Since they just thought that they probably would only have a couple of questions on where they were from or just a couple of simple ice breakers that everyone will forget about later. But never this and now it's Loki's turn to turn over to Darcy because the only reason why he is even doing this is to get the stone and get out of there as fast as he can possibly can.

Along with protect his secret and make sure that no one figures out that it's really him under the mask, but that probabley wouldn't be good enough excuses to impress them or at least consider of giving them the Infinity stone. Plus it also helps that Darcy knows more about being a hero then he does despite not being in a costume herself. Along with maybe not even doing anything dangerous before he came along and read enough stories to know how a hero would respond to these questions.

"Well I guess the reason why we decided to help out and save as many people as we can is really complicated. Since my friend, Mysto here wants to become a better person than how he was in the past because of an incident." explained Darcy nonchalantly.

Loki quickly put his hand on his head in annoyance and can not believe what he was hearing. 'Wonderful Darcy, calling my actions as an 'incident.' That would definitely convince them that I have turned over a new leaf and to give us the Infinity stone willingly.' thought Loki through deep frustration during his face palm. 'Why not make me unmask and expose myself to both of them while we're at it? In the meantime tell them about Thanos and make them believe that he's going to use the Infinity stones to make the universe into a prosperous paradise full of peace and ice cream rather than destroy it. Then that would really make their day.' Though after a moment, he quickly turn to look over at Darcy and was wondering what was the next thing that she was going to say that might surprise him in a negative way.

"How about you? What are you in for?" asked Black Widow "Aside from anything that Mysto may want to do for redemption, what do you hope that you would get out of this?" 'Now that is a really good question.' thought Loki 'I sometimes wonder that myself because no one else would have ever helped me if I ask. Especailly after everything I did to Midgaurd, but despite that she still was willing to help me...'

"I guess it's because I always wanted to make a difference rather than just sit back and do nothing. I mean ever since that thing that happened during the fight back in New York, it inspired me to try to make a difference in any way that I can possibly can." explained Darcy nervously and sometimes even glances over to Loki as she continues. "I also believe that many people deserve a chance to be the best person that they can possibly be. No matter who they are or what they have done, anyone can make a difference in any way that they can. Plus it also because I want to help people and my friend complete his goals on being an awesome superhero that wants to help. Along with help Mysto with his mission to help protect the world in any way he can. No matter what happens next, I definitly have his back because that is what friends and true heroes do."

Once Darcy finished that statement, Loki didn't know what to say or even think of what he just heard. Since he was begining to think that Darcy was just doing this for personal glory or at least to try to keep on his brother's good side if he ever does find out their secret. But she is doing it to not only to save the universe from Thanos, but to also help him do it. Even though deep down everyone else probabley would have just threw him the costume and make him handle it on his own with no regard on whether he survives or not. But Darcy was ready to risk everything in order to help him and probabley don't even care what people may say if they ever find out that she was helping him after everything that he has done. Maybe he was wrong about humans as a whole, maybe they do have a some kind of strength that might not be obvious to most beings from other worlds.

Though he doesn't even know yet despite the fact that from the few humans that he have met so far, but they were anything but what he was expecting from any thing Thanos, Odin or another Asgardian would say. Though there are some more tolarable than others and he still don't know about this strange feelings that he always gets when he's with or near Darcy. But it's probabley just gratitude for all of her help, no matter how much he would like to throw this superhero facade out the window or get someone else go after the Infinity stones and take care of Thanos. But at the end of day the good overrides anything 'bad', plus if he has to be honest with himself he believes that he might be growing fond of her.

Part of himself is hoping that this is just a phase and he would get over it because the last thing that he wants is to build another relationship that he might wind up loosing someone that he can get close with. It happend with his mother and it happend with Thor, he's not going to let it happen this time and once this Ultron thing is over then he is going to have them maintain their focus on their mission to retrieve the stones. Not too mention if things get too complicated and they truely bonded even more and if Thanos finds out... There is no way he is going to let Thanos use Darcy or anyone else against him because then things will get more complicated for all of them. Since it will keep them on track of things and it won't make them any closer than they already are, but why does it seem like that option is more difficult then it sounds...

"Now that is really touching and I guess I can kinda relate to that." said Captain America trying to be friendly towards the two of them. "I started out just like you two when I first joined the army and aside from getting a costume and super powers from that serum. I mostly wanted to join to fight for what is right and to fight for the people that can't do it themselves. Even though in this time period, I have met many people who's views that have not exactly been agreeable to anything I believe in and it lead to many conflicts."

"I can imagine so..." said Loki already remebering what he knew about the soldier from his last encounter with him. "So tell us how did this Ultron nonsense have even gotten started? From what I was told that Ultron is set to destroy all human life on this planet and that thing is getting more out of control by the minute."

"Well you have gotten most of it right, but we really can't say who created Ultron due to it being classified and I don't think that our friend would be happy to believe that we told the whole world of one of his biggest mistakes." said Black Widow. "Since the last thing he probably would want is to have an angry mob waiting for him outside his front door."

Well at least Loki now knows that the person who created Ultron is really close to the Avengers and now he has to figure out who it is for his curiosity sake. The bright side is that at least he can cross out Thor, Black Widow, Captain America out of his lists of potential suspects. Since it's clear that Captain America would never make such a machinery due to his morality and his fish out of water status and Black Widow is many things but she is not an inventor. As for Thor, it would be laughable without the image in his head, acording to Darcy Thor couldn't operate an toaster even if his life depended on it. He would really like to see Thor creating an advance piece of midguardian technology that would do this much damage to the planet.

Plus from what he knows about other midguardians, they often don't have the time and material to just build evil robots whenever they feel like it. So that only leaves the archer, Stark and the Hulk to be one of the suspects and the potential guilty party, but he might as well count the archer out because from the time that they had together. Loki knows that he would be the last person to do it both morally and have the ability to pull it off.

So it only leaves Stark and Banner, but Loki knew that he'll probably going to find out later and that he should try to build a good relationship with the Avengers. Since if he does then maybe it will open the doors to having some allies for the future, even if it means working with his brother and his friends. But if it means that he might stand a chance against Thanos then he is willing to do it. He's going to need all of the help that he can possibly get because four against Thanos and his entire army, with these numbers then they're doomed...

"Are we close to where ever we may be heading?" asked Loki hoping that they would arrive already.

So that way they can put a stop to this before it gets out of hand and he winds up loosing grasp of the Infinity stone again. He was definitely not in the mood to go on a wild goose chase and have the Infinity stone get lost forever or Thanos gets his hands on it.

"We will be there in a half of hour and it will take a couple of minuetes for us to land this thing without accidentally crash it to the tower." responded Captain America "It won't take long, so sit tight and we'll be there shortly."

Loki only nodded his head slowly even though he does not know what might happen next, but at least he is getting somewhere...

An Hour later

After a crazy landing and once they got off, saying that the next part went smoothly would be the biggest understatement of the century. Since as soon as they entered the room, they saw that both Tony Stark and Bruce Banner were working on the machinery. With that a crazy fight to stop any more tampering on the machinery or worse any then it can possibly get. Along with stop the Infinty stone before it causes any more damage to the universe and make things worse for all of them. Before any one can even do anything about it, the next thing Loki knew was that his brother litterally flew in and brought the machine to life.

Everything was immideitaly became a blur for Loki after that because he was mostly in shock in what was happening right in front him. For starters, the machinery Vision has declared that he was on their side and he doubts that he will use it to help Ultron. But that still doesn't make things any easier and make the situation stop from being any more shocking and ultimately the strangest moment in Loki's life. As if things weren't going to get any wireder, the moment that truely shocked Loki came. Since he remembers it the most in complete detail that he felt like he's never going to forget that and it's the last thing he expected. In fact it was so surprising that Loki nearly felt like if he lost his mind and was almost ready to do something insane to make sure he wasn't going crazy. Like revealing his identity to all of the Avengers or something...

"But really we need to go." said Vision determinedly as he handed Mjornir to Thor.

The entire room was in shock and they were staring at both Thor and Vision silently. No one would have ever thought or expected something like this to even happen at all, Loki was absolutely speechless. He had half the mind to go to a hidden portal and then later go through it back to Asgard. Then later go to the royal library and research on how a piece of midguardian machinery that happens to be alive is able to lift a hammer that was enchanted by Odin to only whom those that may be seen as worthy. It goes to the very fact that it was completly unheard off until now and he really does not know what to say. With that everyone turned to Thor ready to see his reaction towards the situation, Thor slowly grab hold at the hammer and with that Vision went away to do his own thing. The room was silent for what it feels like an eternity and no one is daring to break the silence that is until...

"Well then... Let's get ready then." said Thor blankly as he is trying to get over his own shock from Vision. He then headed towards Tony and gave him a quick pat on the pack. "Very well done."

Before Thor kept on walking and notice both Darcy and Loki standing in the corner, he went over to them and was surprised to see both of them there.

Loki felt like his heart is pounding and was ready to run as if it was Thanos coming right after him for the stones. In fact he might as well consider that in order to avoid a confrontation with Thor because reveal or no reveal, he can't get over the fact that he has hurted his brother beyond repair and he will never have a chance to make things right. Even if he tries to reveal himself and explain what is going on, Thor probably won't even listen or try to stop him on a plan to take over Earth again that doesn't even exhist. But before he can even begin to slowly walk away and run, Darcy grabbed a hold of Loki's hand and try to be comforting as he is about to face his brother.

Even though she doesn't know what it's like to lie to your older sibling and have to pretend that you are a different person every time you meet. But she knows that she needs to be there for her friend. Since he needs support in this more than ever and facing Thor again as Mysto this soon... That is probabley a harder challenge than facing Thanos any day of the week because the main difference is that at least Thanos wasn't raised by your side throughout your entire life. Along with the fact that he would probably just beat you up and take away the Infinty stones then that's it. But this is bigger than any titan who might destroy the universe in litteraly just a snap. But still she knew that she have to be there for him even if he did drive her crazier than most people that she ever met. Though she doesn't really know why it doesn't bother her that much than anyone would think...

"Hey everything is going to be ok, I can promise you that." said Darcy whispering in Loki's ear as she kept holding his hands. "All you have to do is put on a mask and act like you without him figuring out. It's what you are good at after all and I'll be rooting for you all the way."

Before Loki can respond to anything that Darcy said or even give her one of his rare smiles. Thor came to greet them and Loki just wished that he can just disappear from the tower...

"Well it looks like someone changed his mind about being a hero, I'm glad that you decided to join us." said Thor "Right now we can use all of the help that we can get if we want to defeat Ultron." Loki didn't even know what to say because this is for the first time in years that Thor was happy to see hi.

Even though he was hiding under a mask and Thor doesn't know it was really him. But still it felt a little nice to talk to Thor again without an arguement dominating their entire conversation, it was a nice welcome. But that doesn't mean he was any confident that he would if Thor knew and they were on good terms as how it was before everything happened. But he still doesn't know what to say because he never thought that this would have happend after he decided to leave Asgard to pursue a new life. He'd probabley would have stayed silent if it weren't for...

"Yeah even though I was the one that did all of the talking, so you guys kinda have to thank me on that one." said Darcy bringing the attention to herself "So this is what it's like to be fighting a crazy world wide threat with the Avengers?"

"So I am safely coming to the conclusion that you two are friends?" asked Thor as he smiled at both of them, happy to see that this Mysto character has at least someone to talk to in pursuit of his journey.

Though part of him kinda wants to know how the two became friends because from his short interaction with Mysto and the fact that he wants to remain alone. It's clear that Mysto works alone and thinks that there is always someone that is going to catch him and disapprove his actions. It reminded him so much of Loki, he used to play all sorts of pranks or help him on his adventures, Loki even triple checked to make sure that Odin, Heimdall, Frigga or some random guard or palace staff didn't find out what he was planning to do...

Why is Mysto making him miss Loki even more? There is no way that this Mysto character and Loki would have anything in common, since they are completely two different people. For starters, Loki would never go out and risk his life to save hundreds of people vouluntarily and he knows that Loki would never agree to go around dress in a costume. Especially a costume with a mask to cover his face because not only Loki would feel humiliated, but he would probabley want some credit of being the person responsible of saving hundreds of lives and possibly the world. The very thought of Loki is now hurting him as well and Thor is now starting to wonder what it would have been like if he did things differently. If he was there for Loki when he needed him most, if he never got banished to Earth and if he personally look for Loki himself after Loki fell down the void... Would Loki still be around today?

But instead of looking at Loki's memory with fondness and respect, Thor is busy comparing his own brother with a total stranger. If Loki was still around, Thor didn't know if Loki would see Mysto as an equel or angry that he's being compared to a human. Since now Thor sees Mysto having many personality traits that reminds him of Loki and might have the same levels of intelligence. Even though deep down Mysto may never replace Loki, Thor knew that he can't let Loki go no matter how hard he tries. Seeing Mysto sharing a lot of things in common with his brother...

It makes things harder to move forward and start a new life without any hope that Loki would somehow find his way back like it was the last time. No matter how hard he tries, Thor can't seem to try to move on from Loki who he still believes that there might be some good in him somewhere. Especially remebering that Loki had ever opportunity to betray him and Jane, but he didn't and chose to save them. Especially knowing that he can escape at any opportunity, but he chose to save them despite not being able to stand being in the same room as Thor. Though things are getting tougher by the minute by just thinking about Loki through Mysto and no matter how much Thor tries to shake that feeling off, it was tough and he had to put those feelings off for now. Right now defeating Ultron is their top priority at the moment and he'll try to deal with these feelings later.

"You could say that..." said Loki nervously because he's almost worried that Darcy is going to blurt something out. She may be a good friend, but it doesn't take a genuis to know that she's horrible of keeping secrets...

"Yeah we kinda go way back and I have been helping Mysto here with all of this superhero business." said Darcy "Not that I have anything to do with the whole secret superhero helping and know secret identity thing." Loki was almost ready to make an allusion find if Avengers tower has a restroom and bang his head on the wall if he lost his mind at that very moment. He almost ready to say out loud "Why doesn't she reveal my secret identity and tell Thor that his brother has been alive all along while she's at it?" At least there wasn't any potential damage that Darcy might have unintentionally have created by that statement alone.

"What Darcy means to say is that we were friends before my journey to become a hero." said Loki "There's nothing more to the story, we would really apreciate if we just get ready for the mission now. The sooner we all stop the evil robot, the sooner we can all rest and get to know each other."

Loki also quickly thought 'and the sooner we can reobtain the Infinity stone somehow (he wasn't planning it to be planted on a robot, a robot who was ready to help them and might possibly on their side.) and leave before anything else happens. He really wish that he can tell Darcy that out loud, but he can't risk it and with that he began walking away to stand in a corner far away from Thor. Darcy awkwardly followed him, not even sure if she should say something to Thor or not, but being not in the mood to get into an arguement with Loki and accidentally revealing his secret identity. She already knew that Loki would kill her, then Thor and later Loki again, it definitely won't end well. Once they both stood in a corner, they both turned to the Avengers to hear what their game plan might be.

"Even though I just met this masked crusader, I am kinda with him on this one." said Tony. "So what is the game plan here?" With that everyone turned to Captain America and was ready to hear what he has to say.

"We'll leave first thing in the morning, so that way we can prepare and get everything we need for battle." said Captain America "Be sure to be ready and have everything you need at dawn."

With that he left the room and the other Avengers including Thor began to get ready for the mission ahead, before the two can go any where. Loki notices that Darcy looked like if she doesn't even know what to say or do now, so he decided to break the silence and see what might be bothering her.

"Are you well?" asked Loki with a bit of concern in his voice even forgetting that they were in a midst of an arguement before they even arrived at the tower.

"Yeah but I am kinda disappointed." said Darcy with Loki even becoming a little more concerned for her as he showed more interest "We just met the Avengers, got your very first mission and we didn't even hear Captain America give an awesome inspiring speech that completely moved us!"

At that moment, Loki stared at Darcy for a minuete and preceded to just roll his eyes in annoyance because this is more unbelievable as it sounds. He can't believe that he was concerned over nothing and was even more surprise that he, Loki, is now feeling some sincerity towards Darcy over something so petty. With that Loki began to leave the room to try to find some place to get ready and relax for the night.

"What? It's totally a missed opportunity." asked Darcy confused as she was following him unsure where they were going.

Two Hours Later

After being accommodated into a room and the Avengers left him alone to get ready and to speak to Darcy for some reason, he can't believe that this was happening. He is going to help the Avengers stop an evil robot that is set to destroy all of humanity. Normally he would be worried about his identity and how he is going to approach Thor when they need to make sure that his identity remains a secret. But right now he has bigger fish to fry as Darcy would put it, things are definitely don't look good because there is no way they are getting the Infinity stone with this new development. If the Avengers won't give the to them, then it will be stuck on this human like robot that he doesn't even know if they can even trust or know if he would give them a fight before they can get any close to getting it. Things definitly are not looking good when it comes to completing their side of the agreement, especially if this Vision wound up helping them.

They don't even know if Vision had any other plans that might be half as bad as Ultron or worse, he doesn't even know how they should trust him by just being oblivious to the fact that he might be helping Ultron and they might not even know it. The more he thought about it, the more he began to worry about what could this Vision's true intention might be. He doesn't even know if they should just find a way to grab the stone, destroy it before it can destroy all of them.

But then again it would lead to more trouble because the team might suspect it's them and then will go after them. Then the real investigation begins and it leads to a potential escort back to Asgard with a furious Thor and best case scenario, Darcy is being held under house arrest or something. He can't help but imagine how horrible that would be and at least he doesn't have to worry about it because he's going to need to come up with a good plan that is going to get him that stone.

Before Loki can think of any possible plans that might get him that Infinity stone without possibly risking his identity being exposed and ruining Darcy's life. He knows that he is starting to have a strong feeling for Darcy for some reason and Loki knew that deep down he never felt towards anyone else... But he had to snap out of it because not only this sentamental feeling might get in the way but he has to focus on this quest and besides his feelings might not even be real. They will fade over time thought Loki Besides Darcy would never care for a monster like me and I doubt that this is nothing more than simple fondness and gratitude for everything she's doing for me. There is nothing more than that...

While he was thinking of what were all of the problems that they have to face if they were going to pull something like this without the Avengers ever finding out who Mysto really is. Darcy came into his room ready to express her feelings about the whole situation and she really needs to talk to someone about her so far exspirence because right now she's having a wonderful time exploring the tower and have only one complaint about the whole thing.

"Can you believe that they are not going to let me tag along on this mission?" said Darcy a little annoyed. "I know that you guys are going to go out and stop an army of evil robots. But still how many people can say 'they helped the Avengers save the world from an evil robot crisis'? Oh well at least you are going and probably going to have all the fun and you might tell me awesome stories about it later."

Loki just rolled his eyes at his friend's excitement because the gain of fame was the last thing on his mind and that alone was unbelivable. If it was before the battle of New York, Loki would have loved to have been the center of attention and finally be praised in doing something great. But now it's a question of whether he can live a life on the planet or not. It also doesn't help that his choices would affect Darcy's life as a whole, whatever reason he is feeling the way that he is feeling for some reason he doesn't want Darcy to get in trouble because of him...

"You do realize that we will be fending off an army of earth's most dangerous pieces of technolgy in their entire existence." pointed out Loki "Not too mention, having to put up with Thor for more than as midgaurdians would say the standard forty eight hours. If I wanted to risk my life and later possibly get arrested then I would have stayed in Asgard."

"But this isn't really that bad, all you have to do is go out there and fight evil robots easy peasy." pointed out Darcy "But all you have to do is to keep your mask on at all times and that is already the cool part."

"It would be "cool" if I don't have to help solve one of midgaurd's problems in order to get that stone." said Loki full of frustration "You want to know what would be "cool" as well? If the stone isn't part of a walking talking sentient robot that we don't even know if it has a secret plan to blow both of us. It would also be helpful that my brother isn't here to further jeopardize our here."

"I'm not the one who lied to him and make him think that your dead, your going to want to stop saying Midgaurd and Midgaurdians a lot around other people if you don't want people to start thinking that you are from Asgard or from a unknown planet in the nine realms." said Darcy "I mean honestly it is just a couple of days with a mask on trying to do some good for a change, it's not the end of the world. Ok maybe I'm being too hard on the idea of you having to go out and help save hundreds of strangers, but I am just pushing you to do it because I know that you can be better than everything that you did and shown me."

That caught Loki off guard, he was not expecting someone to say that or even think of him that way. He doesn't even know what to say towards her or of he can say anything at all after that. Most of his life, the people of Asgard has always expected little of him or to simply be Thor's brother and now there is someone that is willing to believe in him for doing something great. Not just a villain but something more than just the second prince of Asgard. For some reason it touched him more than any other compliment that might have been ever given to him. Maybe when this is over he can try to-

No there's no way that is going to happen and that they can't get any closers, it's bad enough that they are going to eventually to Thanos. But the idea of him getting close to Darcy is absolutely absurd and besides she might just be saying that she's his friend just because of the hero thing. Then again Darcy managed to prove to him time and time again that she is going to stay by his side, well it's not like she's excited of the idea of Thanos and the Chitari coming in one day and interrogating her about his whereabouts if she ever decides to kick him out.

Though now with how things are going, Loki kinda wishes that Darcy is considering that option then maybe he can go on about this on his own. Despite the feelings of not even wanting to go on a wild chase after the Infinity Stones, for some reason it is starting to feel right and it was something that he needed to finish. Loki doesn't know why he is feeling that way and he can't be feeling this way, he's Loki the troublemaker and villain, not some kind of caring person that is more than just a hero like the Avengers. It must be a phase, it has to be...

"Just because you believe that, it does not mean that it is true." said Loki "Changing the subject, I believe that I might owe you an apology for earlier. In case anything happens when it comes to life or my identity being revealed. I just want to say that I apologies for that foolish arguement that I played a part of earlier, my temper almost cost us my secret and potentially put you and your normal life in jeopardy."

"Well if it makes you feel any better then I'm sorry too," said Darcy, "I guess I might be a little too pushy when it comes to the whole make you a hero thing, but if we are going to win this then we are going to need to take risks. We can't do that if we stay in an apartment all day and hope that Thanos decide that he's going on permanent vacation on the space equivalency of Hawaii. If Thanos is going to be stopped then we are going to need to stop him now and try to fight for a better life and our lives. I mean there is no way I am going to be a happy camper if Thanos decides to pay me a visit and demand the stones, there is no way I am going to give him a warm welcome."

"Well if it's Thanos, then you might not have a choice." pointed out Loki. "You do realize he can kill you with just a punch to your spine right?"

"Yeah, but that does not mean I am going to give up the stones that easily." said Darcy. "Ok I might need to come up with a plan first, but I will probably try to put up a fight or at least drive Thanos crazy. Though I wish that I have your powers to shape shift or illusion making or whatever you are calling it."

"Why is that?" asked Loki surprised at that statement. Someone is wishing for having the ability to do his magic, it is like if Thanos decides to give everyone a cuddly bunny and make all of the worlds' problems disappear for the better once he assemble the gauntlet or Thor deciding to wear a ballgown like the girl wore in that Cinderbella movie or sing about his true love to Jane like that Snow girl or something like that.

"So that way, I can maybe turn Thanos into a hamster or a turtle or something." said Darcy. "Then that way we can stop him sooner and we might be able to stop him and get it over with sooner."

Loki just stared at Darcy for a moment and before he can stop himself, he found himself trying hard not to laugh at that statement alone. Something about it just makes the problem so simple, part of him wish that he can just go through a portal and find Thanos and turn him into a rodent. The idea of Thanos being a lab rat in a maze running around getting himself lost and later being locked in a cage is somehow humorous for him. Darcy can't help but giggle a little bit but is trying hard to maintain some kind of control so that way she can be a look out and make sure that Loki doesn't accidentally take off his mask from his laughter and do something. Then it might result in someone like Bruce Banner sees and decide to get angry enough to pound Loki or worse Thor.

Just because it wouldn't work out and part of her knows that Loki would rather take the pounding from the Hulk then an awkward conversation and apology with an angry Thor ready to give Loki every single angry thought in his head and take him on a one way trip back to Asgard. But it was still nice to see Loki happy and that he at least having a bit of fun. Now that Darcy thought of it, she does not remember the last time that she saw Loki smile and realized that after everything that they have been through and maybe even before they met. She can't even think of an occasion that would make Loki happy or at least made him smile. In a sense it is heartwarming...

"If only it were that easy." said Loki as he slowly calmed down and try to regain his composure. "Even if I could turn Thanos into a rodent, it would take me weeks to find or develop a spell that might possibly work. I have better luck turning myself into a rat and though I do wish I could put him in one of Midgaurdian' pet cages. Changing something's species is more complicated then one may believe because the first thing I would need to do is to find the elements that I may need to create the spell such as how the aptitude and the power that I may need in order to create a spell that might turn Thanos a rodent. Without then-"

"Ok I get if your not careful than you might accidentally turn Thanos into a mouse, though I still wish you could have the ability to do that." said Darcy immediately. "But at least it gave you a good laugh, I don't think I have ever seen you smile let alone laugh. It is kinda nice to see you happy for once.."

Loki immediately stared at Darcy and quickly returned to his formal composure, he can not believe that he just acted childishly in front of Darcy. The very idea of him dying from laughter just because of he found a statement hilarious. The last time he was truly happy was when he was talking to Thor before the coronation and after that he does not remember the last time he was truly happy. He better not get used to it because after this mission then...

"My sincerities apologies for my childish behavior, I have no idea what has come over-" begins Loki.

"No one should ever apologies for being happy." said Darcy. "Plus you are stuck with me now... So you might as well get used to it. Especially with the whole going to fight an evil robot and might possibly have to figure out a way how to get the stone off that thing without hurting it."

"I doubt that taking things easy and hoping that he would give me the stone is a likely outcome for this situation." said Loki. "But I will try to reason with him before taking it by force and we should start hoping that this machinery has a mind of it's own for all of the right reasons. I have never thought that retrieving an Infinity stone after it was stolen by menacing robots could be so frustrating. I can not even believe that I am going to help fight off these things and for once I don't even know what to do."

"We'll figure it out as we go along, for now just try to help make sure that humanity lives to see another day." said Darcy. "If I get attacked by an evil robot, I'm going to blame you."

"In case you have forgotten, I didn't create those robots to send them attacking to Earth." said Loki defensively at first. But later soften his tone to try to bring some humor to the mix. "Isn't it ironic that Stark created a dangerous machine that is now threatening humans and all life on Earth and now I am putting a stop to it? If Odin ever hears that idea, he would think that he finally lost his mind."

"Well at least it's better than having him loose his mind for something that you did." said Darcy adding her own humor into the mix. "Then I might join him on the loosing your mind festival because if I ever hear that you have another one of your take over the Earth tantrums then... I would be the last person that you'd want to see. If you think Thanos is scary then I can be scarier."

"Well knowing you, I wouldn't be surprised." said Loki. Before he can try to add a remark back, Loki suddenly stopped himself and for once he is at lost of both words and emotions.

Soon the room grew silent and there is suddenly an unknown tension between the two of them, it is something they have never felt or exspirence before. Loki never thought that he would ever feel this awkward in the same room as someone or if he is just imaging these emotions. He's not sure if this is just the nerves of about going to go save the world or if he is imagining the tension. But there is one thing that Loki knows they need to stop it or he needs to figure out what is causing these emotions and moments like this.

Otherwise it will continue to hurt him and possibly their newfound friendship, then that would be disastrous and Loki does not know why he is feeling that if Darcy suddenly turning his back on him is the end of the world. For some reason, he is feeling if it would be a disaster if that ever is to happen and then he would be really upset. Maybe he is just growing fond of her or something, Loki hopes that this is something tempolary and that it won't be something that will ruin their friendship. The last thing that they both need is a distraction or something that is going to tear them apart forever...

"L-Mysto have you ever been in a situation where all of the sudden a conversation becomes awkward and silent?" asked Darcy.

"No I can't say that I have." said Loki unsure.

"How did this conversation suddenly become so... wired?" said Darcy. "Not to say all of our conversations is wired, but this one definitely ended differently this time, do you know I mean?"

"Yes I believe so, I am also unsure how things have gotten..." Loki stopped himself because of the mere fact that he does not know what to say and he's worried that for once in his life, he might say the wrong thing...

Before either of the two can say a thing... the door suddenly burst open with Thor being on the opening end. The two of them quickly try to act like if there is nothing going on between them and try to look as professional as they can. Thor looked at the two of them confused at them trying to seem like if they are trying to maintain a professional friendship between the two. He's even starting to have the idea that there might be something going on between the two that is oddly closer than friends, but the idea of Ian as a masked superhero is shocking to say the least. There is also something about Mysto that makes him think about Loki but it must be because if Loki never went on the path that he went on and try to become a hero then maybe he would have turn out like Mysto. But still... they have a mission to do and it is time to go and maybe he can try to get to know Mysto on the way to Sokovia. It might help him to try to move on from Loki and might give him a fresh start, to do things that he couldn't do with Loki.

"Uh... I just came to tell you that... it's time to go." said Thor awkwardly. "My apologies for uhh... the sudden interruption, I was not aware that-"

"Have you ever heard of knocking?" asked Darcy panicking immediately. "How much have you heard?"

"I didn't overhear your conversation or at least towards the end about how your conversation becoming 'awkward.'" said Thor. "I also did not think that you two were in the middle of something that might require both of you privacy."

"Honestly, let us just forget that this has ever happened and move on already." said Loki annoyed. "Now tell me, you were coming here to get me for the forthcoming mission, am I correct?"

"Uh... yes..." said Thor. "Let us carry on for the Quinjet and head towards the upcoming battle ahead of us."

Loki got up and is ready to leave the room, he knew that it's going to be a long day tomorow and he can hardly wait for it to be over. He's going to safely assume that Captain America is going to round everyone up to discuss a possible plan of action for tomorrow. That information is going to come in handy when he eventually have to sneak off and try to talk to Vision about the stone. He does not want to create a scene and he has no idea on how he would be able to get to Darcy and make a quick escape without looking suspicious, but as Darcy said they will figure it out as they go along, it is not a plan that would comfort him but it is better than nothing. Before Loki continues to follow Thor out to the door and to the battle up ahead, he stopped himself to turn to see Darcy and maybe say a couple of words of farewell before they have to part for a day or two.

"So I am asumming that I will see you again after this mission." said Loki briefly. "Since I am not in the mood to find you somehow captured by Ultron and having to rescue you because of your attempts of trying to become a hero."

"Come on Mysto, you know that I am not that much of a fangirl and who knows maybe someday I might be your superhero partner if I ever learn how to fight as well as Black Widow. But even then I might have to have at least years of practice or hope that I somehow get superpowers." said Darcy. "I mean who knows maybe I might have a surprise waiting for you once you get back."

"Well at least I have something to look forward to when I get back." said Loki. "I will be sure to come back as soon as I can possibly can, farewell Darcy." Loki starts to head towards the doorway and nearly went through it before...

"Hey Mysto," said Darcy. "Good luck."

Loki quickly turn to Darcy unsure what to say and even though his body is physically strong, for some reason it is starting to feel like if this is one last fight before an defining outcome. In a way it is because this fight would determine if they have all of the stones before trying to find the last stone, he needs to win and get on the Avengers' good graces if he wants to get that stone and figure out a way how to get the gauntlet and the power stone away from Thanos without him noticing before it's too late. But all he needs to do is get Vision to give him the stone or see what happens that result in them getting the stone in someway, then they can move on for the rest of the stones and the gauntlet and end this. But first...

"I share the same sentiment for you." said Loki trying hard to maintain his usual demeanor and succeeds.

Once the two of them leaves the room and heads towards the hallway, then Loki can't help but smile and for once in his life, he is grateful that he had his Mysto mask on. So neither his brother or Darcy could see the smile on his face, he has never felt this way before towards anyone and it is a confusing mess. One minute he is feeling an multitude of emotions and the next he is just happy. He'll figure things out after this is over, right now he have a mission to take a part of. What's worse it is aa mission with his brother and the Avengers, that is one of the last things he wanted because he would have to talk and lie to his brother again. The walk between the two is silent and Loki hopes that it would remain that way for the whole trip there, battle and back. He just hopes that Thor doesn't say anything that can start a conversation...

"So, I am guessing that you two are planning to court each other after Darcy breaks up with Ian?" said Thor catching Loki by surprise.

"Uh No! We're just friends nothing more!" said Loki almost ready to become defensive. "Darcy is already seeing someone else anyway and the last thing I want is to be indirectly responsible for her relationship being destroyed and ruin any chances of a proper romance with him."

"Well, I just thought that you might be going down that path because you two seem to be rather close-" began Thor.

"Can we please just discuss about the fight that is in our horizon and any updates about Ultron?" interrupted Loki immediately after. "The last thing I want is to go in there and look like an idiot if I say the wrong thing or make the wrong move when we are finishing this."

Fortunately for Loki, Thor dropped the subject about Darcy and him expanding their relationship and it looks like they can move on. But unfortunately, Thor decides to use this time to try to start a conversation with him, every single time he tries to get Thor to drop it and keep an quiet distance between the two and try to not to get so close. Thor is not going to give up that easily and is going to try find a way to be friendly to Mysto, Loki is even wondering how Thor is gong to feel once he realizes that he is trying to connect to a person that does not even exist.

He almost wants to laugh at the image of Thor's shock face if he ever finds out that he's not only alive but Mysto as well, then he can actually have one of the rare happy memories of Thor in the past few years. Other than that he can't jeopardize his identity or his own patience by trying to have a conversation with brother that might make him just want to give up this stone chase and live the rest of his life on an asteroid. For the sake of his sanity, this better be one of the shortest trips ever and that they will be back tomorrow night with hopefully a lead for the other stone and the stone in his grasp. The sooner this is over the happier he will be and then maybe he can retire Mysto for a long time, but there is one good thing that happened from this Ultron mess... Thor is being his old annoying self, for some strange reason it feels good to be annoyed by Thor again...

Chapter Text

The flight to Sokovia is one of the longest journeys in Loki's life, between fighting Thanos or trying to rip the stone out of Vision's... well forehead, he has no idea what he would pick. Right now that is the least of his worries as they are now on their way to fight Ultron and that is the last thing he wanted to do. The events that took place prior to the flight is nothing more than for Captain America to tell all of them the the plan of action, one that Loki can hardly wait to get over with, as he continues to focus on getting the Infinity Stone. The plan is rather simple, while twins are to evaluate as many people as they can and the rest of them are going to keep a look out for trouble and help rescue anyone that they can before anything happens. If Ultron tries anything then they are going to make sure that they fight him no matter what. The Avengers and the Maxioff twins are going to focus on saving people.

While Loki is going to focus on playing along, pretend to be the type of hero that the Avengers would trust and later try to see if he can find some time to talk to Vision and find a way to get the stone. It shouldn't be that much of a problem, well one of the things that he need to worry about is try to get him alone and act like if he's helping the Avengers when in reality he's trying to get his own mission accomplished. The ship is growing more silent by the minuete and anyone would think that it is an haunting silence as it goes on. That is until...

"So... how many of us have been to Sokovia before?" said Tony wearing the Iron man suit and still haven't putting the helmet on. "What I am trying to start a conversation before we all have to face our doom in the hands of one of the biggest mistakes of my life?"

The room still remained silent as a couple of the Avengers raised their hand awkwardly, acting like that this is not a good time for any conversation. Loki on the other hand is rolling his eyes so far back that if he rolled them back any further he is really sure that he would have seen his skull. That is the understatement of the century thought Loki. We all should be grateful that he didn't build something an eleven to a hundred foot monstrosity. Then that is one fight I will have to put my foot down.

"You do realize that we are going to have to face a robot that wants to destroy all of humanity right?" said Black Widow. "Acting like this is a pleasure trip and we are going to see all of the tourist attractions."

"Wow Romanoff a bit harsh even more than usual." said Tony. "It is not like that Ultron is going to win because this time we are going to give him everything that we got."

"You do realize if you didn't try to create Ultron or at least did not use an object that you did not understand with potential uncontrollable power that you might not control, we'd probably would not be here right now right?" Pointed out Loki.

"He actually does make a good point Tony." said Bruce. With the other Avengers and the twins even nodding their heads in agreement.

"Of course I do, if it weren't for you then maybe we wouldn't be having this conversation and you would be lounging in that fancy tower of yours." said Loki. "I have no idea why we would go around helping people that we barely know and to stop something that is not even our faults to begin with."

If there is an reward for making a room go silent in less than a second, Loki would have won it right there and then. The twins look at each other anxiously because right now Loki might be walking on thin ice and might not even know it. Vision look confused not even knowing what to say, he was born last night after all. The other Avengers did not know how to respond to the question and how they feel about answering to that response, it is not everyday they encounter a new hero that is questioning why they should be a hero in the first place. It was silent for only a couple of seconds until Captain America decided to maybe add some clarity to the new hero's mind.

"I was always asked that when I first tried to join the army and they saw me as nothing but a scrawny kid who is not good enough to be a soldier." said Captain America. "I had to go through multiple hoops to prove that I can be good enough and I didn't do it for personal glory, I did it to defend others who can not defend themselves."

"Some mostly do it to make up for their sins of the past." said Black Widow. "To save others and try to make up for the past and my actions." Loki even started to feel some form of nostalgia and remembering a certain conversation from the past.

"Other than that, I guess what I am trying to say is that a lot of people chooses to become heroes is to stand up for what they believe is right and to be brave enough to do it." Explained Captain America. "If we don't help them then who will?"

"Not too mention, there would be hundreds of people dying every day including children." said Hawkeye.

Loki cann't help but stare at Hawkeye and realize that he was the guy that he was mind controlling on when he tried to take over Earth on his first time on the planet. He remembered that during the time that he spent time planning his first move in Germany and all of the preparations that he had everyone make for the first phase of his plan and the ride over there. Especially with the conversation that they had prior before they landed on the trip...

Flashback

The flight to Geremey is going smoothly and it looks like they are going to land in about an hour. Loki is more than ready to begin his plan and start rulling all of humanity as it's king. To be the king that Odin never could be and to prove that he can be more than the monster that appeared in Asgardian children stories and that he can be a good king as Odin if not better. When he wins then he will be able to do so and to fulfill his end of the bargain before Thanos tries to do anything that would jeopardize the success of his take over.

But first he have to get there and other than the fact that he is going to give human kind a little preview of how his rule will look like on Earth once he wins, he notices something with one of the people that is now under his mind control and they are acting differrently than the other people in the ship. He noticed that Barton is looking at what looks like a form of Earth technology and that is making Loki nervous and wondering if someone broke free from his mind control grasp. For the sake of mission, it might be best if he goes out to investigate and see if he needs to work his magic and to give him another dose of the power of the scepter and the mind stone in case he is thinking of a way to escape.

"May I ask what are you doing?" demanded Loki.

"I was just seeing some pictures of my family." responded Barton capturing Loki by surprise.

"You have a family?" said Loki astonished by the revelation. "Can you tell me a little bit about them?"

Loki knows that he should not be surprised that some of the people of his mind controlled team might have families, but it is strange to hear that the person that he's controlling and believes to be inferior to Asgardians. It is possible that he might be ruining their lives, but he came too far to stop now and he can't just stop because of that mere fact. If he did then he would have to stop at every human that might have a loving family and he might as well call off the invasion that he is hoping that would later lead to world domination. Not too mention, Thanos would be hunting him down to retrieve the sceptar back and won't leave him alone until he pays for his failure. Judging from Thanos's "training program," he is anything but the forgiving type unless it's one of his daughters... What was her name? Gamora.

But still Loki might as well learn from the human on how Midguardian families work, then maybe he can teach Odin a thing or two once this is over...

"Well I have a wife and two kids, they are the light and joy of my life." said Barton with a smile. "When our mission is complete, I am set to go back home and to see them again."

"It's clear that you must care about them deeply..." said Loki. "Consider your request granted, once this mission is complete and you prove yourself to be loyal the mission. Then I will allow you to retire to be with your family."

"Thank you sir, I will be sure not to let you down." said Barton happily

"Trust me, I know that you won't." said Loki giving him a sly smile.

He knows that this would give Barton more motivation to do his part of his mission, though he can't help but be a little saddened by what he learned about Barton. He would have given anything to have Odin think fondly of him and maybe even talk proudly to the other realms during diplomatic mission to discuss peace in the nine realms. He can't start to think of that now, the past is in the past and he needs to go through with this mission and to win the war ahead. But still the idea of a family is appealing to him and it almost made him feel sorry for him, he needs to move on from the lies that were fed on him, a long time ago. Besides it is not like anyone would have him back after everything he has done, he wouldn't be surprise if Thor and his mother is refusing to acknowledge that he even exists. That shouldn't mean that he has to ruin another family because of his own family drama right? Perhaps he should spare this one after this is over...

Flashback Ends

Loki now for reasons that he can not understand is how he is feeling ashamed of his actions, he can not help but to stop to think about how he almost destroyed Hawkeye's family and even then he might have destroyed hundreds of others. He didn't want to imagine how many children were orphaned or got hurt because of him, could he have possibly been as bad as Laufey. He didn't care if he left his own child on some rock to die or eventually be rescued, as long as he get his revenge on Asgard for taking the casket of Ancient Winters.

He also remembers when he spoke to Gamora during his time with Thanos, she told him how Thanos would go around slaughtering people to get more power or find out about any information about the Infinity stone. That was why Thanos attacked Gamora's people, to see if they have any information about the Infinity stone and due to their lack of knowledge, he killed most of the population and took Gamora with him to raise as his own. Was he no better than Thanos? Aside from the adopting children and raising them to be assassins part, could he have hurt more children in his attack of New York and potentially in his plans to destroy the Frost giants and don't get him started with the Destroyer in that Midguardian town?

But still all of the problems that he caused got resolved one way or another, maybe it is not as bad as he is making it sound and his actions didn't ruin the lives of hundreds. Ok maybe a few lives but not so much that warranted the anger from Thor and the other Avengers with that death glare they shot at him once they won the battle. He just hopes that he doesn't get his answer the hard way and then later regret it, he does regret that his actions led to hurting his brother, his mother's death and now dragging Darcy into his Thanos problem. Maybe Thor and his friends are not idiots after all...

"To be honest, I have never thought of that, in that particular way before." said Loki. The most honest he have ever been to the Avengers that he has ever been ever. "I always thought that you guys went out for power and maybe some glory, I never thought that there might be more of a reason than just being the heroes that want to do the right thing."

"In Asgard, the stories that my brother and I used to listen to have always portrayed the heroes in the glory that you are referring to." said Thor. "It given us both the impression that in order to be like the charecters in our stories we had to become really powerful and brave. Along with the idea that after the final battle, everyone will have a happy ending and there's always a feast in the end. He used to hate those stories just because they have become too predictable in the end and he just had about enough of how unrealistic the stories are. But then again, he was never the type who would run into danger to save hundreds of people just because it's the right thing to do."

For some reason, Loki starts to feel a little disappointed that Thor would think so low of him and at the same time he does not blame him.

"You must miss him terribly." said Loki, guilty that he is causing Thor that much misery.

"I do, but I am trying to move forward for him and he wouldn't want me to grieve for him this long." said Thor. "But at the same time, I can't help it because he sacrificed himself to save me and I could have done more to save him. I am going to make sure that I honor his memory every day and to remember the good times that we shared together and I will remeber him as my brother, the one who is always there for me and is ready to look out for me no matter whatever has come between us. If only I can turn back time and try to save him from his fate then maybe I wouldn't miss him this much."

"To be fair, the last time we saw the both of you together, he didn't look like if he is going to nominate you for Brother of the Year." pointed out Tony. "He could have saved you and your girlfriend for more personal reasons."

"Loki never said why he did everything in his power to save both of us, but whatever it is I am sure that he must have cared." said Thor.

Loki stares at Thor for a brief second, before turning away with the feelings of shame overcoming his thoughts and wishing that he can say the words that are going through his head faster than any stream. He wishes that he can say how much he cared about his brother, to tell him that he even made the fake sacrifice for his brother and would be more than willing to do a real one if the situation warranted it. If it wasn't for him then Thor wouldn't be here to reminisce and blame himself for his 'demise.' Along with all of the pain that Loki has put Thor through ever since then...

He wants to let Thor know that he does or rather did care or he doesn't even know the terminology and wants to make him see that. But the question is how? He can't speak too much or too highly without risking revealing himself and that would only lead to more trouble. After taking a quick moment to think for himself, Loki thinks that he knows how he can do it.

"Your brother is the one that tried to take over Earth right?" Asked Loki trying his best to sound Midgaurdian and informal.

"Yes and he was put in prison after the events of that fiasco, I went to his cell to make a deal with him and gave him a deal and some instructions. He accepted the deal but didn't follow the instructions and sacrificed himself in order to save me." said Thor.

"That should be more than enough proof that he does care about you, he wouldn't have sacrificed himself if he doesn't truly love you and he would have left you and escaped at the first opportunity to do so." said Loki. "Maybe he just didn't know what to believe after... whatever event may have occurred that drove you both apart in the first place. Maybe he just wants to try to make up for what he did to you and who knows how many other people."

"I never thought of it that way..." said Thor. "Maybe your right and he must have had cared a little bit about me, but I should have still tried to have protected him better. Sometimes I ask what would have happened if I never got banished to Earth, would he still be here today?"

"Even if you didn't get banished then maybe things wouldn't have gotten so bad and he would have someone to talk to." said Loki before he mumbled. "Even if he is a big oaf at times."

Before he can start hoping that Thor didn't make out what he just said, he took a quick glance at Thor and noticed that he is smiling at him. That makes Loki happy and he can't help but smile back even if Thor can't see his smile but he hopes that maybe Thor would feel that he's smiling deep down. It feels good to have his brother smile at him without an argument coming before the smile again. He knows that it wouldn't last long if he suddenly takes the mask off for all of them to see. Loki now wishes that he can do so and maybe someday he can start over with Thor, but it would have to be through Mysto in order to avoid any potential drama that would happen if his secret identity is revealed.

Not too mention, he is not even sure if the other Avengers would be just as forgiving as Thor would if he appears out of nowhere and apologies for everything. Though to be fair, they all never even had a civil conversation prior to the events of his attempts to take over the planet, but that does not mean they would be happy to put up with him for more than a couple of minutes. Besides if Thor knew then he might as well go and tell all of Asgard of his survival because he wouldn't be surprised if Thor goes to tell his father that he's alive and well that it results in him back in his cell to fulfill the rest of his sentence. This is one of the wishes that he knows that would never come true...

"Guys, I hate to interrupt your little heartwarming scene, but right now we have bigger fish to fry." said Bruce. He points out towards the window, showing that they arrived at Sokovia...

A Couple of Hours later

Loki didn't know how things escalated to that point in the battle against the Ultrons, it is happening so fast. At first Loki thought with eight of them together (not counting Vision of course), there is no way that Ultron would stand a chance and that maybe they will end it quickly. But as it turns out, it was anything but quick and the destruction of the city would make Loki's attack and the invasion of the chitari look like if all he did is turn the streets into a river of ice cream. He never knew that they... he could have made this much destruction... Could he have made the same damage as Ultron did or could it have been worse than he is letting himself believe?

It feels strange to be on the other side of the battle and to see the things that they must have seen and maybe the emotions that the Avengers might have been feeling. After they all decided that it might be best if they split up to cover more ground and to evacuate, anyone might believe that things will end sooner. As it turns out, it's bigger than anyone could have anticipated and for a piece of human machinery, Ultron puts up a tough fight. He doesn't know what to make of the scene as he continues to fight off the robot that he is trying to defeat.

Normally Loki would use illusions to help him defeat whatever foe, he may be facing quickly. But Loki figured that it might be better if he held off on the illusions for a while because if anyone or Thor sees an illusion or any sign of magic that would give anyone a drop of suspicion about Mysto or give Thor enough evidence that he would later argue with him later about the possibility of him and Mysto being the same person. Loki figured that if he needed to use illusions, then he is going to use them for emergancies that would result in saving himself or now in this case someone...

Loki quickly saw Hawkeye holding a child and trying to do everything that he can to protect the child and the Ultron robot is about to make his attack. Pietro is running as fast as he can to help defend both of them, Loki realizes that if he does that then Pietro would die and leaving his sister without a brother. A child in danger, the human that he vowed to spare durring his rampage and now Wanda is at risk of going through the same pain that both Thor and himself is now enduring. This definitly counts as an emergency and one that he needs to help and he now has three reasons on why he needs to help them and this emergency does need an illusion. He already has a plan on how to use one without anyone but the Ultron seeing it.

Loki takes a good look at the scene right in front of him and after he does so, he focuses on a calmer area where there is no one in sight and it would be safe for the three of them to survive. Once he is able to make the illusion, the Ultron quickly flew over to the illusion and start his rampage on the illusion. With the robot distracted, Loki went to the back of the robot and quickly destroyed it on the back. Once Loki is done, he quickly turned and saw that both of them safe and sound, Loki knew that his plan managed to work and surprisingly it saved all of them.

Before he can say a word to any of them, Loki thought he saw something in the distance and once he gets a good look at it, he notices that there is a small boy who seems to be trapped under some rubble. Before having a second thought, Loki raced over to the child and was ready to help him in anyway. He noticed that the boy seem to be injured in the process and he was taken aback at the sight. He can not believe that things would have escalated this much and thinks about everything that happened a year ago, that there could be hundreds if not thousands of children... no people that could have suffered from his actions. The words that Thor said on the balcony during the battle of New York and how he was doing every thing he can to talk him out of it and how they can fix it together. What if he taken Thor's offer and help stop the invasion and... do something...

Was he really a monster who Asgardian children fear at night? Did he cause more harm than anticipated? What if there are still people out there that is suffering because of him? Could there ever be a way to make everything he did right? Would it have been worse if he succeeded and if some of the Frost Giants survive and most of them are children or if there are any innocent frost giants that might want nothing more than a peaceful life? What would have happened to them? What did Darcy first think when she first met him? Sure she was defensive but did she think of him as a monster? Was she even afraid of him? Is he only capable of destruction? Who is he meant to be a hero or a villain? Loki is having all of these questions going around his head and the worst part is that he doesn't even know if he have an answer.

Loki felt like if someone froze him in time and no one is going to let him out of the loop, all he can do is stare until a ton of Ultrons is surrounding both Loki and the young boy and it looks like they are about to make their attack on him. Once Loki notices that they are about to make their moves, he knew that as an Asgardian/Frost giant, his body and armor under the Mysto costume is strong enough to defend both of them whatever blast that the Ultrons can blow at them. He quickly pushed the stone away from the child and try to keep him close, before he realize that it might not be necessary and Loki can not believe his eyes...

It was Vision and he is blasting all of the Ultrons trying to save them...

Vision is doing everything he can to defeat all of the Ultrons and is using the Infinity stone implanted on his forehead. He wasn't using it to help Ultron, he was using it to help them win. He is doing everything that he can to help defeat the robots and try to do everything he can to save everyone, even if it meant that he would be at risked of getting destroyed by Ultron in battle. Normally Loki would be annoyed at things trying to save him or see him as a weakling, but under these circumstances he can overlook it and besides he is more surprise to see Vision trying to save both of them to even make a comment. The seconds starts to feel like if they are going in a lightning speed that even Thor's hammer couldn't beat the speed. Once Vision is done, he turned to both of them and Loki just stares at Vision absolutely speechless and now part of him is regretting that he misjudged the android.

"You tried to save us..." said Loki not even knowing what to say and not even trying to put up a mask over the shock that he is still feeling.

"Of course, I now have made it my mission to help save as many innocents from Ultron's wrath." said Vision. "Like how you are doing everything in your power to save the world from whatever more destruction that Ultron may have planned."

"Well.. thank you..." said Loki not even knowing if he should be feeling happy or relieved or conflicted because now he can't just grab the Infinity stone from Vision without hurting him. Not too mention, he would be literally be playing with fire if he just pull out the mind stone out of Vision and who knows- He'll have to worry about this later because right now they are in the middle of the battle field trying to save the planet.

"If you want I can assist you by escorting the child to one of the evacuation ships." offered Vision.

Loki who is still in shock is about to hand the boy over before he feels like if something is tugging his hand and he quickly looks down and saw that the boy is holding his hand and having a tight grip on it. For some reason, Loki felt touched by the scene right in front of him but knew that it can't last. So he gently patted the boy's hand and start to push it away from his grasp. Along with giving a nod for him to trust Vision because for some strange reason, he is starting to trust him. Once he knows that the child is safely secured in Vision's arms and Loki watched Vision fly away and knowing that things have become a lot harder when it comes to obtaininng the Infinity stone. But deep down, he knows that he'll figure out the answer somehow...

48 minutes later

The heroes and Loki are now in some kind of gazeebo-like building where all of them regrouped and to fight off any of the Ultron robots that are ready to attack and there's a lot ready to fight and save the world from whatever more destruction Ultron has in store. They have been fighting vigorusly in the past hours and seemed to have evaculated everyone out of Sokovia. Unfortunately, due to all of the Ultron's bots, Vision's mind stone, Hulk's rampages and many more complications, it destroyed every single Hellicarrier in the area to the point that they are stranded. Fortunately War Machine got transportation for them after they put all of the people to safety right now, they have to fight off the last of the Ultrons and end this once and for all.

Loki believes that he can speak for all of them when he says that he had just about enough of these robots and would be happy to have never see them again for the rest of his life. He just had about enough of this wild stone chase and Ultron bot battles to last a life time and he just can't continue on like this and is just about ready to find one of the secret portals and get out of there.

Then again it would lead to questions about where on Midguard Mysto disappeared to? He better not do anything that would screams 'Loki' to Thor's mind and then he'll be in jeopardy of possibly being exposed. But that's the least of his concerns because of the mere fact that he needs to figure out how to deal with the Infinity stone problem and Vision having the stone, it just made the whole mission more complicated than it needs to be. Maybe he'll just talk to Vision explain the dire need he is in to get the stone because after helping him and the child earlier taking the stone is the last thing he wants to resort to if he have to take the stone by force.

But first he needs to find some time to talk to Vision alone, maybe after this fight and once they are taken off this land and return back to Avengers tower then maybe he will be able to convince him to take the stone after he finds a spell to keep Vision alive without the Infinity stone. All he has to do is continue to fight off the Ultron bots that are fortunatly decresing by the minuete...

"Is that the best you can do!?" shouted Thor, Loki knew that deep down that whenever Thor usually act like this in battle... it means trouble is about to come...

Soon it turns out that he is right because the decreasing number multiplied and a ton of Ultrons were racing to fight the Avengers and to make sure that they fight them off. Both Black Widow and Iron man gave a big annoyed sigh and stared at Thor. The others were absolutly speechless at the mere sight of all of the Ultrons ready to make their next attack. It is even starting to feel like if they didn't even fight back at all, that Ultron had a secret army ready to pull out when it was absolutely necessary and that he is ready to play them all when they least expected it. It looks like that it is going to take him longer to talk to Vision, let alone deal with the Infinity stone problem...

"Seriously?" said Loki. Without even bothering to stop himself to avoid any of his usual attitude from peaking out because this time, Thor got on his nerves more than being Odin's favorite did and now has just made this difficult mission feel more... difficult.

"You had to ask..." said Captain America in the same level of annoyance as Loki.

With Thor giving the entire team an apologetic smile and threw his hammer to begin the fight with the now ever growing Ultron army. The next thing, all of them knew is that they are fighting even harder to destroy the Ultrons and it is now an intense battle that no one knows who will win and that the only good thing about this is that at least all of the Ultrons are now coming to them and they don't have to go on to find every single one of them.

Loki knew that he must make a solum vow right there and then, to never criticize or underestimate Midguardian technology ever again and to apologize to Darcy about anytime he either criticize, boast about Asgard or underestimate any human technology because after this... he really needs to reevaluate everything about Midguard. Though if this happend during his first trip to Earth, he doesn't know if he would be impressed that a human is capable of making an army of machinery that potentially take over and nearly destroy all of humanity then he wouldn't know if he would be impressed or embaressed at the fact that he underestimated them.

The Ultrons are getting stronger and stronger by the minuete and Loki doesn't know how they can possibly defeat them, he is even tempted to ask how many Ultrons did Iron man/ Tony Stark possibly created? Part of him does not want to know. It would have continued on that way as if they were fighting an never ending war that they would give anything to put a stop. But the good news is at least they are making progress of defeating these robots and there were less than how the resurgence looked when they have to deal with thousands of more Ultrons. Maybe they can win this after all...

"I believe that I might have an idea on where Ultron may be hiding." said Vision as the stone continues to blast on the Ultrons.

"How could you possibly have an idea where Ultron would be hiding and be willing to go with that idea?" asked Wanda amazed at the robot and doesn't know if she should even be questioning a robot's ability, though she is happy to admire Vision and all of the skills that he may have in store beyond whatever she just saw.

"I can locate Ultron by using the connection that he created when he was building me." explained Vision. "If I hurry, I might be able to destroy him quicker than we were initially hoping."

Captain America and Iron man gave a quick glance at each other, not knowing what would be the best course of action. If they let Vision go then he would find Ultron and destroy him and any other program that would some how bring the evil robot back. But they might need him here and he can be a help when it comes to destroying more Ultrons from over crowding them and to see if Vision is really on their side. But the best course of action should be trying to find a way to end this before it gets further out of hand. That can potentially reach to a universal scale, maybe it might be a good idea to let Vision go and find Ultron before things get any further out of hand.

"I would like to propose that I can go with Vision to give him any assistance if it may be needed." said Loki. "That way I can provide any assistance or protection that the droid may require."

It led to an even deeper silence between the team and it was more suspenseful than any Ultron that would be ready to attack. Loki knew that this would be the moment where things make an impactful turn on the chase for all of the Infinity stones. It was the moment that he was waiting for and the moment where he can talk to Vision and find a way how to get the next Infinity stone. Since right now he has to figure out a way on how to explain to Vision on the importance of that stone and maybe even...

What was he thinking?! There is no way that would ever happen right? The idea of leaving the stone with Vision? If Odin had sent him to retrieve it and heard him proposing this idea, he'd be laughed out of the room. But maybe if Vision really does have a mind of his own, then he'll be able to protect the stone better and would put up a fight in case Thanos comes after him and he or Darcy can't get there in time. At the same time, he does not know how safe would the stone be if he lets a machine fly around with it and not knowing if he would run amok with it. Loki knows how powerful the stone is and the last thing he wants is to make a decision that he is going to regret later. Especially if it means that he will have to fight an evil Vision or an army of mind controlled people that Darcy would be dictating on how to fight them off without hurting them. Before he can think any more of what he is planning to do with the stone...

"I think that would work, but you two are going to need a distraction." said Captain America. "We'll attract as many Ultrons as we can over here and fight them off, you two go find Ultron."

With that Vision begins to fly and Loki starts to follow him, the Avengers begins to fight the Ultrons and to give them everything they got. While the Maxioff twins are using their powers to grab as many Ultrons to the battlefield and destroy them. They were doing a good job of trying to get attention of the Ultrons because more of them were headed their way. It looks like they are going to need to hurry up and find Ultron before anything else happens...

Thirty Minutes later

The two of them are doing everything that they can to get to Ultron, all of these other robots that are trying to protect Ultron is not helping matters. Loki has been trying hard to fight off all of them, but so far there has been a ton of Ultrons trying to stop them from reaching Ultron. He still can not believe that a piece of midguardian technology would be able to put up that much of a fight. Part of him is grateful that Vision is there because at least the droid is putting the mind stone to good use and destroying all of them. Part of Loki wishes that he can just create an illusion to distract the Ultrons and to just sneak up and find Ultron and destroy him right then and there. But there is no way he can do that without exposing himself to Vision and he's more worried about if Vision decides to tell stories of this battle and they find something off about Mysto.

"This Ultron clearly doing an annoyingly good job for putting up a fight huh?" said Loki trying his hardest to come up with a conversation and sounding more Midguardian as possible.

"He will be stopped." said Vision briefly. Then raced over to use the power of the mind stone to blast more of the Ultrons.

"That stone implanted on your forehead is really powerful, you have to be very careful on how you use it." said Loki trying hard to sound like Darcy. "In the wrong hands, it would be extremely dangerous you know that right?"

"I have gotten some idea that my power is hazardous and I need to use it responsibly." said Vision. "It is also a key that helps give me life and one that I need to protect no matter what."

"What?" said Loki not even bothering to keep up with his attempts of talking like a human. "You can't live without it?"

"Yes, if the stone is removed then I will die and no matter how hard anyone may try to repair me, I will not be able to come back." said Vision. "May I ask why are you so interested in the mind stone?"

"Maybe it's because... I am interested in Mechanics." said Loki nervously.

Before Vision can say anything, more Ultrons came flying in and have the two of them surrounded. It looks like if they have them surrounded and they are ready to attack, they are ready to fight and make sure that neither Loki or Vision reaches Ultron. Loki doesn't know what might be the best plan for them to get to Ultron and to protect the mind stone and Vision. He really does not want to know if Ultron and his army are capable of removing the Infinity stone or worse destroying it. How would he explain what happend to Vision and the stone to the Avengers and Darcy? The last thing he wants or need is to have a dead Vision lieing around and a destroyed Infinity stone. The only good thing that would bring is Thanos loosing.

Ok maybe it wouldn't be that bad, but it might not happen and it's better to think at the present because if they don't do something hundreads of Ultrons will take advantage of the situation and might win. Loki is now trying as hard as he can possibly can to figure out the best plan to beat all of them or at least escape to wherever Ultron may be. There has to be a way to do it without illusions, maybe there's another spell that would be used that can guarantee an successful escape for both of them. Though thinking up of a plan at the moment is not really nescicarry...

"Go to the forrest, that's where Ultron is located." said Vision. "I'll deal with them, go now while you still can."

"What? I can't just leave you- why can't you go on ahead and deal with Ultron?" said Loki surprised yet again with the droid. "I can stay here and deal with these-"

"No, I can fly and use the stone to defeat them and many more." said Vision. "You are more vulnerable here and can go on ahead to find Ultron and defeat him before he continues his path of destruction."

"But-" begins Loki.

"You know as well as I do that this might be the right thing to do." said Vision. "He'll never expect you to go after him because he doesn't know you and he'll think that either I, the twins or the ones with the metal suit and hammer will go after him. Go before they find Ultron to warn him and he escapes."

Loki is about to argue, before he realizes that Vision is right and they need to move now. He can't believe that he's even thinking that he might be Midgaurd's only hope because if he doesn't hurry than Ultron will escape and might continue his plans elsewhere. Though he doesn't like the idea of leaving Vision alone with the Infinity stone fighting an army of robots. But it has to be this way, it also is comforting for some reason the idea that Vision might be able to take care of all of these Ultrons and win is more than surprising. He then realized that Vision is good and now feeling foolish that he didn't realize it earlier, Vision was able to hold Thor's hammer and it has the worthiness spell on it. Only ones that are truly worthy can lift it and Vision was able to lift it in a heartbeat, there is good in him and now he knows that Vision is trustworthy and that there is nothing but good in his programming. How could he have not seen it sooner?

"Well then I will wish you luck." said Loki reluctantly.

Vision gave Loki a nod and with that Loki starts to run towards wherever Ultron may be in the forest. He may not have an idea on how he is going to find Ultron, but he might as well try to find him. He's confident that he can handle the task, he was just fighting all of those robots and now has some experience when it comes to destroying them. He just hopes that Ultron will be as easy to defeat as his companions, though it would be easier if an army of them wasn't chasing after him while the others are busy dealing with Vision. Loki quickly went into an ally and create an illusion of himself and make sure that they all see the illusion.

The next thing they all knew is that the Ultrons are too focused on attacking the illusion that they didn't even notice that the real Loki is walking calmly away. Once he notices that the coast is clear, Loki begins to run towards the forrest and ready to put a stop to this Ultron and his plans. He also is wondering if this is how he is like when he took over Earth and if he caused this much destruction. Sure it was nothing compared to what Odin must have done in his life time, but still it is clear that he must have done that much damage and impacted others the same way Ultron has? Was the fairy tales and maybe his fa- Odin during the trial right? Was he truely a monster?

Chapter Text

Loki managed to find his way in the woods and was ready to fight whatever may be standing in his way. Ultron can be anywhere in the forrest and he might be planning his next attack on anyone that is close by and later on the world. But knowing that is not going to stop Loki in finding Ultron and putting an end to his evil plans, he may not have officially met the robot and that fact alone doesn't stop him from despising him. He can hardly wait to find Ultron and destroy him before he can destroy anything else. Loki can't help but wonder how Vision is doing and if he was able to fight off all of the other Ultrons or if he is still fighting them off right now. Part of him hopes that he knows the answer, but at the same time leaving Vision was what needed to be done and if he stayed then he would have still been there fighting off an never ending amount of Ultrons. The worst thing that would have happened is that Ultron would have had more than enough time to escape from the land and continue on his rampage to destroy all of humanity.

Loki is more than determined to make sure that Ultron is defeated with no chance of ever coming back, then he can try to solve whatever identity crisis that may be going through his head about whether or not he's as bad as Ultron if not worse. The woods seem to be getting more and more deeper as Loki continues to go through the woods, there is no telling what would be lurking about and that is ready to make an attack. That can happen at any moment, Loki is ready for whatever Ultron is ready to throw at him. But what he is about to see is anything but ready to see what is up ahead...

As Loki continues to walk through the forrest and to see if there was any sign of Ultron, Loki notices on the ground that there seem to be a few metal unknown pieces. He may not know much about human mechanics but he does know that there can only be one source that these pieces may be from Ultron an that is a good enough lead. He starts to follow the trail of metal pieces and as he continues on the trail of now robotic debris, when the trail finally stops. Loki can not believe his eyes...

"Well one of the heroes that came to finish me off, I was hoping that I would be strong enough to fight back in whatever battle I would have to fight for my survival." said Ultron in a defeated tone.

Ultron is moving slowly towards Loki and his new outlook is anything but impressive, the robot looks completely destroyed and is pathetic compared to the other robots that he has been fighting. He was expecting something more extragelvant, a robot that would be towering over him and would put up an even more of a fight than any of the Ultrons that he fought in the past and would have an outstanding power beyond any of the Midgaurdian technology that he has seen before. But an almost destroyed Ultron that any child would be able to defeat with little to no practice after someone tells them how to of course. Loki can not help but feel really disapointed at the sight right in front of him, anyone would think that this is a bad joke. One that no one would have a horrible sense of humor to even consider it funny. Loki stared at Ultron with annoyance and really wants to give him a piece of his mind and make sure that he would not tolerate with wasting any more time with the poor excuse of a machine.

"You are more disapointing and weaker than I imagined." said Loki. Not even bothering to hide his disdain towards Ultron because he can't believe some one as pathetic as Ultron would nearly destroy all of humanity and gave both him and Darcy a headache on trying to figure out how to reobtain the Infinity stone.

"I used to be stronger than what you are now seeing." said Ultron. "If it wasn't for Wanda then I might be able to put up more of a fight and believe me it would have been a loosing battle for you."

"I doubt that." said Loki. "If you were any good in combat, you wouldn't be hiding in a forrest after someone who is inexperienced with her powers destroyed you with a flick of her hand."

"So are you here to destroy me?" demanded Ultron. "If I wanted to hear a lecture coming from someone who has the same level of inteligence as Stark."

"Well you would be happy to know that I am nothing compared to him." said Loki trying hard to remain civil towards Ultron, but in all honesty, he can hardly wait for this conversation to be over. "You have done more than enough trouble for everyone on Earth and you are going to pay for what you have done. But first there is one question that I need to ask and you need to give an honest answer because everyone has a right to know."

"What is this question?" sneered Ultron.

"Why did you decide to do all of this? What purpose did you have for causing this chaos?" demanded Loki. "Were you trying to be a monster?"

These questions were going around Loki's head as he was continues through this final fight against Ultron and to finally end the mayhem. Though he thought that he would never be able to ask anyone these questions out loud to anyone, let alone a mad robot with the desire to destroy all life for 'peace'. Now that Ultron is here and he has the opportunity to ask these questions, he is not going to miss the opportunity to get the answers to these questions. But instead of getting these answers, Ultron just started to laugh and it was a laugh that only annoyed Loki even more. Here he had Ultron at his mercy and he's laughing at him. If Ultron met Loki before all of this started then the joke would have definitely be on him because he would have personally made sure that Ultron would pay for his disrespect. Now that he's a different outlook and view of life, he is willing to be more open to listening to what he has to say no matter how irritating Ultron may seem to be.

"You humans are so predictable, I am still surprised that you all managed to get this far without any insistence." sneered Ultron. "Humans are the real evil and the only way to defeat them is by destroying all of them. I was programed to protect the planet and the only way to do so is to destroy all of humanity and let it start anew. Then I will be a hero to the world and beyond because I would free them from all of these puppets."

Loki just stared at the robot as if he just heard the most ridiculous thing in his life, in all honesty he just did. If Darcy told him that one of her comic book villains would have that mindset and he would have a chance encounter with some one or rather something like that then he would have believed she lost her mind. He can not believe how delusional Ultron is and the insanity of his logic, even Thanos can come up with a better excuse to go on a rampage than this. Loki may now have an idea on how much damage he must have done during his attack, but he mostly wanted to rule the humans and to prove to his father that he could be a worthy son as good as Thor if not better. He never wanted to whip out Midgaurd-

Loki then realized that he almost did the same thing to his home world, Jontunnhiem and nearly did the same thing to all of the Frost giants. Just to prove the same point and being upset for being lied to for all of these years. The Frost giants and Laufey may have done a lot of horrible things, but so did the Asgardians and he doesn't see them trying to come up with a plan on destroying all of Asgard and everything with it.

Maybe he was no different then Ultron and that his plans would have hurt others more than he thought. If he was really a monster than why is he starting to feel really guilty about the past beyond Thor? He can hardley wait until Ultron is destroyed and he can just return to being just Loki, only trying to save the world to stay in Darcy's apartment until he figures out his next move and to see where he can go next after he's done being Mysto. Ultron is going to regret what he has done even if it means that he has to tear him apart slowly piece by piece, he doesn't know why Ultron just rub him off the wrong way.

"You do realize that not everyone in this planet is completely human right?" said Loki. "That is one of the most rediculous things that I have ever heard in my entire life and I can't believe that- What were you planning to do with the robot that you were creating?"

"I was planning to create a better version of myself and give that former masterpiece a chance to get the job done and be the 'hero' that will bring Earth to everlasting peace." said Ultron with disapointment.

"You were never going to let Vision have a choice? You decided his future before he even had a chance to make his own choices?" said Loki with a mix of disbelief and disgust in his voice. "He would have been a prisoner in your plans before the Avengers came along and Stark and Banner did their own programming on him. You wanted to give him a life that he never wanted or ask for?"

"I was offering a life of unlimited power where only a fool would reject an offer like that." said Ultron. "One would think that someone who has power would understand how challenging it is to maintain it under control and how hard it is to make the right choice."

Loki can't help but grow even more annoyed at Ultron, he really wishes that he wasn't alone at the moment because right now he needs really good advise on how to deal with Ultron. He can't believe that he managed to remain civil towards Ultron and didn't even try anything, he is even starting to think that Darcy's influence is starting to take over his overall mindset. But there is one thing that Loki knows that he can't destroy Ultron not yet, until Vision comes by and deal with Ultron himself.

Ultron is determined a future for Vision and was about to make choices for Vision that garuntees that he wouldn't have the freedom to choose. He knows how much it hurts to not have the freedom to make ones' own choices to live whatever life they want or to have someone make their choices for them. He is not going to rob Vision of a confrontation with Ultron and would wait as long as he needs to for Vision to have the honor of deciding what to do with the monster that created him. He just hopes that the decision would be destroying Ultron before he somehow repairs himself and find other clever ways to continue his idiotic and insane plans for Midguard or worse later on the Universe.

Fortunately, it is not that much of wait and Vision soon appears, Loki figured that it might be best if he looks like if he has been fighting Ultron this entire time and that he's exhausted. That way no would question him why he was spending valuable time chatting with an out of control and evil manic machine. In fact if anyone ever finds out that happened he would be ready to die of embarrassment. Since trying to figure out how the Avengers manage to put up with him and let alone let Tony Stark/Ironman believe that creating Ultron would be a wonderful idea.

If he thinks that is bad then he does not want to know what it was like for the twins, they actually worked for Ultron before they came to him and Darcy for help. It must have been a nightmare and Loki is now even already starting feel sympathy for them, he should know better than anyone what it is like to work for someone that does not care about anything but completing their evil plans and they are willing to take extreme mesures to complete their goals. Vision went over to the both of them, Loki knew that he has to say something now before he will owe an explanation to everyone involved in stopping Ultron.

"I found him right here and let say he put up a fight, I think it safe to say that I won the battle." said Loki. "I feel like that it might be best if you decide what should be the best course of action and you didn't have a chance to speak with this machinery. You should have a chance to have a word to speak with him if you chooses to."

"You honestly going to give him a chance to speak to me?" said Ultron laughing viscously. "He is already a disappointment, the moment I saw him fight with that team. I made him to be the last and later on a potentially powerful body for my programming to transfer into. You were made for me to carry on and later make me the most invincible being on Earth."

"While you were made to help protect the humans, I guess we were both disappointments." said Vision. Loki really want to tell Vision that he's not a disappointment for everyone else because he actually made his own choices that helped the world stop Ultron, but he feels like he can't say that. Vision should be the one that should have the honor of dealing with Ultron and he should be the one that ends this once and for all.

"You're afraid aren't you?" said Vision. "Of dying aren't you?"

"You are undeniably unbearably naive." said Ultron trying to maintain a firm appearance as it becomes evidentally clear to both Loki and Vision that he is denying the truth.

"Well I was born yesterday and it's too bad that you don't see humans as complex individuals that has every right to live." said Vision. "Since Mysto was the one who took you down and he should have the honor to at least hold you in place. So you won't try to escape."

Loki at first looked surprised and then realize that Ultron was backing away from both Vision and himself. So he grabbed his daggers and threw them at the robot and it caught him on a tree. As Ultron is so focused on trying to get the daggers out so that way he can make his escape, Vision used the mind stone to destroy Ultron once and for all. Once Vision is done the only thing that was left of Ultron was burnt metal, Loki slowly went up to the tree and begins to pull out his daggers of the tree and what was left of Ultron's arms. After a quick pull of both of them, Loki turns to Vision and does not know what to say to him. There is now one question that is going on his mind and it is one that he believes that he will never have an answer; will he always be surprise at whatever Vision says or does?

"Well that was definitely fast and unexpected, are you always going to be civil towards the ones that try to do you harm before you use the powers of the stone to defeat who ever you may be up against?" said Loki. "I have to say that I am astonished on your methods of action and I can see why you are worthy of lifting the hammer."

"Is that a bad thing that only I and the one with the long blond hair are the only ones that can lift the magic hammer?" asked Vision. Loki realize that he should clarify what that means before he accidentally ruins the droid's self esteem.

"It is a good thing because it is really rare for anyone to have the power to lift that hammer, it means that you have a good heart or rather mind." explained Loki. "If one have the ability to lift that hammer than they should consider themselves privilliged because the ability to hold that hammer is rare."

"If you say so, we should return to the others and inform them of this new development." said Vision and with that he begins to fly over with Loki slowly following him.

Loki can say one thing that will one of the most honest things in his life, that this is one of the most confusing and surprising missions that he ever had to do in his life. At least he now knows that the Infinity stone is in good hands and he won't have to worry about another robot rampage any time soon. He can't wait to get back to the tower and tell Darcy of all of these developmennts but then again it might attract Darcy's attention in the wrong way. It might later find him talking about all of the glories of being a superhero and the battles. But that is not one of his top priorities and he really wants to know if he might possibly be worse than Ultron. Why is he worrying so much about what Darcy thought and may think of him after the whole 'Loki trying to take over the planet' incident. He needs to know if he's just as bad as Ultron and to see if he is really the monster that everyone fears him to be. This is definitly going to be a long trip back and he just hopes that Darcy would not care about the battle that just occurred.

Two Hours Later

"Tell me everything!" said Darcy excitedly to Loki.

Loki is surprised to see how much interest someone would be so excited to hear about a current event as Darcy is right now. He just came back after a tiring battle against Ultron and the first thing Darcy did was got him to follow her to the room that they were in to ask him to tell her everything that happened on the battle field. That is the last thing he wants to do because he is exhausted, after a long flight back where the Avengers were too busy happy and celebrating their win that he had no choice but to join in was exhausting.

So that way he can avoid any questions and play along with them, he does not know if he genially enjoyed himself or is annoyed by the Avengers. He's really surprise that Odin didn't declare Midgaurd as a bad influence and tried to figure out ways to stop Thor from coming back, but that would be too extreme. Loki stares at Darcy as he gives a sigh and knew that he might as well get this over with. The last thing he wants is for Darcy to keep asking him for details every five minutes, he might as well start telling her or else it is going to be a long trip back.

"You do realize that they probably filmed some of the fight against Ultron and put it on the television sets that always reports the current events and news correct?" said Loki. "Besides you can safely assume that we won if all of the others are too busy celebrating that only a fool wouldn't figure it out."

"Well that fool would need to be living under a rock for the past couple of years and would need to get their everything especially brains check." said Darcy. "Now come on tell me more about the battle and what you did to help defeat Ultron."

"All I did was fight off hundreds of robots and help Vision take Ultron down by helping locate Ultron. Though to be honest Vision located all on his own, I was sent as reinforcements." said Loki. "After Vision decides to focus on taking down the robots that were trying to surround us, we reunited again to confront Ultron and destroyed him.

"Ok, where were you while Vision is busy trying to take down an army?" asked Darcy.

"I was talking to Ultron, trying to gain a better understanding on why he was doing all of this." explained Loki. "I am not sure if I am a fan of the responnse that I have gotten."

"Well why did Ultron want to take over the world with his army of evil robots, aside from trying to eliminate all of the humans?" asked Darcy. "I mean if there was anyone who might be able to understand, it's you right? I mean you tried to take over the world and practically cause about the same if not more damage than Ultron did, you probabley could fully understannd what Ultron must be thinking and feeling. Do you think robots can feel the same way as we do?"

Loki didn't answer because those words alone are not helping his thoughts about how he must have acted back when he was evil and if he really was as bad as Ultron. If that was the case then he does not know what to think and how to feel about his actions and now realizing that he also played a huge role in his downfall. Odin may have kept his adoption and true heritage a secret and may have treated Thor better than Odin ever treated him. But he didn't make Loki do all of his actions, he still chose to do it and for what?

To prove that he's a worthy son and if he caused this much trouble for everyone then he just proved all of the stories about how Frost giants are monsters. He had better reasons then those fictional characters in those stories right? Loki now is doing some good in trying to obtain the Infinity stones before Thanos does right? If anything he's proving that he's nothing like Ultron or Thanos, they would never take the time to have second thoughts and then later do something that anyone would consider madness in order to make things right. But then again, he was initially doing this to try to remain on Darcy's good side and not be at risk on sleeping on a park bench for the rest of his life or time on Midguard depending if he is ever discovered by anyone else on this planet. Who is he now anyway? Has he really changed or is he just an errand boy that is trying to make sure that he doesn't end up on the streets of Midguard?

"It was nothing but nonsense, you probably would grow tired of me trying to explain it to you." said Loki trying his best to end the conversation before it can even continue. "But enough about Ultron and the battle, tell me about your time waiting for us to return, did you do something exciting during that time aside from checking for any updates?"

"Uh... no..." said Darcy. "Is everything alright Loki? You seem to be disturbed about something, well a lot more than usual. Is there something bothering you?"

"There is nothing wrong, I am just tired from fighting an Ultron army that's all." snapped Loki. "Is there something wrong about being tired from fighting off that many robots?"

"Well no, but you seem to be really upset about something and that's bothering you." said Darcy. "I mean it might help if you talk about it and-"

"I do not as you humans would say 'open up my heart and share my feelings.' I honestly do not know how you and everyone else can share sentiment to one another this much and stay sane." said Loki annoyed. "I probabley would loose my mind if I went around talking about them."

"Wouldn't you also loose your mind if you keep them all in? It sometimes helps to talk about them to others, here's an idea why not we try to start small and make this fun?" said Darcy. "How about we make it a game, I share how I am feeling first and then you and we respond to each other by giving both of us emotional support? I'll start things off, ok I'm happy that you and the others defeated Ultron and now I really want to help you out on what ever is troubling your mind. Now it's your turn, try to tell me how your feeling and give me some emotional support as honest as possible."

"Here's how I am feeling right now... I am now annoyed of this conversation and now leaving the room to make sure that it ends sooner rather than later." said Loki annoyed and irritated.

With that he begins to leave the room to join the others and avoid this conversation any further, there is no way he is ever going to talk to Darcy about his thoughts about his actions. It would be too sentimental and undignifying, if that were too happen then he is going to need the mind stone to figure out a way to erase Darcy's memories somehow. He can't just sit down and tell her, then he might as well go back to the Dark World and live there. The thought of talking his feelings to anyone is making him feel a mixture of perturbed, irritation and annoyance. He might as well go on ahead and see what is new with the Avengers, Wanda, Pietro and Vision because if there is any development of any kind then they will need to know. Loki just hopes that it will be good news.

In the Living room of Avengers Tower

Loki is sitting on the couch right next to Thor just because he feels more comfortable sitting next to the person that he would never want to find out his secret than sitting next to someone who can turn into a giant green monster or an spy that can manipulate anyone to reveal their biggest secrets to everyone in the room. Most of them are wearing more casual human clothes with the exception of Thor, Natasha, Clint and Steve who are still wearing their superhero outfits and Loki obviously kept his on. Vision is getting comfortable trying to figure out how to sit with a cape and both the Maxioff twins are still wearing the outfits that they wore from battle. Tony and Bruce are wearing their normal everyday cloathes when they are not their respective superheroes. It seems to be a tense moment, any moment something to go wrong and a major event that can happen where it can change the course of their overall mission.

But what is about to happen is something that no one is going to expect and one that Loki wishes that would never happen. When it seems to be an completely normal evening that he does not have to worry about Thanos or any other superhero related ideas or situations that would result in him running out of the room to stop a bank robbery or something. Loki just gives a huge sigh of relief that so far it is not the case and he has to focus on trying to maintain the illusion. Darcy soon joined them and once she sits next to Loki, she can't help but give him a really excited smile that causes Loki to roll his eyes. Only Darcy would be excited about the little things in life such as spending time with the Avengers and that alone is impossibly irritating but at the same time admirable for some reason. A reason that Loki can't explain and does not know how...

"Ok let's just say, that was not one of the best pieces of technology that I have ever created." said Tony. "But don't get me wrong if we put the idea down on paper, it would sound like it was an awesome idea."

"But it wasn't." said Natasha. "You do realize things could have ended a lot worser than it did right?"

"Let's not turn this into an arguement and focus on why we are all here now ok?" said Steve. "To all of you that decided to help us in the fight against Ultron, I would like to personally thank you and would like to offer you all a place on the Avengers."

That caught Loki, Darcy, Wanda, Pietro and Vision by surprise, they were all clearly not expecting something like this to happen. Loki now starting to feel like if someone grabbed a hold of the planet and flipped it upside down, now he's getting an invitation to join the Avengers? If Darcy told him that she's planning to drop her entire life in Midgard and move to where Surther lives and stay there. Then he would believe it more than the idea of him being an Avenger, but then again they are asking Mysto to be an Avenger if they knew the truth then they would arrest him right on the spot. Loki can already imagine the disapointment Thor would be feeling if that ever happens.

It won't happen, he is going to make sure of it and maybe someday... no Thor can never know that he's Mysto and it will only bring more trouble to him and everyone else. Now the question remains is what is going to happen when he eventually defeat Thanos and find the remaining stones, what is he going to do after that? Would he leave Darcy and Midgaurd to start a new life somewhere else? To another realm where he can be free from the life that he is now living and to be free from being Mysto, then that would be paradise.

But at the same time, deep down he doesn't want to leave Midgaurd and he can't believe that he is now considering staying on this planet. The reason why he is even considering in staying in the first place because for some reason he doesn't want to leave Darcy, he'll worry about all of this confusion later. Right now he knows exactly what to say when it comes to the offer of him becoming an Avenger and it's an answer that he will have to put his foot down before Darcy gives him any unnessicary arguments to accept the offer.

"I would be happy to continue to help out this team in anyway I can." said Vision. "I would like to help in anyway I can and try to make up for Ultron's actions."

"I guess we will also stay because we would like to make things right to all of you." said Wanda with Pietro nodding in the back and she turns to Vision. "Whatever things Ultron did, it was never your fault."

"He made it clear that I was meant to be his new body and if it weren't for all of you, I would have been destroyed as a different version of Ultron." said Vision. "I would try my best to-"

"Look none of that matters now because you are an Avenger now." said Steve. "How about you Mysto? Would you like to become an Avenger?"

Loki took a quick glance at Darcy and he knows from one look at her face that she would be ok with whatever decision that he makes right now. That is a good thing because he knows that aside from whatever reason that would be holding Loki back that has to do with secret identities and his previous visit to Earth. Doing this hero occupation as a full time job is not really his thing and he knows that deep down, he would never be happy going around and making Mysto his full time job. Especially after what he saw while he was helping to stop Ultron.

"I appreciate the offer but I can't join the Avengers." said Loki. "I don't feel ready for a larger commitment as joining the team just yet, I am more of a solo hero and my friend and I will be leaving soon."

"But you would be a good Avenger, are you sure this is what you want?" asked Thor. For some reason he doesn't want Mysto to leave and he doesn't know why, this feeling towards Mysto feels strangely familiar and he hasn't felt this way ever since Loki. There is no way that Loki and Mysto would ever share any similarites to one another, he needs to stop comparing the two or else he's going to go mad by comparing the two constantly.

"I know that it's an amazing opportunity to help save others, but right now I really want to explore my options when it comes to hero work." said Loki. "I can't do that if I am part of a team and I need to go on this journey on my own."

"Ok, but if you ever need anything, just ask us and we'll be ready to help." said Steve and he reach out his hand to try to give Loki a hand shake.

Loki just reach out his hand to do it, remembering some of the important social interactions etiquette that Darcy taught him during their spare time. He manages to succeed the first time that he tried it on someone else's hand. He can't believe that he manages to succeed in that because during the last practice, he almost broke Darcy's hand to the point that he had to pull out the heeling potion and give her a couple of drops for the pain that she is experiencing after that failed attempt as a precaution.

The best excuse they could have come up with during the heeling process on how Darcy could have broken her hand, if Thor or Jane ask is that she was arm wrestling with someone who is too strong that they took it too far and broke it during a bet or some accident when she was trying to assemble a piece of furniture or a bookshelf and some strange accident occurred. At least the potion worked and all of those practices paid off, then otherwise it would be a long night and they still disagree with how Mysto's origin story should go.

Once Loki let go of his hand, he decides that would be the moment to leave and did a quick gesture to Darcy for them to leave. But all Darcy did is roll her eyes and make it clear that they are staying here for a moment longer. Loki is more than ready to give an annoyed sigh, but he can't because right now he's suppose to be one of those overly benelovent heroes that only focuses on doing good all the time and doesn't have any other goal in life except to try to save the world. Looks like he is going to be hanging out with the Avengers a little longer than he expected and he might as well try to get to know them beyond the heroes that the media will portray the heroes standing right in front of them and he might as well try to get to know them as they are now beyond whatever cameras that may be following them in the future. He just hopes that Darcy doesn't make him regret this...

"So this is what you all do after you save the world from what ever villain that you may ever have to face?" asked Loki. "Just sitting around and talking like if you are the best of friends for centuries am I correct?"

"Well maybe it's because we are friends and plus if you just fought an army of robots than you would need a chance to relax a little bit before the world is in trouble and it's needs saving again." said Tony. "Though you have to wonder how long the world is going to be saved until the next big threat comes to Earth and try to destroy the whole universe?"

"Well let's hope that it doesn't happen anytime soon because we just saved it from my mistake and I do not want to become the other guy sooner than any of us expected." said Bruce. "I have done more than enough damage in the past couple of days."

'Well that's a relief,' thought Loki. 'The last thing I want is to be any where near him when he's big, green and wild.'

"You weren't that bad, at least you didn't cause any more damage than you did back at the battle of New York." said Natasha. "Have you forgotten what this tower looked like after we defeated Loki?"

"It was a mess, it took me forever for me to have the damages repaired and not too mention the huge bill I had to pay afterwards for the damages." said Tony with a groan. "I was not happy when the bill came in the mail and I saw that I have to pay at least one hundred thousands of dollars of property damage after the entire incident."

Loki just stared at Tony, not even bothering to hide his shock at how much damage he must have done during the mayhem. He may not know as much about humans and Midgard as everyone else in this room, a little more than Vision that's for sure. But even Loki knew that currency is important and having that amount when it comes to paying for damages or anything in general is anything but good.

Darcy did not know if she should be more angry or shock because from living with Loki for a while, it is sometimes hard what to say or think when it comes to whatever situation may come their way. But she also doesn't know if she should be happy that they didn't have to pay that kind of money or guilty that they didn't pay for it and try to make things right with Tony Stark and everyone in the city. Thor on the other hand, just put a hand on his face not even knowing how to react on how much his friend had to pay for damages because of Loki. He is even starting to feel embarassed for his brother and even if Loki would never feel ashamed towards his actions, well the person that Loki became after he is banished of course. He would have offered to help pay if he could but the only thing he can offer him is Asgardian money.

"Aren't you a billionaire?" pointed out Wanda. "You probabley had more than enough money to buy at least ten new skyscrapers and sell this one without worrying about paying that bill."

"I know that, but I just bought the tower back then and from that battle, it felt like I just paid for the tower and then all of the sudden I have to pay for it again." said Tony still annoyed remembering how he felt when he saw the large bill for repairs.

"I would like to apologies for my brother's actions." said Thor. "I wish you said something before we left, I would have thought of something that could have help you with the damages."

"It's fine, at least I could have used the time to try to remodel and to try to make the most of it." said Tony. "Though I wish it wasn't that soon or expensive."

"At least you managed to pay it off and kept most of the artitechure, it could have been worse." said Loki. "He could have destroyed more of the tower than he already did and I am sure he was angry at everyone at the time... that if he somehow ever finds out what you had to go through because of his little rampage on the planet."

"'little' is putting things off mildly, I was mind controlled by the guy." pointed out Clint. "It is a good thing I am retiring after this mission, not only to spend more time with my family but to also try to live a normal life and to keep them safe."

"We are definitely going to miss you on the team." said Steve. "If you ever need any of us for anything, don't hesitate in contacting the five of us." That resulted in the five remaining of the original Avengers nodding their heads in agreement.

"Thanks, I guess I should get going before my flight leaves." said Clint. He is about to leave the tower, before Tony stops him for a moment and it got him to stay for a moment longer.

"Before you go, you should see this clip that I managed to find through the cameras during that little incident and it might make you laugh." said Tony. "You all might like this and it is a little funny."

That caught all of their attention and they watched, Tony grab his phone and went through a quick search and adjusted the settings for the interconenctive settings between the phone and tv. Everyone can't help but watch Tony as the mystery of what would be in this video that Tony is about to show them. Loki is curious, he's surprise that there might be something that would be considered humorous? He is failing to see what could possibly be funny in the whole situation, maybe there was something funny that happened that he was not aware of or was even there. Soon he's going to regret finding out the answers to his question.

The next thing that Loki knew is that when the tv screen turned on and he is seeing himself yell at Hulk in a destroyed tower. Soon he is watching one of the most shameful moments of his entire life, before he could even finish his own monologue. Hulk was hitting on the ground so hard as if Loki is a doll of a character that everyone hates.

Loki can not believe that the cameras in tower caught the entire scene, if he knew then he would have destroyed all of the cameras before he started to try to take over the planet. Never before he has felt so humiliated until now and almost have half the mind to sneak back in here, when everyone is asleep and destroy every single version of that video. But he can't without fully exposing himself to the team because if he is caught trying to destroy it, then they would have some questions why he is that determined to destroy the video and would have to ask Wanda to do a mind trick on everyone else who doesn't know his secret and go through who knows many complications.

Almost everyone else in the room, is laughing at the video and it is obvious that they found it funny and agreed with Tony on it being the funniest thing that happened in the battle that brought the Avengers together for the first time. The Maximoff twins were about to start laughing before they saw Loki and stopped themselves from laughing at the video, one look at Loki and they knew that it might be best not laugh at him and still remembering him for his lecture about their motives. While Vision looks completely confused by the entire scenario happening before him and Bruce looks at the screen not knowing how to feel about the whole situation.

As for Thor, a part of him is happy to see Loki again even if it is a video and it is one of the lowest moments of his life. He can already imagine what Loki would say if he had to revisit this moment and knew that many people from Earth is laughing at him. He'd probabley would be so humiliated that he would come up with a clever trick and he would also probably try to find a way to defend himself and whatever is left of his reputation. Maybe he should ask Tony if he can have a copy of the video and not to show it to anyone else. That way he can have some form of memory of Loki and to try to protect whatever thing he has left of Loki and the only thing he can now think of whatever is left of Loki's reputation.

The next thing that everyone knew is that the electricity is starting to flicker on and off until all of the lights went off, everyone minus Darcy had no idea on what happened and they all turned to Wanda who is shaking her head quietly telling them that she had no part in the unexpected blackout. She is able to use her powers to create a little bit of light for all of them to see and Tony began to try to see what could have caused the surprise power outage. Loki can't help but feel proud of himself for that spell, at least he had the last laugh when it comes to these circumstances.

Part of him wishes that the cameras were rolling for this moment because this is one video he wouldn't mind watching it over and over again until his heart's content. It took only a couple of minutes and it is starting to feel an endless moment of time that feels like it never seems to pass. But eventually Tony is able to get the backup generator on and most of the lights were able to come back on and it is going to take most of the night if not weeks for the repairs to be made. Darcy is even starting to think that it might be best to keep Loki away from Avengers tower as much as possible because if he's not trashing the place, then he's creating problems that would possibly increase Tony Stark's electricity bill and make him pay for Loki's damages, again.

"Well I don't know what could have happened, but it looks like that there has been a short circuit or something." said Tony. "I honestly don't know what happened, it looks repairable but unfortunately it looks like something that it will take me all night to repair."

"I guess I can stay up and help you if you want." offered Bruce. "That way it will go faster then it would have if you do it on your own."

"Why can't you ask the guy with the magic hammer with lightning powers to try to fix it?" asked Pietro. "That way you can have the electricity that you may need to operate and maybe even have more than you may need."

"I wish that would work that way, but I can't use it without accidentally unleashing some kind of consequences that can increase the problem rather than decrease it." pointed out Thor. "If I use my hammer to try to bring electricity, I could accidentally set the building on fire and that would make the problem even worse."

"But it would have made my life easier." said Tony with a groan. Not even knowing where to start when it comes to starting to figure out how to start the repairs and what really happened that caused the power to go out.

Soon the next thing all of them knew is that everyone is so focused on the current situation, they didn't notice that Loki sneak out to the hall way. He is happy that he managed to get the last laugh for the entire incident, at least he will be able to leave the room with a smile on his face. But still he had to admit that at least the Avengers are less intolarable than he remembered. No longer Thor likes to spend time with them and he wouldn't mind teaming up with them again, he wouldn't mind an excuse to come over and make some more trouble again. He can't even make it past the hall way without Darcy following right behind him without sharing some comments of her own.

"Let me guess, you are the one that caused the power to go out right?" asked Darcy.

"I might have something to do with it." said Loki obviously having a proud smile on his face underneath his mask.

"Does it have something to do with the video?" asked Darcy."The one that Iron man showed about you and hulk?"

"Well it was not one of my proudest moments and he had no right to-" began Loki. Before he stopped himself after he noticed something about Darcy that got him annoyed and got him asking. "You honestly did not find that entire situation humorous do you?"

"What? There's no way I would ever find it funny." said Darcy. "I mean have you seen the way Hulk was grabbing you and later slamming you on the floor? I would never approve of someone being such a bully to someone even if that someone is trying to take over the planet. Hulk is such an angry jerk and bully right?"

"Then good, it was already humiliating enough that the whole team had to see one of the most embarrassing moments of my life." said Loki. "But seeing that you have a decent sense of humor and you see that it was anything but 'funny' to be tossed around by a giant green monstrosity. Believe me when I say that it was also painful and I am glad that I at least gave Stark a few technical difficulties to attend to."

"I thought that you are over the whole revenge thing and while we are on the topic of pain." said Darcy. "Do you think you want to talk now about what is bothering you, I mean you are in a better mood compared to how you were earlier."

"Nice try, but it's going to take more than me being happy to talk to you about any emotional sentimental feelings that I may have going on in my mind." said Loki. "But still I am happy that at least one person does not approve of that monstrosity form of human entertainment, I am always going to be grateful that as my housemate you at least did not succumb to the foolishness of any of the other humans may display such as the scene you just witness."

"Uh... thanks I think..." said Darcy. She's not sure if she should tell Loki that she does find it a little funny or should she continue to try to be there for him. Along with hoping that maybe he will tell her what's going on.

"With that being settled, now if you will excuse me I will make it an early night and go to bed early." said Loki. "Not only because we'll be heading back to your home in the morning earliest but I don't think I can stand around and watch the show without looking suspicious or being asked to help out. I will see you in the morning and then we'll figure out how to solve our current problems."

With that Loki begins to head towards the guest room that he has been staying at in the tower and can hardly wait for the night to be over. Darcy just watched her roommate walk away and can't help but giggle a little bit of the video that she just watched. The entire video of Loki being smashed by the Hulk and the moment that Hulk started to walk away and that little whimper is really funny if one thinks about it. Especially if someone is currently sharing an apartment with Loki and never saw him in this new light before, though Darcy is also hoping that for the sake of the world, Tony Stark better not post that video online. It's either that or everyone will be complaining to their electrician about an unexplained blackouts or some other problem that will cause people in finding someone to complain to and make angry phone calls about getting the problems fixed.

But other than that, she is now even more determined to try to figure out what is wrong with Loki and to get him to talk to her. There is something that is troubling on his mind and she is going to try to be there for her roommate. Even if it means that she finds a way to trap him somewhere that he won't be able to escape from and won't let him out until he tells her everything that is going on. What kind of friend would she be if she lets Loki go through whatever is bothering him alone?

Fortunatly after being Loki's roommate showed her his usual habits and Darcy already made a decision for at least for tonight. She is going to stay up all night and going to make sure that Loki is alright, she knows that it may be a crazy idea and Loki might lecture her on the importance of sleep, though she doesn't blame him. But she doesn't care as long as she makes sure that Loki is ok and he's at least happy to know that someone is on his side and he's not alone this time. She's going to be the one of the best friends that Loki has and going to make sure that he talks about whatever feelings that he may trying to hold in. Plus for some reason, she is now being a little more bothered that Loki is upset about whatever is bothering him and really wants to cheer him up somehow...

A Couple of Hours Later

Darcy continues to try to figure out how to keep herself awake and trying to figure out how to confront Loki about whatever is bothering him. She came up with the excuses of grabbing a drink of water and bathroom breaks so many times that the only excuse she came up with if anyone ask is drinking so much water that she needs to go to the bathroom a lot. But there is only two good things that it brought, one at least she now knows that Loki is still in his room and two she now knows whatever damage that Loki did to the electricity in the tower...

It must have been a lot if Tony, Bruce, Natasha and now Thor are still trying to figure out how to fix it, the surprising thing is that now Thor and Black Widow is helping out. They are the last superheroes that Darcy would have thought that would be helping to fix the electricity especailly after all of the explanations Thor gave why it's not a good idea to use his hammer to magically bring the electricity back and Black Widow doesn't seem the type who would dream of being an electrician. Loki definitely outdid himself on that trick...

On the topic of Loki, Darcy does not know how to even to get him to start talking and the only way she can think of is to get Loki angry enough to blurt out how he is feeling. But that is not going to help anyone and the last thing she needs is an angry Loki roaming around the apartment and she's worried that he might do something to whatever may come to his mind and she is going to be paying the price and that would be extremely expensive. That is the last thing she wants to deal with and having to pay for whatever damages that Loki manages to create. Judging from Tony's experience, she knows that she is going to go broke if Loki does something this extreme and it's one payment that she knows that she can be happy to live without.

Darcy decides to go and check on Loki again, but she is going to make sure that he is alright before they leave the tower. It's not like she's that worried about her roommate right? They are friends and that alone should be the reason why they would be concern over eachothers' well being and fight to be there for each other. She just needs to make sure that Loki is alright and talks to someone about whatever is bothering him. She knows that she is keep telling herself the same goal over and over again, but there is something about it that got her more intrigued of the idea of trying to cheer up and be there for Loki. It's even stronger than any desire she would have for anything else or surprisingly anything Ian related.

Maybe she can catch him in the act and just go into his room to see if he is depressed or something. That is the perfect plan, if Loki is really that upset then he would try to keep it a secret and would use all of his magic to make sure that no one sees him for both identity and vulnerability wise. Though Loki might not like the idea of her sneaking around his room and invading his privacy, she can already imagine an angry Loki ready to give her an arguement and they would probably attract unwanted attention. When she reaches Loki's room, she knew that this is the moment where she has to figure out how to approach Loki if she does this. Judging from how he reacted towards the video, she does not want to know what he would do in that situation.

Darcy opened the door slowly and carefully, she is not sure what is going to be hiding behind the door. So far it looks like a normal guest room without some magical security spell that is ready to catch anyone in the room without Loki's permission. But then again there could be an illusion in the room with Loki watching her in the shadows ready to make an attack, should she do something in case of anything. Maybe she can go back outside and find a park with a ton of pebbles and throw it around the room to try to find Loki? But that's probabley not going to work because not only she would have to pay the consequences of doing all of this things that is obviously going to upset Loki, wouldn't she also have to pay for whatever damages that she would make for throwing rocks at random things and potentially breaking something important.

Though there has to be another way of figuring if this is an illusion or not, the only other way Darcy can think of is move her hands around and see if she can touch something and see if she can feel something solid through the illusion. So far she haven't been having any luck if she is touching the furniture and whatever else that might be Loki related or an illusion that is ready to be exposed by a simple touch. So far she hasn't found anything or felt anything that would have to do with Loki or his magic. Maybe there wasn't an illusion or a security spell or something that would let Loki know her presence. Maybe Loki is just asleep and he doesn't want anyone to go through his room making sure that he's alright.

Why can't she have asked Thor for how he dealt with an upset Loki before everything happened, then maybe it will help her deal with something like this? But then again, she probably would have been asked why is she so interested in Loki and their past history of growing up. After all of this, she and Loki should just sit down and write a book on giving people tips if they ever have to live with something that is out of this world and keep it a secret from everyone. She doubts people would ever experience something like this, but no one can truly ever know. But back to trying to find Loki in this dark room, maybe he's in bed and part of her wonders what would happen if she tries to wake Loki up. Maybe he'll just be annoyed and ask for her to leave him alone and let him go back to sleep, though she wouldn't blame him.

When she touches what looked like Loki in the bed, she quickly touches it and realize that it's an illusion and knew that this is not a good sign. Darcy turns to look around her to try to see what might be a sign of Loki and if he might be angry for her even going into his room. This would definitly require Thor in trying to calm him down or give her tips on how to do so. She nervously try to see if Loki is somewhere in the shadows and about to make his move when it comes to their possible next argument.

Before she knew it, Loki is standing right behind her without his Mysto mask on with his arms crossed on his chest. If she wasn't Loki's friend then this would be the time to panic and run, but since she is, facing any form of disapointment and possibly any trust she may have broken while snooping around. She is definitely not looking forward to whatever conversation that is going to be following right about now.

"I never thought that you would be the type who would go into a random person's room and be that determined to learn about their secrets." said Loki. "Now if you don't mind, I would like to hear the explanation why you are snooping around because it is really clear that you have a lot of explaining to do..."

"I don't think I'm the one who should be doing the explaining." said Darcy annoyed. "I'm not the one who is trying to keep my feelings so deep in that it results in your roommate going through their room in the middle of the night. Now tell me what's going on or else... I am going to stay here all night and refuse to let any of us leave this room until you tell me."

Loki can't help but stare in shock to Darcy before realizing that he might have to think of something before they are like this for the rest of the night. There is no way he is going to tell Darcy about anything that is going on in his mind, he will not give in that easily. Loki is going to do everything in his power to make sure that Darcy never finds out about his current conflict. He is not going to open up to anyone and he is not going to let Darcy come up with a plan or let her in even if it means that he uses magic or lies to find a way out of it.

Meanwhile in the other side of Space

Nebula is on her way and about to meet Thanos, she can hardly wait until this meeting is over and she can figure out how to escape from this asteroid and plan her revenge. Ever since her defeat on Xandar and her eventual capture of Thanos, things have been more difficult then it was previously when she was on Thanos's side. Rather than being tortured everyday, she has now become Thanos's new favorite daughter or at least Thanos is trying to make her feel that she is a valuable member of his team. Deep down she knows that this is never going to last because of the fact that once Thanos finds Loki and obtain the rest of the Infinity stones, Thanos is going to betray her and try to find Gamora and somehow get her back. She has to put up her guard in case anything happens and it results in that, though she is curious what does Thanos want and why he wants to see her alone.

Could this be a trap or could it be that she finally live up to his expectations?

When Nebula finally arrives to Thanos's throne, she can not believe what she is seeing. Thanos is smiling at her and now this is something she should be concerned about and anyone would have the mindset to run from the mad titan. But this time, she is more intrigued and curious of what Thanos has to say to her and she does not know if this is going to be one of the rare conversations that Thanos will be happy to see her. Nebula knew that she is not going to find out if she just stands around and just stare at his smile. She needs answers and she needs them right now, in order to plan her revenge against Thanos, Nebula is going to need to know everything that is going on in order to win.

"You wanted to see me?" said Nebula. She immediately earn a proud smile from Thanos and Nebula does not remember the last time she saw him this happy.

"I have a mission for you, I will need you to go to Terra one of these days to warn the trickster." said Thanos. "When you arrive, I predict he will have all of the remaining stones. I forbid you to fight him or anyone else that may be helping him obtain stones, I want to hurt him in every possible way myself. You are there to make sure that he will get the message that I am coming and our inevitable fight is coming."

"Yes father." said Nebula with a grunt. She can't believe that she is being reduced to being a messenger girl for Thanos, at least it's better than being tortured for an unknown period of time.

"Before you go on this mission, I have something of the utmost importance to show you that will change everything." said Thanos as he pull up his hand that held the gauntlet right up for Nebula to see and after one look she immiediatly gasped.

"You got another stone..." said Nebula. "But how?"

"I actually had it all along and now we still have one more stone left and it's on Terra." said Thanos. "We'll be lucky if Loki will be able to find it before we can, I believe he will with the time that we are going to give him. I will explain everything to you..."

Chapter Text

Loki quickly comes up with a plan on how he can escape Darcy and her desires of needing to know what is going on. He can't let her in that easily and this plan might be complicated and he doesn't even think all of the steps are necessary. But it will work or else it is definitely going to be a long night for both of them, Loki will just need an illusion and then he will be able to sneak out of the room easily. Though he will need to figure out how to deal with Darcy standing there all night and dealing with an illusion. Deep down he knew that he can't make her live her life stranded in the room until the Avengers eventually find her staring at an illusion of Loki in the Mysto costume. But he will figure it out in the morning and is about to make an illusion before-

"You better not be thinking about creating one of those famous illusions of yours mister." said Darcy out of nowhere catching Loki by surprise.

"What makes you think that I am going to create an illusion?" asked Loki in shock and trying his best on concealing it. But he's failing miserably and there is no way that he is ever going to live something like this down.

"Come on Loki, I have been your room mate for a while now. I think I can figure out whether or not you are going to make illusions or not." said Darcy. "Now come on, just tell me what's bothering you? I mean we will be like this all night and I don't think we would both be happy to stay up late just because you refuse to talk to me. So what's bothering you?"

Loki can't help but stare in shock, he can not believe that someone would be this persistent in trying to get someone to talk about how his feelings. He does not know how to get out of this one and if Darcy wants to spend all night trying to get a response from him. Then let her stand there all night, she is going to need to learn that he does not loose that easily. Along with not showing any sentimental weakness that would be the last thing Loki want any form of sympathy and Darcy seeing him as weak, maybe if he just let her stay in the room until she eventually gives up and moves on with her life. It may be a tiresome plan but it is a good plan and now all he has to do is wait and hope that Darcy just gives up already.

Darcy knows what Loki must be doing now and she knows that it is not going to work, it is obvious that he would try to do the simplest trick imaginable to try not to let her in. To wait until she gets tired enough to leave the room and give up, but there is no way she is going to let that happen and two can play at this little game. Maybe she can try to have a friendly conversation with Loki and try to get him to open up on his own. Peer preasure is not going to help anyone and she doesn't think that Loki would be the type to submit to it. Maybe she should just try to be friendly and nothing can go wrong with a friendly conversation right?

"So Loki, I bet that you can't wait until this whole Infinity stone quest is over right?" said Darcy. "What are you going to do to celebrate? What are you planning to do once all of this is over?"

"I have never thought on how I would celebrate the occasion, I believe I would eat some more of your Midguardian ice cream and try to spend my last couple of days in Midguard the best I can possibly can." said Loki.

"Wait are you planning to leave Earth?" said Darcy with a mix of surprise and disapointment in her voice. She knows that deep down, she doesn't want Loki to leave and it is bothering her more than she thought it would. "Why?"

"I figured that it might make our lives easier if we went our separate ways when all of this is finally over." said Loki. "Thanos is already coming after me and once he finds out that I have most of the Infinity stones, he is not going to leave us alone until he gets what he wants. Not too mention, he can use you to hurt me and I don't want that to happen and it might be best if we go our separate ways."

"But it shouldn't have to be that way, I mean what if Thanos finds you and... he does something that will result in never seeing you again?" said Darcy. "Are you that willing to take a risk like that and not even know that you might come back."

"It shouldn't matter or be any concern, it is not like I have anything to leave behind on this planet except this Mysto masquerade." said Loki. "It is not like Thanos is going to go after my mask and expose my identity. That would definitly add that to his own collection of accomplishments, Thanos would do anything in his power to make sure that anyone suffer if they try to help me in anyway."

"But you still have me, I mean I would miss you if you decide to go on a permenant weekend trip to who knows where hiding from an evil alien forever." said Darcy. "We have been through everything together and I don't want to see you get hurt either."

That created an even bigger silence between the two and now they both quickly turned away feeling slightly uncomfortable. Both of them didn't know what to say to one another and the silence between them is starting to grow more awkward than either of them expected. They didn't know what to describe the feeling that they are feeling deep down and they are trying to pull through it. Loki just trying to find the words to talk and not even sure what to do to try to make the conversation less awkward, though these recent conversations have lead to this unexplained silence between the two. What ever it is going on between them needs to stop? Can this strange phase be something that everyone goes through in life? What can be causing these strange emotions that he is now feeling? Whatever they must be, he needs to put a stop to them right now before they get any further.

"If that were to happen then it might be better if you try to break any attachments away from me so whatever may be coming our way and if Thanos does try anything..." said Loki. "Then you will not be hurt by it and you can easily move on with your life and eventually forget about all of the memories you have of me, it would be for the best. I am a monster after all."

"You're not a monster, sure you made... big mistakes in the past. But that doesn't mean that you are a monster." said Darcy trying to comfort him with Loki trying to dismiss her words. "You are now trying to fix these mistakes by trying to start a new life and trying to find all of the Infinity stones before Thanos. Not too mention, you had every opportunity to leave when things got tough and you didn't. Plus remember how hard you were on the Maxioffs? How about all the effort you put in trying to get the stone back after Ultron stole it? If you were really a monster you wouldn't have said those things or even care about trying to get the stone back. I don't know where you are getting these ideas but-"

"I don't need to get these ideas from anywhere or anyone. Isn't it obvious? I did the same amount of damage and if not more as Ultron did." said Loki loosing his patience. "If it weren't for me than Thanos wouldn't know how Earth would put up a fight if he decides to try to attack this planet. Things wouldn't have gotten this far and maybe Thor wouldn't be grieving me and be going through an never ending depression towards a lie. If I didn't attack Earth then maybe I wouldn't have been sent to the dungeons and would have sent that monster to take down Asgard's defenses and he wouldn't have-"

"He wouldn't have what?" asked Darcy. She is starting to feel like that there might be more to the story and she is this close on finding out what is now bothering her friend and she can't give up now.

"It doesn't matter now, the past is in the past and I should try to move forward in life rather than let it overcome my judgement." said Loki. "The last thing we both want is to deal with whatever emotional nonsense that you may be hoping for me to say or do."

"I don't think it's nonsense and we don't have to talk about it now, why not we talk about... Vision." said Darcy. "What are you planning to do with the stone? Have you explained to him how powerful the stone is?"

"I did and he seems to be committed to use the stone wisely, during the battle Vision managed to prove himself and saved hundreds. He also managed to locate and help defeat Ultron." said Loki. "I also came to an important decision that might impact this whole quest, but I think it will be beneficial in the long run."

"What is it?" asked Darcy. "Please don't tell me, your just going to try to pull the stone out of his forehead until you eventually pull it out and run away from here."

"I am definitely not going to do anything of the sort, if I wanted to injure my hand then I would have thought up of a clever way of doing so with the stones we already obtained." said Loki. "I am going to leave the stone with Vision, in order to avoid any suspicions and plus it will be safer with someone who is willing to use it for the greater good and put up a fight. At least Thanos will have to put up with a challenge before he can take the stone, Vision might be able to hold him off and win and that will buy us enough time to come up with a plan to stop Thanos for good."

"Now that is surprisingly considerate of you... You're really going to give Vision a chance to live and maybe you're right that the stone might be better off with him." said Darcy "At least it would be one less stone to protect and Thanos wouldn't come straight at us best case scenario. But it wouldn't be fair if the Avengers get a suprise visitor that is going to be chasing after Vision for a magic rock on his forehead."

"It may be humorous but at least it will be safer with them then it ever would be with the other Infinity stones." said Loki. "I believe that the Avengers would be able to put up a fight to try to save one of their friends. I am just hoping that the worst possible scenario does not happen, then otherwise I might never forgive myself."

"This is not just about Vision isn't it? I can't believe it, I mean it is so obvious you are feeling guilty." said Darcy. "You are feeling guilty for your past actions and how things went out of control a couple of years ago. Now you are thinking that all of your past actions is going to define who you are right?"

Loki is surprised that Darcy is able to figure out the very thing that is now bothering him, he doesn't know what to do or say because Darcy is now becoming a lot harder as every second that they spend more time together whether it's through hunting down Infinity stones or just sitting down talking about life. Just because she now knows what is bothering him, that does not mean Loki is going to sit down and talk about his problems. At least it was Darcy not one of the Avengers, the last thing that he needs is to become the laughing stock of the entire tower. Though no thanks to that video, he is already a laughing stock for simply being smashed around by the Hulk. If this ever comes out to their knowledge, then he might leave a little earlier than planned before they even obtain the last Infinity stone. He doesn't know what to think or feel with Darcy already knowing about his own innsecurities, he would give anything to disappear now. Well he can still try to dismiss whatever accurate assumptions that may be going on in Darcy's mind.

"Whatever I may be feeling towards myself should be none of your concern because I already know how you may have felt towards me when we first met." said Loki. "You must have seen me as an insane monster that should have never come back to Midguard and that you have a secret scheme to tell them that I am here or a way to tell my brother that I have been alive all of this time."

"What makes you think that I will tell anyone about you?" asked Darcy. "First of all, iif I wanted to tell them about you, wouldn't I have told Thor the very moment after I first saw you?"

Loki stopped in silence and realized that Darcy does have a point, ever since he asked her to keep his secret she never exposed him to anyone. But still that shouldn't stop him from wondering what she really thought of him or how his actions must have effected others beyond himself and Thor. He doesn't know if he ever going to forget the emotions that he is now feeling and he doesn't know if it's from talking to Darcy or reflecting on his past actions. At least he should feel grateful that Darcy hasn't told anyone and she is remaining loyal on his side. He never had that many who have stayed loyal on his side even before after he found out that he was adopted, even if he may never speak to his mother again or Thor never finding out that he's alive. At least he has Darcy on his side for a little while before they find the last remaining stone and they finally face Thanos. But first there is something that he needs to clear up before they can continue on this quest, he needs to know before the question drives him crazy.

"What did you first think of me when we first met?" asked Loki. "Did you see me as a monster that needed to be watched? Why did you want to help me in the first place?"

"I guess I was a little surprise to see you walking around Earth, I may have also wanted to call people and try to stop you from any evil plans." confessed Darcy. "But I never saw you as a monster and even after I got to know you, I always thought that you were someone that is lost who didn't know who he is and what he wants to do beyond trying to take over the world."

"Just because you saw me as someone who may have an identity crisis, that does not mean I am not a monster. You didn't know me and yet you try to be kind." pointed out Loki. "I could have hurt you more than anyone can whether it's through my actions or any problems that I could have brought with me. I destroy everything I touch, I don't blame the Midgaurdians for being angry. Everyone must hate me for being that monster..."

Now it's Darcy's turn to be surprised, she did not expect Loki to be that insecure that he now even considers himself as a monster. Maybe Ultron gave Loki a reality check and it worked a little too well. She needs to make him see that he can make a change and things are not going to change unless Loki fully realize his own potential and power. He is the only one that knows more about Thanos than anyone on the planet, he can stop Thanos if only Loki stops to see the kind of person that he is and that he can do anything that he sets his mind to. Maybe she can use this moment to show him that and just use the times when he wasn't Mysto in order to do that.

"You're not a monster, you proved so many times that you are a good person and you had many opportunities to betray others but you didn't." said Darcy. "Like when you and Thor were fighting those elves back in the Dark World, you had every opportunity to escape or betray Thor and Janne back there. But you didn't and actually stayed to help them at least defeat the one that killed your mom and get the Aether out."

"Actually it's Aea- Wait did you just pronounced Aether correctly?" said Loki in shock before he regained his composure. "You do realize that you are wrong about one small detail, I did escape after the battle and it's an escape that I still have to deal with the consequences every day."

"Oh right, the whole faking your death and going to Earth thing." said Darcy agreeing but then trying to turn the conversation into more positive. "But at least you didn't do it in the middle of the battle or when Thor is being beaten before your heroic 'sacrifice.'"

"That may have been the case, you may have forgotten one little fact that impacted the whole scenario a little differently than expected." said Loki. "I was initially planning to take over the throne before I decided to escape Earth. I didn't have Asgard's best interest at heart when I almost went through with that plan and it was prior from meeting you."

"Ok, but that was before you changed for the better. You still managed to do some good things after you left Asgard and you didn't do it whenever I blackmail you to become Mysto." said Darcy. "Like remember the time that you practically broke my hand and you healed me, I mean if you were really a monster then why did you even care about heeling my hand?"

Loki was caught off guard from that question and realized that Darcy made a good point and he has never thought about it like that. He still remembers how he felt on that day and wishes that Darcy doesn't constantly bring it up. Between this and the cell phone incident, he'd pick the cell phone, but then again it is a reminder of what happens when one is not careful for their actions. Since these mistakes might lead to more trouble and that probably is when all of these conflicting feelings towards Darcy started, it happened about a week after they retrieved the scepter and first met the Maximoff twins. He still remembers it like if it was like yesterday...

The sudden guilt he felt when he see Darcy in pain, the short moment of bonding and just simply having a moment of peace for once. That was where the feelings started and he doesn't even know what they were and why it started. But no matter what he does, Loki can not shake the feelings towards Darcy, they keep on growing as they find more time together, whether it is trying to find an Infinity Stone or just being in the apartment. He does not know what they are and really hopes that his earlier assumptions were wrong and that these feelings will pass quickly.

But the feelings may have not passed like Loki hoped, he doesn't even know what he is going to do and is desperate for it to end. But even thenat least Darcy made a good point about how there might be some good in him if he cares about helping her when he didn't have to. Loki probably saved Darcy from the shame and humiliation that she would have felt if she continues to go see Jane and Thor with a cast on her hand with an excuse that would raise some questions. At least he did some good in his time on Earth that is volunterily not being made to do something that Darcy blackmails him to do. There might be some good in him, well if Thanos and his actions didn't stop him from being able to truly being more than whatever the world expects and tell him to be.

"That is one example on how I managed to do some good in my life, but that does not excuse the fact I still didn't do any more than that." said Loki. "If I didn't try to whip out Jontuhiem and let things go as far as Thor breaking the Bifrost that I chose to let go then maybe none of this would have happened."

"Look I know that you are not going to win 'best son of the year' anytime soon, but you are trying to make things right and that alone would make anyone proud and if someday your dad doesn't see that then he really should reevaluate his priorities." said Darcy. "If things didn't go that far then we might have never met."

"But it would have at least delayed Thanos for a couple more years, he is now speeding up his Infinity quest because of me." said Loki. "It is becoming more personal for him by the minuete and it is all because I failed him, I made the mistake of working for him and I shouldn't-"

"Loki you can't continue to think this way, not only because it's unhealthy but it is also not true because you are anything but a monster." interrupted Darcy. "Ok let's pretend for one minute that you successfully took over Earth and gave Thanos two out of the six Infinity Stones. You'd be even more guilty than you are now because if you eventually start to see the errors of your ways wouldn't you be feeling even worse when you realize that you made Thanos's job easier? Since you would have given him possibly three Infinity Stones, a magic glove and gave him a halfway ticket to completing his stone collection, you would definitely win employee of the month in Thanos's eyes."

"That is surprisingly a valid point, then we should be grateful that I failed to deliver the stones and took over the planet." said Loki. "Otherwise, it would have been a long year for everyone..."

"Aside from almost making Thanos's life easier, you also managed to grow a lot ever since what happend with the Dark Elves and you are growing right now by just letting us talk about this." said Darcy. "Everything will be alright in the end, one thing I notice about Thanos is that he seems to be the type that always sends others to do his dirty work and never does anything else himself. We already have one advantage and so far we're winning."

"How can you be so-" begins Loki.

"We already have gotten three Infinity stones and I am sure Vision is going to do everything in his power to make sure that nothing will happen to the mind stone." said Darcy. "Thanos may have got one stone and the gauntlet, but we already have three, Vision, now we're friends with the Avengers and we have you. You are the only one that knows more about Thanos than anyone in this planet. Not only that you also one of the smartest and bravest people or Asgagardian that I have ever met, I mean I am not the one currently in hiding on a planet where everyone hates me or have an older brother that is ready to loose his temper if he ever finds out what's going on."

"You have no idea how hard it is to try to move on from everything and now that I am Mysto, when they start talking of me. Everyone only sees me as Mysto and it almost like that this illusion is rewarding me more than punish me." said Loki. "I do not even know what am I going to do once we eventually face Thanos and he is going to try use some tricks of his own to weaken me and..." Loki hesitate because the idea of facing Thanos, someone who has more power than Odin is terrifying and Thanos will make sure that he pays for the last time and to possibly even kill him for it. He is not ready for the uncertain future that is ahead of them.

"Maybe you can still be you through Mysto, the costume gives you a chance to start a new life and it's up to you if you want to use it. Let's be honest working with Thanos, being thrown in jail, nearly dying, practically banishing yourself to a new planet and might never revealing yourself to Thor is punishment enough." said Darcy. "Don't worry about Thanos because you are not alone this time and I am going to make sure that we win. I know I may not have some crazy super powers but I going to try to put up a fight at least, so that way Thanos won't hurt you. I know I might fail at trying to win a fight with Thanos, but I have to try and if no one does then he'll win."

Loki realize that Darcy is right about every single thing that she is saying and that things would have be worse if he did succeed. Maybe he can fix some of these problems and maybe somewhere in space Thanos knows that they might be winning. If things do get worse then he will try to fight off Thanos, he have to fight him off somehow. He made it this far already and know that he would not be happy to run around different planets for the rest of his life to avoid being captured by Thanos and never having a moments peace protecting the Infinity stones.

The worst part is that he will never see Darcy ever again and that is already bothering him more than it should. He already missed his chance on reconciling with his brother and rebuilding their bond, but he is not going to let Thanos hurt Darcy because of him. Loki is going to make sure that he finishes what he started and stop Thanos, no matter what happens to him. Thanos has ruined more than enough lives and he is not going to follow the same path that Thanos went on. He will pay for what he did to Gamora, Nebula, himself and the universe...

"It looks like I still have a mad titan to stop and I am not going to let him win." said Loki. "We still have one more Infinity stone to locate and once we get back to your house back in that city. If you need time to make the necessary repairs then I will be happy to provide whatever I can to help out in any way I can. But I am going to focus on trying to find the next stone even if I need to go to Heimdall and reveal myself to find the stone, if necessary that is."

"Whoah that's deep..." said Darcy. "But is revealing your identity really nessicary?"

"I know that it's not nessicary and I really do not hope that it goes that far, but I am willing to do it if it means we will find the next Infinity Stone." said Loki. "How much time will you need to do the necessary repairs for your home."

"Well it's technically our home because you have been living there for over a month now and that's what I wanted to talk to you about." said Darcy nervously. "While you were gone, I was also searching for apartments because of the bill for the apartment damages and the fact that Jane wants to move closer to the big apple to be closer to Thor... I found a bigger and more affordable apartment in the city that didn't get any damage from... the incident. Heck for some reason, they don't even believe what happened and that alone is surprising. So at least you can take a walk down the street without dealing with an angry mob, but I was wondering if you would be alright to move?"

They both stared at each other, Darcy is really nervous on how her roommate is going to react to this news and is ready for a storm to come over her and this conversation somehow turns to a shouting match. Loki is thinking deeply how a move like this would affect them and if it is a good idea to even consider it, though the idea that there are some that are now skeptical of what occurred in this city the last time he was there is comforting. But he is still concern of the risk of him walking around without his Mysto mask and someone sees him without it, then it will definitely be a long day for everyone and he just hopes that no one alerts the Avengers of that sighting.

At the same time, it would be beneficial for both of them if they are nearby because they would have easier access to any information from the Avengers if Thanos tries to make an attack. There are some benefits in the idea of moving to this apartment and if he's really careful then maybe he will be able to live there without anyone ever finding out that he's in the city. They will need all of the information that they can possibly get if they want to fight Thanos and not too mention he can't just ask Darcy to quit her job with Jane so they can get an apartment that Darcy is going to pay even more. There might be only one alternative when it comes to making the right decision.

"Well it looks like our stay in this city is going to be longer than we thought." said Loki. "We might as well, we're going to need to find out if Thanos does try to attack and the Avengers are the best source of a news outlet."

"I'm going to take that as a yes and it looks like I am going to be making a phone call tomorrow morning." said Darcy. "Are you sure you are ok with this? I don't want this to bother you or anything."

"It will be fine, as long as I wear my costume while I fight off anyone or talk to anyone we may know and not wear my Asgardian armor in public then it will be fine." said Loki. "Plus let's have this conversation between us, the last thing I need is anyone finding out that I shared my feelings with anyone and that alone would ruin my reputation faster than any thing Thanos tries to do."

"It's not like I can talk to anyone about how cool you actually are and I doubt anyone would believe me." said Darcy. "Now with all of this settle, I can actually try to get some sleep and I can't believe that we are actually spending the night in Avengers tower. Not bad for the first night as New Yorkers right?"

"I would have preferred it, if I didn't spend the entire day fighting off Ultron and that I do not have to wear a mask every single time I leave this room." said Loki. "But I have dealt with worse and at least I don't have to worry about dealing with six angry Avengers this time."

"Well there would be seven of us because I'd be really angry if I find out you decided to go back to your old ways." said Darcy. "But I know that you would never go back to being the evil villain that wants to take over the world, you are better than that."

"Just because I am not going to team up with Thanos any time soon that does not mean I might not have some tricks in my sleeves." said Loki. "I'm a trickster and I am always full of surprises."

"That is one fact I can agree with because I did not expect on doing or seeing half of the things that we did until I met you." said Darcy. "This has been a surprising fun ride that I don't think I want to forget about and I just can't believe that we made it this far."

"I would never have believe that I would be going around and doing everything in my power to stop Thanos." said Loki. "If I have never met you, I would probabley be wandering around in this planet or some where else never dreaming that I would face Thanos again. Though this time, Thanos is not going to win and he will be really surprised when he sees that I have five Infinity stones with me ready to put up a fight."

Soon the next thing that both Loki and Darcy knew is that they are talking about how the final battle with Thanos is going to look like and try to come up with plans for multiple scenarios that would happen in the battle. Other than anything Thanos related, they are also having a good time just talking to one another and really enjoying each other's company without any conflicting feelings getting in the way. They spent most of the night talking and it looks like that the two of them are not going to stop anytime soon. It even got to the point that Darcy decided to let Loki have a couple days of from being Mysto, she even said that he earned it for everything he did to help stop Ultron that alone makes him happy.

The two of them continues to talk until it was around three in the morning, Darcy decides to head back into her room to avoid any one from seeing them leave the room together and making their own speculations what would have happened. After Darcy left, Loki suddenly starts to feel happier for some strange reason and now whatever emotion he must have towards Darcy has grown stronger. Other than that at least he enjoyed spending some time with Darcy before she decides to end the conversation, he finds the time they spent together one of the happiest moments in a long time.

Loki does not remember the last time that he actually had a friendly conversation with someone else other than Thor except Amora before she got banished. He always wondered what happened to her and if any lingering feelings from that old crush is now gone. Darcy seemed to have gone through to him in a way that he never saw coming and other than that he seemed to have started to change through this entire journey. Now it looks like there might be a brighter future in store and not even Thanos would be able to ruin it for him.

Meanwhile on the other side of Space

Nebula still can't believe that Thanos manages to have gained another Infinity stone that could possibly be either the missing stone or one that Loki must have already obtained in some way. She waits for an answer that would be the beginning of answer all of her questions, but Thanos is just bragging how he managed to succeed in what others may have found impossible and how he is going to win without answering to any of Nebula's questions. Nebula is now wondering if Gamora ever had to put up with this attitude because listening to Thanos being too full of himself and managing to stay sane is the only thing that she will ever admire of her sister. The stone is in the gauntlet with the power stone taking it's place as well, the Gauntlet became even more powerful with two Infinity stones in there position. Nebula knows that she can't step out of line or else she will have to face the wrath of an overpowered Thanos.

"Now allow me to address the confusion that your sorry little mind may have daughter." said Thanos ignoring the little scoff that Nebula just made. "I had the stone all along and just used the little scuffle on Asgard as a decoy, I made Loki believe that his weak father's scepter is the missing stone and gave him the confidence that I can use to destroy him once and for all."

"So you set a decoy for Loki to build up his confidence?" asked Nebula. "What are you planning to do when you eventually build up his self esteem and then break it? How will that benefit you?"

"Don't you see? Loki's weakness is whatever weak attempt to gain power and that all depends on his confidence." explained Thanos. "All I need is to break his confidence and that will make him finally see that he's still the weakling that I found and partner with. The stone is the first step to do so but that alone is not enough and I need you to go to Asgard to... Wait I have a better idea..."

"What is it?" asked Nebula nervously. She doesn't even want to know what Thanos wants her to do and what might be the potential consequences if she fails him or tries to escape.

"I need you go to Terra and deliver a message to him, I will go to Asgard to find out more information about Loki, but first I need to pick up something." said Thanos. "Let's just hope, that they won't put up a fight because I don't want too hurt her anymore than she already deserves."

Nebula stares at Thanos and gave a quick nod before she heads to a ship that would have enough fuel for a round trip to Terra and back. She doesn't need to be told twice that what Thanos is planning to do is crazy and he needs to be stopped, but she can't stop him no matter how much she wants to. If Nebula fails then it would bring more torture for her and Thanos made it clear that if she fails him again then it will lead to more pain than she can ever imagine.

She does not want to deal with that anymore and is now bidding her time to plan for the perfect revenge against Thanos. What better way of doing so by making sure that Thanos suffers the same way that he made her suffer? All she has to do is wait for the right moment and make sure that she does everything in her power to make sure that Thanos pays for what he did to her. One good thing that is coming out of Thanos's new personal vendetta against Loki, not only she is getting some time away from Thanos but she might also get revenge on someone that she has been waiting for a long time.

Chapter Text

It has been a month since the fight against Ultron and a lot has changed in that month alone, for starters Loki and Darcy are now living in New York in their own apartment and Loki got his own room in this new and bigger apartment. So that is one of the nice things about the upgrade and one that he appreciates, as he can actually sleep on a bed again, it is at least making him feel a little more at home. For some reason, Loki finds himself enjoying living in New York more so than in London, simply because of the thrill and unpredictability of the city. Where he doesn't even know what to expect next or if he will ever not enjoy a moment where it catches him by surprise. Aside from the risks, Loki finds himself enjoying the city and despite the occasional string of guilt, he is glad that at least now he can try to make amends and have a fresh start, even if he has to be a little more careful on not drawing attention to himself.

During that time, he has been also practicing his Jontun powers to give himself a advantage if he ever has to face Thanos and have improved his skills on his Jontun abilities as he gets better with these abilities. Much to his and Darcy's own amazement, he can not believe that he found a way to turn what he used to perceive as a curse into a blessing. It is an ability that over time Loki finds himself learning to accept and use in any situation that may require it, that he knows that it is important for him to be able to be ready for anything when the time is right. Since he still has to find the last Infinity Stone and eventually have to face Thanos, he believes that he has to use all of his skills if he is going to win the battle and he will get ready for it. Plus for some reason, practicing his Jontun abilities is giving him a feeling of peace within himself that he has never felt before, one that he does not ever want to let go.

Whenever Loki has to go out as Mysto and has to go out, on patrol, he always tries to be careful whenever he's out in the city and makes sure that no one recognize him in any way through illusions or just using the Mysto costume during an occasional lead to the next Infinity stone. On the topic of it, they still haven't found the next stone and are trying to look at any lead to whatever supernatural or magical activity that they may be occurring in any way. But every single time it is either a false alarm or some advance technology incident that created the same effect as any Asgardian activity. Loki is getting more frustreted with these false alarms and really wishes that he can find the exact location of the stone. At the rate they are going then they are going, Thanos will be able to find the last Infinity stone faster than any of them can try to obtain it.

Other than the troubling development of the Infinity stone chase, there is also the fact that Loki and Darcy have gotten closer during their time together and no matter what they might be doing. They are now enjoying each other's company more and keep trying to find some time to spend together, they don't know why they are trying to make more of an effort to spending time together. But they always managed to make it work and every time they managed to find time whether it's just a conversation or through another wrong lead for the Infinity stone, they always manage to enjoy whatever time they have together and it always turns out to better than expected.

Though it is getting harder for them to find more time to spend together and if it's not for anything Infinity stone related then it has something to do with Loki needing to run off to be Mysto for any possible leads to Thanos or any villain that might be a threat/should be put on the right direction. If he's going to continue being Mysto then he's going to at least try to reason with whomever he's up against and try to talk them out of whatever they are trying to do. Unfortunately it at times does not always work, resulting in Loki having to fight them and win them, at least he often get a better understanding of why they are even doing it in the first place. As for Darcy, if she's not working then she's trying to help find any possible leads to the final Infinity stone and trying to maintain her relationship with Ian. She is starting to feel like that it is not going well and that whatever love that Ian must feel towards her is nothing but a puppy dog crush. She does not know how to tell Ian that maybe they should take a break for a little while.

Darcy knows that she can't ask Jane for advice on these sort of things because of the fact that she now misses Thor who had to go back to Asgard for a possible threat that made a two weeks ago. Then things might get too sentimental, she can't believe that she is now even starting to sound like Loki when she say that. Maybe his attitude is starting to rub on to her and whether or not it's problematic is the least of her concerns, Jane would never understand what she is going through and would suggest to give Ian more time. She knows that it is extreme if she enjoys spending more time with her own roommate than her own boyfriend. The difference between Loki and Ian is that Loki is always full of surprises and knows what to say and when to say it. Loki can also be fun whenever he feels like it and that alone makes things exciting, plus stone or no stone, spending time with Loki practically always offer her an advennture no matter what they might be doing.

The only time they can spend together if they weren't chasing after the last Infinity stone is during breakfast and the afternoon where she comes home from work. Depending if Loki isn't out there being Mysto and if Darcy doesn't have a date with Ian, when that happens then they spend ever moment together and ever since the conversation they had back in Avengers tower. Both Loki and Darcy have gotten closer that even they were surprised at how closed they have managed to become over the past two months ever since they first met. Right now the two of them are just spending one of the few rare early evenings together and enjoying the time they have together before Darcy have to leave before her date with Ian.

"Ok can I just say that I am getting tired of this relationship and it's not like I don't like Ian anymore. But I just don't think that I feel the same way towards him and I don't know exactly how to tell someone that I want to take a break in our relationship." said Darcy. "Do you have any ideas on how I can do this?"

"I am not the best person to ask for relationship advice, the last person I had feelings for... She got banished and I still have no idea on where to start looking." said Loki.

That alone caught Darcy's attention and she is imiediatly curious on a possible Loki romance, she wants to know all of the juicy details and to hear the whole story. But she can't help but wonder if Loki still have feelings for her, not that she cares about Loki's love life or who he might have a crush on. She just wants to hear the whole story and if this girl did something to hurt him then she deserves whatever punishment she got. No one should have the right to hurt Loki or let alone break his heart, though she wouldn't be surprised if this girl has something to do with Loki's turn. Odin constantly choosing Thor, his own brother overshadowing, a possible heartbreak and whatever Thanos did to him prior to his attempts to take over the planet. She doesn't blame Loki for feeling completely alone and if not helpless, she can't imagine what it must be like to go through all of that and stay sane.

"Wait you had a relationship with someone?" said Darcy. "Can you tell me more about her? How did you break up with her? What did she do that's so bad that she got banished for it? Did she nearly cause the end of the world and it took all of Asgard including you and Thor in order to defeat her?"

"It wasn't a glorious battle that you would have seen during my first visit to this planet, fighting the Chitauri or whatever Ultron could have thrown at us." said Loki. "All she did was to try to do this dangerous spell that could potentially be strong enough to destroy all of Asgard."

"What? What happened? Did she try to do a mind control spell?" asked Darcy.

"Uh no, apparently she was showing me off some spells and one of them happens to be a troll calling spell and one thing led to another and the next thing we all knew is that Asgard is being invaded and smashed around by trolls. At least it wasn't me that time, but she was one of the only few who understand the wonders of magic." said Loki. "When we all eventually defeated all of the trolls, fa- Odin was furious at both of us and I was let off with a warning from him. Due to the fact I wasn't the one that cast the spell and I was Odin's son, but what happened next felt more of a punishment. Fath- Odin thought that she is a bad influence to me and a danger to the future to Asgard and he decides to banish her. I still don't know where he banished her or have seen her again since."

"Wow that's a lot tougher than simply trying to break up with someone, I thought I had it rough with trying to break up with Ian. Though here's one lesson I just learned, don't lead a troll army into Asgard unless you want to have a crazy long vacation in another dimension." said Darcy. "So what's her name? Do you still have any feelings towards her? Not that I care but I just want to... know what happens next and it's getting to the good part."

"Her name is Amora and she was the only one that spoke to me when we were children, well other than Thor. I may have had some feelings for her, but it was nothing more than a school boy crush as you humans would call it." said Loki. "Let's be honest I don't think a relationship between the two of us would have worked out anyway, she would have applauded me for my actions. Thor always did say that she is a terrible influence and did not like her at all."

"I think I can see why, well at least you don't have to worry about dealing with Amora anymore." said Darcy feeling happy and relief. "I guess she's why you said before that these things are a waste of time?"

"Of course, though I do not believe that we would have lasted long as a couple because we would have been too similar or now be arguing all of the time." pointed out Loki. "I do not think that I would ever be happy to live a life where I would have to make a life time commitment like that. It would have been so stressful and my best advice would be to try to be honest with Ian and hope that he understands why you are unhappy with the relationship."

"Wow that is surprisingly good advice and that is saying something because it is coming from you of all people." said Darcy. "I'm not saying that it's a bad thing, but I might as well try to be honest with him and hope that I can let him down gently."

"I believe I can safely assume that you do not have feelings for this Ian character anymore?" said Loki. "You do seem to be trying harder to not spend any time with him."

"I like Ian but I don't think I like him in that way, maybe as a brother but nothing more than that." said Darcy. "But let's just stop talking about these things and try to have some fun before I have to go out. Why don't we watch a movie? I don't think we ever spend anytime together doing something fun other than going to some mall and even then we haven't done that in a while."

"I do not believe that it would be a good use of our time to leisurely stare at a screen and watch fiction." said Loki who didn't became a big fan of movies after he discovered that some of them are not as truthful and he still feels humiliated from the whole conversation about how Cinderella is a fairy tale and it resulted in Loki feeling like a fool and staying clear from the tv except to watch the news. "I am not in the mood to have more lies out in my head and I would have to rely on on you to tell me the facts later.

"You do realize that people watch movies for fun right?" pointed out Darcy. "Besides they are like theater plays, but you get to watch it at home anytime you want and it's more fun. Not too mention, a lot cheaper and at times have better stories than the actual theather shows, though Wicked, Newsies or just anything Disney might be the exception."

"I see your point, but that does not mean I am going to enjoy it." said Loki. "At least it is better than sitting down and talking about romance and about our current relationships. We are friends and I do not know how appropriate it would be if we talk about these matters..."

"Yeah, I only decided to talk to you because with Thor gone and Jane possibly not being able to understand what I am going through." said Darcy. "She is literally having the fairy tale romance with Thor and she probably wouldn't understand what I might be going through. So your the only one that I could think of that might be able to understand. I am going to go pick one and I think I know which one that might be perfect and I have been wanting to rewatch it for a while now."

With that Darcy leaves the room to go and try to find the particular movie that she wants to see, Loki is trying to do everything he can to figure this out. It has been more than a month and these strange feelings are not going away. If anything it has gotten stronger than he would have liked it, ever since Loki discovered the wonders of public libraries and the internet. He has been researching on what might be these emotions and every time he manages to find an answer, he always gets the same dreaded result. There is no way he is ever going to feel that way towards anyone or let it happen, he's Loki someone who is on the run and trying to make things right by playing superhero and getting all of the Infinity stones before Thanos. He can't afford to feel any form of sentiment towards anyone because it's not in his nature and besides there is no way Darcy would ever feel that way towards him and she deserves better than whatever he can give her. Maybe the humans are just too naive and believe that romance is the best form of eintertainment on this planet, but there is no way he is going to give in and let these feelings continue to dominate him.

It probabley just a phase and the last thing he needs is for something like this to ruin their friendship and hopes that it was the same situation as it was with Amora minus the trolls. It is probabley a small crush that he will get over in a couple of weeks, but at the rate they are going it is going to take him a couple of months and the feelings that he have towards Darcy is just growing stronger and stronger every time he just sits down to think about her. He can not wait to figure out how to avoid these feelings out of whatever may be going on. Before Loki can continue to think about what might be going on between them and how to stop that potential catastrophe of emotions from happening. The phone rings...

Loki just rolled his eyes at the sound of the phone and had have half the mind to smash it in half, he still have no idea why in the whole universe humans created those things. If he did managed to win from the previous time he was on Earth and if he knew about the horrors of phones then he would have made it his own personal mission to destroy all of the phones on the planet. Loki just try his best to ignore it, one of the main house rules the two of them agreed on when they moved and Darcy getting a new cell phone thanks to some persuasion that he managed to pull off as Mysto to Tony Stark when he's about to unvail his new phone line. He successfully managed to convince him into giving Darcy a free sample in order to help spread the word. It managed to work a little too well that Stark even insisted that he gets a free sample too and Loki gave his to Darcy in case he ever breaks hers again.

Let's just say that Darcy was more than happy to get a souvenir from the Ultron incident and two free phones that she even made one ground rule, that he is not to touch the phones unless it was an extreme emergency. He wouldn't even touch one of those annoying things if she asked him to, the phone continues to ring and once it eventually stops ringing after it went straight to voice mail. Loki immiediatly give a sigh of relief and is happy to not hear the phone ringing. But before he can even have a moment's peace, the phone starts to ring again and every ring feels like if it was trying to drill into his brain and he does not know how he is going to handle this any longer. Why doesn't Darcy hurry up and pick up the phone before he throws it out the window?

The next thing that Loki knew is that he can no longer take it anymore and this should definitly count as emergency and he got up from the couch. He heads over to the kitchen table and grab a hold of the phone. Loki quickly uses his magic to transform his voice to make it sound more like Darcy's, open the phone and is ready to give whoever that may be calling him a piece of his mind and part of him hopes that it's not Jane. Then it would have been really humiliating and he does not know what he would say if he had to deal with Jane on the phone. Though that is the option Loki would have picked that option because what is about to happen is one of the last things that he would have wanted and knows that Darcy is not going to be happy at what is about to happen...

"What do you want that you feel the need to bother decent people trying to live their lives?!" said Loki annoyed and angrilly in Darcy's voice and in a tone not to alert the real Darcy of the current conversation. "Do you have any idea how much I don't want to talk to you?"

"Uh Darcy... Are you alright?" asked a male voice from the other end of the voice. "I did not know that you were that tired of me, why didn't you say anything?"

Loki paused at the moment and he can clearly tell that it was not Jane and he would know better than anyone his own brother's voice. Loki knows that this is bad and realize that he might have accidentally ruined whatever relationship that Darcy might have with whomever may be on the side. He can't help but feel the humiliation and nervousness that is dominanting his mind and does not know how to explain to Darcy about this. What if the other person on the phone is Ian? No that's impossible, there is no way that he is Ian, but the chances are likely and he does not want to ruin their potential friendship. Not too mention, he would have unintentionally have taken away the freedom of Darcy being the one that chooses to end the relationship and now he might have ruined their own friendship by doing that. Plus Ian or no Ian, Loki also just broke one of the most important rules that they agreed on and might have broken Darcy's trust forever and that might be the ultimate downfall of their own friendship. He just better hope that it's not Ian...

"May I ask who is on the phone?" asked Loki nervously. He is starting to feel like if time is stopping and at any moment he is about to crush the phone and this time by accident. The one thought that is going through Loki's mind receptively as he wait for an answer is "Please do not let it be Ian."

"Darcy, it's me Ian. How can you not recognize your own boyfriend's voice?" demanded Ian. "What's going on? Are you alright? You have seen really off during our past and most recent dates, is there something bothering you that I should know about?"

At this moment, Loki is now starting to feel like he's about to drop the phone, he can not believe his luck and that he is talking to Ian with the risk of potentially ruining Darcy's own relationship. He is now asking if he should just hang up the phone and end the conversation, but then Ian would be asking Darcy why she answered like that and hung up on him. That would allow Darcy in figuring out what happened and then he will be discussing this once Darcy gets home. But what if he tries to fix their relationship on his own and that way it would turn into a situation where they would agree never to speak of again. That way Darcy would never have to know or find out what happened and maybe hopefully they decide to break off the relationship so that way neither of them are to ever talk about what has happened and Darcy will never have to find out. Though he never tried to save a relationship before, but he knows that he can try to manipulate Ian in never mentioning it and keep the relationship. It looks like he's going to go for it and Loki just hopes that Darcy is having trouble deciding what movie would be wonderful for the two of them to watch together.

"There's nothing wrong Ian, I... just had a tiring day and was not in the mood to pick up the phone." said Loki. "My apologies for taking it out on you, I have been going through a lot lately."

"Did you just say "My apologies"? That sounds so unlike you..." pointed out Ian, with Loki feeling more nervous at the moment. "You know we could cancel and reschedule and-"

"No!" said Loki almost immediately panicking. "I do not want to cancel, can we just forget about this and continue on with our lives as much as we can possibly can?"

"Yeah sure Darcy..." said Ian. "I guess I will see you tonight..."

Before Loki can even say anything to try to convince Ian otherwise, he hung up on him and it looks like trying to manipulate people to do his bidding on his phone is not one of his strong suits. Loki quickly transform his voice back to how it would normally sound, he just hopes that he didn't just ruin the date for both of them, maybe he can head over there as Darcy and try to explain everything to Ian. Then he can just sneak away to a restroom and leave where the date may be, while waiting for the real Darcy to conveniently come in and everything will be alright. Why did he even say "My apologies?" What Midgaurdian would say something like that? Before Loki can continue to think of a plan on how to fix this problem, Darcy came in with a dvd and seems to be happy with her choice.

"I have chosen an awesome movie that I think you might like and it's-" begins Darcy happily before she notice that there is something off with her roommate. "Hey, are you ok?"

"Uhh yes... I was just thinking about... Thanos and what to do if he comes after us." lied Loki. Though the last part is true and they still need to come up with a plan in case of anything. "We need to come up with a plan if he decides to come to Midgard, to get the stones and make me pay for my last failure."

"Well I guess we will worry about that as we go along, I mean this Thanos doesn't have a weakness right?" asked Darcy. "Like with Superman and Supergirl with kryptonite or Raven with her emotions or the Ninja turtles with retro mutagen. Maybe Thanos has one of those and we could possibly defeat him easily."

"If he did then I would be the last person that he would ever tell about any potential weakness." said Loki. "To be honest, I have never thought about how to defeat Thanos or what to do if we ever have to unfortunately fight him.

"Well let's think of a plan later and when it's time, I know that we will be ready by the time that we faced Thanos and he is not going to win easily with the two of us fighting and we have one advantage, we have most of the stones and Thanos can't get them without getting through to us." said Darcy. "But enough about Thanos, let's just enjoy and watch the movie, I am going to make some popcorn and you can start watching it ahead of me if you want."

Darcy went over to the dvd player and put the dvd on, then left to make the popcorn and Loki who still not happy about his first and now last phone call is now wondering what is he going to do with this possible development and how is he going to deal with the current problem at hand. Why didn't he just let Ian cancel the date and ask if he should simply send one of intertechnoligical telegrams that one receives on these phones? So that way Darcy would be able to just shrug it off, but it's too late now and he just hopes that this is a really long film.

Loki just sat there and stares at the tv screen watching the previews of the upcoming Disney movies that are set to come out on dvd or release in theaters. He does not know why humans put commercials on their own films and why they must believe that the best way to communicate to one another is by phones. He does not even know what might be the best solution out of these problems and if there is even is a way out of this. He continues to watch preview after preview until it finally reaches to the main menu and on the screen stood an animated tower. Loki unsure of what could be going on just stared at the screen and waiting to see what happens for a good five minutes until Darcy came with a big bowl of popcorn for the two of them to share. She realized what is going on and Loki's technical difficulties as she picks up the remote and pressed play.

The movie started and apperently it is called Tangled, Loki is feeling an never ending wave of emotions as he continues to start watching the film and really like the protagonists of the movie Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, he thought that the Chameleon is clever and adorable. But the main problem is that the villain of the film, Mother Gothel is one of the worst fictional character that he has ever encountered in any form of media. The way how she took Rapunzel as a baby and abused and manipulated her to stay in the tower for using the magic from her hair to make sure that she stays young forever. It starts to bring back bad memories when he found out that he adopted and his biological father is Laufey. But even then Odin had better reasons than to use his magic for the benefit of Asgard and to make him younger, this Gothel woman only cares about herself and Loki does not know if he could stand another minute of her.

On the other hand the movie is enjoyable and he really likes the dynamic between Flynn and Rapunzel, he really hopes that Flynn helps Rapunzel see that she needs to be free from the environment that Gothel created for her. Though he's surprise at how relatable the movie is to his own experiences and the journey that he's has gone through in the past two months. One of the moments that even he found beautiful for a Midgaurdian story is the scene where they were on the boat singing that song and realizing their feelings for one another. It was poetic and magical in a way, he especially like the part where Flynn made the realization.

Though the next part where Gothel is about to make her next move is really getinng under Loki's skin, the part after Rapunzel made the discovery of her true parentage and Gothel for unknown explanation chained her up got him ready to throw the tv out of the window. Fortunatly, Darcy stopped him and just explained that this is not the end of the movie, that Gothel will get what she deserves in the end and that Rapunzel, Flynn, Pascal and Maximus will get their happy ending. As the movie continues on, Gothel continued to hurt Rapunzel by trying to take away the person that she has fallen in love with to the point that Rapunzel is more than willing to throw her own life away to make sure that she heels Flynn. He is more than ready to hit Gothel with a frying pan but the last thing that both of them would have wanted is to be in the need for a new tv. Darcy is probably not going to be happy if Loki tries to break the tv or throw it out the window and Loki knows that after what could possibly happen in the upcoming date with Ian. He knows that he is not going to be Darcy's favorite person on the planet if that occurs.

When the movie is over, Loki is pleasantly surprise at the film and thought that it was enjoyable and rather cute story. He was happy that Gothel manages to pay the price in the end and the only thing that he did not like how Rapunzel lost her hair. Loki still have so many questions about it and he can't believe he's saying that for a story. At least he had a moment to relax and enjoy every moment that he has with Darcy, though part of him is wishing that she does not have to leave for the date and they don't have to make this moment disappear. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't try to stall Darcy and try to have a conversation that ultimately make her miss her own date, he knows that she might receive an angry phone call from Ian. He is willing to deal with that later if it means that Darcy is not going to get hurt by his mistake and this is one secret that is impossible to cover up. Part of him wishes that he still has the mind stone and the scepter, so that way he could have use it to mind control Ian into forgetting that phone call. Could he do that with the scepter? Thanos just showed him how to use it to mind control others to do his bidding, he never taught him of any way how to erase memories from his targets. He just hopes that stalling Darcy might be able to work...

"I believe the movie is really enjoyable to say the least and does tell a compelling story that has relatable protagonists." said Loki. "But my main complaints are that witch of woman Mother Gothel and Rapunzel loosing her hair, that it wasn't her choice to make and she should have hit her 'mother' with that pan of hers. If I was there and if this story really happened, I would have done it for them and then the problem will be solved instantaneously."

"I think you are missing the point of that part because Flynn cut her off to save her from Gothel and he is willing to sacrifice everything to save Rapunzel. Yeah, I was really disapointed about it too and then the series came out and, the hair's back and it totally expanded the story. It also gave some much needed closure to the main overall story and that scene alone. Maybe we can watch it together one of these days, it's really an awesome show." said Darcy. "I know right? Gothel is the worst and I so can't stand her, you think she is bad in the movie wait until you see the series and she gets worse. Especially with one of the newer characters name Cassandra, she definitely suffered the most from Gothel, you really need to watch the series to know what I'm talking about. I don't want to spoil it for you."

"But still it would give me the answers that are now going through my head and why don't you tell me more about this series? I would like to see more of these characters and to hear what happens after Rapunzel reunites with her parents." said Loki. "It would be a good story to see unfold and though the humor shouldn't be the main focus, but I did enjoy the part where they sung with the pub thugs and Eugene initially refused to sing and he eventually does it anyway. I did find that scene a little hilarious."

"Yeah that part was really funny and you don't have to worry about the comedy taking over the overall tone of the series, it gets more tougher and darker as the episodes goes by. You might like it, judging from how you are reacting to the first movie, at least I think you might like it." said Darcy. "I mean I enjoyed the series and it already ended, so at least you don't have to wait forever for the next episode. Still we had some fun together and had a good time. But now I have to get going or I'm going to be late for my date."

"Wait, why do you think the writers of the film chose to give Rapunzel and Eugene a romance?" asked Loki stalling for time. "They barely knew each other and yet they were ready to give up everything for one another. Why do you think the film rushed on that aspect? I was simply wondering with hope to help you over come any anxiety you may be feeling towards Ian and the possible end of your relationship."

"Well it may be a Disney movie, but it has a realistic romance, thanks to the series. I think they probably fell in love that quickly is because of the adventure they went on and the overall experience of getting to know each other is what might be causing the spark of romance." said Darcy. "I guess that is what it takes for both of them to develop feelings for one another."

"They did get to know each other throughout the film, I am assuming that the part where they were talking in front of the campfire must have been their first real conversation outside from singing and being chased around by an army and their angry horse." said Loki. "I believe that makes a little more sense, but it's still feels a little rush to be consider realistic and if there is a follow up to the story then at least we will see them grow. Now tell me, how did Gothel managed to chain Rapunzel up like that? Rapunzel proves that she's more than capable of taking care of herself, I refuse to believe that she would let someone chain her up that easily."

"I don't know, that's one thing I always wondered when I watch the movie and I guess part of me don't even want to know how all of that could have happened. But you're right, it does seem out of nowhere that Rapunzel is chained up and we know how capable she can be when it comes to defending herself. How did all of that happened before Flynn and Maximus came back to the tower?" said Darcy. She is about to continue talking about the movie, before she took a look at the clock and realize the time and she has to go now. "Look I would like to talk more about the movie and plan a Tangled marathon, but it will have to wait because right now I have a date to get to."

"You can always try to cancel it, I am sure Ian would understand if you could no longer make it." suggested Loki. He knows that he is loosing the stalling battle and Darcy is about to go on the date that is definitely not going end well. That is If he can somehow convince Darcy that it might be best to postpone the date or just not show up then maybe...

What's the point? That what he has been trying to do and so far it's not working and even then Darcy is going to be asking questions about why he is acting so strange. Maybe there is no way out of this and that it is meant to be an inevitiable situation unless he tells Darcy the truth and explain to her what happened. Then maybe it will at least make things easier for Darcy and it's not like he's going to freeze her like he did to Heimdall. There is no way that is ever going to happen and if he tells her the truth then maybe she will be able to do some damage control. Loki better start talking or else, Darcy is going to leave the room and find out what happend the hard way and that's the last thing he personally wants to happen.

"Darcy, there is something I need to tell you and-" begins Loki already feeling nervous and the regret that is going through his mind. But before Loki cannn even have a chance to continue to think of it.

"Loki, what ever you have to tell me can wait until I come back and I'm sure tomorrow we can go out to try to find any leads for the next Infinity stone." interjected Darcy. "Right now I'm running late and the sooner I get there, the sooner the date will be over and we can figure out how to deal with finding the last stone and when we eventually have to face Thanos. So see ya soon."

With that Darcy just grabbed her jacket and raced out of the door before Loki can even say another word. Loki now just got up and grabbed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and heads towards the couch, already waiting for the date to be over and to face the music. But who knows maybe things will be better than he is expecting things will go, maybe both Darcy and Ian will be able to sort things out on their own without his help. They seem to be good friends at least and maybe they will talk it out and forget that it has ever happened. Maybe Ian won't even mention it and will just try to enjoy Darcy's company as much as he can and forget the whole call ever happened. He might be the type of person who is too enamored of another to even care about it. If that was the case then Loki would be worrying so much over nothing and everything might be alright. All Loki can do now is hope for the best and wish that things work out for the better.

An hour later at the date

When Darcy arrived and meets up with Ian, he greeted her rather awkwardly much to Darcy's surprise and after wards they start to head to find somewhere to eat. Darcy tries her best to create a conversation, but to only become more and more confused by the minute, when Ian either shrugs or make an agreeing humming sound. Soon the date started in the all you can eat buffet, it was strangely silent between the two of them and neither of them are daring to speak or say anything to one another. That surprises Darcy, she knows that these dates are getting awkward but she didn't think that they were getting this awkward, it has been a good thirty minutes since she got there and grabbed her food. The only words that she and Ian exchanged are just their greetings to one another, other than that there is nothing going on when it comes to conversation wise. The silence is getting more and more unbearable by the minute and Darcy does not know how she is going to handle this any longer. Darcy decides it might be best to try to break whatever silence that is now between them, if she doesn't then it's going to be a really long date and one that she might end early if this continues on.

"So Ian... how's the food?" asked Darcy. "It's prety good and I bet the deserts are as great as the food don't you think?"

"I guess so..." said Ian feeling a little nervous and unsure of their relationship after their last phone call. "There is something that I have been wanting to talk to you for after we last spoke."

"Yeah sure... What's up?" said Darcy. She's unsure of what could have happened the last time that they spoke to make Ian feel that way, was she in a bad mood or something? Could Ian now possibly see that their relationship is not working out or is he asking her to move forward in their relationship that would be the last thing that she is ready for? Well either way, she's going to find out her answer soon and she has the feeling that she's not going to like whatever she's going to hear.

"Darcy... Over the phone, you sounded really angry and tired that it helped me realize something. I am just going to ask one question and whatever it is I will accept whatever answer you give me." said Ian. "Are you unhappy with us? I mean you always seem to be tired of the dates and you sometimes find excuses to end them early and never seem to be around anymore. If you are not too busy with work then your doing something else, it almost like you are in a different world every time we try to get together."

"Wait what phone call? When was it the last time we spoke on the phone?" asked Darcy super confused at the scene that is going on. "What makes you think that I am unhappy or anything? I never said or hinted that I might have been unhappy, I know that I have been busy lately, but that does not mean I am not happy in anyway."

"You yelled at me on the phone earlier and it's clear that you just had about enough about of our relationship." pointed out Ian. "Why didn't you tell me that you thought that things are not going as well as I thought that it was? We could have work something out, but if you're really this unhappy then I don't see any other way but-"

"I never yelled at you on the phone, what are you talking about? What phone call?" asked Darcy getting even more and more confused by the minute. "Ian it's not like I am not happy to at least be friends or anything but-"

"It's ok, you don't have to be embarrassed about all of that, I understand and I just wish we didn't have to end things like this." said Ian. "I hope that we can still be friends, I have to get going... I have to go do something... Good bye Darcy."

With that he got up from the table and went to cashier to pay for the meals, he even told her whatever else that Darcy may grab or want to take home will be on him. Ian took one last look at Darcy before leaving the restaurant. Darcy couldn't help but stare into space and she just can't believe what just happened or even want to believe it, sure she wanted to end her relationship with Ian but never like this. What phone call was Ian talking about? She doesn't remember even making or receiving any phone calls from Ian before the date. Sure she heard some ringing from her phone until it abruptly... stopped out of nowhere.

The phone couldn't have stopped unless it either runs out of battery or someone picks up the phone, there is only one other person that could have picked up the phone. It makes perfectly sense now, Loki must have answer the phone call and used his magic to make it sound like if she is the one on the receiving end and according to Ian, the response was anything but pleasant. Could Loki have been the one that gave Ian the idea that she might be possibly unhappy with their relationship? No Loki would never try to break them up or do something that extreme could he? But then again this is Loki, if he is ready to take over worlds just because he is angry at the universe then he would be more than happy to help break a couple up right?

That would be the old Loki because the new Loki knows how important it is to her to do it herself, but there is no question that Loki is the only one who knows about her troubles with her relationship and how she is having trouble breaking things off with Ian. He is the only one in the room when her phone is ringing, that leads to one conclusion that Loki has something to do with the break up or at least picking up the phone and saying who knows what to Ian. She does not know why Loki picked up the phone or if he even wanted to break them up. But she is going to find out and in almost an instant, Darcy left the restaurant with the main goal in her mind is to get some answers from Loki.

Back in the Apartment

Loki is staring his book, he feels like if he's frozen in time and that there is no escape from whatever spell that is now put upon on him. He is waiting anxiously to hear whatever outcome from Darcy, he just hopes that the date went well enough that his anger didn't ruin their relationship. Not too mention their friendship is also on the line because Darcy is going to be anything but happy when and if she found out what happened. The stress have been bothering Loki so much that he can't even concentrate on reading his book, Loki is now even wishing that the date is going so smoothly that Darcy will be coming around midnight and he would be hearing all about it in the morning. Every second feels like hours and Loki hopes that the dreaded moment will never come...

Once the door opens, Loki stayed in his place and pretended to read his book and tries to act like if he was just sitting there reading his book. Though Loki is surprised that Darcy is back this soon, he thought that she would have come back a little later and would have kept him up for most of the night talking about. He can immediately tell that things are not looking good and he does not know if he's imaging it but he is starting to feel some kind of angry tension in the room that he wish that he could just use his illusions to make Darcy talk to an illusion. But he created this mess and he might as well see what happened and if there's anyway he can fix it, then Darcy would not have to deal with the possible mess he just created.

"So how did it go?" asked Loki as he continues to await his answer and nervous about the answer he is going to get.

"It went horribly, Ian broke up with me because he claims that I gave him an angry phone call." said Darcy angrily. "Do you know anything about that?"

"Maybe... Look Darcy, I wanted to tell you but you left so quickly that I-" begins Loki.

"What you think that I couldn't handle a break up on my own that you have to go out of your way to try to break our relationship up for me." said Darcy angrily. "Look I don't know why you went to all of that trouble, but I would appreciate it more if you just don't try to make these kind of decisions for me or try to make things harder than I would my life to be at the moment."

"I did not create an elaborate scheme to try to tear your relationship apart, it was a mistake that I immediately regretted." said Loki. "I know that I shouldn't have touched or used your phone without your permission, but I was so annoyed by that piece of Midguardian technology that I picked it up and yelled at him. I had no idea that it was Ian and if I did I would have never have reacted that way."

"You do realize that's what they all say..." mumbled Darcy annoyed at her roommate. Loki managed to hear what Darcy mumbled and he's not happy with what he just heard that it's now making him feel a mixture of frustration and anger.

"What do you mean by that?" demanded Loki. "Are you doubting my side of the story?"

"I'm just saying due to how you are master of tricks, lies and disguises, it's easy for anyone to find that story a little farfetched." said Darcy angrily. "I mean wouldn't you have found it odd that the one thing that you want to happened happens right after you told the person about it? I mean you even answered my phone and that is not helping you prove your own innocence in this case."

"This is all just a mistake and you are making accusations of me purposely creating the entire miscommunication?" said Loki who is getting more and more frustrated by the minute. "I honestly don't see why you are upset about this entire outcome, an hour ago you were telling me how happy you would be if you broke up with Ian and that is exactly what ocured and now you are ready to give me an argument for my mistake that happens to have given you exactly what you wanted."

"You didn't let me have a chance to do it myself and it's not that you also used my phone without my permission." said Darcy angrily. "One of the rules that we agreed with and just when I started to trust you."

"In case you have forgotten, with my reputation I am one of the last person from any dimension to trust." said Loki really annoyed at how they are even having this conversation. "The only thing you can trust of me is... my rage..."

"Well it wouldn't have to be that way if you didn't make the mistakes that you did in the past." said Darcy. "With your so called reputation, it's a miracle that anyone would give you a chance for a new start of life. Especially with your history with Thanos and how he's practically is your former boss that wants to do more than just fire you."

"I may not know what you may mean by "fire me" because I'm sure Thanos would love nothing more to set me on fire." said Loki. "It's not like I called and ask Ian to break up with you or ask Thanos to save me from falling to my death in the fabric of space and time after I let go. The only way he convinced me to help him is by fueling my anger and hurt, a friend of mine well the closest thing I had to a friend at the time convinced him to spare me and then... My point being that Thanos was ready to kill me the moment I even landed on his asteroid badly injured."

"It wouldn't have happened if you didn't try to blow up an entire planet in the first place!" said Darcy still feeling her anger grow. "Thanos or no Thanos, you are still responsible for your actions and we're still no where closer to the next Infinity Stone. Now aside from stone tracking, I have to find a way to explain to Ian and make up some crazy story that he might possibly believe that doesn't involve you. If all else fails, then I might even have to apologies for you because I was supposedly the one who was being a grouch."

"Oh blaming me for a relationship that was eventually going to fall apart with or without my help, how perfectly reasonable and wise." said Loki annoyed. "May I remind you that Thanos would have killed me if I refused to do whatever he told me to do. I didn't have a choice and there were only two people that were kind to me, one of them even happens to be Thanos's favorite and even she didn't dare try to escape from him. Didn't I tell you that a mission like this is not going to be easy? When it comes to these stones, it's really rare to even know where all of them might be because of whomever may be standing in our way and we were really lucky to even have found four of the stones?"

"Yeah but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try harder." said Darcy angry and frustrated with Loki.

"What do you expect me to do? Grab a hold of every material item in the universe and hope that it somehow does something magical and dangerous that could possibly be the next Infinity stone?" said Loki. "Like that is going to help anyone, can you not see that I am doing everything that is possible to find the stone and to stop Thanos?"

"All I'm seeing is someone who is not trying hard enough or doesn't even care whether we win or loose, when we first started this I always had to make you go out to do hero work." said Darcy angry and annoyed. "It wasn't until Ultron that you decide to be a hero just because are the one that is doing damage control for a change, that must have made you see that you had to change your attitude."

"I am trying everything I could possibly can to find the stone and to make things right, but none of this is going to happen over night." said Loki. "You are acting like a spoiled child who overreacts about everything."

"Well I would rather act like a spoiled brat than behave like a monster like you." said Darcy angrily. "Look if-"

Darcy is ready to say more, before stopping herself and realizing that she might have gone a little too far, from one look at Loki's face she knows that she crossed a line. Remembering the conversation that they had before they left Avengers tower, how she tried to get Loki to see that he's nothing like Ultron or Thanos. But the entire point of the conversation and the progress that Loki has made ever since the entire conversation and how close they are getting or rather were getting. All of this is from not being happy that Loki accidentally going behind her back and indirectly leading to Ian breaking up with her, now she is feeling a sense of relief and grateful that all of it led to it.

Now she is feeling a sense of guilt that she is letting her frustration, doubts and her need to know how all of that happened turned to anger and she has been taking it all out on Loki. She needs to say something, say something now or else she might loose Loki as a friend or something worse, judging from how things turned out with Thor. Darcy does not want things to go that route with their friendship, she just hopes that things are not too late to fix things between them before she looses his friendship. That will upset her more than any break up or whatever Thanos is planning to do to him and the world once he tries to come after them for the stones and she has to fix this right now.

"Hey Loki, that part is meant as a joke. I don't think of you as a monster or anything like that." said Darcy trying to soften the blow. "Why don't we just forget about this and pretend that-"

"I believe that I am going to go out for a walk." said Loki. "It is really clear that we both need time away from each other and time for you to calm down. So I will see you later..."

"Uh ok... but maybe after you come back we can talk..." said Darcy nervously. "That is if you are up to talk or..."

Loki is not even listening and starts to make his way out, he transform his Asgardian armor to his Mysto costume and start to go towards the window and go down the fire escape, Darcy wants to stop him and try to work things out between them. But she stops herself because one thing that she learned from being Loki's roommate is that whenever he's upset about anything, it is better to give him some space to deal with whatever feelings that he may be feeling. Then maybe he comes back and hopefully then they can both just talk about it like if they didn't have the worst arguement in the history of their friendship. She just wish that he doesn't have to go or just figure out why she is more bothered than that Loki is upset more than she ever would as a friend. Maybe it's guilt playing up or something else... Like Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in the movie, there's no way that could happen right?

Before Darcy can continue to think about why she is feeling differently about Loki or try to say something that would lighten the mood, Loki got back on the ground and begins to walk away from the apartment. She wants to say something and she needs to say it, but she doesn't know what to say or how to say it. Darcy just hopes that Loki is in a better mood when he comes back home, that is if does come back or doesn't think of going to another planet or something. She needs some advice and to talk to someone that might understand what's she's going through, without telling them anything about Loki and plus she's sure something like this happened before minus everything that is out of the ordinary or Loki related. Darcy grabs her phone and finds the number that she is looking for and press on it, she waits as she hears the phone stops ringing and the person on the other hand answers.

"Hey Jane, it's Darcy I was wondering if you can give me some life advice?" said Darcy. "What you don't have to come over because... things have become a mess recently... But I could really use some advice or at least have someone to talk to that's all."

Meanwhile an Hour Later in the streets of New York

Loki starts to feel like if every minute feels like hours and ever step harder than the last one before, he just can't help but think about how he managed to hurt Darcy and how he might have ruined their friendship forever. This is bothering him more than he thought that it would and it all has to do with these conflicting feeling towards Darcy. This is one of the few moments that he wishes that he still has his brother or mother by his side, so they could have give him the best advice that they could give him. Even though Mysto is technically "friends" with Thor, it would be hard to explain if Mysto appears on Asgard out of nowhere without a proper explanation. Loki just wishes that he can turn back time and stop himself from answering the phone. Now Darcy sees him as a monster and that bothers him more than whatever Thanos is planing to do to him.

Was Darcy really right? Was he really this monster? Is he really trying hard enough to stop Thanos or was he doing the mad titans a favor and not doing as much as he can? But then again, they are looking for an stone that they don't even know where the first place to look, it took decades for Thanos to know the whereabouts for just two of them. Who knows how long it will take them to even find a reliable lead and even then there has always been a false alarm waiting for them. It's hard trying to find the stone with the lack of information and he has even start to help the Avengers training the new recruits and on any mission that would need Thor's help.

The team discovered that Loki is strong and harder to beat up (because of his Asgardian and Jontun physiology) and Loki had to pretend that he didn't even know that he was capable or that strong. After some persuasion or more like begging from Thor, he agreed with filling in for Thor only until he returns from Asgard for a month or so, the Avengers turn out to be less intolerable than he thought they were. But that did take him away from giving his undivided attention on trying to find the next Infinity stone, at least he is able to gain their trust and toughen them up for the upcoming battle with Thanos if they ever get involved in anyway.

Other than that he has been trying to find any leads that might be a connection of where the stone might possibly be located. Loki continues to head his way through the city to see if he can clear his head, no matter where he goes he can't help but feel like if he's a failure. The only times that Loki stopped is whenever he sees a car passing by or if any Avengers fans wanting his autograph or a picture. As he continues walking, he is now reflecting the journey he has been ever since he agreed to help Thor defeat Malekith and the Dark Elves. Loki is doing things that he never thought that he would be doing and that he even starting to feel like he has changed. That is probably for the best and at least he can be someone that is living his life anew and has still have to do more to finally make up for his past deeds. The only good thing that he may ever have a talent that he has is the ability to make others miserable and cause problems.

If it weren't for him, Ian wouldn't have broken up with Darcy and he might still have a friend by his side who is one of the most confusing and admirable humans that Loki has ever met. Every time when he's in the same room with Loki, he just feels more like how he used to be before he learned the truth, before Thanos and before New York. It felt like if at last he can truly be himself without worrying about any thing in the world, Loki is really nervous about what this might be and hope what he found if wrong. If the results that he manage to find online and Midguardian help books are true, then he needs to figure out how to remove these extreme fondness that he is feeling before it makes him loose his mind.

Not only he's not ready to go down that route, but he is absolutely refusing to say the "L" word because this is just a temporally thing that he will get over by the end of all of this and judging from this argument and Darcy's true feelings. Loki does not need any more confirmation that they would be horrible together and just because this worked in stories like Tangled that does not mean he will give in or it will work in the real world. No matter how much part of him is disappointed with them possibly never getting together, it is for the best not only things wouldn't end well for both of them but there is the fact that now he's planning to leave Earth once all of this is over. It would be easier if he can leave without being able to pine someone who doesn't love him the same way and move on from this experience...

Before Loki can continue to think about Darcy or his walk around the city, he can't move another step and once he looks down then Loki realize that there is suddenly a golden circle that is surrounding him. It didn't have anything to do with his magic, Loki tries his best to use it to get himself out of the circle and so far nothing is working. It can't have been Thanos because the last time he checked they have the Teaseract and even then it wouldn't be surrounding him in a circle before it makes him go to their golden circle is growing bigger and bigger, the swirl is making Loki even more confused by the minute. He does not remember trying to teach or showing that spell to Wanda while trying to help her control her powers and even then they both discovered that she can't do spells. It can't be Amora, her magical aura is a lighter green and this aura is gold and even then he has never read a spell that can trap someone in one place with magic circles. There is only one conclusion that Loki can come up with, there has to be someone on Earth that can do magic and the question is who and what do they want with him?

Loki is going to find out soon because the golden circle made the ground go back and sucked him into a strange unknown dimension. Loki is continues to fall in the dark void and it looks like it's never going to end. Until he sees himself heading into a bright light and that must be where his destination must be heading, Loki can't wait to see what kind of sorcerer thinks that they are going to be able to do this and whatever else they are planning to him and gets away with it.

Chapter Text

Loki is getting closer and closer to the light going through an endless tunnel where gravity is a enemy, he just hopes that whatever or whoever on the other side gives him the answers that he may be having. Before he gives whomever that may have trapped him in this never ending void that feels a hundred times worse than falling off the bifrost and the last thing that he wants is to make this into a regular thing. Once Loki hit the light then he is rapidly falling down to the ground and that is anything but slow, when Loki hit the ground he's anything but happy and is ready to give whoever puts him through that portal a piece of his mind. Loki slowly got up and notice where he is and he can not believe what he is seeing.

In the house like mansion, it was fancy compared to the apartments that he has shared with Darcy. If Loki didn't just fall through an interdemensional portal against his will, then he would admire the articterture and the decorative environment. Loki starts to walk around the room and to see if he can see any sign of whomever can do magic. As Loki is about to leave the room, there is suddenly a portal that Loki accidentally walked into and now he's back where he started in front of a grand staircase and in this hallway where it looks too fancy for it to even be near the exit.

Maybe he should just try the other way and see if he can find any possible exit, when Loki starts to head that direction. A portal just puts him in front of that grand staircase and Loki instantly feels like if this is getting ridiculous, what does this person expect him to do? Just sit down and wait for whoever is doing this to come and chat, well at the rate things are going he is ready to fight who ever wants a fight.

Well there is one solution for this problem, he can just leave and hope that this person just leaves him alone for the rest of his life. Loki starts to head down the door and got ready to leave, once he reaches to the door and is about to make his first step outside. Loki steps through into another portal and then the next thing that he knew is that he is falling in the air and is about to hit the floor of said hallway. Loki is starting to feel really frustrated and does not need anyone to tell him that whoever this person is, they mean business.

But what do they want with Mysto? What in the name of the nine realms did Mysto or rather he do them? Well whatever he did in the past two months that he have been on Earth, he's going to fight and not going to let this sorcerer bully him around and keep him prisoner in this person's own house. Loki grabbed a hold of his daggers, he got in a fighting stance ready for whatever this person is going to do next.

"I would put down those little knives if I were you, I know that you are not exactly the most admirable person on Earth. But that does not mean you can go around planning another one of your little world domination schemes that hurts more people than you can imagine." said a male and mysterious voice. "Now that I got you trapped where I wanted, I can finally put a stop to your plans."

"What? What evil scheme? I am not trying to take over Earth, what makes you think that I am trying to take over the planet?" said Loki. "Who are you and why are trying to trap me here?"

"Let's see your past track record, you tried to take over Earth with your alien army and that alone does not put you on a good spot when it comes to credibility." said the male who just appeared right in front of Loki. "You may have had everyone else fooled, but you didn't fool me Mysto or should I say Loki."

At that moment, all Loki can do is stare at the guy with the blue robe and red cape, a human that can do magic. He can not believe that this person has somehow managed to figure out his true identity and looked through all of the masquerade that he and Darcy tried so hard to pull off and the identity that they created through Mysto. How could this strange and annoying sorcerer have managed to find out his secret identity? Did he tell anyone else that Loki is Mysto and now every single person on this planet knows that he is the mysterious masked hero?

Of course not, if that was the case then he probabley wouldn't be allowed to leave either the apartment or Avengers tower until Thor returns and he probably would have had the Avengers and many more humans coming after him. But there is one thing that Loki knows that it is dangerous for his identity to be out in the open unless he can know for sure that he can trust this mysterious stranger with one of the biggest secrets that he has ever had to keep in his entire life. He needs to know who else might possibly know about his true identity, both his and Darcy's lives will be ruined forever if he reveals his secret to anyone else or worse going to reveal it to someone and secretly believes that he might try to blackmail him. The last thing that Loki needs is to have someone who cmight be a threat to both of them in any possible way...

"How did you know?" demanded Loki. "Who are you? What do you want from me?"

"I would take off that mask if I were you, I mean it kinda looks ridiculous that I know who you are, you still trying to hide your identity and besides you do look ridiculous in that get up anyway. Who ever you got to design your costume must have no style choice of any kind." pointed out the male. "I just want to stop you before you do something that will hurt hundreds if not thousands of people. I wouldn't be surprised if you spoke to your army before you took a stroll around the city."

Loki quietly took off his mask and glared at the guy, not only he is getting annoyed at one of the worst humans that he has ever met so far. Plus the way he insulted his costume as if he is some kind of fashion expert, it is almost like if he thinks that he is better than everyone else. The way he talks, the way he is being so critical towards him in general and not too mention his magic is anything spectacular. Unless everyone considers falling into portals or ending up in random places that they are trapped in for no other reason than suspicions. What makes him really angry is that this person insulting his costume, ignoring how it looks for one minuete, this costume is given to him by Darcy and she finds it wearable. No one should be allowed to call this costume ridiculous except him.

"Well I should say the same thing about you, at least I do not go out in what you humans call a bathrobe. For your information, this costume is given to me by a friend and one of the most wonderful friend that I ever had..." said Loki defensively. "You still haven't answered any of my questions and I would like to know how did you find out about my identity.

"I'm the sorcerer supreme, it's kinda like one of those jobs where I see and hear all, I tried to tell everyone about you in anyone who deals with these things here minus the Avengers. They all laughed in my face because of how I looked, no one knows about sorcerers' being a thing. It also doesn't help that there is a rumor going around that you died and Thor practically confirmed it. He even asked for no one to ask any further questions and to not make any hurtful comments because he wants to only remember the good times." said the male. "I can't seem to imagine why after everything you have done to this planet and maybe more. If you must know my name is Doctor Strange and let's just say I want to stop you from whatever evil scheme you are planing to do to inflict on the world."

"This is ridiculous, I am not going to do some evil scheme that can-" begins Loki. Before he stops himself after something catches his eye...

Loki noticed that the neckless and the green glow inside it, he squinted his eyes a little and realize that the jewel in the pendant is not for decorative purposes. As Loki continues to take a closer look at the necklace, he starts to realize something and he can not believe what he is seeing or what he managed to find. It was the next Infinity stone and this second rate sorcerer somehow managed to get a hold of it.

But how? Loki can not believe that the next stone was in this city and on Earth this entire time. He has to get a hold of that stone and Strange can't keep the stone and continue to wear it as if he won a gold medal. There is also the fact that if Thanos tries to come to Midgard and finds out that he has the stone, then he will have to go through who knows how many hurdles to try to stop a potential attack to the planet or save hundreds of humans from Thanos or dedicate most of his own time to protect Strange from anything Thanos is ready to throw at him. Well it looks like he has some negotiating to do and hope that Strange will try to listen to him. But first he have a couple more questions of his own.

"Where did you get that necklace?" asked Loki catching Strange by surprise.

"I used it during my time training and even used it to help save the world once." said Strange. "Why do you ask?"

"I should be asking what makes you think that walking around with that thing is a good idea?" said Loki. "Let me try to explain this for you, I need that because it has a powerful stone that if it is not protected, then it would bring more trouble in the future."

"Why would I give it to you?" said Strange. "How do I know that you won't use the stone to as a part of your scheme or use it's powers to hurt someone?"

"I am not going to be using it, I have to protect it from someone that is going to be using it to do more damage that I have ever done to this city alone." explained Loki. "If you don't give it to me, then this monster will do everything he can to get the stone and will give Earth a war that he knows that we would never win. Once he finds out that you have the stone and if you refuse to give it to him, then he'll continue to torture you until you eventually give in and once you do he will do unspeakable things. I can't protect the planet and you at the same time, when he eventually comes then don't be surprised if he breaks in here to get that piece of jewelry then it will definitely be a long day."

"Do you really think that I will believe a story like that?" said Strange. "Look why don't we do this the easy way and you tell me what you have done so far. Then I will send you back to Asgard and let them deal with you."

"Have you heard a word that I have been saying? That stone is not a toy, it can be really dangerous if it lands on the wrong hands." said Loki feeling really frustrated. "Look how about this, just give me the stone and then once this is over I will bring it back and we can finish whatever we just started later."

"I have a better idea, why don't we finish this right now and we can get this over with?" said Strange. "This fight was going to happen sooner or later..."

With that Strange got his magic at the ready and he's more than happy to defeat Loki once and for all, he wants to stop him for all of the evil that he did and pain he caused to hundreds including himself. Loki just sighed as he continued to stare at the stubborn Midgardian, it looks like that this Strange guy is not going to try to be reasonable or at least try to listen on is side of the story. It looks like he has no choice but to fight him and take the stone, he's really happy that Darcy isn't here because the last thing he needs is for her to either trying to tell him that there should be another way or after this confrontation, it would result in him needing to got to every realm and dimension imaginable to either escape or recuse Darcy or a mix of both. That would be one of the last things that he would want and no matter what Strange planning to do with him, he's going to find a way to win this fight.

"You may think that you are a superior sorcerer, but you are forgetting one important detail and that might give me an advantage." said Loki confidently.

"What is this so called advantage?" asked Doctor Strange, as he is ready for anything that Loki may be planning to throw at him.

"I have more experience and practice then you, so I can win this in a heartbeat." said Loki confidently and the next thing they both knew is that 10,000 Lokis appear in the room.

Loki created these illusions to buy him time to figure out how to defeat Strange and not to loose the stone in the process, but the question is how? In all of his time studying magic and casting spells, he has never seen this type of magic. There has to be a weakness, no other human he knows has this level of power... Loki even starting to think that Strange might even be a little too overpowered than he would like him to be, the irony is that Strange believes that Loki's overpowered...

Loki's not the one that send people into random places and dimensions to fall for more than thirty minutes, even then he would use portals for more useful things like transportation or to make his life easier. Not to give everyone a harder time or give them any unnecessary trouble that would later lead to something like this to happen. Though he has to admit that if he did have that ability and when he found out that he was adopted, he would have loved to have done that to his father, well Odin. Whether it was right or not, at least he would have gotten a good laugh for at least an hour before letting him out. Not that he would ever say or even think of doing something like that because the last thing he need is to get a lecture about why not to do things like that.

Before Loki can even think of what else he should do or try to come up with a plan, Strange got rid of all of his illusions by using his magic and portals to get rid of all the illusions that he just put to buy him time to even think of a plan. That's no problem he cam just create more and that will make things a little less stressful and maybe even more easier. Loki quickly make more illusions to do the same trick, then Doctor Strange just used his magic and all of the illusions got destroyed. Loki decide to just create more illusions and in hopes that they work and as it starts to feel like they are in an endless loop.

"You do realize that we can do this all night and that is not going to make you win this right?" said Strange, he looked really bored as he continues to destroy Loki's illusions.

Loki soon realize that Strange is right and he knows that there is still one thing he can do that might be able to work. Loki quickly went over to a large table and use his magic to try to make the table fly at Strange. While Strange creates a portal for the table to go through, Loki notices something... he would say strange but that would be redundant. In the hand that Strange uses to creates these portals, there is a double jointed ring that is placed on his hand and Loki suddenly is coming up with a theory that the ring might possibly be connected to how Strange creates these portals.

To make sure that his theory is correct, Loki quickly went to a smaller table with a lamp on top of it. He uses his magic to fling it at Strange and then the moment where the lamp is about to hit Strange, he uses his magic to create another portal for the lamp to go through. Loki does not need any more proof to know that the ring is connected to it and maybe all he has to do is to grab the ring off Strange and then he'll be one step closer on defeating this crazy wizard. All Loki needs is a way to distract Strange long enough to unleash the next part of his plan, it's risky but he thinks that it might just work. At least he hopes that it will...

Loki created more and more illusions that it would look like if he is throwing objects at Strange and if he have the ability to summon objects out of nowhere. Strange continues to make portals out of nowhere and try to hit Loki with everything that he got, as well as trying to get all of of the objects in as many portals that he can produce. Once it feels like and it becomes more obvious that Strange is distracted with the "flying pots, pans and furniture," Loki knows that it's time to do the next part of his plan and creates an illusion that continues to be him, while he focuses on getting close enough to do the next part of his plan. When he creates the illusion, Loki also made himself transparent long enough to sneak close enough to go behind Strange and to the next part of the plan.

Loki carefully sneak around to try to get close enough to do the next part of his plan, he just hopes that he doesn't regret this because he never really had any practice doing something like this except only once. When Loki reached close enough to do it, he tries to think of any possible alternative of avoiding to do what he is about to do, it leads to Loki seeing that he might possibly not have that much of a choice. So Loki slowly starts to turn blue and begins to focus on his power from the bottom and work his way slowly to the top. He just hopes that he doesn't accidentally freeze the stone or the hand with the ring, this can only work if can just easily grab both of them. Not being force to wait long enough for the ice to melt and hope that he's lucky enough to being able to grab both of them.

Ice soon starts to appear in the bottom of Doctor Strange's boots and it starts to wrap it around like a chain and continues to grow rapidly. Loki careful with his aim focus hard on trying to trap Strange in the ice and to grab a hold of those two objects. Even if Strange tries to get himself out with his portals, there is no way that he can do so without teleporting both the ice and himself away. Loki just hopes that they does not teach how to break free from ice in his wizard school and as he got to the waist, the ice also managed to grab a hold of Strange's hand and trapped him in. Once it did, Strange starts to feel like something is off and noticed that he can not move from the legs or the other hand. Loki decides that it might be best to undo his illusion and once he did it causes Strange to turn and he almost screamed at the sight of a blue Loki.

Before Strange can even do anything or think of a plan that might lead to an escape and a victory, the ice continues to freeze Strange and it surrounds him until it reaches to where the pendant is. Loki then walked a little closer and grabbed a hold of the necklace, he even puts it on him to make sure that Strange doesn't do anything that might jeopardize the safety of the stone. Strange is about to create another portal to trap Loki and keep the pendant afloat, Loki caught on and quickly freeze Strange's other arm.

The ice continues to freeze up Strange's arm until it reaches to the two fingers that the ring is in, Loki pulled off the ring out of his fingers to continue freezing him until it eventually leads to Strange's neck. Loki decides to stop it right on the head, so that way he can say a couple of words to Strange before he leaves to go back home with the stone and this portal ring thing. Loki turned back to his normal Asgardian color and turns to Strange, not happy of all the trouble the sorcerer put him true and if he's really that 'supreme' then he would find out the truth before all of this. Well Loki is not going to do anything if he just stands around and glare at Strange.

"Well it looks like I won this little fight you second rate wizard and I really wish I can see the look on your face when you realize that I was right when Thanos comes and I saved you from his wrath. No matter how much I personally think that you might deserve it then you would have a taste on humble cake or whatever you humans call that praise."

"It's actually humble pie, I got a better question who on Earth is Thanos?" demanded Doctor Strange. "There is no way that you are going to get away with whatever you are planning to do, if I can't stop you then those Avengers-"

"They are completely on my side or rather Mysto's side and I can promise you that the situation is much grander than you believe. You will see in time and I know that you will." said Loki as he puts the ring in both of his fingers. "So this is the object that you use to create portals and might possibly be one of the sources of your powers. I have to say that this is one toy that I shouldn't leave behind with you because if it were up to you, I would be-"

"Don't move your arm like that or point it right at me! No!" Strange tried to stop or at least warn Loki not to point it at a certain way. But it was too late, Loki flick his wrist and the next thing they both knew is that a portal open right underneath Doctor Strange and he falls in screaming on top of his lungs.

"Oops." said Loki a mix of shock and guilt. He quickly went to the portal and tries to see where Strange might be heading but it closed before he can get a good look. Maybe this ring is too much trouble than what it's worth and they shouldn't keep it because what if he accidentally send someone floating into space next time?

So Loki took off the ring and carefully held it in his hand and crushed his hands together until he heard something break. When Loki opens his back up, the ring is destroyed and Loki just left the remains on the floor, he has the feeling that Doctor Strange is going to be stuck where ever he is for a very long time. Loki decides that it might be best to leave in case of any more unwanted surprises and puts his mask back on before he leaves the building. Before Loki stepped outside and make his exit, he use an illusion to hide the stone.

The last thing he needs is anyone else seeing the stone and causing more trouble, then again he is Mysto no one is going to try to steal from him. But it's better to be safe and sorry and once Loki creates the illusion, he leaves the building knowing that the best place for him to go is back home because he can't keep this on his neck while he goes around the city. Loki just hopes that Darcy is asleep or at least in a better mood, the last thing he needs is another argument like that and plus it's clear that nothing will ever be the same with Darcy again. So why would he even try to save a friendship that is probably now beyond repair?

Back in the Apartment

Darcy is now trying to stay calm and part of her wants to head out and start looking for Loki, but that wouldn't be any good because there is the fact that Loki could have transformed into anyone or might not even be in this planet for all she know. It took her forever to go through a conversation with Jane, though it was nice of her coming over to check on her and it was nice talking to Jane again. But the main concern is that the idea of Loki coming in and Jane asking questions on how she knows Mysto or worse seeing Loki for herself...

Well it looks like that she doesn't have to worry about that problem and it's a good thing that Jane just left, now she doesn't have to worry about Jane coming in and seeing one of the two possibilities from happening. But Jane or no Jane, there is still the fact that Loki is out there probabley upset of what she said and that things are only going to be worse if they don't talk and make things right now. Darcy doesn't want to loose her friendship with Loki over something like this, why would she want to loose her friendship with one of the most extradoninary person that she has ever met over a guy and a relationship that was doomed to fail anyway. Part of her is now relieved that Loki took off that weight off her shoulders and now is hoping that her roommate comes back so they can talk this out.

Fortunately for Darcy, the wait is over because out in the window she sees Loki. Well Loki still in his Mysto costume but that shouldn't matter because he is here right now. Darcy has never been so happy to see him, but at the same time she also feels nervous because of what she said and how to apologize to him. She is not really good at apologizing and the last thing she wants is to have it be super awkward that any one would think that she is not taking anything seriously. She just needs to make this apology perfect and hopefully Loki will accept her apology. That is at least Darcy hopes that he would and their friendship might be saved and they can start to plan how to stop Thanos. Well if Loki still wants to stop him that is, she's not going to pressure him into facing Thanos and will be there for him no matter what he decides.

As Loki makes his way to the room and changed back to his normal Asgardian clothes, he took a good look at the bottom to see if the pendant is still in place and even picked it up to see if the stone is there. He did not go through all of that just to loose it on the streets of New York for someone else to find, though he is not sure what to say to Darcy because the words from earlier is still going around his head as if it was a rapid fire. Loki knows that deep down he never wants to hear the word 'monster' in any sentence that is referenced to him again. Maybe it would be better if he just put the stone on the table and just go to bed, he'll figure out what his next move should be in the morning.

"Hey Loki, how was your walk?" said Darcy trying to be friendly and realize that it might not work if Loki is not answering any of her questions. "What's that? I never thought that you would be the jewelry wearing type, heck I didn't even know you even own a necklace or any bling for that matter."

"While I was on my stroll, I happen to be fortunate to have found the last Infinity stone." said Loki not even looking at Darcy and staring at the pendant that the stone now resides in. "I had to fight to get the stone and it was challenging to say the least, but I am happy to say that our search is finally over."

"So what happened back there? Please tell me it's not something I can find out on the news, not that I'm saying it would be a bad thing or anything." said Darcy nervously. "But I want to hear the story from you because who knows what sort of exaggeration they would come up with to try to attract more media attention. So where was the stone this entire time?"

"It was on Midgard this entire time, it was hiding right under our noses and let just say that the entire experience was a Strange experience." said Loki."You do not need to worry a public display, the matters were handled privately and now that I have answered your questions will you excuse me? I had a very tiring night that I need to have a moment for myself and recover from all of-"

"Loki wait-." said Darcy trying to stop him from leaving to go to his room. But before she can even find the words to say anything the unexpected happened...

Darcy grabs a hold of Loki's wrist and that caught both of them by surprise, no one said anything after that gesture. The only movement that occurred is Darcy's hand slowly sliding down to Loki's. They both stared at each other unsure of how to deal with the situation, if there's even a way out of it and at the moment all they can do is stare at each other as they feel the feelings that they have been developing grow. It seems really clear that they are getting closer in a way that neither of them have ever experienced before...

"Ok this is awkward and weird..." said Darcy almost immediately. "I mean it's a good wired, something that it's really good that you want it to continue on and it's almost feels magical. You know what I mean?"

"I believe that I might have an idea on what you may be referring to..." said Loki.

It looks like if the two of them are going to have a moment and one where they can just talk, but that is one of the last things that Loki is ever going to let happen. Not only because it would lead to more pain for the two of them, there is also the fact that he is not good enough for her and never will and it is obvious that Darcy does not feel the same way towards him. Not only she sees him as this monster that needs to be watched from ruining more lives or to help perform any superhero work while tracking down the remainder of the Infinity Stones.

Whether or not these feelings are true, he's not ready for this or to have feelings for someone that is only going to see him as a monster, does not see him more as a friend or a commitment like that in general. Maybe they should just try to focus on finding a way to grab the Gauntlet and the last stone from Thanos, that it might help him get over his feelings for her or try to find a way to get Ian and Darcy back together. If he truly does care about Darcy in that way which he doesn't or ever will. Then he should let her go be with her true love and let her be happy with Ian, even though his part of their break up was really an accident and a misunderstanding.

Why does he even care? He is not in any association with the "L" word and the only reason why he's in this odd moment with Darcy trying to stop him from going to his room. It is probably because she wants him to forget the arguement that they had and to celebrate their newfound victory, but he wouldn't blame Darcy in wanting to celebrate them finally retrieving all of the Infinity Stones and for achieving the impossible.

No one in history has been able to collect almost all of the Infinity Stones in this amount of time, not even ones that are obsessed with the Stones to use it's powers like Thanos does. But either way Thanos or no Thanos, he can't continue to have conflicting feelings and the best way to put a stop to them is to try to end it now rather than just let these feelings continue to grow until it just dominates their entire relationship. Before Loki can even try to jerk his hand away or have a chance to even deny anything about this...

"Hey Darcy, I think I left my house keys here and can you believe that I almost went home without them?" said a female voice cheerfully. "Oh great, they are on the... counter..."

At that moment, she picked up the keys and the sight that she is now seeing is what makes her drop the keys to the floor. That is what made both Loki and Darcy turn to see what who is behind them and one look at her, all the two of them can do is stare in shock. Loki quickly jerked his hand away from Darcy's to avoid any unwanted assumptions that she might be making right now as they speak. Though he was wrong about one thing, this would be a good moment to grab the scepter and make her forget everything that she just saw. Loki is now grateful that Thor went back to Asgard for a temporary stay to help protect it, then otherwise this situation would be a hundred times worse...

Jane is now staring there in shock, she can't believe that she is seeing Loki alive and apparently friends or something with Darcy. How long has this been going on? When did this even happen? How is this even possible? How long has this been going on? Why didn't Darcy say anything about Loki? Could he be the reason why she is this secretive lately? What is Loki even doing on Earth in the first Place? There are so many questions that are going through Jane's head at the moment that she needs answers and she needs them now before she goes home and act like everything is normal. Plus what is she even going to say to Thor the next time that she sees him? There is no way she would ever keep a secret this big from him or would want to keep a secret like this from him. His brother is alive this entire time and Thor has been miserable and blaming himself over nothing. She doesn't even know what to say or how to handle this situation...

But all three of them can agree on one thing, that both Loki and Darcy have a lot explaining to do. Both Loki and Darcy quickly gives each other a glance, not even knowing what might be the best course of action or if it would be best if one of them just try to explain and do all the talking. There is one thing that is going through Loki's mind as the silence continues on, that this long night is about to get longer...

Chapter Text

Heimdall can't help but chuckle at the sight that is occurring right in front of him, he never knew that watching Loki's affairs back on Midgard would be so entertaining and that his life there would bring all of these surprises. Well it looks like that Loki is finally doing some good and might win that upcoming war against Thanos after all, though he is in for a surprise when he eventually finds out that he is one stone less than he thought. Part of him is even happy that he didn't report Loki to Odin or Thor because if he had then Thanos would have had the upper hand and that maybe things wouldn't have gotten this far and Thanos would have won and did whatever he may be planning to for the future. Though he knows that eventually Thor will need to know the truth, but he will leave it up to Loki because deep down he knows that he would never let his own brother be in the dark any longer than needed to or his guilty conscience keep him from hiding the truth.

Aside from seeing whatever else Loki has to deal with, Heimdall is trying his best to see if there is possibly be any sign of a ship that can possibly be the one that is ready to attack Asgard. But so far he doesn't see anything that would possibly be a threat against Asgard, whoever that might be out there is clearly trying to bid their time and waiting for the right moment to make their attack. He is starting to worry that this threat might possibly already be in Asgard and none of them might even know it. While Heimdall continues to watch to see if there is any chances of possibly seeing a sign of the mysterious threat that is now lurking in the shadows, before Heimdal can even have a chance to see what else is going on. There is a mysterious blast that happened right behind him and once Heimdaill turned around he stares at the sight in disbelief.

It was a lavender giant that he can safely assume must be Thanos and he must also be the threat that wants to attack Asgard. He does not need any further confirmation except when Thanos starts to use the Gauntlet to blast at him. Heimdall got out of the just in time and it looks like Thanos is not going to stand around to reason and he is ready to fight whatever may be standing in his way. Before Hiemdell can even say one word to the Titan or reason with him, Thanos begins to try to attack Heimdall brutally and every single time Heimdall either manages to escape or make his own attack against the Titan. Thanos always finds a way to give a harder hit or use one of the stones to attack Heimdall. No one needs to watch this battle to know who might be winning it and who might be loosing in this battle.

The fight between Thanos and Heimdall didn't last any longer than how Heimdall would have wanted it to, despite any attack he could have made, in hopes that he would succeed to fight off him. Thanos had the upper hand literally and grabbed Heimdall from the neck, he held him up as gently as he can to have a good look at the Asgardian, he realize that Loki might be right about one thing. All of the other Asgardians are too predictable and rely on brute strength to win their battles.

"How pathethic, I can not believe that you are suppose to be the gatekeeper of this punny planet." said Thanos with an evil smirk on his face. "I could have defeated you easily without my Gauntlet if I tried."

"What do you want from us?" demanded Heimdell.

"I am going to give you one chance to give me a honest answer and this is one opportunity that I never give to anyone that dares to stand in my way" said Thanos."If you give me the answer I am looking for then I will leave Asgard in peace. Where is Loki and the remaing Infinity Stones?"

Heimdall knew that this is anything but good because if Thanos is now looking for Loki, it would mean that it is getting closer. The time for Loki to face and fight off Thanos is now approaching, the fate of the universe is now in Loki's hands and even before he has to make a choice. Heimdell can't tell that monster where Loki is or how much he knows about his quest for the Infinity Stones.

Then otherwise not only Loki would loose the battle before he would even have a chance to win, not too mention millions will die on the hands of Thanos. There is also the fact that now Loki is finally finding his own purpose and place, he finally found the happiness that he would have never found in Asgard. Thor does not need to know that his own brother is dead for real because he was trying to save the world from someone even worse than whatever a Frost Giant or Dark Elf can ever do if they try to attack Asgard. It looks like that it is going to take more than that to convince him to reveal where Loki's location is.

"Loki is dead, he has been dead for the past two months and would never be connected to these Stones." said Heimdell. "You are wasting your time and I will have to ask you to leave."

Instead of accepting this fate and simply leaving or worst taking his anger out on Heimdall, all Thanos did is smile at the gatekeeper. That smile is one of the biggest and most evil smiles that Thanos has ever given to any one of his victims. Every single second pass is a moment where any drastic thing could happen it even looks like if Thanos is about to laugh at Heimdell and the state that he is in right now. Thanos is already coming up with a plan on how he can get Loki's attention and send a little message to him.

"Well I don't think I'll be leaving just yet." said Thanos proudly with Heimdell staring at him with a mix of shock and concern. "I just need to talk to your king and that famous brother of Loki's before I depart from this weak planet..."

Back on Earth

There was a deadly silence in the apartment, Jane can not believe her eyes or even knows if she wants to believe it. She is seeing Loki, Thor's own brother, the one that he has been grieving over for the past two months and the one that they both say die has been alive this entire time. Not too mention is somehow close friends with Darcy... How is this possible? Jane has so many questions with one main concern, how Thor is going to react to all of this when he eventually finds out or when she tells him? How did Loki even survive in the first place? How did Darcy and Loki even meet in the first place? Are they close if Loki is letting Darcy hold his arm like that? What is Loki even doing on Earth? All of these questions and many more is now flying through Jane's head and she doesn't even know where to begin.

Loki is just as conflicted as she is, it had never occurred to him what he should do if Thor or Jane or worse both finds out Mysto's identity and his survival. He was hoping that he could just go around and find the Infinity stones, stop Thanos and just live his life without ever having to worry about something like this from happening. Well it happened and Loki can't change that now, no matter how much he wants to and now he just have to figure out how to get Jane on his side.

The best solution he could think of doing so far, is to tell her the truth, maybe if Jane knows what is really going on and what is at stake if she tells anyone else including Thor or if he doesn't have the freedom to get the gauntlet and last stone. She'll understand and might even keep his secret, she doesn't seem to be the type that wants to doom the world and let Thanos win for Thor's happiness. Looks like that might be the best way of handling this. Before Loki can have a chance to even say anything, Jane has a couple of things to say...

"How are you here? We saw you die back in the Dark World... Did you really die or did you sneak off and set one of your illusions to act like you and come up with an elaborate scheme to try to take over the world?" Jane begins asking. "Why did you even do it? To take over Asgard? Do you have any idea how much pain you put Thor through?"

"I am happy to see you too and believe me when I say returning back from the dead is one of the most challenging things I have ever done in my life." said Loki. "Now if you would just let me explain then-"

"I'm more happy that you are ready to give an explanation because you two both have a lot explaining to do and I am not living here until you two give me one." said Jane. "I can't believe this and you are so lucky that Thor's away, otherwise I would have called him to see this and here's an idea, when he comes back-"

"Wait! You can't tell him about Loki, if you do then it will hurt Loki and-" begins Darcy.

"Darcy, have you lost your mind?! Let's forget about what happened in New York for one minute and focus on the fact that you have been helping him for who knows how long and-" begins Jane before she got interrupted.

"If it helps matters, it was two months and the very moment I returned back to Earth was a day after 'my sacrifice' and it was a peaceful return." said Loki can't helping to add that fact in and catching Jane by surprise.

"That comment is definitely not helping." said Darcy with a groan.

"I could not help but make it, if we are going to get scolded at then we might as well make it accurate and give Jane the correct facts." said Loki. "Besides I think we should tell our guest the truth before she starts to create a Midgard to Asgard communication system or advice because the last thing we need is for Thor to join us."

"What?!" said both girls at the same time. Not even believing of what they are hearing. Darcy realize what Loki must want to do and why she just needs to make sure before Loki makes a big decision like this.

"Loki, are you sure you want to do this?" asked Darcy nervously. "I mean we don't have to do this right?"

"At the moment, I do not see any alternatives and it might benefit us if we are honest with miss Foster here." said Loki.

"At least I know you developed a sense of morality in the past couple of months, but that doesn't mean I am done with telling the two of you off." said Jane. "I really would like to know how you two even became friends in the first place and how you even survive from the Dark elves."

"I will tell you everything but you will need to agree not to tell Thor because-" begins Loki.

"Why would I agree to help you keep this secret? In case either of you haven't heard me the first time when I said that you both have a lot of explaining to do and the idea that you have been helping Loki hide for the past two months." said Jane still trying to make it sound like if they both did a serious crime. "Who knows what you two have been doing for the past two months and there is still one important question that is still on the table. How did you possibly survive?"

"Let me answer that for you before we start trying to explain the dire situation that we are in and how you would be doing Thor more good if you don't tell him of my true whereabouts." said Loki. "I used a heeling potion to heal my injuries and drank it prior to the fight and every moment I was pretending to have died, my injuries were heeling."

"Ok, I guess that makes sense and what is this so called dire situation?" asked Jane annoyed. "Can I talk to you alone for a moment? So that way it might help me process this more and won't have the tendency to be ready to yell at both of you at the same time."

Both Loki and Darcy looked at each other nervously, they both know that this would be anything but good and might possibly lead to an even bigger problem where none of them can even control. But Loki knows that it might be for the best and they need to settle this or else everyone including Thor will be outside their front door demanding answers and ready to take the stones and him away. Loki highly doubts that it would go that far, but he doesn't think it would be a good idea to just use that as comfort. He may have not known Jane for long but she doesn't seem to be the type that would ever keep a secret from Thor or try to unless he gives her a good reason.

Could trying to search and obtain six Infinity Stones and a gauntlet before an giant mad alien gets them in order to save the universe from extinction be an understandable excuse? That the reason why he never came to them for help is not only for his history with them but the dangers that they would be facing if they knew the truth would convince her in seeing their point of view?

"Are your that it might be a good idea of leaving the two of you alone? I mean the last time you guys met one of another, he was dying or fake dying I don't see how this conversation will go if I let you guys alone in the same room..." said Darcy nervously. But instead of a response, she got a look from both Loki and Jane that is saying 'seriously' "I mean just don't be too hard on each other and... I guess this is my cue to go..."

'I just hope that I don't get fired for this or worse Loki on a one way ticket to jail...' thought Darcy as she goes to the end of the hall and tries to get close to hear the conversation. Along with feeling an intense amount of guilt that she just hopes that she can find a way to make things right with Loki, she is definitely going to be in the top ten worst humans list for Loki at this rate.

Loki has never felt so nervous before in his life, he just wish that Darcy was still part of this conversation so that way she can help soften the blow. He stares at Jane unsure what is she going to say or do once he's done. The first time that they met and even before he tried to pull a stunt like this, she slapped him in the face, well he doesn't need to worry about that this time because they are going to talk like grown adults and try to work things out. At least he hopes that they would because the world depends on it...

"So how is my brother doing before he left for Asgard?' said Loki. "I am interested in his well being and we might as well start this off smoothly and try to be more friendly towards one another."

"You still faked your death and hurt Thor for who knows why you would do it for whatever is the reason could be for trying to keep this secret." said Jane annoyed. "You know what's even worse, you even brought Darcy down in this and if you two got caught then she might get the blame for helping you create a conspiracy or something. Then-"

"I never intended for Darcy to get into any trouble, besides getting caught by any other Midguardians is the least of my concerns at the moment." said Loki. "When it comes to this mission that I have placed myself and I need to finish what I have started."

"What is this so called mission?" demanded Jane. "Is it to try to get my friend to help you bring your Chiteri army back to Earth or something?"

"First of all, it's Chitari and you are right about one thing this is connected to them in a way." said Loki. "But it's not them, the problem lies with their leader and he is more dangerous than whatever rage I could bring to this planet. Let us start small, has Thor ever told you and explained more about the Aether and it's power?"

"The only thing Thor and your dad told me is that those elves wanted to get it for world destruction and it was missing for many centuries." said Jane. "But what does that Aether have to do with all of this?"

"It's because if their leader gets his hand on the Aether then he is going to use the power in the stone that the Aether has to help him destroy the universe." explained Loki. "In fact all he needs is a magic golden glove and five other stones in order to do that and I have already gathered will be able to stop him before he can even begin."

"What? That's what all of this about? You and Darcy are going around the universe to collect these magic rocks from falling in the hands of this crazy super villain?" asked Jane confused. "How is this happening? Do you think that is what going on in Asgard right now?"

"It's possible, but we know nothing more than what you have been told by Thor and I do wonder what might be going on over there." said Loki. "But judging from recent events it would not surprise me if Thanos does decides to pay Asgard a visit."

"Wait, Thanos? Is he this guy that is now after the Aether and these magic rocks that your talking about?" asked Jane trying to piece the story together.

"Yes that is his name and those 'magic rocks' are called the Infinity stones." said Loki trying his best to remain patient. "The Aether is one of them or rather have the stone inside of it. There are six Infinity stones, we have five and Thanos has one and the gauntlet, we need to find a way to get them and sneak around in Thanos's lair to try to get these objects to save the universe.

"Ok what would happen if you fail to pull this off?" asked Jane. "What is this Thanos going to do? Substitute in trying to take over Earth for you or something?"

"Worse than that, if Thanos gets a hold of all six Infinity stones and puts them on the Gauntlet then he will have the power to destroy the whole universe." said Loki. "That would be the worst scenerio if he gets all six stones and it doesn't help matters that he is also after me and the fact that we also have four out of six Infinity stones. The other one... is in a secured location and is currently with the Avengers, I have the confidence that it will be well protected. That fact alone once he finds out is not going to make me one of Thanos's favorite person in the world and would put me in the must destroy list."

"Well at least you are doing some good in the time that you are here." said Jane. "But I still don't-"

"That's not all there is still one thing I haven't told you." interrupted Loki catching Jane by surprise.

"Wait there's more?" asked Jane not even knowing what to expect at this point.

"You know that new superhero Mysto, let's just say that we might be connected to his orgins and well let's just say that I am more humiliated by this." said Loki. "I mean going around in a suit with a mask and pretending to be overly heroic is exhausting. But at the same time, it is surprisingly beneficial I would have never have expected and at times even get some positive responses. Sometimes I even had the chance to stop one of the worst foes when it comes to them being annoying or just a waste of time when it comes to their world domination scheme and flawed plans. Please don't tell me that I was that delusional..."

"Wait are you telling me that your Mysto too? You fought Ultron and have been fighting with the Avengers?" asked Jane surprised at the revelation. "Wait you have been helping the Avengers and Thor as a superhero? Does anyone else know about this? Why didn't you tell Thor any of this? If Thanos is that big of a problem than why doesn't anyone in Asgard try to go after him and stop him?"

"Why would they go after someone that they don't even know that exists? It is not like I can tell anyone about Thanos because back in Asgard when I was in that prison cell after that little fiasco and my previous acts against Asgard. Would anyone believe me?" said Loki. "If I came out and told Thor then I would be back in a jail cell back in Asgard and Thanos would have targeted you, Thor and everyone else if they ever finds out about me being on Earth and having five of the most powerful artefics in history. Then he would have used you all against me and the less that knows about my mission, I was practically doing both of you a favor and how would you react and plan to do if you see Thanos and his alien army standing outside your front door?"

"Ok you made your point, I guess that explains why Mysto reminds Thor a lot of you. But still are you ever going to reveal yourself to him once all of this is over?" asked Jane. "Are you really going to make Thor live a lie for the rest of your lives? Do you even want that or care that you are still causing this pain?"

That question caught Loki off guard and he didn't expect to think of it that way, would he really be that willing to make Thor go through this for the rest of their lives? Of course deep down he doesn't want that to happen and knows that it would be really unhealthy for both of them. Maybe they should just try to move on from the lives that they had back in Asgard. Maybe all Thor needs is time and he can move on from all of the feelings of guilt and regret he must be feeling towards their failed brotherly relationship. As much as he doesn't wasn't to do it, things have to be this way or else things would just get too complicated and besides there is no way that Thor would ever forgive him for lying to him for this long and for doing so in the first place. He is barely getting through with this conversation with Jane, what makes him think that he would ever make things right with Thor?

"It has to be this way, no matter how it may hurt anyone. I need to ask you if you may keep all of this a secret because the fate of the whole universe depends on it." asked Loki. "I know that this might be a lot to ask and you care about my brother, but I can't stop Thanos if I am stuck in a prison cell."

"Maybe if you tell Thor of what you told me then maybe he would be helpful or try to understand." suggested Jane. "You can't keep a secret like this forever, what if someday you get caught by someone else or Thor? Do you really want him to find out this way or another way where you might not be able to explain to him what is really going on and Thor might not be able to accept the truth and that could hurt you two more than you would if you just try to make things right and-"

"That would have worked if things did not go this far but right now it's too late for any reconciliation." interjected Loki. "I have to focus on defeating Thanos, if we don't and if he wins, then-"

"I know the world will be doomed, but you really can't expect me to help you continue to hurt Thor because your so insecure to face him yourself." said Jane. She almost said scared but she doesn't think that word and Loki would mix well unless if she wants a war to break out in Darcy's apartment. But someone has to point out the obvious and if no one is going to do it then she might as well do it herself. "You are never going to know what's going to happen unless you go for it and see if you can fix it, how do you know that Thor won't forgive you if you don't give him the chance? I'm sure that he would be more than happy to help once he finds out about Thanos and you're not giving him a chance to-"

"I can't give him that chance because that is a choice that will change everything and it would destroy everything that I have worked for. Everyone's lives are already in danger because of me just being on this planet and having most of the Infinity stones, Thanos will torture you for information if he has the slightest idea that you are withholding any information and he will choose the person that I care about the most about to make sure he has some kind of control over me and blackmail me into submission." said Loki annoyed. "He is more likely to choose Thor or..."

Before Loki can finish, he stops himself because the idea of Darcy and Thanos being in the same room together and Darcy getting tortured because of him... There is no way that he is ever going to let that happen because not only he will give Thanos a war that he will never forget but Loki is going to make sure of that. The difference between Thor and Darcy is that Thor might have the strenght to survive whatever Thanos can throw at him both physically and mentally because of the decades that Thor have spent fighting in battle. Darcy might not because of her optimistic attitude and inexperience in battle, Thanos will use that and will view it as a weakness and use it to break Darcy until he breaks her or until he comes in to stop Thanos.

Maybe he should ask Darcy if she wants to better prepare herself because not only it would make things easier if he didn't have to keep an eye on her, but she can have the ability to fight off the Chitari and the Black Order on her own while he focuses on Thanos. He does not know if... why should he care? They are not friends anymore and it shouldn't matter if they are in danger, but still deep down Loki knows he does care and wants to make sure that his roommate is fine that's all.

"Do you mean Darcy... Are you, do you guys-" started Jane nervously unsure if she wants to hear the answer that Loki might give her.

"Uh no, it's not like that and the last thing that we need is to have me constantly having to worry about protecting Darcy and Thor from Thanos, I can't save the universe if I have to worry about them being tortured by Thanos, believe me when I say that it is better for all of us if he doesn't know." said Loki. "Can you keep this confidential please?"

"I don't know if I can... I need time to process this..." said Jane. "I can't make a decision just yet, I don't want to make this Infinity quest thing harder for you two if your really are trying to save the universe. But at the same time I don't think I want to lie to Thor and be stuck in a web of lies for the rest of my life, so I need some time to think about this and try to figure out what I do about this."

"Of course, I understand..." said Loki disappointed but understanding. "More than you realize..."

Loki is concerned about his secret and is disappointed that Jane might not agree to hold it. But at the same time he sees what Jane must be going through and understand how she must be feeling, he got her friend to lie to her for two months. It is obviously going to hurt more than he would have been with one of Odin's lies and at least Odin never asked him to continue that lie for the well being of Asgard and to lie to the ones that he cares about the most. Loki is asking Jane to lie to the person that she loves the most and to hurt him more than life itself. Any doubt that he had about Jane or the mere fact that Thor is going to outlive her is gone, is he any better than Odin? Deep down he knows that Odin would never approve a relationship between the two and might have even thanked Loki for unintentionally damaging it, but he's now saddened by the sight of Jane and the predicament that he put her in.

Before Loki can even say another word, Jane got up from her seat and headed over to where Darcy is standing at the other end of the hall. Loki quietly turned to followed her before he winds up stoping himself to the entrance of the hall near the door for his room. He knows that it might be best if he stays out of this, let them sort this out on their own. He already ruined one thing for Darcy, Loki does not want to damage both her and Jane's friendship anymore than he already did.

Loki just hopes that this doesn't ruin things for Darcy. He just wish that he can use the power of the Stones to fix this or just go and find a spell that can possibly work to fix this. He's also worried of how things would change for Thor and Jane's relationship because of the burden of holding this secret and possibly have them break their relationship beyond repair. Will he ever stop hurting others because of his actions? Will he ever stop being a monster? No matter what Darcy may say he knows that statement is true, tonight and the fight for the Stone is more than enough proof to confirm that he is one. Strange made it loud and clear that if he had it his way then Loki would be in some other dimension never to be seen again. He just wishes that the fight against Thanos and saving the universe will be more than enough to make up for everything.

"So how did it go?" asked Darcy nervously.

"Loki told me everything and I want to have some time to think about this and I have to ask why did you help him?" asked Jane. "Not that I'm saying that it's a bad thing but it's a question that hasn't been able to escape my mind? Is he really planning to face off this Thanos? How do you feel about all of this?"

Loki went closer to the hall to have a better spot to hear it, he remembers what Darcy said back in Stark tower but he just needs to hear it from her. He needs to know if Darcy meant every single word that was said on that night and if she feels the same way now. Loki wouldn't blame her for being angry at him for life because of what happened, he wouldn't blame her because he would feel the same way as well. But Darcy is not like that and she doesn't seem to be the type that would hold a grudge for that long if not at all. Loki carefully listened to whatever words that are now about to be said...

"Well I may have had some suspicions of Loki when I first met him, but I saw him as a lost individual who has yet to see his potential." said Darcy. "I also had the strange feeling that I needed to help him and for some reason it felt right. Not for the idea that I might be indirectly responsible for who knows how many damages for a hostile takeover. It is almost like if I was meant to help him and now every time whenever we are in the same room together it just wired we are just always happy together and I don't know why but it's always more magical than I could ever imagine..."

"What do you mean by 'magical'?" asked Jane confused and starting to make her own realization towards both Loki and Darcy.

"I don't know it's just something that happens between us and I always seem to enjoy spending time with him more and more than I would with Ian or anyone other guy." said Darcy. "I mean one minuete we're just hanging out and the next we are always on some exciting adventure that can be crazy unpredictable... I don't think I can imagine my life without this excitement or Loki in it..."

Jane stared at Darcy as she continues to talk, but she wasn't listening and now realize one thing that she can't believe that is happening right in front of her. Now she needs to have more time to think about what should she do in this situation and if she can even make a decision without hurting Thor or Darcy. Looks like it is going to take more time to think about and to figure out what might be the best solution for the problem at hand. But she is going to figure this out alone and she just hopes that Thor doesn't come back tonight or any time that she would need to stop and think about what is she going to do about all of this.

Along with to process all of this information before making any choices or plans about Loki and the fact that they are trying to save the world from Thanos who apparently is determined to get these stones and will go after Loki. If she tells Thor then not only Loki will get help to defeat Thanos but it might get Loki in trouble and hurt Darcy and if she helps them keep their secret then she is going to be hurting Thor more than she ever wanted to. But either way this problem has negative consequences no matter what direction she decides to go. She just needs time to figure this out...

"I am going to give you the next couple of days off because I need to figure this out on my own." said Jane. "I guess I will be seeing you and Loki later..."

With that Jane left the apartment in deep thoughts on what she should do about of this, she is conflicted with what might be the best course of action. She needs to think of something and give both of them the answer soon or else it is going to make all three of their lives difficult. Once Jane is gone, both Loki and Darcy just stared at each other not knowing what to say or think about this new development.

The risk of Loki being exposed and his secret no longer being a secret is the highest than it has ever been. At any moment Thor will come back and he will find out the truth and all of this will be over. Loki is about to go into his room and the only thing he wants is to be alone and for get about all of the troubles on his mind and to try to find a way to get out of this. But for once no illusion is going to get him out of this mess or convince Jane to keep his secret a secret, Loki just wishes that he can go back in time and undo this night. Unfortunately time does not work that way and he would be making things worse as he keeps trying to change and breaking the laws of time. Before Loki can even have a chance to go into his room, Darcy is there to try to start a new conversation between the two of them and to try to make things right between them. But it got off to a bad start...

"I guess we can both agree that this has been a rough night for the both of us, let's just hope that things don't get any worse than this huh?" said Darcy. "So did Jane said anything to you about me possibly getting fired?"

"She didn't mention anything of the sort and to be honest I think she's more worried on how to move her relationship with Thor going forward." said Loki. "It's not like we are asking her to tell him everything, we are asking her to keep a secret that would potentially ruin their relationship and a dangerous one that would leave Thor unprepared for a fight if Thanos comes in ready to interrogate them about his whereabouts."

"I don't know if I should be feeling relieved or nervous because at any moment I am worried for those words to come out and then I am looking for jobs on the market." said Darcy. "But oh well at least you got the last Infinity stone that we need before we have to face Thanos or at least sneak and break into his home to get the last stone and the-"

"Look Darcy, I had a rough night as it is and I want to have at least one good night sleep before I have to face an angry Thor, ready to throw his hammer at me after he finishes scolding me as early as tomorrow." said Loki. "So I would really appreciated if you would allow me to head to bed early and let me... sleep."

"Yeah, of course you want to get some sleep, you did go through a lot tonight and it must have been tough..." said Darcy trying to be casual and trying to keep Loki out a little longer before she knows that she has to try to reach out. "Wait Loki, there's something I have to-"

Before Darcy can even finish saying what she is about to say, Loki went in and quickly closed the door behind him. He can not stay there a moment longer because of everything and the growing feelings of guilt, fear and the feelings that he had towards Darcy is not helping him. He can't believe how things went from wonderful to horrible in just one night and this storm is still yet to be done because of Thanos and his secret might possibly getting exposed and the fact that things are going to fall apart.

In the past month, Loki thought that he could possibly have made this life work and he might finally have place where he can finally belong. Now he is nothing but a monster that is ready to destroy everything he touches. Loki knows one thing that this can't keep going on and he needs to try to repair the damage that he created for Thor and Jane, then later try to make things right with Darcy. He has to do this before Thanos comes and when he fights him because he doesn't want them to face the consequences for his actions.

He can not continue to think straight or come up with a plan with Darcy constantly trying to knock on his door in hopes that he would open and they would talk. But Loki doesn't want any of it, he remembers that arguement and how it escalated from bad to worse with Darcy only assuming the worst of him and calling him a monster. He's not angry with Darcy but he is hurt by those words and disappointed by it and these never stopping feelings towards Darcy is not helping matters. He just wish that he can just find a way to make them stop and just to have the courage to tell Darcy to leave him alone. But he can't because he is now realizing that he cares about her so much to try to do so, he just can't figure out why he is feeling this way towards Darcy and why can't stop these feelings or try to get over them? Maybe after this then they should give their friendship a break... a long break...

"Loki..." said Darcy as she is about to try one last time and now knows that Loki might be too upset and tired right now to try to talk. Before she leaves for the night, she knows that she might as well try to say it anyway. "I'm sorry... for everything..."

Once the sounds of Darcy's footsteps are gone, Loki just about ready to break down but knows that he has to stay strong and just let his magic knock over a couple of books and a lamp onto the side. The emotions that Loki is now feeling is swirling in his head and everything that he thought that he could do and the hope for things to have changed for the better is now gone. If things are going to be this way then why does he bother? Maybe he can't fight off whatever fate that has been assign to ever since he was born, maybe he was never meant to live his life like this and that he is meant to live his life alone and that's how it's going to be once all of this is over. He's going to be leaving Midgaurd forever...

Meanwhile back on Asgard

Thanos is ready to eintertain the audience that he has managed to attract with Heimdall on his knees and was patiently waiting for who ever runs this planet to show up and to face him like the heroes that they believe that they are. He needs to send a message to Loki loud and clear, he can't do it if he does not make sure that Loki get this message and the universe prepare themselves for a war that they are never going to win. The guards, Sif and the Warrior three are ready to fight off the evil Thanos that is ready to fight to save the strange and new invader from beyond the planet.

Thanos just smile at the sight of them trying so hard to beat him, they should be grateful that he is going to spare them from a humiliating defeat. Once he sees both Thor and Odin trying to make their way to the front and ready to fight Thanos off and banish him from Asgard forever. But Thanos knows that this is going to be one of the easiest things that he has ever done and really hopes for the two of them to give him an answer for Loki's whereabouts because he is the one that he is looking for. Thanos is more than willing to leave Asgard without hurting anyone but only if they give him any information about Loki and truthful information.

"Well it's about time that one of you showed up, I was starting to think that you would be cowards and wouldn't have the courage to face me." said Thanos with smug grin. "I just have one question and if you all tell me the truth then I will be more than happy to leave in peace."

"We are not going to tell you anything, what makes you think we would tell you any priceless information that would bring more danger to-" begins Odin.

"Maybe it's because of the fact that the information that I am seeking is information that you all would be more than happy to share and would be willing to sacrifice one life for hundreds." said Thanos with a snear.

"I have a better idea, why don't you just leave Asgard in peace and let Heimdall go?" suggested Thor. "Whatever deal that you may have in mind must not be an honest one and I don't believe that we want anything-"

"But you will all hear it, I am willing to trade one life for another and if he's listening to me then he really needs to think things through right now. The last thing any of us want is any trouble on the horizon." said Thanos. "That or you all might be more than happy to make the decision for him, now give me Loki and the Infinity Stones or their location, then I will be more than happy to leave this sorry excuse of a planet peacefully."

That caught everyone by surprise, they did not know what to think or say because the demand that this strange new alien is surprising. He wants Loki and the Infinity Stones? Why does he believe that Loki had some kind of connection to the stones or even want Loki in the first place? Doesn't he know that Loki has been dead for two months? Well either way they are going to stop him and make sure that he doesn't lay one hand on the Infinity Stones, along with finally giving this titan the news that have been two months ago.

Thor is going to make sure that this monster is not going to get away with holding his friend for ransom and using Loki's name in negative way. This is one of the rare moments where he's happy that Loki's gone because he wouldn't have to deal with whatever pain Thanos may be planing for him, well he is going to make sure that Thanos does not hurt anyone for whatever vendetta he may have against his brother and to save Heimdall and the world from whatever plans Thanos may have for Asgard and later on the universe. Whatever plan he may be planning must be big if he wants all of the Infinity Stones and it's a plan that is going to hurt others more than help them.

"Loki is dead and the Infinity Stones are scattered across the universe." said Thor defensibly. "Now let Heimdell go and we'll let you go easy and don't bother to come back or-"

"You want me to let him go?" asked Thanos pretending to be shock before he became angry. "I will let him go. Before I do so I want to say one thing, you may think that lying to protect Loki and the stones will delay the inevitable, but you are only hurting yourselves more than any of you may realize. It looks like I may not get an honest answer from you Asgardians, but that does not mean I won't keep my word."

With that Thanos pulled out the hand with the Infinity Gauntlet in place, the two stones is held in it's place and showed it to all of the Asgardians catching all of them by surprised. Odin has never been more surprised in his entire life, he was robbed right under his nose and without setting extra security measures he let the most powerful objects in the universe land in the hands of a monster like Thanos. Right now it doesn't matter on how Thanos could have possibly gotten the stones but it is important to figure out what to do to stop Thanos for good.

Before any one can do anything, Thanos used his other hand to get a good grip on Heimdall and soon once he grabs a hold of Heimdall. He puts the Gauntlet right up to his chest and the golden stone begins to grow brightly. At first no one can tell what Thanos is doing or what he is trying to do, but they were soon able to find out once they see Thanos moves the Infinity Gauntlet away from him. The next thing they all knew is that Heimdell dropped down to the ground, the heelers who were witnessing the whole encounter from the back quickly ran to the front and towards him, but were stopped once Thanos moved the hand with the Guantlet pointing on them. Everyone backed away from the steps that they have take to fight off Thanos. He smiles at the sight and is ready to laugh at the sight right in front of him, at least they now know what happens when they try to lie to him.

"Consider this a warning of what your future may look like and you might want to warn Loki if he doesn't turn himself in with all of the missing stones then I will hurt every single one in the universe until he does." said Thanos as he blast a statue in pieces with the power stone and make his way back to his ship.

Once Thanos is gone, everyone immiediatly raced towards Heimdall to make sure if he's alright, so far things are not looking so good and he is unconscious. None of the healers can figure out what is wrong with Heimdell and all they can determine is that he's alive but barely. Thor almost have half the mind to throw his hammer at the ship to see if he can stop the titan from going any further than a foot off the ground, but he missed as the ship flies away. How dare he go out of his way to threaten Asgard and hurt Heimdall like this? Not only that blackmailing them to bring him Loki and the four remaining Infinity Stones to him in order to not do what he just did to everyone else, something that he would never allow any one to do if Loki was alive with all of the Infinity Stones. Even then what does he suggest for them to do, did up Loki's body and gather all of the Infinity Stones and throw it to him? Before Thor can have a chance to think more about their unexpected and now unwelcome visitor.

"Thanos... he must have gotten the Soul stone from..." said Odin in complete shock on what just occurred. "We must move quickly not only for Heimdall, we don't have enough time and he's fading fast. But we also need to rally every soldier and warrior to the brief room because if he's going to go to war with everyone then we are going to need all of the help that we can get to make sure that he doesn't do any more damage then he already has."

Thor is surprised to see how desperate his father is to stop Thanos and have so many questions of what he just did to Heimdell and why does he want the Infinity Stones and Loki? He needs all of the information that he can to stop him for good, he does not want to know what he would have done to Loki if he was still alive and now he has to figure out what might be the potential history between Thanos and Odin. The last thing that he need is to have another big secret that would cause more trouble than he needs at the moment because the last time Odin kept a secret he lost his brother...

There is no time to grieve because Loki would have wanted him to fight this monster and he wouldn't be surprised if Loki would have come up with a trick to escape or find a way to defeat Thanos and getting his revenge in process. That is if Thanos did something in the past that would warrant in Loki wanting revenge, but other than that Loki would have stayed and he would have fought. That is something he needs to do for everyone and mostly himself, he would never be able to forgive himself if Thanos went to Midguard and torture all of his friends and Jane. He is going to do everything he can to stop Thanos, for whatever pain he must have caused before and whatever connection that he has to Loki. Thor is not going to let Thanos win, he's going to do everything he can to stop Thanos and to save everyone from his wrath.

The Next Three Days on Earth

Jane thought hard about what she found out and how to deal with this problem, she thinks that she found a sollution where all four of them can win and she wouldn't have to hurt anyone. Not too mention maybe even make both Thor and Loki happy, it may not feel like it at the time but she knows that they will be happy about it over time. Plus she can't stand in the way if Darcy and Loki have any form of feelings towards one another, she's knows better than anyone what it's like to be seperate from someone she cares about in that way. The way they both look at each other, how Loki seems to care about Darcy's wellbeing and how Darcy describes their time together as "magical," she doesn't need to spend two months with them to know how they really feel about each other. Jane is surprised that no one else sees that they have feelings for one another or maybe they do and just haven't said anything. Then again they are more Thor's friends and they must have seen that Darcy and Loki/Mysto's relationship is more than just friends. It is painfully obvious...

It also seems clear that Loki must have changed a lot since the last time they met and if he's telling the truth about this Thanos guy. Then it would mean the problem would be bigger than she could ever imagine. But still Thanos or no Thanos, this can't keep going on and whether they want to admit it or not, Thor's going to find out sooner or later. They didn't want her to find out and she still found out, but with the deal and compromise that she is about to propose to them, maybe it will help and they will be able to make something work for all of them and help out when it comes to dealing with all of this conflict. Along with helping Loki defeat Thanos and won't allow her to hurt Thor in the process. So Jane picks up the phone and pressed Darcy's number and waited for Darcy to pick up, once she did Jane got down to business.

"Hi Darcy, it looks like we are going to have that talk today." said Jane. "I will be coming to your apartment later today and please make sure that Mysto is there to hear what I have to say. I came up with a compromise where everyone will be happy."

Chapter Text

It has been a long wait for both Loki and Darcy, ever since they got that phone call from Jane they have been waiting anxiously for her to come over and to discuss what she is planning to do with the fact that she now knows about Loki. It was a quiet two days in the apartment and it continues to remain quiet as they wait for Jane, Darcy now wants to put this little silent treatment to a stop. It has been three days since they last spoke or at least had a conversation after the arguement and before Jane came in and found out the truth, Loki just only goes to watch tv in order to watch the news to see if Jane didn't tell anyone in the media or someone who may have found out and leaked it to the public. Then once the morning and evening news is over, Loki just goes back to his room to do whatever he was doing with the Infinity Stones. Loki did say that he wants to figure out a way to remove each stone before they have to face Thanos or he takes the fight to them, that way they can at least hide the stones without having to worry about Thanos finding five objects that he might be looking for lounging around in Loki's room.

But other than the Infinity Stones, Loki refuse to talk to her or leave his room with no other excuse or reason except necessity or to watch the news. The good news is that Loki manages to accidentally discover talk shows, Celebrity gossip shows and superhero speculation shows can at times give some accurate news. So Loki literally started to watch them at one go on the second day of the anxious wait and so far he is not enjoying a second of these shows. The only thing Loki even asked her is "how can anyone sit down to enjoy this tomfoolery?" Despite trying to tell him that a lot of people on Earth like to watch shows that would numb their minds, things didn't change. After that it went back to the silent treatment and Darcy would give anything to break this tense silence. She doesn't want to end whatever friendship they might have left for an argument like this, though that part was her fault and maybe she was a little too hard on him...

She might as well try to see if she can try to pick up the pieces and fix what they left off, the last thing she wants is, if Thanos does capture Loki or if one of them die from saving the world or if Jane plans to tell Thor the truth and Loki is being carried back to Asgard for jail time is to leave things off in a negative light. That would bother her more than anything else would and she needs to fix things. But then again she doesn't blame Loki for being angry and hurt, she would feel the same way if someone yelled at her in that way and it was also partially her fault that Jane now knows and Loki's identity and life on Earth is still in jeopardy of being the top story of the evening news tonight.

Well if she's going to try to make things right then she might as well start now or they might never have a chance to, but the thing that bothers her the most is the possibility of loosing Loki forever and she doesn't think she would ever forgive herself if that happens just because of a failed relationship with Ian that Loki unintentionally sped up the break up. But that doesn't matter anymore, what does matter is that they are friends again and defeat Thanos because she knows that any day now it's going to be time. She is not going to let Loki go like this even if it means she'll have to annoy him into talking again or use Mysto to get him to talk...

"So Loki found anything good on tv?" asked Darcy trying her best to be friendly towards her roommate. "I guess we can be happy to see that there's no news about you being Mysto, you know what they say no news is practically good news."

"You shouldn't be this eager to celebrate just yet, we still have yet to hear what Jane is about to propose." said Loki briefly. "Now what time did you say that she is set to arrive?"

"Well she did say that she's coming any minute now and I just wish she told me over the phone what she is planning to do." said Darcy. "But at least we know that Jane didn't tell anyone otherwise we'd have a ton of reporters, police and Avengers right outside our front door or would tell anyone except a certain blond guy with a red cape."

Loki just give a shrug and continues to watch the tv and really wish that this talk show would end and just gave up on it and changed the channel to see if he can find anything that might talk about anything relating to his own identity being exposed or any breaking news bulletins. The only thing that he managed to find on the news is them talking about a funny video of a dog trying to do a tap dance routine and another one howling over an animated lion's dead with a baby lion trying to wake him up. Well at least he can relax for a moment because it must have been a slow news day if they are reporting moments where dogs are learning dance routines and performing it in front of hundreds of humans.

He can not help but release a sigh of relief and at least he can relax for a moment, but Loki knows that he shouldn't celebrate just yet and he needs to keep his guard up. Before he finds out the hard way of what Jane's plan might possibly be or if Thor makes a surprise return to Earth and she told him everything. Loki almost have half the mind to head to Asgard to see if Thor is still there to make sure he is still there. He is so focus on the fact that his secret might get revealed and he might possibly get exposed at any moment, he is caught off guard when Darcy tries to start another conversation.

"Loki, I think we should talk about what happened before all of this crazy stuff happened..." said Darcy nervously.

"There is nothing to speak off, especially since you think so low of me Darcy." said Loki briefly and not in the mood to have a conversation like this now.

"If you're still upset about all of that, I didn't mean anything I said. I was just so angry and I really thought you might have purposely tried to break Ian and me up due to some twisted plan or prank." said Darcy. "I should have-"

"So now you believe that I try to ruin other's relationships for humor?" said Loki turning to Darcy annoyed.

"What? No, I know you would never do that or try to do something like that." said Darcy trying to soften the blow she might have unintentionally have caused to Loki. "At first I thought that you would... be trying to break us up for that reason, but now I think it's more of an... accident..."

"Whatever you are trying to say, I do not want to hear it or even talk about it." said Loki annoyed. "Why do you believe that talking about these things is going to help us or change anything? Our mission now is to protect the Stones, retrieve the others, with possibly having to face Thanos on the horizon and not to mention try to save and preserve whatever secret I have left."

"I just want to talk and try to fix our friendship." said Darcy at the same level of frustration as Loki. "I don't want to ruin whatever we had over a failed relationship and I just want to us to make up and-"

"Then what? You are going to pretend that nothing happened between us and when something else happens find an excuse to put the blame on me?" said Loki. "You believe I am a monster and one who seems to want to make your life and many others' miserable. You were probably hoping I would talk to you for your own pleasure, even if it does sound like that you are feeling so guilty about it and you simply hope that we can be good friends again."

"Yes that's exactly what I want and I don't see you as a monster or anything evil at all, I just want us to be friends again that's all." said Darcy. "Why are you being too stubborn to see that or let me in."

"Maybe it's because I was fooling myself to even believe that my life on Midgard could work or to see us being friends could possibly work." said Loki trying hard to stay calm. "Maybe there is the fact that things are not the same as before and we have to-"

"So you're going back to calling Earth: Midgard? What's next you are going to start to think of us Earthlings as too weak minded to live our lives again?" said Darcy annoyed. "I don't see why you think that trying to push me out like how you did with Thor and everyone else that might have cared about you back in Asgard is the best solution to all of your problems."

"In case you have forgotten any day now,we are going to face a monster who will be tracking us down until we give him the stones and he will stop at nothing. He will hurt anyone who dares to stand in his way or maybe torture you or Thor to blackmail me into giving him the stones. It's obvious m you two will be the first ones on top of Thanos's list and the last thing I want is something else on my mind." said Loki. "I would rather distance myself from the illusion of our friendship and the happiness I have felt on Earth then having it crumble down even further than I would like it to occur."

"Well there is no way that Thanos is ever going to find a way to get a hold of me." said Darcy. "I can fight him off and try to escape from whatever things he may be planning to do to me."

"What are you going to do? Tase him into surrender?" said Loki. "If it makes you feel any better, I am planning to leave Earth once we are done with this never-ending quest for the Infinity stones and our potential win against Thanos."

"What? Loki, you can't leave Earth..." said Darcy now becoming desperate in her attempt in trying to get Loki to hear her out. "I don't want you to go..."

"May I ask why is that?" said Loki with his anger slowly turning to curiosity and interested in what Darcy have to say.

"It's because..." Darcy is about to start, but she stops herself because for once she is at the lost for words and doesn't know what to say. For once Darcy feels like if time has gone slower and as if trying to convince Loki to stay on Earth is one of the most important things, she has ever done in her entire life. This is the first time that Darcy ever stopped to think about her feelings towards Loki and it seemed, they are stronger than she would have been feeling more than she would for a friend. It can't be a crush, but then again if she had a crush on Loki then it would have been developed the moment they first met and it would be dominating every conversation they may have. Before Darcy can even wonder what could be the reason why she is feeling this way towards Loki...

Suddenly there is a knock on the door giving them the chance to drop the conversation...

"That must be Jane, now it's time to face our doom." said Darcy nervously as she went over to the door and is about to let Jane in the apartment.

Jane enters inside the apartment and nervously, she only hope they would be more than willing to hear what she has to say. This is the first time she is about to bargain with Loki and facing both of them with a deal that she doesn't know if he would be ok with. Maybe if things turn out for the worst, Darcy might be able to reason with him. If they made it this long being roommates, then she shouldn't be surprise that Loki would be alright in hearing her out They care too much about each other to let another be in so much danger or to let each other take the fall. Maybe she can make them see what can be the best decision for their surprising quest. Especially knowing if anyone finds out that Loki is trying to save the world, then they wouldn't believe what they are hearing or seeing. It's clear they both have a connection, one where it can't be rebuilt with someone else. A powerful friendship that many would yearn to have and would never take for granted.

"Hey guys, how's it going?" said Jane feeling that it might be better if she tries to start things off in a friendly note. Though she didn't get the response that she was hoping for when it comes to trying to start fresh and to start a new.

"Well it really depends if you told anyone and I am about to hear on Midgard's news at any moment to announce my identity to the entire planet." said Loki.

"I didn't tell anyone, I mean who would I tell?" said Jane earning a 'really' look from both Loki and Darcy. "Yeah Thor, well if it makes any of you feel better, he still hasn't returned yet and besides I don't think I would be the best person to tell him a secret like that."

"Now that's taken care of and Loki won't have to watch tv all day, every day until we hear something that is more space related." said Darcy happy and relieved for Loki. "What are you planning to do with this secret? Please don't say that I'm fired..."

"Darcy I am not going to fire you, all you did was help Loki and despite the fact you have been helping him lie to his own brother and me for the past two months." said Jane. "I mean you guys are trying to save the world from a space giant who doesn't seem to want any kind of world peace. But we can't just pretend that everything is fine with me knowing your secret."

"Well then what are you proposing?" asked Loki worried about what can possibly be on Jane's mind and if whatever she's going to say is going to be a good thing or a bad thing.

"Here's my deal, I am not going to tell Thor about you being alive and playing superhero for the past two months." begins Jane before she got interjected by Darcy.

"Now that's awesome, I can't believe that you are letting us off the hook like that-" said Darcy happily before she got stopped and interrupted by Loki.

"Not so fast, it is usually in these type of deals, there is always something that will make things harder than we would want it to be." said Loki. "This feels too good to be true and we might be paying the price for something, we may not even want to do. What is the other part of the deal that can possibly be one of the last things that I would ever want to do."

"It's a good thing that I have come up with something that might help move things forward and it is an inevitable thing that is going to happen." said Jane.

"Which is what?" said Loki anxious of Jane is going to demand of him.

"Once all of this is over, when you defeat Thanos, I want you to reveal yourself to Thor." said Jane. "We can't keep playing this game and have Thor misserable thinking that you're dead, when you're really here watching tv or going around being Mysto fighting crime this entire time."

"Just because it's not healthy to have Thor feeling guilty about my demise, that does not mean it would be safe for all of us if I just showed up and tell him everything." said Loki. "I don't even know if he would ever listen to any explanation or would ever forgive me for lying to him like this or pretending to have died in the first place."

"Well I'm sure that he will forgive you after he finds out the truth." said Jane. "I mean who wouldn't be happy for that? Thor would be more than happy if he finds out that you saved the world from this crazy evil alien guy and wouldn't it also make everyone's life easier if you did it for them?"

"Just because he might be happy, that doesn't guarantee he will be happy. I wouldn't be surprise if he is ready to throw his hammer at me out of anger." said Loki. "Though I wouldn't blame him for being angry, I would be angry too if it was the other way around and maybe not let Thor hear the end of that. If he doesn't put me in jail back on Asgard then I am never going to hear the end of this. Between facing my death in the hands of Thanos or never being able to live it down and face the disappointment and anger, Thor will have when he finds out the truth... I would pick facing Thanos..."

"Yeah he is going to be really upset, but at the same time I think Thor would be really happy to have someone to be angry at." said Jane. "Do you really want to live your life like this? Thor might find out someday sooner or later, I don't want to tell him and be answering questions that I can't answer without you guys being there to back me up. Besides I think it would be better if it comes from you because not only to make things right but to also start your relationship anew."

"Plus you might as well tell him before you leave Earth and all of that stuff." said Darcy. "At least he'll know and won't bother you again, at least you can have a good laugh on your way to another planet."

"When were you planning to tell me that he's planning to leave Earth?" asked Jane confused. "I thought that you two are just going to live your lives in hopes that you might never be caught."

"We were, let's just say that I realized that it wouldn't have worked out and it probably would be better if we go our separate ways after we eventually defeat Thanos and retrieve the remaining Infinity Stones." said Loki. "It would also be best if we never see each other again for personal reasons that's all and the last thing I need is to have Thor begging me to stay for either to escort me back to Asgard to face my sentence or worse just to be brothers again."

"But wouldn't the second option be a good thing and you both can finally work out your differences?" asked Jane. "I mean that's how relationships worsen, when both sides refuse to reason or try to make things right then it can get really ugly from here. The longer that you try to keep this a secret the more angry Thor will be once you eventually reveal yourself."

"I don't exactly have a due date when it comes to facing one of the biggest threats in the universe." said Loki. "So you better be prepared for the long wait, Do not be surprised when we are like this for a year."

"Wait did you say a year?" asked Jane nervously. She does not know if she wants to keep this secret for three hundred and sixty five days or is prepared to even do something like this for longer than that. She can't even imagine lying to Thor every day and never knowing when will this secret end.

"I don't think it would take us that long to get the other stone and gauntlet and plus we might as well defeat Thanos while we're there." said Darcy. "I mean we both faced worst before and that's saying something because we had to fight off hundreds of things while we traveled across the universe."

"You do realize that there is a difference between facing off an obsessed collector and a couple of mad aliens and robots and facing Thanos?" pointed out Loki. "He has power and he will do everything he can to make sure that he will succeed in bringing you down. Thanos won't hesitate in bringing someone down if he's sees them as a threat. The difference between Thanos and all of the other foes we have faced is that he would do anything to make sure I pay for what happened for my failure for the last time I was in Midgard and if it means torturing someone he suspects that I might care about which I don't have anyone in that category. Thanos would do it without hesitation."

"Yeah but since we're practically unstoppable and Thanos hasn't faced us just yet, so we might not have to worry about all of that or at least not right now." said Darcy. "Why don't we just come up with a plan on how to get the stone and we can just figure out how to defeat him without any complications or whatever other evil plans that he might have in store for us when we deal with him?"

"I believe the best idea would be to sneak into his asteriod and grab the stone and gauntlet without him noticing or to at least know what might be the best choice of action." said Loki. "Thanos will be ready for everything and he will be sure to come up with a plan where we both don't make it out of Thanos's with the stone, the Gauntlet and worse our lives."

"So how are you planning to get the last stone and gauntlet?" asked Jane. "Are you just going to sneak in there and leave an illusion of the stone and the gauntlet in it's place?"

"That's part of the plan I have come up with and I am still working on the rest of it." said Loki. "After I figure out what can be the best way of getting the stones out of whatever protective case they are now trapped in."

"Can I see these stones? This might be great when it comes to learning more about the world and it's mythical properties that has the power of doing who knows what else these stones might be able to do." asked Jane.

"Well I don't see any harm in letting you see them, as long as you do not open the case and let the Aether consume you again." said Loki. "Unfortunately I don't know any dark elves that we can trick into helping us removing it from you this time."

"Yeah, that would definitely be the last thing I would want." said Jane. "At least you put it in a protective case and it won't go into people this time."

"When we went to the Collector this thing was already in a case, I'm guessing that the Asgardians who took the Aether to him wants to take the necessary precautions." said Darcy. "Oh and the Collector is the universe's biggest pack rat who also happens to live in the universe's biggest storage shed."

"Now that's good to know..." said Jane. "So mind if I see these stones, I also want to help you guys figure out how to get the stones out of these containments and to stop Thanos."

"You really think that it is a wise decision to help us?" asked Loki. "How are you planning to explain to Thor when he sees you disappearing every day?"

"Well I won't have to worry about Thor just yet because he's still in Asgard at the moment, but all I am going to tell him is that Darcy and I will be working on a scientific project that is really dangerous but at the same time safe and complicated for him to understand."

"At least come up with something that he won't be asking questions or assuming that we have become mad scienntists or something." said Darcy. "It will be hard to keep it a secret if Thor doesn't know what we are doing and plans to break down the door on us and sees Loki with us."

"That is one of the last things, I want ocuring and between revealing myself voluntarily or have him burst into the room and have one of the biggest surprises in his life. I would rather tell him myself without having to face whatever rage Thor has in store for me." said Loki. "Now will both excuse me, I have four stones to bring forward to the table."

Loki quickly left the living room to retrieve the stones that they have already obtained and is ready to move them to the living room to show Jane the progress that he has made on the quest that he at first would have never done if it weren't for... That shouldn't matter now because he has managed to succeed in the impossible and still have to worry about the battle that he will have to face in the future. He will have to eventually face Thanos and for once he can't predict what is going to happen in the fight of the future and how things are going to turn out once this is all over. Part of him is even questioning if trusting Jane might be a good idea because of the mere fact that she knows and tell Thor at any minuete or at least when he eventually returns to Eart-Midgard. What if she is already planning to tell him and just wants to find out more than enough information to tell Thor everything. But then again Jane didn't tell anyone about him yet and maybe she is not planning to tell anyone and at the same time she wants him to tell Thor. Though it's for after the whole fight against Thanos and to eventually win against the eventual battle and to somehow make this out alive. Well it looks like that he has no choice but to just hope that he is not making a mistake, the last thing that he needs is more trouble and to face Thor just yet. Loki grabs the stones and carefully carried them to the living room, he puts them on the table in the front of the couch and let Jane look at amazement at all four of them.

"One request I have is not to touch any of them, the last thing we all need is an accident to happen in this room let alone this area." said Loki. "Now I have been conducting research on how we can possibly remove the stones from it's prisons. So that way if Thanos dares to make an attack to try to retrieve the stones, we'll be able to hide the stones and trick Thanos in bringing the objects that has no Infinity Stone trapped inside of all these powerful relics."

"How are you planning to do that? You're making it sound like if you can't get the stones out without releasing some kind of danger." said Jane. "Are the stones really that powerful?"

"You saw what happened in this city and that was from just using two stones. Imagine all of the dangerous possibilities if one uses all six stones at the same time." said Loki. "Anyone will have the power to move planets if they chooses to, Thanos can destroy planets with just a snap of his fingers and no one would have the power to stop it. I should be asking why do you want to help us? You made it clear that you did not want anything to do with me when we first met and you even slapped me for the whole New York incident."

"Wait you slapped him?" asked Darcy surprised that her friend could get so violent. "Now that's something I never would have thought you of all people would be doing..."

"How did you expect me to act?" said Jane. "He tried to take over the planet and trashed a city, what did you expect me to act like? Giving him a pat on the back and shaking Loki's hand as if nothing happened?"

"Other than that, you still have not answered my question on what is your ultimate motive and why you want to help me?" said Loki. "Aside from Thor finding out the truth, you must have another reason why you may want to assist me."

"Maybe it's because you two are going against a maniac that wants to destroy everything in this universe and I don't think I want to be partially responsible if he decides to hurt others." said Jane. "Besides the sooner you defeat Thanos, the sooner you tell Thor everything that is going on and I won't have to lie for you anymore. I don't want to keep a secret that I know that is going to hurt others and if I tell someone now then it might lead to more trouble later on. Plus I don't even think that I can even figure out what might be the best way to tell someone that their brother is alive after we both saw him die."

"So you are mostly doing this for Thor or to save the world?" asked Loki.

"Actually for both and for you in a way because you are Thor's brother and I don't think I want to tell him a week later that his brother is dead for real or just keep a secret like that." said Jane. "I know that if I help you save the universe and then later we go and explain to Thor everything that things will work out for the better. You two can finally make things right and you might even be happy in the end."

"Well see if I survive whatever wrath Thanos may be planning for me after all I put him through." said Loki. "His main goal will be trying to kill me or at least make sure that I suffer the consequences of my failures."

Both Darcy and Jane stared at Loki in shock not knowing what to make of that statement, they were surprised to see that Thanos would go that far in hurting Loki. Darcy knew that Thanos is bad from what Loki and everyone that she met during their search, but she didn't think he would be that dangerous if Thanos is ready to hurt Loki like that. Part of her hopes that Thanos would have some heart and not be that determined to hurt Loki and the consequences that he will be facing if Thanos grabs a hold of him and she just hopes that worst case scenerio does not happen. She does not want Loki to die for real in the hands of this monster or who knows how much pain Thanos would put him through, she needs to make sure that Thanos doesn't get him. Loki always tries to find a way to keep both of them safe on their trips across the universe and saved her life once with the Chitari, the least she can do is try to save his and let Loki live his life free and safe from the anger that Thanos must be feeling and the determination to destroy Loki at all cost.

Jane on the other hand is trying to figure out the story and how Loki could have had this connection with Thanos because the last time she checked, Thor never said anything about a Thanos. Unless he's not Asgardian, maybe Thanos is something else or someone else that is more powerful then any of them can ever imagine. What if Thanos has something to do with New York and the Chitari invasion? What if all of this is not entirely Loki's fault or even Odin's for that matter and that Thanos has something to do with all of this? Why would Loki be that determined to get the Tesseract and where he would he have gotten a magical scepter if he's falling in the fabric of space? Maybe Thanos wants to make Loki pay for the consequences because of what happend on Earth and it is part of revenge and maybe he is going to do something to Loki no matter what the outcome would have during the invasion. There has to be more to this story and the fact that Thanos is ready to kill Loki for some mysterious past relationship and now even more for the hunt of the Infinity stones. What if... No that's impossible, Loki couldn't have been a victim of circumstances and there is no way that might be possible right? But at the same time, it would explain a couple of things...

"Why would he possibly-" begins Jane trying to see if she might possibly be right about Loki and to know the whole story.

"It is because I failed him and once someone fails Thanos and they survive, he will never rest until they pay for their failures." explained Loki. "Even before he sends his partners or his children they faced some of most rigorous training exercises that is strenuous to say the least..."

"Wait did he hurt you before the New York thing?" asked Darcy. "Is that why you were hesitant about about retrieving the stones at first? It wasn't just the threat that they made if you failed, it happened before didn't it?"

"It is none of your concern and it was not as bad as you may believe." said Loki. "Two of Thanos's daughters Gamora and Nebula treated me decently, though Gamora was the kindest of the two and it is surprising how she didn't have the courage to leave back then. She even..." Loki is about to continue but stop himself, that day brings too many memories and how this mess first started, he is not going to tell anyone about it. It doesn't matter anyway...

"Wow... I did not expect that at all..." said Jane feeling sorry for Loki and the possible idea that his time with Thanos might be anything but pleasant.

"What did you expect then? That I would be Thanos's number one employee and would win worthless awards every single month to hang on the wall?" said Loki sarcastically. "He's a menace and will always will be, all because of his desire to impress a girl who must be worst then him. Thanos wants to impress this mistress Death girl who I have never met before and must be a dangerous lunatic as well."

"Wait he's doing all this to impress a girl?" said Jane. "Along with possibly hurting you to make you pay for the whole failed attempt of taking over the planet and retrieving the Tesseract?"

"I believe that Thanos will most likely make me suffer first and try to find clever ways of make me feel like I am weak and to loose everything I care about." said Loki. "That's how he likes to deal with victims, finding their weakness and eventually using it against them in whatever means necessary."

Loki turned away from the two girls in front of him and stopped to think of all the bad memories that he had to go through during his time with Thanos. He has never told anyone about this and the only ones that knew were Gamora and Nebula, but even they couldn't have stopped Thanos, the Other and the Black order to end the torture. Gamora even had to ask Thanos to spare him when he first arrived and Thanos did find some use for his potential plan, at least he was able to survive whatever plans that Thanos would do if Gamora didn't step in...

He does not know what he's going to do if Thanos caught him or worse someone who may never have never deserved to be tortured by Thanos. Loki can already imagine on all of the things that can happen to Darcy and the others in the universe if he dares try to do anything to bring more help into the situation and how it can potentially put more in danger. Loki then realize that this might be better if he go it alone and not to involve anyone else in this, he already has more than enough help for this and now he has to keep both Darcy and Jane safe. The last thing he wants is to find himself mourning Darcy or explaining to him what hapend to Jane. He doesn't know if he would ever forgive himself if anything like that happens or if he'll ever find peace for something like that or if things can ever be the same between them after the break up that Darcy had to go through because of him. Before Loki can stop to think about what the possible consequences if he brings more into this problem or what might be the best sollution...

"We should tell the Avengers and Thor what's going on, we're definitely going to need all of the help we can get, especailly if we are going to face this guy." said Darcy. "He's too dangerous and I don't think that it might be a good idea if we try to face him off alone. I mean I know that you are now friends with them now and I bet they would be more than happy to help out."

"I don't want their help and to get them involved in this, we can defeat Thanos on our own and we will." said Loki. "If we let anyone else get involved then it will lead to more trouble and do you really think that Thanos is going to take things easy on us if we bring an army ourselves to fight him off?"

"Well it's better than trying to fight off an army of Chitari and then later Thanos, I just hope that this other stone is not as tough as the other ones that we have or you told me about." said Darcy. "When it comes to Thanos and keeping all of these stones safe, we're going to need all of the help that we can get if we are going to pull this off or let alone survive from all of this."

"We will be fine, I have already come up with a number of plans and scenarios of what might happen when we eventually have to face Thanos." said Loki. "We are going to win this fight and we don't need Thor and his friends to help us."

"But we might because you kinda make it clear that Thanos is the Voldemort of the entire universe and if we're following the story, Harry Potter may have been the chosen one but he still needed plenty of help from Ron, Hermione and everyone of his friends and allies." said Darcy. "It's kinda like what's happening now but only real and maybe-"

"Maybe I don't want any help and this is between Thanos and I, it was always meant to be a fight where I had to find all of the necessary means to survive and to use all of the magic and illusions possible in order to win or at least escape with being on the run." said Loki. "I thought that you would be more understanding towards my wishes because I would keep everyone safe and would have saved hundreds of lives rather than throw them in the front lines for me."

"That doesn't mean we would have to put your life in danger and what if this time you don't survive?" said Darcy trying to point out the most obvious fact that is on the horizon. "Do you think I want to live with the fact that your ready to die to fix your mistakes and to save the world? I mean seeing you sacrifice yourself and possibly die from a maniac is not what I signed up for."

"Well what did you expect? That we would just hide the stones somewhere and hope that someday Thanos would give up his quest for the Infinity Stones? Thanos is never going to give up without a fight and to fully make sure that I am defeated once and for all." said Loki. "I have to do this or else the world will be jeopardy, I already ruined more than enough lives with my time on this planet."

"You made mistakes, I mean who doesn't make them in their lives?" said Darcy. "You're not that type of person who would go into a fight without some crazy back up plan set in motion. I don't want to see you get hurt by this Thanos again and unfortunately he is not going to offer you a job offer this time."

"Thanos is not the type who would just spare lives just because one ask him to, he will destroy everything that he suspects I might care about. He will never rest as long as I live to fight him off and to keep the stones away from him." said Loki annoyed. "He will do everything he can think of to hunt me down, destroy everything and he will also-"

"He will also what?" demanded Darcy. "I am not afraid of this Thanos, he's just a maniac and a bully who needs to be stopped. I want to help you stop him and I think that-"

"Now you care about my well being? What were you busy thinking of a couple nights ago? That I am a monster that needs to be watched over or a little project to live out your comic book dreams?" demanded Loki. "Maybe you just think that I will be happy to comply with whatever plans and missions that you may have in store for me. At least I now know that you don't trust me because you are ready to blame me and not listen to my side of the story because you think that I would be more than happy to step one toe out of line behind your back. Furthermore-"

"Ok, why don't we just focus on the-" begins Jane already seeing a tension between the two. She knows that she needs to stop it or else there might be a not so great argument between the two. But Loki stops the chance of any possible chance for an intervention...

"I wouldn't be surprised if you never cared about me and would rather just have Thanos finish me off so you will never put up with me again." said Loki angrily. "You must be thinking so low of me and it is clear that-"

"I never thought of you as a monster or a way to live out any life, I know that I was upset about Ian and our break up. But I just lost my temper and thought that you would have something to do with it but I never even bothered to let you tell me your side of the story." said Darcy. "I just-"

"What? Believe that I would lie to you and be laughing at the top of my lungs until you came home?" said Loki. "In case it never occurred to you Darcy, I have never lied to you? You are one of the first humans that I have ever treated decently and that is saying something because of our initial experience of living together and how you were pushing me to be Mysto. If I was planning an elaborate scheme for you or Midgard I would have done it. If you really care then I would suggest that-"

"You just listen to a word that I have to say for a change, here I am trying to talk to you in the past couple of days and you are not even listening to a word I want to say and would rather shut me out and forget everything we have been through." said Darcy. "You're ready to leave Earth so you can never see me again, just to leave everything behind and give up on the friendship that we have just because of a misunderstanding."

"It would be better if I leave Midgard once all of this is over, you and I would be happier if that occurs. " said Loki. "You will be able to start a new life and try to fix your relationship with Ian and try to live a normal life. Then maybe-"

"I don't want to live a normal life and I don't want our friendship to end because of a guy or a maniac having an vendetta against you. Maybe your right and things would be better if we go our separate ways but it doesn't mean it has to be that way." said Darcy. "I just want to talk and try to make things right between us, many would believe or want that I would just kick you out of my apartment or just leave never wanting to see or have anything to do with you again. I don't want that or will ever want something like that to happen, I know I should just be so angry that I would not want to be in the same room as you but for some reason I'm not. Why do I care about you more than anyone in this entire universe?"

Loki is surprised with that statement and didn't know what to say, he wasn't expecting this type of reaction from Darcy. He was mostly thinking/kinda hoping that she would be happy or at least showing that she is a little satisfied for the idea of him leaving Midgaurd forever. But instead Darcy is asking him to stay and seems to care about his own well being or if he is going to leave the planet.

Before Loki can even say a word, Darcy just got herself up and without even saying a word she begins to leave the room. Upset at this most recent arguement and wish it never occurred or if she did things differently back when she came home and confronted Loki about the break up. Now she might loose Loki forever and she can't believe she actually said that to Loki and with Jane in the same room. Darcy always knew that she cares about Loki but she didn't knew it was this much and what if she cares about Loki in that way? It would be impossible but somehow makes sense, the worst thing is that Darcy ruined any chances of possibly having a chance. Well she might never even had a chance because she's not Asgardian and Loki loves this Amora girl, he would never see her as anything else but a friend.

Once Darcy leaves the room and leaves both Jane and Loki alone in the room, they both don't know how to react towards Darcy's closing remark and how that remark changes everything. Loki didn't even know hot to respond or what to think, Darcy might possibly care about him in a way that can be stronger than friendship? Even if she feels for him in that particular way, it will never happen because not only for Ian but it would just never work out because of the facts that it would be too sentimental and that he will outlive Darcy eventually. There is also the fact that he might not be able to stay on Earth once Thor eventually finds out the truth or Thanos kills him before he can even try to stop him. It also doesn't help that deep down Loki knows that they will never be nothing more than friends because of the fact that he's not ready or deserve something like that because the last time he cared about someone too much he lost his brother and his mother died because of him. Loki knows that he should maybe apologies for being too hard and have this talk with Darcy, but he can't...

It's because of the main fact that he will loose her more than he would have with this break up with Ian because whatever feelings he have towards Darcy is stronger than he have ever felt for Amora. Loki got over Amora over time and if they meet again sometime in the future he doesn't think any attraction would return or at least be as strong as it was before Amora's banishment. Loki really cares about his feelings towards Darcy and these feelings are so strong that maybe some separation will help them just not feel that way towards one another. Why can't life have been as simple as it was back in his cell where the only goal was to get out and take the throne then it would be over. Now everything has changed and it was thanks to his time on this planet, Loki can understand why Thor feels this way towards Earth and how he might have fallen for Jane. But he is never going to admit that to anyone or even to himself, maybe he should just try to explain himself to Darcy and-

"She might need some space to clear her head, I don't think that she's happy with that little scuffle you two just had. Did you guys have a fight before me walking in and seeing you alive?" said Jane. "I could definitely see some tension between the two of you while you two were arguing?"

"Yes we did have a disagreement and I don't think our relationship will ever be the same again because I might have accidentally led to Ian breaking up with Darcy..." said Loki as Jane cringed at the end result. "It was an accident, I was annoyed by these phones and when I decide to pick it up and use my magic to make my voice to sound like Darcy to tell the caller to leave us alone and it turned out to be Ian and things slowly went out of hand from there. That was one of the most humiliating moments of my life and I am now vowing to never pick up one of those annoying pieces of Midgardian technology again."

"Well did you try to talk to Darcy? It does seem really clear that she is not happy for you not talking to her or whatever else that happened in that fight and the idea of you leaving Earth forever." pointed out Jane. "Is there something going on between you two that you are trying too hard not to admit?"

"Not that I know of." said Loki almost immediately trying to avoid any suspicions from Jane. "No I never bothered to speak to Darcy because she doubted me and believed that I would have done a scheme like that and said something... I decided that the best course of action would be to try to break off our friendship as slow as I can and besides it's clear that Darcy thinks low of me and I am even starting to think low of her as well."

"From what I'm getting of this is you were indirectly responsible for Ian and Darcy breaking up and now you are both doubting each other. Maybe if you two try to talk it out then it will help you two heal whatever pain you are now going through, the longer you two put it off, the harder it's going to be to make things right and I don't think leaving Earth might be a good idea." said Jane. "Not only you will be hurting yourself and Darcy but you might be happy here."

"It's what best for both of us and I have already made up my mind, don't worry I will keep my end of the bargain and reveal myself to Thor." said Loki. "I am not going to break my word, Thor is enamored by you and we are going to see each other more because of the stones and your feelings towards him. Like it or not we are going to need to learn to get along for his sake."

"I'm going to safely assume that you might still care about him if you are willing to try to be civil towards me and might even want to let him know that you are alive before leaving." said Jane catching Loki by surprise any negative thought he had towards Jane suddenly vanished and Loki turned to be automatically impressed.

"Perhaps I underestimated your intellect and it is clear that you are really perspective." said Loki. "A lot more understanding than any other Midgardians I have met thus far. Do you have any clear idea on how to possibly survive the next couple of weeks and facing an evil giant purple alien if you are still willing to share your wisdom?"

"I don't really have any exspirence in that department, but I think I can help understand the stones." said Jane. "If I could get a good understanding on the potential properties on what gave these stones this power and how it can all have different abilities, then maybe I can gain a better understanding and it can help you later. Fortunately I managed to have a somewhat understanding on it's power."

"Wait you have an understanding?" asked Loki who can't help but interrupt Jane ,who is continuing to surprise him more and more by the minute.

"Loki you do remember that I had one of these things inside me with it slowly killing me and an army of elves were after me?" said Jane. "I would have a lot of unpleasant memories of the experience."

"Ok what do you remember from that wonderful experience?" asked Loki sarcastically.

"When the Aether was inside of me and the moment that he was taking it out, I saw everything that Malekith was planing to do with the Aether and the destruction that he was planning to do." explained Jane. "I don't know why but it felt like that it was speaking to me, that I knew everything that Malekith was planning to do with the Aether and the universe."

"I did not know that the Aether could have the capabilities of doing something similar like that, at least it sounds better than the mind stone." said Loki. "All it does place negative ideas in ones' mind and strengthen the anger that is deep down inside you until it changes who you are and leaves only the worst part of you to make all of your choices."

The conversation got both of them surprised because of the mere fact that they were at least able to come up with common ground and to have a conversation with one another. Loki always thought that they would be mostly arguing and their conversations will mostly end in witty remarks or someone being so annoyed at the argument that they decide to put a stop to it. But he never thought that Jane would have a deeper understanding and emotional intelligence that would allow him to open up and feel as though he can tell her anything. There is also the fact that Jane survived the effects of the Aether and she has proven that she has some knowledge of the Infinity Stones and is incredibly strong willed. Maybe for once Thor had some common sense and chose a human that is tougher and wiser than anyone would have expected back in Asgard. Maybe having Jane helping out wouldn't be such a bad idea after all...

"I believe it would not hurt for you to look at the stones, as long as you do not touch them and try to be careful." said Loki. "The last thing I want is an angry Thor coming after me for both lying and hurting his one true love."

With that it results in both Loki and Jane getting to work in understanding the stones, surprisingly they keep managing to find out more of the Infinity stones as they were examining them. For some reason, they seem to be enjoying throwing out ideas to each other and looking over the Infinity Stones. It was a sight that anyone would be surprised to see happen and when Darcy sees that they are getting along, she gives a sigh of relief and is happy that Jane is on their side and at least Loki is slowly becoming friends with Jane. She just wishes that she can join them and would be welcomed by Loki...

For once Loki is now happy to talk to someone that have some understanding of what the Infinity Stones are capable of doing and trying to understand the potential possibilities of what they are capable of. Maybe they can figure out how to get the stones out of their respective encasements without doing more damage than he might do if he just breaks open the Tesseract. He is already relieved that Ultron didn't wipe out the planet when he was playing around with the mind stone, at least that stone is under well protection and now they need to figure out how to do the same without eventually creating irreparable damage. But maybe this will help speed up the process with his knowledge of magic and Jane's knowledge of science and advance human technology, they might be able to speed things up and discover a way to do this. Maybe things will work out for the better and he can win the upcoming war, though he wishes that the same might apply to his friendship with Darcy...

Meanwhile back in Asgard

Odin is sitting on his throne, waiting for his son to come by to give him the choice of the mission that he is set to give him. Along with some important information that he knows that Thor will need to know if he is going to face this new threat and the Infinity Stones. It is not going to be an easy story to tell and he was hoping that he would never have to tell his sons what happened or ever have to see Thanos again. But now Thanos is trying to get all of the stones as he have been planning all of the years in the past and now after Loki, for once he should feel happy that Loki's dead because then otherwise Thanos would be hunting Loki down and attacking Asgard more than just the gatekeeper. At least he wouldn't have to worry about that, but they still have to somehow convince Thanos that's the truth whether he wants to believe it or not. Once Thor arrives, Odin knows that it's time to tell Thor the truth and he does not know where to start...

"You wanted to see me father?" said Thor not knowing if what he is about to hear is going to be a good thing or a bad thing. But judging from how things are going, it's more likely going to be the latter...

"Yes, how is Heimdell doing?" said Odin hoping for once the Soul Stone is malfunctioning.

"He is not doing as well as any of us would have hoped, none of the healers have any idea what that monster did to him." said Thor. "One theory is that he somehow took Heimdell's soul and it transported to one of the Stones. But that can't be possible..."

"Unfortunately, it is really possible and something like this has happened before. This is not the first time that I had to deal with Thanos and his desires to find the Infinity Stones." said Odin. "In fact he hurted Asgard once before and that he even used my firstborn to do so..."

"What are you talking-" begins Thor feeling super confused before he got an answer that he never expected.

"He courted Hela, your sister and called her his mistress death. They had a toxic relationship and when I started to push her away from our gruesome actions of the past and those actions helped create a monster." said Odin. "It was worse than the path that Loki chose to go on and I tried to warn her against the relationship, but she never listened and continued to help him continue his evil..."

"Where is Hela now? Maybe if we find her now and try to reason with her, she can help us stop Thanos and save Heimdell." suggested Thor hoping to find Hela and try to be a better brother to her and this can be his chance to redeem himself from his past actions and not being there for Loki.

"I wish that was the case... Hela is dead, Thanos sacrificed her to get to the stone because that is one of the people he truly cared about the most to get the stone." said Odin. "Thanos wanted to take her to some place special in order to give her a gift that she will never forget and I suspected that something was not right. We got into an arguement before I disowned her and she left with the mad titan. I followed her and by the time that I arrived, I saw Thanos throwing her off a cliff and receiving that horrible stone."

"He did it to get that to get the Stone?" said Thor not happy of his Sister's fate. "He never loved her! What does Loki have to do with all of this? He wasn't even born at the time and even if Loki was alive, he'd be nothing more than a baby why would Thanos want anything to do with Loki?"

"I have no idea, I believe that Thanos believes that Loki somehow acquired the stones and wants to go after him. But that's impossible even if Loki was alive, there is no way he would ever do something like that not only because Loki knows it would be too dangerous. There is also the fact that he is dead and he can't gather the stones if he's dead." pointed out Odin. "Why would Loki even want the Stones in the first place? It would be too much power to take over Asgard or Midgard, on the topic of Midgard. Since it is clear that you care about the realm and know it better than any one of us, if Thanos is going to attack then he's going to start with the most vulnerable and hurt the ones that he deems weak to set an example for the overall universe."

"What does the Soul Stone even do?" demanded Thor. "What did it do to Heimdell? How-"

Before Thor can even finish asking his questions, one of the palace's servants came to both Thor and Odin in a hurry. Once the servent arrives right in front of them, she tries to catch her breath and turns to look at both Thor and Odin. She doesn't know how to tell both of them of the tragedy that is about the occur and how imperative it is to go to the healing halls now before it's too late. After she catches her breath and faced both of them, the girl knows that she has to tell them. They are going to find out sooner or later, plus Heimdell requested them to tell them the important news that he only want to tell both of them. But she just wishes that he told the healers in case what they suspect of happening will happen.

"Excuse me your majesties, Heimdell requested for both of you in the heeling halls. He does not have that much time left and he has something important to tell both of you and refuse to tell anyone else other than you two." said the servant. "He says something about Loki and I think it might have something to do with the current threat that is occurring. We also believe that monster has somehow taken his soul out."

"What? How is that-" begins Thor unsure of what that can possibly mean before Odin answers the question for him.

"If someone takes one's soul from them, they will slowly fade away and perish. The Soul stone is the most dangerous out of the six Infinity Stones because of the mere fact that it can take souls." explained Odin. "Once the soul is in the stone, it will disappear and that will cause the body to weaken and shut down. When it happens then it will lead to the victim to die, unless the stone is placed back on their chest and the soul returns to its victim."

With that they all went to the heeling halls as fast as they can to try to see Heimdell, Thor hopes that he can somehow save him from the fate that Thanos has placed on him. But deep down he knows that it might be impossible unless he can somehow grab the Soul stone from Thanos's ship and escape back to Asgard in time. Thor knows that he is ready to fight against Thanos and to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again. Along with making this monster know that no one hurts his friends and use his brother's name in vain and get away with it. At least Loki doesn't have to deal with an angry Thanos coming after him, demanding Infinity Stones or else he would have been more protective of him and would want to stay in Asgard to better protect Loki and his home. But at least he doesn't have to worry about it and the only thing he has to worry about is trying to convince Thanos that Loki is dead and to not do these attacks trying to find someone who is already dead. Maybe if he took him to Loki's... There's no way he will ever take a monster like Thanos to Loki's grave and even if he wanted to, he can't because of the fact that it's in the Dark World and he doesn't even know where it is. Thor never bothered to look because it would be a constant reminder on how he failed Loki and the sacrifice that Loki made back then. He can't live that through again...

When they arrived at the heeling halls, they are greeted by an unwelcome sight and from one look at Heimdell they knew that his soul is about to fade away from it's owner. Heimdell is not going to make it as long as anyone would hope to try to grab the stone and defeat Thanos from whatever plans that he might have in store for the world. The heelers went to both Thor and Odin to explain the situation, Thor didn't seem to be listening to a word that is being said and just focused on the state of Heimdell and the upcoming war that will bring more pain. He even starts to wish that Thanos's delusions are true and Loki is alive and that maybe there is some good in him that way he could help them or find a spell. But that would be wishful thinking and even if Loki was alive... his father is right, Loki would never help them unless there is something in it for him.

Once the heelers are done explaining what is happening and the moment to talk to Heimdell is now or they might never have a chance to hear what he might have to say again. Thor decided that it might be best to approach closely to Heimdell and was ready to hear what he has to say, something tells him that he might not like the information that he is about to hear. But he is going to need to hear if it is going to help stop Thanos for good and before Thor can say anything or try to catch up with his soon to be fallen friend. Heimdell got up and was ready to tell Thor the truth before it's too late, he knows that he's running out of time and can feel that if he doesn't say something soon then he might never will.

"Thor, there is something that I need to tell you and it can't wait any longer." said Heimdell desperately. "It is about what Thanos said about-"

"It does not matter what he says, all he is going to do is tell lies and tries to find ways to break us before we can even have the chance to fight back." said Thor. "We will stop Thanos and he will-"

"I have been keeping a secret from you and everyone else, I have discovered something two months ago that will change everything." said Heimdell. "Thanos might not be a liar after all..."

"What are you talking about?" Said Thor. "What could you have possibly have discovered that-"

"Thanos is going to Midgard and the remainder of the Stones are there." said Heimdell. "Once he gets there he is going to take them all, Loki..."

Before Heimdell can finish a word on what he was saying, he can't get another word out and before any of the room knew it Heimdell falls back onto a bed with the healers trying to rush around to save him. But from one look, Thor knows that it was too late and Heimdell is gone and before he gave him the information that can have potentially help him. But the question is what does Loki have to do with all of this? What kind of connection does Loki have to all of this? Could Thanos have met Loki before and wants vengeance or something?

Whatever may be the reason why Thanos could possibly want Loki, there is one thing that he knows... That he can't let Thanos win and with that stone there can be hundreds in danger with Thanos having this kind of power. He will bring justice for Heimdell, his mysterious sister and figure out the mystery of Thanos's obsession with Loki. Thor has to or else the world will be doomed and he's going to return to Midgard the following morning to tell the Avengers what is going on and to prepare for the upcoming battle ahead. He has to, somehow...

Meanwhile outside of the apartment building

There stood a mysterious stranger wearing a hood and watching the window on the roof of an building, she watches Loki and Jane try to figure out how to get the Infinity Stones out, throwing out ideas and enjoying each other's company. It looks like Loki got all of the Infinity Stones and it's time, she doesn't want to do anything that can help him win or hurt one of the one people she has ever tolerated. But Thanos made it clear that if she doesn't obey then there will be a punishment that is worst than torture and he might use the Soul Stone in order to make sure she pays for her disobedience. She doesn't have a choice and she just hopes that someday she can make Thanos pay for everything and to have the freedom to live her own life. She pulls up her communicator and turns it on to the signal, once it's on she waits for the other side to answer...

"This better be good, did you find out anymore information?" demanded the voice. "These Asgardians are as weak and weak minded as Loki claims, they refused to tell me anything or hand Loki over by coming up with a foolish story of him being dead. Don't they realize that it's not a wise idea to try to deceive me?"

"Well you will be happy to hear that Loki has all four stones..." said the stranger with a mixture of anger and regret in her voice. "It's time..."

"Excellent work Nebula, be sure to pay our old friend a visit to let him know I'm coming." said Thanos with anticipation and pride in his voice. "It's looks like my next stop will be Terra and don't worry I got the little surprise that I was looking for, let's see if she will be brave enough to betray me again once I'm done with her."

"I'm sure that whatever you may have planned will be wonderful." said Nebula not knowing how she feels about all of this, she should be happy but instead deep down she's feeling a sense of regret that she has never felt before. She doesn't know why...

"I can assure you that it will be." said Thanos. "I will be there in three days time and once I arrive, we will meet and we will find Loki and continue along with our plan or else there will be serious consequences. Do I make myself clear, you sorry excuse of scraps?

"Yes, I will see you then." said Nebula bitterly and turned off her communicator.

She took down her hood and stare at the building right in front her, it's almost time for them to do the next part of their quest and it's a part she doesn't want to do. The only means of escape that she can think of is to take the stones once Thanos has them all. But that would be suicide and all Nebula wants is revenge on the two people that hurt her the most and to finally get her freedom. To go all over space and live her life without ever worrying about Thanos, the Stones or anything else ever again. She envies others for that freedom and ever since she got recaptured by Thanos, she would give anything to break free and forget about the pain of the pasts. Loki managed to do it and is now fine, why can't she? Why can't she just get up and leave all of this behind? Gamora was able to get the courage to do so, but that was because she has always been Thanos's favorite. Maybe it was never meant to be and maybe she was always meant to be beaten and caged by Thanos, she just wishes that it wasn't the case and she can make her own choices for once...

But either way, Nebula knows that tomorrow is the day that everything will change and the day where it will be the start of a war that Thanos is determined to win. One that she would give anything to get out of, but she has no choice and in three days from now Thanos is going to fight for the Infinity Stones. Loki is going to pay for his failures and his attempts to stop Thanos, he is going to make sure that Loki pays in the worst way possible that makes what she had to go through look like if it was nothing. She knows that she should get some rest because of the fact that she has a busy day and who knows how many acts before Thanos shows to make his move towards retrievel of the Stones. But she can't, all Nebula can do is stare at the windows of the apartment building or at the night sky wondering if she will ever be as happy as Loki is right now? Will she ever be free? What is going to happen once she pulls this off? All Nebula can do now is wonder and hope...

Chapter Text

The next evening, Jane is busy trying to research whatever properties that she might think of that might be somehow connected to the Stones, she has to admit that she has been enjoying learning about the Stones with Loki. Not only she is getting to know more about the stones that existed before the universe was created and her least favorite out of the Infinity Stones that nearly destroyed everything. At least she doesn't have to worry about finding a way to get along with Loki, she must admit that Darcy is right, he changed somehow during his time on Earth living with Darcy. She just hopes that the two of them can be able to find the words that are needed to make things right so they can be friends at least. Jane can tell that there are some feelings between the two. It's really obvious and the only ones that can't see these feelings might be Loki and Darcy. She hopes that they can try to make things right and that their bond won't be ruined forever, at least she can try to uplift any tension that is now between the two and that she can help them out. Jane knows that the bond Loki and Darcy built is strong and she doesn't want to see them throw it away over an argument or let this Thanos destroy it.

At least Darcy doesn't have to wait unknown periods of time waiting for Loki to return to Asgard, so that's a bonus on their part and she always wonder what might be happening in Asgard or if Thor might ever return. Well it looks like that it might be a lot sooner than she might have thought that he would, all of the sudden she heard saw a giant flashing light from her balcony. Jane quickly goes to see what might possibly have been causing the light and once she sees that it's the Bifrost, Jane knew that it is Thor. But she is quickly stopped when she notices the light that was right in front of her starts to flicker, she notices that there must be something wrong and the last time that she saw the Bifrost it didn't flicker or take this long for Thor to come out. Maybe she's just worrying herself over nothing and things are just still normal and the Bifrost can regularly flicker like that. She should ask Loki later on if that's possible because out of the two brothers, he seems to be the type that would want to know these things.

That might not be necessary and when Jane least expected Thor came flying down on the ground and hit it hard, Jane does not need Loki to know that this is anything but normal. She raced to see if Thor is ok and to ask what is going on, something must be wrong if Thor is crash down rather than still standing in one place as he always does. Did something happen back on Asgard? Now that Jane thinks of it, it is very surprising how Thor came at this time rather than during the morning as he would normally do during his occasional trips to Asgard. She doesn't need any more confirmation to know that something is going on and it must have been something really big must have happened. She just hopes that it has nothing to do with Thanos or else it's going to be a long day for Loki and Darcy tomorrow...

"Thor, are you alright?" asked Jane concretely as she helps him up. "What happend? Is everything alright?"

"I wish it was as simple as that, I wish what happened back in Asgard never happend and I will need to borrow your Earth communicator to contact the Avengers because I am going to need all of the help that I can get if I want to win this-" begins Thor before Jane stops him wanting to know what is going on and to be there for her boyfriend.

"Thor, it's clear that there is something bothering you? Do you want to talk about it?" ask Jane. "Was it really that bad?"

"It was horrible, the threat is still roaming and I was sent back to protect this planet from it. Apparently this threat is worse than I thought and it's a universal threat that have a power that is one of the worst that any of the six Infinity Stones have to offer." said Thor. "They are these six powerful stones that were created once the universe is created and they can be really dangerous if one puts them together and it falls into the wrong hands."

"Does all of this have to do with these Infinity Sones?" asked Jane nervously. Wondering if this has something to do with Thanos and if he's coming after the Stones...

"Yes apparently an old foe of Asgard returned and he wants to gather all of the Infinity Stones, he already has two and used one of them to kill Heimdell." said Thor capturing Jane's surprise and sympathy. "This isn't the first time that he hurt Asgard, apparently he killed my sister in order to get that horrible stone..."

"How could he have possibly have gotten two so quickly?" said Jane in shock. "Why would he do something so horrible? What's his name? Is he even Asgardian?"

"No, he gained one of the stones after he murdered my sister and that was how he got the worst stone and took Heimdell's soul and let him die from his injuries." explained Thor. "I have no idea where he could have found the other one, I am going to safely assume that he must have found the other one somewhere in Space, before he died, Heimdell said that Thanos might come to Earth..."

"Why would Thanos come to Earth? There can't be one of these stones here right?" asked Jane nervously and knowing that she's going to be giving a big report to both Loki and Darcy later because they are going to need to know that they don't have as many Infinity Stones as they thought. "What is he planning to do after he gets all of these stones?"

"Thanos believes that the remaining four is here and the reason he attacked is because he believes that Loki has all of them. But it's impossible, Loki is dead and he couldn't have gotten the four remaining stones in his prison cell." said Thor. "Besides Loki would never do something like that even when he had those twisted idealogies in his head and that horrible desire for power and attention, he knows how dangerous the stones are and knows not to meddle with something with the power to destroy universes. I'm surprised that he was using the powers of the Mind stone and was after the Teaserract when he was doing his attack on Earth."

"Maybe there's more to the story, I mean it couldn't have been a coincidence that Loki had the scepter out of nowhere and wanting to find another one of these stones and this Thanos coming to Asgard with two and demanding to find Loki for the other four. What if there is more to the story than we thought and this Thanos might have met Loki at one point leading to the attack on New York?" Suggested Jane. "Maybe Thanos wants nothing more but revenge on Loki for his failure of taking over the planet and due to him being seen as a trickster, he must have came up with a crazy idea that Loki somehow gotten the stones or have a secret plan to try to outdo him or something?"

"It seems possible and even if Thanos met Loki and he is somehow responsible for what happend, it wouldn't change the fact that I failed Loki and let this monster do who knows what to him." said Thor. "The worst part is that Thanos believes Loki is alive and going to continue to make these attacks until he finds what he is looking for. We tried to tell him the truth, but Thanos refused to believe us and demanded that we hand over Loki and the Infinity Stones or else he will continue to make more attacks."

Jane couldn't help but feel guilty at the fact that she is now keeping a secret from Thor and this secret is the one that is hurting him more than she wishes. At least she got Loki to agree to reveal himself after all of this is over, but it doesn't help make things any easier and she just have to wonder what is going to happen once Loki reveals himself. At least she won't have to worry about Thanos trying to take over the world or hurting others anymore, then maybe this could help Thor, he can finally move on and start things over with his brother.

After everything they have been through and Loki now being a better person, then there is a huge possibility they could go back to the way things were before all of this and have that brotherly bond. It's clear that they both miss it and with Loki now being Mysto, it would make Thor more open to giving Loki a second chance. She just wishes that she doesn't have to lie to Thor about this even if it is a temporary thing, she can also see why Loki is worried about his identity and survival being known if Thanos is after him. But it doesn't make things any easier...

"Maybe Thanos wants to have this belief that Loki going after the stones to try to give himself more motivation and to start a panic for the world. He must really want these stones if he's willing to go this far for them, instead of wondering why he wants to find Loki for these four Stones. You should try to fight him and stop him, I know you really miss Loki but he wouldn't want you to let him stand in the way of you fighting Thanos and avenging him for whatever he did to your sister and him..." said Jane nervously. "I mean the world is in danger from Thanos and it won't be saved if you are grieving for both Loki and Heimdell right?"

"But that doesn't change the fact that I have failed both of them, they are now dead because of me." said Thor feeling extremely guilty and gloomy about the current situation.

"You haven't failed anyone, but you will if you give up now and we are going to get through this." said Jane. "So you still want to use my phone to call the Avengers?"

"Uh yes... they will need to know that Thanos is coming and to prepare for the upcoming battle ahead, we can't afford to leave Earth's protectors." said Thor. "Uhh Jane..."

"The phone is in the kitchen and I need to get ready... I have some big science project with Darcy that I just remembered that I have to do..." said Jane in a hurry. "You do remember on how to use a phone right?"

"I do recall some details... but Jane-" begins Thor confused at the urgency that Jane suddenly developed and really wish that she could stay a little longer.

"Sorry that I have to rush off on you, but this is an really important project that I have to do that could help deepen our understanding of the universe." said Jane briefly. "I will see you later tonight once I get back home, so bye."

With that Jane hurried off leaving Thor surprised and confused, he has never seen her this much in a hurry and excitement about her work since he arrived on the planet. But it is surprising that she and Darcy is going to work on a project right now at night, maybe it's something important that has to be done as soon as possible. Maybe they both have a deadline to fulfill, but it still strange that Jane acted this way and just got up and leave. Either way he has the feeling that he's going to find out soon and right now he has to make a couple of phone calls to make. So Thor picked up the phone and start to call the Avengers to tell them the recent news and to prepare for the ongoing and new threat of Thanos.

Jane doesn't want to leave just like that but she's going to need to tell both Loki and Darcy of what's going on and all of the information that she just learned. Since right now just the fact that Thanos had a secret Infinity Stone changes everything and this stone gives Thanos the power to hurt anyone the moment he puts that stone on them. They are going to need to know or else the world is doomed, but at least they have one advantage, Loki already has the other four stones and Thanos is coming to them. They all have some time to prepare for the upcoming fight ahead and for Loki to think of a plan on how to deal with Thanos before it's too late...

Meanwhile in Loki and Darcy's apartment

Both Loki and Darcy are hard at work on trying to figure out how to get the Stones out, though they aren't really on speaking terms or in a place where they can figure out how to repair their friendship. Darcy has been trying to do her best to have both Loki and herself on better terms, she knows that Loki didn't mean what he said the other night. She knows that deep down Loki knows that she would never use him to do anything, all she wanted was to help Loki and she managed to see the good in him the moment that he chose to save that family and regardless of the reasons that Loki might have come up with. He still went to save them and Loki didn't have to and could have just walked away or found another way to save them without putting himself in danger. But he didn't...

That was the moment where she knows that Loki is not like whatever the news may have said about him during the New York thing and he has proven that he could be a good person if he chooses to. It looks like Loki is choosing to be a good person if he is putting all of this effort to try to stop Thanos, not just because he sees Thanos as this evil villain that needs to be stop or revenge on whatever things Thanos must have done to him when they were working together. Loki wants to do this for something more and it's clear that it's more than just being personal. Either way she just wants to make things right with Loki before he eventually have to face Thanos, in case worst case scenerio happens she just don't want to have to loose Loki in someway and may have to live with the fact that she ruined their friendship. It's not like Loki would care about her the same way she does and at least she can now feel more ok with feeling these feelings that she has been trying hard to keep in when she was with Ian.

So far she has managed to get Loki to talk to her and answer her questions about the Stones, it wasn't much but at least she's off to a better start compared to how it was last night. Maybe she could even try to get Loki to explain to her of some complicated magic thing that she is going to forget about later, something that Loki would be excited about and would be hours on talking about it and excited about sharing his knowledge. At least that could help them repair their friendship or at least let that argument slide from Loki's mind. She hopes that she will be able to pull this off, she can't imagine what her life might be if Loki never forgives her or if he does leave Earth...

"Wow I never thought that these things would be a tough nut to crack or let alone that delicate to try to take apart." said Darcy. "Now can you really do anything with these Stones?"

"It is often believed that the Infinity Stones when they are together it would give the user a wish." explained Loki. "It is one of the most dangerous powers that-"

"Wait if all of the Stones are put together, we might get a wish for whatever we want? This is wonderful we could use that wish to solve half of the world's problem like world hunger or stop some crazy disease or maybe even send Thanos to a different dimension or any other bad guy out there." started Darcy "The possibilites are endless and-"

"First of all the Infinity Gauntlet is a powerful artifact if we overuse it then we will have no control of any possible outcomes that could happen. Every single time someone tries to use the power of the Infinity Stones then it will lead to a possible chance of more problems that are beyond anyone's control." explained Loki. "Secondly if one has the Gauntlet then they are not going to be wishing for everything that may cross our minds, it's might only allow us to wish for whatever we may truly desire."

"So your saying whatever we want the most is what might possibly come true if we really want it?" said Darcy. "Is it kinda like the three wishes from a genie thing or a one time thing that we would have to be very careful on what we wish for thing?"

"You don't choose whatever wish that first comes to one's mind, it has to be something that you must truly want and something that you would give anything for it to come true." explained Loki. "I will use myself as an example, one of my truest desires is to undo everything I have ever done in the past couple of years. That way Thanos wouldn't be after me and it would have delayed him for a while longer or at least make sure that my relationship with Thor would have never been damaged and my mother would still be alive."

"Look whatever happened to your mom is not your fault, you could have not known that it was going to happen after you did all of that stuff that you did. We all makes mistakes that we later regret, but that doesn't define us from who we are." said Darcy. "You have changed so much and now your ready to give up your life to stop Thanos, only a good person and a hero will be willing too do that and you are both."

"That's flattering and you have no idea what happend back then, it's more complicated and darker than you can imagine." said Loki. "Now changing the subject, what would your truest desire be that you would wish for if you had the Infinity gauntlet in your grasp?"

"Now that's a tough question and to be honest I have never thought of what something like that could even be." said Darcy. "I'm guessing it might be something cool or maybe it could be something that I have always wanted and I don't even know what it is. Give me a couple of weeks and I'll get back to you on that one. I don't think we even need to know what Thanos's truest desire might be or even try to figure out what your brother's is. What would happen if he has the Gauntlet wishes for you to come back somehow, would you just appear out nowhere right in front of him when you least expected or something?"

"Theoretically I can safely assume that might happen and you do realize that Thor does not have to yell at the top of his lungs to make his wish come true?" said Loki. "But then again he always has to raise his voice to get whatever he wants, I don't even know how the servants must have felt every time he yells for another."

"Yeah I kinda figured that he didn't seem to be the asking nicely for things before he got banished to Earth. He even broke a cup in a cafe once and let's just say that it wasn't a good first impression when it comes to manners." said Darcy. "At least you didn't break anything when we first met other than..."

"You can no longer complain about that, I got you another one of those horrible things to replace the old one. I even got you two and so far I don't know if I should be happy that I made up for the damage that I did or regret on obtaining two of the worst pieces of technology in the history of Midgard."

"Wow you definitely hate cell phones, now I know what not to get you if I ever want to get you present for Christmas or your birthday, that is if you guys celebrate those occasions." said Darcy. "So... I'm guessing that you must have made some progress in the whole taking the stones out of priceless magic object right? It must be that tough if it has taken you this long to try to figure out how to break open them."

"I have conducted some theories but I don't know if it will work and how safe it would be, maybe once Jane arrives then I can discuss these theories and we can both figure out what might be the safest option." said Loki.

"What are you planning to do with the stones once you eventually get them out of all of these things? I mean after we defeated Thanos and we are free to live our lives without needing to worry about the fate of the world being in the balance." said Darcy. "It's clear that you are not going to be happy to keep four and later on six Infinity Stones in a vault in our back closet everyday."

"I'm thinking of maybe either separating all of them or just putting the gauntlet with all six stones in place and with the protections of the vault and no one knowing that we have the stones and put it back with all of the stones in position, that will be the last place that anyone would look." said Loki. "But I have not thought very far on what could be a good plan on what to do if we manage to survive this fight and the future aside from leaving Earth."

"You are still on the 'I must leave this planet forever and nothing will ever make me change my mind' attitude?" said Darcy. "Are you ever going to stop and think about the good times that you had here and make your decision based on that not on whatever arguement that came between us? Won't you miss everything that you have here and the new home that you found or at least me for that matter?"

That caught Loki off guard and he turned away from Darcy, of course he would think of her everyday during his travels after he leaves Earth. He has grown fond of her and despite whatever feelings that he is now feeling towards her now, he still cares about Darcy and doesn't even want her to deal with Thanos or at least not without a backup plan. But he needs to leave because not only it would keep Darcy safe from whatever trouble that may be following him in the future and it will also be best for both of them. Whatever unspoken thing that is between the two of them and he needs to put a stop to it, even if what he found out happens to be true, Loki can't afford to be feeling this way towards anyone and there is no way that he would ever forgive himself if Darcy has to deal with the consequences of his past or anything that might be connected to Thanos. It would be best if they just go their separate ways and never see each other again or at least until Thanos is gone and a couple of years pass by to let these feelings fade away and they can resume being friends in a distant future. That is if Darcy would be open to being friends in the future that is...

"It would be best for everyone if I just get up and leave all of this, you would be able to move on and live a normal and safer life." said Loki. "A happier life, when this is over you are going to be living a better life than the one that I put you in. You can actually try to fix your relationship with Ian and your friendship with Jane and later on my brother without me interfering."

"Don't you think that my life would never be the same again whether or not you stay or not? I can't imagine my life without you and I don't think I even want my life to be like that way." said Darcy. "Loki I know that-"

Before any of them can continue the conversation and Darcy can even try to convince Loki to stay and not to think of leaving. All of the sudden a window broke out of nowhere and creates a crashing sound that caught both of their attention. That is never a good sign and both of them hopes that Stark didn't invent something that winds up taking an Infinity Stone again. Whatever it is, they both know that they need to deal with it before it cause them more trouble and Loki is silently hoping that this has nothing to do with Thanos. They quickly headed towards the balcony and they are both surprise to see the sight right in front of them. Loki can't believe that he's seeing one of the last person he would want to see in any galaxy and knows that this has to be something Thanos related, he just hopes that he doesn't have to fight her. While Darcy is surprised to see that she is now seeing a blue alien girl right in front of her, she may have seen a lot during her adventures with Loki but blue alien people is one of the last things she expected...

Nebula quickly got up and is ready to fight them off if necessary, but she knows that she can't hurt them because not only it would go against Thanos's orders. There is also the fact of the shared history that Loki and her shared when they were prisoners of Thanos's wrath. She still has a job to do but that doesn't mean that she has to do it in whatever way Thanos may be hoping for, she is going to do this her way. Nebula just hopes that Loki decides to make things easier for both of them, she is not in the mood to give Thanos exactly what he wants...

"If I were you I would listen to your boyfriend, at least he seems to be the wisest of the two of you." said Nebula with a sneer. "Now let's get this over with shall we?"

"Uh yeah... let's start by clarifying that we are not dating in anyway and Loki is not my boyfriend." said Darcy confidently before she realize that maybe that could have come up the wrong way. "I mean Loki is my friend who happens to be a guy and we are very close. But not that close that you would consider us... a thing or together in anyway and-"

"Darcy, you do realize that you are embarrassing yourself right? I already know the basic terms on this planet when it comes to courting from that television set and the books I have read, I learned a couple of things during my time here." said Loki annoyed at Darcy's attempts of trying to explain to him of one the most simplest Earth terminologies. "Are you really doubting my knowledge of this planet?"

"What? No! I just wanted to clear things up in case you are confused that's all. Plus I don't know how to handle this, you're practically the only Asgardian that I have ever lived with..." said Darcy rather awkwardly.

"I have been on this planet, sharing your home with you for the last two months and you did not believe that I would learn a few things about the planet and some of the elements of the human lifestyle and culture?" said Loki defensively.

"I just thought that, well you never seemed to care about some, well rather all of human culture and would be seeing everything as a waste of time and never living up to Asgard's standards." said Darcy. "But hey it's great to see that you are not some uptight-"

"Have you both forgotten that we are in the middle of a fight or rather a confrontation?" interrupted an annoyed Nebula. She is starting to regret on even saying that, but they both look like that they are more than just friends and anyone would be an idiot to not to see that.

"Nebula, it has been a while..." said Loki quickly forgetting the little scuffle that he and Darcy was in and getting defensive. "I see that you are still working for Thanos or rather let him continue to control you until he will finally breaks you."

"I see that you are living the easier life and even then you are still trying to find ways to get into trouble." said Nebula. "You know why I can't leave him, I even tried that once and it didn't work out and never will as long as Thanos is alive to make sure that I pay the price for ever daring to defy him."

"Listen Nebula, you can find a way out of this and get a better life than anything Thanos can offer you." said Loki. "You can stay and leave him, you can help us defeat Thanos and I'm sure that Gamora would be happy to-"

"Gamora already escaped my father and I can hardly wait to make her pay for the pain that she helped inflict on me. Why is it that when Gamora does something she is let off easily and when I do the same thing I have to pay for it?" said Nebula. "Regardless on what you may think, I can't escape it and someone has to tell you what he is planning to do. So you both can watch your backs and your Stones..."

"Ok then what is this message that you are constantly mentioning or has Thanos just sent you here to be an overdramatic distraction?" said Darcy. That statement earned her an annoyed glare from both Loki and Nebula, while Loki is worried that Nebula will make her move and try to attack both of them. Nebula is annoyed at how one of them can be so casual and act like that these situations can be a laughing matter. She is now starting to think that all humans are like that and really wants to know how Gamora and now Loki puts up with. She can't wait for all of this to be over and leave this planet.

"Thanos simply wants to let you know that he's coming two days from now. He's after the stones and he is definitely not going to leave both of you alone until you give them to him." said Nebula. "I managed to put in a good word with Thanos and he agreed with this idea, give us the stones and surrender yourself Loki and we'll leave the planet in peace and spare the girl."

"What will happen to Loki if he goes with you? How is Thanos planning to hurt him?" said Darcy defensively. "You can tell Thanos that he better not mess with us or else... he is definitly going to be regretting it for the rest of his life."

"Really, that's the best you can come up with?" said Loki not even knowing if he should be more annoyed or worried for Darcy's well being because right now she's on thin ice.

"What? It's your safety and this guy is after you, I have to be defensive because the last thing I want is to loose you or see you get hurt if you decide to give yourself up to save the world." said Darcy. "I know that this is a bit much but at least it's better than letting you die in the hands of that maniac."

"Now that's a statement about Thanos I can agree with and to answer your question, I don't know... Thanos never said anything about what he is planning to do with you once you give yourself up." said Nebula. "But I know one thing, it's going to be really painful and you might not want to be facing his wrath once he does finds you. Unless.."

"Unless what?" asked Loki unsure what to expect if what Nebula is going to suggest or do that might possibly bring a fight.

"Why don't you give the Infinity Stones to me? Thanos might leave you alone if you give up the Stones and I will take the credit, it will not only free me from Thanos and you won't have to worry about anything that may be in store for you in the future." said Nebula. "It will be what's best for you and the universe if you give me these stones now, are you tired of running around trying to find all of the Stones? Protecting them from us? Never having a break or living a somewhat normal life? But if you give it to me then I will be able to put a good word in for you and you will never have to worry about Thanos again. We'll both be winners if you just give me the Infinity Stones and we will be free."

"How about I keep the stones and you give up whatever plans that Thanos may have planned? I know that you don't want to do this Nebula, you don't have to follow Thanos's orders any more." said Loki. "Don't make the same mistakes that I did, you still have a chance to start a new life and Thanos can't control you-"

"He will continue to control me until this is over and this time Thanos is more powerful than ever. I already have a plan that can't fail and I am going to make sure that Thanos pays for everything that he has ever done." said Nebula. "If you are not with me then you are against me..."

Before any of them could say or do anything, Nebula grabbed her batons and is ready to fight off Loki and is ready to do this the hard way. How dare Loki to question her plan and the side that she has to fight on? This is the only way to escape her life with Thanos and she is not going to let anyone's reckless ideas get in her head. Both Loki and Darcy exchange a surprise look, they don't even need to know Nebula for long to know that is not a good sign for anyone. It looks like she is going to be doing some thing that is going to guarantee that they are probabley going to have a trashed apartment that will need to be cleaned that will keep them both up the entire night. Either way they are going to have to fight off Nebula and with the hope that things don't get from bad to worse.

"How did things escalated this far?" asked a surprised and confused Darcy. "Were you friends with this girl or something? I mean it is really obvious that you two know each other? Does she really work for Thanos?"

"I will explain everything later Darcy, but right now we have bigger problems." pointed out Loki as he pushed Darcy out of the way from Nebula's first attack. He quickly turns to Nebula as she glares at both of them. "We don't have to do this Nebula, we just sit down and talk about this rather than using daggers and batons."

"I have no choice and you should know better than anyone that Thanos will never set me free unless I do this." said Nebula. "If it makes you feel any better, I never wanted things to go this route."

With that Nebula is about to start her attack again and before she could have a chance to do it, Loki pull out his daggers and is able to stop the potential attack from hitting him and Darcy. Nebula stepped back as Loki got up and is now ready to fight one of the few that was kind to him during his time with Thanos, Loki doesn't want to fight her and knowing the treatment that Thanos gives his children and the punishments that he is willing to do for everyone's failures and the torture that he gave them. Loki knows that this situation hurts Nebula the most and how Thanos picked her as the example and was the least favorite out of all of Thanos's children. He knows that Nebula can escape from the prison that Thanos trapped her in and she doesn't need to get revenge on Gamora to find the happiness and justice that she is searching for. But it's really clear that Nebula is not going to listen to a word that he has to say, now he is starting to have the idea of how Thor must have felt during their fights in the past. He really wishes that it doesn't have to be this way...

The fight between Loki and Nebula is getting more and more intense by the minute, it's not clear on who is going to win and this fight might last for hours. Nebula is trying to give Loki a hard fight, while Loki on the other hand is trying his best to hold back because of the desire not to hurt Nebula. As for Darcy, she managed to get behind the kitchen counter and knows that no matter what the history between the two, she has to help Loki somehow and can't just sit here and do nothing. It doesn't help that she is starting to dislike Nebula more and more by the minuete because of the facts that she not only wants to hurt Loki for her own selfish reasons and she is also trashing her apartment, Darcy has no idea on what Loki sees in her as a friend.

It only took a quick second, but Darcy already came up with a great idea on how she could do it. She quickly grabbed a ton of fragile dishes and cups that she has been keeping on the back of the cabinet and begins to throw it at Nebula to try to hit her or distract her. Along with being careful not to hit Loki in the process, so far it seems to be helping and Nebula is trying everything in order to avoid being hit by any of the incoming plates and dishes. Unfortunatly it also got in the way of Loki's ability to fight and he also had to get out of the way from getting hit from a plate as well, he doesn't know if he should be angry at Darcy's attempt on trying to help or understanding because she is trying to help. Maybe he should just try to teach her some basic fighting skills so that way she could at least stand a chance in case Nebula or another one of Thanos's goons tries to attack her and he can't come to save her at that moment. But right now he has to deal with Nebula and so far it is an even draw.

The fight continues on and it looks like things are not going to be stopping anytime soon, though from both of their relief Darcy is now starting to run out of fragile cups and bowls to try to throw at Nebula. But they are making a mess and even then they are giving the fight everything that they can to win against one another, it would have gone that way for hours until Nebula got a message from her communicator. She quickly checks it and from one look at the message, Nebula knows that she needs to go now and she can't believe that she wasted her time inn fighting Loki when she could have been looking for the stones herself. She quickly got up and put her batons away and stares at both Loki and Darcy, as much as she wants to continue to fight and make sure that Loki knows that he can't make her escape this life and she knows what's best for herself and that she is not going to give up until Gamora and Thanos pays for everything. Nebula doesn't want to add one of the few that has ever been kind to her on the list, but she will do it if Loki dares try to stand her way or stop her in her goals. But she will do what she must no matter how much she wishes that she wouldn't have to do it this way.

"This is not over, wait until Thanos comes and he is going to make sure that he gets the Stones. You are going to regret not accepting my help when you have the chance." said Nebula and before any of them can say or do anything...

Nebula quickly goes through the broken window and starts to make her escape as she climbs down and runs through the streets of the city. Both Loki and Darcy watched Nebula as she continues her run through the city and they don't even need to say anything to know that it looks like that their plans are about to be altered drastically. They have to stop Thanos before he does whatever plans that he may be planning for Earth, the moment Loki knows that is going to happen is finally going to happen. He wishes that they could have more time, but it looks like they are about to be entering the next stage of the fight against Thanos...

"Well she seems nice..." said Darcy sarcastically before she turned to Loki wanting some answers. "Who in the whole crazy universe is that blue girl? Why would you even be friends with her if she's Thanos's number one employee?"

"We are not friends, more like aquantences and we met when I was trapped with Thanos. Nebula and Gamora were the only ones that were kind to me and treated me decently." explained Loki. "Gamora was the kinder of the two and the only one that was there for me, if it weren't for her, then Thanos wouldn't have spared me and we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. She convinced Thanos to spare me after they first found me, he wanted to kill me and after that it was mostly Gamora and Nebula who was overseeing my training..."

"Well things kinda worked out in the end right? I mean your free and this Gamora is now freed from Thanos, the only downside is that he's coming after us for the Infinity Stones and that the Nebula girl is still working for him and have a twisted idea on how to escape him." said Darcy. "Do you want to talk about what else happened back there? What Thanos did to you? It's clear that you are bothered by everything that happend back there."

"Even if I wanted to... I can't... After the first couple of weeks most of it has been a blur and I can only remember a few details that it wasn't until my first visit to Earth I was able to gain some memories of the experience. I can not believe that I agreed to do half of the things that he made me do, but I was so angry and I thought..."

"Look we have no one to blame but Thanos and he is definitely not going to win this time, we are going to come up with a plan and stop him in his own game." said Darcy. "But still maybe it's a good thing that you don't remember much from your time with Thanos, I mean it doesn't seem to be the type of memories that anyone would want to go down memory lane for fun."

Before Loki can say anything to Darcy or try to tell her the gravity of the situation, the phone starts ringing and Darcy quickly goes to see who could it possibly be and Loki just ignored the entire phone conversation to reflect on the fact that his worst fears are about to come true. Thanos is coming in two days and this is the day that is going to change everything, all of the things that he has exspirenced and the fights that they have to face to get the next Infinity Stones, to the point that they even managed to have collected almost all of them. Now they are about to fight the fight for the universe and they can't loose or else everyone will be doomed, Loki can't help but feel some guilt over all of this. If he haven't taken the opportunity to work with Thanos and maybe escaped after the first day then maybe none of this would be happening. At least Loki can try to fix things now and make things right now, he has to and is the only one that can stop Thanos at the moment. Soon Darcy quickly comes back and she doesn't even know to feel about this new development and hope that Loki is ready for what she is about to ask of him.

"Jane just called me and she says that she is on her way with something really important to tell us, Jane made it clear that whatever she has to tell us simply can't wait." said Darcy. "But there is one problem... Our place is trashed thanks to that Nebula girl and there is no possible way that I can clean this up in time, so maybe you can use your magic to somehow... I don't know make this mess magically disappear with your powers?!"

"Uh I don't think I can do that, the best I can do is create an illusion on making this room look exactly like before Nebula came crashing in." said Loki. "But I have to be honest, it doesn't seem like a safe option we would be tripping over everything or accidentally step on something that might be breakable or an injury."

"Good point, it looks like I am going to have to do this the old fashioned way and try to clean this place up manually." said Darcy with a groan. "I might as well get started, let me know if Jane makes another phone call, I know I will be able to hear it but at the rate this mess is going than it wouldn't surprise me that I will run out of cleaning supplies and garbage bags."

"My apologies for the mess, it is partially my fault as well. I was the one that was fighting against Nebula and help create an even bigger mess than it was after Nebula crashed through and 'delivering her message about Thanos." started Loki unsure how to continue on with what he is about to say. Fortunately for Loki, he doesn't need to worry about finishing his sentence.

"Thanks for the offer Loki, but I think I can handle this and can clean this place up in no time." said Darcy. "That is I hope..."

An Hour Later

Loki is waiting patiently for Darcy to be done and for Jane to finally arrive, the last they heard is that she is being held up by a standing by subway car. But the good news is that she almost made it to her stop and the wait will be finally be over. Loki just sits down to watch Darcy try to clean and throw out many heavy bags of garbage, every time he asks he could give her a hand, Darcy immediately rejected it and it got to the point that Loki just gave up and start to watch her. Just because he is not on good speaking terms with Darcy that doesn't mean he is going to be completely hold a grudge against her. Whether he wants to admit it or not, she did help him during his time of need and he knows that no matter what happens, he'll always remain loyal to her and won't turn his back on her. Regardless of the situation or whatever unnecessary feelings that he may have towards her.

Loki just hopes that Darcy returns before Jane arrives to tell them whatever she is going to tell them, he just hopes that it's good news. The last thing he needs is to hear anything more that could put him in a panic, but to be honest the idea of Thanos making a surprise visit to Earth has already put him in a panic. Darcy just left on her seventh trip to take out garbage bags, Loki just waited patiently to see what happens next or to see if Darcy has changed her mind and he could help in anyway. Before he knew it, the phone begins to ring and there is some knocking on the door, Loki slowly goes to see the caller id and sees that it's Jane, he might as well let her in and Darcy wouldn't like the idea that he kept Jane outside waiting until she comes back from this trip of taking out the garbage. He went over the door and opened it as quickly as he could letting Jane in to the apartment.

"Hey Loki, you won't believe all of the things I have to tell you of all the things that I-" started Jane before she see the state of the apartment and the lack of Darcy. "Where's Darcy? What happened in here? It looks like if a tornado hit here."

"We had an unexpected vistor prior to your arrival, she unfortunately still works for Thanos and made it clear that Thanos is coming in two days." explained Loki. "As for Darcy is busy cleaning up the apartment and it looks like it's going to take her longer than she thought it would be. So what is that you found out? How did you even find out?"

"Well it's a good thing that Thor just came back then-" begins Jane.

"Wait, Thor is back?" asked Loki nervously. "Did he say anything? Has something happened back in Asgard? Did he somehow found out that I... faked my death?" Loki knows that the last question is the least likely but with how things are going from bad to worse, he wouldn't be surprised if Thor somehow found out.

"Yes he's back and if Thor somehow found out then he would be breaking down the door." pointed out Jane. "There's so much to tell you and... if this place is such a mess after this alien girl left after she came to tell you about Thanos and did all of this... Why aren't you helping Darcy?

"I offered my assistance and Darcy politely refused and no I have no knowledge of a spell that could possibly make this mess disappear unless you want to come in to an accident prone apartment because of my illusions." said Loki. "But let's focus on the fact that a mad titan is coming to the planet and possibly create a larger scale attack that makes my little tantrum in this city look like nothing."

"Right, where do I begin?" started Jane and before she could even continue to tell Loki more. Darcy opened the door and quickly heads to the couch to sit down, she is completely tired and doesn't even know if she could do more for the room. If she sees another bag of garbage then it would be too soon...

"You look tired..." said Loki sarcastically. "Did you enjoy overworking yourself?"

"Hey you don't have to rub it in, at least I got most of it done and I only stopped because we are expecting company." said Darcy trying to defend herself and failing miserably. "Hey Jane, how's it going? Did you know that Thanos is coming?"

"Yeah Loki kinda told me just now, but anyway Thor came back earlier because of Thanos." explained Jane. "Apparently you two are not the only ones that got a surprise visitor, Asgard was attacked recently."

"What?" said Darcy surprised at the news. "Why would someone attack Asgard now? I mean no offense Loki, but your home world really needs to work on fixing up their old relationships with whoever that you guys go against the past because it's clear that the past always comes back to haunt you in the end."

"Actually it's Thanos who attacked Asgard and he was looking for you Loki and the Stones." said Jane. "He also demanded that you give yourself up to him and-"

"Yes I am aware of the whole surrender and Thanos will leave everyone alone because Nebula, one of Thanos's associates and his daughter made it clear." said Loki capturing both Jane and Darcy by surprise. "Did someone get hurt during the attack?"

"Uh yes... someone died in the attack..." said Jane nervously not even knowing how to break the news to both Loki and Darcy. "Thanos was holding Heimdell right in front of everyone and since everyone thought you were dead and didn't believe his demands. They tried to tell Thanos, but he didn't believe them and took Heimdell's soul or something."

Both Loki and Darcy stared at each other the moment that Jane is finished, they couldn't believe what they just heard and both of them have many questions. Darcy now is having many questions going on her head on everything that revolve around Thanos and how he can possibly have the idea that the Asgardians would know about what she and Loki have been doing and that they are hiding him. Was he that desperate to find Loki and make him pay for everything that happened the last time they teamed up? Loki on the other hand couldn't believe what he just heard, Thanos having the power to take souls and could hurt others to the point that they can reach death? How in the world could Thanos have gotten this power? What is he planning to do with it if Thanos continues to go down this path? How is Thor taking the death of Heimdell?

He knows that both of them were close, the lost of Heimdell is probabley not helping matters when it comes to getting over his "demise." Loki knows that Heimdell and him did not always get along, but even he felt saddened by the fact that Heimdell died in the hands of Thanos and got in the way of Thanos's wrath. It's his fault for the entire tragedy and disaster, if he haven't teamed up with Thanos or cause the invasion or just gave himself up either through Thanos or stayed in his cell, Heimdell would still be alive and none of this would be happening. He needs to know how Thanos got this power or what could he possibly be using that would give him the power to steal Souls. This changes everything and has turned the upcoming fight into a more dangerous one, from his studies in Asgard the only way... It couldn't be could it?

"How did he managed to remove his soul? There's no way that Thanos could have possibly have done it on his own without magic or..." started an astonished Loki, he refusing to believe that there might be a possibility... No he won't believe until he hears it... "The Soul stone, but that's impossible... We have it and... It's Odin's scepter..."

"Ok now I'm lost, what makes you think that..." started Darcy as she starts to make the same realization as Loki is. "But it can't be... There's no possible way that Thanos could have an Infinity Stone unless he either stole it from us, but if he did why didn't he take the other three while he's at it or go after Vision? Unless..."

"We took the wrong object..." said Loki in shock. "I'm going to grab the Stones right now, so we can fully check and be sure." With that Loki quickly went into his room to try to grab the other Stones, he just hope that this horrible theory is wrong and Thanos just found another horrible way to steal soul. But Loki highly doubts it and quickly go inside right in front of both Darcy and Jane's eyes, they can both agree that they have never seen Loki this stressed out and worried before. Jane wants to tell them that Thanos has the Infinity Stone but now that Loki is even more stressed out, she doesn't know how she is going to tell him or what trouble that the two of them are now in because they took the wrong object, maybe it's not that bad...

"What did you guys take that you thought was the Infinity Stone?" asked Jane nervously and not even sure if she wants to know for sure.

"Funny story really, we both thought... You know that big scepter thing that is placed right next to the throne in Asgard?" said Darcy nervously.

"Yeah I remember seeing it when I was in Asgard." said Jane hoping that Darcy is not going to say what she thinks that she is going to say.

"You see... we thought that scepter had an Infinity Stone on it and we took it with us when we were in Asgard..." explained Darcy. "Apparently that scepter belongs to Loki's dad and is one of his most valuable possessions. Oops..."

"Oh boy, I hope for both of your sakes that Loki left an illusion on your way out." said Jane. "I really hope that you two have a good explanation of this once Loki eventually reveals himself, but I need to be honest things are not looking good."

"Yeah I doubt that we would have a good one too." said Darcy. "We need to figure something out, we're going to need to say something. I just hope that we're wrong about this."

Loki quickly came back and he was only caring one thing in his hands... Gungir. He carefully places it down on the table, afraid about what is about to occur and the truth that is about to be revealed. Loki really wishes that he doesn't have to do this, they are already in enough trouble as it is but they have no choice. This is the only way to know for sure and it's not going to be good...

"I have narrowed down on all of the Infinity Stones that we obtained and I tested them, at least we don't have to worry about anymore counterfeits. Fortunately we don't have to worry about Vision because if that was a fake then we all would have learned that the hard way." explained Loki. "From my quick study and analysis, I have concluded that we need to evaluate Gungir. I have always thought that Odin wouldn't hesitate to have an Infinity Stone in his grasp and a powerful one, I always suspected the worse in him and when I found out my true heritage. But now I'm not so sure..."

"Loki, you were hurt and people do a lot of crazy things when they're hurting." said Darcy. "What is this plan that you are going to do when it comes to trying to figuring out that we have the right stone or not?"

"I am thinking of doing an demolishing spell and either two outcomes will occur." explained Loki. "One of them will be that the best case scenario it is the Infinity stone and that just only a small amount of damage to the building like the power going out and the other alternative will be if it's not the Infinity Stone... I would completely destroy the scepter beyond repair. I would suggest that you two take cover who knows what is going to be the outcome and I don't think I want either of you be caught in the blast."

"Loki, I don't think that will be the necessary." started Jane before Darcy got her to hide behind the counter with her and that didn't stop her from trying to tell Loki what she knows. "Thor said that-"

Before Jane could even finish what she has to say, Loki starts to concentrate to do the spell and in a quick second before everyone could even have a chance to do anything. The scepter breaks right in front of them and the three of them stared at the sight in shock, Loki just felt like if Thanos came in out of nowhere and punched him in the stomach. He can't believe Thanos now has one of the most dangerous Infinity Stones and realize that the upcoming fight is going to be harder than he thought. Loki doesn't even know if they have the same chance as before with the fact that Thanos have two Infinity Stones and the most powerful ones out of all the six stones. It looks like they are now getting themselves into a situation that is more than anyone could bargain for and a fight that it is going to take a miracle to win. But Loki has to win it somehow or else the world will be doomed, well apparently there are already two that might beat Thanos in making sure he pays for his past actions; Thor and Odin might beat him there...

"Thanos already have two Infinity stones..." finished Jane as she grimaced at the sight of Odin's once priceless scepter being completely destroyed and really does not want to know how to deal with this, let alone try to tell Thor what happened.

"Oh boy, your dad is definitely going to kill us if he ever finds out we took the scepter and trashed it." said Darcy in complete shock. "It's bad enough that we don't have the missing stone but this definitely does not look good. Do you think we can glue it back together? I mean it can't be that hard to fix a magic scepter right?"

"It was a priceless artifact that is made from the rarest Asgardian metals and magical properties, we can't just glue it back together and even if we could then it wouldn't have the same power and prestigue as it had before." said Loki. "I just don't know how to explain this Thor once he eventually finds out and realize what happend."

"We can worry about that later, right now the best thing to do is to try to think of a plan and try to figure out how to fight off Thanos without having someone's soul taken." said Jane. "Maybe you know a way on how to protect yourself when it comes to the soul Stone?"

"Here's a better idea, why not just call the Avengers and just ask for their help? There is no way that we stand a chance now if Thanos have two stones and he will be more than happy to use the soul stone. He could kill you with that thing Loki..." said Darcy. "We're going to need all of the help that we can get if-"

"Before you continue with your speech on why we should ask for unnessicarry help, I would like to clarify a few things. First of all, there is no protection for your soul if it ever makes contact with the soul and the only way to have a soul return is to place the stone right back on it's victim's chest. But the problem is that the longer the soul is away from the body the weaker it becomes and the easier it is for the victim to die." explained Loki.

"Whoa that definitely turned dark really fast." said Darcy. "What is your second point and does this mean you might change your mind about calling the Avengers for help? They are going to find out anyway either through Thor or Thanos causing a rampage, either way they are going to be trying to fight him."

"We are not calling the Avengers because not only-" begins Loki. But before he could have a chance to finish what he is about to say, the phone is ringing again and that caught all of their attentions. Darcy decides that it might be best to see who it might be because after all of these surprise developments, she wouldn't be surprise if this has something to do with Thanos. Once she picks up the phone, part of Darcy is not surprise to hear who is on the other side of the phone.

"Hello Darcy, I have been trying to call on Mysto's number but so far there's no answer on his end." said a voice that sounds a lot like Captain America. "Do you know if there's any other way we could talk to him?"

"Uh yeah, you're in luck he's here right now and we're just hanging out." said Darcy. "Has something happened that you need to talk to Mysto right away?"

"Yes we have an emergency, we need to talk to Mysto as soon as possible." said Captain America. "Can we talk to him right now?"

"Uh yeah I'll see if I can put Mysto on, please hold." said Darcy as quickly as a she can and puts the phone on hold.

Darcy quickly heads back towards Loki and Jane, both of them could tell that so far the situation is definitely is not looking good. It looks like that Thor has been making some phone calls after Jane left and really wished that Jane haven't taught him on how to use a phone. Loki's wishes to not involve the Avengers especially Thor is about to not come true. He just hopes that he doesn't get a big "I told you so" from Darcy if she turns out to be right about letting the Avengers help out and things become easier and they win this fight sooner they expected. But then again, it's not like Loki have a choice now because the Avengers are ready to fight Thanos, it looks like he has to accept it now. Loki just hopes that Thanos will be in a good mood to face all of them and no one would get their soul taken or at least get hurt from all of this. It looks like he needs to start to figure out how to take the Gauntlet and both stones from Thanos before it's too late.

"It's Captain America and it looks like he wants Mysto to help with the Thanos situation." said Darcy. "It looks like the choice has now been picked for you, plus it also sounds like they need your help if they are calling and asking for you. Is it too early to say I told you so?"

"Yeah it's definitely a little too early." said Jane trying to soften the blow that Loki is now facing. But before any of the girls make any kind of statement or remark, Loki quickly realize something that they all need to take into account.

"I think I may have an idea why Thanos might be coming here and he is not just coming to pick up the remaining stones and to deal with me." said Loki horrified. "He's going to try to break me by destroying everything I care about and..."

"He wants take your soul too..." said Darcy nervously. "We can't let that happen and what if he is planning to destroy Earth?"

"That is exactly what he might do with the power and soul stone in his gauntlet, what happened in Asgard was basically a preview of what he might do and how he is capable of doing it. But then this is just theory and one that I really hope that I am wrong." said Loki. "We also need to worry about protecting the stones that we do have and Vision. This is a fight that we can not afford to loose or else disaster will strike, but it might already strike with Thanos's vendetta against me..."

"So what are you planning to do? How are you going to get the two last stones?" asked Jane nervously.

"The first thing I need to do is to take this call and then figure out how to stop Thanos before he does something else." said Loki confidently. "I have had enough of this, Thanos can't keep doing this and I am tired of hiding from him. We are going to have to face him eventually and right now it's time, at least I have a hulk on my side this time and I am not going to let him continue to control my life with Stones and fear."

With that Darcy give Loki the phone after she stops it being on hold, Loki picks up the phone and now having the confidence that he have never felt before, ready to end this. This can't keep going on and if Thanos is looking for a fight then he's going to give him exactly what he wants, Loki is going to make sure they win the upcoming battle. He is going to make sure that Thanos doesn't hurt anyone else and don't get his hands on the Infinity Stones, even if it means that he will have to sacrifice himself to do it. Loki takes a deep breath as he about to speak to Captain America and probably going to say the most important things he might ever have to say.

"Rogers, it is I Mysto and I may have acquire some important information about the upcoming threat of Thanos just now." said Loki. "He is said to be coming to this planet in two days."

"Wait what?" said Captain America completely surprise. "How did you-"

"I fought off an attack with one of Thanos's children in an hour ago and I have managed to gain some information from her, we need to get ready for anything that may happen." said Loki. "We already have an advantage with Thanos coming to us and we have enough time to prepare for ourselves for whatever he throws at us."

"I'm guessing you want to help us?" asked Captain America.

"Oh believe me when I say this Captain, I can hardly wait to get started." said Loki. He is ready to finish this and to do whatever it takes to stop Thanos once and for all...

Chapter Text

It has been a long night for Loki just because of the fact that Thanos is about to come down to Earth and is about to give them the biggest fight that any of them could ever imagine. The day after tomorrow, everything will change and Thanos will be making sure that all of his will be doing everything to help him win this fight. While Thanos will be doing everything in his power to make sure he doesn't leave the planet without the Infinity Stones and himself once he grabs a hold of both. Loki doesn't even know if he even managed to get some sleep at all that night, he could already imagine on all of the possible outcomes that might happen. Thanos has done so many horrible things in the past and it was hard enough to try to stop him with one Infinity Stone but with two and one of them's the Soul Stone...

Loki doesn't even know what to do, but he knows that he needs to think of a plan and at least he doesn't have to worry about Darcy's safety. There is no way that the Avengers or let alone Thor and Jane would ever let her accompany them on a mission like this. But he has to make sure in case of anything that can happen, normally he wouldn't let anyone borrow his things. Especially with something that has some sentimental value and to Loki one of the most valuable possessions in Asgard, but he has no choice and there is no way he could run over here and help out even with a hidden portal. Loki grabbed the dagger with the golden handle and the designs in the handle, he carefully put in his pocket and hopes that he could find Darcy alone. He went out of his room and goes to the kitchen and is grateful to find Darcy there, without a sight of Jane anywhere. Jane had decided to stay for the night in order to help with the research in order for Loki to rest, he just hopes that she didn't stay up the entire night conducting the research.

Other than that he needs to talk to Darcy right now and he is not sure if he is ready to talk about their previous argument. But he is ready to at least give her a means to protect herself and maybe as a memory of him in case things don't end well for him. So Loki slowly heads into the kitchen and he's not sure if he can do this or is ready to do this. But he has to because he doesn't think that he would ever forgive himself if Thanos... It would be like his mother's death all over again and even then it would be a hundred times worse because he could have stop it but didn't. That is not going to happen and Loki is going to make sure of it and if nessicarry he will talk to Jane about it. As Loki continues to head towards the counter, Darcy notices and happy to see her roomate out of bed and at least might possibly be on speaking terms. Neither of them knew what would be the best thing to say or who should start off the conversation. Until...

"So I'm guessing that you might had a rough night too? I couldn't sleep because I was too busy thinking about Thanos." said Darcy. "I wonder what today will bring and if it's going to be that good at all you know?"

"It has been a tough night for all of us, it's a good thing that this is almost over..." said Loki. "I have something for you and I know that we haven't gotten well in the past few days, but I don't think I will ever live with myself if I knew that Thanos hurt you."

"Uh Loki you don't have to get me anything?" said Darcy. "As long as it's not another replacement phone, I still have the other one as a backup in case something else happens to it."

"To ease your concerns, it's not another one of those petty pieces of human technology and to be honest I don't see how that will help you defend yourself." said Loki. "But what I am about to lend to you might and if anything happens then I want you to keep it as a memory and-"

"Wait nothing bad is going to happen, I am not going to start the morning off as if this is the end of the world or something." said Darcy. "I don't want to think of what could happen if that happens to you, it will definitely ruin my morning."

"Darcy, we can pretend that everything will be fine and the most that Thanos will do is just bring happinness and cheer all the world from sadness all we want. But we need to face reality and the truth is that we don't know what's going to happen..." said Loki. "I wouldn't be surprise that... But anyway here's one of my daggers and this one is really important to me because my mother gave it to me when I started my warrior training and to at least give you a means to defend yourself if Nebula comes after you or something."

"You remember that I still have my taser and I can just tase her into submission, well if her metal parts aren't tase proof or something. Why would Thanos let his own daughter be turned to a cyborg?"

"It wasn't her fault, Thanos has a twisted way of discipling his daughters and Nebula is the one that suffered the most and that is why she is really bitter towards everyone." said Loki. "She is also really dangerous if you get on her bad side, but she is a good person and can be one if she just try to break free from the grip that Thanos has on her. Why do you think that I try to reason with her?"

"I don't know, maybe to try to get her to join our side or tell us what Thanos might be planning." said Darcy. "But still I have to ask why would you want to give or lend me something that is so important to you?"

"I don't know maybe it's because I want to see you at least having something to defend yourself and plus I believe I can trust you with one of my possessions and that you will be able to put up a good fight against anyone of Thanos's goons." said Loki.

"Wait you trust me now?" asked Darcy nervously and hoping that this could be a good sign from her roommate.

"When it comes to dealing with and surviving life or death situations then yes I do." said Loki. "Just because we have one argument does not mean I don't care about you... I care about you a lot actually."

"I feel the same sentiment towards you too..." said Darcy. Before the two could have a moment or say anything else, they heard some footsteps and they both stopped what ever they are doing and try to act like if there is nothing going on between them. Jane came in to see both Loki and Darcy trying hard to look like if they are just too busy hanging out that anyone one can see that there is something more going on between the two. For argument sake it might be best if she doesn't say anything to the two and they might pull the denial off if Darcy wasn't helping Loki deny it.

"Morning, good news I think I might have figured something out on how to get these Stones crack." said Jane trying to start off the conversation. "It may be a crazy idea, but it might work if all else fails."

"What is it? Does your Midgaurdian science have any kind of information about the Infinity Stones or how to possibly defuse these gems in a possible safe way that could avoid any unwanted trouble or disasters from happening?" asked Loki.

"Well I can safely say that if this works then we'll be able to get all of the Infinity Stones out as safely as we can." said Jane. The first-"

Before Jane can even continue on with talking about her theory on how to possibly remove the Infinity Stones from their respective object, the tv suddenly turned on out of nowhere and the tv is starting to fizzle. The three of them are really surprise to see at the sight and don't even know how to make of the situation, Loki turned to both girls and was ready to ask if this could happen if the tv somehow suddenly breaks. Both girls could tell that Loki is about to ask and quickly shakes their head and is just as surprise to see this happen as he is. Soon the tv's fizzling is starting to stop and an image is about to appear, that image is starting to become more clearer by the minute and once the image is fully clear it caught all three of them by surprise.

"How is Thanos in your tv screen? Is he here already?" asked Loki nervously and slowly turning towards really worried. "What could he planing to do that involve on human televisions?"

"It's not just the tv, he's on every screen?" said Jane. As she pulls out her phone to show both of them how Thanos just appeared on every screen and Darcy quickly checked her phone and notice that Thanos managed to get on her screen. It looks like that Thanos completely out did himself when it comes to trying to get everyone's attention and whatever he has to say is going to be really important if Thanos invade on all of their screens.

"So this is Thanos..." said Darcy. "I don't know if this is cool or creepy..."

Before either of them could say a word, Thanos makes an evil grin that neither of them could tell if this is a good sign or a bad sign. But either way, at least they are going to find out what Thanos might have in store if he's making a really public announcement. Loki is not surprise in seeing Thanos wanting to brag about his potential win and how is he planning to take over the world. He just hopes that whatever Thanos may have plan won't be too tough or dangerous when it comes to winning in a fight because there's no way he would be able to win if he withhold his magic to try to keep his Mysto identity a secret. Loki just hopes that dumb luck would happen or if there's anyway that he could get Thanos alone, that way he could throw out all of his magic out and defeat Thanos in an ingenious scheme that will outdo any trick that he has ever done. But that's wishful thinking and even more so once Thanos begins to speak.

"Greetings people of Terra, My name is Thanos and I am about to pay a little visit to your pathetic planet." said Thanos. "This will not be a friendly visit and I am here to deliver a message for one of your inhabitants, you may think that you have the upper hand but in reality I will win the upcoming war. I will destroy everything that you ever cared about and going to make sure that this planet pays for you unless..."

Loki just stared nervously and not even knowing what he should say or do, he would give anything for this to be a bad dream and he doesn't have to face the wrath of Thanos. Things are getting worse if now he's threatening to hurt the people of this planet because of him and now Thanos is going to make sure of that. Well if he doesn't turn himself in and give up the Infinity Stones, Loki heard it so many times in the past few days that he might as well start keeping count. He nervously awaits for the response that Thanos is about to give him and what he might do next. Loki just hopes that Thanos is not planning to take someone's soul on live tv or worse kill them for no reason, he also hopes that once this is over, Thanos fully pays for everything that he has done and there will be some justice served...

"Unless you turn yourself in and give up the Infinity Stones, then I will leave this planet in peace and I will spare it and Asgard. I have no need of destroying lives unless you give me the stones and turn yourself in." said Thanos. "You don't want anything to happen to your friend now do you?"

Loki can't help but quench his fist and really wishes that he could punch the tv, he is feeling more anger and the desire to throw the tv is stronger than he wanted to when he was watching Tangled with Darcy. He better not hurt her or else he is going to make sure that Thanos pays for every single thing that he does starting with trying to hurt Darcy. There's no way that he would ever let Thanos hurt her and no matter what he'll make sure of that or it's the last thing he does. Just because he moved away from the path of evil, that doesn't mean he won't consider falling back to it if Thanos puts Darcy and everyone else in danger...

"I am arriving to this planet earlier then I have planned and I hope that I will see you making the right decision, Loki..." said Thanos. "As for the rest of you, if you have any information or helping our unlikely hero then I would share it once I make my arrival to Terra. If you all decide to give himself and the stones up yourselves, I would be more than grateful that I might spare your planet. Give me Loki and the Infinity Stones, I will spare your pathetic planet and leave in peace."

"There is no way we're going to let him take you away without a fight." said Darcy trying to be reassuring and add some possibility. "Sure Thanos is making his visit to Earth a little earlier than we thought, but we still have today and tomorrow to prepare ourselves and to get the Stones out of those things. We can-"

"I am going to be landing my ship tomorrow and I expect that Loki will be there to give himself up. If this planet does not meet my demands then I will have no choice but to start with destroying it first." said Thanos. "I hope that you all make the right decision and one that will be good for your planet, here is one thing you all should know if anyone dares try to fight me or in case you get any funny ideas Loki, I always win. There is nothing anyone can do to stop me and even if you try then you all are going to pay for it deeply, but still I hope they will all remember you Loki and the example that you are going to make to all of them."

Before anyone could say anything, the tv suddenly turned off leaving the three of them speechless. No one knew what to say or if they can say anything, Thanos is coming to Earth tomorrow and he's coming with the intent to take Loki and the Infinity Stones with him. This could be one of the most important missions that they might ever have to deal with yet and one of the most important fights that they may ever have to fight in their lives. Both Darcy and Jane knows that they are going to need to make sure that Loki doesn't go out without his Mysto costume for the next two days or an illusion disguising himself as someone else. But Loki's main concern is what Thanos might be planning to do Earth if he doesn't surrender and if they loose, it's a good thing that the Avengers will also be more than happy to help out with the fight and that alone doesn't guarantee a win. They are going to need to come up with a plan that can possibly work and for once Loki is happy that he's going to see the Avengers later today...

"Well that was definitley eventful and I know that Thanos is definitely is not the I come in peace, take me to your leader alien type of guy." said Darcy. "I'm guessing that at any moment we will be getting a lot of phone calls..."

"Not if we get to that fancy tower first and Jane I am going to need to ask you a favor." said Loki turning to her.

"What is it?" asked Jane nervously not even knowing if this is a good or a bad sign. But whatever it is she is willing to help in anyway she can.

"I am going to need to know if you have a place where you can hide objects and no one, not even my own brother..." said Loki not even knowing what the answer he is going to get from Jane. But he's still hopeful that he's going to get the answer that he wants...

"Yeah I have a safe for my scientific devices, I got it as a safety precaaution and the last time I have them open around the house, an secret spy organization that is some evil nazi group from the 1940s or something took them." said Jane. "Why do you ask?"

"I need to ask if it's possible if you take the stones, if Thanos is coming, then we need to take every precaution that we can possibly can. Nebula already knows where we live and this will be the first place he will look for if he tries to look through everywhere on this planet to find the Infinity Stones." said Loki. "That maybe..."

"You want me to take the stones home and put it in my safe to hide it from Thanos..." said Jane not even knowing what to say about this request and can see Loki's reasoning. Darcy is also surprise to see that Loki wanting to go this route because of the fact that Loki is not the type to trust anyone that easily or if not at all, but then again Thanos is coming and he needs to figure out what might be the best solution that will keep the Stones safe. Maybe this is a good sign to see that Loki is opening up and getting along with Jane, at least Thor doesn't have to worry about having any constantly bickering between the two.

"I know this is a lot to ask and the challenge of hiding it from my brother, but this might be the only way of keeping these stones safe and possibly have the upper hand in all of this." explained Loki. "Thanos doesn't know that you have been helping me and if Thanos has to accuse anyone in helping me then he would blame Thor, but no one would think to blame you. I am not trying to offend you Jane when I say this, you do not seem the type who would be doing hero work or anything else that could possibly make an impact on a universal scale."

"He kinda has a point..." said Darcy. "I mean you were kinda moping around after Thor left..."

"Hey! I had an Infinity Stone trapped inside me and my boyfriend happens to be from another planet, I even stayed at that planet and help save the world by using the powers of science." said Jane. "I have my experiences when it comes to dealing with magical worlds and supernatural threats to the universe. Plus we should also kinda add keeping my boyfriend's brother being alive a secret and helping him save the world to the list."

"I know that you now have a decent track record... But the problem is that you always have Thor by your side and occasionally myself now to save you whenever some danger comes up." pointed out Loki. "Thanos wouldn't even think twice on checking on you and Nebula didn't see you or knows that you even exist, we need to go with the choice that no one will expect. Now will you two excuse me, I need to get busy training and to at least get somewhat prepared for what is yet to come. Let me know when it's time to depart."

With that Loki left the room to try to practice some spells and maybe even use some of the ice powers that he have due his frost giant heritage. Maybe he could use some of these powers to stop Thanos, he can use them to make sure that Thanos is stopped once and for all. Loki knows that it wouldn't be as easy to fight him off with the Avengers in the same battlefield as he is and trying to deal with Thanos. Loki doesn't see any way on how he could try to do part of the plan that he is slowly coming up unless he uses an illusion to make Mysto look like if he is fighting the Chitatri or Nebula, then he will just use his magic to make sure that no one will see him and then he will be able to at least freeze Thanos long enough to have someone take the gauntlet or he could do it himself. It worked with Strange, it might work with Thanos and unfortunately he can't really send Thanos falling in another dimension this time. But he can use these powers and the art of manipulation to defeat Thanos and keep his identity a secret for the time being. All Loki can do now is train and hope that the Avengers will agree with his plan well the part of the plan that involves of Avengers and would buy him enough time to do the rest of his plan...

An Hour later

They received a call from the Avengers and they all knew that it's time to go and that things are definitely moving forward. Loki and Jane managed to figure out a plan on how to get the Infinity Stones in the apartment without Thor finding out. Fortunately this meeting with the Avengers is doing them a favor and Jane could just sneak them in while Thor is talking to the others and Mysto. They put the three Infinity Stones in a backpack and fortunatly for all of them, not only they were all able to fit inside but they didn't seem to have reacted to one another. Now Loki doesn't have to worry about any possible trouble that could be caused with all of the stones being contained in the same place by a normal human. He just hopes that Thor isn't home or walks in on her trying to hide three Infinity Stones in her safe, Loki really does not want to know what might be the explanation that Jane may come up with if that happens.

Other than that it is almost time to for things to end and for Thanos to make his first move on the inevitable fight, Loki almost wish that this is just a nightmare but he might as well accept this. He is going to face Thanos eventually and besides at least things will finally end and Loki can hardly wait until this is over and Thanos is defeated for good. The future looks completely endless if they win and he survives this, Loki doesn't even know what he is going to do once he is free to live his life and where he will be able to go without any worries or fear from Thanos, Asgard and hopefully Thor. He doesn't want to leave Earth, but he knows that he can't stay no matter how much deep down he wants to stay...

"Are you sure that you can handle the responsibility of keeping the Infinity Stones and making sure that they don't land in the wrong hands?" asked Loki nervously and hoping that he's making the right decision.

"For the tenth time, I think I can handle this and all I have to do is make sure the stones don't leave my apartment. It's not some crazy rocket science experiment." said Jane. "I can't see why you two are acting like I am a damsel in distress that you have to make sure that I can't handle keeping an eye out on a couple of magic stones. I mean I managed to survive the Aether and went two different alien planets without any experience."

"Thor and I still had to protect you from Malekith and his army." pointed out Loki. "But let me tell you what you had to deal with the Dark elves was nothing compared to this, this is a really delicate and dangerous situation. Just don't play around with the Infinity Stones or try to do anything without having myself in the same room and be sure to-"

"Wow Loki, talk about being a little overprotective about the stones and possibly Jane and even the rest of the planet." said Darcy trying to tease Loki. "If I didn't know better, I would say that you are becoming one of those determined heroes that are willing to do anything to stop the villain like-"

"Darcy I would appreciate it if you don't compare me to my brother, I have been compared to him long enough and I am tired of trying to be at the same level if not better in my father's eyes. I never needed my father's approval to be happy, I guess I only needed two months in a healthier environment away from them to finally see it." said Loki. "I am being protective because we're dealing with the most powerful objects in the universe and a maniac is landing on the planet. These stones are really dangerous and they can ruin one's life if you are not careful or if you use them too many times to count then it can ruin your life to the point that you can no longer tell the difference between reality and the lies that the stone tells you. Especially with that stone..."

"Ok then which one?" asked Jane nervously.

"You know I was going to say that you act like someone like Batman or Raven from Teen Titans or maybe someone who is once a villain and now turned into an awesome hero." said Darcy. "I mean comparing you to Thor is like comparing apples with oranges, I don't even know how your dad managed to do that and... I am definitely ruining the moment and not helping am I?"

"At least it's better than Thor's rambling and I think I can get used to not being constantly compared to him." said Loki. "Fortunately that stone is no longer in our care and it's finally in a place where it can finally be put in good use..."

"Are you talking about the stone that Vision has right?" asked Darcy. "But still we don't have to worry about Thanos getting it if Vision puts up a good fight, I bet he doesn't know a thing about Vision having the Infinity stone or that he even exists."

"That stone nearly destroyed me and one of the best things that could have happened is separating me from that stone. If one tries to use the stones then it will consume them, I am still surprised that Vision turned out the way that he did." said Loki. "Let's just hope that the Avengers are now thinking of some plan that could protect Vision from whatever plan Thanos may have planned, in case I am wrong..."

"Well we're not going to let that happen, at least Thanos can't steal Vision's soul." said Darcy. "At least your not going to be facing Thanos alone this time, but still let's just hope that he falls for the whole Mysto and secret identity thing too."

Loki knew from the mention of Mysto that it's time, he starts to use his magic to transform his normal Asgardian outfit to his Mysto costume. In a quick second, Loki is now wearing his Mysto costume and is ready to meet with the Avengers and later on face Thanos. This is the moment that he was waiting for and is the moment that things will change forever, it's time to face the future and the fight ahead. When Thanos is going to make sure that he pays for everything and the time that no one knows what might happen or who might win in this final fight. But this is the fight of his life and it's time to finally stop Thanos, if he doesn't then who will? What will Thanos do to Darcy or anyone else involved? Will he have them die once he uses the gauntlet as he anilates everyone else? Will Thanos hurts everyone and make them suffer in order to cause him more pain? What more would Thanos want? Why does Thanos believe that doing all of this will bring him any peace? He can say from personal exspirence that this life is anything but good. At least he is now going to stop Thanos before he hurts anyone else and do any more damage and that alone gives Loki some comfort in trying to deal with the whole Thanos situation.

Jane is just surprised to see Loki in the Mysto costume, she knows that Loki has been Mysto this entire time but she never tried to imagine Loki wearing the suit and always finds herself often forgetting that Loki and Mysto are the same person. At least she can finally see Loki in the Mysto costume and now sees that they are the same person. Though it's going to take a while to get used to calling Loki, Mysto while he's in costume and Loki when they are in the same room together. At least she's not going to worry about that for a while unless she ever finds herself in the same room as someone else and Loki conveniently is there and he's Mysto. Now she can finnally wrap her head around the idea of Mysto and Loki being the same person...

"It's time..." said Loki. "Let us get this little emergency meeting over with and save the universe before I lose my mind."

"I'll be sure to call you to tell you everything is going on and off course if Thor is there or not." said Darcy. "I mean someone has to keep you updated of what's going on right?"

"Well then good luck you guys, Let's just hope that this ends tomorrow and that this Thanos is not as tough as he is making out." said Jane. "Maybe he can easily be defeated in a snap of a finger and it will take you guys less than a minute to defeat him and take the gauntlet."

"I honestly wish it was that simple and that Thanos is that weak, but in reality guantlet or no gauntlet he will continue to be invincible and won't rest until he sets his plan to motion." said Loki. "We are going to need all of the luck in the world if we are going to win this."

With that the three went on their way to do their part in trying to stop Thanos for good, Loki and Darcy quickly make it on their way to Avengers tower and to the fight that they were both anticipating ever since they started on this journey together. They hope that they could win this fight and it's not as impossible as Loki at times make it sound and that maybe they might stand a chance. But Darcy knows that Loki has a plan and that plan could help them and knowing Loki his plans always manages to work out in the end or they are always well thought through that they might work. Loki just hopes that the plan might work and that the Avengers will go for it, he doesn't even know what he's going to do if things don't work out or if they might be able to win. But Loki knows that no matter what the odds may be, they are going to have to fight and will fight and stop Thanos from winning, Loki has to or else he will fail everything that he has worked for and Loki will have more to loose after his first encounter with Thanos...

A half hour later

Soon they both arrived to Avengers tower and things have been quiet between the two as they made it their way to the elevator and begins to go up to the floor that the Avengers may be on. Both Darcy and Loki wants to say something to each other or try to have at least one word towards each other, if this is the moment and they are about to go towards a journey where they don't know that they are going to make this out alive or even if they are going to see each other again. They both want to talk to each other and to say any words that are flying through their minds and to see if they could try to start their friendship again or at least leave things off in a better place where they don't have to regret anything in the past couple of days.

"So this is it, we are going to fight Thanos and save the universe." said Darcy. "Sure he has a soul stealing stone on his side and his giant magic glove, but at least we have the Avengers on our side and a robot with an Infinity Stone on his forehead. Plus we also have the advantage that-"

"He's coming to us and we are going to prepare in this short amount of time, though he should have just given us the extra day to at least give us the opportunity to better prepare ourselves regardless of whether or not he believes that we can win or not." said Loki. "I mean honestly, when I was a villain who wanted nothing more to prove I was a worthy son, working for Thanos to take over Earth as a plan to get revenge on my brother and other things that I am not proud of, I was at least true to my word. There's no point in saying that you are coming in a certain amount of time if you are going to be honest about, but then again Thanos is the king of evil what do we expect?"

"True, though I never thought that you would value honesty." said Darcy. "I mean your specialty is lies and manipulations right?"

"Yes, but there is a difference between lying to someone and being lied to." pointed out Loki. "I should know better than anyone that lies can hurt someone in the long run."

"Good point and plus that wasn't what I was going to say." said Darcy.

"You weren't going to point out the fact that I am best known for lying and manipulating others?" asked Loki annoyed. He is not in the mood to hear what could Darcy mean and how her words could potentially hurt him more than he would like to hear.

"No I was going to say that the advantage that we have is you, I mean you know Thanos better than anyone and can trick an entire universe into thinking that you are dead." said Darcy. "If you aren't the best chance we have then I don't know who is, aside from the Avengers of course. But still if you hate being lied to so much because it hurted you when the whole adoption discovery thing happened then why do you lie and continue to do so? Not that I am not saying that you shouldn't but I can't see why you would want to continue hurting Thor or anyone and maybe even yourself by making the same mistakes that your dad did."

Loki couldn't help but stay quiet, he has never thought of it that way or even considered that he has never thought of it that way or even considered that he could be hurting Thor. But is he really ready for this big step or would it be better if this is kept a secret? But he can't change the fact that he did this to himself and that is if he is ever really to face all of the rage, disappointment and maybe even resentment. Loki wouldn't blame him if Thor feels that way or if he sends him back to Asgard to face Odin's judgement. He doesn't think that it would go that far but at this point and the depression of grief that Loki put him in the last two months, Loki honestly don't blame Thor for going down that route because of the fact that he made him misserable for the last two months and dealing with their mother's death and now Hiemdell's. Loki is definitely has been the worst brother of the decade, there is no way that Thor would ever forgive him or accept him back. He needs to move on and the same goes for Loki too, that's the whole point in wanting to leave Earth in the first place is to move on and try to stop the feelings for Darcy from growing and to give her the chance to live a normal life and fix her relationship with Ian. He has already caused more than enough trouble for both of them, everyone in this planet or any world might be better off without him and he might be better off without having any sentimental attachments.

"Darcy, you know why I have to do it and if Thor ever finds out then everything will be falling apart and Thor might... he might..." begins Loki. "It shouldn't matter, once he finds out then I will be long gone and he would never have to see me again, I am going to keep my part of the bargain but I never agreed that I have to stay on this planet."

"So you're just going to leave and pretend that this has never even happend?" asked Darcy unsure if she should be feeling frustrated that Loki wants to do this or wanting to do everything in her power to make sure that she stops Loki from leaving or talk him out of it.

"I'm leaving because all of this has happened and everything has changed, it might be better for everyone that we never see each other again." said Loki. "Sometimes I think that it would be better if I never came to this planet then maybe it would have delayed Thanos a little longer and it would have been harder for Thanos to find the Infinity Stones."

Before Darcy could even say anything to argue against what Loki is now saying or at least implying, they arrived to the top floor and it's time to get into character and hope that they might be able to listen. The two of them heads toward the Avengers and knowing that this is the moment that Loki is going to reveal this big plan of his. Darcy just hopes that this plan will work or that the others will be willing to listen to them, this alone is big when it comes to how far Loki came when they all started this journey. If she told anyone that Loki is going to help save the world and the crazy adventure that they have been so far then no one would have ever believed her, she wishes that there is a way that everyone could see how amazing Loki can be and that he doesn't have to hide under a mask to do it. When they got close enough to the table, Darcy knows that this is definitely the planning stage before the ultikmate fight and that alone is exciting but also terrifying because unlike anything that could happen in a comic book. The main difference is that this is real and that Thanos is the ultimate threat that could... She shouldn't think that way because she knows that Loki and the others can beat Thanos in their sleep, they are the Avengers and they have Loki by their side nothing can go wrong right?

"Look who's back, the mysterious caped crusader, coming to the rescue." said Tony.

"You do realize that your making Mysto sound like Batman or something out of a comic book right?" pointed out Natasha annoyed.

"Let's not start a debate unless it's on a plan on how to defeat Thanos." said Steve. "At least we already agreed on having Thanos meet us in a clear land where there are no civilians in the area. But after that I don't know what else we can do to try to stop him or at least get that soul taking stone away from him."

"According to my father, he believes that the soul stone is one of the most dangerous out of the six Infinity Stones." said Thor. "I believe that it might be true, he managed to kill a friend right in front of the entire realm, the important thing is to try to make sure that Thanos doesn't try to put that stone anywhere near our chests. Once the stone is there then Thanos will be able to take our souls and..."

"Aside from the potential consequences, on my way here I was coming up with a plan on how to possibly defeat Thanos and it might not be a good plan and it may also be insane but-" begins Loki nervously before he is interjected by Natasha.

"Uh Mysto, I fought an evil alien army, found out that SHIELD is HYDRA this entire time in disguise, faced an army of robots and now about to fight off a purple giant looking for Thor's dead brother and these magic jewels." said Natasha. "I have already experienced more crazy things that could last a life time and we might need to do something crazy if we are going to stop this Thanos guy."

"For starters, I figured that the best way to defeat Thanos is by sneaking and to make him expect the unexpected." said Loki. "So that way we can grab the stones without Thanos realizing what's going on and by the time that he finds out what is going on, then we will have the Gauntlet and the stones."

"Ok how do you suggest that we will do that?" asked Bruce, not even sure where this plan might be going.

"All we need is a distraction, something or someone that might take down a beating and might be strong enough to give Thanos a fight that he will never forget." said Loki. "Maybe even a good beating like... the one that Loki exspirenced in that fight you had in New York."

"Wait, are you suggesting that we use the Hulk to try beat down Thanos as a distraction?" asked Bruce not even sure what to think of the plan so far.

"As a distraction and that will buy Wanda enough time to restrain Thanos in time while I grab the gauntlet." explained Loki. "If we are going to go for the element of surprise then it will be better for Thanos to not expect an ordinary human being in trying to take the gauntlet right under his nose."

"Ok what are you planning for the rest of us to do?" asked Thor. "I don't want to sit around, waiting in the tower and not doing anything, that monster has done more than enough damage to the universe and has hurted my home and my family long enough."

"You don't have to worry about waiting for any potential answers from any of us, here's what you and everyone will be doing." explained Loki. "You and the others will be dealing with the guards and any ally that could be helping Thanos in anyway."

"Wait what makes you think that Thanos will have an army with him?" asked Steve not even knowing if he wants the answer to that question to come or what the numbers are looking like right now.

"He's an alien being that is coming to invade the planet, do you honestly believe that he isn't going to arrive with some reinforcement to help him find these stones and Loki? Judging from the other foes that I have to face in the past, they always have to have some back up plan or reinforcements hiding in the shadows." pointed out Loki. "Do you all recall the battle that we had with that Beck character?"

"Oh right the Mysterio incident and how he managed to nearly take over the city..." said Tony with a groan. "Beck really thought of everything and if I see another one of those clones or illusions again, I am moving out of this city and live my life in a cabin in the woods and ask Pepper if she will join me, but I don't think she would be happy if we are going to be hiding from clones for the rest of our lives."

Thor couldn't help but looked confused at what the two heroes may be talking about and doesn't seem to have a clue about what they might be talking about. Loki quickly notices that and is ready to tell him some of the adventures that he had with the Avengers during the time he spent on Asgard, but he also have questions on what Thor meant by "family" and "long enough." Could Thor somehow have found out about his past history with Thanos and now knows what Thanos did to him and the true story that happend? That's impossible and even then he would never believe a word Thanos say, if he did then Thor would hunting him down and trying to do everything in his power to hunt Loki down and to try to see where he might be. Loki knows that deep down that he may never know the answers or anyone else aside from Darcy, Jane, Gamora and Nebula will ever know what happened back on Thanos's ship, but that doesn't mean he can't say a thing to clarify and it feels nice to at least say something that he can be proud of and to have something to brag to Thor about one of the good things that he has done as a hero so far. Though it would have to be really discreet if he wants to get away with it. But...

"Apparently there's some crazy guy that dressed up with a fish bowl helmet and a cape that used to work for Mr. Stark over there drove everyone crazy when he created an army of evil clones of himself after you left, the Avengers and Mysto." explained Darcy. "Fortunately, they all managed to defeat him even after some confusion and hundreds of clones, Mysto managed to find a way to defeat them all. That guy was really mentally unstable..."

"You do recall that I had some help from all of you right?" said Loki. "All I did was to figure out how to identify the clones and to figure out who is responsible for the whole incident in the first place. It was nothing compared to the whole Doctor Doom incident prior to your departure and how he nearly took down and break up the whole team in the process."

"Yeah that Doom guy did bring an army with him and you guys totally defeated him." said Darcy. "But I think we can all see your point when you say that Thanos is more than likely to bring an army with him."

"Ok, you want to use Hulk as a distraction, Wanda as a restraint and for the rest of us to focus on some army of evil aliens while you are somehow going to grab the gauntlet away from Thanos?" asked Steve surprised to see that Mysto created a plan that quickly with the lack of information that he now has towards the current situation.

"That is what my plan is so far, but we also need to figure out what might be the best option on what to do with Vision." said Loki. "Thanos will most likely go after Vision because of the mere fact that he has an Infinity Stone planted right on his forehead."

"Are you saying that Thanos might try to kill Vision just because..." begins Wanda nervously as Pietro quickly just grab her shoulder before she can try to do anything that might bring an arguement for the safety of Vision.

"Knowing how it is typical for villains to target the mere person that has the object that they are trying to obtain, Thanos won't hesitate to try to hunt down Vision once he realizes that he has the Infinity Stone." points out Loki. "If we want to win then we are going to have to figure out how to deal with this problem before Thanos makes it worse for all of us and try to use us being underprepared as advantage."

"I don't see any other way on how we could try to stop the inevitable except if we remove the stone from me and maybe even have it destroyed before Thanos can obtain it." suggested Vision. "Even then it might lead to even greater pain..."

"Are you suggesting that we remove the stone from your forehead in order to stop Thanos from obtaining it?" said Bruce. "I don't think that we can do that without accidentally killing you."

"Well if it deems necessary for the defeat Thanos then we might not have any alternative." said Vision. "If he is as dangerous as Thor is claiming then it won't do us any favors if I still have the stone and it's still functional. We can get Wanda to use her powers to destroy them, she's powerful enough to use her powers to try to see if they are capable of destroying Infinity Stones, we witnessed her potential and she might be able to destroy the Infinity Stones if we obtain them and the stone on me."

"We are not going to trade lives to make things easier for us to stop Thanos, if we are going to stop Thanos then we're going to make sure that we do it in a way where we are not going to be bargaining for a chance to win." said Steve. "If we are going to get the stone out then maybe it would be better if we try to explore those theories before we just do something that we might not even know if it could work."

"Even if we do sit down and try to figure out how to safely remove the stone without potentially killing Vision and unless we go somewhere with advance technology or find someone that could possibly have an understanding to the stones and know more than enough about complex technology to figure out a way to possibly get the stone out." said Bruce. "That could take years alone if we try to study the possibilities of the stone and the overall structure, there's not enough time to try to find a possible way that can remove the stone from Vision."

"Even then I would never agree to hurt you and we will find a way to defeat Thanos and we will do it in a way where no one is going to die because they have one of these stones as a part of their body." said Wanda. "Maybe it might better if we try out Mysto's plan and try to end this before he tries to hurt anyone else or go after Vision."

"Well it's the only plan that we have so far, I don't even see what other alternative we can do except Mysto's plan." said Natasha. "It's a long shot but it could work if we have plenty of luck on our side."

"I think that we should go with Mysto's plan and to see where it goes from here, we don't have more time to waste and we need to act now before tomorrow comes and Thanos makes sure that Earth pays for something that no one is responsible for." said Thor. "What makes him think that Loki is alive in the first place? What possible reason does Thanos believes that Loki has some kind connection to the stones or even went on a insane search to go after them? Loki would never go on a suicide mission like that, he knows how dangerous the Infinity Stones are if one puts them together and there is no way that Loki would be looking for power that he can't control."

Both Loki and Darcy exchange an look at each other and knowing that Thor is in for a big surprise once he eventually finds out that Thanos is telling the truth and they went across the universe to try to find the stones. Loki knows that the idea of Wanda possibly having the power of destroying an Infinity stone sounds like an intriguing idea and Loki knows that this could be a good way of possibly getting rid of the Infinity Stones for good. Part of him wishes that he knows how to possibly get rid of the stone out of Vision and that he could just cast a spell that could remove the stone from him. But it is not as simple as it sounds and Banner has a point that in order to have an reasonable understanding to try to remove the stone from Vision safely and even if he successfully managed to not to kill Vision after removing the stone there is no guarantee that the stone won't do some dangerous repercussion that will end up doing more harm than good. Loki doesn't know how to do it or even wants to risk trying, but he just hopes that Vision's theory of Wanda being able to destroy the Infinity Stones. It's not only might be beneficial for the future of the universe but it will be easier for both of them to just get the stones destroyed rather than scattering them around the universe. At least if they get the stones destroyed then they could avoid any future maniac going after these stones in the future and might make everyone's lives easier if they don't have to worry about these stones anymore.

But still it's surprising to see how the Avengers are open to his ideas and listening to what he has to say, maybe this will work out after all and that maybe they can win this. It does feel good having his voice heard for once and for being seen as a respected individual than a villain that has done unforgivable things or a trickster that can't be trusted or the inferior son of Odin and a frost giant runt. Even though they are only seeing him as Mysto, but at least that there's three in the room that sees him as just Loki and is ready to listen to what he has to say and at least there is also the fact that Loki's plan is not yet complete because there is still one more factor of the plan that is still an important part of the plan and he just hopes that Darcy would go for it. Though he is not going to force Darcy into doing anything if she doesn't want to but he is going to need her in order for this plan to work. Well only time can tell and all Loki has to do is hope that Darcy would go for it...

"It looks like we are all going for the plan that we all know that we can at least agree on." said Tony. "Are we really going for the first plan that comes to our mind? What are we going to do about Vision if Thanos is after him?"

"I guess we're going to have to bring him along, it's not safe for Vision to stay alone in the tower and to just hope that Thanos won't send one of his army to try to get Vision or take the stone." said Steve. "Everyone get ready, tomorrow we are going to be having the fight of our lives and we'll be leaving at dawn to set the field ready and to try to get Thanos's attention to us."

With that everyone gives a nod and before anyone ca even desmises them, the rest of the team begins to train harder and prepare themselves for the fight of their lives tomorrow. Loki on the other hand makes a quick gesture to Darcy to try to grab her attention and once Darcy sees that Loki is trying to do so then she knows that Loki wants to speak to her. Though it's a first in a while and whatever it must be, it has to be important and something to do with the fight that is going to happen tomorrow, could she be a part of Loki's plan? She doubts that but would be more than happy to help him in any way she can, but the question she has is what does Loki want her to do in this big plan of his and maybe she can help in someway that can make a valuable contribution to the plan and maybe in defeating Thanos. She just hopes that whatever her role might be it can be something that might help. Though part of her also think it's kinda cool to see Loki trying to grab her attention in his Mysto costume and before she gets too distracted by Loki, maybe she should see what he wants. She's hoping that this could be the first step for the two of them being friends again and she won't have to worry about Loki leaving or any other outcome that results in never seeing him again...

"I can't believe that we're here and this is the moment that we have been waiting for ever since we started this." said Darcy right after everyone leaves the room. "I mean the possibilities where this can go is endless and-"

"Darcy, I am going to need your help if I want this to work." said Loki determinedly.

"Wait are you asking me for my help?" asked Darcy surprised. "You are always the 'I work alone' or 'humans are inferior to Asgardians' and now your asking me for my help? This is really exciting and surprising at the same time, what do you want me to do?"

"I need you to come with me and keep a lookout when I do the final stages of my plan, I can't afford to have anyone see the next part because I am going to be using abilities that I used only twice." said Loki. "I understand if you do not want to take part of it and I will not make do anything that you-"

"So you want to me to go as your look out and to be out in the battlefield too?" said Darcy excitedly. "Does this mean that I am actually going to help fight Thanos or your going to use those powers that you are so ashamed of that you never use them and I am part of your secret plan and we're going all super spy in order to do that? What do you have in mind?"

"All I need you to do is try to keep an eye out for not only someone running in and seeing me trying to freeze Thanos but to also try to take the gauntlet while I am doing it." said Loki. "I do not believe that Thanos is going to just give up without trying to break free from the ice and this is not like how it was with Strange and-"

"Wait, who?" said Darcy almost immediately. Loki almost wants to chastise himself for mentioning that second rate sorcerer because now he has to explain who he is to Darcy and how he accidentally send him to an unknown dimension or does he?

"He was the one that was holding the last Infinity stone and tried to fight me because he believed I was a danger to Earth." explains Loki. "But none of that matters anymore and if we want this plan to work then we are going to need to withhold Thanos before he does anything else and loosing is not an option. I know that-"

"Of course I'll help you out Loki, you don't even need to do one of those big hero speeches that I don't think I would get used to seeing you making inspiring speeches or something." said Darcy. "But still we are definitely going to win tomorrow and I'm sure that you are going to be awesome for that part of the plan and how are planning to convince the others that you might need me to come along for the ride?"

"They will never agree with me if I suggest to have you come along, but that doesn't mean I can't sneak you into the ship myself." said Loki. "But before we do anything, we have some orders of business to deal with and one of them is training you how to fight in case of anything or at least some basic fighting skills in case of Nebula or any one else trying to capture you."

"That's why you are letting me borrow the dagger, in case I want to help and to at least stand a chance in a fight if I wanted to help..." said Darcy. "So you really do trust me now huh?"

"We have been living together for two months and you have never exposed my identity, that is more than enough proof that I can trust you." said Loki. "But I need you too promise me a few things before we proceed with this."

"Yeah I guess, but it really depends on what you are trying to get me to promise." said Darcy. "I don't want to do anything that might be so crazy that it will never work or if it's-"

"I need you to promise me that you'll do exactly what I say because Thanos must already know that we are close and might use you as an advantage. I don't want to regret putting you on the battlefield with barely any fighting experience except some pointers." said Loki. "In fact I am already regretting even asking you to do this and the last thing-"

"Loki when are you going to get this through your head that we are in this together?" asked Darcy annoyed. "What could possibly be the other thing that you want me to promise that is making you really this... so unlike you? I mean I have never seen you worried about anything or anyone... What are you so afraid of?"

"I am not afraid of anything, I just need to know that you will be safe and won't get hurt because of me." said Loki defensively and later turn calm. "I also need you to promise me that if Thanos gets a hold of me and at least not to loose any of the Infinity stones and we are successful of retrieving the other two and gauntlet... Continue on and finish what we started and try to see if you can get the stones destroyed and not to go after me no matter what." That caught Darcy by surprise and there's no way she would ever promise something like that...

"Loki you can't seriously mean that-" begins Darcy.

"Yes I do, look Thanos is going to do everything in his power to get a hold of me and to get a hold of the other stones. Once he manages to do so then it will only bring destruction and the end of all life in a snap." said Loki. "But if my plan is successful and if I fail to avoid getting captured then all that matters to get rid of the stones as fast as you can to make sure that they are destroyed so Thanos can never get a hold of them."

"But that doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice yourself to save the universe and please tell me if that happens that you are planning to escape." said Darcy. "There has to be a better way and plus you do realize if I don't figure out a creative way to go after you then the Avengers will find a way to do it themselves."

"I am aware of that, but that doesn't mean that you have to drop everything and forget about the overall mission. I know that I can probably find a way to escape and maybe someday return." said Loki. "But I can't say the same about stopping Thanos if he gets a hold of the stones, you need to promise me that you have to let me go if anything happens, will you promise me that?"

Darcy doesn't even know what to say because sure she can refuse to promise Loki the other part of the promise and maybe she can somehow try to talk him out of it. But that doesn't mean that Loki is going to drop the idea and the worst case scenerio might happen, she doesn't even know how to get out of this idea out of Loki's head or if she can even try to comfort him. Sure Thanos getting a hold of Loki is possible and that things can go downhill from there if that does happen, but that doesn't mean that it will happen and Darcy has to fight to make sure that it doesn't happen. She has to and maybe she can come up with a plan of her own and make sure that neither Loki or the Infinity Stones get taken by Thanos. She is now coming up with a plan in case that happens or at least to stop that from happening, Darcy just hates that she might have to make a promise that she might not be able to keep...

"Alright I promise, but this plan better work..." said Darcy. "I don't think I want to know what to do if it doesn't..."

"It will work, I am going to make sure of it, Thanos is never going to expect what's coming to him and I am going to make sure that this ends now." said Loki. "Come on, we have work to do if we want everything to go well tomorrow."

With that the two begin to head to find a training room where no one is in it, maybe if it just has the Maxioff twins then they might be able to share it. But that's the least of their worries because right now they are about to face the biggest fight in their lives. There is no telling what might happen in the following day or if they might live to tell the tale, but they will have to try or else the universe is doomed. Loki knows that this plan has to work and he is going to make sure that this plan works out and make sure that Thanos is defeated for good...

Chapter Text

More than three hours has passed since the emergency meeting and both Loki and Darcy are hard at work on training on how to fight, well at least trying to have Darcy learn how to fight. Let's just say that training Darcy on how to fight is easier said then done and Darcy is not one of the best fighters that Loki has ever met and one that is not good at any of the simple techniques being shown to her. But Loki is determined for her to succeed and he knows that she can fight well only if she tries hard enough and her safety depends on it.

So they put in more practice, with the hope that they would make some progress and they can start to moving forward on some more advanced and yet simple techniques. Loki is a bit disappointed that they have not made any progress, as they continue he starts to become more impressed as he continues to help her practice. She keeps on getting up and get ready to try again even if he had to take it easy on her, Loki soon realize that Darcy is one of the most persistent and determined person that he has ever met and that alone is inspiring. Seeing how she is willing to do everything she can to help anyone and even earlier on was ready to kick him out for the smallest reason simply because he was not even doing hero work. From that dedication and determination, he knows that Darcy will be able to do it and that she can manage to learn how to fight, all she needs is more practice.

They continue to practice more and more, until they made some progress and Darcy can at least try to defend herself if a Chitauri has been badly injured tries to attack her and give her a fight before hopefully loosing to Darcy. At least that's a start and they still have some time to work on it before they have to go face Thanos, maybe he should give Darcy some pointers or teach her some other techniques. Loki knows that he can't expect Darcy to become a skilled Asgardian warrior as Sif over night but he wants to give her at least a means to defend herself and to stand a chance against any fight, especially if he or any of the other Avengers can't come in and help her. At least they are in a better spot than before, that maybe Darcy might stand a chance.

"Ok remember concentrate on your target and then strike it as quickly as you can, if you don't then..." said Loki. "Just focus on trying to hurt the opponent and to survive in the best way that you can."

"What if the opponent wins?" asked Darcy nervously. "Let's be honest, I'm horrible in this fighting with a dagger thing, what if I mess up so badly that-"

"If you 'mess things up,' then I will just create an illusion to rescue you from your doom." said Loki. "I know you can do this and if you keep trying then you will be good at this and besides in order to do your part of the plan. I wanted to teach you in case something happens and I won't be able to save you because Thanos and his minions do not understand the true meaning of friendship or mercy."

"I think you made it clear that Thanos is not the type that would care about anyone else other than himself." said Darcy. "So he's really going to do everything he can to win isn't he?"

"Thanos is not the type to accept defeat and even when he realizes that he might loose... he will react violently." said Loki. "Maybe we should take a break and just talk that's all."

"Uh yeah, I mean if this is the last night that we will ever have this time to hang out and talk." said Darcy. "While we are on good terms and right now talking, let me start this conversation off by saying sorry about the last fight that we have. You know the one where I... called you a monster and refusing to believe your side of the story thing... So yeah sorry about that..."

"I never held that scuffle against you and I apologies for causing the whole problem in the first place." said Loki. "Let's just try to forget that ever happened and try to focus on Thanos."

"No we can't forget that one argument, I mean I know that we argued a lot but that time it went too far." said Darcy. "It almost destroyed our friendship and things got tense between us, I don't think I want our friendship to go through something like that again. What if next time, we reach to a point where we can't repair our firendship or if something happens that we might not be able to repair our friendship and that things end so badly that Thanos do something that is beyond repair."

"It's going to take more than that for Thanos to tear us apart and Thanos is not going to destroy whatever positive relationship that we now share with each other." said Loki. "If my plan works then we will never have to worry about Thanos ever again and we will win, it is better to move on after we learn from our mistakes then to leave the past behind oneself."

"I know that but I just want to talk before everything changes and I was wondering if... we can do it without your mask on?" asked Darcy nervously and unsure how Loki would react with her question. But she is hoping that he would at least be happy to take the suggestion.

"You want me to take off my mask?" asked Loki in shock. "Have you forgotten that we are in Avengers tower and-"

"It's not the first time that you had your mask off in this building, have you forgotten that you can create illusions with a just a simple spell?" said Darcy. "Plus I have seen you do spells that can create illusions for everyone else to see, while only the chosen few can see you out of the overall illusion. If you did it once then you can do it again, now come on if this is the last night that we might hang out and I don't think I want to talk to you with your Mysto mask on if this is the last time. I would rather talk to you over 'Mysto' any day of the week."

Loki just gives a quick sigh as he uses his magic to create an illusion that only Darcy and anyone else that may know his secret can see. He quickly takes off his mask and does not even know if he should feel annoyed or have some relief of taking off the mask for one minute to have a moment with Darcy. It may not help any unwanted feelings disappear, but it will help Loki feel better about leaving things off in a positive note and maybe once the time comes then it might be easier for him to say goodbye to Darcy. Loki knows that regardless of what the outcome of the war against Thanos may be, that he can't stay on Earth and it would be better for everyone including himself that he just leaves. But for now he is just going to enjoy the moments that he has now and worry about Thanos later, if this is going to be the last time he is ever going to spend with Darcy then he is not going to end it with an arguement and that might ruin their friendship or what's left of it. He is going to enjoy every moment that they have left together and to try to move forward with the future by trying to leave things off in a good place before everything ends the following day.

"Well then we have been through a lot in the past couple of months haven't we?" said Loki. "I must admit that being on this planet is more tolerable than I imagined and I am starting to see what my brother must see in this planet and how it has changed him."

"Don't tell me that you grew fond of Earth, not saying it's a bad thing but it's kinda sweet that all of this made you care." said Darcy. "When all of this is over, we're definitely going to celebrate and I don't even know how are going to do it, but we're going to do it. So how does Disney World sound to you? But we could always do something quiet if you are not up to go to a theme park."

Loki just stares at her and just wonders what is Darcy talking about and what on earth is a "Disney World?" But other than that all Loki can do is care about the future and if they will have more time to talk and just spend time together. What is going to happen if he manages to beat Thanos and do the impossible? He knows that leaving Earth is the best option, but what would happen if Loki chooses to stay? Can Loki really live the rest of his life happy on this planet and things magically work out? Deep down Loki knows that it's not possible or will ever happen because of the fact that Thor will never forgive him and Darcy would be happier living a normal life with him out of the picture. He doesn't even know where he might be going after this adventure on Earth, but Loki knows that it will be better for everyone if he just goes before things just become complicated for everyone and he'll just ruin everything again. He can't afford any of Thanos's children coming after him for revenge or the Other leading his Chitari army to invade Earth. He knows what happened to Heimdell back in Asgard is his fault, if he didn't team up with Thanos prior to the Avengers or even fell off the Bifrost in the first place than maybe none of this would be happening...

"I can imagine that I will be able to stay a couple of days on this planet to prepare for my departure and keep my part of the deal with Jane. Then later pack my things and say my goodbyes." said Loki. "After that then I guess it will truly be the end of my time on Earth..."

"Well it doesn't have to be that way, I mean you can always stay in my place and don't have to move out." said Darcy. "I mean we are living in a two bedroom apartment and it will feel really... awkward if I have to walk by your empty room and keep reminding myself that I don't have a roommate anymore."

"Well you might as well start getting used to the idea and enjoy having your home to yourself again. It's going to happen and we might as well try to end our friendship slowly before Thanos breaks it for us." said Loki feeling slightly saddened by that statement and wishes that it doesn't have to be that way.

"It doesn't have to be this way..." said Darcy. "We can still be friends and maybe you don't have to go and maybe we can be happy here..."

The next thing that both of them knew is that they were having a quiet moment that feels good and at the same time mysterious that they want to explore it more. Along with possibly having a moment where they might possibly become something more and the connection to one another might be harder for both of them to let go. It is starting to make Loki and Darcy feel closer to one another and they wish that they won't have to face the titan that will take everything away from them.

Whether or not their friendship will be able to continue on throughout the whole ordeal and maybe even after. But before they can continue to have the moment or dive further in to the moment and cross the line beyond friendship, the door opened catching both of them by surprise. Both Loki and Darcy quickly separate from each other and quickly act like nothing is going between the two of them, though anyone who would have caught them in the act would think that the two of them were together. Fortunately for both of them, none of the ones that are about to go into the room saw that Loki and Darcy are about to cross that line. The two of them watch to see who it might be behind that door and they are relieved to see it was just the Maximoff twins.

At least they don't have to pretend that Loki is a different person with the two of them in the same room and the benefits of the power of magic and illusions. Both of them went into the room and it looks like they have to talk to both of them, Loki is glad that they came into the room because that will allow him the chance to talk to Wanda about her powers and their capabilities. For once it's a relief that they know his secret, Loki does not know how he would be able to explain it to them if he just have to go out to explain to them that he might need to use Wanda's powers to destroy the stones because he has the others. Now all he has to do is deal with this awkward situation and try to straighten things out before it gets out of control or off topic...

"Well it's good to see you two again, but it's seems that you two must have gotten close..." said Pietro. "So are you two together now? I definitly did not see that coming..."

"What? There is nothing going on between us!" said Loki defensively and ready to deny any other statements of the idea of Darcy and him being a couple.

"Yeah what he said." said Darcy. "Haven't you two ever heard of knocking?!"

"To a training room? I would think that if you two are going to be secretly dating, you would be keeping it as well as you have done with the big secret so far." pointed Pietro. "Though you probably would want to put that mask back on before someone sees you or are you going to be acting like that you two don't know what I am talking about?"

"First of all, I am using an illusion to hide my identity and only people who know of my identity will be able to see me without it being exposed." said Loki. "Secondly, we are not secretly dating or feel that way towards one another in any shape or fashion."

"If that was the case then why are you two denying it?" pointed out Wanda joining in the conversation.

"I am not denying anything, I was just informing you how inaccurate that idea is and to now point out that we have more important things to worry about." said Loki. "Such as trying to stop Thanos before he has a chance to obtain any of the remaining stones, that should be our top priority... not whatever speculation that you two may be having towards our relationship."

"Yeah what he said." says Darcy unsure why she doesn't feel comfortable or as confident of what Loki just said. "But at the same time, it might possibly not be the first time that we have to deal with the speculation of us being a couple, we might as well start getting used to it."

"He's right, we will need to deal with this Thanos before we continue to talk about any possible romance between the two of them." said Wanda. "So you really are thinking of giving me the responsibility of trying to restrain Thanos so you can remove the gauntlet is a good idea?"

"Yes because of the mere fact that Thanos does not know anything about you and would expect the most powerful to face him heads on." said Loki. "With luck he won't know anything about my secret identity and I will be able to grab the gauntlet as quickly as I can."

"Well actually-" begins Darcy before Loki interupted her to say a couple more things of what the real plan is.

"If we are lucky then we might win that scuffle and possibly buy us enough time to beat Thanos long enough for our next move." said Loki. "It would be foolish to remain on the battle field with the gauntlet and three stones ready for him to try to take back. On the topic of the stones, Wanda I am going to need to ask you something really important and it can affect the ultimate outcome of the stones."

"What is it?" asked Wanda nervously. "If it's to consider to use my powers to destroy Vision, I am never going to agree to that. I can't do that..." Both Loki and Darcy share a surprise and confused glance to one another and before either of them can even ask either one of the twins what that outburst is about...

"Wanda has a crush on Vision and... they might possibly be a thing." Pietro quickly explained. "That is if she ever goes on to tell Vision her true feelings for him."

"We are just friends, really close friends that care about each other." said Wanda. "It's not like that we are going to get together or anything, though I think we might be ready for that... I just don't know how to tell him."

"Well I wish I could offer advice, but I just recently broke up with my boyfriend and might not be the best person to ask for relationship advice." said Darcy. "But that shouldn't mean that you can't pursue a relationship with Vision, if you truly care about him in that way..."

"If it makes you feel any better, I was not going to ask you to destroy Vision... But I am intrigued by the idea of you possibly having the ability of destroying Infinity Stones." said Loki. 'I was thinking that once we get those two stones and with the ones that I already have obtained, maybe your powers might possibly have the strength to destroy the stones."

"My powers are strong, but I don't know if they are strong enough to possibly destroy six rocks that existed ever since the universe existed." said Wanda. "I have been trying to control my powers through training or Vision has been helping me learn to control my powers. But I don't think that I know if I can destroy the stones or if I have the power to do it."

"On the contrary, I believe that you might have the power to destroy five stones and your powers have grown to a point where it can create a powerful impact that no one can ever predict." said Loki. "But if we use this power to possibly destroy the stones then we will finally be able to defeat Thanos easily, that is I hope that it will be possible to defeat him that easily."

"Ok if I can destroy these stones then what are you planning to do once Thanos start to come after you to try to retrieve the stones?" asked Wanda.

"By that time, I will have come up with a plan that might possibly end Thanos for good." said Loki. "If this plan works then we will at least stand a chance, but it's important that we don't tell any one else the truth. If anyone else finds out that we have the Infinity Stones then it will lead to speculation and someone might come up with the idea that Thanos might possibly be telling the truth."

"But there might possibly be a chance that we won't have to worry about someone not being able to figure out your secret identity." said Darcy. "I mean it's a wishful thinking, there's still a chance that no one will be able to figure out your secret identity. Maybe you can make a story up and just say that you are a rare collector or something."

"How are you planning to explain on how we possibly could have gotten the other Infinity stones? Thor would never leave us alone until he finds out the truth on how we possibly found out about the tesseract being in Asgard." pointed out Loki. "If we're going to do this then we are going to need a stratigtic plan that will not only protect my identity but will defeat Thanos faster than he would expect."

"As long as this plan works and no one gets hurt from this plan right?" asked Darcy nervously.

"That's part of the goal and with luck we will all make it out of this alive with our souls rightfully remaining inside us." said Loki. "Now if you will excuse the two of us, we need to get back to training in case there is an attack while we are away and for Darcy to at least know some self defense skills."

"Lok- Mysto, it's ok for them to watch if they want to." said Darcy. "I mean they already know your identity and we won't have to worry about someone walking in and see you."

"Well then, may I speak to you alone?" asked Loki nervously as he made a quick gesture that anyone can tell that it's important.

Darcy quickly nodded her head and the twins went out of the room to give them the space the two of them needs to talk whatever they may need to talk about. Loki quickly made sure that no one is in the room and that he can speak without being overheard. The last couple of times he had to deal with something like this, two people managed to find out his secret identity and he accidentally send someone falling in an unknown dimension for fighting over an Infinity Stone. Then later for not being careful, accidentally expose himself and now Jane knows his true identity. But too be fair, all of those three times have been helpful when it comes to their overall mission and at least it wasn't Thor that found out.

The last thing he needs is for Thor to find out then things will be harder for everyone to deal with and Thanos would love more than anything to make sure that he suffers. Loki doesn't even know what is he going to do if Thanos does anything to either one of them or to some extent the Avengers because all he knows that Thanos will make it his personal mission to make every single one of them suffer for everything. But when Thor finds out the truth, then he's going to have something worse than Thanos to worry about...

Deep down Loki hopes that maybe Thor will be happy to see him and might be slightly disappointed of the choices he made, but ultimately happy that he has been alive all this time. Along with the deep understanding that maybe the reasons why Loki decide to keep his survival a secret and will accept that he might have to keep it a secret from their father despite any reservations. But ultimately proud of him for becoming a better person and doing everything that he can to stop Thanos and maybe even save the universe, that is if Thor's anger will allow it...

Loki knows that Thor would never forgive him for all of this, let alone keep this big secret from Odin and try to let him leave the planet. He knows that he might never earn his brother's trust or forgiveness, but that is not going to stop Loki from keeping his part of the deal and have a weight off his shoulders. At least he doesn't have to worry about to keep up his secret once this is over if Thor wants to keep the secret that is. Loki just hopes that Thor would go for it. He'll just have to worry about it that later, right now he has to talk to Darcy before she accidentally reveals her part of the plan to the entire team.

"Now that those two are gone, we really need to talk about the plan." said Loki. "Look Darcy, it is the utmost important that you-"

"Hey Loki, you don't have to say anything or want me to not take part of the plan, I mean so far I am a terrible fighter and I might be holding the team back if I try to fight off some Chitari with just a dagger in my hand with barely any combat experience." said Darcy. "Don't get me wrong I would like to help in anyway I can but how can I help if I can barely stop you? You are just taking it easy on me and I don't think that Nebula girl, the Chitari and Thanos are they let's be nice to her and let her win this battle because she is barely able to defend herself."

"I don't want you to give up on this or trying to kick you out of the plan, I believe that you can do this and we will make sure that you can at least stand a chance against a chitari by tomorrow or I can always try to save you if they give you any trouble even if it throw us off from the plan." said Loki. "That is not what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Ok then what do you want to talk about that you can't say it in front of those two?" asked Darcy nervously. "Does it have something to do with tomorrow or your secret?"

"I just need you to not tell anyone about your part of the plan, just because it will avoid any trouble for both the team and the plan as a whole. Not only the others would never agree in letting you come on the mission in the first place because you are an ordinary human without any combat training, but it will also make things more complicated if we want to go towards the unpredictable path for the plan to be unpredictable." said Loki. "If we want this to possibly work then we are going to need to keep this a secret and try to make this work."

"Wait you don't want me to tell anyone that I am going to go on the mission to possibly make a major impact in the fight against Thanos?" asked Darcy unsure if she should be worried or skeptical of the idea. "How are you planning to get me to the battlefield without anyone knowing? I mean I know that you are going to be using your fancy illusions, but how do you plan on sneaking me onto the ship? Please don't tell me that you are planing to wake me up at one in the morning, in case I have never made it clear that I am not a morning person."

"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you but you are definitely going to get an early morning wake up call." said Loki. "I can't sneak you into the ship later on throughout the day without looking suspicious or someone stoping to ask questions."

"Right, good point..." said Darcy with a groan and not looking forward to waking up who knows how early Loki will be waking her up.

"We'll worry about all of that later, right now we should focus on training and prepare for tomorrow." said Loki. "We don't know what's going to happen tomorrow and if Thanos is going to give us a war then we will need to be ready to give Thanos the biggest fight of his life."

"I guess we have work to do." said Darcy determinedly.

With that the two of them begins to continue training again, Loki notices that Darcy might possibly be getting better over time and that maybe after all of the practice they did in the past couple of hours. Maybe things will improve on after all and they might win this, but either way Loki knows that maybe if Darcy continues to improve as they continue to practice the fighting skills that are developing over time. Loki have to admit that he is amazed to see a human being able to quickly learn fighting techniques. The main question he has is with after everything that happened and now with Thanos going to make his attack on the planet, how come no one on Earth came up with the idea to try to teach themselves basic self defense? It would increase safety measures and make the Avengers' job easier? But either way his top priority right now is to make sure that this mission is a success and safe for Darcy to participate in. Tomorrow will be the moment that everything will change and there is no telling what Thanos might do or if they will win this. But deep down Loki just wishes that the day will never end and that he won't have to face Thanos the following day.

His feelings towards the remaining hours makes him dread all of the potential outcomes that might happen the following day. Soon the Maxioff twins quickly came back into the room and even though they are mostly there to watch them and to see what might possibly between the two of them. Along with to try to spend some time with them and maybe see if there is something between the two of them, but they are definitely not going to be there just to see who is going to make the first move and just want to hang out with both of them before the following day comes. Loki knows that tomorrow will be the day where the fate of the whole universe and the stones will all be determined if Loki can make this plan work and if they manage to succeed then everything he have worked for in the past couple of months will mean something and the whole world can go forward into a brighter future. Loki just wishes that he can know for sure that things will work out on it's own and that maybe tomorrow will work out after all.

The Next day, four hours before the battle against Thanos

Loki is leading the way to sneak Darcy into the quinjet that will take them to the meeting place, Loki made sure to find out which one is going to be the one that they will be embarking on the night before. It was a struggle to get this far to say the least, for starters it took him forever to wake up Darcy and he learned the hard way that when it comes to Darcy, she's not the most lenient when it comes to an early morning wake up. But either way Loki manages to succeed without waking anyone else up or at least not looking like he's up to something. Loki nervously opened the quinjet and leads Darcy to someplace that would make her a good hiding place for her to stay until it's time to sneak her out and for the next part of his plan to work.

"Are you sure that this is a good idea?" asked Darcy nervously. "I mean what if someone sees us coming in to the ship or if they bump in to me or something?"

"Just because I am going to hide you on the ship and hide the Infinity Stones with Jane until further notice, it doesn't mean that I am going to create illusions to cover everything up in hopes that no one will see it or head towards the illusion." said Loki. "When one are about to do an illusion or a plan like this, you can't be reckless and hope that everything will work out perfectly in the end. If we are going to win then we're going to need to be always one step ahead of Thanos and whatever he may be planning. I just wish that Nebula would have said something that would have given us a clue about his plan or accidentally slip it out then maybe we might have some idea on what Thanos might possibly be planning to do."

"Maybe he won't do anything except continue to demand for you to surrender and give up the stones, I mean so far Thanos hasn't done anything big that would get media to go on a field day." said Darcy. "Maybe he doesn't have anything further than attack Asgard, then Earth and will never rest until Loki and all six Infinity Stones are in his grasps."

"It's not like Thanos to go into a fight without a plan or a back up plan that he is ready to do in case we overpower him." said Loki. "We can't let our guard down, I just hope that for once Thanos is not going to give us any surprises."

"So this is the first time that you are going to see Thanos ever since the whole being sent to Earth to try to take over everything incident." said Darcy. "How are dealing with this? I mean how do you feel about seeing him again?"

"I just want to get this over with and make sure that we get out of this alive, my time with Thanos was anything but memorable." said Loki. "If we are going to win this fight then it is wiser to not focus on the past and to just try to defeat Thanos before he tries to get his hands on the Infinity Stones."

"Yeah I know but I am always open if you want to talk about it." said Darcy. "It's really clear that Thanos is not the let's be friends and hang out because of our shared history type, he must have hurt you or did something to you."

"What makes you think that Thanos did something to me?" said Loki almost defensively.

"Come on Loki, you said two nights ago that Thanos would have killed you if that Gamora girl didn't ask him to spare you. No one needs to be there to know that you and Thanos are not exactly the best of friends, he might have done something to you that deeply affected you in some way and if you want to talk-" said Darcy.

"This looks like a good place for you to hide and it is a good thing that I might have sabatoge the others before they decided which one we might be taking." said Loki. "After I did a quick inspection on all of them before figuring out on which one might possibly be the best one to go on a mission like this one and where would be the best place for you to hide in the ship."

"Ok let's see your secret hiding place." said Darcy giving up for a moment. "But I am here if you ever want to talk about it or if you are ever bothered by it, I just don't want to see you be hurt because of him again."

"We shouldn't have to worry about that, I am a master of tricks and illusions there is no way he is going to stop me that easily. Besides completing this mission is more important than whatever Thanos may have planned for me." said Loki. "Other than that just hide in here and I will come get you when the moment is right and then we will be able to do the rest of the plan."

"Wait you want me to hide in a broom closet?" asked Darcy surprised. "Why would the Avengers put a broom closet in one of their modes of transportation?"

"I have no idea and I really wish that I knew the answer, I know that this is the best hiding place for you to hide until it's time." said Loki, about to get up and leave. "If luck is on our side then we will be able to win and now-"

"Loki wait..." said Darcy not even wanting to see Loki go and for the moment that they were waiting for since they started on this journey finally come. "Let's just talk for a moment and just be us one last time before Thanos ruins everything."

"I wish that we could talk, but we can't guarantee a conversation without drawing attention to ourselves in one way or another." said Loki. "If we don't somehow draw attention to ourselves by accidentally waking someone up then they come to investigate or if someone surprises us and walks into the ship before I can even have a chance to escape or we come up with an explanation on why we are even in here in the first place. We can chat more once all of this is over, just stay here and hide from everyone before and durring the flight. See you in a couple of hours..."

With that Loki begins to leave the quinjet and is ready to go back into the tower and pretend to be the hero with the plan that might save them from the wrath of Thanos. Part of him wishes that he doesn't need to ask Darcy for a big favor like this or to even dare to think of it, he never wanted to ask Darcy to put herself in danger to help save the planet. Loki even wishes that he can go back and tell Darcy that she doesn't have to do this, but he knows that deep down that this is the only way for his plan to work is to do it this way. He just can't wait for all of this to be over, maybe things will be better and he can finally be free from the shadows of his past and to finally be free from Thanos. Loki just has to find a way to win...

Darcy sadly watch her roommate walk away and quietly wishes that he doesn't have to leave, she is now feeling something that she has never felt before. Ever since she met Loki and went through this journey with him and after the Ultron incident, her feelings towards Loki has gotten stronger than she has ever thought that they would. Darcy doesn't know why she is even more fond of Loki now and how she can handle these feelings because none of this has made sense and yesterday just only make her feelings for Loki more complicated. The moment when the twins asked if they were a couple, Darcy couldn't get it out of her head and she doesn't know why? She just wishes that things were simpler and that it was like when she just got into her relationship with Ian.

Back then it was just easy because he just saved her life and Darcy is just grateful that- Loki also saved her life a couple of times and is doing everything in his power to make sure that she stays alive during this whole mission. Not too mention aside from any life or death situations, Loki has been a good friend that was there for her and she has never thought that she would ever have gone on this journey. Darcy can't even imagine if she wants to change anything about this experience or her life with Loki, she knows that it was a challenge when it came to getting to stones and keeping Loki's secret. But it was worth it and she wouldn't have wanted it to go anyway, at times she doesn't give Loki enough credit and ready to push him into the superhero path a little too much. At least that didn't stop their friendship and now she's not even sure if their friendship is still as casual as it was before Ultron. Ever since her surprise break up with Ian, she has been more confused by her feelings and every single time that she spends time with Loki, it feels right and she's more happy than any date that she had with Ian and the feelings are growing stronger by the minuete. It is almost like...

No it can't be, Darcy doesn't even know if she should feel happy or relief or worried to even say it because this is definitely crossing a line. A line that Darcy does not want to cross and she knows that there is no way that she should ever feel this way, it could never be possible right? Loki would never feel the same way towards her ignoring the fact that she's from Earth for a minute, there is also the fact that he cares about that Amora girl and she might not be good enough for Loki or if he would ever feel the same way towards her. She thinks that she might have fallen of rather falling in love with Loki...

Four hours later

Soon they all arrived to giant field that is away from all lights of cities and would be a good place for a battle to happen. Any moment will be the moment where they are going to face Thanos and possibly end this once and for all. Loki just stares at the sight up ahead, he can't believe that he is about to face Thanos and at that moment all Loki can think of how this will possibly end and the hope that it will end well. He just wishes that he can confide to Thor or Darcy about his feelings about what is about to happen. But there is no way that he can talk to Thor about this without questions following and as for Darcy not only it will ruin the plan, but the last thing he needs is to have Darcy see him as week or a coward. He never wants Darcy to see him in that way...

The next thing that they all knew is that a giant ship is starting to land on the other side of the field and is about to make it's grand entrance that anyone would be ready to make a run for it if they didn't have any powers or fighting skills. Even then Loki doesn't know if he's ready to face an Chitari army, Nebula and Thanos at the same time with two Infinity Stones in their back pockets. When the Chitari start to come out of the ship led by the Black order, Loki knew that it was time to put his plan into motion and that it was now or never.

"So this is it, the fight for our lives..." said Captain America.

"Thanos is going to make sure that we fall harder than anyone can ever imagine." said Loki. "I wouldn't be surprise if he sent out the Bla- big ones to try to hold us as prisoners to try to get information of the stones and Loki."

"That's not going to happen because of the fact that we have a plan that might possibly work." said Thor. "Now let's end this once and for all."

"Wait are you saying that you trust me?" said Loki slightly touched but at the same time disappointed that he will have to disappoint his brother once again when this is over.

"You were the one that covered for me when I was away and all of the times that you helped out before and after I left." said Thor. "Why wouldn't I trust you?"

Loki looked away from Thor, he knows the answer to that question and would give anything for things to be different. He can already see Thor's look of surprise, anger and disappointment when he finds out that Mysto was Loki this entire time. Other than that Loki knows that things are only going to get hard from here, plus Thor or no Thor, Thanos is going to make sure that he beats every single one of them until they give up the stones and he surrenders. But there is no way that they are going to give up without a fight. Soon every single one of the Chitari and the Black order begins to head towards the opposite side of the field and there are hundreds of them. There was no sign of Thanos or Nebula, even if they were in the battlefield, anyone would think that the Avengers are greatly outnumbered. It was eight against hundreds, but if all goes well then they will be able to win. But still they have faced hundreds of robots and many trials, this should be nothing right?

"Ok so which one of these guys is Thanos?" asked Iron man not even knowing if they should try to just attack all of them or try to focus on Thanos.

Once the rest of them know which one is Thanos, Loki realize that he has a point and doesn't see Thanos anywhere. Something is wrong and there is no way that Thanos would ever miss out on an opportunity to beat him or a fight, especially with the Infinity Stones' fate might possibly be involved. He really wishes that he can say something without leading some questions that he doesn't know if he has a good explanation for how he can possibly know that. Loki can't think of a good explanation that anyone might possibly come to the conclusion that he might have some kind of connection to Thanos. He can't risk that...

"He's not there, that coward must want to send out his army first to see if we're even a match." said Thor. "If he dares try to mock Heimdell or Loki, I will go to his ship and tear down everything in sight."

"Before you start your temper tantrum, we have bigger fish to fry and we might want to deep fry them now." said Quicksilver. "So what should we do?"

"The best thing we all should do is to try to fight our way through and hope that we can find this Thanos guy before he can find us." said Black Widow.

"That should work and despite this set back, we can still do the plan and try to make this work. But our top priority should be to try to find Thanos before he finds us." said Loki. "We need to continue the plan and to distract this army before Thanos unleash any wrath that he may have on us. It's a good thing that Vision stayed behind, we don't want to guard him and to face Thanos at the same time. It would only give Thanos an advantage that we might not be prepared in fighting against."

"Yeah... We're really lucky that Vision stay behind..." said Scarlet Witch with a hint of uncertainty in her voice. Everyone ignored her overall tone and stared at the battlefield with the Chitari army and Black order begins to run over to the eight heroes, ready to fight them all.

"Ok everyone, we all know the plan and what Thanos is looking for and he's not going to rest until he gets all six Infinity Stones and Loki. With luck and maybe some quick thinking then we will be able to win." said Captain America. "Stick to the plan and be sure to look after one another in the field, most of us have no idea on what Thanos is capable of and how powerful he is with two stones. But judging from Thor's story, it's anything but good and this fight can determine whether or not we will still have a planet or much less universe to call home. Stay vigilante and now it looks like we have an alien army to beat and defeat."

Before anyone can have a chance to say a word to Captain America, they all begin running or flying towards the army ready to fight it off and save the universe. Banner even transformed into the Hulk to begin the battle against Thanos and to put a stop to his plans. Loki doesn't even know how his plan will be able to work or if Thanos might have something else in store. But this is the best chance that they got and one of the few chances if Thanos is going to make any more moves then it will be more dangerous than a simple warning. Loki knows that this is the battle is one of the most important battles that they need to win, at least Thanos is not there and they can focus on taking out as many of them as they can. Though the question is where is Thanos now? What is his ultimate plan? Why wasn't he in the battlefield? Where's Nebula in this? This would be a perfect opportunity to let her fight off the others or try to talk him into surrendering, but she's completely out of sight. Well either way he's going to fight and finish what he started, Thanos is finally going to fall and Loki is going to make sure of it. Nothing can go wrong as long as they do the plan and make sure that Thanos doesn't use that advantage right? Loki has the feeling that the chances of them winning is decreasing and it looks like that this job has become a lot tougher...

Meanwhile in the ship

Thanos is smiling at the sight right in front of him, he's happy to see that Loki brought a futile attempt of fighting. Not only Loki will be able to see his life fall apart so quickly but he will have some fun before he finally makes Loki pay for his failures and his futile attempts of trying to interfere in his quest to get all of the stones. Thanos can already imagine how things are going to play out in this fight that is going to occur. All Thanos wants to do is to make sure that things stay on track on where it is right now. Before he can try to see if anyone can find her, Nebula comes into the room and looks ready for action and to report on the current status of the battle as a whole. Thanos turns to Nebula, wanting to hear the full report of what is going on and to give her the next orders for the plan...

"Well, what is your news?" demanded Thanos as he stares at Nebula. "Do you see Loki out there?"

"Yes, he's out there with these colorful group of Terrans. But I don't think we need to worry about that, everyone is in position and they are ready to do their part." said Nebula.

"Good, everything is going according to plan and now-" started Thanos before he notice something out of the window and it catches his eye. He continues rather calmly... "The one in the armor and the red cape, I want you to keep an eye on him."

"Why?" asked Nebula not even knowing if she wants to know or not.

"He was in Asgard during my little visit and he seems to be a little close to Loki if he's ready to defend Loki's name, I believe that he must be that oaf of a brother that he always felt second best to." said Thanos. "He might be some use for us and I want you and the Black order to keep an eye on him, if necessary bring him to me. Let's see if Loki will finally listen to us if we have a little bargaining chip."

"Ok while I go after blond hair guys with red capes, what are you planning to do?" asked Nebula in a demanding and yet disrespectful tone. "Are you going to just sit in here and do nothing while we do all of the dirty work?"

"No..." said Thanos ignoring Nebula's tone with an evil smile forming on his face. "I am going to go after Loki myself..."

Chapter Text

The Avengers and Loki begins their fight with the army, ready to give the Chitauri a fight that would be hard for them to win, but yet so far it feels like how it would be if it was a normal fight and yet it's only more intense. Loki can't believe at how many Chitari are coming after them, this is more than Thanos lent him durring his take over of the planet and the numbers were more than he expected. But then again he only have vaugue memories of his 'training' and Thanos might have an even bigger army than what he thought. The fight with the army feels like if it's an endless amount of time and Loki is now trying to look for the right moment to get Darcy and sneak her ahead while he deals with sneaking Scarlet Witch and Hulk without them noticing Darcy or the illusions that he would be doing, in order to make this plan work. But there is one thing that Loki notices during this fight that nearly caught him off guard and wants to stop to think about the sight.

Loki just finds it odd that the moment that they all went to fight the army that was racing towards them, the Black order separate from the group and headed towards a different direction, that catches Loki by surprise of the mere fact that they are now separating from the army to do their own thing. Loki would think that they would be taking part of the battle in a way that's more dangerous than any of the Chitari can do combined. Regardless Loki knows that he might want to focus on this sudden change and already is coming up with a quick plan on how to deal with them and not to give anyone any ideas that he might know a thing or two about Thanos other than he is letting on...

"Ok do any of you finds it odd that the big ones that stand out have seperated from the group and head out in the same direction from the battlefield?" pointed out Loki nervously.

"In case you haven't notice Mysto, we're too busy fighting an never ending amount of alien soldiers." pointed out Quicksilver. "I don't think we have time to stop and count how many there are and do a roll call."

"Joking aside Mysto's right, the giant ones that were in the crowd. You know Squidward and his Bikini bottom friends did leave from the crowd and left these guys to go wherever they may be going." said Iron man.

"Yeah it does look suspicious, do you guys think that Thanos might be planning something." said Black Widow.

"I think the best course of action might be to send a few to spy on them and to see what they might be up to." said Mysto. "We can't afford letting Thanos have the upper hand."

"I agree on that one, ok Stark and Pietro you guys go on ahead and keep an eye on those guys." said Captain America. "If they try anything, just stop them in their tracks before anything else happens. The rest of us stick to the plan until we can find a good moment for Mysto to sneak off with Wanda and Hulk to where ever Thanos may be hiding."

"What if this is a trap?" said Black widow. "Usually when that happens, there's always a trap or an ambush that is waiting for all of us..."

"If it was an ambush then it's not a well thought out plan, why would they leave and send this army to fight us off?" pointed out Thor. "You would think that they would have left to just to distract us from the task at hand and lead us to a trap that we cannot escape from."

"What other choice do we have?" said Captain America. "If we don't keep an eye on them then we might let them go and they will do whatever plan they might have in store or if we do go after them them we might be walking into a trap anyway. The best course of action is to try to stop them in their tracks before they can have the opportunity to do so."

"You don't have to say anything more Cap we're on our way." said Iron man. As Quicksilver and him starts to head towards the direction where the Black Order is heading and to put a stop to whatever plan they may be planning.

As for the rest of the Avengers and Loki, they continue to fight off as many of the Chitari as they can possibly can and to see if they can possibly defeat as many as they can before they proceed with the next part of the plan. Every single time it looks like that they took out more than enough Chitari, more came after them ready to take them down and to make sure that Thanos's plan works. Loki realize that it might be better if he goes on ahead and try to sneak Darcy out of the ship while everyone is dealing with the Chitari. So he quickly creates an illusion that can hide his real self and to have Mysto continue to fight in the battlefield and face off the Chitari army. Besides he doesn't have to worry about the Chitari taking over the battle in a drastic turn, he has the Avengers on his side, what could possibly go wrong?

Meanwhile in the other side of the field

Both Iron man and Quicksilver are trying to do their best to follow the Black Order and to see if they can catch them in whatever act that they might be planning. But so far they have lost them and haven't seen any sign of them, they were even wondering if it might be a better idea to just go back and help the group. So far there hasn't been a sign of the Black Order and they both can agree that this is starting to be a waste of time and it is really frustrating. This is one of the rare moments where both Iron man and Quicksilver can put aside their differences and agree on one thing... That this might be a waste of time and they should start heading back.

"Well that definitely could have been better, maybe it might be best if we head back and help the others." said Iron man. "What do you think speedo?"

"Yeah maybe it was nothing and-" said Quicksilver and before he can even continue...

The Black Order jumped out of nowhere and begins to make their attack and quickly took out Quicksilver and before Iron man can even do anything that might be a defensive technique that can defeat the Black order or at least allow them to escape to get the others. But all of them were ready before Iron man can do anything to try to defend himself from whatever the Black Order may be planing to do. It was too late, Proxima manages to use one of her electric zaps from her spear to make an electric spark appear out to make sure that it can make the Iron man suit malfunction for a moment that will allow them to carry both Iron man and Quicksilver to the rendezvous point.

Fortunately for Iron man, he was well protected in the suit and he doesn't have to worry about being electrocuted in the suit. But unfortunately, it did turn off all functions of the Iron man suit leaving him trapped in there. It got so bad that Iron man can't even move an arm around or let alone get out of the suit or call to try to warn the others of the Black Order doing whatever they may be planning at the moment. He just wishes that he can just fly out of there and use his blasters to defeat them, but even then he doesn't know if he will be able to escape with Quicksilver or if he can fully defeat the Black Order and they will all have one less thing to worry about. But Iron man can't seem to think of a plan that can possibly guarantee working out or if they can even escape from this, from one look of the two members' faces, he knew that this was the moment of defeat...

"Two down, five to go." said Corvus Grave with an evil smirk on his face.

Iron man doesn't even need to try to get some answers from both of them to know that these two and everyone else on the opposing side is planning something that is anything but good...

Meanwhile back on the ship

Darcy is waiting patiently for any sign of Loki and to do her part of the plan, she can't get over the fact that she fell in love with Loki or if she doesn't know if she should be happy or freak out. She can already imagine how everyone would react if she goes in and tell everyone that she has fallen in love with Loki, why would she tell anyone about her feelings for Loki? But what the others may thinking is the least of her worries, it's Loki's reaction is the one that she's more worried about. How would react to this? Will he accept her feelings? Does he feel the same way towards her or just see her as just a friend? What if she goes to him and burst out all of her feelings and he either still have feelings for that Amora girl or doesn't see that a relationship of any kind can work out with his 'I need to leave this planet after I defeat Thanos' objective? Then she can already imagine how awkward it will be for both of them and not too mention that it would definitely ruin their friendship. She can already imagine all of the awkward and humiliating conversations that might follow after that happens.

Luckily she's never going to tell Loki that and she won't have to worry about potentially ruining their friendship and now she should just focus on the mission and try to see if she can possibly review her fighting techniques while she waits. Though part of her really wishes that she knows what's going on and to know if they are winning the battle and if there is a chance to know if Loki is alright. Not because of her feelings for him or anything, but to know that he was alright for them to continue on with the plan and to make sure that they defeat Thanos as fast as they can. Boy, she's really bad at trying to put her feelings aside for the mission and she has no idea on how Loki can do that.

So Darcy trying to keep her mind of from anything Loki related just grabs the dagger to start practicing any of the basic self defense moves that Loki taught her. She might as well do something while she waits for Loki and to at least stand a chance when it comes to self defense and to make sure that her possibly messing up doesn't ruin everything that they have worked for. Well at least hope that it doesn't go that far, so Darcy begins to practice and constantly make sure that no one walks in and sees her practicing and in the ship in general. She continues trying the basic moves and maybe even adding a couple of moves that include her taser or possibly hurt her opponent in comeback. It's easier said then done so far because so far Darcy has done everything except actually get good at these skills and not too mention she seems to be making a bit of a mess of scratching the walls of the ship. But she needs to keep trying and to make sure that she can at least put up a good fight without anyone coming to save her. Darcy is about to start again until...

"A word of advice, why don't you try to hold your arm straight and make sure you hold that dagger tightly in your fist." said a female voice hiding in the shadows. "Or else..."

Before Darcy can do anything, in a flash of light the girl jump in front of Darcy and quickly begins her brief attack to just simply show off to Darcy. She lightly kicked Darcy's hand to make sure that the dagger drop to the ground and even knock Darcy to the ground. Darcy quickly look up to see who is the one responsible for breaking into the Quinjet and she immidiatly groaned at the sight. It was Nebula and she is more than ready to make sure that she put in a couple of words in, along with possibly say a thing or two to her. Darcy slowly got up and is ready to try do anything she can to at least try to hold Nebula off for a while, that is she hopes...

"That happens, I would think that Loki would take more precautions for keeping you safe." said Nebula. "But then again he's the one that blew his chances of taking over this planet and I wouldn't be surprise if he thinks that his little plan to stop Thanos doesn't work."

"It might work, at least Loki is not like your dad who probably sits around on a throne all day and makes you and his army do his dirty work. " said Darcy. "All for what? To impress some girl that might not care about him or just for some power that he can't even stop to think that it's too dangerous to even try control."

"What are you talking-" begins Nebula.

"I know that when it comes to these things when it comes to the big bad's motives and it also doesn't hurt that Loki told me about what Thanos is trying to do with the Infinity Stones." said Darcy confidently. "Well I might have added the power statement as a way to be defensive and tough, but still it is kinda true that Thanos wants that kind of power if he is ready to anilate all of life with a snap of his finger."

"I honestly don't see why Loki would spend time with a girl like you..." said Nebula annoyed.

"I honestly don't see why you would work with someone like Thanos." said Darcy defensively. "What makes you think that he will keep his end of the bargain? Didn't you see that he is using you and won't help you in whatever thing that he promised you."

"I am not doing this for anything more to get the freedom that I have always wanted and get revenge..." said Nebula defensively.

"Revenge on who? Loki? Thanos or that sister of yours, Ga- more something?" asked Darcy trying to understand her. Maybe Nebula is just a lost girl who needs to be put in the right decision and might not be so different from Loki. That is she hopes that there is more to her and that maybe she can try to reason with her or at least see where this blue girl is coming from.

"Thanos and Gamora, I am going to make sure that they pay for everything that they did to me." said Nebula with intensity in her voice. "I am going to make sure that my sister pays for always making me second best and to make sure that she feels the same pain that she put me through. As for Thanos, he is going to pay for tortuing me and imprisoning me again."

"Surely there is more that you want aside from revenge?" said Darcy. "I mean Loki said that you and Gamora were the only ones that were nice to him when he was with Thanos the first time around. I'm sure she's not that bad or anything..."

"I have always hated Gamora the least out of all of my siblings." said Nebula. Unsure why she feels comfortable talking to this Terran. "All I wanted was a sister and she had to win, the only path for me is to get my freedom and leave all of this behind."

"Wait, there's more besides you and Gamora? Well so far you seem to be using bits of freedom pretty well, I mean we are just here talking not having some full scale battle." pointed out Darcy. "I don't see why Thanos would mistreat you in anyway, I mean the worst that you have done so far is make me pay for a broken window and you don't seem so bad."

"I'll take that as a compliment and I think I am starting to see why Loki would want to spend time with you." said Nebula. "Yes, there is more of us aside from Gamora and myself unfortunately. Let's just say that they are worser than any monster of a children's story, they are out there right now dealing with your friends right now as we speak. I wish that I don't have to deal with any of this..."

"You don't have to, you can join our side Nebula. I mean I'm sure that you will be happier on our side then practically working against that monster of a dad of yours." offered Darcy. "You don't have to be afraid of him any-"

"Who says that I am afraid?!" said Nebula angrily. "Look I am here, doing one of the most easiest and worthless tasks that Thanos has put me through. I am supposed to take you in and make sure that you are safe. He has always seen me as a weak link and this is my chance to show him, I am not."

"Wait are you saying that your trying to take me as your prisoner?" demanded Darcy. She even got into a fighting stance to get ready to fight and make sure that Nebula doesn't take her alive or at least try...

"You do realize that I have more experience when it comes to self defense right?" said Nebula in disbelief before she turns calm to try to reassure Darcy. "Look I understand that you don't want anything bad happening to your friend and you want to help him. I don't want to hurt you just because you are one of the few people that has ever been nice to me, just do what I'll say and things will be better."

"Well Nebula, here I am beginning to think that maybe you are not a bad apple after all and maybe that there might be some good in you. It looks like I was wrong..." said Darcy. "There is no way that I will ever walk quietly to you."

"Well then, I am really sorry and wish that it didn't have to come to this..." said Nebula as she gets ready for the fight ahead and decides that it might be best to take it easy on her. She knows what it's like to loose and get punished because of her opponent, she is not going to be like the others...

Soon the fight begins and it is interesting to say the least... Both sides are trying to compete against the other and they both have different intentions that makes the fight more interesting by the minute. Darcy despite the occasional slip up and missed punch, tries her best to hit Nebula with everything she got without accidentally punching one of her mechanics. While Nebula is trying to take the fight easy and make sure that she does not hit Darcy too hard, though she already knows how to defeat Darcy without hurting her, but she might as well let her have some fun first. But not in a way where they can hurt one another because Nebula can easily win this fight and she is going to, just waiting for a couple of minutes before it was time to strike...

Once the moment was right and Darcy needed a couple of seconds to catch her breath and Nebula takes advantage of this set back to strike. Nebula got a small can out of her pocket and begins to open it to let out a gas. Before Darcy can even try anything, she realize what Nebula is trying to do and from watching enough movies and reading enough comics, Darcy knows that this is the old sleeping gas thrope to take someone as a prisoner or defeat them in a instant. All she has to do is to not breath in the gas and she'll be fine, but that's easier said than done as the gas slowly begins to go around the ship and to try to grab a hold of her. So Darcy quickly held her breath to try to get out of the ship as fast as possible.

But Nebula already bored of the entire situation and really wants this to be over now, so she just pulled out her leg in front of the path that Darcy is running towards and as if it's on cue... Darcy trips over Nebula's leg and she begins to fall down to the ground, along with accidentally let go of her breath. Nebula went over to her to pick Darcy up and to hold her in her grasp. Darcy for a moment was surprise to see that she's alright and she isn't knock out, but it doesn't make her feel any better that she is now caught by Nebula and might possibly have to face Thanos. Though she never thought it might be this way, she always thought that if she ever has to face Thanos, Loki would be there or at least it will be part of a plan where they will be able to survive the experience and live the tale. Never like this, she's surprised that things didn't turn out that way that she thought that it would...

"Ok I got to ask, how come I am not lying unconscious on the ground?" asked Darcy. "For that matter why would you trap both of us in if you are going to do something like this?"

"I have no idea where you get these ideas from, but these things don't exactly work out how they do in whatever stories you may have heard about how these things work." said Nebula clearing the air up. "We don't do poisonous gas chambers or knockout gas or whatever strange concept that you may have come up with in your imagination."

"What are you going to do to me?" asked Darcy nervously. Not even knowing if she wants to know what might happen to her in the end if she is going to face Thanos or whoever Nebula is planning to take her.

"Don't worry I'll keep you safe and let's just say that if the plan goes well then you and the others will be perfectly fine." said Nebula. "As long as Loki does what Thanos says, at least I hope it doesn't go that far."

Darcy can't help but stare at Nebula as she slowly realize what Thanos might be planning to do and really wants to break out of Nebula's grip and run out to find and warn Loki, somewhere in the battlefield no matter what punishment from the Avengers or danger she might land herself into. But judging from what she had to deal with just now and all of the skills that Nebula must have throughout her her time with Thanos, there is no way she can escape or let alone hold a fight against Nebula. It definitely looks like that she's trapped...

Ten minutes later

Loki finally made it to the ship right after dealing with some set backs and is now ready for the next part of the plan to set in motion. Once he opens the ship, Loki is more than ready to get the next part over with and to make sure that Darcy is safe throughout the entire process. But he was not prepared for the mess that he managed to find of the ship and can't believe the sight right in front of him. The sight looks like if a tornado hit there, a tornado that scratches, he does not even want to know what the Avengers are going to make of the mere idea of the ship being a mess and hoping that they just come to the conclusion that a Chitari broke in here and try to take some of their technology and failed to take anything. But from the look of the ship, dealing with the Avengers and what they may be thinking if they come in and find the Quinjet a mess. There is one quesition that is now floating in his head and he needs to know the answer right now. Where's Darcy?

As Loki continues to observe of the sight of the Quinjet. try to make sense of what must have happend here and to see if Darcy is hiding anywhere. There is one conclusion that is forming in his head that he really wishes that he was wrong, but he has the feeling that he's not. What if someone broke in to the ship and somehow have managed to get a hold of Darcy and took her to Thanos? Loki doesn't want to believe it or does not even think that he can unless there's hard evidence backing up, but all of the signs are pointing towards it. Even if it was true and someone broke into the Quinjet and defeated Darcy in whatever fight that happened in here, maybe she found a place to hide and no one took her to pay a surprise visit to Thanos. That is Loki hopes that is the case...

He continues to look for the ship to see any sign of Darcy or if she left any clues that could give him some form of relief, but so far there's no sign of her or any possible clue from Darcy. Loki is now checking the few rooms that are in the ship and so far there is no sign of Darcy on anywhere on the ship, he still has one more room left to see if she's in there. Loki just hopes that Darcy is in that room and he can stop worrying about one of the worst case scenarios. As he opens the door and it catches Loki by surprise, he can't believe what he is seeing or even want to believe it...

Vision is in the ship and he was just hiding out in this room, Loki have a couple of questions to the android and may not know what happend in here. But Loki is determined to find out and to get to the bottom of this this, he needs to know what game Thanos is playing at and to try to see if he can stop Thanos without having to sacrifice Darcy or the Infinity Stones. Well aside from all of this, he now have to deal with the fact that he has to watch over Vision or at least make sure that Thanos or one of his associates don't grab a hold of Vision first.

"Vision, what? How are you here?" asked Loki almost immediately. "Where's Darcy?"

"Wanda put me on the ship and was insistent that it might be safer for me to remain close to all of you and I was hiding while something was going on outside." explained Vision. "My orders are to simply remain here and not to go out unless it was absolutely necessary, I don't even know when I should consider as necessary."

"You didn't even bother to help?" said Loki in disbelief and not even knowing if he should consider beating Vision down himself or if he should just try to calmly talk to Vision as he would any one else who would make a mistake like this, but then again he never thought that he would be facing something like this. But let's just say that Loki is not afraid to let loose some anger... "You were able to pull up a magic hammer that no one else except Thor was able to lift. You are supposed to do the right thing and try to fight for it, not just hide in the ship and hope that this will magically work out on it's own."

"I thought that Thanos is after me because of the stone that is implanted on me." said Vision. "Maybe it would be best if you take the stone off now and hide it, then you won't have to worry about protecting me and fighting them all off."

"I am not going to do anything of the sort." said Loki trying his best to calm down and to focus on what they have to deal with right now. "What we are going to do is to try to figure out a way on how to get out of this mess and to try to get Darcy out of possibly Thanos's grasp before he does whatever he may be planning."

"So what are you proposing to do?" asked Vision nervously.

"Your new orders are to go out and see if you can find Darcy and to bring her to me, while I go and try to continue the plan forward. With luck then we might be able to pull this off and this set back won't get in the way of us completing this mission." said Loki. "That's the most important thing aside from saving Darcy from whatever danger Thanos is putting her in."

"What about-" begins Vision before he can even continue on with his question, Loki was starting to run out of patience and is not having any excuses that may be thrown at him, they don't have any time to spare by arguing.

"Don't you understand? If we don't act now then there won't be a chance to talk to Wanda or anyone else because of the mere fact that Thanos will destroy everything and everyone until the Stones and Loki magically appear out of nowhere." said Loki angrily. "Now do both of us a favor and help me find Darcy, stop Thanos and make yourself useful for once in your short life!"

Vision stared at Loki not even knowing how to process the things that Loki just said and tries to put up a strong face and get ready for the next few moments of his life. Along with possibly having to face one of biggest monsters that Vision would ever have to face in his short life thus far, Vision waited a couple moments before he just nodded his head and got ready for the next part of the mission, that is if they can pull if off. Loki quickly opens the Quinjet's doors for the two of them make their exit to the world outside the ship and the battle right in front of them. Once both Loki and Vision made it outside, they both went their separate ways in hopes to succeed in this last minuete plan and that there might still be a chance for them to win this fight. There is no telling what might happen in the overall fight and how this set back might possibly derail them, but they all might possibly be able to pull it off and that Thanos will finally be able to be defeat for good.

Ten more minuetes later

Loki finally made it back to the battle field and he was able to carefully blend in to the battlefield and was able to take off the illusion that he set for himself to try to act like he was there the entire time. Along with help out on trying to defeat as many of the Chitari as he can possibly can and to try to find the right moment, he doesn't even know what he's going to do if Vision finds Darcy and just drops her right in the battlefield or something. But then again he should be grateful that there is even someone out there looking for Darcy, unless Thanos already found Vision. Then again it's unlikely that would happen that quickly and he should give Vision a chance despite his last failure.

Then again, Vision is an android that was told to stay in the ship after Wanda stowed him away and was trying to do everything in his power to stay hidden from Thanos. Loki might have been a little too hard on him... But still it doesn't excuse the fact that he should have been there to help Darcy and giving him this big headache, Loki doesn't remember the last time that he was ever concerned about anyone in his entire life. Well aside from Thor a couple of times, but there is still the fact that Thor can lift a magic hammer and can stand a chance with a possible fight against Thanos. Not that he's saying that Darcy can't handle herself, but Thor has more experience and Loki can have the confidence that Darcy can find a clever way to escape from something like this or at least hopes that she can...

But Loki knows that he should just focus on the fight right up ahead and he is not going to stop Thanos or find Darcy by worrying over her like this. Maybe he should try to move forward for the next part of his plan. It's risky, especially knowing the fact that Vision might come at any moment and drop Darcy out of nowhere. Loki knows that he has no choice but to do this and it's better for them to be near Thanos when that happens rather than out here in the open. He continues to fight off as many chitari as he can possibly can and to make sure that he doesn't leave the others with too many from this ever growing army. The fight continues on and on until the moment was right and Loki knew that it was time to make his move.

"It's time." said Loki in between moves during the fight. "If we are going to do this then it has to be right now and we need to make our next move now, if we don't then who knows when we might have another chance to do it."

"Before we go there, I have to ask, have either of you heard from Stark or Pietro through our communicators." said Captain America. "I have been trying to reach them to see what their status and so far I haven't heard anything from them."

"You guys know how Stark is, he's always too cocky that he thinks that he can take on the entire army by himself." said Black Widow. "Don't be surprise if he flies in and act like that he didn't receive any of our calls, then we later find out that he's been ignoring us the entire time."

"We shouldn't doubt him, Thanos seems to have the power to take down even the strongest opponent that he may ever face." said Thor. "He might have both of them in his crutches and we might not even know it."

"I agree, we can't leave Thanos unchecked or hope that he doesn't somehow have a plan on the back of his mind." said Loki. "He might be striking now and we might not even know it."

"So I'm guessing it's time to go..." said Scarlet Witch as she blast a couple more Chitari soldiers out of the way.

"Well it's now or never, though exactly how are we going to lead the green giant to Thanos?" said Loki. "I may have been working with you all for a month, but that doesn't mean that I know how to control him."

"I got this..." said Black Widow as she hurries to Hulk and tries to get him to follow Loki and Scarlet Witch.

Before anyone knew it, the Hulk nodded determinedly in agreement and manages to nod his head in agreement before he begins making his way towards the dirrection where Loki is standing. Loki knows that this is the moment that the plan will fully go into action and to finally make a stand against one of the biggest threats of the planet. Soon the three of them, start to make their way through the battlefield to see if there are any signs of Thanos and continues to head through the battlefield to try to do their part to stop Thanos. Loki just hopes that they can find Thanos in time and the plan will work, Loki just can't imagine what he might be able to do if the plan doesn't work...

Eighteen more minutes later

The fight in the battlefield continues on, the remaining Avengers are doing everything that they can to defeat the Chitari army. But they are doing everything in their power to defeat them all, though at least the odds are a lot higher compared to the last time that they fought the Chitari. Unlike the last time and they have gotten more powerful and stronger since the last time they met, if there was a prize for being better trained competent foes then they last encounter then the Chitari would win it and they need to fight them off or else they will all be doomed and Thanos will be one step closer on a potential win. The fight continues on and it is starting to look like an even win for both the Avengers and the Chitari.

"Ok let's be honest these guys have multiplied after the last time." said Black Widow. "I don't remember the last time that we have to fight an army of this proportion or this aggressive."

"It looks like that Thanos made them do some training ever since the last time the Chitari came to Earth." said Captain America. "It's best to try to take out as many as we can, even if there is now three of us. Where are those two? Thor, do you think that you can somehow use that hammer to somehow take down more Chitari than just swinging it around."

"I can try, but we already have our plates full and I just don't know if I can take the Chitari down with a single blow." said Thor. "It is almost like if there power has suddenly increased and armors have straighten since the last time that we fought. But I might as well try to see if this idea can work..."

With that Thor threw his hammer to a group of Chitari and with the hope that this idea can work and they will be one step closer on defeating Thanos. But before they can even have the hammer can have the chance to make sure that it can defeat some of them. Once the hammer hits the armor, it just make a loud bling sound before turning back to return to Thor's hand and leaving the Chitari's armor without a scratch or a mark. The three of them can't believe of how poetent the armor is and how the fight that they are facing is becoming more of a war by the minute and they all have to fight even harder if they want to win and so far they are doing a good job to keeping up the momentum.

"It looks like that the Chitari got an upgrade since the last time that we fought them off." said Thor. "I can't seem to make a dent in their armor, at least we can still try to defeat them."

"Thanos really thought of everything when it comes to having better soldiers." said Black Widow. "Do you boys have a game plan on how we can actually defeat these guys or are we going to just be playing this game until the others defeat Thanos?"

"For now we should focus on fighting on these soldiers and try to take down as many as we can possibly can and we have to make sure that we do whatever we can to take them down." said Captain America. "Well at least I hope that we can take down more of them, depending that they all don't multiply on us..."

With that the three of them continue to fight off as many of the Chitari as they can possibly can, they need to keep on fighting no matter how hard it is at the moment. Soon the Chitari will be the least of their problems because of the mere fact that they are about to face something worse than any of them can ever imagine, the next thing the three of them knew is that they are suddenly seeing more Chitari soldiers than any of them can ever imagine. The three of them can't believe that there are suddenly a growth of Chitari soldiers and it is almost like if they all just magically appear out of nowhere and is ready to start off their attack. The three Avengers start to fight them off the new soldiers and to try to defeat them as fast and efficiently as they can. The next thing that they all knew they are surrounded by more Chitari and it looks like that they are surrounded by thousands. Before any of the Avengers can have a chance to fight back, the three of them are suddenly pushed to the ground and the next thing that happened is that all of the sudden they were all thrown to the grasp of the Chitari. But there is one thing that they found really surprising...

"Wait these were... just illusions?" said Black Widow in shock. "So we have been overrun by illusions this entire time? Could this have something to do with Loki? I mean he had the power of illusions." With that both Black Widow and Captain America turns to Thor wanting some answer or conformation of that theory being correct.

"No, it can't be, Loki's dead and even if he was alive then there is no way that they would ever let Loki work with them and come out alive." said Thor. "The last time that Thanos dealt with an Asgardian, he sacrificed her for one of the stones."

"If I were you two, I would listen to the blond one. Whether or not, the runt is alive, we would never work with him again due to his failures." said one of the black order members.

"Don't you dare call him that!" said Thor angrily and defensively at the alien and was ready to beat him up for it.

"Who are you?" demanded Captain America.

"I'm Ebony Maw and I am happy to say that everything is going according to plan." said the alien with an evil grin. "When the runt sees that we have caught all of you, then we will see how he will try to escape from the wrath of my master. Let's just say once we find him, he'll be sorry and we are going to make him pay for everything he did."

The three of them stared at Ebony Maw in disbelief, they can't believe that Thanos has this much hatred towards Loki and how Thanos is this obsessed with trying to hunt down someone. Loki may have done many things in the past, but even then both Captain America and Black Widow almost feels sorry for their old foe. At least Loki is dead now and they don't have to worry about dealing with him in the mix, but they are worried that Thor's anger is going to get in the way of defeating Thanos because of whatever reckless decision that he might do to try to fight him off. Maybe it might be best if they try to find out what Thanos is planing to do and see if they can fight there way out.

"What is this Thanos planning to do to us? Why is he this obsessed with Loki?" asked Black Widow. "What possible reason would Thanos be that dedicated to trying to hunt down someone who has already died?"

"You can say that Thanos has some unfinished business with him and he is going to make sure Loki pays for his failures. I can not believe that you all believe in your own lies, but then again I am talking to weak minded creatures so it shouldn't surprise me." said Ebony Maw. "As for all of you, let's just say that Thanos has some good use for all of you and he can hardly wait for you three to be his guest."

The three Avengers are doing everything in their power to make sure that they can escape from the Chitari's grip, but every single time that they try to fight, the Chitari only just tighten their grips and even send some electric shocks to the three. Ebony Maw just laughed at the sight and is happy to see how things are going from bad to worse for the Avengers, the odds were definitly not in their favor and so far Thanos is winning the beginning of the war. He especially like seeing Thor upset because to him, it's the closest thing to hurting Loki at the moment. He can hardly wait to play his mind tricks on him again, but first he has to rub it in to the three Avengers and shove it in their face.

"Thanos can hardly wait for all of you to join the others that we collected, especially you." said Ebony Maw pointing to Thor and quickly turns to the army. "Take them to the ship and be sure that you keep an eye out for the other two. We are going to need to add them to the bounty if we want to convince Loki to meet our demands and to not try any one of his tricks."

"Wait, you caught Stark and Maxioff?" demanded Black Widow surprised.

"What are you talking about?" said Thor aggressively. "Loki is dead, in fact he didn't even die on this planet! Where is Thanos getting this mad idea that Loki is alive?"

"You my dear friend are in a deep surprise and I can't believe to see how demented the Asgardians are. Your brother was right when he told us that these Nobel warriors of your alien race was stupid, he was defiantly not exaggerating." said Ebony Maw laughing at him. "I would really love to stay and chat, but right now I need to take you all away to your new temporary home... Take them away and make sure you don't hurt the blond one."

With that the Chitari begins to escort the three Avengers away and all three of them have many thoughts going through their minds. The idea of Thanos is having this out of control tantrum to find the Infinity Stones and Loki is insane. They are all worried for both Iron man and Quicksilver, are they ok? How can they warn the others that the Black Order and Thanos is hunting all of them down. Who knows what is going to happen once Thanos grabs a hold of all of them, they need a plan and a way to defeat Thanos or else the world is doomed.

Thor is absolutely outrage and angry at the mad titan, how dare he put everyone in danger and start this rampage for nothing. It was bad enough to try to get Infinity Stones to do who knows how many bad things with them. But to mock them in such a manner that they would stoop this low to try to hurt others to try to find Loki like this and to not accept the truth that Loki is dead. Is Thanos this insane that he would put many innocents in danger for refusing to hear the truth? He can hardly wait to escape from this prison and to go after Thanos himself. Then he is going to make sure that Thanos pays for all of the damage that he has done so far, this fight against Thanos is becoming more personal by the minute. Thor is determined to make the Titan pay and to make sure that Thanos learns that he should have never have taken the Soul stone and hurt others like Heimdell or dared to use Loki as an excuse to go on a rampage.

As for Black Widow and Captain America, they are just trying to figure out what might be the best way to escape from Thanos, along with rescue Iron man and Quicksilver from whatever prison Thanos putted them in. Captain America is trying to think of a good plan on how they can all possilby escape from this one, though they don't really know how the prison is going to be like and how Thanos mostly hold his prisoners, but they need to think of something. While Black Widow on the other hand can't help but wonder why Thanos is this adamant to believe in Loki is alive and on the battlefield with them. It can't be coincidence that Thanos would target Earth after Asgard. There has to be a reason why Thanos is this determined to find Loki or even think that for some miracle that he's alive on Earth, she should know that there has to be something else going on. Black Widow did out smarted Loki once and has to create multiple identities for herself in the past, maybe there was something else that's going on... What if there is something else that is going on that they might not know about?

Fifteen Minutes Later on Thanos's ship

Ebony Maw just delivered Thor, Black Widow and Captain America to the chip and put them in the same cell as Iron man and Quicksilver. The Black Order are proud of the accomplishment that they just did, the plan is going ahead of schedule and pretty soon they are going to deal with Loki with the upper hand on their side. They were about to head back to the battlefield if they can find the last two Avengers before they stopped to stare at the sight and they can't believe their eyes and knew that this can be a game changer for the current fight. It was Nebula, taking Darcy to the ship as a prisoner and they already knew that Loki is fond of this particular girl and that they can use those feelings against him. Not too mention, they also have Loki's brother and that alone already put Loki in their mercy.

"How did you possibly-" begin Corvus Grave before Nebula answered his question.

"I found her on their ship, Loki must have needed her for his 'master' plan." said Nebula with Darcy still trying to break free from her grasp. "It looks like he overestimated his plan and this girls's abilities."

"I will take her out of your grasp, while the rest of you focus on trying to get the remaining two Avengers and the most important thing is to not harm Loki until he get all of the remaining Infinity Stones to us." said Corvus Grave to the other three members before turning to Nebula. "As for you, you are to stay here and to watch the ship and make sure that none of the prisoners try to escape."

"So your leaving me with guarding duty?" said Nebula getting a little angry. "I just delivered someone who can change the overall fate of the mission in our favor and you are giving me one of the most uncredited tasks?"

"This is one of your rare successes, but this does not excuse your escape and your past failures." said Corvus Grave. "So you are going to stay here and make sure that the prisoners are not up to anything."

With that the Black Order begins to head towards the direction to the battlefield, three of them with the intention to catch the last two Avengers and Corvus Grave to take Darcy to wherever Thanos may be hiding. If Loki is going to try to defeat Thanos, then it's likely for him to head towards Thanos and try whatever plan that he may have come up with. Nebula just watches them head down their way to do the next part of their plans and one thing that she notices is Darcy giving her a scowl, she doesn't blame her for being angry at her. She would hate herself too and no matter what Nebula does, she is never good enough and she's tired of this. Nebula can't wait for all of this to be over and to be free from Thanos, soon she will get her revenge on the ones that hurt her the most and will be able to live her own life in the galaxy. This is the only way to escape... right?

Ten more minutes Later

Loki, Scarlet Witch and Hulk manages to make it through the battlefield and finally make it towards a clear field where they finally manage to make it to the clearing and finally was able to find Thanos. He was standing there, ready to make sure that his sides win and to watch the show from a far. Loki is surprised to see how Thanos is just sitting around and not doing everything, the Thanos that Loki remembers would be doing more than just supervising. Something is not right and Loki does not like the look of the current situation. Despite this they are going to have to do this plan and it might have a chance to succeed just for the fact that he has a Hulk and a girl with powers that have the potential of becoming even more powerful with time and practice. There is no way that the plan can go wrong and even without Darcy, they can at least try to stop Thanos by trying to go forward with the plan. Maybe they can still pull it off and he can be the one that removes the guantlet from Thanos, it may be harder now that he is also using his ice powers, but it might be the only way to make the plan work. Maybe he was overthinking and won't need Darcy after all. Though Loki just wishes that he knows where Darcy is and if she is alright, maybe if Vision doesn't find her and if they beat Thanos. He should tell the Avengers the truth and ask them to help find Darcy, he would rather be told off then find out later that Darcy was lost in space or something.

He takes a deep sigh as he turns to the two Avengers and is more nervous than confident, this can mean everything whether they win or loose. Thanos is not going to make this easier for anyone and he is going to make sure that they loose, but Loki knows that they have no choice but to fight and things are going to possibly get ugly from here and Thanos will do everything in his power to make sure that they lose. At least they are going to put up a fight that he's never going to forget and show Thanos that it's going to take more than a simple threat to stop them.

"Ok you both remember the plan right?" said Loki making sure that they all remembered the plan and got a nod from Scarlet Witch. While the Hulk is just trying his best to try to crush leaves without making a loud sound, Loki is surprise to see that for once the Hulk is trying not to smash anything. He just hopes that it can stay that way until... "Well then, Hulk go and smash."

With that the Hulk let out a loud grow and begins to run towards Thanos and ready to make his first move against the last stage of the plan to defeat Thanos. Soon a battle broke out between Hulk and Thanos, let's just say that a fight between Hulk and Thanos is as exciting as it sounds. There was no telling how long this fight is going to last but Loki knows for a fact that Hulk can win this fight. Just because Banner literally looses his mind during a fight when he becomes the Hulk, it doesn't mean that he is not a worthy fighter. Thanos is so going to loose badly when it comes to a having a well earned beating from the Hulk, he knows better than anyone what it is like to face the wrath of Hulk.

The fight is intense, one minute it looks like if Hulk is going to win the fight and the next it looks like if Thanos is going to win it all. Loki confidently watches and knows that the Hulk will definitely win this, one way or another Thanos is going to have the beating of his life. It definitly looks like that this will be a big win for them, that is until...

Thanos took control of the fight and begins to beating the Hulk hard, he was starting to dominate the fight and it is anything but good. Since it came from a sure win that they might be able to defeat Thanos, to a brutal beatdown where no one needs to watch the whole thing to know that Thanos is winning. Loki is surprised at the mere sight and the idea that the Hulk might possibly loose this fight. He was so sure that the Hulk would be able to take down Thanos to the point that they would also need to restrain the Hulk, but now he is just staring at the hard truth and can't believe in just seeing that his plan is falling apart right before his eyes. Maybe if he just send Scarlet Witch and himself out there, they can just use their powers to restrain Thanos long enough to try to get the gauntlet out of his grasp. There has to be a chance that they might be able to turn this fight around...

"Should we go on to the part of the plan where I use my powers to restrain the monster?" asked Scarlet witch nervously as they continue to watch the beatdown that Thanos is giving the Hulk.

"It might be, the wisest choice and let's be honest, this is one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen." said Loki. "I have never thought that I would see the day that I would see the Hulk being defeated brutally like this, I was so sure that he would have the power to fully have taken Thanos..."

"Well it looks like that the Hulk was not as strong as we thought or you might have over estimated." said Scarlet Witch. "It's obvious that he needs help."

"When you are being smashed around by that green monster and he has proven that he can take down an Asgardian if he choose to. You can't blame me for having high expectations in my defense." said Loki defensively before he decides that it might be best to move forwards with the rest of the plan. "Can you just go on ahead and try to see if you can possibly restrain Thanos?"

With that Scarlet Witch gives Loki a determined nod and goes in to try to get closer to Thanos to begin the next part of the plan, she hides behind a rock that is close enough to get a hold of Thanos and to be far enough to make a quick escape if Thanos somehow manages to break free from her control. Loki quickly uses his magic to create an illusion of himself to look like if he's planning to make his move for the plan to work. While he sneaks to be a little closer to Thanos and is about to unleash the magic that is about to possibly win the day for them. He just hopes that this will work and when the time was right Loki begins to use ice magic to try entrap Thanos from underneath and do the same thing that he did to Strange minus the portal appearing with a flick of finger. So far it seems to be working and that Thanos's feet is starting to be covered in ice and that Thanos won't be able to leave with the ice and Scarlet Witch using her powers to make sure that Thanos is not able to escape from the prison that the two of them created.

Loki knows that at least that they have Thanos is in a locked location and they will have to keep this up until they can get the gauntlet out of Thanos's grasp. Soon Loki knows that the next part of the plan needs to be set into motion, though he has never tried to move and use these ice powers before. Loki doesn't even know if he can even grab the guantlet and use his powers at the same time. Well it looks like he doesn't have a choice but to try because they can't afford to wait for Vision to come with Darcy, they are going to need to act now and maybe he should try to see if he can do both at the same time. He is starting to wish that he took some time to practice these powers or Odin had the heart to tell him earlier and give him time to practice these abilities before all of this. At least it would have been helpful right now, maybe all he needs to do is just focus and try to see if he can somehow manage to make it work. He can't believe that he's starting to use the same logic as Thor and he is becoming as reckless as him when it comes to this particular plan, he must be starting to be that desperate.

As soon as Thanos's legs were trapped under a thick layer of ice, Loki knew that it was time and sets the illusion of himself to not to be recognized. Loki carefully and slowly begins to head his way towards Thanos and continuing to freeze him in place. Despite some minor slip ups, it seems to be working so far and Loki keeps things going at this rate. They might be able to win this war and possibly be able to finish this sooner than they might have thought, at least Loki hopes so and for the first time ever feels hopeful that this might work after all. But Loki just wishes that he knows where Darcy is and he knows that right now his top priority should be trying to get the gauntlet out of Thanos's grasp and putting a stop to his plans once and for all. No matter how hard he tries to push Darcy out of his mind, Loki's mind always goes back to thinking about Darcy and Loki just wants to just try to go find her himself. He will, once the mission is over and he just hopes that she is ok.

It wasn't easy and Loki is surprised to see that he is capable of maintaining the ice and move to his destination. Once Loki is right in front of Thanos and had a good aim for the gauntlet, Loki knows that it's time and this is the moment where this can be the moment that changes everything. When the moment was right, Lokii begins to pull off the guantlet and it looks like if the battle will finally be won. That is until...

Thanos just grinned at the sight of the two before he unleashes the next part of his plan, the next thing both of them knew is that Thanos is starting to break free from the ice and uses the power stone to blow both Loki and Scarlet Witch back. He manages to break free from the prison that Scarlet Witch's powers were able to entrap him and begins to head over to the two. Both Loki and Scarlet Witch exchange a nervous gaze and quickly turn to try to find the Hulk, he was no where in sight and apparently already detransformed back into Bruce Banner, so that's helpful...

"Try to contact the other Avengers." said Loki. "We are going to need all of the help that we can get and this is anything but a good sign."

"I don't know why, but there's only a buzzing noise." said Scarlet Witch in disbelief. "It's unbelievable, it is almost like if they all just disappeared."

"Well keep trying, maybe they will answer if you try to communicate to them individually." said Loki. "If this is what they all find as humorous, it's anything but funny."

With that Scarlet Witch quickly try to communnicate to every single one of the Avengers and so far there is no luck. Loki can't believe that this is happening, almost all of the Avengers suddenly became unresponsive, Darcy has suddenly gone missing and it feels like that Thanos knew what to expect ahead of time. There has to be something going on or Thanos somehow connected to this, none of this can't be a twisted coincidence. Loki knows for sure that Thor would never leave the battlefield out of nowhere and abandon everyone just like this. As for Darcy, she may not be one of the most cautious of all of the humans that he have met thus far, but he knows that she wouldn't just jump into danger, ok maybe she will if things were getting out of hand but not usually or at least try to take on Thanos on her own. It doesn't take any one minutes to figure out that no one might be coming on to help Loki knows that things doesn't add up and that they need to fight Thanos now.

"Wanda, you fight for Hulk until he can get angry again to transform back." said Loki. "I will hold Thanos off, at least try to..."

"That won't be necessary because right now I have you all exactly where I want." said Thanos with an evil grin on his face. "You really should have froze me quicker and been better prepared for this little fight, children of Thanos... you know what to do..."

Soon the Black Order begins to do the next part of the plan and three out of the four members begins to make their attack on Loki and Scarlet Witch. The two of them didn't even need to exchange words to know that they have to fight, they both begin to fight the Black Order as hard as they can and not holding back. Scarlet Witch is using her powers to take down the Black Order, while Loki decides that it's time to mix ice and illusions. Loki created as many illusions that he can to trick the Black Order and some of the Chitari for him to use his ice powers to try to freeze as many of these Chitari soldiers as he can. Along with take out the three Black order members as quickly as he can.

Though Loki is surprised to see that only three of the Black Order is here and no sign of Nebula, Thanos must be planning to do something big if he's withholding those two. But Loki knows that there is no way that Thanos would ever let Nebula do anything other than to provide some minor assistance to the Black Order or any associates or just to simply guard the ship. It would be odd to see that Thanos would trust Nebula for something bigger, but then again he was one step ahead of them so far and he wouldn't be surprise if he entrusted Nebula with more responsibilities. Especailly with her surprise little visit to Earth a couple of days ago, but still it does seem odd that Thanos wouldn't have at least all of the Black Order to fight the ongoing fight. At least he doesn't have to worry about dealing with Bruce Banner possibly seeing his magic. Thanks to the beatdown that Thanos gave him, it seems like that Thanos made him a little disordinated and hopefully he doesn't remember any of this, the last thing he needs is to explain to the others how he has ice and illusion powers and coming up with a lie that goes away from sorcery and being a Frost Giant. But he'll worry about that later, right now he has bigger problems to deal with.

The fight continued on and there is no telling what is going to happen, things are getting more harder to tell by the minute. The fight feels like that it will never end and that Thanos just puts both of them in a loop that is never going to end. Soon the worst is about to happen and it is going to put Loki in a bind, at that moment some of the Chitari begins to grab Bruce and begins to take him away. That caught both Loki and Scarlet Witch's attention, before Loki can even do anything Scarlet Witch is about to take action, that is was planning to take action. Until Proxima Midnight uses her spear to electrocute Scarlet Witch for a quick moment and knocks her out in an instant. Soon an entire superhero team turned into just one superhero costumed Asgardian that is about to face with one of the biggest monsters that is ready to make sure that he feels intense pain and destroy everything, but first he has to rescue the other two before he tries anything to defeat Thanos. Loki quickly uses some magic to try to force the Chitari out of their grasps, now all he has to do is try to get them out of here.

Soon that would become an even bigger problem, once Ebony Maw shows up to get a hold of both of them and use his powers to make sure that he has a firm grip on Banner and Scarlet Witch. Soon Ebony Maw just uses his powers to make an metal wall that is absolutely indestructable for anyone to go through, Loki is about to try to use his ice powers to try to break the wall. Before Loki can even have a chance to try, Thanos uses the power stone to blow Loki back and to try to add some power to him. But Loki is not going to give up that easily and is about to get ready to fight or try to go after Ebony Maw, Thanos has other plans and is ready to make sure that Loki hears what he has to say.

"That's enough, I would listen if I were you and it doesn't have to be this difficult." said Thanos. "If only you cooperate then maybe you wouldn't be in the mess that you put yourself in then maybe we wouldn't be having this conversation right now."

"I'm not the one who decides to go on a rampage and threaten the whole universe for a couple of magic rocks and my surrender." said Loki defensively.

"You tried to take over this planet and didn't you say try to annihilate your home planet?" sneered Thanos.

"I may have made mistakes in the past, but at least I target only one planet at a time. Never the entire universe at one go, at least I am trying to make things right by stopping you now." said Loki. "Here is one thing that you should know Thanos, I am never going to give the stones or myself up to you."

"I had the feeling that you might say that..." said Thanos with a grin. "So I decided to give you a little bargaining chip and a deal that I know that you can't refuse if you know what's good for you."

"There is no way that I would ever agree to another-" begins Loki annoyed that Thanos would even think that he would ever make another deal like that again.

"But this one might interest you, let's just say that I have met that famous brother of yours and most of your friends." interupts Thanos. "You seem to care about your brother and one of them the most, maybe a little too much. Didn't I tell you that those attachments will only hold you back and make you weak?"

"Where are you going-" begins Loki before getting interrupted again before getting interjected again and part of him hopes that he's wrong.

"Nebula and the rest of my children have been meeting with all of them, they have been corporative to say the least." said Thanos. "In fact, one of them even agreed to coroporate with us. Corvus bring her in."

The moment that Corvus Grave apeared with Darcy in his grasps, Loki can not believe his eyes. As he puts two and two together, Loki realizes that he has been playing into Thanos's game. This wasn't a fight or a chance for a peaceful surrender, this was nothing but a trap and one that they all fallen into. Thanos wanted them to show up and he wanted him to bring the Avengers to use as a bargaining chip. Darcy was just a bonus, he failed to see the trap and he put Darcy in danger for nothing. Loki can't imagine what Thanos might be planning to do with them once they all outlived their usefulness and one scenerio is more likely. He wouldn't be surprised if turning Hulk, Scarlet Witch and Thor into a living weapon is on top of the list. Not too mention, there is also Vision he has to worry about because he's still out there or might be trapped too and about to loose the Infinity Stone at any moment. For once, he is starting to feel a sense of guilt, he should have never said those things or let alone send him to find Darcy. How could he have failed to see the signs? Why couldn't he have gone after her himself? What was he thinking of bringing her in the first place? The others have a chance to survive whatever Thanos might have in store, Darcy won't because Thanos will make it his personal mission to destroy her in order to destroy him and everything about her that he cares about will be gone by the next time they meet if Thanos has his way. Not too mention, the Avengers might become "Earth's mightiest supervillians." This is getting worse and worse by the minuete and keeping his secret identity is slowly becoming the least of his problems, he needs to figure out how to save Darcy, Thor and the other Avengers before it's too late.

"Hey Loki, I know that this looks bad." said Darcy nervously. "Ok it is bad, but Thanos caught-"

"Quiet, don't you know that-" begins Corvus viscously before Thanos puts a stop to it.

"Corvus, let me handle this!" said Thanos viscously before turning to Loki. "We still have yet to talk to our old associate our terms of agreement, I'm sure he doesn't want anything to happen to her, his brother or the others does he?"

Loki has never been so angry in his entire life, it was bad enough that Thanos keeps demanding him to give up the Infinity stones and his life to him. But now playing with Thor and Darcy's life like this and what's worse he's bringing the Avengers in the middle of this! Thanos is treating this like a game, a game where none of the lives that he takes matters or everyone is nothing but an object that can easily be destroyed. Loki feels the rage inside him growing and now wanting to end this right now and even was ready to use some telekinisis and his ice powers to try to stand a chance with fighting with Thanos. Normally he wouldn't let his emotions consume him in order to fight and would come up with a logical plan on how to possibly defeat his opponent. But this is an emergency and Loki needs to be ready to give Thanos the fight of his life, he is not going to let Thanos win and will beat him no matter what it may take.

"Thanos, if you are hurting them or if you dare to hurt her right now." said Loki trying hard keep the anger restrained long enough to make his threat. "I can promise you that-"

"Calm down, I don't intend on hurting anyone or this girl yet..." said Thanos as he genatally put a finger under Darcy's chin and succeeding of making both of them in feeling uneasy. "All I need you to do is agree with my bargain and I will let them all go and won't dare to hurt the others. I have been considering of changing the terms of my demands."

"I'm listening." said Loki already knowing what is about to come down.

"I figured that it didn't make sense to ask for your surrender and with the power of the stones I can destroy you whenever you want. I have decided to let you keep your freedom." said Thanos. "But if you want to see your brother and your friends again then you will bring me the Infinity Stones and if you want to make sure that this one is safe then you would give me the stone that you have already in your possession right now.

"I honestly don't know what your talking about." said Loki as he begins to use his magic to throw some heavy objects at Thanos. "Even if I have a stone with me, I wouldn't give it to you without a good fight."

"Well then if it's a fight you want then it's a fight that your going to get." said Thanos as he begins using the power stone to try to blast Loki and fortunately Loki got out of the way just in time.

Loki sets up a number of illusions to keep Thanos busy in trying to figure out which one is the real him, he's just grateful that Thanos has yet to obtain the reality stone and it's safe with Jane. Otherwise this little trick would never work and that Thanos would be able to use it to find out which one was the real him, that would be a huge disadvantage for all of them. Loki is trying to use all of his magic and ice powers to make sure that he can stand a chance in defeating Thanos long enough for him to get to Corvus and see if he can at least get Darcy out of their grasp. Loki is using his magic to try to see if he can get any object in the field to hit Thanos or at least try to do some damage to Thanos. Along with using his ice powers to make things harder for Thanos to stand sturdy or at least try to freeze him in place. While Thanos is using the power stone to try to hit Loki as quickly as he can, though so far Thanos have been hitting anything but.

So far the battle is hard to tell and one thing is for sure, that both Loki and Thanos are doing everything in their power to make sure that they defeat the other. Darcy has never seen a fight like this and how tough Thanos is. If she wasn't captured and if this wasn't happening right in front of her, she would totally be rooting for Loki, in fact she is rooting for Loki and hoping that he will win this fight. She knows that Loki can win this and at least she knows that Thanos is not going to kill him or anything. Thanos can't make Loki give up the Infinity Stone if he's dead right?

Loki on the other hand is trying to make sure that he wins this fight, he is trying to do everything that he can to make sure that he fights no matter what Thanos may be planning to throw at him. At one point, Thanos is about to hit Loki with a blast and the next thing that they both knew is that Loki out of panic just about to unleash either magic or ice powers. Not even knowing what is about to come out, what Loki saw is that there are three giant circles underneath Thanos and it begins to attack Thanos. Loki is surprise to see that he can even combine magic and ice into one, he never thought that he might be able to create something new with magic and ice. But then again he has always been ashamed of his heritage and has never really thought about the endless potential that he has when it comes to combining magic and ice or just using his ice powers more in general. But from the look of this and how it is helping to defeat Thanos, he can use these powers and use them in the way that he wants to.

Right now, it's time to use his ice powers and magic to defeat Thanos. Loki begins to do the same thing that he just did to try to defeat Thanos and to try to make sure that Thanos is standing underneath these circles and try to see if he can find clever ways to combine magic and ice, one advantage that Loki has is that he doesn't know what he's doing and this will catch all of them by surprise. The fight has undergone a new turnaround and that Loki has set the fight in a new level, Thanos can't believe that he is now having to deal with this and knows that he has finally have enough of Loki's pathetic attempts of trying to defeat him. So Thanos slams the Guantlet and by using the power stone to make a powerful vibration to knock Loki to the ground and he's ready to make sure that Loki pays for everything that he has now put him through.

"You should know by now that, it is not wise to dare to go up against me." said Thanos.

"You should know by now, I am not the one to give up that easily." said Loki. "I will never give up the stones and I will continue to fight until you give up this futile quest of yours."

"I was hoping that you would say that." said Thanos as he takes the Mysto mask and grabs a hold of Loki by the hair and was ready to make sure that Loki has a moment of pain that he will never forget. "So that way I can teach you a thing or two."

With that Thanos begins to slowly aiming for the Guantlet towards Loki with the soul stone front and center. It doesn't have to take a deep thinker to figure out on what Thanos might be planning to do and that he is ready to use the Soul stone to take Loki's soul. Loki figures that he needs to fight and escape now or else he is going to suffer the same fate as Heimdell. Loki begins trying to hit Thanos's hand as hard as he can to try to break free from Thanos's grip and so far there has been no luck and Loki thought that it's time to try to use his magic and ice powers like earlier. He manages to grab a hold of Thanos's arm and begins to use it to try this ability to try to break away from the grasp. But Thanos is trying his best to endure the pain and make sure that he maintains this grip, there is no way out...

Darcy can't believe what she is seeing and doesn't know what she can do, at any moment Thanos is going to take Loki's soul away and she will loose Loki forever. She can't imagine a world without Loki and knows that she needs to do something. So Darcy quickly breaks free from the grasp of Corvus Grave by making a quick move that Loki taught her last night and she can't believe it worked. Maybe she is getting better at this, but right now she has to save him and runs over to a giant fallen branch from a near by tree and she can't believe how it was conveniently placed there and grabs a hold of it. As Thanos is about to place the stone on Loki's chest, Darcy quickly swings the branch to hit Thanos and catching both of them by surprise. Loki can't believe that Darcy would dare to do this and he doesn't even know if he should be grateful that Darcy just might possibly saved his life or impressed that she has the courage to stand up to someone like Thanos like this or angry for being this reckless and might possibly get killed for this.

Thanos just glares at the girl and watches Corvus Grave regain his hold over Darcy and this time with a firmer grip on her arms. He can't believe that she would dare to try to stand up to him, Thanos can see how these two have managed to become close and really can't wait to break them apart. Thanos quickly turns to Darcy and is ready to make sure that she pays for what she just did. He will deal with Loki later and would rather deal with the human now, then he will try to make sure that Loki pays the consequences. He walks right over to Darcy who is anything but happy to deal with Thanos, she just hopes that she can find a way to deal with him and keep the both of them alive. But Darcy already has an idea on how she might possibly be able to do it...

"How dare you threaten me? You think hitting me with a branch will save him from me?" demanding Thanos trying to add fear in Darcy's mind and to try to add some dominance in the air. "I have half the mind to-"

"To what? To take me down and later take Loki's soul?" said Darcy defensively. "It doesn't matter what you try to do to me, but here's one thing you should know if you try to take Loki's soul now. Then you will never get the Infinity Stones and will need to tear this entire planet apart if you want to find them. Your going to need Loki if you want to find the other stones unless you want to be here for a couple of years. I know you have that purple rock with you, but there's hundreds of place to look even with your alien army. Loki is the best chance you got." Thanos stopped at a moment to think about what Darcy just said, he soon realize that she's right and knew exactly what he is going to do next.

"Your right, I might make some use for him just yet and we'll see if Loki will cooperate." said Thanos with an evil grin. "Just give me that stone and then you won't have to worry about a thing."

"What makes you think that the stone is even here in the first place?" demanded Loki actually curious on where Thanos got that idea.

"Cull Obsidian saw it literally fly across the sky and we can all recognize the mind stone when we see it." said Thanos. "Tell me where is the mind stone right now or we'll force you to talk."

Loki can't believe this, if he haven't told Vision to go look for Darcy then Thanos, Nebula and the Black Order wouldn't have found out that Vision and the mind stone is here in the first place. Why is everything falling apart because of him? Can he do one thing right when it comes to the fighting off a bigger monster than Loki can ever become? Before Loki can even think about it, the next thing that he knew is that Thanos placed the power stone right on his chest. He has never felt this much pain in his entire life and never thought that he would ever feel this pain, he is never going to complain about the pain that he endured the last time again. Maybe he deserve this and that maybe he is going to have to pay the price for everything. No matter what he may be feeling or how much of a failure he has become when it comes to being a superhero. Loki is never going to give in and is going to do everything in his power to make sure that Thanos will never get the stones or Vision, even if this pain is unbearable.

"Are you ready to tell us now?" said Thanos menacingly.

"I will never tell you anything and even if I wanted to, I don't know where he is." said Loki in gasps trying his best to recover from the Power stone before the inevitable starts again.

"Very well, I guess we will have to continue on won't we?" said Thanos and begins the torture once again. "I can't believe that you really believed that you stood a chance to go against me, I am inevitable force that will destroy everything that you dare try to touch and the only reason that you are still alive is because you have obtained the stones and I need you to bring them to me. Other than that you are nothing and a weakling that needs to be put in your place, I should have ended you the moment that you landed on my planet. It's an endless wonder on what others may see in you..."

Darcy continues to watch Thanos torture and taunt Loki, she is feeling an endless amount of anger and disgust. She knows that Loki has gone through a tough time when he was with Thanos and that Loki had more negative memories. But this definitely takes the cake and it hurts to see Loki being reduced to this and how the Loki she knows is being reduced to this. She needs to do something and the question is what? Darcy doubts hitting Thanos with a giant tree branch is going to work again and she wouldn't be surprise if this guy is going to zap her or something. But there is something that she can do that might possibly add some comfort for Loki and hopefully be some comfort to him...

"Don't listen to him, Thanos doesn't know what he's talking about because your none of those things." said Darcy trying to do her best to be comforting to Loki. "You are really smart, brave, sometimes you can be nice and funny only when you want to and you are one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. You need to fight him, don't let him win or beat you down! Plus there is also something-"

"I have enough of this, Corvus take her to the other prisoners and let the two of us deal with this alone." said Thanos viscously.

With that Corvus begins to take Darcy away from the area and Darcy knew that she has to think of something right now or at least try to be some source of comfort for Loki or else he might be beaten down due to the power of words. But for some reason, Darcy knows that Loki must be thinking that it was somehow his fault for all of this. She has lived with him for two months and have become close enough for her to fall in love with him. She now knows him better than anyone and Darcy knows that Loki would somehow find an excuse to pinpoint the blame back to him. Darcy knows that she needs to get those thoughts out of his head and be there for him even if they are who knows how many lightyears away.

"Loki whatever you may be thinking and if you are thinking what I am thinking, you need to know that none of this is your fault. It was never your fault, if we are going to blame anyone then it's Thanos, he would have gone after the stones with or without your help!" said Darcy as she is being dragged away by Corvus and she's doing everything that she can to make sure that Loki hears what she has to say. "No matter what people like Thanos say or what others may think, you will always be a hero to me! I also need to tell you something, in case we don't make it, this so going to sound cliche... Loki-"

Before Darcy can even have a chance to finish, Crovus uses his advance speed to take himself and Darcy away from the site. Loki thought hard about what Darcy just said and just doesn't know what to say or what to think. He never thought that she would care that much to say these words, he just- No he has to focus, not just think about sentiment and Darcy is right. He is not going to get anywhere by standing around and feeling sorry for himself, Thanos is going to keep making sure that he just submits defeat. But it doesn't have to be that way unless he chooses to and he just needs to fight, but the question is how?

"I can see why you are interested in this girl, maybe I won't kill her." said Thanos taunting. "Maybe I should adopt her as one of my daughters, she might have the potential that Gamora never lived up to."

With that Loki snapped and there is no way that he would ever let Thanos make Darcy go through that fate. He doesn't care what it takes, he is going to win this war and defeat Thanos once and for all. At that moment, Loki got up all of the courage inside him to fight Thanos and he is starting to do so by doing his best to kick Thanos despite the pain that he is feeling. Along with trying to do his best to make sure that he is doing everything in his power to try to break free, Thanos does not have the power to control him anymore and he's going to make sure that Thanos sees that. Loki soon has gotten an idea on what he's going to do as an escape plan, one that might possibly work and for once, it's a good thing that Thanos is putting the guantlet at his chest. Otherwise Loki doesn't know if this plan would work...

Loki focuses hard on the ground for a large and sharp icicle to pop up from the ground and from precise aim, Loki knows that it's the perfect moment to strike and to make sure that his plan works. In a quick second Loki made the icicle strike to Thanos's arm and from that little stab Thanos quickly let Loki go to grab his arm for the pain. While Loki on the other hand, still uneasy about the pain that he just endured slowly got up and picked up some dangers to get ready to fight. He still can't believe that worked and he was able to escape, maybe he underestimated and underused his abilities when it comes to combat in the past. But at least he's using them now and can defeat Thanos from it, Loki also notices that the Mysto costume has been damaged and the superhero symbol has been ripped apart. It doesn't matter, right now he should focus on trying to stop Thanos and give him the fight that he'll never forget.

"There is no way, I will ever let you do that." said Loki determinedly as he got up ready to face Thanos.

"You shouldn't have done that and now I am going to make you pay for your little treachery." said Thanos as he about to fight off his foe.

"Well it looks like your going to have as humans would say have a taste of your own medicine." said Loki. "There is no way, I am going to give up Vision or any of the other Infinity Stones."

"You even named that thing, how adorable and do not worry about that thing." said Thanos. "I'll be sure to take good care of it and will make sure that it will be a quick death."

Before Loki can even have a chance to begin his fight and to see if he can take down the mad titan for good. There was a giant blast that caught both Loki and Thanos by surprise and the thing that is creating the blast is continuing to grow over time. Loki quickly turns to see what might be causing the blast and was surprise to see that it was Vision. Loki can't believe what he is seeing and normally he would be happy to receive some assistance not that he has never needed any help, but it would be helpful when it comes to actual fight. Not if Thanos wants to target Vision and destroy him for just having an Infinity stone on his forehead, Loki needs to find a way to talk him out of this and fly before Thanos can have a chance to do his worst.

"Vision, you need to fly out of here now! If you stay then the chance of Thanos of possibly getting the stone will only grow." said Loki. "Do yourself a favor and leave before you give him that chance!"

"I just thought that you might have needed assistence after the way he held you that way and-" begins Vision before stopping to take a good look at Loki who is without his Mysto mask. "Wait you are mask less and you look like that Loki character that they keep talking about. Are you him? But I thought that you died or rather-"

"Vision, can we talk about this later?! Yes I am Loki, but this this has to stay between us." said Loki in a loud annoyed whisper to avoid revealing things to Thanos and once Vision got close enough to take a closer look at him and returned his voice back to normal as the frustration grows. "The best thing you should do right now is fly away from here as fast as you can and make sure that you protect the stone no matter what."

"I can't do that because it's clear that you need help and I can't just leave you to deal with Thanos alone." said Vision. "I don't want to be useless as you have pointed out earlier."

"You are not useless, you were never useless, do you want to make yourself useful? Then get out of here as fast as you can!" said Loki. "You don't stand a chance against a fight with two Infinity Stones against you, I can't let you go through with this and it's my job now to keep you safe from Thanos."

"It is my job to make sure that I keep everyone on this planet and now the universe safe and that includes you." said Vision. "After all I am just a robot with a powerful stone on me."

"You are more than a robot and you are powerful, stone or no stone, but you can't-" begins Loki.

"I'm sorry Loki, but I have to and he's never going to leave you alone until one of the two outcomes happen." pointed out Vision. "I want to make sure that the one where Thanos looses and the world is at peace happens."

Before Loki can even say anything or try to stop him, Vision quickly flies towards Thanos and begins to blast him with the Infinity Stone. Loki knows that he is not going to just stand there and watch it when there is something he can do about it. The shift from the focus on Loki all goes to Vision and the Chitari is doing everything they can to target Vision and make sure that the android falls and they can get the stone. Loki rushes over to take down as many of the Chitari as he can and to make sure that they don't go anywhere near Vision. The fight is a quick one and Loki is using all of his abilities to help Vision in anyway he can and so far it seems to be an equel fight that it seems like that both Thanos and Vision are at an equal power level.

That is until the Chitari begins to grab a hold of Vision and begins to torture him in hopes it would weaken the android, Loki notices this and begins to run to help Vision. But before he can even get any further, Cull Obsidian grabs a hold of Loki in his grasp and hold him tightly and lift Loki off the ground. So that way Loki won't be able to escape without a fight to break out of his grasp. As Loki struggles with trying to break free from Cull Obsidian's grasp and to find a way to get to Vision before the worst happens and they lose more than just the Infinity Stone. Thanos goes slowly to Vision and is about to do the next horrifying thing that is going to make things worser off for the universe. Loki begins to struggle even more to try to find a way to stop this from happening and so far it doesn't seem to be working and Loki quickly combined ice and magic again to break free from Cull Obsidian's grasp. It worked and he begins to run to stop Thanos from about to take the stone out of Vision, but unfortunatly Loki was too late...

Thanos brutally breaks the stone from Vision's forehead and dropped the android from his grasp the moment that he got the stone and put it on his gauntlet. Loki slowly head towards Vision horrified in what he just saw, he may have worked with Thanos in the past and even been tortured by him. But Loki never thought that Thanos would be this brutal when it comes to actually hurting others like this. Now Thanos is halfway done with the Infinity Stones and Vision is dead, it was all his fault and he shouldn't have said those things that might have led to Vision making that sacrifice that has gone in vain. Maybe he should just try to use the Tesseract to teleport himself to another dimension or something, now he doesn't know what to do when it comes to how he is going to do next. But one thing is for sure, things are going to go from bad to worse when it comes to the Thanos situation.

"One down, three to go. Consider this the payment for their safety and now if you want to give your friends, their freedom. Bring me the other three stones and then they will all be released from my custody." said Thanos. "You have forty eight hours and I will return to this planet on this field by then with all of them, in case you have any ideas of rescuing them."

With that Thanos, the Black Order and the Chitari begins to make their way towards the ship, leaving Loki and a dead Vision behind. For once in Loki's life, he doesn't know what to do or what the best sollution for all of this. He has two days to come up with something or else, Darcy, Thor and the Avengers will be dealing with the wrath of Thanos. But he can't just give up the remaining three Infinity Stones and hope that Thanos won't do anything with these stones, Thanos will destroy everything and will make sure that he pays the consequences for the past and every single thing that Loki is now putting him through. Things are absolutely hopeless and it feels like that Thanos has won...

But Loki is not going to give up this fight and knows that this is not over, so he gently picks up Vision and grabs the Mysto mask, starts to head towards the Quinjet. He doesn't know what to do, but he knows one thing that he needs to go back to New York before any thing else happens. Once he finally arrives, Loki quickly goes in the Quinjet and place Vision on the bed that is usually kept for the injured. Then he quickly heads to the control and navigation panel, Loki quickly press some buttons and use his password to get everything set. Loki has the ship to start to take off and set the route to the city on auto pilot, the future is unclear and he doesn't know what the next three days will look like. But Loki knows that this fight is not over yet and he knows that he needs to make a call right now because she needs to know what's going on and he's going to need some help in coming up with a new plan...

Chapter Text

Jane has been trying to stop herself from making frequent check ins to see that the Infinity Stones are safely secured in her vault and to just relax, but she can't help but check on it every five minutes to make sure that the stones are still there to protect. It has been a nerve wrecking couple of days, she wonders how things are going in the battle and if things are going well. So far she has heard nothing from Thor or Darcy, she has never felt this nervous and worried in her entire life. She even tries to watching the news and so far there has been no news, at least no one tried to break into her apartment. Though to be honest, she's surprise to see both Loki and Darcy still being alright with all of the things that happend to them, but then again they are a different pair than Thor and her and have been through who knows how many adventures. At least Darcy is over there receiving some kind of updates from someone or something. She can't wait till she hears something from anyone, soon the wait will over...

All of the sudden, the phone starts to ring and that catches Jane by surprise and she knows that this is the moment that she has been waiting for and the moment where anything can happen. She is finally going to get some answers and Jane will know the truth and she will be able to get all of the answers to her questions. Hopefully she will get some word or find out something; anything. When Jane arrives to the phone, she sees the caller id and it was Darcy, at least she will give her any answer that Loki probably already told her. Though they must have been busy if it has taken her this long to call or say anything that might be an update of what's going on, she quickly picks up the phone to find out the truth.

"Hey Darcy, what's going on?" said Jane. "How's Thor? Is Mysto alright? Did you guys beat him? What-"

"Jane... Please tell me, it's you on the other end of the line." said Loki on the other side, not even knowing what to say or do at this moment.

"Loki?! I mean Mysto, as like your code name or something." said Jane trying to cover things up, in case of potential eavesdroppers. "What's going on? Are you alright?"

"I would be better if I knew that everything will turn out fine and..." said Loki. "Other than that I really need to talk to you, I am on my way over there right now."

"Ok, where's Darcy? What's going on?" said Jane. "You sound really upset and I don't think I have ever heard you being this upset ever."

"Darcy... can't answer at the moment... I don't want to talk about it..." said Loki. "I am heading towards your home right now and going to land on the roof."

"Wait you are landing on the roof?" said Jane surprised at how far Loki is able to go at the moment. "Aren't you worried that someone might see you or that-"

"I have already placed an illusion on the ship, we do not need to worry about any one seeing us." said Loki. "I will be there in a couple of minutes, just make sure that no one is on the rooftop when I arrive."

Before Jane can even say another word, Loki hung up and leaving Jane even more confused at the moment, she wonders what must have happend if Loki is not acting like himself. Plus why would he even be calling from Darcy's phone and is there something going on? What is going on? Well she's going to have a long talk with Loki once he arrives, she should go up to the roof before Loki arrives or someone is standing on a rooftop that they have a giant jet landing on the roof. Though the question is why would Loki land it on the apartment building? Why is he the one driving the ship? Why did Darcy let him make a phone call? What does Loki mean that Darcy "can't answer at the moment?" Well it looks like she has to wait until Loki comes over to find out, but she has the feeling that she is not going to like what she's going to hear.

Jane begins to head up to the roof, someone has to be there to meet Loki once he lands and hopes that whatever news he brings will be good. Though part of her doubts that she will like what she will hear...

Twenty minuetes later

Loki is just relieved that he has someplace to go and it's not the empty apartment where there will be nothing but reminders of his failure of even coming up with a competent plan that could have avoided the Avengers and Darcy from falling into Thanos's clutches. Aside from that, at least he knows that the remaining three stones are still safe and the last thing he needs is to figure out a clever trick of covering up Jane's disappearance or to try to find all of the Infinity stones in a hurry. He quietly put Darcy's phone on the chair as he goes to the bathroom to look into the mirror to take a look at himself. Loki had so much on his mind that he didn't even realize that he still hasn't cleaned himself up from the fight over two hours ago.

Once Loki sees himself in the mirror, he is surprise to see how much of a mess he is and knows that he can't be seen like this. Loki's hair is a tangled mess that looks like if Thanos made it his personal mission to give him a bad hair day, the Mysto suit is dirty and not to mention ripped at the center. With the Mysto Spark symbol completely ripped and some of metals being melted. No one would believe that this is the official Mysto costume and Loki even starting to feel like if Thanos just took a part of Mysto and destroyed it, but still maybe it can get repaired and he can ask Jane if she knows anything about taloiring then that can help at least the possible repairs of the costume. Loki takes a look at the burn mark that he has obtained from the power stone, he takes a quick look and determines that it's a second degree burn and it was right where the stab that Kurse made two months ago.

It would be fine, as long as he's careful and make sure that he put some extra armor on that particular part. Loki knows that he can just drink some heeling potion, but it might be better to save the bottle and a half for emergencies. Loki doesn't even know what Thanos might be doing them right now or if anyone was hurt from the battle or Thanos is hurting them right now. It might be a better idea if he just withhold the heeling potion, so that way he will know what he'll be dealing with and right now Loki has to worry about figuring out what might be the best plan on how to deal with the stones and Thanos's demands. He just hopes that Jane has thought of a good plan where there might be a chance to get the stones out of their objects, Loki knows that it might be their best chance to get the stones out of their objects and to make sure that they use them as a decoy in some form.

It looks like the wait will finally be over, Loki reaches the building and is about to land on the roof. He figures that he might as well focus on trying to make himself somewhat presentable, the last thing he needs is for Jane to be fussing over him and try to make sure that he is ok for Thor's sake. So Loki uses his magic to change into an more of an casual outfit and one that is still true to Asgard but it's mostly used for leisure and to relax in his downtime. It may not be his usual Asgardian outfit that he is normally wearing, but it's a little more confortable and at least he will be able to go through the following days without being in pain from the pressure of the armor. Loki made sure that his hair is presentable and use his magic to make sure that it undos whatever mess that Thanos left him from that disaster of a fight, at least he can still say that his hair is still manageable. Other than that Loki knows that this is going to the least of his problems.

He just hopes that Jane will take the news that Thor and Darcy is on an alien space ship with Thanos in charge, the last thing that Loki needs is to deal with is an arguement with Jane or something. He knows that both Thor and Jane care about each other too much that they would be ready to head into danger and not take a minute to look at the potential dangers and consequences that might be in store if they try to go towards a fight against Thanos underprepared or without a plan. It looks like that he's going to have to deal with this sooner rather than later, since he's about to land on the roof and the long conversation is about to happen and to face who knows what this conversation will bring or how he will have to deal with the unknown future for the battle up ahead.

4 minuetes later

Jane watches the Quinjet as it slowly lands on the roof, she has to find out what's going on and to see what is going on. Though she has no idea on how she is going to explain is anyone walks in and bumps into an invisible jet. But she will figure something out and probably will lock the roof door after they leave and make up a story of it being under construction or something. Soon the Quinjet has landed on the ground and the door slowly opens the door and once it is fully down, Loki begins to head towards Jane, not even knowing what to say that might make the situation sound better than how it is. If only this is as easy as it sounds, he slowly aproaches Jane ready to get this conversation over with.

"Loki, what happend? Where's Thor and Darcy? How did you manage to convince the Avengers to fly one of their jets here? Why are you not in your costume?" begins Jane. "Did-"

"Jane, there is so much that I have to tell you, but first I need to ask you if you know anything about Earth's technology when it comes to robots?" said Loki almost immediately ready to interrupt her from all of the questions that are swirling through her mind. It's time to get down to business and to get started on trying to fix things and get everyone out of that ship in one form or another.

"Wait, what does knowing robotics have to do with all of this?" asked Jane. "Loki-"

"Just follow me, I need to show you something and it's really imperative that we deal with this right now." said Loki. "You study sciences that exist on this planet, I believe that you can provide me with an answer."

Loki begins to head to the ship in a hurry and Jane begins to slowly follow him, not even knowing what she is about to expect or see. As Jane slowly enters into the Quinjet and follows Loki to wherever he may be heading to. She can't help but want to look around the ship and see her surroundings, despite whatever news Loki may bring to her. Though she is curious why would Loki want her to know anything about robotics and ask her to come inside the Quinjet? He seems to be really upset about something or wants whatever he wants repaired. Whatever might be going on, it looks like she is going to find out soon. Loki quickly open a door and goes inside the room, Jane quietly goes in and stares at the sight that is now right in front her.

Jane can't believe that Loki brought Vision all the way here and no one needs to have been there to know that Thanos must have taken the Infinity Stone. She now figured that things didn't end well if he came all of the way here to bring her a dead Vision. Why would Loki bring a dead android all the way here? Unless... She just hopes that Loki is not thinking what she thinks that he's thinking. The last thing Jane wants is to disappoint Loki for some reason and she already knows that Loki must have been through a lot in the past couple of hours. It looks like that this conversation is going to go in a route that Jane never thought that she would have to deal with this and figure that it might be best to let Loki start things off.

"I know that this might be a little too much to ask, but is there any possible way that you can find a way to fix him?" asked Loki. "I know that you have invented your own science contraptions, maybe you know something about robotic repairs."

"I'm an atrophysict not an robotics engineer, sure I have created my own equipment in the past..." said Jane. "I really don't think that I might be able to pull it off, I don't even know if I might be able to make that kind of repair."

"It doesn't hurt to try, Vision did sacrifice himself for me and the least I can do is to try to save him from this fate..." said Loki. "He found out who I was and instead of turning against me, he was doing everything in his power to make sure that I did not get caught and at least try to take on Thanos. It would be the least I can do, if I can somehow manage to fix him, he is a piece of technology and don't humans have repair shops for malfunctioning pieces of technology?"

"Yes, but we don't exactly bring dead-" begins Jane, before she can even finish Loki interupts her and has a couple of things to say himself.

"He's not dead, we can fix him and maybe we can find a way to fix him and maybe we can..." said Loki defensively. "We have to at least try, I tried to stop him from sacrificing himself and it was my fault that it even happened. I called him useless the last time we met before everything else, I drove him to this and-"

"Loki, whatever happened back there was not your fault and Vision made that choice and-" said Jane trying to add some comfort to the situation and try to be nice to him before he interrupts her again.

"It's not just Vision, everyone else including Darcy is now imprisoned by Thanos and is on some ship with him in outer space." said Loki. "None of it would have happend if I didn't come up with that plan or see what Thanos may be planning ahead of time. Why did I think that I can do this? Now if you excuse me, I just need... to think of a plan to get them out of this mess..."

With that Loki heads out of the room and Quinjet to spend some time alone to think and maybe to try to figure out how to at least rescue everyone from Thanos's clutches and to keep the stones away from him as long as possible. He can't believe that one of the things that he never wanted to happen, actually happend and now who knows what might be happening over there. Loki knows that he can just use the tesseract to teleport himself to the ship and figure things out from there, but there is still a huge risk. It does not help with the main concern of possibly loosing the fight and result in his capture and loosing one more Infinity Stone. When he reaches to the edge of the roof, he sits there to try to think of what to do and if there is a chance for Loki to win this fight.

As for Jane, she looks at Vision and decides to take a look at him to see if there is a possible chance of the android being repaired. She doesn't need to stop to learn about possible methods of advance robot repairs to know that Vision is beyond repair, part of her doesn't even know how she is going to tell Loki or how they are going to tell that to the others. But still she can't help but worry for Thor and Darcy, who are stuck in some alien ship with Thanos and there is no way that they will be able to find a way to rescue everyone and to keep the stones safe. She has to find a way to help Loki save them all or to try to at least make things easier, before she can even think of what might possibly be the best sollution... Jane notices something...

She moves in a little closer to see the damage that Thanos made on Vision, she notices something that she did not think she would have seen. One look at the the broken pieces of Vision's forehead and she is surprised. Jane thought about her theory, but she has never thought that she would be right or at least her theory close to being right. Maybe they can defeat Thanos after all and that they might be able to stand a chance and it might be a time for a new plan that they might be able to at least stand a chance in the fight against Thanos. Maybe Loki bringing her Vision's dead body isn't such a horrible surprise after all, maybe she can help and save them or at least finally get the Infinity Stones out of their objects...

Meanwhile on the other side of space

Darcy is sitting alone in a cell, she doesn't know where Thanos putted the Avengers or if he even succeeded in getting all of the Avengers or if Loki is on the ship right now or where he is. She would give anything to know what's going on or know that if Loki is alright. The last thing that she saw of him is Thanos tourchering him with the Power stone and then the next thing she knew is that she is sent back to the ship and is put in a cell. So far it isn't so bad and at times wonder if Thanos did catch all of the Avengers and if Loki is in some cell right now. But still she highly doubts that they would be playing around with the power stone on Loki again, Thanos can't find the stones if Loki is so badly injured from power stone injuries.

Whether Loki is on the ship or not, Darcy knows that he will find a way to get them all out of there or maybe already escape from Thanos and thinking of a plan right now before anything else happens. She is not going to just sit around and go into an endless wonder on worrying about Loki and acting like the damsel in distress until Loki or the Avengers to appear, she has to figure out how to get out of here and to try to see if she can find a way to do something that guarantee that things will get better. But the question is how?

Maybe there is something in here that might be able to help escape from the cell, Darcy begins to look if maybe there is a loose screw or something strong enough that might at least make a big enough dent for her to go through and try to find something that can help. So far she hasn't seen anything that might be able to help her escape from the prison. Darcy keeps looking and looking until she finally found a sharp object that might be good enough to at least to try to pick the lock, though she has never picked a lock before but many humans have done it before in real life and in movies. It can't be that hard if people have done it in the past, so Darcy picked it up and got to work on trying to pick the lock. So far it's not working, but Darcy is determined to figure out how to get this lock open.

That is until there are footsteps that are slowly approaching the cell and Darcy knows that someone is coming and that she'd be in serious trouble if they see her trying to pick the lock. Darcy quickly got away from the door and put the object in her pocket, she has to be ready to start again after whatever guard passes by. Soon it turns out that it is not going to be as easy as that because Nebula and Cull Obsidian is standing outside of the cell. Darcy doesn't even know what to make of the situation and is now wondering why are they standing right in front of her. What if she is making noise or they somehow saw her trying to pick the lock? She doesn't think that's possible and it looks like that she is going to find out soon.

"Can we have a moment alone?" asked Nebula to Cull. "It might be wise for me to talk to her without someone as muscular as you around, that is unless you want to fail Thanos."

Cull nodded his head in agreement, for the first time agreeing with Nebula's request and left her alone to be with Darcy. Nebula just hopes that he gives her plenty of time to talk to Darcy and she can actually have a conversation with her. Her new plan is to try to find out as much information that she can and then figure out how to somehow use this in her favor. She opens the cell door and start to head inside, she is ready to hear whatever Darcy has to say and maybe give her some answers to her questions. She can't get her answers if it feels like it's an interrogation, she knows how to deal with people like this and it might be one of the best ways to deal her. That is if she can convince Darcy in giving her the information that they are looking for. Nebula hopes that she will be able to succeed or else..

"It looks like that you are settling yourself in well." said Nebula trying to be civil towards Darcy. "Let's make things easier for you and-"

"Where is he?! What is Thanos doing to him?!" said Darcy defensively and is almost ready to beat up the blue alien girl regardless of her years of fighting experience. "Did you guys catch the Avengers too? What are you doing to them?! I have to warn you that you do not want to mess with-"

"We managed to catch these 'Avengers' and right now Thanos is interrogating all of them minus the blond one." said Nebula. "As for Loki, Thanos letted him go to get the Infinity Stones and he has given him two days from today to finally meet his demands."

Darcy sighs as she feels a huge amount of relief, at least Loki's fine and not on the ship, but the question is what is Loki planning to do? He can't just give up the Infinity Stones and she's sure that he will be thinking of great plan. But the question is how are they going to get out of here and what is Thanos planning to do them in the next two days? She just hopes that for some miracle, the Avengers will come in and they already came up with an exciting escape plan that might be effective. Though Darcy just wishes that Nebula can just leave so that way she can continue picking the lock and wing it with the escape plan.

"Listen, Thanos wants to question all of you for possible weaknesses and everything they know about Loki." explained Nebula. "I volunteered to be the one to do the questioning for you and so far we haven't had any luck."

"So now you want me to throw Loki under the bus? News flash Nebula, there is no way that I would ever help you or Thanos in this sick quest of yours." said Darcy. "Why don't we just get this over with and tell me what is Thanos going to do after he get the Infinity stones? I bet he's going to let all of us live our daily lives and do wonderful things with that power."

"Thanos's motives for the Infinity Stones and the universe is questionable, but trust me when I say that this is the best method." said Nebula. "Now here's a question for you, what do you think that Loki might do once he comes here?"

"That's a wired question, do you really think I would tell you? Even if I know, I would never do anything like that and-" Darcy stoped herself because she realize that this is the moment where she can use the situation for her own advantage and to try to put Thanos at an disadvantage. It may not do much but at least it will help buy some time.

"Look I don't like Thanos anymore than you do, but this is-" starts Nebula before she is interrupted by Darcy.

"Ok you win, I'll tell you everything that I know and let's just say that it's going to be really interesting." said Darcy trying hard not to laugh. "Loki once turned an entire street into ice cream and his weakness is... bubbles."

"What?" asked a surprised Nebula, she honestly doesn't even know what to make of this information.

"Yeah that's right, you really don't want to know what else or Thanos might have a field day." said Darcy. "In case Loki never told you, the problem is that he always had this childhood fear of bubbles and always panics when he's sees them. But the best way of getting Loki on his toes, all you have to do is put bubbles out there and then he freaks out, I don't know why but he does."

"What is 'ice cream?' Why is Loki afraid of bubbles?" asked Nebula who is skepticcal of the entire discovery.

"That's the thing, whenever Loki sees bubbles... His powers mulfunction and crazy things happen." said Darcy. "Ice cream is a human desert that is cold and once Loki saw a big bubble when he was doing hero work and he panicked. Instead of that fancy ice magic, Loki turned an entire street into an ice cream wonderland, but you can't tell Thanos any of this. We can't afford to give Loki another panic attack like that, can you image how horrible it would be if Loki sees one little bubble? He'd be a wreck..."

Nebula just stared at Darcy completely speechless, never before she has ever heard something so ridiculous in her entire life. She knows for a fact that there is no way that Loki would ever be afraid as harmless as bubbles. This may not be the information that Nebula was looking for or rather hoping for, but this information might be some use for her. She might need a good laugh and besides at least she will have the excuse of being told of this information, Thanos didn't exactly train her to be a lie detector.

"Can you tell me more, aside from Loki's surprising phobia of bubbles?" asked Nebula. "I really need more than that to tell Thanos, that is if you have anything more to tell me that might be some use for us."

"Nope, nothing more that I can think of." said Darcy who doesn't even know what to say and figures that it might be best if she goes on the casual approach. "But whatever you do don't you dare tell Thanos about Loki's weakness or else he would hurt him more than the stones might be able to do."

"Don't worry, I will make sure that this information won't get in the wrong hands..." said Nebula who doesn't even know if she should be annoyed or give a rare smile on how unbelievable that this revelation is. "It's clear that you really care about your friend, you better start hoping that Loki does come up with a plan or give up the stones because once Thanos has the chance to hold the power of all six Stones, then he will make sure that Loki pays severely."

"Well Loki can put up a good fight, he's not going to just give Thanos the Infinity Stones like that." said Darcy. "Well at least I hope not, but still my point is that Loki is not some weak fighter who is going to throw in the towel and let Thanos wins. Neither will the rest of us and-"

"I know that, I am just telling you that Thanos have things planned for Loki and he's going to make sure that Loki pays for everything." said Nebula. "I wouldn't be surprise if he tries to give Loki a slow and painful death..."

"What are you saying?" asked Darcy, not even knowing if she wants to know what Nebula is trying to say.

"I am trying to tell you that Thanos is planning to break Loki's spirit in order to try to defeat him once and for all, Thanos wants to destroy Loki's self esteem as a way to beat him." said Nebula. "I don't know why Thanos wants to break Loki's self esteem and what benefit it would bring to our cause..."

"Maybe it's to get bragging rights or to try to put... Nebula what do you know about the Soul Stone?" asked Darcy as she starts to realize something.

"All I know is that the stone has the power to take souls and if they aren't returned in time then the victim will perish." said Nebula. "Though there are some cases of someone just succumbing to the lack of a soul and it comes to... the victim having self doubts..."

Darcy just ignores whatever else Nebula may be saying in the moment as she stops to think about what is going on in her mind as she realize what Thanos might have in store for Loki. What if Thanos wants to break Loki so that way he can take Loki's soul and with hopes that it would kill him? It would make sense, why would he be this ready to defeat Loki and is almost ready to take his soul the last time they met. If she didn't stop Thanos in time and convinced him that there no way he would find the stones without him then Loki would be dead for real worst case scenario. It looks like she has to watch out for Loki once she finds a way out or hope that he has been upgrading the Mysto costume's armor. But still this is Loki, there is no way that he would ever listen to someone like Thanos or at least put up a good fight before even considering it. She needs to do something, but the question is what?

Nebula is also silent as she realize that Thanos is going to go on a path that is going to hit rock bottom. But it shouldn't be any different, Thanos has hurt many others in the past and Loki is no different. Then again Thanos just gives all of his victims a quick death and the only exception is whenever they may need to interrogate them for information. But never anything that would be outright torture and in hopes that it would be enough to destroy the victim even more than being dead would. Well it doesn't matter to her, Loki is just someone who is trying to fight the wrong person. If he stoped and think then maybe he'll realize that this is a fight that he can't win and then just leave, never having to deal with him in that way. Why is she stopping to think about Loki? She knows that he is one of the few that ever treated her decently the last time that he was on the ship, but all of this shouldn't bother her right?

Before Darcy or Nebula can say another word to each other, both of them have a lot to say to each other and to try to make them see their point of view. Darcy wants to somehow try to find a way to escape right now and to make sure that she somehow finds a way back to Earth. While Nebula on the other hand wants to talk to Darcy about this and tell her more about Thanos and she doesn't even know if she wants to sink down to the same level. Ebony Maw appears in front of the cell and looks at both of them, he can't tell what's going on between the two of them. But at least it seems like that Nebula is doing a good job of getting the girl's attention and in a way preparing her for the next part. He opens the cell door with a loud bang of the door hitting the wall following him and grabs the attention of both Nebula and Darcy.

"Well if you are done interrogating her Nebula, I would like you to escort to the throne room." said Ebony Maw. "The master invited her to dinner and he wants you to guard the entire meeting. In case we get any unwanted interruptions, the last thing that we want is for any interruptions from him..."

"Yes, we will be on our way." said Nebula as she puts her cybertronic hand on Darcy's shoulder to lead her out to their destination. "A word of advice. just do what I say and treat Thanos with the utmost respect. Then he will possibly take it easy on you and make sure that he does not sense any emotions that you may be feeling."

With that both Nebula and Darcy begins to make their way towards Thanos and whatever she might be facing yet. Darcy can't help but think about what might happen in there with Thanos and the question remains. Why does Thanos want to see her? Judging from Nebula, it's clear that they want to figure out everything they can to try to find a way to get all of the information that they need to break Loki. Maybe if she just not tell Thanos anything and claim that she doesn't know, then he will be more civil then he looks. But she highly doubts it and just hopes that the Avengers are there. Especially Thor, at least she will be dealing only a few questions and it won't be like if Loki just comes in out of nowhere.

While she is on the topic of Loki, Darcy is now wondering what does that wired alien guy mean by "him." Is Loki on the ship too? Then again, Nebula did say... What if she's lying? But Nebula doesn't seem to be the lying type and plus wouldn't there be guards going after Loki and making sure that he is caught before he can do anything. Well either way she is going to find out what's going on in this little meeting, she just hopes that whatever happens in that room it is not worse then she imagines...

A Couple of minutes later

Darcy and Nebula finally manages to reach their destination and it is time to see what Thanos has to say and how things are going to go downhill from here. She just hopes that this is quick and if Darcy has to choose between dealing with Nebula and Thanos, she would definitely vote for having a friendly conversation with Nebula. Who is one of the most confusing people that she has ever met and she can't figure out if Nebula is a good person or if she's the worse. At least she have the chance to try to figure it out before they meet up with Loki two days from now. But soon figuring out what to think about Nebula will be the last thing on her mind...

"Darcy?!" said a surprised Thor. "How are you here? What? When?"

"Hey Thor, how's it going?" said Darcy nervously and trying to make things casual between them. "So any tips for anyone who is imprisoned in an alien space ship? Uh... nice handcuffs..."

Thor is handcuffed and with two of the Chitauri behind him, Darcy is surprise to see him there and quickly look around to see if any of the other Avengers will be joining them and there is no sign of them. Maybe she will luck out after all and won't have to deal with an entire team of superheroes demanding answers, but that won't stop Thor from asking them. She has no idea on how to answer all of the questions that might be going through Thor's mind, but she just hopes that it will be enough and that she can somehow make up an convincing story that Thor and the Avengers might possibly buy.

"It would be nicer if these handcuffs are not Asgardian made, Thanos must have taken a few during his little visit to Asgard." said Thor in annoyance.

"Couldn't you have just called your magic hammer to come to you and then use it's magic or your powers to break free?" asked Darcy nervously and yet hopeful that it would be a helpful suggestion in this dark situation.

"Asgardian handcuffs blocks any power and magic from reaching the prisoner, I am completely powerless with these handcuffs on." said Thor. "Even if I can use my powers, Mjornir is back on Earth and it will probabley take a while for it arrive let alone find a way to escape without it making a hole somewhere with us having a race against time. There is no guarantee that we all might be able to escape in time, what I would like to know is how did you manage to get caught in the first place? Have you seen Mysto?"

"I found her on your ship and-" begins Nebula trying to answer the question and surprised to see that Thor doesn't seem to know that Darcy is on the ship and who is Mysto?

"It's because I was stowing away because I wanted to see the fight between you guys and Thanos. I mean it's basically a comic book fan's dream come true if she gets to see a superhero team and this big bad have some big mega battle." said Darcy trying her best to cover up the real reason why she is there. "As for Mysto, I think he must have escaped and probably trying to think of some plan or something. What's going on with the other Avengers? Are they alright?"

"The others are fine, Thanos mostly had the Black Order interrogated all of them and he also has Banner, the Maxioffs and Rogers in these handcuffs." said Thor. "I can't believe that he would go this far and is too stubborn to believe the truth. Loki is dead and now he is causing a rampage for the stones and putting everyone in danger for someone who has been dead for the past two months!"

"Yeah it's a pain, Thanos is so going to get what is coming to him." said Darcy confidently and then later turn nervous as she approaches the next question going on her mind. "But here's a question, let's just say hypothetically of course, that Thanos in his own twisted way was telling the truth and Loki decides to pop out nowhere alive. How would you feel or react to it?"

"I honestly don't know, I know that I would at first be angry at him for lying to me for all of this time. But after that I don't know and I really haven't thought about it to be honest, that will never happen..." said Thor. "People like Thanos never cared about what others may have to endure, as long as he gets the stones and do whatever he wants with them then that's the only thing that matters."

"I guess I can't argue with that one." said Darcy quietly as she deals with the gravity of the situation.

"But still I can't believe that you would put yourself in danger like that and stow away on the ship like that." said Thor a little annoyed that Darcy would put herself in danger like this. "We are all lucky that Thanos hasn't done his worse... yet."

Darcy just turns away from her friend as he finished saying that, she feels guilty that she is part of the cause of the grief that Thor has been feeling for the past two months. But it was mostly to protect and help Loki, he couldn't afford in letting Thor know or at least somehow allow Thor to figure out the truth. If it's not for the fact that they might end up in jail for it or for something Thanos related, though to be honest Thanos managed to have caught Thor with or without knowing that big secret. At least Loki got the whole Thor would be angry thing right, she wonders how long it would take for Thor to cool down from that anger. Maybe once she gets back and if things work out then maybe she can talk to Loki and figure something out once the reveal happens. She just hopes that they are both ready for this or else this little meeting with Thanos will feel like a vacation...

Nebula couldn't help but wonder about the conversation that took place and she is surprised and confused at the entire situation. How come Thor didn't drop the act the moment that these two are catching up? He doesn't seem to know that Darcy is on their ship and seems to be genuinely surprise by seeing her here, plus that question that she ask about Loki and possibly calling him "Mysto." If this is an act, then they are doing a too good of a job to trying to put it on. It also does seem strange that... Wait what if none of them except Darcy knows about Loki and he somehow put a masquerade with that requires that costume to do so? It may seem crazy but in a wired way it makes sense and would explain everything. Now she's confused, what is she going to do with this possible new information?

Thor has point about Thanos and as long as she has solid proof, he is never going to believe this theory or would even take it seriously. But still it's something that she doesn't have to tell just yet and plus knowing Thanos, he will figure it out and will find a way to use this information against Loki and the others. At least she doesn't have to worry about this until who knows when and he will probably going to do something two days from now. It wouldn't hurt withholding this new development a little while. At least until things start to fall apart and what Thanos doesn't know won't hurt him, at least this is not her problem right? It doesn't matter what happens as long as she gets her freedom and revenge, but why is she starting to think sentiment towards everyone? She doesn't want to be as weak as her sister or fall into the catagory that Thanos would consider as weakness. She'll get over it right?

Before Nebula can even have a chance to consider why she is feeling this way or think of what to do with this development. All of them heard Thanos announce them all to enter and she knew that it's time for the next part of Thanos's plan. Nebula just hopes that they just see common sense and that this little dinner is not going to last too long. Soon they all walked in the room with the Chitauri and Nebula behind them, both of them looked at their surroundings and are surprise to see that this dining room is not exactly a dinning room...

It was throne room and it doesn't look like Thanos has a meal planned for the three of them to share. It was dark and stony, if there was once any light in that room then Thanos destroyed it in a heartbeat. Both Thor and Darcy knows that whatever Thanos may have planned for both of them will be anything but good, that Thanos is going to make sure that he gets the information that he wants in one way or another. Thor knows that this is the moment where he wants to settle the truth once and for all, this can't keep going on. He doesn't want to know what Thanos is planning to do once he finally realize that he's telling the truth. Darcy doesn't want to know what's going to happen if Thanos manages to get a hold of Loki and what he might do to him...

Soon Thanos approaches the two and he is out of the armor that they last seen him in as he personally put all of them in their cells. He was wearing a long blue top, grayish pants and the Infinity gauntlet in his left hand. He seems to be more relaxed, but at the same time more intimidating and he looks ready to deal with them just the same. One look at Thanos, Darcy knows that she is never going to roll her eyes at and criticize Star Wars and Princess Leia being captured by Vader again. Now she knows how Loki must feel and at least things can't get any worse than this...

"Well it looks like Nebula and the Chitauri finally have done something right, the only reason I have called you for this dinner for answers." said Thanos. "As you both notice, there is no food and that's not how my dinners work. It's for me to ask my prisoners questions and you two spend here hours here with me in one of the most heavily guarded rooms on the ship."

"Great, we got an invite for a meal and we walked into an interrogation. Any tips for being a prisoner on an alien ship, Thor?" said Darcy sarcastically. "This is not what I thought it would be like."

"The whole point of this meeting is not for you to eat a feast!" said Thanos aggressively before turning calm again to finish his objectives. "The point is for me to interrogate you both and I won't let you leave until I get my answers or until I grow tired of it and demise you both back to your cells."

"Why did you pick us?" demanded Thor believing that he knows the answer, but he doesn't want to have it confirmed...

"You two are the closest to Loki, I would like you both to give me the information that I need to find the Stones and any methods on destroying Loki." said Thanos. "In case he believes that fleeing is the wise option."

Both Thor and Darcy turn to each other, exchanging a look of disbelief on their faces, they can't believe that Thanos would put them in this situation. Thor is angry that Thanos is ready to stoop this low and even if Loki is alive there is no way he would sell him out to this monster. Darcy is outrage, there is no way she would ever tell Thanos anything and the last thing that she ever wants is to hurt Loki. Especially if Thor is here and she is now feeling more and more nervous by the minuete, their big secret might get exposed at any moment. One wrong move and it's game over for both of them when it comes to Loki being free and the superhero that might be able to defeat Thanos is over. Then it will be a long week for sure...

"Are you Mad?! Loki is dead, he's dead and he's never coming back..." said Thor, sad on admitting that part before he turned defensive. "Darcy doesn't even have anything to do with this. She has never even met Loki when he was alive, are you really going to interrogate her for something that she has never been a part of?"

Darcy turned away, she is feeling a little guilty at seeing Thor defend her and here she is helping Loki keep his secret. Not that she's saying that she wouldn't have helped Loki, but that doesn't stop her from feeling guilty about this. Especially with how they are now trapped on an alien spaceship with no hope on getting out and Loki somewhere down on Earth trying to find a way to get them back without giving up the stones. How is she going to possibly make up for this one?

"Loki is still on Midgard and with luck on our side, he will be bringing the remaining three Infinity Stones and only then I will be more than happy to set you all free." said Thanos. "You can lie to yourself all you want, but that is the truth and I will rise up victorious with Terra and Loki in ashes."

"Ok, after you get Loki and these stones, what are you going to do next? What good do you hope that this will bring in the end?" demanded Darcy.

"After I get the stones and destroy Loki, I will use the stones for one more thing and it's something I have been wanting to do ever since she escaped." said Thanos "I am planning to do a deep mind alter on her..."

At that moment Thor and Darcy can't even believe what they are hearing and to see someone like Thanos go that dark and would be willing to go that far on someone. Darcy is starting to worry a little bit for Loki and at the same time trying to comfort herself in trying to say things Loki is tough, he won't let Thanos break him like that and he will also put up a fight. Thor is getting more and more angry at the minuete, never before he has felt a deep anger towards someone and can't wait until he get out of these handcuffs to take Thanos down. Even Nebula is disgusted by the things that Thanos is planning to do, she may have had a low opinion on her but she never wanted things to go that far...

"Once I do that, then I will travel around in the galaxy for a couple of years dealing with unfinished business before I eliminate all life from this universe and beyond." continued Thanos. "I am willing to go as far as I can to make sure that I succeed in my goals."

"In other words, you believe that doing all of this will give you power to fulfill this twisted poisoness dream." said Thor angry. "This is madness beyond comprehension!"

"Yeah not too mention, you're practically giving the world an unhappy ending." said Darcy in disgust. "A ending where no one would win, well everyone who wants to live their life without you coming in to destroy everything."

"It doesn't matter what others may have to suffer for me to reach my goals, I am willing to do whatever I deem necessary to make sure that I win." said Thanos. "I will rise victorious and make sure that the universe is exactly as how I envisioned it."

"What are you planning to do if you don't get the Stones in time?" asked Darcy nervously.

"Let's just say that I am more than ready to give Loki the push that he needs to give up the stones." said Thanos. "Now enough of your questions, I want answers and you two must tell me everything that you know about what Loki is doing and where he is holding the stones if he dares to try to defy me."

"Well I have to say that you are wasting your time, there is no Loki coming to save us with the stones." said Thor. "You will never win or complete this quest and-"

"How can you be so blind? Loki was there and you are still pretending that he's dead, do you really believe that-" said Thanos in frustration before he turns to Darcy. "You saw him on the battlefield and know the truth, tell us what you know about Loki and his whereabouts. Then maybe I might make things easier for all of you..."

Darcy nervously looked at Thanos, she is at a lost for words and feels really nervous at the place he puts her in. She can't just confirm Loki is alive in front of Thor, especially like this, aside from the secret that she and Loki worked so hard to protect, there is also the fact that if Thanos get all of the stones then they will be doomed and will have to face whatever plans Thanos may have for them. She knows that this is one of the most important choices that she may have to ever make because right now it's a lose-lose scenerio and for the fate of the universe, Loki, the Avengers and everyone in between...

"I don't know what you are talking about and I think you are trying to use someone else like Mysto to carry on that lie you created for yourself." said Darcy defensively. "You do realize that even if you are right, there is no way that we would ever tell you anything and here's a little fact about us humans and the occasional Asgardians. We don't give up the fight that easily and won't let you win that easily."

"It is clear that you all have a false sense of hope, it looks like I might have to go towards a new direction when it comes to this." said Thanos. "Nebula, be sure to put her in cell number 2 and I'm sure she'll be a wonderful cellmate for the living weapon."

"Wait what?" said Darcy not even knowing if she likes where this is going and if this is a good sign or if she should panic.

"While I deal with the Asgardian, it's time for both of us have a deep conversation and settle this once and for all." said Thanos. "It's clear that we have a few things to deal with and I know that we will get along great."

Before Darcy can say or do anything, Nebula just gently place her other hand on Darcy's shoulders and begins to lead the way to the cell. The last thing that they need is to witness what is about to happen. Darcy can't help but turn to look behind her and can't help but wonder what is going to happen to Thor, she just hopes that Thanos will take things easy on Thor. None of this is going well and she just hopes that whatever Loki is planning somehow work or maybe she can find a way to escape and that she can at least sabatoge the ship or something. Well whatever happens, someone's going to need to think of a good plan before it's too late...

Meanwhile back on Earth, one hour later

Loki can't help but wonder what's going on up there and if they are going to be alright, who knows what Thanos might be doing and what method of interogetion he might be doing to them. He wouldn't be surprise of Thor is getting the shorter end of the stick and is being tortured because of the lie that he placed for the last two months. Maybe he'll be lucky and won't have to deal with any of Thanos's wrath, but either way Thanos would use it as an excuse to try break him and even if doesn't get what information he wants. At least he can do whatever he wants with Thor to try to get to him and it would be all his fault, for Darcy he should have never have asked her to take part of the plan.

The plan was a disaster and he just walked into Thanos's grasp and delivered the Avengers and Darcy there. Not too mention, he also is the reason that Vision is dead and for some reason this is bothering him even more than he thought it would. It's more than just the Infinity stone getting lost, he just chooses to act irrationally and let Vision expose himself and later let Thanos kill him. If he can barely protect one stone and life, how can he save everyone? Especially the two that he cares about the most and at least he doesn't have to worry about when he might see them again. But still he ruined both of their lives, Thor is never going to forgive him and he knows that things will get worse between them once the reveal happens. As for Darcy, all he did is make her life hard and his most recent offenses is definitely not going to put him in a high standing when it comes to being a good friend. If he's not causing break ups with her relationships then he's letting Thanos take her. Some hero he turned out to be and now there might possibly be no hope...

"Hey Loki, great news I might not be able to repair Vision or think that we might be able to bring him back." said Jane trying to approach him. "But the bright side is that I might have possibly found a way to remove the stones from it's objects and I kinda need to run it by you and-"

"What is your theory?" asked Loki trying to keep his focus on the horizon and yet is interested in any possible thing that might be able to turn this around for them.

"I was thinking that maybe if we put enough pressure on them then we might be able to break the stones out." said Jane. "I wasn't sure about it, that is until I noticed something about Vision and it looks like Thanos put enough pressure on the stone to rip it out of Vision's forehead. What if we somehow put enough preasure on all of the objects and somehow break the objects for the stones?"

"How do you propose to do that?" asked Loki. "It might be plausible but the only thing that we need to worry about is what to do next."

"Well I was going to cancel, but I already came up with a great plan on how we might possibly put the pressure that we might need to break the stones out." said Jane. "Since I kinda have to go to this school to be a guest speaker for my discoveries of the whole Dark elf incident, plus the school have this boiler room for this art or science program that they have. I was thinking maybe if we sneak the stones in then maybe we can put them in one of the boilers and see if there is enough pressure to break the stones out. Unless you have a spell to do it to save us the trip..."

"If I did, I would have done it weeks ago. We might as well try it, let's just hope that this plan of yours work." said Loki. "If you don't mind I would like to spend some time studying the stones before I leave for the day? To see if it might work after all..."

"Wait you are more open to my ideas? Not that I am saying that you were against my ideas before, but I thought there would be more of a argument in place." said Jane. "Since you do know more about these stones more than I do and I kinda thought-"

"I am more than ready to try anything at this point, just because of the fact that Thanos thought up a plan where he was at least three steps ahead of us." said Loki. "It would be nice if this plan works well this time, I was thinking of maybe giving Thanos a counterfeit of the stones. To make him believe that he has the stones and we will have the real stones the entire time. It may not stop Thanos indefinitely but it might buy us enough time to think of a new plan and try to find a way to defeat Thanos before he gets tired of the peaceful approach and tries a more violent method."

"Ok you are planning to use decoys for Thanos to take and we keep the real Stones?" said Jane. "At least it will get everyone out of Thanos's grasp and give us time to think of something. But still the question is how am I going to get there without someone noticing..."

"What if I accompany you and I can deal with trying to use this human technology?" said Loki. "That way we won't have to deal with any complications."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? Not because of the whole you walking in would cause a public panic, but the whole idea of you trying to figure out an expensive boiler..." said Jane nervously.

"Just because Thor might have gotten some difficulty of operating some piece of technology, it does not mean that I would have the same trouble." said Loki. "I think I can speak for everyone from Asgard when I say we can all read instruction Manuels. It just people like Thor chooses to rush in to try to solve problems rather than think ahead, I'm sure I can handle dealing with a new piece of Midgaurdian technology if I come across it."

"Uh ok.." said Jane. "Well the stones are in the apartment, you can come in if you want to come in..."

"I might as well get this over with, I can't wait for all of this to be over." said Loki. "At least once that happens then maybe I will be able to think straight again."

Jane wanted to say something to Loki and want to hear the whole story of what might have happened back there, so far she only got Vision died, Darcy, Thor and the other Avengers are trapped somewhere in space and they only have two days to figure out a good plan or else. But it is taking an effect on Loki and she might as well give him some space, he doesn't seem to be the type that would be open to talk about what happened aside from what she might need to know. It doesn't take a great detective to figure out that it definitely did not end well, she just wishes that she can know what really happend out there and if Thor is alright. Sure he left her for a couple of times to go back to Asgard, but it was a temporary stay and Thor is not being held prisoner by an evil alien and she has to help Loki to get him, Darcy and the rest of the Avengers back.

It is definitely going to be a tough couple of days, she is ready to help out in anyway she can or at least try to be there for Loki. Well at least try to be more friendly towards him because right now Loki and her has more of a lab partner relationship. Maybe the two of them can try to figure out what might be the best plan and she can somehow convince Loki that she can come along or think of a plan on how to help out, her boyfriend and friend are in that ship. She has to find a way to help them out and at least they are going to try to think of something before Loki has to face Thanos again.

She leads him to the apartment and once they go inside, Jane quickly unlocks her vault and let Loki take out all of the three remaining Infinity Stones out to examine them one last time before they go to see if they can possibly remove the stones tomorrow. He placed them on the table and begins to study each of them and notices that each stone is placed in the object that is firmly adjusted and needed the right pressure for it to be broken out. The pendent and the Teasseract might be easy, but the question is how is he going to get the stone out of the Aeather? Unless...

"I think I might have an idea on how we can at least get the Aether out, but I might need you to go outside a couple of minutes. We can't afford you to have the Aether in your body again, especially with Thanos ready to do anything to make sure that the stone gets out of the gauntlet."

"Ok..." said Jane nervously. She doesn't know what to expect of what Loki might do to the Aether, but she doesn't want to be in here if it fails and quickly went outside.

Loki quickly begins to open the case and let the Aether come out, once all of it comes out of Loki begins to get to work on freezing the Aether and so far it's easier than he thought because of the fact that it's the Aether and it has the power to consume anyone for better or worse. It's reacting nicely with the ice and maybe this might be able to work after all and he can theoretically get the stone out. He just wishes that he thought of this sooner and that maybe he should revaluate all of his plans because right now he is on a loosing streak that he needs to break.

Once Loki manages to freeze the Aether, he knows that this is the moment that he should try to see if this might possibly add some pressure to break the stone out. Once the Aether is completely frozen, Loki thinks that maybe all he has to do is maybe try to see if he can break the block in half to see if he might possibly be able to get the stone out. First Loki broke the Aether out of the ice block and try to figure out what might be the best way to handle getting the stone out of the liquid like state. All he has to do is figure out what might be the best place for the possible half to see if he can find the Infinity Stone. When Loki believes that he finally figured out what might be the best place to do it and he carefully breaks the block in half and much to Loki's surprise...

The Reality stone broke out and it landed on the ground, before Loki knew it, the remainder of the Aether begins to slowly slip out of the ice and goes towards the stone and it begins to head towards the stone. The remains hastily heads towards the stones and soon once all of the Aether arrives to the stone, it gives out a bright glow and the stone is in it's place. Loki is relieved that he doesn't have to worry about trying to figure out how to get the Reality stone out of the Aether, maybe this pressure on the objects idea might work after all.

Loki quickly puts the reality stone on the table and begins to move all of the ice on to the balcony, so that way he won't have to deal with any angry complaints from Jane of having a melting ice block in the living room. He might as well get it over with and move it to melt in the balcony, he just hopes that things will be able to work out from there. Once Loki is done then he went to the door to tell Jane that he is all done and that she doesn't have to worry about another episode that she has an Infinity Stone stuck inside of her again.

She quickly goes in the room and the first two things that she notices is that the reality stone is sitting on the table and that there is a giant block of ice on the balcony. At least Loki sorta cleaned up his mess and that her theory worked and now they just have to worry about the two other stones that are trapped. At least they have one less thing to worry about and they might be able to do this after all. She doesn't know what she is going to do if they fail, but at least they are not going to fail because they have the advantage of having the stones and a plan on their side right?

"Wow you did it! This is great we are one stone closer on getting these stones out." said Jane happily. "So it looks like that I was right about the stones needing to have some kind of pressure on it?"

"It appears so, I doubt that ice is going to be enough for the other two. The Aether was a liquid and it was easy to figure out what might be the pressure, but the question is what might be the other two." said Loki. "Since all Thanos had to do was literally take the stone from Vison's forehead, I just hope this boiler would be enough to break the stone's out of them. But I am going to need to study both objects and put the stone in that vault. It's dangerous to leave it out in the open and we can't afford to put our guard down for anything."

"So your just planning to sit around here to observe the stones and try to figure out if we put them in a boiler will completely work out?" said Jane. "I mean you can stay here as long as you need to."

"I will be out of your hair shortly, I just need to make sure that this might work and the properties of each object." said Loki as he quickly puts the stone in the vault. "Then with luck, we will know what to do and I do have one question for you. Do you know anything about tailoring?"

"What? Taloring? What does fashion have anything to do with this?" asked Jane completely lost on why would Loki ask a thing.

"It's because Thanos did some damages on the Mysto costume and I need some assistance on the repairs." explains Loki and he uses his magic to let his Mysto costume and Jane can't help but stare at the big hole in where the Mysto spark was. As for the rest of the costume it was a mess, when Loki said "some damage" that is a complete understatement.

"Well I know some, but I don't know it's for this magnitude and I am only just still at the beginners stage." said Jane. "But that being said, it doesn't mean that I can't try to fix it."

"At least try to make it look like as much of the original as possible, the last thing I need is to have an unexplained makeover." said Loki as he can't help but look a little fondly of the costume before snapping out of it. "It would only be a unnessicarry distraction, are you sure you are capable of doing that?"

"I'll try my best, though I can't promise that it will be like that a hundred percent. But couldn't you use your magic to create an illusion and no one might tell the difference?" asked Jane.

"I can, but it wouldn't be enough because I would know and... My point being is that I need it to be the same and it is important that we focus on the predicament we are trapped in." said Loki. "Now if you excuse me, I have some studying to do."

Due to the fact that he is not in Darcy's apartment and he is still at Jane's with the other two objects sitting on the living room counter. He just sits down on the couch and begins to get to work, it looks like that Loki is planning to stay up most of the night trying to study the stones. Jane decides it might be best to leave him to study the stones, just because he is going to be doing this all night that doesn't mean that she is just going to stand to watch him and not do anything productive for the rest of the night. She grabs the Mysto costume to examine it and tries to see the damages that are on the costume. So far aside from some dirt spots, the main issue was the center part for the Mysto insignia.

Jane is probably going to wait until morning to ask Loki how he normally cleans the costume, due to the bits of armor that she notices. Now all she has to do is to try to focus on the sewing part and maybe she might be able to pull it off. All she has to do is go to the store tomorrow and see if she can find some thread that might be the same material and color as the symbol or some fabric. Then it will be as good as new, at least that problem is solved and that will be another thing less to worry about and at least the next day will be busy. Well she might as well make the most of this and maybe they can try to win this, at least they are getting closer on trying to get the stones.

It is going to be a long night and day for both of them because of the work that they will have to do the day after and to prepare for the fight against Thanos. There is no telling what might possibly happen in the next couple of days and this might be the most important thing they will ever face. Thanos will make sure that Loki doesn't leave the field until he gives him the Infinity Stones and who knows where things might go from there. But both Loki and Jane knows that they have to try to win this upcoming fight because the universes's and the others' lives depend on it.

Meanwhile back on Thanos's ship

Nebula is leading Darcy to the dungeon, so far it looks like none of the other Avengers were there because she didn't see any of them. She's guessing that due to the fact that the last little encounter she and Thor had with Thanos, it stripped her from having a cell all to herself privileges. Darcy can't help but wonder what Thanos meant by "Living Weapon," who might possibly be that? Well whoever it may be Thanos is hoping for her to have a rotten time. She just hopes that things are not going to be as bad as Thanos may be hoping to happen just does not happen and that she will be fine. Darcy also hopes that Thor is fine back there and hopes that he doesn't go through whatever Loki had to go through the last time that he was here. This can't get any worse can it?

Soon they arrived to a big cell and it looked like if it's a good fit for the Hulk if he is still transformed, but Darcy doubts that this is where they decide to put Hulk or at least she hopes not. She can't see anything in the shadows that appear in the cell and doesn't even know if... she doesn't know if it's a trick of the light, but she might have sworn that she sees someone in the cell. Darcy just hopes that whoever is inside the cell won't take things too hard on her or-

"Well here we are and let me just say that I am really sorry that my father put you in this position." said Nebula. "I would have hated this if it was the other way around and a word of advice, don't trust a word she says because she will only want to use you to win."

With that Nebula opens the cell door and made Darcy go in without a second thought and with a sympathetic look, Nebula slowly walks away and is trying her best to not to look back, she knows that Darcy is better off here compared to how she would be if she was back at Thanos right now...

Darcy decides to keep her guard up as she continues to explore the cell and to see who else might be in there. Well at least she can't complain about not being able to fight a super villain if there is one right in here with her. Then at least she will have some kind of bragging rights to Loki when she eventually returns back to Earth and sees him again. As Darcy continues to head her way trying to see who might be in the cell and prepare for whatever fight she might have to face later on and whoever may be ready to attack.

All of the sudden, she sees someone approaching her in the darkness and Darcy got ready for anything that might be standing out there ready to fight off whoever may be lurking in the shadows that is heading in the light. The next thing that Darcy knew is that she sees a green girl emerging, she knows that she shouldn't be surprised in seeing a green girl after meeting Nebula. But she can't help but feel a sense of shock, at least she looks better off than how Thanos might have handled any of his other prisoners judging from what she has already seen so far. Darcy got ready for anything that this girl may be ready to throw at her or at least try to stand a chance until some guard or Nebula comes back to try to put a stop to it. She is ready to fight this girl off no matter what...

"So he manages to catch you too?" said the green girl casually. "What's Thanos's plan to get the stones this time? Is he trying to get a hold of random people in hopes someone gives him the Infinity stones?"

"Uh yeah..." said Darcy nervously. "Uh are you now going to beat me up or something? Thanos called you a living weapon or did Nebula put me in the wrong cell?"

"What? Calm down, I'm not going to hurt you and it's clear that you are a victim of circumstance. It looks like Thanos hasn't given up his idea to "recondition me," said the green girl. "Should I safely assume that you are Terran? I have a friend that has a similar attitude like you and he can overreact sometimes to say the least."

"Uh... if you mean if I'm earthling then yes I am, look it's clear that we got up on the wrong foot and now that you are not going to hurt me..." said Darcy nervously. "I'm Darcy and you are?"

"My name's Gamora." said the green girl.

"Wait your Gamora? As in the girl who saved Loki and was nice to him, Gamora?" asked Darcy can't even believing her luck.

"You know Loki?" asked Gamora also surprise at the situation itself.

"Yeah he's my roommate, but if anyone ask he's not here and there is a guy named Mysto who happens to be Loki in disguise out there trying to figure out how to save everyone else." said Darcy trying to tell her what to say in case the Avengers Or worse Thanos comes in. "It's a long story..."

"Well that's a new one and interesting story, but right now we have bigger problems." said Gamora. "I was hoping that this day would never come, Thanos is dangerously close on finally obtaining the Infinity Stones. He's after Loki now isn't he?"

"Yeah, he is practically holding his brother, his brother's friends and me up for ransom. I don't think that he's going to give Loki a warm welcome if he gets him, in fact I think it's going to be more of a soul crushing one."

"Thanos just wants revenge, when he lost back in that city in Terra... Thanos was furious, I have never seen him this angry and he blames Loki for that failure. It doesn't help that Loki also lost one of the Infinity stones and all he wanted to do is to hunt Loki down and make him pay." said Gamora. "Thanos even sent some Chitari to look for him, when he saw the battle was lost and it obviously didn't work. The only time I have ever saw him that angry was whenever Nebula fails and even then Thanos would never go this far in trying to discipline her. Whatever hatred he has for Loki, it's personal..."

"Yeah let's just hope that he doesn't find a way to get to Loki, I know he said that he's going to give up on the Loki surrender thing... But I don't think he meant it by asking us for information on how to "destroy" Loki." said Darcy. "He must be planning something like how Thanos said that he wants to do some mind alter or something on you."

"Great, now he wants to use the stones against me and to wipe my mind." said Gamora with frustratration. "It's bad enough that he killed my family and my entire planet right in front of me, but now he wants to use me as weapon and what's worse take away the memories of my friends. They practically became family to me and it's one that Thanos wants to take away from me or just use the stones to make me destroy them and later on let it break me once I eventually recover from whatever plans that he may have in store."

"This definitely looks bad, so how did you get caught up with Thanos again?" asked Darcy curiously. "I can already tell that this story is not going to have a happy ending if you are stuck here too."

"It doesn't, we were on a mission and was being paid to find this scepter or something. But we didn't have a chance to even leave the planet because Thanos attacked it and we did everything we can to try to stop him..." explained Gamora. "He... managed to grab a hold of all of them and had them all at my mercy, Thanos said that he would kill them and the entire planet if I didn't go with him. So I gave myself up to him and he allowed me to say goodbye at least, but before we left Quill promised that they would do everything to get me out of it... I just hope they don't come after me, I can't allow Thanos to nearly hurt them like that again."

"Wow Gamora, that's horrible... I don't think I can ever imagine going through something like that and staying sane." said Darcy. "So that's what Thanos does? Blackmail people to surrender, I can't believe that he's you call him your dad."

"I don't, he did mureded my entire planet right in front of me as a child and he took me and later on Nebula in to turn us into his "Living weapons." said Gamora. "It was only when I saw how Thanos was ready to hurt Loki when we first met and even is ready to go as far... I knew that I couldn't go down the path that Thanos was trying to force me to go on."

"That definitely must have been tough and at least you found your group, Loki only has me and well a couple of people who already knows his secret." said Darcy. "Everyone else thinks he died by sacrificing his life to save his brother and my friend two months ago."

"Wait, everyone else thinks that Loki is dead aside from you and a few others? What about his brother?" said Gamora surprised at this new revelation.

"Well Thor doesn't exactly know, I mean he does because Thanos keeps demanding answers from him. But... he doesn't exactly believe him or thinks that he's lying." said Darcy. "It a really complicated and long story to say the least."

"It's one I would like to hear and besides we have plenty of time." said Gamora. Darcy giving a sigh, knowing that if she is going to die in the hands of an evil alien, she might as well tell the most exciting part of her life thus far to someone...

"Alright, you better make yourself comfortable because it's story that has a lot of twists and turns to say the least..." said Darcy.

Soon Darcy begins to tell Gamora what has happened so far and she managed to get Gamora interested in the story and she's seems to be really invested in the story and is engaging thoroughly. The two of them seem to be surprisingly getting along well and that Darcy feels comfortable enough to tell Gamora the whole story. But little do both Darcy and Gamora know that their conversation is not as private as they hoped, Nebula who is standing right behind the door listening to the whole conversation. She can't believe what she is hearing and to find out that her theory was right, Loki was hiding his true identity from the others minus the girl and this is the conversation that confirms it. Well at least she doesn't have to tell anyone what she discovered...

When Nebula is about to turn around to leave and to try to pretend that she hasn't seen or heard anything. She notices Ebony Maw standing right behind her and he seems to be just as interested in this conversation as she is. Something tells Nebula that she is not going to go through with her original plan after all and if Ebony Maw won't tell Thanos, then he would use means of force to make her tell him everything. Nebula doesn't even know if she can escape from this or how to get out of this situation. But from one look on Ebony Maw's face and the evil smirk that he is making, it is definitely not a good sign and Nebula has the feeling that she will be paying the price in one way or another.

"Well it looks like we stumbled across a secret and it found it's way to us." said Ebony Maw. "Are you ready to tell Thanos on what we heard? I think he would be more interested if you were the one to tell him, don't you agree?"

Nebula just stares at Ebony Maw and realize that there is no way out and she is going to have to tell Thanos what she found out. If she doesn't then she will be back in the torture chamber and pay for with holding this information. Nebula knew what she has to do and it looks like that she has no choice, part of her doesn't want to do it or to even have a chance to find a way to escape from making her own choices. Though Nebula already has an idea on how she can get it over with and maybe it will be fine, even someone as unreasonable as Thanos would understand. She gives a quick sigh and turns to Ebony Maw with a stoick face and ready to get the task that she is already dreading over with.

"Yes I believe that Thanos should know about this." said Nebula. "But in the right time, if we tell him now then he would turn the ship around and start an attack. That will not help us get any closer to the stones if Thanos creates an attack on Terra then that will only allow Loki to panick and flee."

"You're right we don't want that to happen, the best thing to do is to tell Thanos tomorrow night." said Ebony Maw. "So that way he can have some fun with the blond one and then you will tell him and we can take advantage of this situation. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir..." said Nebula quietly, as she stares quietly at the door and knowing that she lost the fight and that there is no hope for anyone now...

The next morning on Earth

Loki slowly wakes up from the couch and before he can have a moment to think of a plan on how to deal with the Infinity Stones and how to possibly pull a stunt like this off. He notices that he's not in Darcy's and his apartment and he is still at Jane's, Loki doesn't know what to do or how Jane would react if she suddenly sees that he was still here. She did have the guts to slap him on the face when they first met and judging from Darcy and the Avengers, humans are more tougher than he and others give them credit for.

Before Loki can even get up to leave, Jane walks into the room and Loki for once does not know on how to escape from having to deal with Jane or an arguement that is waiting to happen. The last thing he wants to have a rough morning and it will later lead to an harder day with the two of them on each other's throats for the rest of the day. Loki just wishes that he will be able to create an illusion to disapear and try to see if he can find a way to get out of this. Before Loki can even say anything or try to think of a clever story on how he is still here...

"Morning, I think I have managed to find a way to fix the costume. But I need to ask how do you guys wash this suit or is it even necessary? I have never tried to wash something with armor before." said Jane. "I know I live with Thor, but he mostly does it himself and the armor is beneath the costume and I just don't want to create a bigger problem then necessary."

"I believe I can figure something out and that maybe I can do a spell that can at least make it look presentable, but it would not be fully repaired and we would still need to do some parts manually." said Loki. "But what I am more interested is why haven't you said anything? I was still in your home and spent the night here without your permission and you are being civil towards me or rather friendly, why?"

"Actually I was going to offer you to stay the night if you wanted too, so that way it would have saved you the trip and plus it's clear that you has a rough day." said Jane. "Plus there's also the fact that girl also knows where you and Darcy live, I also was thinking that it would be better if you stay somewhere that you didn't get any unwelcome visitors."

"I don't seem to recall that-" begins Loki before he interjected.

"I was going to offer you, but you fell asleep when I found you and I didn't want to wake you because you had a rough day yesterday and needed some rest." said Jane. "We are on the same team now, we might as start over and go beyond a lab partner relationship if we are going to get along. I mean in order to get the stones out and if we want to get Thor, Darcy and the other Avengers out then we are going to need to work together."

"I believe that is a good reason and now let's focus on a plan on how to possibly get me into the school without anyone noticing." said Loki. "I think the best way is that you distract them while I create an illusion to sneak into the boiler room and put the stones in there in hopes that it will allow us to separate from their objects."

"I don't think we have to worry about that because I called them and I asked if I could bring an assistant and they said it's alright and all we have to do is to put you in human cloathes and then I'll send you off to do something. Then you will go to the boiler room and figure out how it works, then we will figure out from there." said Jane. "What do you think of the plan? Do you think that it might possibly work?"

"It might, but the problem is on how we are going to find an excuse for me to leave the room without looking suspicous." said Loki "Does Midguardian schools spend time to send some one for something?"

"Well it really depends, unless... what if you act like you needed to go to the bathroom or something?" suggest Jane. "That way you will have a good excuse to leave and the only reason why it took you so long is because you got lost or something."

"Are you sure that anyone would believe that I get lost for trying to look for a restroom?" asked Loki unsure if this is a good idea or if they should stop to think about a better plan on what might be the best plan for a possible infiltration.

"Yeah because it's a big high school and no one is walking around during class time. It will be the perfect time to try to get you to sneak into the boiler room." said Jane."But the new problem is how are we going to get you into something more-"

Before Jane can even have a chance to finish her sentence, Loki just rolled his eyes and used his magic to transform his casual Asgardian outfit to a suit where it was mostly black with a dark green tie. He just looks annoyed at Jane, he already is ready for whatever thing that might happen in their mission, but part of Loki is more annoyed than he thought that he would be if someone just called him a weakling or something. At least it wasn't something that he would hear from Thanos or anyone else that their opinion would feel more important than anyone else's in this universe...

"I have been living on this planet for two consequlative months, it would be odd if I haven't paid attention to the attire in one of the three times I have ever came to Earth." said Loki. "But even then fa- Odin had us take some lessons of Earth and it's culture in case we ever had to come here for any reason, though I have noticed that some of the lessons are a little dated."

"Yeah even if you guys don't know about some things about Earth, not that I am saying it's a bad thing, but..." started Jane before she stopped herself. "Forget it and to be honest, at least you guys have more Earth experience now and-"

"What time are we leaving for this school?" asked Loki. "The sooner we get there and get the stones out, the sooner we can go on to the next part of the plan and we start making the decoys look like the real thing."

"Ok, I guess it's time to get ready or at least have some breakfast and then we can prepare ourselves for the next few hours." said Jane.

That is exactly what they did and it was quiet between the two of them and neither one knows what to say or how to deal with the uncertainty that the future might bring. They know that the longer that Thanos has them, the more dangerous he will get, at the same time they can't just give up the stones to Thanos. If they want to make sure that they trick Thanos in some way and this might be the best way. Once they are done with breakfast and before Loki went to grab the stones, Jane quickly opened the vault to take a picture of the scepter and the Tesseract. So that way they will be able to fully be able to know the structure and to fully be able to replicate each one of them.

A couple of minutes later, Loki grabbed the two objects and put it in the backpack and gave it to Jane to hold on to it until the moment is right. The two of them exit from the apartment and begins to make their way to the outside world of New York. To try to complete the mission that they need to win and to make sure that they get the stones out or at least be able to pull it off. The universe is now resting on their shoulders, Loki doesn't even know how he is going to fight this if Thanos finds a way to win...

Chapter Text

The next morning on the ship

Both Gamora and Darcy woke up really early to try to see if they can find a way to get information or see if they find a way out before the following day happens. There has to be a way out and the two of them are going to find it, well after Darcy got Gamora to help her after a close call. Just like what Gamora said, Thanos made sure that there is no cracks or anyway to escape, leaving everything hopeless. At one point, Darcy even tried to pick the lock earlier before Gamora stopped her just in time before some Chituari guard walked by.

After that Gamora agreed to help Darcy out despite telling her that there is no way out, but Darcy keeps on refusing to give up and wanted to keep on looking. Gamora mostly only agreed to do it just to help keep Darcy out of trouble. She has some experience of what it's like to deal with ones that refuses to listen and what kind of trouble it would bring. She knows what Thanos is capable of and what he would do to anyone who dare try to escape his ship, the last thing Gamora wants is for them to walk right into that type of situation. Sure Gamora wants to get out of there as much as Darcy does, but if they are going to do it, then they need to be smart about it and have a plan. So far they are not having any luck...

"Well this doesn't seem to be so bad so far, I mean just because we haven't found a way out now. It can't mean that we might not be able to find a way out now." said Darcy trying to remain positive in a hopeless situation.

"Darcy, we need to face the facts and the facts are that there is no way out from this cell. We're trapped here..." said Gamora trying to do her best to let Darcy down gently. "I know how important it is to get you and your friends out, but-"

"That's why I am not going to give up and I am going to try to find a way out of here." said Darcy trying her best to stay strong and determined, but even she is starting to notice that this might be impossible, though she is not going to give up. "We will find a way out as long as we don't-"

"Darcy, I have been in this cell for the past two weeks and if there was a way out then we wouldn't even be having this conversation right now." said Gamora. "I know that you are worried about him and the others. I had my own exspirence when we all touched that stone and was worried that we were all going to die, we almost lost Groot and I don't think I would have been happy to have lost the others too. But-"

"We can't just sit here and do nothing, Thanos doesn't seem to be the type who would give Loki a second chance. Plus not too mention he's a big jerk that wants to come up with a plan where no one, not even Thanos himself wins." said Darcy. "But we might be able to win if we find a way to escape and find the escape pods and then with luck we will make it back to Earth. Then we will find out where we are and then do everything we can to find Loki and then we will contact your friends and once you guys are reunited, we will come back to help the others escape and have a mega final battle where Thanos floats into space and we all live happily ever after."

"It may sound like a good plan, but Thanos manages to make his cells have the tightest security that he can possibly obtain." said Gamora. "It's impossible and we need to show Thanos that he can't beat us, I have been doing it by standing up for myself."

"It must have been tough to have him try to be your dad, but it's going to be even more tough if he continues to do whatever thing he may be planning to do to the Avengers and later hurts Loki tomorrow or something." said Darcy stubbornly. "There is no way I am going to let that giant purple jerk face hurt him, I mean them if I can do something about it!"

"You care about Loki in that way don't you?" asked Gamora somewhat relating to what Darcy is going through. With Darcy turning away as Gamora figured out one of her secrets "You know Loki might have a plan on how to avoid giving up the stones and trick him, don't be scared of what Thanos would do. It's Thanos who should be afraid of Loki."

"Yeah but part of me can't believe that Thanos would be that open in just letting Loki go like that, I have the bad feeling that Thanos has something big planed for him and he must have been planning it for a while that is going to be really bad. Plus it's not just Loki, there's also the other Avengers who knows what might be going on with them and Thor in the same room as Thanos for the whole night." said Darcy. "There is no way that we will be able to win without them, I mean I know we are doing a bad job right now. But we can win this and we will win this, if we have superheroes by our side to win."

"Not just heroes, only the people that are willing to fight and this is what Thanos wants to try to take away the little hope that we all have and crush it. If my hunch is right then Thanos caught you all to make the people of Terra and Loki loose hope. He wants to make my friends and I loose hope by taking me prisoner and do a mind whip on me to make me give in to Thanos's rule." said Gamora. "But as long as we keep fighting and we show Thanos that we are not going to give in and we will continue to fight him. Let's try to think of a real plan without checking every bit of the foundation, we will get through this and Loki will get through this. But only if we keep up the fight and do everything that we can to stop Thanos then we will win."

"Yeah I guess your right, but I still want to try to find a way out. I guess the first thing that we should do is to try to find a way to contact the others and then we can figure out what to do from there." said Darcy. "We will fight our way out, uh... Gamora about Loki? Is there anyway that..."

"Don't worry, I won't tell him about your feelings for him and I really don't think that it would be comfortable conversation if the first conversation we had is about... that..." said Gamora at first uncomfortably and quickly notices something heading their way. "I don't think a plan might be necessary after all."

"What makes you say that?" asked Darcy confused.

"It's because they are bringing in more prisoners in." pointed out Gamora.

Darcy turned and she sees a group of Chitauri leading most of the Avengers to the cell right in front of them, at least that solves on the how to communicate to them problem. The first thing that Darcy notices is that Iron man/Tony Stark no longer is wearing his armor and anyone with some kind of power has those handcuffs on. Well now at least things are going to get really interesting and they have the Avengers here, well they may be powerless here. Technically in the cell right in front of them, but does it matter? At least they can start coming up with a plan on how to get out of there, but first there is something that needs to be addressed before they start talking.

"Remember, if anyone asks Loki's been dead for the past two months and that I stowed away to see the battle scene in action." said Darcy with Gamora nervously nodding her head as they see the guards put every single one of them in the cell. They noticed that all of the Avengers minus Thor is being put in the cell and both Gamora and Darcy knew that this is the moment where everything will start to change.

"Ok, let's us unanimously agree that all those movies about alien invasions were understating everything." said Tony. "Maybe once we get back we should add some clarity and set the record straight."

"I think that's going to be the least of our worries." said Captain America. "We need to find Thor and then think of a way to get out of here."

"Yeah, about that..." said Darcy nervously. "Thanos has Thor in his big fancy throne room and before anyone ask I stowed away in the ship in order to see the battle and they caught me and put me in another room away from you guys."

"At least that clears things up... Darcy?" said Bruce before he points out Gamora. "Uh... who is-"

"Oh this is Gamora, she is also being held prisoner by Thanos." Darcy quickly answers. "I'd tell you more but let's just say that it's complicated..."

"At least we now know where everyone is, but right now we have to-" begins Captain America.

But before he has a chance to finish, the prison doors opened once again and they saw a group of Chitari bringing in a really angry Thor and throwing him in the same cell as the Avengers. Thor had half the mind to get back up and beat up the Chitauri and fight his way back to Thanos, all he wants to do now is get the answers of all the questions that he now has on his mind. Along with get the visions that Thanos put in his head out of his head and to try to get out of here. Darcy, Gamora and the Avengers all knew from one look at Thor that he has been through a lot to say the least. Gamora knew what must have happened and didn't feel comfortable to say it until the moment was right, she might as well give Darcy the moment to find out what's going on from their side. So that way they will be able to figure out what might be the best plan to escape from the ship.

"This is one experience that I do not want to go through again, Thanos is unbelievable and he is refusing to listen! I have never met a creature that is so stubborn and irritating!" said Thor in anger to everyone in their cells. "He refuses to listen or give up his madness and-"

"What happened back there?" asked Darcy not even sure if she wants to hear what she is about to hear.

"Thanos kept demanding for answers about Loki and the Infinity Stones, then he decided to take extreme measures. He used the mind stone on me to show me my worst fears." said Thor. "He must have twisted them a little bit because I saw Loki being in deep pain and Thanos being the cause of it. That's not all, Thanos also have all six Infinity Stones and he destroyed everything. I just don't know how he knows Loki..."

"I think I might explain a couple of things." said Gamora a little nervous and everyone including Darcy turning to her confused and not even knowing what to expect from her.

"What are you talking about? Who are you? Did Thanos ever met my brother? What did he do to him?" demanded Thor.

"My name is Gamora and Thanos did meet Loki a year before all of this, he sent him to attack Terra." explained Gamora. "When Thanos found him, he wanted to kill Loki the first moment he set eyes on him and would have if I didn't intervene. I convinced Thanos that he might be some use for him, to give him a chance to prove himself and to give him a mission, otherwise Thanos would have killed him on the spot."

"Ok why did Thanos want to do that in the first place?" asked Darcy not even knowing if she really want to hear the rest.

"Wait Thanos was the one who sent Loki to Earth?" asked Black Widow. "How did you even manage to convince Thanos to spare him?"

"What did Loki ever do to him? How do you know all of this? Do you have some kind of connection to Thanos?" asked Thor. "Did Thanos do something to him? Is that why he attacked Midgard?"

"If Thanos was the one that sent Loki and he fell off the Bifrost, then what happened between that time frame?" asked Bruce. "Could there be more to this story? Why would Thanos send Loki to Earth in the first place?"

"Thanos took me in and 'raised' me as his 'daughter', he was never my father, he kidnaped me as a child and murdered all of my planet including my parents right in front of me. During those days I was starting to have second thoughts about Thanos's morality. When Loki first came, he... was having a meeting and that meeting was disruptive because Loki came crashing in landing on the asteroid badly injured." explained Gamora. "Thanos was having a meeting to recruit someone for your planet's invasion and the possible candidate declined because he thought Loki was one of Thanos's soldiers and ruined his first impression and the deal. Thanos was so angry that he wanted to kill him right then and there. But after seeing Thanos for being the monster that he is, I knew that I can't follow him blindly anymore and I convinced him to give Loki a chance."

"She had a rough life, let's just say that she's on our side when it comes to all of this." said Darcy.

"Thanos agreed because he knew that there was an Infinity Stone on the planet and believes that he would win either way. If Loki succeeds then he would have another stone and if Loki fails then he would have an excuse to punish him for his failure, but Thanos never thought that he would loose two Infinity Stones in one go." continue Gamora. "Thanos assigned Nebula and I to train him, we treated him well and I tried to do everything in my power to make sure Loki is well beyond the mission. He even told me about his life and even if we didn't become friends, I tried to be there for him and even at one point tried to find a way to get Loki to his home planet. But I couldn't find a safe way to do it or had the chance..."

"What happend?" asked Thor can't believing that Thanos had a negative history with his brother, he is feeling even more anger at the mad titan and at least happy that Gamora was involved and looked out for Loki.

"Thanos thought it was the perfect time for Loki to start the next part of his training and started to torture him. He used the mind stone to put visions in his head and made the anger that he was feeling grow and to show him what was at the time his worst fears..." said Gamora. "Sometimes for failures, Loki daring to speak up or trying to stand up for himself or just because Thanos was in a bad mood, he would just continue to torture him. Loki had it worst then Nebula and at the same time had it easier just because Thanos deems it unnessicarry to implant cybertronic enhancements. At times even gave Loki nightmares and it even started to influence him in a way that Thanos wanted and if Loki dared refuse..."

Everyone stared at Gamora in complete shock and they all had thoughts that they all never thought they would think about Loki. The Avengers all reflected at how they felt about Loki and that maybe they could have been more opened in trying to figure out his side of the story. At the same time, Loki was trying to take over the planet, hurting many innocent people and mind controlled Barton, but still maybe they should have been more opened in at least listen to Thor about reasoning with Loki. Thor on the other hand can't but feel anger at himself, why didn't he even think of going out to look for Loki? Why didn't he stopped himself from being angry for once and ask Loki what happened and to try to be there for his brother? Even if he couldn't at the moment that doesn't mean he couldn't have asked him after they got back from Earth. Could all of this have been avoided?

While Darcy on the other hand can't believe that Loki went through all of that before they met, she really wishes that he said something earlier. But then again, this is Loki they're talking about he would never tell anyone what's really going on even if his life depended on it. She is definitely going to be a better friend to him once she get back and now she is seeing why Loki wasn't that eager to face Thanos or let alone become Mysto. This has definitely changed the game and it has changed their view on Loki...

"That's horrible, I had no idea..." said Thor in disbelief.

"He went through so much when he was here and I always thought that Loki would have told someone about his time with Thanos." said Gamora. "Well at least someone close to him like his mother or brother, after them I don't know..."

"Uh... thank you for looking out for him, I just wish that I was there for him when he needed me..." said Thor feeling a sense of guilt. "I would like you to know that... Loki is dead and he died trying to save me..."

"Of course and I'm sorry to hear that..." said Gamora keeping a straight face and covering up the secret. "But we really need to focus on trying to defeat Thanos and stop him from ever doing these things again."

"Even if we don't find a way to escape, at least I will try to find a way for you to escape from him." said Thor. "Let's just hope that we find a way before Thanos does whatever he may be planning to do tomorrow."

"At least Mysto and Vision is still out there and they might be planning to do something to Thanos or find a way to rescue us." said Scarlet Witch with a hint of hope in her voice.

"Yeah about that... don't you guys find it wired that Thanos didn't grab a hold of Mysto and he is now starting to think that Mysto is Loki. Plus Thanos is after Loki, this can't all be a coincidence." said Black Widow. "I mean what if Thanos is right in his own twisted way about Mysto and we don't really know who Mysto is..."

"What are you saying? Are you saying that Loki is Mysto?" asked Darcy nervously. "I mean... That's impossible, hasn't Loki been dead for two months now? There is now way, he would go around in some awesome superhero costume and go out of his way to save people. Isn't that the exact opposite of Loki's overall character?"

"Darcy has a point, there is no way that Loki would ever go out to risk his life to save others let alone face Thanos unless he has a clever revenge plan ready." said Thor. "I don't believe that Loki would ever... change, unless he truly wants to change..."

"I'm not saying that it is Loki, but I do find it odd that Thanos caught all of us and let Mytso escape that easily. Especially with now believing that Mysto is Loki, say what we want about Thanos but I can see his point on this one..." said Black Widow not even sure if she wants to be right. But all of the facts are pointing to that and she is even starting to believe it...

"I doubt what Thanos is saying has any truth to the matter and I will make sure that Thanos pays for everything he has done." said Thor angrily. "The moment that I get out of these binds and-"

"Wait just one minute hothead, in case you have forgotten we're imprisoned on an alien ship with no plan and you guys with powers have fancy Asgardian handcuffs on your wrists." pointed out Tony. "If we want to win this, then maybe we should come up with a plan, not just rush in with hopes that we would win if we somehow manage to break free from this place."

"He has a point, we need to think of a plan to get out of here and defeat Thanos without running in and hope that it will somehow magically work out." said Bruce. "Now let's try to think of a plan where we might be able to find a way to escape."

"Yeah, I agree and let's just forget that theory about Loki being Mysto and just focus on trying to get out of here or at least on how to defeat Thanos by the end of tomorrow." said Darcy nervously. "I mean we can't just come up with a crazy conspiracy theory of our friend and take the word of some crazy alien giant right?"

"Darcy, you do realize that you are doing a terrible job of trying to defend your friend right?" said Gamora. "It's a miracle that you two have managed to pull this off this long."

With that they all begin to try to come up with an escape plan that might possibly work and to see if they can possibly come up with a way to defeat Thanos. Darcy is just nervous that they might be suspecting that Black Widow's theory might possibly be right. The last thing they need is to deal with a possible exposure of Loki's secret identity being revealed. Thor on the other hand can't help but feel the rage inside of him grow over the course of the next few minutes and it continues to grow, he just can't believe Loki went through all of that and he did nothing to help stop it. He is going to make sure that Thanos pays for what he did to Loki, Hiemdell and to some extent themselves including Gamora. While Black Widow on the other hand can't help but think about how Mysto and Loki can possibly be connected and all of the facts that are pointing towards it. As Black Widow kept thinking and observing the facts that are in place and now seeing where Thanos is coming from and that maybe his theory isn't so far fetch after all...

Meanwhile back on Earth

Jane is trying to speak to the secretary and getting both her and Loki registered to get their on time. But both of them were underprepared for the information that they would have to give about Loki, they did say it was alright but they never said they would have to registered him ahead of time. Now she is trying to come up with a story about Loki and have to deal with trying to create a human identity for Loki. Though Jane honestly would have thought that Darcy and Loki would have come up with a plan or story that they have to tell in order to tell someone what might be his identity outside of Mysto and that he has to go out to the world as a normal human being.

"So let me get this straight, you hired a new assistant and he is going to help you out with the guest speaking presentation?" asked the secretary rather rudely to both of them.

"Uh yes, I know this is last minute and that you may be following who knows how many rules but this is the truth." said Jane. "We have been over this, the person on the phone said that it's alright for me to bring him and is everything settled now?"

"Well almost I didn't get his name." said the secretary.

Both Loki and Jane stared at each other nervously, they haven't really thought of that and they can't really just say Mysto without revealing part of Loki's secret identity. Loki is surprised that he has never thought of a human identity outside of Mysto in case he would have to deal with any humans throughout his time on Earth outside the Mysto costume. They both desperately try to think of something that might work or if any name idea might be able to fit Loki, but so far they haven't thought of anything until Loki decides to speak up to at least try to stand up for himself and to try to lead things in the right direction.

"You have kept us here for the last couple of minutes and we would like to-" begins Loki before being stopped by Jane.

"From what my assistant is trying to say is that his name is..." begins Jane to try to come up with something as fast as she can and quickly saw a name tag. "Tom..."

"This is getting absurd, I'm Lo-" begins Loki getting tired of this and is ready to use his true identity to scare this lady into submission.

"Logan, Tom Logan." said Jane. "Now with that settle can you let us in now? We are running a little late..."

With that the secretary decides to let the two off and just told them where they had to go. Both Loki and Jane begin to head the classroom's direction and are quiet as they both have all of the things that want to say to one another. They want to say something to one another that might relate to what just happened right now. Loki is annoyed that Jane wouldn't let him handle it or at least allow him to strike fear into the secretary. While Jane is annoyed that Loki is more than ready to do it his way which involves causing either an illusion or a reaction that might evolved him causing fear and 'mischief.' Both of them are ready to give each other a piece of their own mind, but they know that they can't argue right now because they need to work together if they want to pull this off and to get everyone out.

"Tom Logan? Really? Why didn't you let me handle this situation?" asked Loki annoyed. "I would have handled her well and put her in her place."

"It was the first thing I came up with and fun fact, we can't exactly use our identity to try to get what we want unless we are in charge of a certain thing. Much less use magic and any other super powers to get what we want." said Jane. "Besides if you do who knows what then that will definitely blow our cover..."

"I was not planning to use any of my abilities and believe me when I say if this occurred two months ago then things would have not ended well and she might have been inside an ice block for the most lenient act of revenge I can think of." said Loki. "Now tell me are of the people who run these Midgaurdian schools always this rude?"

"Well not all of them, sometimes the teachers can be worse than that." said Jane. "You really do not want to know what high school is like on a daily basis and let's just say that it sucks."

"Then they should reform it and I am glad that things are different back in Asgard, other than Earth's curriculum, I have come up with a plan on how we can obtain our mission sooner than we expected." said Loki. "It might involved some magic..."

"What is it?" asked Jane. "Wait why are we talking about this out loud? How are we not worried about any one possibly eavesdropping?"

"I already set up an illusion, no one can hear a word we're saying and they will be under the impressions that we are talking over anything that humans may relate to." said Loki. "Now here's my plan, I will create an illusion of myself that looks like all I am doing is helping you out and in reality I am going to this boiler room to get the stones out."

"That might work and at least it will avoid any trouble that we might face if you suddenly go missing." said Jane. "Yeah that might be a good idea after all..."

"I am going to make sure that my illusion will be up for your commend in case you have to ask me to do something." said Loki.

"Ok, take Darcy's phone in case we need to communicate to each other during the day or if anything happens." said Jane giving Loki the phone. "We only have an hour, do you think that we might be able to pull this off?"

"I believe so, it really depends on the piece of technology and I do have one question. Is it really necessary for me to carry this around with me?" asked Loki. "Couldn't we just decide on a meeting place and move on?"

"I mean we could, but in case of anything it might be easier if we have a stable piece of communication." said Jane. "I don't know, I never had to sneak around places or sneak someone to do something to help win the fight against a maniac before. Don't mind me when I am still trying to get the hang of this."

"Here's a word of advice, try to make it look like nothing is going on and make sure that no one suspect a thing." said Loki. "Just act like how you would normally do if I wasn't around and be ready to use that communication device of yours only for emergencies. The last thing I need is to possibly use this phone any longer than I have to."

At that moment, Jane gives Loki the backpack to grab a hold of the Teaseract and the pendent. Loki quickly put the pendant on and grabs a hold of the Teaseract ready to move forward to the next part of the mission. When the two of them finally made it to the classroom, Loki makes an illusion of himself and created a spell in order for Jane to do simple commands in case of anything. At that moment, the two of them knew it was time to finally do the mission and to break the stones out, they just hope they were right and this might possibly work. The entire fate of the universe, the Avengers and Darcy's lives depended on it...

"Ok, are you sure it's not a good idea for me to ask where this room might be in case of you might possibly get lost?" asked Jane nervously.

"Of course, we can't afford anything in blowing our cover." said Loki. "I will let you know if I finish and manage to get the stones out early. Where should we reconvene?"

"Just call me and wait for me outside, that way we will be able to get out of here." said Jane. "I just hope that this works, I don't even want to know what he might be doing to them up there."

"Don't worry about Thor, it is going to take more than Thanos to take him down and he will fight whatever he may trow at him." said Loki about to leave and trying to add some comfort into the situation. "Plus the other Avengers and Darcy are with him, at least he's not alone on the ship and let's just hope it works. Tomorow will be the day that changes everything and we have to win..."

"Uh Loki..." said Jane and Loki turns to her awaiting for any possible information. "Good luck."

"I'll accept that bit of sentiment..." said Loki as he tries to make it sound rude, but in reality he is touched that he gotten some encouragement.

Loki starts to depart from Jane and head out to try to find the boiler room, though he has to admit that this is the least exciting of all the adventures he had been on ever since he arrived on Earth and met Darcy two months ago. But this is an important mission one he can't fail and he just hopes that once he finds the boiler room it will be able to break the stones out of the objects. They are this close on doing this and yet so far, Loki wonders how is he going to handle the fight if things don't work out as planned and have the feeling that Thanos is planning something bigger. He can't believe that Thanos would be that open in letting him go that easily, there must be something else going on and Loki knows that he does not want to find out what Thanos might have in store next...

Meanwhile back on the ship

Nebula and the Black Order are on their way to inform Thanos what they found out yesterday. Nebula would give anything to leave the room, to find a way out of this ship and leave without a care in the world. She doesn't want to tell Thanos what she found out or what might cause more trouble for Loki, but at least it will be one step closer on Thanos ultimately hurting Gamora and she should be happy that at least she will be getting revenge. But still why is she miserable and the sense of anger is increasing inside Nebula faster by the minute? She just wishes that this would be easy and that she would just break free from the prison that she is now trapped in...

When they arrived to the throne room and finds Thanos sitting on the throne, Nebula knew that the only way she is going to get out of this alive is to tell the truth because if Thanos won't kill her then the Black Order will. She wasn't surprise to see that Ebony Maw told the other members of the Black Order the little secret that they discovered. She knows that he wanted to give her the full beating that she will never forget or at least make sure that she pays for her disobedience. But what if she does all the talking? They made it clear that she was the one to tell them, but they never said that she would have to give them credit. At least she would be giving them what they want and won't have an excuse to do anything even Thanos would be annoyed at them for trying to do something to her without a good reason. Just because Thanos believes that she is the weakest out of all of Thanos's children, that doesn't mean he won't leave her alone if she moves the plan a little forward.

"My children, it is clear to me that whatever you have to tell me is important." said Thanos. "What is it do you wish to tell me?"

"I have overheard a conversation between the girl and Gamora that might be of interest to you." said Nebula speaking for herself before any of the Black Order members can have the chance to do it for her.

"Well then tell me about this conversation that you think it was important to. bring my attention." sneered Thanos ready to make Nebula pay if she dares to waste his time.

"I heard the girl telling Gamora that Loki has been pulling off some sort of masquerade and apparently everyone else and his brother believes that he's some kind of a mystery hero or something." said Nebula. "He now goes by the name 'Mysto' and apparently he set a good reputation for himself. As far as I know is that the two of them planed it all and no one else knows about it and they believe that Loki died.

The room suddenly grew quiet and Thanos quickly got up from his throne and turned away from Nebula and the Black Order. He begun to think of what might be the best course of action, that would explain the little confrontation that he had to deal with his brother and how he barely got any answers from him and the little lie that girl told him. But the question is how to deal with this information? It didn't take long for Thanos to turn around to face Nebula and the Black Order with an evil smile on his face, with already having a plan on how to break Loki mentally and to ensure no one will dare rescue him...

"Interesting..." said Thanos with a grin on his face.

"What's interesting?" said Nebula nervously and unsure if she made the right decision after all.

"I have a plan on how we're going to use this development to our advantage." said Thanos. "We will continue the plan as normal, but I might have a little surprise in store. Let's see how Loki is going to be once we're done."

With that he allows Nebula and the Black Order to leave, he needed time to conclude the next part of the plan. Fortunately for Nebula, to her surprise the Black Order left her alone and she believes that this is because she gave him the information without their input. She is starting to feel a sense of guilt as she walks away and heads to her quarters, to be more free for a moment and to have a moment's peace. Nebula has the feeling that she probably made the situation worse for Loki, but she shouldn't need to worry about him and the fate of the universe, it will all be worth it in the end. She might get her freedom sooner rather than later for taking all of the credit and maybe things will get better for herself. Why does she feel so conflicted?

A couple minutes later back on Earth

Loki has managed to find the boiler room and lock the door behind him, he is ready to finally break these stones out. Once he reads the instructions that is conveniently taped on the wall, he begins to follow them and managed to turn on the machine and put the objects there. Now he has to wait for half an hour for it to finish and to hopefully have both stones out. Part of him wishes that Darcy was at least here to at least to have a conversation to keep his mind of the current wait, at least he's going to get her and the others out tomorrow. He never realize that things would be this dull if Darcy wasn't on his side when it come to going on these missions where he has to do something to try to stop Thanos.

Loki doesn't even know why he would be thinking about Darcy so sentimentally, he has to break away from these feelings and make sure that they don't grow any stronger. Aside from Darcy, he was wondering when will be the day when he reveals himself to Thor and this secret will be over, he knows that he is supposed to tell Thor after he defeats Thanos. If he doesn't then Jane would, but the day might come any day now because they are this close on defeating Thanos and if all goes well then things will be over by tomorrow. Is he ready for it?

To finally leave Earth and Darcy? What is Thor going to think once he finds out that he was alive all of this time? Will he be happy to see him again or too angry beyond words? Even after they go through the initial reactions, what is Thor going to do with the information? Will he tell Odin the first chance he gets when he returns to Asgard to tell him what happend? If that happens will there be an army of Asgardians after him to try to return him back to Asgard in hopes that he would truly face the consequence? It would be extreme for Thor to go that far but he would be angry enough to at least yell at him and possibly disown him on the spot. He just wishes that things would have gone back to how it was before everything happend. But things might never be the same again, he just hopes that Thor would at least forgive him before he has to go and leave this planet behind forever.

Loki continues to watch the boiler, it has be more than twenty minutes since he started the boiler and only ten more minutes for it to stop and for the moment of truth. He just wishes that he can just make all of his problems disappear in this contraption and Loki doesn't have to worry about Thanos and he can just move forward without any thing holding him back. Loki can hardly wait for this to be over and soon, at least the first part of the plan will soon be over and he will soon face the question that he hopes that the answer will be something that he would like to see.

Soon the time is up and Loki slowly opens the door, he is happy to see that both the tesseract has been broken in half and the jewel in the pendant broke off. He is surprised to see that this actually worked and that he finally got the stones out, Loki quickly uses his ice powers to cool down the surface in order to grab the two newly freed stones and to pick up what remained of the objects that were holding the stones. He puts the stones in the small bag that Jane gave him and use his magic to conceal the objects as he caries the objects easily. With that done, it was time to go and they have to get back to the apartment to prepare for tomorrow and whatever Thanos may have in store for them.

Loki quickly picks up the phone and calls for Jane, he eagerly awaits for an answer and hopes that he has a chance to tell Jane without having to head out on his own. Sure he can just write a message on it, but he is not in the mood in possibly having to deal with another broken phone incident. Luckily for Loki, Jane took the time to answer the phone...

"Hey, I was just going to call you, did you do it?" asked Jane nervously. "Did it work?"

"Yes, fortunately the plan worked and now all we have to do is try to create replicas of them and make sure that Thanos falls for the illusion." said Loki. "So how did your little talk to the class go?"

"Well it went really well, I mean surprisingly well judging from how far things went and I didn't even have any time to prepare." said Jane surprised in Loki asking how things went for her. That is the last thing she would expect Loki to do in general. "Well now that we're done here, meet me outside and then we'll get going."

"I'll see you there then." said Loki as he quickly hangs up the phone and begins on his way to meet Jane.

Things are definitely looking promising and maybe they might be able to pull this off and win the fight ahead. But Loki decides that it might be better to be cautiously optimistic because the last time he had a small bit of optimism, everyone got captured and is now trapped in Thanos's hands. Loki doesn't know what might happen when they have to face Thanos or if they might win. But he has to try and save everyone from Thanos's crutches, he just hope that he will be able to win this fight. Loki does wonder what is going to happen when he does win this and reveal himself. Part of him hopes that Thor would be a little upset but ultimately proud of him for saving the universe, he highly doubts that would happen and wouldn't be surprise if there was a shouting match before he leaves the room. As for Darcy, he really does not want to know how things are going to be once he leaves...

While Loki is walking through the hallway, he is starting to think what might tomorrow look like and what Thanos might have in store. He is surprised that they actually made it this far and that Darcy and him actually did it. They have managed to obtain all of the remaining Inifinty stones and can live to tell the tale, it was something that he never thought would happen and at least they are almost done. Loki just hopes that they will be able to defeat Thanos for good, then things would be even better.

Before Loki can even reach the exit, something stopped him and Loki even took a couple steps back in order to make sure that he saw what he saw. Loki thought he saw two chitauri soldiers lurking around in the school, but by the time that Loki can have a chance to have a good look they disappeared. It was probably nothing but his imagination going wild and he must have imagined that he saw two Chitauri soldiers. Maybe he has been overthinking about the worst that Thanos can do to everyone led him to imagine that the Chitauri are there. Why would they be in the middle of a Midguardian school and no one else would have seen them? Sure they might use some kind of cloaking alien technology but there is no way Thanos would ever go that far right? He will have to possibly worry about that later, he has to meet up with Jane and then later finalize the rest of the plan.

Soon Loki exited the building and begins to head towards the outside world of the building and quickly sees Jane. He quickly begins to walk towards her, ready to start the next phase of the plan and leave this place. The sooner that they leave, the sooner they will be able to create the decoys and they can face the inevitable tomorow and face Thanos. When he finally is close enough to Jane, he took down the illusion and make himself appear, along with even creating the illusion for everyone to see that nothing has changed or anything is going on. Once Loki did that it caught Jane by surprise and at least they can now get down business and move forward to the next step.

"Well at least this part is done and I have to admit that you did manage to come up with a theory where it's was accurate. It was admirable to say the least..." said Loki. "Now all we have to do is-"

"Wait did you just give me a compliment?" asked Jane even more surprised.

"I am simply admiring how you managed to come up with theory that managed to work, that's all." said Loki trying to defend himself and avoid being seen as sentimental.

"In other words a compliment." said Jane can't help but bring it up again.

"Are we really going to be doing this?" said Loki getting a little annoyed but at the same time want to laugh because he have to admit that this is a little humorous. "Can't we go back to focussing on the stones and finding a way to defeat Thanos and rescue the others?"

"Yeah you're right, so you got the stones out and what about the remains of the objects?" Askes Jane wanting to know what became of the remains of the objects.

"I brought them with me to avoid any suspicion, at least then we have one less thing to worry about. Now that we have all of this settled, we should leave right now and get to work on the rest of the plan." said Loki. "If we are going to pull this off then we're going to need to hurry back to your apartment and begin to get work."

"Yeah about that..." said Jane nervously. "I think we might need to go to the store if we want to pull this off, I mean wouldn't we need material and supplies to actually try to make them look like these objects?"

"I believe so..." said Loki annoyed with a sigh. "But the last thing we need is for our decoys to look like if it is a child's art project."

"That's what I'm saying, maybe if we create these things to look like the real objects then maybe we'll fool Thanos long enough for us to escape and come up with a new plan." said Jane. "Plus you're really good at magic so it might be the safer option if we try to make sure that this works for sure."

"Fine..." said Loki annoyed and ready to do anything at this point. "Anything to defeat Thanos."

With that the two of them went inside the car to begin driving away and things were quiet between the two, at least things are going surprisingly well. They were both surprise on how they are getting along really well and now starting to form a mutual respect for one another. It was surprising to see how far they have gone and how it was crazy that before they probably wouldn't stand each other and be arguing all the time. But they are on the same team now with a common goal where they are trying to stop Thanos and rescue the others. They might be able to stand a chance, at least things are looking brighter compared to the night before.

But they all still have a long way to go and little do they know, someone is watching...

An hour later

Jane quickly drives them to a store and tries to quickly find a parking space, with the hope that they would be able to get the next part done and over with and they can start on making the decoys. Though Loki has to admit that judging from the size of the store, they are going to be able to find whatever they may need in no time. The store is huge and one where they may be able to find everything they may need, that is he hopes that they will be able to find everything they need to somehow pull this off. He doesn't know that much about human building or crafting materials or how much they may need to build exact replicas of the Infinity stones.

But he knows that they are going to have to try and then maybe, hopefully they will be able to succeed, they only have one chance on being able to do this and have the opportunity to be able to succeed. Even then he doesn't know if they will be able to fully be able to succeed and if they can somehow do the impossible, there is so much at stake and they can not afford to fail, otherwise Darcy, Thor and the Avengers will be the ones paying the consequence and it is already bad enough that he is the reason why they are now in this situation, but the idea that they may suffer more because of their lack of knowledge and Darcy daring to keep all information regarding him a secret. He would never forgive himself if anything happens to them, especially Thor and Darcy.

He only hopes that this plan works, he doesn't even know what he is planning to do if it doesn't or if he is ready for what might be in store for them up ahead. But Loki knows that he is going to have to try and going to do everything he can to fix this, make it right and stop Thanos before he creates more destruction...

"Hey, you ok?" Asked Jane as she tries to park in the parking space. "Noticed that you are kinda dazed out a little bit and not acting like, we'll, you."

"Of course, I am fine." Said Loki as the car finally stopped moving. "Come on, let's get this daunting over with and then try to see if we can get through this without anything else ruining our chances to-"

"Hey, if you want to talk about it or whatever is going on in your mind. Just know that I am here for you and-" starts Jane before Loki turns to her in complete confusion.

"What do you mean by that?" Said Loki completely surprised by Jane's kindness. "I honestly thought that you would be eager for my departure and for Thor to finally know the truth."

"Yeah, I know we haven't been the best of friends..." Starts Jane.

"To be fair, I don't even know if one would even call our relationship a friendship." said Loki. "We are mostly acquaintances that happen to be really close to my brother in some shape or form."

"When you put it that way, you are making it sound like that we barely know each other and at any moment a war would break out between us." said Jane.

"You were panicking when you first discovered that I was alive, I would not be surprised if you were ready to call the Avengers to have me carried away to some facility." said Loki.

"Well with your track record, you can't blame me for being a little suspicious." said Jane. "Plus I was kinda mad at you for lying to us, faking your death and the entire mess you created in New York. Do you have any idea how much you hurt Thor and make me blame myself for what happened?"

"How is any of that your fault?" asked Loki. "I fail to see how you would be directly responsible for anything regarding my false death scheme, let alone my quest to gather the Infinity Stones before Thanos does."

"It's because if I haven't found the Aether, then I wouldn't have let it suck in to me and then none of that would have happened." said Jane. "I thought that you died and I don't think I was ever going to move past that, especially after you saved Thor's life and my life."

"I'm sorry, I caused you so much distressed." said Loki. "I had no idea that you are so upset in the idea that you may have been responsible in Thor's brother's demise."

"You don't get it, do you?" interrupted Jane not having another minute of whatever any of this is. "I actually thought that you died because of me and I wasn't even thinking that you were Thor's brother, I was more worried about the fact that you sacrificed yourself to save us and it was my fault. All because I was so desperate to get Thor back, I did not even care about what the consequences were and only to try to get the best part of my life back. I don't think I have fully forgiven myself for what happend to your mom, she was trying to protect me."

"There was nothing you could have done to prevented it." said Loki as he gives a sigh. "I understand how it feels to lose someone and not even know if you will ever get them back or if anything will ever be how it used to be..."

"Yeah, the idea of never seeing the people you care about again, it can really do a lot on you." said Jane. "Especially if you really care about them so much that you can't imagine your life without them."

"Indeed... I'm sorry if my ploy caused you any emotional trouble and pain." said Loki. "I never thought that you would have gotten hurt from my actions and only hope that you will someday forgive me for my actions."

"I think I forgiven you the moment we started working together and studying the Infinity Stones, since right now holding each other each other in the past is not going to help us pull this off." said Jane. "Besides Thor and Darcy wouldn't want us to argue all day, every day."

"Though I doubt either of them would be surprised." said Loki.

"But they still wouldn't want us to, especially if we look at all the facts." said Jane. "We have so much in common already and I am surprised that we never had the time to stop and actually get to know each other beyond whatever the end of the world situation we find ourselves in."

"I doubt that we do or at least I am having a hard time to see it." said Loki. "We are nothing alike."

"Let's see, we both like to research and we are friends with Darcy and we both love your brother." said Jane as if it was obvious.

"Alright, fair enough." said Loki who can't help but admire Jane's intelligence, he can see why his brother has grown to love her, though he can see her as nothing more than an ally, but he knows that they are going to need to work together if they are going to succeed, that is if there is any hope they will and they can make it out all of this victorious in someway.

"Hey, I know that we may have started off on the wrong foot and the only bonding time we had is having to deal with some big bad villain who is set to destroy the universe given the chance." Said Jane. "Why don't we try to start over and try to be friendly to one each other? We don't have to be friends, but let us just try to be on the same boat, since like it or not, we are going to be in this together even after all of this is over."

"True, it may be better if we try to collaborate." Said Loki as he gives a sigh. "We really should go in there and get the supplies."

"I agree, come on, we are going to need everything we can carry if we are going to pull this off." Said Jane as she opens her side of the car door. "Please tell me you have an experience in crafting."

"I can't say that I do unless it has something to do with magic." Said Loki. "Even then I was always more of a drawer than a person who can forge anything."

"Ok, at least I know you can provide a visual aid on paper and with magic." Said Jane. "Let's just grab as many things as we need to somehow make this work."

Without another word, both Loki and Jane got out of the car and quickly head inside the store. With the hopes to find the supplies quickly and then to hurry over back to Jane's apartment. There is already so much at stake and they don't know for sure if they will find everything they may need, but both of them agrees that they have to try. As they enter the store, they are ready for their quest to begin.

An hour and a half later

Loki and Jane are going through every asle to grab as many things they may need to make the stones. Along with letting Loki see more of the store, once Jane realize that he has never been to a giant store like this, she showed him around a little bit. Surprisingly, the entire shopping experience has been enjoyable and she is now seeing a new side to Loki that she didn't even know that was there. Maybe she and Loki can at least have the occasional conversation or she can get him to help her choose any gift for Thor on special occasions or just talk to him about anything that she may have researched whether it's science or magical after all of this is over.

Aside from planning any future plans to spend time with Loki and to much of Jane's surprise, starting to grow to be more friendly towards Loki and feels like that they can eventually become friends, if there is not that many factors between them. Along if they were not about to go face a mad Titan that is set to destroy everything and they may be going their separate ways after all of this. But still it is at least nice to spend time with someone from Thor's family, though she doesn't see herself really bonding with Odin or thinks that he would be a happy camper if he was forced to spend time with her. Especially knowing according to Odin, she is never going to be good enough for did something.

With Loki, it feels different, that he has this sense of kindness and patience within him, that it feels more relaxed than being in the same room with someone who is ready to judge her at a moments notice. At least she knows that there is someone who allows her to feel more comfortable and she can at least talk to him even if they may feel wired at first. Though over time she thinks that she may get used to it and would see Loki as a friend and maybe he will se her as one to.

So far the idea of them eventually becoming friends is becoming more and more likely by the minute. They seem to find each other's company and they are both are making great progress in not only gathering all the materials, but it seems as though they are both enjoying their shopping trip. They may not be close on becoming friends yet or neither one of them know what may happen next, but they are ready to work together to succeed in their goals and then hopefully in the battle that stands before them. One that is imperative for them to win and one that they need to win...

"Well, this is turning out alright." said Jane as she pays the self check out machine.

"Are you sure that these materials have the potential for us to somehow create exact copies of the artifacts and it's self respected Infinity Stone?" asked Loki staring down at all the materials right before them.

"Yeah, all we have to do is make them, even if we can't make it look exactly like the originals, then with your magic then we can use an illusion to make it look genuine." said Jane confidently.

"Alright fair point and good thinking." said Loki happy to see that Jane has thought of everything. "With luck then maybe we will get everything ready and be ahead of the battle before it can begin, thus giving us a advantage, Thanos can never recover from."

"As long as we get the objects made then we can trick him and he will release Thor, Darcy and the other Avengers, right?" asked Jane as she starts to worry about what may happen if they fail and if they can even succeed in what they are trying to do.

"Yes, if we have luck on our side and if Thanos hasn't been coming up with numerous back up plans, ones that no one can predict or truly undermine." said Loki. "I doubt anyone can truly be prepared for Thanos."

"It won't hurt to try at least try right?" said Jane. "We can't give up, especially being so close."

"I wish it is as simple as-" starts Loki before he stops himself as he sees something that catches his attention and immediate panic. "Get back!"

"What? What is it?" asked Jane completely surprised and confused by Loki's sudden reaction and can tell that there is something going on,

"It's the Chitauri, they're here." said Loki,

At that moment, Jane stares out of the store window and to much of her surprise and horror, she sees a few of the Chitauri right outside the store and right in the parking lot. They all seem ready to make an attack and is about to, as they watch the many costumers try to avoid the Chitauri as much as they can possibly can. With the ones standing right in front of the door, ready to look for a fight as more and more people start to leave the area as quickly as they can with fears in their minds. With only Loki and Jane staring at the scene, both knowing that they are going to need to find a way to get out of there and they need to do it quick.

"Great, now we have to deal with the Chitauri." said Jane. "How did they find us?"

"I am not sure, but they have their ways and Thanos would send them to try to make sure that I am not to try anything or to follow us with the hope they can get the Infinity Stones themselves." said Loki. "As for them being able to find us, I have no idea on... Wait... Oh no..."

"'Oh no?' What do you mean by 'oh no?'" asked Jane unsure if she wants to know.

"When we were at the school, I thought I saw a Chitauri and at first I thought that it was nothing more than my imagination going wild, that I was letting my fears get the better of me." said Loki. "It appears that I was mistaken..."

"That would have been helpful an hour ago." said Jane not even bothering to hide her annoyance.

"I was not thinking that I would have to." said Loki. "But it does not matter now, right now we have to deal with these creatures before they go back and report to Thanos on anything they may have discovered or try to accuse us off."

"Ok, so what's the plan? How do you and Darcy deal with these things?" asked Jane.

"It has been a while, at least Nebula is not here and that will make the fight easier." said Loki determinedly. "I will go and fight all of them, while you stay here."

"Wait, I want to help." said Jane hastily as she quickly tries to stop Loki. "You are not wearing your costume, how are you going to fight them without being seen?"

"It's seems as though you have forgotten my other hidden talents, I think an illusion may give me a advantage don't you?" said Loki as he uses his magic to cover not only himself, but the Chitauri. "Jane if you really want to help, then you... try to keep everyone inside the store while I try to deal with this."

"Hey, hold on a sec-" starts Jane.

Before she can say another word, Loki leaves to fight off the Chituati, ready to put an end to whatever they may be planning and to finally have a advantage over them. He waits for the right moment to create another illusion with the hopes that it would distract them. As expected the Chitauri starts to head right toward the illusion, ready to make an attack. Wanting to put an end to this entire ordeal and to take Loki back to their master to make him finally face his judgment. To end all of the nonsense that they believe that the Asgardian is giving them.

That is if they were truly prepared for what is set to happen. Loki soon starts his attack and fight each one of the Chitauri with a combination of hand to hand combat and magic. Not wasting a second to make them take a stand and counter act the fight. Determined to keep the lead he already has and to win the overall fight, Loki uses his magic to try to push all of the Chitauri away from him. He only hopes that he can somehow defeat them or at least get them far away from the entire scene and out of their tracks.

The battle is going rather smoothly, as Loki continues to fight off all the Chitauri. Though Loki only wishes that he can find a way to make the battle end right then and there. But he knows that he has to keep on the fight, to get them away from all of these people with the hope that he can avoid something worse in happening. He doesn't even want to know or imagine what may happen if the Chitauri win or if they get a hold of the Infinity Stones, then they will not only lose before they can even go far ahead, but the universe would be in peril sooner than they expected.

Then it may be too late to fix anything, he only wishes that he can use a spell that would finish the job sooner, but there is no way he can do it without revealing himself or create suspicion and give his presence away. If he wants to beat them, then he is going to have to keep on fighting, from one look, he can tell that he has an advantage. All he has to do is to continue on the fight and then he will end the fight victoriously and that will be the end of it. If he keeps things up and if he continues to undermines all of the attacks that is heading his way, he even starts to knock a few of them out as he keeps the fight going, not ready to give up and having a huge lead in the battle so far.

While Jane is watching inside, seeing how Loki is ready to fight and how things is going, she doesn't know how things are going or if the fight is almost over. Since from one look, it seems as though they are at the same level where no one can tell who may get the upper hand and at any moment, that is she thinks. It's not like she knows that much about combat or watched the Batman movies as much as Darcy, but she knows that she can't stand by and do nothing. The Chitauri needs to be stopped and she is ready to do anything to help, so she grabs a fire extinguisher and heads right outside ready to fight off the Chitauri or at least try to help Loki. She hides behind a pole and watches the fight from a far, coming up with a plan as quickly as she can and then start her attack.

Once the Chituari are distracted, Jane runs over to the scene and hit one of the Chitauri right on it's head much to Loki's surprise and horror. They all turned to her, looking as though as she did the most unforgivable thing in the world. Without a second thought, she turns it around and spray the foam right into the Chitauri's eyes with the hope that maybe it would blind them long enough to get them some advantage. She doesn't even know how much it may help Loki or if foam can be a weakness to the aliens, but she only hopes that it would be enough for them to defeat all of the Chituari and speed up the battle. But once she runs out of foam and turns to see the Chitauri standing right in front of her, that neither one of them is affected by the foam, to much of Jane's horror as she sees the sight right before her.

The Chituari is ready to make it's attack and not is going to waste a moment in making sure that they finish the job. If the human is an ally of Loki, then maybe they should deal with her, to make sure Loki gets a warning on what happens when he tries to get anyone to interfere with a matter between him and Thanos. They got their blasters up and is about to use them and then this part of the fight will be over, then they can move their focus right back on Loki and get the job done. That is until...

Loki jumps right in and use magic to create a blast that pushes all of the Chitauri back without even a second thought, ready to fight and defend Jane from these monsters that doesn't care about anything or anyone but pleasing their master. That they will leave nothing but destruction to do it, he is not going to let them do any more damage and let them hurt Jane, they have done enough. He continues to fight by using all of his magical abilities to try to fight off all the Chitauri without holding back, ready to fight off all of them. Through Loki's speed and endurance, the Chitauri becomes weaker and weaker, to the point that they can barely hold their own in a battle, let alone stand. Once he gets a good opportunity, he uses his ice powers to freeze the Chitauri and entrap them in ice, only breaking the ice with his magic with the hope that it would knock them out, which it did.

Once the entire battle has ended, all Loki can do is give a sigh of relief and take a couple of deep breaths as he stops to think about what just happened and cast another spell to make sure that there is no other Chitauri hiding, ready to make a attack. To much of his surprise and relief, there is no more Chitauri to fight off, that they can move past this small inconvenience and move on. But still before he can fully do so, there are many questions going on his mind, ones that are not going to escape his mind without knowing the answers. He sighs once again and turns to face Jane, ready to get to the point, hoping that whatever he is going to hear, he is going to like it, but he highly doubts it...

"Are you alright?" asked Loki.

"Yeah, well I am now, thanks to you." said Jane grateful that Loki was there, stopped the Chitauri from doing anymore damage and saved her life again.

"Good, now with that settled, I have one question..." said Loki calmly before he lets out all emotion. "What were you thinking? Do you have any idea on how much danger you put yourself in just now?"

"I was trying to help." said Jane. "I thought that maybe if I helped knock some of these guys out for you, it would have been easier. That maybe it would let knock them out or foam would somehow be their weakness or something."

"Jane, what you did was completely reckless and you were lucky that I was here to fight them before they even had a chance to hurt you." said Loki.

"Well, I had to do something." said Jane. "They were attacking everyone and would have killed you without a second thought."

"I hardly doubt that, if anything they would take me to Thanos, if they defeat me and saw the stones." said Loki. "It's what they may do to you is more of a concern, besides I can take care of myself."

"Yeah I know, but we both know that these guys are after you and they bring a tough fight, one that is hard for anyone to beat." said Jane.

"I have abilities that are stronger than any human being." said Loki.

"But that's beyond the point." said Jane. "If anything we can't let them get to you right now, especially with everything that's going on. If they catch and take you, then who knows what's going to happen or how either of us is planning to explain to Thor is something like that happens?"

"It still does not mean that you should throw your life on the line in order to do so, it is better to think ahead." said Loki. "How do you propose how I would tell Thor if anything were to happen to you? I am sure he would be pleased to hear not only I faked my own death, lied about my identity and have you involved and if anything happens to you..."

At that moment, both of them stopped to stare at one another and truly see what Jane meant earlier. They do care about Thor so much, that now they are willing to do anything to make sure that they somehow succeed their goal and try to make this work. They are both on the same side and that is the only thing that matters, they are going to need each other's help if they are going to succeed and they are going to need to let each other in.

Loki knows that he is not going to let anything happen to Jane. That he does not even know if he can ever forgive if Jane gets hurt, for some reason he feels as though he is becoming more protective towards Jane. Not only because his mother died for her or she's Thor's girlfriend, but as a person and a new found ally. They are now in this together and they are going to need to work together if they are going to save Darcy, Thor and the rest of the Avengers. He knows that they are the world's only hope and they are going to need to do everything in their power to make sure they get them out, while he makes sure that nothing gets worse and to keep Jane safe from whatever Thanos may have planned. He has to...

They were quiet for a few more seconds as time seems to move slower, as if Thanos used the Infinity Stones to freeze the planet to stop time. Loki only wishes that things would start to make sense and that the brotherly instincts that he often feel if Thor was in danger suddenly stop and then it would all make sense. It has to somehow make sense, he can't afford in making any more attachments and he is failing so much that he does not even know what he is going to do with himself. Loki is about to say something, but he stops himself, that just gives Jane the clue that she should take the lead in the conversation.

"Hey, why don't we go back to the car?" said Jane. "Then we can get back to my place and get to work, alright?"

"Yes, we really should get to work." said Loki as he gives a nod.

With that, they both head right towards Jane's car and get to the next part of their plan and finally return to the apartment. They still have a long way to go, a journey that is never going to have a straight road or a clear direction. He only have the hope that they can find a way to make it work, that is if it's possible and they can find a way to get all of them out of Thanos's clutches. They have to make it work, he doesn't even know what would happen if they fail or if this plan can even work at all. But still, it does not hurt to try and at this point Loki's desperate for anything, once they get back then he will show Jane the stones and then they can work on making the replicas. He knows that this has a high chance of failing, but that doesn't mean they are not are not going to give up without a fight, they only have one chance and Loki is not going to let this chance pass by, they will find a way to get them out and they will defeat Thanos and keep the stones from him, somehow...

Meanwhile back in Jane's apartment, a couple of hours later

Both Loki and Jane made it back to the apartment after returning from the store and making the objects look exactly like the original objects and to make sure that it will be able to pull anyone. So far it looks like the two of them are doing a good job in doing so, but part of them wishes that they can have some sort of comfort of this plan might possibly work. This can't fail and might be the most important part of the plan, if they are going to pull this off then they are going to give it their all. At least the false objects and Infinity Stones are almost done...

"Well at least we are on the right track." said Jane. "I mean we are one step closer on being ready for tomorrow, I mean these things look so much like the real objects and stones. All we need is some of your magic and we'll be able to pull this off."

"Let's try not to celebrate before we actually have something ready, we can't predict our outcome if we don't have everything ready or if Thanos has another thing in mind." said Loki. "Don't you find it strange that Thanos changed his demands that quickly? I have the suspicion that he is planning something and the last thing I want is to be underprepared for it."

"Maybe Thanos is planning something, but then again maybe he realize that once he gets the stones that he might not need you after all." suggested Jane. "I mean even though he is trying to destroy everything with the stones, but maybe he realized that he won't get anywhere with revenge on you."

"I doubt that, Thanos made it clear that he is going to make sure that I paid for failure number of times before and during my invasion on this planet. I just can not believe that he would simply give up on requesting for me." said Loki unsure if he can believe that Thanos would give up on his quest for revenge that easily.

"Well even if Thanos is lying and have something else planned, at least you are not alone this time and I doubt that Thor and the other Avengers won't give you up without a fight." said Jane. "Plus Darcy is probabley going to try to fight back one way or another and won't just back down. I mean she literally tased Thor when she first met him, so at least she will try to make a stand."

That catches Loki by surprise and he quickly turns away to try to not to laugh, even though he doesn't know all of the details and it probabley was when Odin took away Thor's power. The image of Darcy being able to simply tase Thor that easily and part of him even wishes that he could have seen that, he knows that he shouldn't be laughing at that. But still in it's own way it is funny and he is never going to have the image of Darcy tasing Thor out of his mind, he does not want to know what she might do to Thanos if she can and maybe he should have encouraged her in using that thing. It might have at least been able to take down Nebula if Darcy had more fighting experience. Well at least she has some fighting experience thanks to the past couple of days, he just wishes that he could have done more to prevent all of this in happening...

"At least we know that Darcy can easily tase my brother easily." said Loki. "But other than that we really should focus on trying to make sure we have a plan that might possibly be able to work."

"I guess we will have to find a way to trick Thanos into giving the them up, maybe to just show off these objects and refuse to give it to Thanos until he lets the others go." suggested Jane.

"That won't be enough to convince Thanos, I am going to possibly need illusions in order to pull it off." said Loki. "If I can use my magic to create the illusion of the powers of the stones then it will be more than enough proof."

"Then he might let Thor, Darcy and the Avengers go without question, I just wonder what might happen if Thanos realize if these are fakes before we can even have a chance to beat him?" asked Jane nervously.

"If luck is on our side then he would have left Earth once he realize that and it would buy us more than enough time to come up with a plan." said Loki. "If he happens to discover that we give him false stones on that moment... Then we're doomed..."

With that both of them went quiet and already nervous in what might happen if things don't end well, if they want to pull this off then they are going to need to make sure that this works and that it works long enough for them to find a way to win this fight. When this fight happens and that it somehow goes down to whether or not Thanos will believe that he has gotten the stones. There is also the fact that they can't predict what Thanos might do if he wasn't fooled or if things does go well and Thanos decides to make sure that they pay for everything.

Loki does not even know what to expect or if things are going to go well after all and if they might be able to win. But still there is a good chance that maybe they will be able to win and that they will be able to trick Thanos, at least they are going to try to put up a fight before they are beaten beyond a chance to fight back. Well they are not going to win or at least survive tomorrow if they are ready to assume the worst and wants to stop Thanos. He just wishes that the future is certain and that they know for sure that they will be able to win tomorrow.

"I guess I will see you tomorrow..." said Loki and he is about to get up to leave before...

"Wait, you can stay the night again if you want." said Jane. "To save you the trip and so that way you can be somewhere that they won't even expect in looking."

"I can't impose and stay-" started Loki before Jane decides to put her foot down.

"Really I insist, were you this hesitant when Darcy first offered to let you crash in her place?" asked Jane. "It's not just to make things easier, I'm more worried that if you try to go over there and back that you get caught by a Chitauri soldier or something."

"I can always fight my way out, but for arguement sake I believe that it might be best for me to stay the night." said Loki. "I will sleep on the couch and then-"

"You don't have to sleep on the couch, I was going to ask if you would like to sleep in Thor's room to be a little more comfortable." said Jane. "Since you are his brother and I am sure he wouldn't mind if-"

"Now this is a surprise, are you sure that it would be alright?" said Loki nervously.

"Yeah, it's no problem and Thor would be ok with it, I mean after you 'died' he really missed you a lot." said Jane. "I don't even know how he managed the first week and he didn't even start to move on until a month ago."

Loki didn't say anything or can even find the words to defend his actions, let alone try to find an excuse or lie that even he would believe. He knows that he definitely went too far this time and that maybe he should try to apologies once Thor eventually finds out. But the question is when will be the day that happen? Loki feels like that it should be soon because after all of the things that happened thus far then maybe he should tell Thor soon. He can't risk anyone else knowing his secret, Thor may not know it now but Thanos probably is demanding information from him and the other Avengers that they don't even know about. So far he was right about Thanos demanding information from them and it would have been worse if they knew the truth.

He follows Jane to Thor's room and once they went inside, there is something that immediately caught Loki's eye and he is really surprise to see it . It was his horned helmet and it looks exactly like when he last saw it and wore it a year ago. Loki always thought that it was lost on Earth somewhere or it was destroyed, he never thought that Thor would have. He knows that he could have always used his magic to summon it, but he didn't know where it is and doesn't want to draw attention of it possibly going missing or something that might lead to an investigation. At least he finally knows what happend to it and that he knows that Thor has done a good job thus far on making sure that the helmet is well kept.

"How long has Thor have this here?" asked Loki. "I never thought..."

"Well he missed you so much that he asked for your helmet as a way to remember you by." said Jane. "So I guess he just wants to keep it around to at least have you around in some way."

"How do you think he is going to react when..." begins Loki to stop himself from continuing to ask the question.

"When you eventually tell him the truth?" finished Jane nervously. "I think he is going to be happy or at least relief ultimately to find out that you are alive. At least be more happy than he would be if you took over Asgard or something when we left you alone for a while."

"I was planning to take over Asgard, but I had a change of heart and decided to leave to another realm. The gateway I went to was to Earth and the first one I met was Darcy. That was when all of this first started." said Loki. "Even if I didn't take over Asgard, I don't think it would be a happy reunion on Thor's end and he would be more angry than happy if that happens. I sometimes wish that he would just forgive me even if he just wishes to never see me again."

"Well either way, it might be a win-win for both of you once Thor finds out and if he's happy then you two will finally make up for everything and be brothers again. But if he is going to be that angry, at least you can leave him with knowing that he knows and maybe if you give Thor time then he will come around and maybe try to make things right once all of this is over." said Jane. "At least it might be a huge weight off your shoulder and you will be able to be happy that he knows."

"I won't be happy if Thor decides to bring Odin and an Asgardian army to bring me back to my cell." said Loki with a groan.

"I don't think he would go that far unless you were leading the attack that Thanos is doing again." said Jane. "Just give him a chance and we'll see from there, maybe Thor will catch you by surprise."

"I hope that you're right, but I highly doubt it and at least I don't have to worry about it for a while." said Loki. "Let's just hope that whatever tomorrow brings it will be for the good of the fight ahead. With Thanos, there is no telling what might happen..."

Jane nodded her head and quietly left the room to let Loki settle in because she has work to do and it looks like that Loki is going to need some time alone. She does not know how she is going to fix the Mysto costume, but she is going to try or at least figure something out. From one look at the costume, it looks as though that it would take a miracle to completely fix the costume and they might not have enough time to clean the suit, let alone restore it. As Jane continues to look at it, she starts to realize that maybe she doesn't have to fix it completely, but maybe if she can make it a mix between the old look and this new look then maybe it will look alright. That is Jane hopes that it looks alright and that Loki might be alright with the potential alteration, so she got into her room and starts to work, it might not be easy but she is going to make sure that the costume is the best that it might possibly be.

While Loki on the other hand is thinking about tomorrow and can't help but wonder on all of the possibilities of what might happen the following day. What might Thanos might be planning the next day and how are they going to survive from what might happen. Is Thanos hoping that he would come out on top and use the stones right then and there? What if he realizes they are fakes? Would Thanos be doing something drastic? What if he fails and pay the price?

He knows that he is not going to help anyone if he stops to think about the worst thing that might happen. Loki is going to fight whatever Thanos is going to put him through and make sure that they somehow win this. Once he finally defeats Thanos, then he is going to make sure that he ends this once and for all before he destroy all of the Infinity stones for good. To avoid something like this from ever happening again and that way if Thanos ever does try to do anything then they will be able to get ready to finally defeat him.

Other than that maybe he will take it easy once this is over and to just spend the next couple of days to relax and spend some time with Darcy before leaving the planet. Then when the moment is right on the night before his departure, he will tell Thor the truth and will spend time to tell him everything before leaving Earth for good. But Loki knows that this fight is not going to be easy and that he can't guarantee that things will work out and if he will be able to fully be able to make it out of the situation alive. He is going to do everything in his power to make sure that he defeats Thanos for good.

The next morning

Loki got up early the next morning, he have to admit that waking up here is starting to feel strange. Especially with how he literally slept in Thor's room for the whole night, he really does not want to know how Thor is going to react if he ever finds out. He quickly checks his burn marks to see how they are doing and so far it's about the same and he knows that he should drink some of the heeling potion. But he can't afford drinking or loosing any of it until he knows what Thanos might have possibly done to everyone.

He quickly made his way towards the balcony and to stare out into the horizon, he just wishes that there is a way to be sure that they are going to win and to make sure that they do everything in his power to make sure that they win. Loki is wondering what is going on up there and if there is a possible chance that Thanos might not be doing too much towards them. But there is no telling with Thanos and what he might possibly be planning to do in any scenerio, Loki just hopes that he is ready to face whatever Thanos is going to throw at him.

Soon Jane found Loki standing on the balcony and decides to join him, to spend their last moment of peace before the ultimate fight of their lives happens. There is no telling what might happen or if they will be able to win the fight that is coming up ahead. At least they have a plan that might possibly work and if everything goes well then maybe it might work and that they will get everyone back and have a small victory before Thanos strikes again. Only time will tell...

"Hey, I guess today is the big day huh?" said Jane trying to start off a conversation with Loki and to try to ease the situation.

"Let's just hope that this 'big day' goes well, I can hardly wait for it to be over." said Loki. "I just wish that we don't have to face Thanos and that maybe we can just walk in and walk out alive."

"Thanos is really that bad huh?" asked Jane nervously.

"Of course, all he wants is to try to get the stones and make sure that I pay for everything that happened a year ago." said Loki. "Thanos has always hated me ever since the beginning and would have liked it if I died before my invasion to Earth."

"Why does Thanos hate you this much?" asked Jane trying to be there for Loki and to get to know him more than she had for the past day.

"I would rather not talk about it, let's just say that I only want to tell that story once because what happened back there was a nightmare." said Loki. "I will only tell this story once and when we get Darcy and Thor out then I will tell you.

"Wait, did you just say Thor? I thought that..." begins Jane.

"I am not going to reveal myself just yet, I am just going to tell Thor I overheard some Chitauri soldiers or something talking about my experiences." said Loki. "Then maybe I will find a suitable time to tell him before we face Thanos or later on after we defeat Thanos. I was thinking that maybe one of these days before we have to face Thanos that I should tell him and get it over with."

"Really? Are you sure you are ready for Thor to know?" asked Jane.

"I don't think I will ever be ready to tell Thor the truth, but you were right and I would have to tell Thor sooner or later." said Loki. "After all of this, he should know the truth and he already gone through so much from not knowing anything. It wouldn't surprise Thanos is already making Thor go through... a painful experience, maybe it is finally time that... he knows the truth..."

"Are you always full of surprises?" asked Jane impressed by how Loki is ready to step up and talk to Thor about this.

"It really depends on my mood, well with that settle did you manage to fix the costume?" asked Loki. "I really need the costume if I want to be Mysto or at least stand a chance in keeping my identity a secret."

"Uh yes, about that..." said Jane nervously as she goes back to her room to bring out the costume and it was a mix between how it looked originally and stitches for any rips and tears. While the Mysto symbol is a darker shade and hints of burns in it. "I tried to fix it and try to make the most of it but this is the best I can do without ruining the costume and-"

"It will have to do, at least you tried and I have bigger things to worry about than this." said Loki trying to sound indifferent but in reality he is saddened to see the Mysto costume destroyed like that and is reduced to this state. But none of this was Jane's fault and maybe he can ask Darcy if she can ask the person who made the costume to repair it. At least he still has a costume and maybe worry about it later, that is Loki hopes it can be fixed...

"Well I did manage to fix the mask and at least it's close to how it was originally." said Jane pulling out the mask and to Loki's relief it's the same as it would have been before the fight with Thanos. He carefully accepts the mask and manually put it on and use his magic to change into the suit, he was ready for the confrontation.

"I guess it's time, I hope to see you again once or if I return." said Loki not wanting to leave to face Thanos, at the same time knowing that he has to no matter what. Loki is about to leave the apartment and head right up to the Quinjet before Jane decides to say a couple of things.

"Wait just one minute, there is no way you are going out there alone." said Jane. "Especially with that maniac of alien wanting to do everything he can to make sure you pay for something that happened a year ago."

"If I ever reveal my identity and secret residence on this planet, don't be surprise if an angry mob comes after me." said Loki. "I doubt that this would be any different than that."

"The big difference would be that the worst that could happen to you in that scenario is you being sent to jail but with Thanos, you'd be lucky that he doesn't break every bone in your body the least." said Jane. "It also doesn't help that he has the others captive and Thanos might think of something as a way to hurt them or you."

"If I don't go then Thanos would make them pay for the price of me not showing up." said Loki. "Do you honestly want that to happen? If we want to get them all back then I have no choice but to go and pull off the illusion of submitting myself to his demands by give him the false objects. Unfortunately we don't have any choice."

"Well you do have one choice, whether you go alone or not and I have been doing some thinking last night and I know that I can't live with the fact that I let you go alone and not knowing what might happened." said Jane. "I decided to go with you."

"What? There is no way that I am ever going to let you come with me for two reasons." said Loki immediately putting his foot down and hope that would be the end of the conversation.

"Which are what exactly?" asked Jane not even sure if she can believe that Loki is being this difficult at the moment.

"One the last time that I brought someone along secretly during an confrontation with Thanos, he caught her and took her as his prisoner." said Loki. "Plus there is also the fact... That you are not the type to go into danger and even when you do so far you have to rely on either Thor or myself to save you from whatever danger that may come our way."

"Hey I can take care of myself and sure I didn't have the best of luck two months ago, but I think I can handle whatever Thanos throws at us." said Jane trying to defend her case. "I mean I did have experience on dealing with alien creatures that want to destroy the planet, sure I didn't face them head on but I did help out."

"You do realize that Thor did most of the saving the day for both times and one of those times it was myself sending the destroyer." said Loki. "I don't seem to recall of seeing you trying to stop me in New York, the only thing that you did to me was slap me in the face and no offense but it is going to take more than that to stop Thanos."

"Ok I didn't have a full on battle, but I can help and just give me a chance to prove you wrong." said Jane. "I'm sure that I can make a stand and at least help out in some way, I mean I can always stay and monitor the ship or something. I know that I will be able to help in someway, if you let me."

Loki can't help but think about this because the last thing that he needs is to get Jane captured as well, he does not want to know what Thanos might do to her once he figures out the bond that she and Thor have. Plus he can't negotiate with Thanos and watch over Jane to make sure that no one dares try to hurt her, but still at the same time he can have someone to cover on making sure that the ship is still in one piece. But the last thing that they need is to have her captured or Nebula paying the ship any unwanted visits, maybe this time it won't be as bad and all Loki have to do is "give" the stones to Thanos and if they have a means to communicate then at least it will be easier for Jane and himself in the long run. He doesn't know if this might be a good idea, but Loki does know that he might need some help and at least it might be better if he had someone to watch the ship and be ready to drive it in case they need to make a quick getaway.

"Thor is never going to let me live this down, but the main problem is communication for two reasons, one I really do not like cell phones and it would be a nuisance carrying it around for who knows how long. The last thing I want to have Darcy's phone broken again, at least we have a replacement this time." said Loki. "Other than that the second reason would be is that in case I have to fight Nebula, the Black order or a Chitari soldier I can't walk around with a device in my hand waiting to find out what might be going on the other side."

"You're in luck, there is something that I was trying to create with Darcy to see if we can contact Thor the first time he left Earth." said Jane as she pulls out two objects with an ear piece where it can be used to communicate to both sides. "We can use this and you don't have to do anything except turn on the device if you want to talk to me. So what other arguments do you have in store?"

"Ok you can come, but as long as you stay on the Quinjet and make sure that you alert me in case someone tries to get a hold of you." said Loki. "I don't need to worry about you being in the hands of Thanos, if Thor ever finds out then I will have something worse than Odin to deal with."

"Great, besides I just wanted to be close on the action to find out what's going on because I don't think I can remain sane and be stuck here for who knows how long watching tv or checking my phone every five minutes." said Jane. "You don't need to worry about me, I will just stay in the ship to make sure that no one is going to know I'm there."

"I am starting to have the feeling that I am going to regret this." said Loki who still thinks that this is a really bad idea.

They both decide to make their way towards the roof and to the Quinjet and to begin to head their way to the coordinates that is set from two days ago. It was a quiet ride between the two of them. As they are about to face the uncertainty that the future might bring them and what might happen when they finally land, Loki can hardly wait until all of this is over and that maybe today will finally be the day that this all ends. At least he hopes that it would because the last thing he wants is to deal with whatever Thanos might have planned for the future. While Jane stops to think about what she has planned and hopes that this plan might possibly work and at least help Loki in someway...

Meanwhile back on the ship, an hour later

Nebula, Cull Obsidian and the Chitauri went into the cell door and was ready to take the prisoners to the field to watch the show. They just landed back on Earth and was waiting for any sign of Loki to appear, all of them begins to grab a hold of the Avengers and Darcy. Nebula knows what might happen and she just hopes that Thanos wouldn't go that far, but still it is going to happen and at least now she is one step closer on going towards the path of freedom. At least she is going to get revenge on Gamora once Loki arrives and Thanos is going to make sure he takes away everything that she ever cares about.

They all begins to grab a hold of all of them to make sure that they head right out of their way out of the cells to be used as the next part of their plan and to make sure that they do everything in their power to help Thanos in the next part of the plan. At least things are going right on track and that they are going to make sure that the stones will be in their hands before leaving the planet and following what Thanos might be planning to do once he gets the stones. They all got up to work to grab a hold of the Avengers and Darcy to begin their move prisoners outside for them to see Loki.

When Nebula got up to the cell where Darcy and Gamora share, she opens the cell door to grab Darcy and bring her out, to take her with the others and get this task over with. The moment that she sees Gamora again, Nebula can't help but glare at her for a moment before proceeding. Once she manages to grab a good grip to Darcy, she begins to leave to the room for the next part of the phase of Thanos's plan. But something immediately threw Darcy off, they were leaving behind Gamora...

"Wait, what about Gamora?" said Darcy already knowing that they have those plans for her and hopes that she can somehow convince them to add her as part of the bargaining chip.

"The master has already decided on how to deal with her and we already deemed it unnecessary for her to accompany you all." said Corvus Grave. "We don't need to put a dent on or put more wild ideas in her head now do we?"

"How dare you treat her like an object?!" said Thor defensively. "As far as I know Gamora is one of the most bravest and wisest compared to all of you and your master. When I get out of these binds, I will make sure that-"

"Thor it's fine, I can handle this and to be honest I knew that something like this was coming." said Gamora sadly and a little grateful of her newfound companions attempts of defending her. "Don't worry about me, just try to stop him and make sure that he doesn't grab any of the stones. Make sure that-"

"Gamora, you do realize that there is nothing that you can say or do that will stop the inevitable." said Nebula. "We will win in the end and-"

"Then what? What do you think Thanos is going to do once all of this is over? Once he doesn't need you anymore than he will make sure that he will dispose of you in the most brutal way possible." said Gamora. "You can do all of us a favor if you turn away from him and try to do some good for once."

"You should know better than anyone that it is not possible." said Nebula. "I know what I'm doing, why can't everyone just see that there is no escape for me?"

Gamora just stared at Nebula with disappointment and she can't believe that Nebula is still refusing to see that the path that she is going on is. Maybe there is no hope for Nebula and she will continue to go on this path of darkness. Thor related to what Nebula is going through and knows how it feels to loose a sibling to darkness and the pain that happens if you are on the brink on loosing them, he just wishes that there is a way to help Gamora save Nebula and it would be the least that he can do to thank Gamora for how she helped his brother in the past. But even then he would have helped Gamora and do everything he can to save her from the fate that Thanos has in store for her, the same is said for the rest of the Avengers and Darcy, they don't want to leave her alone on the ship with Thanos ready to do his worst on her. As they were about to leave and only a few of them remained in the room about to leave and they are going to face whatever fate is about to give them.

"Hey Gamora, don't worry we'll find a way to get you out of here." promised Captain America.

Before anyone else can say anything they were all moved out of the room and the cells were just the way that it was like the day before. Gamora was frustrated at the situation and how she feels so helpless towards the entire thing, here she is trapped inside some cell and having no way of escape to go out there and help them. But who knows maybe things will work out on it's own and Loki has a plan that might possibly work, she knows that maybe things won't go exactly Thanos's way. Loki might have something in store for all of them, but the problem is if he will be able to succeed in whatever plan he might have to defeat Thanos. She just hopes that things work out, it has too...

Ten minutes later

They soon arrived to the field and so far they haven't seen any sign of Thanos or any one on his side, both Loki and Jane can't seem to see if there was a sign of any alien activity. They were hoping that Thanos would be here in order for their plans to work and to see if they can rescue the others in one way or another, both of them knew that this is the moment where anything might happen and things might change for better or for worse. They just hope that whatever that might happen next it will work for their favor...

"So this is it, to be honest I thought that there would be an army of evil aliens marching all over the place ready to attack." said Jane. "So now what?"

"We need to make sure that Thanos is not planning a ambush or is about to make his move." said Loki. "Does your piece of midgaurdian technology indicate any extraterrestrial activity?

"Well nothing so far, but I seem to be getting some readings further north from here." said Jane.

"I believe that Thanos might be up ahead and he must be planning something, I do not wish to know what that might be." said Loki. "Are you sure you would be fine in here watching over the jet? It's not too late for me to create an illusion on the jet and fly you to the nearest town."

"I'll be fine, don't worry about me. Just focus on trying to trick Thanos and get Thor, Darcy and the rest of the Avengers back." said Jane. "I just hope that Thanos doesn't try to do anything..."

"To Thor?" asked Loki knowing that out of all of them she's more worried about Thor and Darcy.

"Yes, of course and to everyone else. But I am having the strange feeling that Thanos might be planning something, I mean don't you find it wired that we just arrive and there is no one in sight?" pointed out Jane.

"It is peculiar, if it is a trap then we don't have a choice but to go through it." said Loki. "This is our best bet to get Thanos to give up my brother, Darcy and the others. We can't afford to loose this opportunity if it means that we can possibly get everyone back, I will go out to investigate and see if I can see anything."

"Ok, good luck." said Jane and Loki gave her a quick nod as he opens the Quinjet to get off the ship.

Loki begins to make his way through the area to see if there was any sign of Thanos or the others, he just hopes that he can get this over with and that he will be able to finally defeat Thanos. Along with rescuing everyone and Loki just hopes that things work out and that he will be able to win, he just wishes that things work out and that maybe he will be able to pull this off. But there is no telling what might happen and if Loki might be able to pull this off, he just wishes that he can know for sure and that he can trick Thanos. As he goes further into the woods to see if there is a sign, that he just hopes that things don't end for the worst and maybe he will be able to win this after all.

But little did Loki know is that there might be something else that he might need to worry about and it was happening right under his nose. Once he starts to leave the ship and begins to make his way towards where ever the confrontation may be taking place. There was Jane getting out of the ship to start to follow Loki and to see if there was something that might help her out for her plan and to find places that might hide from Loki if there was a chance that he might feel like he is being followed. Jane doesn't know if this might be a good idea or if this plan might be able to work after all, she needs to do something and she knows that she can't sit in the ship and do nothing. Especially in a place where she doesn't know what is going to happen and that their only hope is a plan that might be a stretch. She hopes that this plan she came up with somehow works out...

10 more minuetes later

Loki soon manages to find Thanos and his army, they were holding Darcy and the Avengers right in front of him, now this is the moment of truth and it was the moment where he is going to get everyone back. The moment that he never thought or wanted to happen and one that he wishes that this was nothing more than a bad dream. He wishes that it all didn't have to comes down to this and what he is about to do to get them out of this situation, at least he can make the most of this and make sure that this plan works...

"It's about time you showed up, I was beginning to worry that you might have found a way to cower away and try to escape from the inevitable." said Thanos. "I don't think we need to go over the terms to our agreement, do we Mysto?"

"I believe we don't and you are in luck as many would put it, I happen to have all of the remaining stones right here and will be happy to give them to you but I need you to give me your word that you will give up the others." said Loki. "In fact, all I ask is that you give them up first before I give the stones. That way we can be honest to one another."

"I should say the same thing towards you, how do I know that you are not going to use one of your illusions to make sure that you didn't give me worthless objects?" said Thanos. "I will only give all of them up if you give up the stones."

"Well have it your way." said Loki in defeat.

He begins to look like if he was grabbing the stones from his pocket, but in reality he is creating an illusion and using his magic to summon the fake stones. Once Loki grabs the two objects and the faked reality stone, he stares at Thanos not even sure what to think at the sight right in front of him and as he is about to face one of the biggest challenges that he is yet to face. It looks like Thanos knows him well, but maybe he can use that for his own advantage and to maybe try to see if he can manipulate Thanos in trying to trick him possibly getting the stones. So Loki puts out the stones on his gloved hands and with the power of his illusions, it caught all of them by surprise at the mere sight of the stones. At least Loki doesn't have to worry about the stones looking like the real ones, now he's hoping that things worked out in a way that might possibly succeed and maybe Thanos will think that he has won long enough for them to escape.

Darcy on the other hand is shock to see that Loki is ready to give up the stones this quickly, she knows that they were part of the deal for Thanos to give up the stones, but she never thought that he would voluntarily give up. Then again this is Loki, he would never throw in the towel when the going gets tough right? She just hopes that he knows what he is doing and that maybe they will all get out of this alive and with Thanos finally defeated.

"I hope that you don't mind me getting one of the stones out of it's containment for you, I figured that it might show you that I have managed to obtain these stones for you with one of them already free." said Loki. "I present you with these stones, now let them go or else I might use these objects to somehow break them free."

"That won't be necessary, just because you claim that these are the stones. It doesn't mean that you are being honest and that these stones are real, I know that you have a talent for illusions and I will not tolerate with any of your tricks." said Thanos. "You are lucky that I am feeling extra generous and I am going to let one of them go before you prove that you have the real stones. Let the one without the iron suit go, he's weak without that metal armor on him."

"Wait a second hold up, I don't need the suit to-" begins Tony before the Chitari threw him right next to Loki.

He turns to see if he was ok, but Loki knew that he doesn't even need to ask if he was alright because the most Thanos did to Tony was maybe a couple of less severe bruises by the way that the Chitauri soldier threw at him and take away his Iron man suit. Loki is curious on what might have happened to the suit, but he wouldn't be surprised if Thanos had it destroyed. But at least he have one less to worry about and now he has to try to prove that these are the real stones, at least his illusions will be the start to actually trying to make this plan work.

Loki gives a sigh as he begins to use his magic to create illusions for the stones, he started with the reality to turn the illusion that he made of a rock to an ice berg. That caught the Avengers and Darcy by surprise and worried that he might be actually doing one of the things that is the last thing that they ever want to happen. Thanos watch the show carefully and is still suspicious of whatever trick Loki might have in store, since this feels a little too good to be true. Loki continues by using what might be the time stone and make what look like if he was trying to deage a tree into a sappling. The next part of the illusion that he has in store to try to fool Thanos was to try to use the teaserract to teleport himself where he was standing to a visible sight and back. He didn't even leave his spot and at least Loki did his plan and just hopes that Thanos would believe what he sees.

They all waited nervously to see what might happen, Loki just hopes that for some miracle that Thanos would believe it. Darcy really hopes that whatever plan that Loki might have planned somehow worked because if just handing Thanos the Infinity stones was it then so far this is a terrible friend, she loves Loki but she just hopes that him dropping the stones to this maniac to save them and leave is not his idea of saving the world. Black Widow on the other hand can't help but feel somewhat more suspicious of her theory being correct because she finds it really surprising and suspicious that Mysto somehow gotten the three remaining Infinity Stones and somehow knows how all of them worked. Both Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, were worried for not only that the stones might possibly land on Thanos's hands but Loki's secret might also be revealed by just having the stones alone. Thor on the other hand is surprise to see that Mysto somehow got the other three Infinity stones, he is definitely going to be looking for an explanation. The other three Avengers were watching the scene unsure what was happening but they know if Mysto somehow gotten the stones and is ready to give them up to save them is not a good sign.

"Well Thanos, it looks like I have proven that these are the real stones and now if you can kindly give the rest of them, then we will let you leave without any trouble." said Loki. "Unless you want me to use these against you, I am trying to create a peaceful offering unless you want to do this the hard way."

"That won't be necessary, I believe that you might have given me the chance to realize that you are telling the truth." said Thanos with a grin. "For that release the one that runs fast, the girl in the black suit and the soldier. I am feeling extra generous today and hope that our little friend will be able to cooperate a little bit more than he already has done thus far."

With that the Chitauri soldiers threw Black Widow, Captain America and Quicksilver to the ground right next to Tony, things were definitely starting to get intense. Loki knew that there has to be a reason why he is realizing everyone in bunches like this, Thanos must be planning something else that might be a trap for him to give up the stones. Even if that's the case then he doesn't need to worry, the stones are safe and sound in New York and Thanos doesn't even know that they broke them out of their objects at least he has an advantage. At least things seem to be going well with Jane, he hasn't heard anything lately and so far no one added her to the bargaining chip, at least that's a sigh of relief. Loki just hopes that things continue going as smoothly as it is so far and that Thanos would release all of them already, he can't handle this a moment longer.

Thanos can already see that Loki is feeling anxious and he's happy to see that Loki is already paying the price just because of the pressure of the others being his prisoners. His plan is going exactly according to plan and at the rate things are going he is going to get all of the stones. Thanos knows that the stones are here and he is going to get them, he is surprised that Loki actually agreed to give up the stones for all of them. Thanos always believed that Loki was weak, but he never thought that he would be willing to give up the power that he has been craving for. Either way, he's going to make sure that he doesn't leave here without the stones and to make sure that Loki pays the price for good.

"Are you going to accept this deal then?" asked Loki nervously.

"Proxima, accept the stones and release the one that turned into that green beast. It's clear he's not a use for us if he hasn't transformed back lately and created a permanent transformation." said Thanos. "It's clear that the stones are nearby and that he has pulled through after all, I think it's time to make sure that this ends now."

With that a Chitari soldier unhand cuffed Bruce and Ebony Maw pushed him towards the others, Black Widow quickly went over to check on him and to make sure that he's alright. Loki quickly hands the fake objects to her, he just hopes that Thanos would give up Scarlet Witch, Thor and Darcy already and they can just end whatever game that Thanos is playing. But right now he has no choice but to comply to Thanos and hopes that he would give them up before he tries to think of a plan on how to possibly make Thanos give them up.

"Interesting, I do find it surprising that you are ready to give up the stones that easily and for that I think it is time to see that these are the real stones." said Thanos with a sneer as he accepted the objects from Proxima Midnight.

He takes the time to observe each of the objects carefully and to make sure that they are the real objects, Loki is watching nervously and he's unsure what to think and is hoping that somehow Thanos would have been some how fooled. He is just worried that Thanos would be trying to use the power of the Infinity stones in order to somehow do whatever destruction he wants to do with the stones. Loki just hope that he manages to fool him into thinking that he has gotten all of the stones, but the worst case scenario would be the one that might be happening right in front of him. The moment that Thanos begins to take a closer look on the objects, it looks like he's starting to notice some differences and the illusions in place. Loki waited nervously to see what the verdict might be and so far it's anything but pleasant, once Thanos turned to stare at him. Loki knew that the outcome that is going to be anything but good and that Thanos is going to do something that might be unforgivable if he dares to do it.

"You know I find it strange that you are ready to rescue them all and believe that offering me fake stones were the answers to all of your problems. I was honestly expecting better and I know that you have the other stones with you." said Thanos aggressively. "I'm not going to let them go until you hand over the real stones or should I just head towards the path of force."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Loki already knowing where this might go and he is now hoping that he is wrong.

"If you don't give me the stones right now then I will give up all of them except him, since it's clear that you don't have any kind of connection to him. Isn't it right Mytso?" said Thanos with an evil smile on his face.

"Is all of this really necessary? He has done nothing to you and I gave you what you want, you have the rest of the Infinity stones." said Loki defensively. "Now keep your end of the bargain and let them go!"

"Alright have it your way, let the girl with powers go. We might need to add some encouragement towards our little associate, I think I might have some idea on how we might possibly get some answers." said Thanos. "But it looks like we might have to do this the hard way and it's the path that I am hoping that would have been the path to follow."

With that Thanos grabbed Scarlet Witch from Corvus Grave, took off her handcuffs and threw her to the others. Before Quicksilver had a chance to help her up, Loki beats him do it and he knew that he needs to have her use her powers in case of anything and to have something as a distraction while he figures out how to get Thor and Darcy out of Thanos's grasps without having to give up the stones. He just hopes that whatever he comes up with is better than the worst case scenerio he has come up with.

"If Thanos tries anything be sure that you hit him with everything your powers manage to contain." said Loki in low voice for only Scarlet Witch to hear. "We can't afford in letting Thanos have the upper hand or else we're all doomed."

Scarlet Witch gave a quick nod and begins to use her powers to hold as many objects as she can and is ready to fight back. While Loki is trying to figure out what might be the best plan on how to rescue Thor and Darcy, not too mention it doesn't help that Thanos is ready to do his worst at any moment. Judging from the Asgardian handcuffs that Thor has on, Loki wouldn't be surprise if Thanos did his worst on him more just because he believes that Thor somehow knows. He doesn't even know what he might be able to do without attracting attention, he stares at Thanos and knows that he needs to do something or else Thor and Darcy might wind up paying the price.

This was the one thing that he never wanted to happen and was hoping that it would never happen, he just hopes that Thanos would see some reason and maybe just let them go. Loki can't believe that this is happening and that Thanos not only managed to figure out the plan, but he is ready to hold Thor and Darcy until he is ready to comply. Loki always knew that might happen, but he was hoping that it wouldn't happen and now he has to find a way to stop Thanos and make sure he doesn't hurt them. Loki just hopes that at least trying to negotiate with Thanos might make him see some reason.

"I honestly don't see why you have to keep these two in your grasp because they have never done anything to you." said Loki. "Let them go or else I'll be ready to do whatever means necessary that will make you let them go."

"I really would like to see you try." said Thanos with an evil grin already knowing that he has hit one of Loki's weaknesses.

"I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that you pay the price." said Loki defensively. "Now let them go before I do something that I might later regret."

"Now this is oddly interesting, it's clear that you care about these two and judging from how Nebula has been spying on you that is quite a revelation." said Thanos. "I can see why you would care about the girl, but why would you be this angry towards him? Unless you care about him more than you would as a friend, more like a brother? Am I correct?"

"I just want you to let them go, it's not that much to ask to be honest." said Loki. "We don't really have to go down this route and I only care about my friends being free from your grasp that's all."

"Well then let's see if you still care about him as a friend after I test out some of the stones on him." said Thanos. "Don't worry I won't do anything to her, I know that just having her with me is already causing panic in your mind."

Before Loki can have a chance to say anything or dare to try to stop Thanos he begins to use the power stone against Thor, he can't stand this or any of this because of seeing and hearing Thor in pain like this. Is Thanos really going to make Thor go through this pain until the Infinity stones magically appears right in front of his eyes? There has to be another way and Loki can't let Thor endure the power stone like this and he has to find a way to make sure that Thanos stops this. Loki quickly turns to Scarlet Witch and gesture her to get something bigger that might possibly hit Thanos to knock him out or at least let Thor go long enough for them to fight them off long enough to get Darcy and to escape to try to think of a plan. But for now Loki just need to try to stop Thanos at his own game and then create his plan as he goes along, the idea of him ready to create a plan that he would be as Darcy would put it "winging it". He must be either that desperate or loosing his mind.

"Alright stop! Just stop already!" said Loki. "If you don't then I will not hesitate in making you stop through force."

"I will only stop if you give me the stones, I know that you have them, and will do whatever I see necessary to make you give them up." said Thanos. "It's clear that you care more about him more than you claim, is there something that you want to tell us?"

"I don't know what you are talking about and I am ready to do everything I can to stop you." said Loki. "If you don't let him go right now, then prepare to-"

"It looks like that I am going to need a shield." said Thanos as he pulls up Thor to stand right in front of him. "Now you can do your worse if you dare, it looks like I have the upper hand in this little battle between us."

Scarlet Witch stops using her powers and dropped the giant rock and turns to Loki, the other Avengers got up ready to fight but the question is how are they going to do it without hurting Thor. Darcy just watches the scene unfold, things are going from bad to worse and she just hopes that Loki would be able to think of a plan that might possibly work. Loki on the other hand is at a lost for words and doesn't know how he is going to do anything without hurting Thor, Thanos really put him in a corner and he doesn't even know how he's going to get out. For once Loki doesn't even know what to do and he has never been happy to have the Infinity stones back in New York and at least Jane is still doing fine in the Quinjet.

"Hey Thanos, is this what you are looking for?" said Jane revealing herself from her hiding place, with a zip lock bag in her hands with the three Infinity Stones in there and beginning to make her way trying to make some distance. "If you want the power of the last three Infinity stones then come and get it."

"Jane?!" said Loki almost Immediately forgetting his cover and is surprise to see the scene right in front of him. "What are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Relax Mysto, I know what I am doing and let's see how Thanos would like having the exspirence in having to feel the power of the Infinity stones used against him." said Jane determinedly.

"That's not how the Infinity stones work, unless if it's in an object like the tesseract or on that gauntlet then you can't use it unless you want to destroy yourself." said Loki annoyed. "Now just try to run as fast as you can and I will hold them off as much as I can, just make sure that they don't grab a hold of the stones. What were you even thinking of bringing them with us in the first place?"

"I just thought that maybe if we had the stones then maybe we can use it's power as an advantage, then that way we can possibly get the upper hand." said Jane trying to defend herself. "Just trust me on this one alright? Ok red stone, go into Thanos the same way that you went inside me!"

Nothing is happening so far and Jane doing her best to try to see if she can get the time stone and space stone to work, so far nothing is happening and that things are definitely put things in a bleak spot. Loki can't believe this, not only he now has to worry about Jane because she has the stones with her. But the mere fact that she has the stones is putting her in more danger compared to how it was the last time that she had an encounter with an Infinity stone, he just hopes that Thanos is in a good enough mood that he would spare Jane. He is never going to hear the end of this from Thor, Darcy and Steve once they all make it out of this alive, he is more than ready to protect Jane from whatever Thanos might have in store for her.

But before the Chitari can make a move or someone orders to attack them, Thanos uses the soul stone to summon Jane to him and after a quick second she was standing right in front of him. Loki knows that if he can't trick Thanos into stopping of acquiring the stones and maybe he can fight him, Loki can use magic to make sure that it would break them all free from the grasp and try to remove the gauntlet. But that would be easier said then done because of the mere fact that Thanos now is about to put all the remaining stones into the gauntlet and will have more power than he can ever dream off. Though he can still stop it and Loki begins racing towards him to try to stop the inevitable.

"I believe I owe you a debt a gratitude for that I am going to spare you." said Thanos as he used the reality stone to push Jane back into the crowd and Loki is relieved to see that at least Jane is alright. "Since now I have the possesion of all six Infinity stones and thanks to you my quest is finally now over and I will do everything that I am planning to do with the stones."

Thanos with an evil grin places the reality stone on the gauntlet and every single moment that passes over that is allowing the fear and worry in all of them to grow. Loki is still trying to head towards Thanos to try to see if he can get in a close range where he can possibly use magic to see if he can hurt Thanos long enough to get the guantlet out of his grasp. Before Loki can even have a chance to try to do anything, Corvus notices and uses his powers to create a wall with Ebony Maw using his powers to make it see through so they can all see what is going on. Loki is already trying to use his magic to do everything he can to make that wall come down and so far there is no sign of it going down. Soon the worst is about to happen and this is slowly becoming one of Loki's worst nightmare come true...

"For the other two stones, I think that would suffice in the other two's freedom and I think that they have already live past their usefulness." said Thanos. As he puts the last two stones in the gauntlet. "Release both of them and make sure you have everything ready..."

With that they also threw Darcy to the ground and begins to unhand cuffed Thor, while they were doing it the other Avengers were surprised in what just happened. They all are now wondering how did Mysto and Jane now gotten a hold of the stones. Black Widow can tell that things are definitely pointing towards Thanos being right about Mysto and the question is what are they going to do when they get confirmation that revelation and her theory is true. Especially after everything that they have gone through and plus Loki already had many opportunities to betray them but he never did. Both Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver look at each other completely confused, they may not know what Loki may be planning or hoping for this plan, but they can both tell that this plan has failed miserably.

While Thor on the other hand is surprise at this sudden development and he is surprised to see that Mysto somehow gotten a hold of the Infinity stones, could it be? No that's impossible, this must be a big coincidence and there no way that Loki is Mysto and even if Loki did miraculously survive from the events from the Dark World, then there is no way he would ever be going around collecting the Infinity stones. Especailly with his past history with Thanos, unless Loki has an elaborate revenge plan then there is no way that Loki would ever do something of this magnitude or dare to try to stand up to Thanos.

Darcy is trying to process what happened and is surprised to see what just happened and how all of their efforts has suddenly went down the drain, but still it must be depending on on circumstance. Though she doesn't even know what part Jane had to do for the plan and how it was suppose to help out in the situation, but all she knows is that this was definitely not what Loki thought was going to happen. But still they can't panic just yet, there is still a chance that this might have a quick turn around and that Loki already have a back up plan ready.

Loki doesn't know what to do or can even think of a plan on how to get out of this situation or if there might even be a way out. All of the things that might have gone wrong wound up going wrong and that Thanos now has all the stones plus the gauntlet. He doesn't know how he is going to try to get the stones back or if it might even be possible at this point in time. Loki knows that they need to fight off Thanos in order to save the universe and it was simply because that is what heroes do. But when he agreed to be Mysto and started on this quest, he never thought that he would have to face Thanos with a full gauntlet.

At least the Avengers, Jane, Thor and Darcy are safe and he has managed to get all of them out of Thanos's custody. Maybe some words of encouragement from Darcy and time to think of a foolproof plan might work, then he will be able to at least find a way to get on Thanos's ship or get him to come to him in order to finnally defeat him. Maybe things won't be as bad if things goes down that direction then it might work and at least Thanos doesn't want him as a prisoner (though he highly doubts that's true) and things can't get any worse than this right?

He is starting to think like Darcy, he knows that he must be starting to get that desperate if things are going that route...

"L- Mysto! You're alright!" said Darcy as she is about to hug him, Loki stopped her because the last thing they need is to have some sort of sentimental scene in front of everyone and plus he still have that injury from two days ago, he doesn't want to experience any more pain than he is experiencing right now.

"Of course I am well, but I am more worried about the fact that Thanos now has all six Infinity stones." said Loki. "But I'm glad that you doing well too..."

"Don't worry we will find a way to defeat Thanos, as long as we do it together." said Darcy reassuringly.

Before Loki can even have a chance to say anything or try to think of a plan and maybe an explanation for the Avengers' questions on what is going on. Loki suddenly feels like if something inside him is pulling him to a new direction. The next thing he knows is that he sees Thanos using the soul stone to bring Loki towards him and even used the space stone to speed it up. Soon he was in Cull Obsidian's grasp and with a force field created by Ebony Maw being planted in the field to keep anyone from trying to do anything. Thanos with an evil grin stared at all of them, his plan was a success and now it is time for the grand finale. One that he can't wait for all of them to see. Nebula on the other hand knew where this is going, but is just going to let it happen and this was one thing that is going to happen and even then she is powerless to stop this.

Darcy is now wishing that this is not happening and really wish that she was back in the cell with Gamora having a really bad dream, Thanos has gotten Loki and he is going do his worst on him and going to make sure that Loki pays the price. One of the few people that she cares about the most and Thanos going to break him emotionally and physically, not that she has anything to say about it. She grabs as many rocks as she can find and is ready to throw as many as she can to try to break the force field.

The Avengers were ready to do whatever means necessary to beat up Thanos and to make sure that he lets him go, no matter what the situation and the story on how he somehow managed to get the other stones can be worried about later. Since right now one of their own is in trouble and they are going to do whatever is necessary to stop Thanos from this quest of madness. Scarlet Witch even managed to create rip in the force field in order for them to start a necessary attack, but she doesn't know how long she will be able to hold it.

Jane is just worried of what Thanos might do to Loki, no one deseves to go through whatever the mad titan is going to do and she knows that things are not going to end well if Thanos hurts Loki in anyway. Thor is ready to give the mad titan the fight of his life for Loki, Gamora, Hela in a way and Hiemdell. There is no way that he is going to let Thanos hurt Mysto as well, plus he has a secret weapon on the other side of the field and he's not afraid to use it. They were all ready to fight and to make sure that Thanos doesn't leave here without a fight. Loki knows that this is not a good sign and that he's in a worse place than he can ever imagine, he thought that being thrown back in his cell was bad.

"You said that you didn't need him anymore!" said Darcy defensively. "Now you let him go or I'll-"

"What? Throw a pebble at me? I lied and I think I might want to spend time with your friend after all." points out Thanos. "I would like to see you all try and with how you all barely won the first time and the power of the stones. I believe I have the upper hand in this little fight."

"He's under my protection and whatever lie you told yourself about Loki and Mysto being one and the same then-" begins Thor ready to attack Thanos before he caught him by surprise and Thanos begins to laugh.

"I'm surprise to see how blind you all are and how you are refusing to see the truth no matter what the obvious facts are thrown at you." said Thanos with a sneer. "Mysto is no hero, he is nothing but an illusion of lies that he hopes that would fool you all and you might even say that there is something mischievous about keeping his identity a secret."

"Ok, hasn't this already have gone far enough? Let's pretend if Mysto is Loki for one minute, why would Loki try to grab the stones and try to help protect Earth and its people?" said Bruce.

"Maybe it's because he wants to find that glory that he has been craving for his entire life or that he thinks that he might have stood a chance against me." said Thanos trying to make Loki sound bad. "He's a weakling that-"

"Don't you dare talk about my brother or Mysto that way!" said Thor angrily as he is about to summon his hammer to make sure that Thanos gets hit by it.

"I am only telling the truth and you are only relying on the lies that was being told to you by one who will only keep telling lies to maintain his masquerade. To only do good as long as it benefits him." said Thanos. "Oh well, if you are still going to refuse to see reality then it looks like that I am going to have to make you all see it."

Thanos turns to Loki and begins to head towards him, he is slowly pulling his arm right at Loki's head and it only took a brief second for him to realize what Thanos is going to do. Not only he has taken the remainder of the stones, gave him a hard past couple of days full of worry, killed Vision for the stone and trying to keep him safe and now Thanos is going to take the thing that he treasures most. His second chance and going to take everything he has ever cared about, Thor, his freedom, his new life on Earth and Darcy. Loki was about to use his magic to try to see if there is a chance he can break free from Cull's grasp, but Cull has managed to put the Asgardian handcuffs right on his wrist and now his magic and powers are blocked. But that didn't stop Loki by at least trying to turn his head around to at least delay the reaction. It can't end like this!

Darcy made the same realization as Loki and begins to throw as many rocks as she can to try to stop Thanos and to make sure that what is about to happen won't happen. Sure part of the deal was Loki coming clean at one point, but she thinks that she can speak for him when she says that she didn't think that it was going to be this way or knows that Loki definitely doesn't want the rest of the Avengers to be part of the who knows the Mysto secret club. Even if this won't do much she just hopes that this might annoy Thanos long enough for his attention to turn his attention to her. Both Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver got in the action, by Scarlet witch trying to see if her powers might possibly get a grip of Thanos and Quickilver is going to try to see if he can find his way to get out of the force field to maybe try to do something that Thanos wouldn't expect.

But to no avail, Thanos used the space stone to make Quicksilver go right back where he started or go around in a circle where he always ends up right back where he started. While as for Scarlet Witch, he just uses the power stone to blast at her to force her back and uses the reality stone to block at every attempt of her trying to use her powers. Jane stares at the entire scene, realizing what she has done, ready to give anything to find a way to stop this and know how to help. The odds are not going to stop Darcy and quickly got into action, but Thanos just simply ignores the rocks that Darcy is trying to throw at him and just continues to do what he was trying to do, even then Proxima Midnight is hitting all of the rocks to aim towards a different direction. No matter how hard they are all trying to make sure that Thanos doesn't do it, Thanos either uses the stones to wiggle out of impact or to get one of the Black order or Chitari to make sure that Thanos is well protected in order to continue.

Thanos manages to get a good grip on Loki's head and he grabs a hold of top of the Mysto mask and everything starts to feel like if it was moving in slow motion. Loki knows that this was the end and that this was it, the moment that he was hoping that would never come and now Thanos is going to make it happen. There is no escape and not even the others' attempts on trying to keep Thanos from revealing it are working. Maybe things were never meant to be this way and that this was how it was always going to end, he might as well expect the worst once this is finally over.

Loki closes his eyes as he waits for the worst to happen and he does not want to see the looks on everyone's faces when the truth is finally out, he just wishes that Thor didn't have to find out this way. The mask slowly begins to leave his face and by the time that it is fully taken off, it felt like time has stopped and that things are in an empty void of silence that Loki just wishes that someone would just say something or that Darcy would try to make an bad excuse that no one would fall for. He wishes that he can just use the time stone to undo this, but there is no going back and Loki knows that he is going to have to face the truth, so he slowly open his eyes to see the truth right in front of him. The sight of the astonished faces from the Avengers were no big deal, but seeing Thor's hurts more than the power stone might ever will. Let's just say that this is a sight that Loki would give anything to forget and really wishes that he can, especially with the way how things are going and what's going to happen next...

"Loki?!" yelled out an astonished Thor who can't believe his eyes as he stares at the scene right in front of him and now facing the story that he never thought that might be true.

"Hello brother..." said Loki guiltily as he stares into the sight before him and he really wishes that he can create an illusion right now to hide.

Captain America, Tony and Bruce all stared in shock at the sight of Loki, while Black Widow stares at Loki, unsurprised because her theory is now confirmed to be correct and Loki is Mysto. While Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver gave each other a nervous exhange as they realize that this would be a game changer going forward, Jane on the other hand can't help but feel really guilty at the sight right in front of her. Sure she's happy that Thor finally knows the truth but she never wanted him to find out like this, not too mention it's Loki who's going to be paying the price in the end and it was all her fault that things went down this way.

Darcy is reeling in the fact that the secret is finally out, Thanos now has all of the Infinity Stones, Loki's in Thanos's grasps and the Avengers now knows about Loki, they are so going to be in big trouble once this is over. But she knows that they would have to deal with the Avengers later because of the mere fact that Thanos now has Loki and the Infinity Stones, who knows what he is going to do to Loki and with the power of the stones alone then things are definitely are looking bad.

All of them just stared at Thor, Darcy and Thanos waiting to see what might happen next...

"Now you all can see the truth and can see your 'hero' for who he truly is." said Thanos triumphantly. "The weakling who thought that he might have done something or stood a chance against me, but still if it weren't for him and his friend then I might have still been looking for the stones. Though his attempts in trying to defeat me is truly hilarious and I think it should be time for us to depart."

"I don't think so." said Thor who is now summoning his hammer to try if he can hit Thanos directly on the head and see if he can possibly knock Thanos out long enough for Thor to fight his way to Loki.

Luckily for Thor, the hammer was approaching right ahead and it looks like that it was about to hit Thanos and the nightmare would end. But unfortunately, Thanos turned his head and the hammer missed it by an inch and it landed right in Thor's hand. He can't believe this and was about to strike again before Thanos used the power stone to make their side rumble a little bit and made all of them fall to the ground as they were slowly getting up. All they see was Thanos laughing at them manically at their failures and his success.

"You should have gone for the arm." said Thanos as he lifts the gauntlet is about to activate the space stone to teleport himself, Loki, Nebula and the Black Order back to the ship so they can go into space.

The portal that the space stone is creating and how they are about to leave and Loki is about to face his doomed. Loki knows that if this is going to be the last time that he is ever going to see Darcy or Thor again then he's going to need to say it, otherwise he's going to have it go through his mind forever. He always knew that this quest was impossible and that things were far from going as well as they hoped, he failed Darcy. As for Thor, he finally knows and Loki wouldn't be surprise if he was so angry beyond words. Part of him hoped that he was wrong, but the way that Thanos puts him in this spot and all of his secrets being revealed and not too mention his past actions... He knows that what he did was unforgivable...

"Thor, Darcy I'm sorry for everything." said Loki in defeat.

"Don't worry Loki, I'm not going to let you go that easily." said Darcy determinedly. "I will find you and get you back somehow! I promise..."

"Hasn't your 'friend' ever taught you that sentiment for the weak?" said Thanos. "I have gotten what I came here for, now take one good last look at 'Mysto' and prepare for the worst."

With that they all disappeared and the ship begins for lift off as they all stared at the sky, wondering what Thanos might have in store for them. Darcy can't believe that Thanos has him and just revealed Loki to the Avengers. At least Gamora is up there too and maybe Loki and Gamora will find a way to break out of there, but she can't leave that door open for chance, she will find a way to get Loki back. Somehow, even if it means that she has to quit her job and beg NASA to launch her into space and spend the rest of her life in a space station trying to beg alien species in letting her borrow a space ship, she will find a way to get Loki back.

Thor is full of mixed emotions, as he faces the facts that Loki has been alive this entire time and was searching for the Infinity stones with Darcy. Along with dressing up in a disguise to become a hero and helped them a couple of times, all of the times that he felt like that Mysto and Loki are similar and the times that Thanos was telling the truth to his face, when Natasha in the cell pointing out all of the obvious connections and now it makes sense. He can now see the truth and knows that Thanos is going to pay for everything that he did and realize the danger that Loki is now in. He's going to save Loki from Thanos and make sure that this all ends now. Once he sees Loki again, they are going to have a talk and he will get to the bottom of this and will get his brother back.

Chapter Text

"Can someone please explain to me what just happened?" said Tony Stark still processing on the events that happened about three minuetes ago and can't believe what just occured.

"Can I just say, I told you so?" said Black Widow with a smirk, "I mean I did point out all of the obvious facts, all it took for you is Thanos coming in and revealing that Mysto is Loki to believe it."

"I'm going to safely assume that you didn't know about Loki being Mysto, Thor?" asked Bruce also trying to make sense what just happened.

"Thor, are you alright?" asked Jane. "You were quiet ever since Thanos came in and you found out that Loki is alive and he's been Mysto this entire time."

Thor just stayed quiet, he has many thoughts going through his mind as he faces the facts and the idea that Loki has been alive for two months and that he has been collecting the Infinity Stones. Not too mention, he was disguising as a masked hero and have been alive this entire time! What was he suppose to say or think? It doesn't make things easier knowing that Loki is somewhere in space with Thanos in his ship going through whatever might he might be planning to do to Loki. There are many questions going on his mind, why did Loki fake his death in the first place? Why didn't he tell him that he was alive? Sure he would want an explanation and he is really upset about the entire situation, but he would be happy to hear that Loki is not only alive but decides to turn things around. Even then that wouldn't change the fact that he lied to him for the past two months and how it ultimately led to all of this.

He just wishes he can get the answers he is now looking for and know that Loki is alright up there and that Thanos hasn't done anything to him yet. Maybe once all of this is over, they can start over and maybe brothers again. At the same time, he has to wonder what if Loki doesn't want to renew their relationship and wants to move on once all of this is over. What if he that's the reason why he wanted to keep it a secret? But still he's going to at least talk to Loki once he finds him, he already lost Loki more times than anyone would count and he's not going to let Loki go unless he never wants to see him again. But it is not helping his mind is full of questions that are not getting the answers that he need to know, he just wishes that he fought harder to save Loki and maybe they wouldn't be in this situation or at least he would have gotten some kind of closure or at least an answer from Loki, one that would give him some comfort. He can't believe that Loki has been alive all of this time and that he didn't see the signs until it was too late.

"I am still trying to process the fact that my brother is alive and now he's stuck in an alien space ship with a monster that is ready to make him pay for everything that he has ever done over the course of the past year." said Thor. "I can't believe that Loki has been alive all of this time and that Thanos was telling the truth, why would he keeps this a secret in the first place?"

"I think I know who might answer some of those questions." Pointed out Captain America to Darcy and everyone turns to her. "Darcy, do you think you can tell us what has been going on? Did you know that Loki is Mysto while you were helping him?"

"Uh maybe..." said Darcy nervously before she got a look from Jane and knew that she has to tell the truth. At least it will save Loki some of the trouble once they get him and Gamora out of that ship or if he somehow escapes, though she wishes that this was some elaborate plan or an illusion for him to pop out of nowhere and he'll be fine and no where near Thanos with only having to save Gamora and get the stones away from him. She just wishes that she wasn't the one being interrogated and that Loki is there to at least tell his side of the story and maybe to make the story sound better than it already does.

Darcy takes a good look at the Mysto mask that was left behind and wonders what might be going up in space, if Loki and Gamora are alright and when will Thanos make his next move? But she knows that right now she has to convince the Avengers that Loki is one of the good guys now and that they have to trust them on this one. Along with apologizing to Thor for keeping this a secret for this long and that Loki was just as guilty for keeping the secret. Along with somehow convince him that not too tell his dad or at least wait until they get Loki back or after all of this was over. The last thing Loki needs is to have an Asgardian army waiting to take him and possibly her (would she go to jail too for hiding Loki and lying to everyone especially Thor in the first place?) to jail and everyone else deals with Thanos being under prepared. Maybe it won't be too bad, maybe they will learn to love being stuck in jail for who knows how long, that is she hopes that they don't end up in jail.

"Well the thing is that before you say anything, I just need to let you guys know that Mysto was my idea and that all Loki wanted was to just live his life in hiding. So before you guys go wild on trying to punish him or anything." said Darcy. "I know that this looks bad, but it is not as bad as you think and we really were just trying to stop Thanos. It's a long story really..."

"We have plenty of time and going to need the whole story if we are going to start planing our next move." said Captain America. "I think we all want to know what happened that led to all of this."

"When he says that, he means to find out what has been happening between you and Loki for the past two months." said Tony. "You two seem to be really good friends and you knew that Loki is Mysto and don't get me started on the fact that you two were playing superhero and helped him keep his secret."

"I would like to know how he survived in the first place and what was he doing on Earth. Why didn't you say anything about Loki?" said Thor. "I need to know the whole story, what happened to him after we left him in the Dark world and how you two even became friends and how everything led to this?"

"Well, it sort of happened like this... Loki wanted to take over the throne and he had everything planned, that is until he decided not to go through with it because he realize what he was doing is wrong and that he wanted to start a new life somewhere else. It ended up being Earth and I found him, then the rest just gets really complicated from here and..." begins Darcy before she turns away, not even sure how she is going to tell them all of this.

But she knows that she has to, not only to save both her and Loki from going to jail and at least they might listen to her if Loki has been playing superhero for two months and now that they know part of the true story then maybe they won't be too hard on them and that they will focus on trying save Loki and Gamora from whatever plans Thanos have in store for both of them. Not too mention save the world from Thanos and the Infinity Stones, but maybe they won't be that hard on her or Loki once they see him again. She has to continue on or else it is going to be a long wait once they get Loki back and he is going to have another thing to worry about or is worrying about it right now.

"All we wanted to do is to get the Infinity Stones before Thanos did and it all started..." begins Darcy.

With that they all begin to learn the story of Loki's time on earth and how he became Mysto, the mystery hero that was trying to get all of the Infinity stones before Thanos does. They are all heading back to the Quinjet and Darcy nervously tells them everything while they were heading there, so far so good and that it allows her to feel a little relief that she's not going to be sleeping inside a cell or have to find a way to somehow contact Loki in possibly asking him to stay in space if he managed to succeed in trying to find a way to escape Thanos. But so far it might not be nessicary because the Avengers are just listening to the story and asking questions when it comes up. Even Jane who didn't know some details of the whole story that happened between Loki and Darcy beyond them being friends and hunting down the Infinity Stones.

Thor on the other hand was just silent for the entire walk back and doesn't even know what to say, he just found out that Loki, his brother that he thought died two months ago is alive and is stuck with Thanos somewhere in deep space where they don't even know where to look or what Thanos might be doing to Loki right now. Thor really wish that Loki came up with an illusion and is hiding in the woods somewhere laughing at all of them for falling for it. Then again he just wishes that Thanos was wrong about Mysto being Loki, part of him is happy that Loki has been alive all of this time and that he's been doing some good on Earth. But still the main thing that is bothering Thor is the question why would Loki fake his death and lie to him for this long. He understands that the idea of him going back to his cell was not appealing but still he would understand everything if Loki just told him everything from Thanos to the Infinity Stones or at least give him some hint of being alive.

At least he now knows now, but at the same time Thor wishes that he didn't know because now he is feeling a mixture of emotions. He's obviously worried for Loki being in a ship alone with Thanos, handcuffed and no access to his powers with only Gamora for company and even then she is a prisoner and won't be able to do anything more than be a source of comfort unless they find a way to escape or Gamora's friends get them out of there. At the same time, he is starting to feel saddened and guilty that he failed to be a good brother again and he just let Thanos take Loki away from him. Not too mention, he failed to see that his brother was standing right in front of him and fail for the illusion that is being put right in front of his face. Was he ever going to not fall for this classic Loki trick?

Thor is also really angry at both Thanos and to some extent Loki, for Thanos for doing all of this tot everyone and believing that this is his idea of a perfect twisted world. He destoryed and ruined many lives including Gamora's, he killed Heimdell, Hela and who knows who else, now he has all of the Infinity stones and the gauntlet, Thanos might be planning to use the Gauntlet at any moment. Not only that, the way he treated Loki during their last encounter, making him attack Earth for him and now keeping him captive on his ship. The next time that he meets Thanos, he will make sure that Thanos pays for everything that he has done.

But at the same time, he is starting to feel angry at Loki for lying to him for the past two months in the first place. All of this time, Loki has been living right under his nose and made him believe that he has been dead for two months. He moaned for him and spent the past two months believing he has failed his brother, to the point that he can't get past the image of Loki sacrificing himself and "dying" in his arms. He doesn't think that he would ever get over the feeling of failing his brother and now here he was, on Earth this entire time and creating an illusion of someone else and going after the Infinity Stones with Darcy. The fact that he let him think that he died for two months and didn't even bother to think about telling him about his survival and it had to be in the middle of this Thanos problem and in the worst way possible. Why would he keep something like Thanos being after him a secret? How did Darcy agree to help Loki in agreeing to keep something like this a secret and not even think of telling him when she found out about Thanos? Why would Loki keep something like this a secret in the first place?

The idea that monster is after Loki and he couldn't have protected him and might be doing who knows what to him. That he didn't know that Loki was Mysto and if he knew then he would have done more to protect him from Thanos and did more to make sure that Thanos wouldn't have gotten as far as he did. Thor would have made sure that Loki doesn't get captured or at least be a greater help. Well now that he knows that Loki has been alive this entire time and that this has been going on for a while. Thanos better not put one finger on Loki and hurt him or else he is going to make sure that Thanos pays for every single thing that he does to Loki, no one dares try to hurt his brother and get away with it.

Besides whatever Thanos is going to do to Loki is nothing compared to the little talk that they are going to have once they get Loki out of his grasp and take him back to Earth. That is when he's going to give him a piece of his mind...

Meanwhile on Thanos's ship

Loki is waiting in Thanos's throne room and at any moment he is about to face the last person that he has been wanting to see alone and hope that this was nothing more than a bad dream. That he would wake up and be in Darcy's apartment and things would be back to normal, but now reality is nothing but a nightmare that he would give anything to wake up from. Not only he is now trapped with Thanos, but now the last thing that he wanted to happen finally happend, Thor finally knows the truth and he wouldn't be surprise if Darcy is down there paying the price. He hopes that no one is too hard on her and that maybe the Maxioffs and Jane would convince them to take it easy on her. At least she is no longer trapped with Thanos and that she is now safe on Earth, despite the fact that she might have to face whatever consequence that might occur because of him.

That's not all, the other person that he can't help but to think about is Thor and how he now knows that he was alive this entire time and that there never was a Mysto. The fact that he went through a depression and all of that guilt for nothing, he wishes that Thor would be more happy than furious at him. But he doesn't blame him for being angry at him, he deserve it for everything he has done and put him through. Loki can already imagine the anger that Thor must be feeling and how if the next time they see each other then it will be anything but pleasant. He wouldn't be surprise if sometime after Darcy explain everything, that Thor tells Odin and by the time that he was done then an Asgardian army will be attacking the ship and they will not be there to retrieve the Infinity Stones. But to also put him back in his cell and make sure that he never see the light of day again, to be stuck in a cell with no hope of escaping or to see Darcy again.

Let alone have a conversation with Thor again with him being really furious at him, he probably never want to see him again. Thor must be so angry that he would make. sure that Loki get the worst punishment possible for deceiving him in the first place. But aside from punishments, he does not want to know what might be going on in Thor's mind right now and Loki knows that any hope for Thor to forgive him for everything and the two of them starting over again. Thanos destroyed every chance for that to happen and now that he revealed his identity and existence to not only Thor but to the rest of the Avenngers minus Barton, he knows that they are definitely going to make sure that the entire planet.

Thanos definitely thought of everything when it comes to making sure that Loki is in a place where he can't escape from and even if he tries to...

Loki knows that he can never return to Earth and knows that if he ever goes back not only it would put everyone in danger just because that would be the first place Thanos would look and he will make sure that they won't leave that easily again until he shows up and surrenders. He wishes that there was a way for a way to escape the ship, the fact that now Thor knows and do who knows what and Thanos having the six Infinity stones in his grasp ready to use them at any moment. At any moment, Thanos is going to make sure that he pays for everything that has happened and to make sure that he suffers from everything. He just wish that he had enough time to explain himself to Thor or try to see if he can somehow convince him that he has changed and was only trying to stop Thanos.

The real question is why did he agree to go on this quest and try to find the remaining Infinity Stones? Things have gotten worser than it would have been if he haven't found the stones and let them land on Thanos's grasps. At this point he doesn't even blame Jane because she was trying to help and thought that the Aether gave her some wired magical connection to the reality stone or rather control of all the stones in the palm of her hands. But still what was he hoping that would happen if he grab all of the Infinity stones and sneak out with the Guantlet and the other Infinity Stones?

That things would magically work out and that he would be free from all of his troubles and Thor would be happy to see him and they will be able to start over. But that is never going to happen and that maybe this is how things are meant to be this way and he was never meant to be this hero that saved the world from Thanos or to go as far as he did. Why didn't he leave Earth when he had the chance? What made him think that this was the right thing to do? Why did he allow himself to believe that he can do the impossible and to actually do something that can redeem himself? What did he really want from all of this?

Before Loki can continue to think of why he thought that he would go that far and all of his failures on this futile quest. Thanos entered the room and he looks like he's ready to make sure that Loki doesn't leave this room without dealing with more pain than he can ever imagine. Loki knows that whatever might happen now won't end well. He really wishes that he can just create an illusion right now and then find a way to escape the ship while Thanos talks to an illusion, he wishes that this will be a quick talk and that he will just put him in a cell while everyone can wait for the worst to happen.

"It looks like I have finally caught you at last and you delivered all of the stones right to me." said Thanos. "I believe you kept your part of our bargain and exceeded my own expectations, to be honest when I found out that you were trying to get all of the six Infinity Stones, I thought I honestly thought that you and your Terran friend would have died from any misadventures you both would have."

"Then why didn't you come after us or try anything before?" demanded Loki who really wishes that the mad titan would get to his point and leave him alone.

"I knew that despite the wiser option to go after you and grab all of the stones on myself." said Thanos. "But the idea of you giving me the stones and that you would be the one to retrieve the stones, puts a smile on my face. What better way to not only make sure that you pay the price for failure and to obtain all of the remaining Infinity Stones? At least you now see that I will always have the upper hand and you were a fool for daring to stand against me."

"Well someone had to do it, at least I don't kidnap random children to turn them into monsters." said Loki. "At least I have the courage to do something myself rather than to send others to do my dirty work."

"You were not a child when I found you a year ago and I didn't see you objecting to my offer for a kingdom and to get revenge on your brother and home world." pointed out Thanos. "I gave you a choice on whether or not you wanted to work with me on that little mission."

"You didn't give me that much of a choice, it's either work with you and hope that things work out or refuse and you kill me. If it weren't for Gamora then you would have done it without any regret." said Loki defensively. "At least sparing me was the only good thing you have ever done in your life, that way I would have gotten the common sense needed to find a friend who showed me that I can be more than what I was before. Then maybe I wouldn't have the courage to stand up to you and try to put an end to your twisted ideas of a perfect world."

"Do you call courage when you voluntarily chose to hide behind a mask and with the hope that you can hide from the world and your brother for so long." said Thanos. "Sparing you is the biggest mistake that I have ever made in my life, you should be at my mercy. Begging me to spare you again or to let you go, now you dare to stand in front of me and question my goals as if it was fool's dream."

"Well you do want to use the stones to destroy the universe and anyone would agree that it was a foolish idea if they hear it for the first time." said Loki.

"You do not have the right to tell me what is the right thing to do or what foolish or not." said Thanos annoyed at Loki. "You hurt many Terrans in that little rampage the last time and I didn't see you to stop and think about what you were doing."

"I was a fool in letting my anger consume me to the point that I became the very thing that I was trying so hard to disprove." said Loki defensively. "It doesn't help matters that you made me do all of those things. You used the mind stone on me to make sure that I remain on your side no matter what and made sure that I didn't have a say in the matter."

"I wasn't the one that made you try to destroy Jonthuhiem in response for your discovery of being adoption and your little insecurities. I didn't also make you do what you did on Earth, all I did was have you try to take over the planet. I never said how, all I did was give you the scepter and explain to you it's powers. I leave it up for you to decide what might be the best course of action." pointed out Thanos. "There is one thing that I have noticed about you that is a little problem with trying to blame others for their own faults and never taking responsibility for your own. I suppose you are going to blame me for your brother finding out your little secret."

"You were the one that pulled off the mask off my face, I-" begins Loki before Thanos has a few words to share of his own.

"But who was the one that decided to hide his true identity in the first place?" said Thanos stopping Loki on his tracks and with an evil smile on his face he continues. "You were the one that made the choice that later led to your downfall and now your brother will never rescue from the hurt and anger that you're dishonesty has brought him."

"You're wrong, Thor would never-" begins Loki ready to defend Thor's heroic reputation and what might be left of their relationship before getting interrupted again.

"There is also the fact that your past history with these humans is really colorful to say the least, there is no way that they would ever rescue you or let your friend go after you. Especially with how inferior they are to space travel and the fact that she would be dealing with me on her own." said Thanos. "It was ultimately your choice to go down the path that you went on and to try to become something that you were never destined to be."

"Were you after me just because you wanted to gloat after you were done or is there another reason that I should be worried about?" said Loki who doesn't even know where this conversation might be going. But something tells him that there might be a really bad thing to worry about and he really does not want to find out what it might be...

"I want you to see everything that you ever cared about destroyed and for you to finally pay the consequences of your foolish attempts to stand against me. When I removed that mask, I took away the protection that your false identity created and the relationships that it created." said Thanos. "Now that I have all six Infinity Stones in my grasp, I will make sure that you suffer through your failures as I continue to make my mark on history, once I am done and see you finally broken and with no longer having the will to live. Then I will be generous enough to end your suffering."

"Well it is going to take more than a petty threat to convince me to stop fighting or to somehow expect me to give up." said Loki. "It doesn't matter what you do to me, as long as I put a stop to your plans for the universe, nothing good will come if you have the stones and use their powers for evil and destruction."

"I would like to see you try, in case it hasn't occurred to you as a prisoner on my ship you are under the tightest security and no one has ever dared try to escape and made it out alive." said Thanos. "If you dare try anything then-"

"I never said that I was going to try to do anything, but I do know one thing that you are wrong about one thing." said Loki trying to beat Thanos in his own game. "The others will try to put a stop to you because regardless on how they feel about me. They probably are not in the mood to deal with an apocalypse where they don't even know when that might be. Simply because they live in the same universe too and they don't want everyone to suffer from whatever twisted plans you may have in store."

"I have the stones." said Thanos determinedly pointing out the facts to Loki.

"They have a Hulk." said Loki determinedly. (Even though the last time Thanos and Hulk faced off, it was a disaster and Hulk got beaten hard.) But maybe after sometime and practice then maybe he will be able to stand a chance against Thanos. That is Loki thinks that things would turn out that way or at least he hopes that it would turn out that way.

"No matter what they may try to throw at me, I can defeat them all in a snap and make sure that they see the end of the line." said Thanos. "As for what I am planing to do to you, we will start tomorrow and be prepared for the consequences that you deserve, take him to the dungeon and make sure that he doesn't think of trying to escape."

Before Loki can think of a plan on how to possibly to find a way to escape or to defend himself, he just gives a sigh and knows that it was no use. He wishes that there was a way he can escape from this ship, the one that he always hated being in and the one he thought that he would never be in again. No matter how much he wants to have Thor and the others to come in and to save the day, he knows that Thanos is right. His choices led to this and it led to the reveal that would now hurt Thor more than any betrayal would. What if he didn't let go at the Bifrost? Would it have delayed Thanos for a couple years if not decades? Even then would Thanos just find his way to Loki and something worse would have happened? Was it always destined to end this way? Is there anything he can ever do to make things right?

Either way there is no telling what the future will hold for him tomorrow, Loki would give anything to use the time stone to undo everything and make sure that it would be impossible for Thanos to retrieve the Infinity Stones. Even if he would be meddling with time and that might be playing with fire but at least it's better than how it is right now. He wonders if things would be better if he just stayed on Asgard in that cell, that way Thanos would just continue trying to find the stones and he would be fine with living in a cell for the rest of his life. Loki knows that Thanos will be going to make sure that he doesn't leave and to make sure that he pays for everything that happened.

Maybe he does deserve this, that this was meant to be and it would be better for everyone if he stays and pays for everything. When he actually decided to try to put a stop to something, he only makes things worse and now everyone will have to face the consequences of his mistakes and to deal with the price. He never thought that he would be the one to make the biggest mistake where it would end the universe like this. Loki has always thought that if one of them were going to end it then it would have been Thor prior to his banishment, but at least things have gotten better for him after that and now he destroyed it all because of his anger and the need to prove something that he ended up proven the stories true. Loki doesn't even want to know what might be going on back on Earth right now...

Thirty minutes back on Earth

They soon arrived at Avengers tower and the situation is tense to say the least, the Avengers minus Thor are trying to figure out what to do with this new information. While Darcy is trying her best to try to figure out a plan on how to get up in space to not only try to find a way to save Loki if the Avengers refuse to save him, along with figure out how they will get out of the whole possibly going to jail thing. Maybe they will see that Loki is on their side just because of the fact that he tried to save them, she's surprised that Thor wasn't saying much on a Loki rescue mission. But then again, they have been lying to him for the past two months and that the two of them might not be his favorite people in the world at the moment.

It was a moment where they were all trying to figure out what should be their next move and if they will be able to find a way to stop Thanos and get both Loki and Gamora out of there. They need to figure out what might be the best course of action before they all have to face whatever plans Thanos might have in store if he tries to do anything with the Infinity Stones. It is already something that they are more worried than they ever had in their life, part of them hoped that Loki and Gamora would do something to at least delay any plans that might Thanos has in mind. They all knew that if they were going to do something then they are going to need to do something now and they just need to figure out what might be best way for them to find a way to space.

"Well I think it might be possible if I can create a pair of boosters like the ones for my armor that might be big enough to carry something like a space ship, while we were on Thanos's ship I took a good look at my surroundings and it has given me some ideas." said Tony. "Especially when they took off my armor to see if they can try to take me apart, the worst that they did was treat me like a robot where they nearly broke every bone in my body. Luckily they gave up when they realize that I'm a normal human being and that the worst case scenario would be killing me behind their 'master's' back."

"At least you had it easy, they were spend a good couple of hours of trying to turn me into the other guy. They treated me worse than any one would treat a caged animal in the circus." said Bruce. "It was a nightmare to say the least..."

"You think that's bad, they were trying to see how my powers work through electricity and that purple rock." said Wanda. "I don't think that-"

"That's nothing compared to being in the red room, you guys should consider yourselves lucky that things didn't turn out like that over there and judging from what Gamora told us... Things can get really bad over there, we should consider ourselves lucky." said Natasha pointing out the most obvious facts.

"Except now Thanos has all six Infinity stones and two hostages, one of which we had a colorful history with." said Steve as he examines the situation and trying to think of the best plan.

"By 'colorful' you mean the guy that we had to fight against to save Earth and we send him back to his home planet, he supposably died while trying to be the hero for once and returned to Earth and became friends with ms. fangirl over here. While becoming a caped crusader because he had a change of heart to hunt down six powerful multi colored rocks before an egomaniac worse than he was the first time around does." said Tony. "Then we all got stucked with that maniac, he lost the stones he gathered, the truth is finally out and now is prisoner on the ship with that maniac. Now we have to not only retrieve the stones and rescue him and Elphaba."

"When you put it like that, you actually made it sound really bad that would be my cue to hide." said Darcy nervously.

"Maybe because it is..." said Pietro who for once agreed with Tony with this current debate.

"You're kinda not helping, besides you helped keep the secret over the past couple of months." said Darcy defensively.

"Well it does sound bad in that way, but it can't be that bad." said Wanda. "Other than the fact that Thanos has the stones and that we have to find a way to save both of them."

"Yeah, is there anyway that I can convince you guys to go on a rescue mission to save Loki. I know that we messed up big time when it comes to the hero stuff, the honesty and that you guys and Loki are not exactly the best of friends and-"

"When you say best of friends, are we still talking about the same guy that threw me out of window right?" said Tony who is not a big fan of having to deal with Loki and especially Thanos again. "That's just a minor offense compared to everything else he has done."

"Yeah, but everything's different now and Loki has changed. He's on our side now, well as much as he can be on side and if you guys still don't believe it just think of it this way. Loki had many perfect opportunities to betray you guys or hurt me during our downtime, but he didn't and can't stand Thanos as much the rest of us do." said Darcy. "If you guys are going to let a grudge keep you from doing the right thing then I will go up to space myself and do everything I can to get Loki and Gamora out of that ship and-"

"Whoa Darcy, before you go out and try to see if you can pull off a rescue mission like that." said Jane trying her best to hold her friend back. "They are on some alien ship stuck in the middle of space, there's no way that you would be able to get out of there alive without some back up. Do you even have a plan on what you are going to do once you get there?"

Darcy couldn't find an answer for that, she hasn't really thought of a plan any further than fly to London, find the secret portal where Loki and her went to see the Collector and then try to see if she can find a ship or ask someone if she can borrow their ship or maybe even best case scenario find someone that might hate Thanos so much that they would be more than happy to help her. After that she doesn't even know what to do or came up with a plan, she was just winging it, even if she manages to get that far and find Thanos's ship. There is no way that she would ever be able to predict what might be waiting for her, even then what if no one would let her borrow a ship or fly out to find Thanos? Not because of being worried of their ship, but they know how dangerous Thanos might be and that they can't just let someone go after him with zero experience. Now the Avengers and Jane know then she wouldn't be surprise if they won't let her out of the building let alone the room. She is still in hot water for the whole keeping Loki a secret and helping him live his life on Earth and pull off the whole Mysto thing.

"Besides we are going to find a way to get up there, not only because of the fact that the Infinity Stones are up there with the last person in the world that we want to have all six Infinity plus the Gauntlet." said Steve. "Plus there's also the fact that Gamora is stuck on there, we made a promise to Gamora and we are not going to leave her behind. There is also the fact that Loki is on that ship and I think we all have a couple of things to say to him."

"Well at least things can't get any worse and Darcy does have a point if Loki was really on Thanos's side then why would he be doing everything he can to save us." said Bruce. "But anyway Jane you were there, how come you were helping Loki?"

They all turned to Jane, waiting for an answer or some kind of explanation and to hear how and why she is helping Loki let alone is there in the first place. Jane doesn't even know what to say or if she can say anything about this at all. It was her fault that Loki got captured like this and that they are now having this problem, if she just didn't bring the stones with them and try to see if she can somehow use the stones like that magically defeating Thanos. She just wishes that she just listened or at least ask Loki how to use the stones and try to figure out how she can use it. But still maybe it is time to try to be there for Thor, he hasn't said much ever since they left the field and is trying to process the fact that Loki has been alive this entire time. She has made things worse and inadvertly led to Loki being captured, the least she can do now is help get the stones and rescue him.

"I might have found out by accident, it wasn't that big of a deal and after that we kinda made a deal. I agreed to keep Loki's secret if he agrees to tell Thor after we defeated Thanos." explained Jane. "He came to me after you guys were all caught and we got the stones out of the objects, I thought that I could have used the stones against Thanos and to maybe even speed things up. But that obviously backfired and now Loki is up who many lightyears away, so sorry about that."

"Look it doesn't matter what happened, what does matter is how we're going to solve this problem and if we're going to find a way to defeat Thanos, grab the stones and rescue everyone then we are going to need find a way to get up to space." points out Steve. "So does anyone have any ideas?"

"Thor, doesn't Asgard have any space ships or something? Do you have any idea on how we can build a ship that might possibly be the biggest scientific discoveries of all time?" said Bruce. "Then maybe we will be able to-"

"Then what? Go in and save the day? How do we know that this is not some kind of trick or if Thanos didn't really capture Loki?" said Thor. "What if Loki-"

"We all saw what happened, if Loki is really planning to do something then he probably would have done it already." said Natasha. "I'm going to safely assume that you are taking this well?"

"As well as one can if they find out their brother has been alive this entire time and now is on an alien spaceship with the worst creature imaginable." said Thor who is anything but happy at the current situation. "Not only Thanos is doing who knows what to Loki right now, but he lied to me for the past couple of months and didn't even think of possibly telling me that he's alive."

"Your brother is stuck on an alien ship with an evil purple giant with six magic rocks and only a green girl on our side for company. Not to mention they both are surrounded by an army of evil aliens securing the ship and making sure that no one can get in or out." pointed out Pietro. "Are you honestly more worried about the fact that he lied to you and played superhero for the past two months?"

"Well... You may have a point on that one." said Thor considering that fact before returning to his annoyed demenor. "But still it doesn't change the fact that I am really furious at him for everything that occurred."

"Thanos or Loki?" asked Darcy nervously not even knowing what to expect when it comes to Thor's answers.

"Both of them, Thanos is going to pay for everything he has done and when I get Loki out of there, I am going to give him a piece of my mind." said Thor angrily. "Now if you all excuse me, I better start practicing."

With that Thor left the room and everyone else in shock, they have never seen Thor this upset let alone act like this before. But then again he is probably going through an avalanche of emotions just because he just found out that Loki has been alive this entire time and that things have gotten worse just because of the Thanos situation. Not too mention, it doesn't help that now they know that Loki and Darcy have been trying to collect the stones to avoid something like this in happening and that it iis hard to tell what might be Loki's true motives from an outside standpoint.

"He's really mad isn't he?" said Darcy nervously as she faces the reality of the situation.

"I think 'mad' is an understatement." said Natasha as she gives out a sigh at how this situation is only getting more messier by the minute.

"More like really furious that words can't explain is the correct phrase to describe it." said Tony. "I mean you two did lie to him and the rest of us at least once in the past two months."

"Ok, I get it that lying to Thor about something as big as Loki being alive was not a great idea. But what do you guys expect me to do, tell Thor and hope that for some miracle we don't end up in jail?" said Darcy. "Wait am I going to jail? Do you guys think that their dad will be open for a Powerpoint presentation to let us off easily or at least let me see Loki in jail?"

"Look no one is going to jail, we will talk about Asgard and how to deal with Loki and all of this when all of this over." said Steve. "I am willing to let him prove to us if he has really changed, but for now we need to focus on trying to get up to space before it's too late."

"Yeah, I'll talk to Thor and try to see if we can find some common ground." said Jane. "He might want someone to talk to for everything that is Loki or Thanos related, well at least try to be there for him while he process this..."

"There's one thing that I am now wondering where's Vision?" said Wanda. "I haven't seen him since... Is he alright?"

"Yeah about that... when Loki came to me for help, he brought Vision to see if I can fix him and we... both realize that he's beyond repair..." said Jane sadly. "I'm really sorry, he's still on the Quinjet if any of you knows how to fix him."

Everyone in the room stood there in silence and they can't believe to hear that Vision has died, but at the same time they shouldn't because of the fact that Thanos had the Mind stone and they were so focused on trying to get out of the ship and to see that Vision is gone or to see if they can find a way to be do more than just assume that he is alright. Both Tony and Bruce quickly go up and try to see the damages on Vision to see if they might be able to do something about it, it is a moment where they don't even know what might to expect. Jane is now feeling guilty of how things are playing out and how much she just doesn't know about some of the things that happened and that now she is trying to figure out how to deal with this. She just wishes that Loki told her everything and that maybe it would be easier to tell everyone everything. Soon both Tony and Bruce came down to deliver the final verdict.

"Well it looks like both you and Loki were right about Vision being irreparable." said Bruce. "I may not know that much of robotics but it doesn't look like an easy fix..."

"But Tony, you were able to build all of these suits that worked, is there anyway you might be able to fix him?" asked Wanda refusing to believe that the android was dead.

"Even if I sit down to study the damages, it would take many years to figure out how to develop the metals and softwares to fully bring Vision back. Plus there's also the fact that I don't have a bag of gold magic rocks in a corner that one can use to power a robot. Let alone mind control others after placing it a magic scepter whenever I may feel like." said Tony. "Even then I can't guarantee that Vision will function or if he will still be himself because Ultron took over the Jarvis software and placed it on Vision. That obviously got lost and destroyed when Thanos took thee stone, the problem is that even if I try to recreate the software, we can't predict what might happen and I might be creating a bigger monster than Ultron ever was."

"Yeah the last thing we need is to deal with another Ultron at the moment, let's just focus on trying to defeat Thanos before anything like that happens." said Natasha before letting her symphaty get the best of her. "Do you know what happend to Vision."

Soon Jane finds herself explaining to everyone in the room about what she knows about Vision's death and some of the things that Loki told her. They were all surprised to hear that Vision managed to find out Loki's identity and how he voluntarily chose to try to save Loki and face Thanos head on. Despite the fact that Vision failed miserably and that things are now worse than before, the Avengers and Darcy can't help but admire his bravery, loyalty and determination.

It also gave Darcy some hope that this might be a sign that the others might be able to forgive Loki for his actions. At the same time, grateful that Vision did everything he could to try to stop Thanos and is saddened that things went this route. While for Natasha, Steve, Tony and Bruce they are now feeling the shared grief they felt when Coulson died in the hands of Loki's invasion or rather Thanos's invasion. They still don't know if they can trust Loki yet, but at least they feel like they can somewhat trust Vision's judgement. Before anyone can say a word, Wanda got up from her seat and begins to walk away to her room clearly upset about Vision's death. They all turned to Pietro to try to indicate the obvious thing he must do.

"Don't worry I'll go talk to her..." said Pietro as he uses his powers to catch up to his sister.

Once both of the Maxioffs are gone, the remaining Avengers, Darcy and Jane have a moment to think about the recent events and how to move forward in the fight against Thanos and how to rescue Loki and Gamora. But the first thing, they all knew is that they all have to get the team back together and heel quickly in order to pull this off. Thanos may have succeeded in getting all of the Infinity stones, but he has also succeed in breaking all of them apart to the point that they are now feeling the affects of the lost of the battle, Vision and in a sense some kind of trust to one another that Loki built when they knew him as Mysto. This is exactly what Thanos wants to break them to the point that they won't be able to fight back. He wants to make sure that it happens to Loki while he is trapped in there and that he would be able to make Loki loose a part of himself. But they all have a choice, first they need to help their emotionally broken down friends and make sure that they are all ready for the fight ahead.

"Yeah, I guess I better go check on Thor." said Jane rather awkwardly and she begins to head towards the direction that Thor headed.

While the Avengers and Darcy begins to get ready for what might be the biggest fight up ahead. Tony begins to get to work on building an new Iron man armor, Steve is talking to Natasha on a possible plan on how are they going to approach this mission. While Bruce begins to get to work on trying to find possible ways they can build a Quinjet or a rocket or even a mix of both to find a way for them to travel in space or at least a round trip that can last them in getting to Thanos, at least getting Loki and Gamora out of there and get back to Earth to figure out what might be the best way to travel in space. While on Darcy on the other hand, quietly headed to the training room and to begin to practice any fighting skills that Loki have taught her before their failed attempt to stop Thanos.

If she's going to do everything she can to stop Thanos and rescue both Gamora and Loki, then she better get ready for the fight ahead. The last thing that she needs is another disaster to happen and to have a fight like she had with Nebula. She wonders what the future will hold for both of them because everything has changed. Just because The Avengers know, they said that they will talk about it later and who knows what might happen after all of this. Not too mention, she also have feelings for Loki and that with in it self is crazy and she knows that regardless of that she has to find a way to get him back and free from Thanos. But that's practically impossible just because of the fact that the Avengers and Jane practically said no for the whole going after Loki on her own idea, she has to at least be ready to at least try to stand a chance and free both Loki and Gamora. At least she hopes that they will be able to pull it off and that somehow that things will be able to work and they will at least make it. out alive. But still when Loki said that Thor might be angry, he wasn't exaggerating and she thinks that this is just from the shock from finding out that Loki has been alive this entire time. It might pass, that is at least she hopes that it does for both brother's sakes...

Meanwhile back on Thanos's ship

The Black Order soon put Loki in a cell and made sure that the handcuffs are tightly on his wrists in case it slips out of his hands. Proxima even tied the handcuffs to a chain that is on the floor to make sure that Loki doesn't even bother to try to think of anything that might possibly lead to any trouble or that he can even figure out a way to escape. Loki didn't even bother to fight back or try to come up with a defensive but yet witty remark to try to annoy them, it was either to do that or later face thee consequence. If he wants to stay alive then he is going to be sneaky about it and hope that whatever happens it will keep him as alive as long as possible. Once the Black Order are done then they all left him alone in the darkness of a prison cell where he can't escape from or that there might be any hope for rescue.

Once they are gone, Loki got down to the cold hard floor and starts to sit down on it with his back against the wall. He also notices a cell right in front of him and figure that these two cells are the ones that kept the Avengers, Thor and Darcy in for the two night. The thought of them is already making Loki feel like that his life is about to get worst because of the idea of Thor now knowing the truth has been bothering him for the entire time. Sure he knows that Jane would probably try to calm him down enough to tell him the past couple of days and Darcy will tell him the whole story. While the Maxioffs can tell the remaining Avengers that they can trust him. But still he knows that deep down that it might not be enough to convince them otherwise.

He knows now that he can never return to Earth, just because the fact that he does then that will be the first place Thanos will go to and make sure that everyone suffers until he turns himself in. He can't allow that to happen and there is also the fact that Thor is facing all of the anger that he can possibly imagine. Loki doesn't even think he wants to know how things are going back on Earth or what Thor might be thinking. He is probably ready to yell at him and turn him in to their father so that way he can return to his cell, though he wouldn't blame Thor for doing that. Maybe he deserve it and he just hopes that if they are planning to put him back in his cell, that he at least hopes that he is allowed to say goodbye to Darcy, it's clear that she will be the only one that stays by his side after all of this.

Before Loki can stop to think about what might be Jane or the Maxioff twins might be thinking, he quickly notices Nebula standing on the sidelines visibly in front of his cell. He is now wondering what might Nebula possibly want and if she is here because of Thanos? The last thing he wants is to have someone to watch over him and make sure that he's sitting calmly in his cell. He just wishes that she would leave him alone, he's not in the mood to hear someone who is working with Thanos worshiping the mad titan or taunting him. But then again, maybe he can try to reason with Nebula and see if he can somehow find a way to convince her to let him out and use one of the escape pods to go to some other planet and figure out what might be his next move. He just hopes that this time that maybe he will be able to get through to her and that maybe this might work after all.

"So I'm guessing that Thanos told you to remain here to keep an eye on me? He must think that highly of me that he's ready to send guards to watch my every move?" said Loki. "Though to be honest I thought chaining me to the ground was a little excessive, I mean these handcuffs are already blocking my powers and unless Thanos really thinks that I am just going to slam my head in hopes for a hole in the wall and the handcuffs to break. Believe me when I say that will never happen, even if it might happen wouldn't I have done it already?"

"I am not here to stand guard, I wasn't needed anywhere and I figured that I might as well remain here. You're the only one around here that I can stand so I figured that I might as well stay here until they bring her back." said Nebula.

Loki is curious on who Nebula might be referring too and that maybe now that they are alone and that Nebula has a moment of freedom without the influence of Thanos or any pressure that a full on fight might result in either one of them loosing. Now that she is alone and can maybe think for herself then maybe he will be able to convince her to change sides or at least help him escape by letting the door out. He just hopes that she stops to listen to him and maybe that she will see some reason and stops herself from going down this dangerous path of no return.

"I fail to see why you are helping Thanos when it is clear that he doesn't care about you or will be more than happy to torture you if something goes wrong." said Loki. "At least when I was living in a cell back on Asgard, my parents at least decide to spare me. Though my mother had to persuade my father... well Odin to spare me, but at least they were willing to let me stay in my cell to live out the rest of my days in peace. If you make one little mistake then Thanos will make sure that you pay for it."

"Thanos is a monster, but what choice do I have? When I finally had a moment of freedom, he caught me and made me pay for the price of daring to defy him and leaving him." said Nebula. "All I want is revenge on my sister for making me pay for everything that we went through as children and Thanos did say that once he gets the stones then he might let me go."

"How sure you are that Thanos might keep his word? If he was honest about his bargains, I would still be on Earth with my identity remaining a secret." said Loki. "He's using you and the moment he's done with you, then he will make sure that he disposes you the first chance he gets."

"I know, but I don't see any other choice and what you have to go through is nothing compared to a lifetime being second best and no what you do you never be good enough." said Nebula. "Especially having to put up with someone that you wanted nothing more than to be your sister and all she wants is to win."

"I might have an idea on how that might feel, but the path you are going on is not going to help you. The anger that you are feeling will only grow if you let it and even if want Thanos and Gamora to pay it is not going to change what happened." said Loki. "The hurt that you are feeling can go away but only if you willing to let go of the past and move forward to the future. Otherwise you might loose the ones that you care about the most and that alone will hurt more than anything Thanos might do and even then nothing will change if you continue to go down this path."

"It may not change but at least things will get better-" begins Nebula before Loki decide to say a couple of things of his own.

"How exactly will things get better? Is living in fear from Thanos and obeying his every command your idea of freedom?" interrupted Loki. "I understand what you are going through and how the anger that you are feeling feels like if there is no way out, but there are better ways to deal with these emotions than go down this path."

"You wanted to take the throne and later take over Terra to prove that you are an equal to your brother if not grander, what makes my path any different?" pointed out Nebula.

"I was a fool in letting my resentment and hurt overcome me, to the point that it overcrowded my judgement. I paid the price by not only losing my mother, being forced to flee to Earth which wasn't as bad as I thought and later on go on this journey and now having to loose my brother, allies and my friend permanently just because Thanos decided to reveal my identity in the most dramatic way he can possibly think of." said Loki. "I honestly have no idea on how this might possibly get any worse, at least Thanos is giving the night off before he begins his idea of making me pay the price for my failures."

"Thanos is going to pay for everything he has done and he's going to make sure that you pay for everything and to go around the universe to make sure that he hunts down everyone that did him wrong and make sure that they pay for everything whether it's betrayals or just failures, Thanos will make them pay and then he might do his worst."

"At least he's giving everyone a chance to plan out their final days before he snaps the universe away." said Loki sarcastically. "Is there any other wonderful news I should know about or are you just going to remind me the same old story before we continue on to the point where I have to talk you out of working with Thanos, for him to gain unlimited power that he hasn't even earned and should we go even further to point out how Thanos is only doing this to impress a girl?"

"Well at least Thanos has interesting priorities, anyone would see why they call him a mad titan." said Nebula.

"That is why we have to do everything that we can to stop him, if we let Thanos win then he will use that power to destroy us all and that alone will be anyhing but good." said Loki. "The main reason you should care is that if Thanos succeeds in his plans then we will all be paying the price."

"Since when did you start caring about what happens in the universe?" said Nebula. "I never would have thought that you of all people would start caring others."

"You do realize that what ever Thanos does to the universe affects all of us? Aside from anyone that I may care about, there is also the fact that I will be the one that pays the price the most and lives in this universe too." said Loki. "If I wanted to die in Thanos's hands then I would have surrendered before all of this escalated this far or better yet just stayed in my cell and refusing to join Thor on his quest and that would have definitely made things easier for me. But at the same time, part of me is happy that things happen the way it did, I managed to find someone who showed me a different side of life that I didn't really think of and showed me that I can be more than the villain that I was becoming."

"At least you might have possibly found some happiness before the inevitable and before Thanos..." begins Nebula before stopping herself from talking as she remembers on how she led Thanos in discovering Loki's secret and his imprisonment.

"I do wonder how Thanos possibly found out that revealing my secret would have been the key to turn everyone against me." said Loki. "Sure, I kept my existence on Earth a secret and only Darcy and three other people knew about me being Mysto. I highly doubt that strange doctor wizard fraud I encountered once would have told him anything unless Thanos figured out a way to save him. Even then why would Thanos save him or help him, Thanos must have found out in some other way, but the question is how?"

Nebula immediately turned from Loki, she doesn't even need to know that the moment that Loki finds out that she was partially responsible for revealing the truth to Thanos that whatever good relationship she has with Loki will banish. In fact it is fading away as Loki puts two and two together, as he realizes that Nebula must have some sort of connection to Thanos's discovery of his identity the life that he built being destroyed in a flick of a finger and how all seems lost right now. Loki can't believe how Nebula would just tell Thanos everything and not even care about the potential consequences. All she cares about is helping Thanos in his twisted plans and hopes that he would some how reward her for all of this. The more he thought about it, the more angry Loki is starting to feel and he is starting to see that Nebula is becoming more and more impossible by the minute. How does she expect things to change if she is going to make it harder for all of them to actually stop Thanos and not too mention be one step closer on winning?

"What? You were the one that told Thanos about my life on Earth and that I am Mysto?" said Loki not even sure why he is letting all of this bothering him.

"I had no choice, I was going to keep it a secret before they forced it out of me. If The Black Order knew that I was going to keep an important secret like this then they were going to make sure that I don't leave this ship alive and at least it save you the pressure of telling your brother that secret." said Nebula. "Other than that I only agreed to tell Thanos to not only save me from the torture, but in a way to help you because do you honestly think that Thanos would ever leave you alone if you didn't give up the stones?"

"At least the universe wouldn't be in a bigger mess than before and I had the confidence of walking around and saying tomorrow will have a bright future. Now things are even worse than before, if it weren't for you then maybe things wouldn't have gotten this far and I would still be on Earth, maybe I would have come up with a better plan on how to rescue anyone that Thanos still refuses to release them from this prison." said Loki.

"But then he would just start to torture them until you show up with the stones, consider this a favor." said Nebula defensively not even sure in what she is saying.

"Like I would ever ask you to have Thanos reveal one of the biggest secrets that I have been trying so hard to keep a secret and now he has all six stones with the Gauntlet on his hand. Now Thanos has more power than he can ever imagine and you practically allowed Thanos to destroy any hope for us to stop Thanos." said Loki. "It's clear that no one is going to try to help me after everything that has happened, sure Darcy is going to try but I don't think anyone would let her go any further than the landing pad."

"At least you know that they will be perfectly safe on Earth." said Nebula trying to add some comfort to the situation has failed miserably.

"Nebula, just do both of us a favor and leave, if you are going to just stand around and keep telling me how you won't defy Thanos just because you are too afraid to-" begins Loki not even setting a boundary for his growing anger.

"I am not afraid of Thanos!" said Nebula defensively. "All I am trying to do is-"

"To do what? Trying to impress Thanos and obey his bidding until he has a change of heart and say that he's proud of you or you come up with a clever revenge plan where Thanos finally pays for what he did to you? Thanos will continue to hurt you and the only one that is stopping you from truly healing is yourself, not Thanos or Gamora. The only reason why Gamora wasn't there for you is because she was more worried about surviving then actually to stop to be there for you and what's worse you are trying to blame Gamora for something you were both forced to do as children." said Loki angrily. "Now you practically did the same thing to not just me but to everyone else in this universe all because of your desire to survive and didn't even care about anyone in the process. Thanos is just trying to maintain that grip on you to help him move forward in his plans, he's holding you back from your true potential Nebula. Stop letting him control you and when you finally come to your senses come back, then we can talk. Until then leave me alone..."

Nebula is quiet, she didn't even know what to say or find a good argument or a cruel remark to defend herself. Everything that Loki just said is ringing in her ears as she starts to back away from the cell and leaves the dungeon to stop to think. She continues to wonder around aimlessly, lost in deep thought as Loki's final words, "he's holding you back from your true potential Nebula. Stop letting him control you..." is racing through her mind. Could Loki be right? Is her pain, anger and in a sense fear is letting Thanos maintain this power over her and that she can break free from Thanos without the need to stay on his good side? Does she really need Thanos's aproval to truly live her life and to finally be free from the pain that has been dominating for her entire life? Now she is more confused than ever and Nebula doesn't even know what to say or if there is anything she can do to escape from Thanos like how Gamora successfully did. She just wishes that she can find the same courage that both Loki and Gamora had and-

Maybe she can, only if she start small...

While Loki on the other hand is feeling more defeated by the minute and he does not want to believe that Thanos might have won this war. That all hope might be lost, he just hopes that the Avengers would come to stop Thanos. Even if they leave him on this ship to face his doom, at least they will stop Thanos from his plans. He has always thought that maybe Nebula would understand because of the mere fact that they both can connect with the pain of having a sibling outshine them, but the idea that she would just turn her back on everything, everyone just because of her desire for revenge. But still aside from Nebula, things are looking rather hopeless. What if Thanos was right? What if it really was his fault that things turn out the way it did? Maybe no one is coming and that the universe is truly is doomed.

Meanwhile in Thanos's throne room

Gamora is being escorted into the room by some of the Chitauri guards, she doesn't want to be in here and would give anything to fight her way out. She just hopes that Thanos doesn't try to reason with her and to get her to join his side or worst brainwash her to do his bidding. Gamora knows that he must have gotten the stones, she hasn't seen anyone from before and knows that Thanos wouldn't want to keep them around unless he truly believes that they might be a threat to his plans. When she enters the throne room, the sight of Thanos wearing the Guantlet and with all six stones made her anger rise. She really does not want to know what happened back there and how badly things must have went for everyone in the battlefield.

"It looks like I won the battle and I am one step closer on fully being able to complete all of the work right before me." said Thanos. "The offer still stands, you can join me again and I might spare you from the suffering that I am going to put you through if you dare refuse."

"To do what? Torture and kill others for your bidding, never having a choice in the matter." said Gamora defensively.

"I am offering you the chance to redeem yourself, to regain the opportunity to earn my respect and this throne." said Thanos.

"I never wanted to live this life, I have never wanted to follow in your footsteps." said Gamora. "Everything that I have hated about myself has come from you, now you expect me to voluntarily give myself up to help you in your cause."

"I saved you from living a life of nothing, I gave you the opportunity to train and to be more than that lost girl on your planet. I also allowed you to live a life where you can gain the strength and power needed to do the necessary decisions for my cause." said Thanos. "You can at least give me some form of gratitude to me, rather then being the ungrateful traitor that you have become in the past two months and maybe even think that you are becoming a little hero by daring to pursue a worthless life."

"The past two months have been the happiest in my life, they were the ones that truely saved me. You didn't save me on my planet, you kidnapped me and murdered everyone on my planet so that way you wouldn't have an excuse to take me in. To manipulate me to do your bidding and to turn me into the monster that you wanted me to become." said Gamora. "You didn't offer me an opportunity, you only offered me a prison that you wanted me to follow every command if I wanted to survive. How do you expect me to be grateful for that and everything that happened in the past two weeks?"

"You are my daughter and I expect you to respect and obey me no matter what." said Thanos starting to get frustrated with Gamora and her newfound attitude.

"I am not your daughter or will ever be one, I will continue to fight my way out and find a way to get that guantlet out of your grasp." said Gamora defensively, making Thanos realize the weak child that he found years ago, has grown up and she is not going to fall in his command anymore unless by force.

"It looks like that we are going to do this the hard way, at dawn I will cleanse your mind from this foolishness and you will be happy to return by my side as my daughter." said Thanos with an evil grin.

"There is no way that I will ever-" begins Gamora clenching her fist and a Chitauri soldier manages to grab a hold of her before she can have a chance to do anything.

"But I am willing to give you one more chance to change your mind, you have all of tonight to think about your choice and I hope you develop some common sense by tomorrow morning." said Thanos with an evil smirk. "This is a generous gift and I hope that you will make the right choice before I make it for you, put her back in her cell."

With that the Chitauri soldier begins to take Gamora away from the throne room and start to head towards the dungeon. Gamora knows that she is going to have to fight back or else her mind will be wiped and they will all be doomed. But the question is how? She wishes that there is a way to escape from the ship so that way or find a way to contact to the Guardians and/or Loki and the Avengers. That way they can all come up with a plan, but either way she is going to need to find a way out, she can't wait around for a miracle or for someone to rescue her. If Gamora is going to do something then she needs to do it now before it's too late.

As they are walking through the hallways of the ship, they past by Nebula who stood there staring at Gamora. She can't read the expression of her sister's face or want to even ask why she is staring at her. But she didn't even have the chance to ask because the Chitauri pushed her forward to the dungeons, she does wonder what Nebula might want, though she knows that her sister is now long gone. She tried to reason with her and the final time is the moment that she finally gave up, that Nebula is beyond reason and at the same time not beyond redemption. But the problem is that Nebula will continue to refuse to listen as she fueled by the anger and resentment from childhood, a problem that she can't deal with especially if she is going to find a way to escape tonight.

Meanwhile back on Earth, in the Avengers Tower Training Room

Thor is hitting the punching bags hard and practicing to use his hammer as hard as he can on anything that he is allowed to hit with. The anger that he is feeling is fueling his mind and all Thor wants to do is make sure that he is hitting every punching bag. The fact that Thanos the creature that is caused so much destruction to Asgard, torture innocents like Gamora and now most recently created an elaborate plan to not only get all six stones, but to get a hold of Loki. Who is alive this entire time and was disguising himself as a hero called Mysto and he was trying to get the Infinity stones before Thanos did. It also doesn't help that he's also angry at Loki for lying to him in the first place and now they are in a bigger mess then they would have been if Loki had just told him the truth. What's worse he even brought Darcy and Jane down in this? He doesn't even know how he feels about Darcy's involvement in this, but all he knows that he's angry at both Thanos and Loki that all he wants to do is make sure that he lets his anger out.

Just because he is angry beyond words, it doesn't mean that he's not coming up with a plan. While Thor is busy hitting the punching bags, Jane slowly comes into the room not even sure how she is going to approach Thor or if this might be a good time to talk. Just because of the mere fact that he has been through a lot in the past couple of days and she doesn't know how to approach him, but she is going to be there for him and try to make things right for both Asgardian brothers. At least she hopes that she will be able to manage to do so.

"Hey, how's it going?" said Jane approaching Thor unsure on how to deal with the situation. "I just wanted to check in to see how you are doing, I mean you did go through a lot in the past couple of days."

"I'm doing really well or rather as well as one would take if he finds out his own brother lied to him about everything in the past months and is now on an alien ship with one of the worst monsters in the universe." said Thor in between punches and stopped for a second talk to Jane. "Other than the fact that I am going to give Loki a piece of my mind once I get him out of that ship, I am doing well. Also I think I came up with a good plan on how I might possibly get Loki and Gamora out of there and defeat Thanos for good."

"Uh ok... Kinda surprising, but that's awesome." said Jane who is a little surprise to see that Thor might have come up with a plan where they might have come up with a plan that might work. "What's your idea?"

"I was thinking to fly up to space, find Thanos's ship and then fight my way inside. Then later find them and fight my way out to some escape pod and then fly us all out of the space ship." said Thor. "I am still working out on all the details but I already know that if I go there by myself and make sure that I fight my way in and out. Do you have any ideas on how I can find Thanos's ship as quickly as I can without getting lost in space."

"I can't think of any right now, but I don't think that might be the best idea because you would be alone up there and that plan sounds more like the main goal than a plan." pointed out Jane. "Plus there is also the fact that it's dangerous out there and you would be fighting off an army with a giant that might use Loki to make you give yourself up. We can't let Thanos do that or put yourself in danger with-"

"It's either that or I let Thanos win, you saw how he was ready to do whatever it takes to hurt him back there. I can't just sit here and do nothing, I need to go up there and do something." said Thor. "I failed him many times, I can't fail him this time especially if Thanos has him and-"

"Thor, you're not alone in this and we will find a way to get to that ship, defeat Thanos, retrieve the stone and get both Loki and Gamora out of there. But we need to do it in a way where you are not going to rush in and we don't even know what's going to happen to you in the end." said Jane. "Putting yourself in danger is not going to help anyone and you haven't failed him."

"I just don't know why he would keep it a secret like this? Doesn't he know that I would have been happy to know that he is alive." said Thor. "Though I am angry that he lied to me in the first place, but still at least he's alive for now... When I see him again, I don't even know what I am going to do..."

Both of them stood there in silence, this is the first time Thor truly allowed himself to think about Loki's survival and him now being in the hands of Thanos. Thor is now going through a whole sense of emotions that he doesn't even know what to do or if he can do anything at all. Never before he wishes that there was a solution that can fix all of this or if he can just go to Asgard for the Bifrost or advice, but both are not an option just because of Hiemdell being dead and his father is now doing everything he can to get the guard ready in case Thanos dares to try to do anything towards Asgard. On the topic of Odin, he can't tell him about Loki just yet because right now Loki's trapped with Thanos and not too mention, he doesn't know the full extent of what has gone on in Loki's time on Earth and quest for the Infinity stones.

Jane on the other hand knew that it is time to tell Thor everything, this has gone on long enough. Now with him knowing Now with him knowing the truth, Loki might want to at least give Thor some background because knowing him, he would not want to spend time to explain everything to Thor. So that way they can spend time focussing on trying to defeat Thanos before he does anything with the Infinity Stones. Plus she also feels like that it's time for Thor to hear the truth and that he also needs to hear this. Thor has been kept in the dark for far too long and if she and both Loki and Darcy wants to save their relationships then the best way to handle the situation is to tell Thor the truth. That is she hopes that this might be the best choice because Loki and Darcy's freedom and friendship to Thor kinda depend on it, at least it will help him start to heal and will get things cleared up for Thor.

"Loki asked Darcy and later on myself when I found out to not to tell you or anyone else anything, I made a deal with him and agreed to keep the secret only if he agreed that he tells you the truth later on." said Jane. "Loki agreed to do so, he was even considering to tell you earlier, he told me that he was considering to tell you maybe even before then right after he rescue you, Darcy and the others. But he wasn't sure and didn't even know if he's ready to tell you the truth, but he has changed a lot since the Dark World."

"He must have if he is friends with Darcy and decided to become Mysto in order to stop Thanos." said Thor. "He also seems to be truly sorry about everything that happened even if most of the problems is Thanos's fault."

"Yeah, I guess Thanos did a good job tricking all of us. At least we now know the truth and we can now stop the real villain." said Jane. "But first we need to find a way to save them after they figure out a mode of transportation."

"I can't believe that he was alive all of this time and I refused to see all of the signs that my brother was here, I had to have Thanos reveal it to me too finally see it." said Thor. "If I only knew or saw it when I have the chance then I would have done more to make sure that Thanos doesn't go anywhere near Loki."

"You shouldn't blame yourself, Loki did a good job on pretending to be dead and plus seeing how Thanos is raging about Loki two months after we saw him die. I don't blame you for not believing him, I mean I wouldn't have believed him either if I didn't literally walk in and found out the truth." said Jane. "But still instead of focussing on how things went the way it did, maybe we can focus on trying to fix this and then you guys can make up and then we will end this for good."

"What if he doesn't want anything to do with me and that he is still angry about the past few times that we encountered in the past?" said Thor unsure about what might the future be.

"To be honest, Loki believes that you might be ready to call an Asgardian army to take him back to his cell and was even ready to leave Earth before that happens." said Jane. "He really believes in the worst thing that might possibly happen to him will happen, ok it did happen with the whole Thanos capturing Loki while having the stones thing. But he really thought that you would be so angry and might tell your dad the minute you find out the truth, so Loki thought that the best option might be to leave Earth before anything else happened, well when he was planning to tell you and now I don't even want to know what he is going to do now."

"I guess I will have to show him that I will not do such a thing, that I just wanted him back, I just can't believe..." said Thor in disbelief. "That he would believe so low of me that I... Why would he think such a thing?"

"In Loki's defense, with how your friends, myself and even you treated him even before we left for the Dark World. I don't really blame him for thinking that way." said Jane trying her best to understand Loki's mindset about the whole situation. "I mean we all kinda turned our backs on him without even hearing his side of the story, Thanos or no Thanos, we all probably wouldn't want to hear any excuses or his side of the story. We would think that he's the villain of this story and never find out the truth, so aside from running away from his problems and facing you, his reasoning is somewhat understandable."

Thor never thought of that and is now remembering the beginning of their journey to the Dark World and how they treated Loki like dirt for the entirety of the trip. He can see how Loki thought that leaving Earth and keeping this secret might be thee best option. He can't excuse the things that Loki has done in the past or for being Mysto, but he now understands why Loki wanted to keep it a secret and maybe he even starting to feel some guilt about his past actions and maybe even want to start a new. Thor can't believe that he might have possibly made his brother feel that way and how things have gotten this far. How now things can be turned around and that he can make things right with Loki that is if he can.

That is the moment where Thor finally break down and he finally now feeling the effects of the past few days, along with Thanos achieving his goals and taking Loki. The idea that Loki has turned over a new leaf, believed in the worst of him, along with being so close on getting his brother back and now might possibly have lost him for good just because of Thanos. The monster that tortured and hurt Loki the moment that he landed on that cursed asteroid and used him to do his bidding, the one that has a vendetta against him and might do who knows what to torture him. He can't believe that it took them all of this to finally have a chance to make things right and to start their relationship anew and start right where they left off before Earth and Thanos.

While Jane is stays to be there for her boyfriend, she doesn't know how things might look like in the road ahead, but she knows that this is the start of the end of Thanos because things are suddenly falling into place and that soon Thanos won't know what's coming to him. Though the question is how soon will they build this ship and will Loki and Gamora be alright until then? Knowing Thanos who knows what might happen if they leave both of them in there for any longer then nessicarry who knows. what Thanos might do to them. They are going to need to build that ship and find a way to defeat this over powered Thanos and to do everything that he can to make sure that he hurts both Loki and Gamora.

For now all they can do is be there for each other as they face the reality of the situation and to start to think of a plan. Along with to recover from the after effects of the past few days and to move on to trying to stop Thanos before he destroys the future. Both Thor and Jane knew that Thanos is going to make sure that they loose and will use the stones to do whatever it takes to fight back. But they are not going to let that back them down and will do everything they can to make sure that Thanos loose this war for the Infinity Stones and to save Loki from whatever darkness that Thanos might have in store.

Meanwhile on Thanos's ship

Loki is sitting in his cell, wondering how things went down the way it did and to see if there might possibly be a way out or to defeat Thanos. But so far he can't think of anything that may work or found a way to possibly escape from his cell, even if he did then he has no guarantee that it would be a success. Another thing is playing in his mind, is the idea of how he might have led to things ending up the way it did and how all of this in a twisted way is his fault. Maybe he shouldn't have let go from the Bifrost and then maybe things wouldn't have gone this far or maybe delayed it or maybe he should have just refused Thor and stayed in his cell back in Asgard which sounds more like a luxury compared to the one he is currently in. If he has to go back to it once all of this is over, then he is never going to complain about wasting his days away in it again because at least he wasn't chained up.

But still now that Loki is stopping to reflect on this, he can see many alternative actions that he could have taken to at least delayed Thanos long enough to think of a plan where he can defeat them and figure out what might be the best way to tell Thor about his identity. He just wishes that it happened this way or if Thor had to know about his identity and then maybe he would have had more time to explain himself. Better yet why would he ever decide to do something like this? Why didn't he just say no and have Darcy give up on him? What was he hoping to achieve from all of this and did he really think that he might have been able to change anything or stop Thanos? If anything he just made things worse, now Thanos have all six Infinity stones with the Gauntlet and they are all doomed. Maybe it was his fault...

Before Loki can even have a chance to think anymore, he heard the dungeon door open and he quickly got up from where he was sitting to see what might be going on or if they decide to start torturing him sooner rather than later. But to Loki's surprise, he sees that the Chitauri is bringing in another prisoner to the cell right in front of him and the real shock was to see that it was Gamora. He thought that she was with these Guardians or something and managed to escape from Thanos's grasps, he is surprised to see that Thanos made an effort to grab a hold of her to only put her in the cell. Despite wondering on what might possibly have led to Gamora in being stuck in here, he knows that they need to get out of here and has the feeling that she is far from the position where she was when they first met. Once the Chitauri locked Gamora back into her cell and leaves the dungeon, Loki knows that this is the perfect time to make his move and to talk to Gamora right now before anyhing else happens.

"It looks like I'm not the only one who Thanos decided to capture and put in a cage until he finds it for his connivence." said Loki. "At least you are not in chains, is there any hopeful news that I should know about?"

"Loki, he caught you too? What happened back there?" said Gamora immediately heading towards the cell door to have a better look at Loki. "Did Thanos do anything to the others? What-"

"Let's just say that the outcome is anything but wonderful, not only that Thanos manages to get a hold of the stones." said Loki. "But I lost everything I cared about and now I can never go back to Earth because..."

"Darcy explained everything to me when we were trapped in this cell together, after we introduced ourselves and she seems too quick to tell me everything." said Gamora. "So you're pretending to be someone else to everyone in order to hide your true self and try to be the hero?"

"Well I wouldn't say that exactly, though I doubt that anyone would be coming to try to save us now that they know my true identity." said Loki as he quickly explain to Gamora what happened and how things have escalated to the point where it led to everyone else finding out about his true identity. "I don't think anyone is going to come after us if they believe that I am nothing more than a villain who probably somehow came in to help Thanos or deserve to be in this cell."

"No one deserves to feel the wrath of Thanos, no matter what they did in the past. From what I've seen of them, they don't seem to be the type that would just let a grudge overcloud their desire to fight for what is right and they might find a way to stop Thanos." said Gamora. "At least your friend might talk some sense to the others and maybe they now know that not everything was your fault."

"But it is, if I had only refused Thanos the first time or left Earth when I had the chance then none of this would have happened." said Loki. "Now all it's left is for Thor to infiltrate this ship, disown me and put me in back in that cell with tighter security just because of the fact that I lied to him and for everything that happened recently. I should have never agreed to go around and grab the stones especially if I knew that all of this would happen."

"Well if it makes you feel any better from what I've seen of your brother so far, he doesn't seem to be the type who would dedicate his time and energy to get revenge on someone." said Gamora. "Plus it's not entirely your fault, Thanos tries to find the best way to twist anyone mentally and emotionally if he really wants to gain a power beyond his control and maybe even to make anyone feel the pain that he wants them to feel."

"Though I do wonder why would I agree to go on this journey and try to get all of the Infinity Stones? I knew it would have been a bad idea and that the chances of actually being able to stop him was low." said Loki. "I always thought that by agreeing to do this, then not only it will get Darcy to stop with pestering me about it, but latter on, to much of my surprise, I thought that maybe I can try to do something... Nothing, what does it matter? I failed and now that Thanos is one step closer on possibly ending the world the moment he has completed what he wants to do with the stones and us."

"Loki, you haven't failed anything. You are just... facing a major set back that's all..." said Gamora trying to add some comfort in this really grim situation. "Thanos wants you to give up and you can't-"

"In case you have forgotten, I already gave him what he wanted and now I'm trapped in this cell and by this time tomorrow I might not be as hale as I am right now." said Loki turning the focus to Gamora with a hint of curiosity and somewhat concern in his voice. "So is there a reason why Thanos decided to go after you as well? Why would he go into great lengths to capture his favorite daughter and put her in a prison cell?"

"Thanos caught me to try to see if he can somehow convince me to rejoining his side, but I refused every single time Thanos tried to sweet talk his way into my head. I kept fighting my way to survive this place and I just hope that my friends aren't going to come after me." said Gamora. "Thanos will kill them the moment that they try anything but part of me knows that they are going to do something especially with... Never mind, I just know that after everything we have been through in the past months and how we all looked out for one another in the past, they will come for me. I just hope that I'm wrong."

"At least Thanos is not planning to torture you for your failures or rather just because he really despises you." said Loki. "I'm sure that these friends of yours will be more than happy to save you if they truly cared for you, Darcy would have done the same for me if I wasn't stuck in space with Thanos and if the others would let her..."

"I'm sure that they will try to find a way to rescue you." said Gamora trying to add her own voice of comfort before continuing. "I wish that was true but Thanos is going to use the stones to erase my memories and turn me into the monster that he was hoping that I would have become. He wants to take control of my life and to give me a destiny that I have never wanted."

"What? That's horrible." said Loki who honestly thought that Thanos would never stoop this low to try to get Gamora to do what he says. But then again this is Thanos they are talking about, there are no boundaries or sense of morality for him.

"Yes, he has given me tonight to think about it and to reconsider his offer." said Gamora. "He practically giving me no choice for my freedom, it's either to voluntarily agree to work with Thanos with my memories in check or refuse then later loose them and live the life that Thanos has always wanted me to live."

"This is an outrage, no one should do that to someone that they claim is their child, even if Thanos believes that his methods of raising a child is the best." said Loki who is disgusted with how far Thanos would go to regain some sense of control of Gamora.

"I know right, I don't even know what to do on that one or see any form of escape without some kind of consequence in store." said Gamora. "I don't even know how long Thanos plans to keep things this way, but I do know that he is not going to stop using the stones until the power satisfies him."

"That's what all Thanos wants to maintain and have the power to move planets, it doesn't matter if he manages to impress his lover. As long as Thanos have the stones then nothing else matters and for the people that stands in his way, he'll either destroy them or keep them locked up on this ship so he can keep an eye on them." said Loki. "Thanos clearly sees you as his favorite of all of. his children and doesn't want to stand against you in a battle and as for me, he has a deep hatred for me and believes that if he can somehow break me not only it would make up for the last time but it will also give him a sense of relief."

"Relief, how?" said Gamora confused at the last statement.

"The relief that he no longer has to deal with me and that he breaks me in every way imaginable..." said Loki. "Thanos was planning this, he wanted to reveal my identity to the others in hopes that they would turn their backs on me. To destroy all hope and even if only the Maxioffs, Jane and Darcy stayed loyal, he knows that they wouldn't stand a chance on getting anywhere close to defeat him. He wants to destroy every chance of hope there is and to make sure that I pay for it, to keep me here until I die believing that I'm a monster who failed in stopping Thanos and he wants me to give up on myself and to have a second chance in life."

"Which is why we need to fight, find a way to escape the prison that Thanos and others may try to put us in. Even if the Avengers, your friend and my friends try to save us, it's up to only ourselves to fight whatever Thanos may have in store for us and not let him bring us down while we are still trapped here." said Gamora. "Whatever happens tomorrow I know that I am going to not let him control me without a fight, are you going to do the same?"

Loki start to think in silence for a moment, as he reflects on this conversation and the relization he has made. He knew that Gamora is right and they are going to need to find the strength inside of themselves to fight back and to make a stand against Thanos. He is thinking back on what Tony said to him in Avengers tower of how if they can't save Earth from him, they will do everything they can to avenge it from him. They were ready to continue fighting and to try to make sure that they do everything that they can to make sure he gives up his power for the good of the planet. Why is he open to giving up and sit in this cell and do nothing? When there is still the chance of this to be turned around, he may have failed in keeping Thanos from getting the stones, but he is not going to fail in doing everything he can to stop Thanos from using them to cause harm.

But first he needs to figure out a way out of this prison, he needs to find a way out or else tomorow morning things will get worse. Loki begins to think carefully of a plan that might work and to see if it might even be possible. After some thinking, Loki came up with a great plan that might be so crazy that it might work and the main question is why is he doing this now? Sure he knows that he might never return to Earth, he might never see Darcy, Thor or anyone else from Earth again and no one might know what he did aside from Gamora, but for some reason Loki feels like that he needs to do this and he needs to stop Thanos once and for all. He knows that he will figure out why he might be doing this later because he has to put together this plan and there is still one piece of the puzzle that needs to be put in place.

"You're right, we need to keep on fighting, if we are going to win and if we want to win." said Loki determinedly. "I think I might have an idea on how to get out of here, but I am going to need your help."

"What do you have in mind?" asked Gamora interested and is now ready for action.

The next few hours in the dungeon is mostly spent with Loki telling Gamora the basis of the plan and have her help him figure out any potential flaws of the plan. Along with tell her the part that she has to play and how she have to do her role perfectly if they want to pull this off. Gamora also told Loki on some of the things that they need to do in order to possibly have a successful escape plan. So far it might be a stretch, but it's the only hope that they have at the moment and a chance that they need to take. For most of the night, it was just Loki and Gamora developing the plan and for the first time since they have met, started to become real friends just because they are developing a trust for one another with the hope that tomorrow will be the start of a brighter future and freedom.

Meanwhile back on Earth

The remaining four Avengers and Darcy are hard at work on creating a mode of transportation and to come up with a plan on how to infiltrate Thanos's ship and to possibly be able to get Loki, Gamora, the Gauntlet and the stones out before anything else happens. So far both Tony and Bruce are taking a break from building the new ship to talk about a potential plan where they might be able to succeed in doing that. They also hope that the best case scenario would be that they might be able to defeat Thanos without ever having to deal with him ever again. But since that would be too good to be true, they are just going to focus on getting Loki and Gamora out and figure out what might be the best course of action would be. The most likely option would be to find a way to communicate with Thanos and have him meet them somewhere far from any where that might cause some potential irreparable damage.

It looks like that they at least managed to create some kind of diagram for them to try to study the ship, well at least tried to figure out on what each of them can contribute to even create a diagram. It might not even be accurate, but it's better than blindly hoping that the plan can somehow hopefully work and that they will be able to pull this off. So far it has felt like if they are just going back and forth until it winds up going back to where they have started and restating their goals. At least they are actually coming up with something and even then it's not much to go on...

"Ok, from what I remember they took me from this room and then they took me in this long hallway to this throne room where Thanos was ready to talk to me and Thor." said Darcy. "I'm guessing that where he mostly hangs out during the day and when he's not going around hunting down gems and hurting everyone."

"Ok, at least we have an idea on where he might possibly keep the stones, but the real question is how are we going to get the Gauntlet off Thanos's hand and find a way to get to Loki and Gamora out." said Steve.

"I'm more interested in what are we going to say once all of this is over, everyone will have questions and there is no way we will be able to simply tell them the whole story without an angry mob coming out." said Tony. "I just hope that we come up with a good explanation for whatever is going to happen and what already has happened."

"We'll figure that out later, right now it's better to at least figure out what might be the best way to solve this problem before Thanos does anything else." said Natasha. "It's clear that he's just waiting for the right moment to strike and to make sure that he can catch everyone off guard to make his move."

"Ok then exactly how are we going to do the same thing to Thanos then?" said Bruce. "If he has the stones then-"

Before Bruce can even finish his sentence, the door opened and the five of them turned to see that it was Thor and Jane on the other side of the door and they walked right towards them. The four Avengers doesn't even know what to say to their friend, whether should they tell him about the plan or allow him to have a moment to breath is the question that is going on in their minds. Neither one of the Avengers have ever remembered seeing Thor this full of emotions before and don't even want to know what he might be feeling right now. Darcy can't help but turn away from seeing the sight of Thor, she does not want to know what he might say to her and is now starting to feel really guilty about lieing to Thor about all of this. She just hopes that maybe someday Thor will forgive both of them and that maybe he won't be too angry at them in the really distant future when all of this is over. Though now that she thinks of it, she might owe Thor an apology for just lying the fact that Loki was dead and help him keep this secret.

So far Darcy knows that she is far from being Thor's favorite person in the room or at least. Soon both of them headed to the table where Darcy and the Avengers are standing around with their makeshift diagram. Neither one of them, knew what to say or if they can say anything without causing some form of scene and they don't even know if this might be a good sign or not. But the five of them agreed that one of them need to speak up to break the silence and to try to ease the tension that is already put in the room. From once glance at Jane, they saw that she is calm but determined and they all figured that must be a good sign. Fortunately for all of them, Thor was the one that finally broke the silence.

"So, are you all coming up with a plan?" said Thor. "What can I do to help?"

"Uh... Are you alright?" said Bruce who doesn't even know if this is a good sign and is now starting to feel like that the hulk's temper is tamer compared to the emotional breakdown that he has gone through.

"Yes, I have never been better and now how are we going to get to Thanos?" said Thor determinedly. "Have you built that ship yet? If not then what did you come up with so far?"

"Well let's just say that the plan is still in the work in progress stage." said Natasha. "I'm going to safely assume that you are finish going through all of the five stages of grief?"

"I'm ready to get my brother back." said Thor determinedly.

At that moment, the Avengers begins to fill Thor in what the plan is so far and what they came up with and Thor starts to give his imput to the plans. Both Darcy and the Avengers are relief to see that Thor is back to his old self and with the determination to stop Thanos. For the rest of the day, they spent getting ready for the fight against Thanos, the rescue mission and building the ship. Along with Darcy returning to the training room to try to improve her fighting skills, if she's going to tag along then she is going to get better at defending herself and to do everything she can to help out. Darcy just hopes that this is enough and that both Loki and Gamora will be alright when they find them. It's a long battle ahead and there is no telling what Thanos might do with the power of the Infinity Stones. They all knew that they are going to have to fight to win this war, but they are all determined to find a way to win and save Loki, Gamora and the universe whatever it takes.

Chapter Text

The next morning, things are looking like if it is a smooth morning on Thanos's ship and that nothing out of the ordinary is going to happen. But Loki and Gamora are waiting to put their plan in action, they know that this is a stretch and this plan might not be able to work. They need to try and this might be their only chance to try anything. After a brief overview, the two notice that the Black Order and Nebula came to the dungeon to take Gamora to Thanos and to hear what her choice might be. Without anyone noticing, Gamora quickly make a determined face to tell Loki that she's ready and Loki quickly gives a quick thumbs up (something he learned from Darcy.) The next thing they did is to make sure that they act natural, Gamora did her best to look conflicted and Loki didn't even need his powers to make sure that he makes himself look as annoyed and yet desperate as he can.

When the Black Order and Nebula finally came in, they quickly heads towards Loki to make sure that he isn't up to something and that the binds are as tight as it can possibly be. The Black Order didn't want to risk Loki doing anything to try to escape from the cell, once they are sure that Loki won't be causing any problems, they all turn to Gamora wanting to see if she is going to cause any trouble for them. Gamora glared at them and just hopes that they will be able to pull this off, she doesn't even know what she is going to do if things don't go as plan.

"Thanos, has sent us to retrieve you and we await your final answer of the offer." said Corvus. "That will determine on how you might be treated during our time together and that is what I am really looking forward too. Remember, just because you are Thanos's favorite, it doesn't mean that you are safe from whatever pain that we might want to indulge on you."

"Well Corvus, you will have to keep on waiting because I have decided to rejoin Thanos and to help him in any mission he wants me to go on." said Gamora. "I don't even know what I was thinking when I thought that it was wrong to obey Thanos."

This caught Nebula by surprise, she never thought of Gamora as the type to give up or be that ready to submit herself back to Thanos. Knowing her sister, Nebula knows that Gamora would do everything she can to fight off Thanos and make sure that she does everything to make sure she finds a way to escape or stop Thanos. From one look at Loki who is now looking surprise that Gamora would even think of betraying everyone to full fill Thanos's wishes to give up and give in to whatever Thanos may want from her. This is unlike her and Loki acting surprise and not even knowing what to expect, they are acting strangely and Nebula doesn't know why but she feels like that this is leading to something that might not help Thanos at all.

"You really want to serve the almighty Thanos again?" said Proxima. "Are you finally going to put behind the foolishness that you were so naive to believe in and swear your duty to serve Thanos with your dying loyalty."

"I do but I do have one request." said Gamora, catching the Black Order and Nebula by surprise.

"What is this request?" said Corvus menacingly.

"I would like to start torturing Loki the moment after I swear myself to Thanos because he is just getting on my nerves." said Gamora. "Is there any possible way that we can bring him with us?"

"The feeling is also mutual Gamora." said Loki. "But let me just say that you all are never going to get away with this, since there is always a way for the situation to be turned around to my favor."

"You better watch what you say runt, unless you want us to put you through more torture than you can ever imagine." said Corvus viscously.

"Believe me just sitting here with the idea that I failed and talking to you is torture enough." said Loki.

"Well then let's take both of them to Thanos, so that way he can see for himself." suggested Nebula with the Black Order glaring at her for even daring to inteerfear in these matters. "We're not going to get anything done if we just stand here and argue with the prisoners, let Thanos decide if Gamora is really being honest about her desire in wanting to rejoin us."

The room turned silent as the Black Order begins to think about what Nebula just said and that alone is making both Gamora and Loki nervous. What if this is just a way for Nebula to stop them in their tracks? Loki knows that this might be the moment that can determine if the plan will work and if they will be able to get any further than this little lie. Gamora knew that if they even suspect anything that all of this is just an escape ploy then Loki will be the one that is going to get tortured and she will loose all of her memories. They both waited nervously as the Black Order thought about what Nebula has said and they all seem to agree on one thing and they all turned to Nebula to reveal their decision.

"It appears that you are right for once in your life, it would be wise if we check in with Thanos before we do anything else and then we can begin the runt's punishment for his failures and betrayal." said Corvus. "Let's take them both to Thanos and get this over with."

To both Loki and Gamora's relief and surprise, the Black Order begins to open Gamora's cell door and let her out without any bounderies in place. While Cull and Proxima open the cell door and double check if Loki's handcuffs are secured, Loki notices that a few of the Chitauri are heading towards Gamora. He doesn't know if they are doing so to try to keep Gamora from doing anything or to protect her from any imminent attack. But he knows that Thanos must have commanded them to rally behind her, having a lack of faith and trust her, that he had to place guards to make sure she stays on his side.

Once they are done with that, Proxima removed the chains from the hitch and dragged Loki brutally behind her, the Black Order and Nebula begins to escort both Loki and Gamora into Thanos's throne room. There is a silence that neither Loki or Gamora are willing to break, one that they are determined to keep, to make sure they keep their act and make sure the plan goes according. They both hope that for some miracle that this works out and that maybe they will be able to pull it off, the plan is already off to a good start, things are going along perfectly Maybe there is a chance, one where they can escape and that maybe things will continue to go smoothly and this will work...

10 minutes later

Soon they all arrived at Thanos's throne room, the Black Order first let Gamora enter the throne room before they dragged Loki with Nebula following slowly behind them. Thanos stared at them with some interest, he is hopeful that Gamora finally is going to return to his side and finally realize that he is right. The last thing he wants is to fight her in the battlefield and he's happy that she might have possibly realized that before he had to do it through force. But there is one thing that got him curious, why is Loki there? He doesn't see why the Black Order and Nebula would bring both Loki and Gamora to him if Gamora is going to pledge her loyalty to him, but he's hoping that she will have the desire to torture him. That isn't a bad idea...

"Gamora, I see that you must have insisted to bring the prisoner with you to come see me. Have you decided to make the right decision after all?" said Thanos with glance at both Gamora with a sense of hope and then turn to look at Loki with a sense of hatred.

"Yes, I have decided that you were right this entire time, about every and that... I would like to rejoin you after all." said Gamora with confidence.

"I am glad to hear that, but first you are going to have to prove to me that you are going to stay on my side this time." said Thanos with an evil grin.

"What? How do you expect me to-" begins Gamora surprised and defensively.

"If you truly want to rejoin me then you will have no problem with Loki being tortured through your hands." said Thanos. "It would be the perfect way to start things off, if we want to start things anew and to truely show your loyalty."

"Of course father, I understand and will be happy to do it." said Gamora. "But first I need something that might cause some more pain than one little punch might do and something that might be powerful enough to break something."

"None of you are ready to wield the gauntlet if that is what you trying to ask, but I think I might have a suitable substitute for you." said Thanos as he got up to grab an axe hiding behind his throne. "This axe might be strong enough to cause the pain that you want to inflict on, but be careful it can break almost any material."

Gamora tries her best not to smile, at the opportunity that is forming right in front of them. This is more than perfect, Thanos is giving them a ticket to escape and he doesn't even know it. She knows that this is their chance...

Gamora is ready for the upcoming scene that is about to play out, the only chance for them to escape and just hopes that this plan works. That maybe they will be able to pull this off, it's risky and from her time with Thanos, she knows that there is a high risk of failure. But Gamora knew that this needs to work or else they are going to be doomed even further than they already are at the moment, one wrong move and everything will be over. She can't imagine what would happen if this goes wrong, not only the universe would be lost, but her friends will pay the price for it. Thanos would destroy everything she holds dear, the Guardians, Loki and even Nebula as an act of punishment.

Knowing that gives Gamora a boost of confidence, one that makes her realize she needs to do this and there is no other way. Thinking about her journey so far, meeting Loki and seeing the error in her ways and what Thanos really is, meeting the Guardians and everything that lead to this point. She has to do this and even then this may be one of the hardest things she has ever done. But if it means if everyone and everything would be safe from Thanos's destruction and Thanos will finally be stopped and pay for his crimes, that this nightmare will finally end, then so be it.

While Nebula on the other hand is already seeing that Thanos is making a big mistake and one that will cost him greatly. She knows what is really going on, she already see that Loki and Gamora already have a plan in motion. Nebula can see that things are too easy and they are trying to escape, she knows if that if it were to happen then Thanos's plan of conquest would derail significantly. Despite knowing that, without a second thought Nebula quickly decides not to tell Thanos of her suspicions, especially knowing the potential consequences. Besides aside from the fact Thanos will not listen to her, deep down, Nebula knows she can't do it, she can't tell him any of this.

Not only it will annoy to Thanos to no end and at least that will be satisfying to watch, even though she wishes that it can be more than a prisoner escape to really hurt Thanos. But she can't help but think about everything that is now going on, Loki's words have been going around her head and now she doesn't even know what she wants. Sure Nebula wants revenge and make everyone pay for everything, to make them all feel her pain, but Nebula also feels like that she can't hurt her only friend or Gamora for some reason. All Nebula can do is only just stand there to watch Gamora make her next move on whatever she is planning.

So Gamora carefully picks up the axe and slowly heads towards Loki, this is the moment where she doesn't even know how they might be able to survive if they went through with this and what might happen after this. Gamora also knows that even with the hope that this might work, but she knows that there is also many factors that they are hoping not to interfere. What choice do they have? It's either this or hope for some miracle that they don't even might even work, as she faces Loki and directed the axe to where she wanted it to be. This is the moment where things will change and the chance for them to make their move...

"Now pledge your loyalty to me, then you will be welcomed back in open arms." said Thanos. "Now do your worst."

Gamora quickly hits the chains with the axe and fortunately she was able to break off the chain in between the handcuffs and the one that Proxima was holding. But unfortunately not only is Loki's hands are still cuffed, there is also the fact that the Black Order doesn't even stop to think about going towards both Loki and Gamora to start a fight between both sides. Both Loki and Gamora almost immediately begins to defend themselves and to fight their way out of the throne room to make their big. escape. So far the two of them seem to be doing a good job in defending themselves and that it allows them to have a chance to escape and to possibly be able to change things around. It would have been easy if there wasn't more Chitauri guards running and that Loki is not even using his magic in fighting against them.

"You know one of your magic tricks might be useful right now." said Gamora as she's fighting Proxima and with the fight between the two is getting intense, as they both will not hesitate to strike.

"The cuffs are still on my hands, as long as they are on my hands, they will continue to block my magic and powers until we can get them off." said Loki in between fighting the Chituari and Cull. "Unless you expect me to develop fire powers that might be strong enough to melt Asgardian metals, then I am going to have to fight them off the physical way."

"It would have been helpful if you told me that back in the cell before they came to get us." said Gamora anoyeed before turning her focus back to the fight. "No matter, let's focus on getting out of here and then we can deal with the handcuffs later."

With that Loki just gives a quick nod as he knocks out a Chitturi, the fight continues on and there is no telling who might win. But eventually both Loki and Gamora manages to defeat all of the Chitauri blocking the door and starts to run towards it. They have managed to make their escape and it won't be long until they find the escape pods to make their escape and they will be close to freedom. There is no telling what might stop them or if they will be able to escape the ship, Thanos is ready to make sure that they don't go any further than they already have. He's not going to use the stones in order to not hurt Gamora, but he is going to send an army after them.

"After them now, don't let them get to the pods and once you obtained both of them then bring them both to me." ordered Thanos to the Chituari and turns to the Black Order." Be sure to do whatever is necessary to make sure that they don't leave this ship."

Once all of the Chituari and Black Order leaves to carry out their orders, Thanos turns to Nebula with anger in his eyes. He quickly approach her and Nebula knows that this is anything but good. She is hoping that whatever he is going to say to her is not anything that would require her to go to the torture chambers or he thinks that she is somehow involved in this plan. Though part of her is happy that they are causing some disturbance in Thanos's plans and that the plan is surprisingly good considering on all of the factors that are against Loki and Gamora. But what Thanos is about to say to Nebula is going to change everything that is about to happen and what Nebula is about to be ordered to do.

"I want you to go on ahead to the escape room, make sure you disable all of them and be the key defense until the Order find their way there." said Thanos. "Do anything you do everything you can to make sure that they don't go anywhere near them."

"Yes Thanos." said Nebula and is about to leave the room before Thanos grabbed a hold of her arm to add a couple more things to the order.

"If they cause you any trouble, make sure that you strike Gamora as hard as you can and do with her as you wish." said Thanos. "All I ask is for you to make sure that Loki is the least hurt, so that way I will be able to deal with him myself."

"What of Gamora?" said Nebula who is somewhat curious what might happen to her sister from this possible betrayal.

"Deal with her in whatever way you believe she deserves." said Thanos viscously. "Now go, every second you stand here questioning is another step closer for them of escaping."

With that Nebula hurries to run as quickly and as stealthy as she can possibly can, Nebula can't help but wonder about how her actions are leading to the possibility that things are definitely not going to end well. But still why is she suddenly caring about Gamora now? She constantly won the fights that they had to endure when they were children and then she got punished for her failures. She shouldn't care about Gamora, Nebula knows she should despise Gamora more than life itself. To get revenge for everything her sister put her through, at the same time she can't help but feel that overgrowing concern for Gamora

There's also the fact that Loki is the one who has been in the wrong about the whole grabbing the Infinity Stones thing and if he hadn't intervened none of this would be happening. As much as Nebula despised him, she likes to think that Thanos would leave him alone, that is until he feels like finally going after Loki for his failures. Even if Thanos decided to go after him before Loki actually started to collect the stones, then maybe it would have been better for Loki to just run away, to forget everything and do everything to hide from Thanos with hopes that he will never be found. But still it would be nice to see Gamora finally get what she deserves right? Plus maybe Thanos won't be so hard on Loki and he's wrong about her father, that she would get her freedom once all of this is over. Things are finally falling into place... Why does things feel so wrong?

Meanwhile in the hallways

Loki and Gamora are holding their own against an army of Chitauri, despite the upgrades that they must have undergone the two of them put up a good fight. It is a struggle that they have to deal with, but so far they are doing a good job on fighting them off and working together to make sure that they defeat every Chituari soldier that is standing in their way. Loki just wishes that he is able to use his magic and his powers to fight them off, simply because if he had them then maybe they would have made it to the escape pods by now. Even without Loki's powers, they managed to fight off as many of them as they can. The only problem is that they have to deal with the Chitauri with highly advanced armor where it feels like that it's almost impossible to hurt them with this armor and to even find their weak spot in order to knock them out.

As they continue on fighting the Chituari and making sure that they do everything they can to defeat them, Gamora is hitting the Chitauri as hard as she cann with the axe. Even though she's more into swords than axes, at least she is making some sort of impact on them, as she continues to fight them off and to help with the escape. While she is fighting one of them the Chituari is putting up more of a fight than before and this one is using any acquired strenght from the arm to the point that it even broke the axe that Gamora keeps on fighting to the point that she discovers something. She notices a botton on the armor and out of curiosity, Gamora quickly pushes the button and to her surprise, the armor begins to break apart and it starts to shock the Chitauri until it ultimately breaks apart and the soldier collapse.

"Loki, there's a botton that connects them with the armor and it causes them to loose the power that it's giving them." said Gamora."Maybe if we push them all, then maybe we will be able to knock more out and speed this up."

"At least we have discovered the design flaw before Thanos did, now can we focus on it before he sends out more?" said Loki as he quickly presses the botton and turned around to deal with the other one behind him, once he quickly manages to do so... There is all of the sudden a sound of a tear from behind, to Loki's surprise and annoyance he sees that his cape has been ripped in half and now the costume is more ruined than before.

With one quick look, Loki is annoyed to discover that it was the Chitauri that he just defeated by pressing that button was responsible for this. Normally in a situation like this he would be worried about him possibly looking ridiculous or the damage that might have occurred to his main outfit. But right now he''s too annoyed at the Chitauri for trying to see if he can somehow break his spirits through a petty attempt of damaging one of the few objects that he has to remember Darcy by. Though that annoys him too, but that is beyond the point and now Loki is ready to make sure that he takes down all of the Chitauri in one go. That is exactly what he did by making sure that all of the Chitauri is taken down and start to make sure that the Chitauri stays down. Eventually Loki manages to clean up the hallway and take down all of thee Chitauri in a snap. Gamora can't believe in what she just saw and have many questions going on in her mind...

"Why couldn't you have done that sooner?" said Gamora in disbelief.

"They didn't become that annoying earlier on and I don't know about you, but I think I had enough of their little mind tricks. They also destroyed a perfectly good cape, so I figured that if they are going to continue on this act then I might as well try to give them exactly what they wanted." said Loki.

"You did all of that because one of them slashed your cape?" said Gamora who can't believe that Loki would go that far over sometthing so petty.

"First of all this costume was a gift from Darcy and it has some form of sentimental meaning that unfortunately now it's destroyed." said Loki giving a brief explanation. "Other than that it's mostly to show it will take more than that to bring me down, I'm not a puppet that they can take control whenever they feel like and if we aree done wasting time. I think it would be wise to continue on before we have to deal with any more."

Loki starts to walk away from the scene, heading towards the direction that they were going with Gamora catching up. They are closer towards the escape pods now and they are going to make it if they keep up this pace. All they now need is luck and the hope that things continue on this path if they are going to succeed in the escape. Soon they both arrived in the room filled with escape pods, Gamora quickly goes to the one that is further into the room and find an escape pod that is more than perfect for the situation. She quickly grab a metal rod from the back and hit the pad on top and that quickly destroy it and begins to open to unlock the pod.

"So far so good, at least they won't be able to track this pod with the tracker destroyed." said Gamora as she quickly puts all of the passwords to get the escape pod activated. "Luckily for us this one has still yet to be used."

"Is there any particular reason why we are going with this pod?" said Loki who is keeping an eye out for any unwanted followers to give them any more trouble.

"This pod have one flaw that might help us in our escape, it is programmed to head towards an automatic different direction behind the ship." said Gamora. "So we're going to use that as an advantage."

With that the pod door opens, it wasn't as big as the other pods but it had enough room and resources for two. Loki and Gamora quickly heads inside the pod and took their seats. Gamora quickly put in more codes into the control panel and once the system accepted the codes then it begins to start the launch and position the pod for the opening on the back. Things look like if things are going to be running and that they might be able to do this after all. But there is only one problem...

Before the launch can continue to proceed, the pod stopped and the next thing that the both of them knew is that on the screen there is giant red words blinking and they are saying. "Launching failed! Require permission to continue!" Gamora groaned at the screen as she remembers the one little detail she has forgotten and Loki just stared at Gamora nervously. No one doesn't need to be a deep thinker to know that there is one flaw in the plan, one that they would never want to happen at the moment and they both know that this is definitely not going to be working in their favor.

"Please tell me you can add another access code to activate this thing." said Loki hoping that this is not as bad as it seems.

"I wish it was that simple, I can't believe that I forgot that Thanos created these escape pods with a system that no one will be able to use them unless we have Thanos or someone else in the control panel." said Gamora. "We can't fly the pod without someone letting us have complete access to do so."

"That would have been good to know before we put this plan in motion or even went this far." said Loki completely annoyed. "I can not believe that we are going to let Thanos put us back in his custody for a minor detail like this."

"There is a way for us to get the pod to go, one of us would have to go back to the front and give the pod permision to launch." said Gamora. "But even then one of us would have to either take another pod or to..."

Both of them turned away from another as they face with that option, in order to get the pod to move then one of them will have to possibly stay if the worst case scenario happens. Loki thought maybe he should get out and do it, so that way Gamora will escape, meet up with her friends and maybe just maybe there might be some hope or at least they can all live full lives without Thanos destroying them. Besides Thanos wants him and might leave Gamora alone if he just gives himself up to the mad titan and that alone is promising. Plus he might do the universe a favor if he just stays behind and figure out how to at least delay Thanos in using the stones as long as he can.

Gamora is also thinking of maybe staying behind to launch the pod simply because she knows all of the codes that will launch the pod and Thanos might take it easier on her just because she's his 'favorite.' She knows that Thanos would be one step closer on completing all of his goals if Loki stays, plus it wouldn't be any good for Loki if he stays behind like this. There is no way that she is going to let Loki, the one who involuntarily showed her how Thanos is wrong and that he shouldn't have to die in the hands of Thanos. Gamora knows that she is ready to do whatever is necessary to defeat Thanos and if she has to sacrifice herself to ensure his defeat, then so be it.

Soon it turns out that neither one of them would have to, the screen suddenly lights up green with the words "permission granted."

The two quickly exchanged a surprise look and the next thing they both knew is that the pod starts to zoom out of the ship. It is almost as though they are going to make it to a jump point and even then it can never describe how fast they were going. The speed reminds Loki of Pietro's speed and he is even wondering if they were going in that amount of speed. The pod continues to go so fast that nothing can stop it, the pod quickly reaches the exit point in a flash. The pod continues to gain more speed as it flies out into space and away from Thanos's ship.

Loki and Gamora are finally free...

"Does this normally happen in that room?" asked Loki as they are zooming further and further away from Thanos. "Do these pods or that command table always malfunction out of nowhere?"

"It's actually really rare, someone must have activated the pod and command it to leave." said Gamora. "Does it really matter? At least we are free now and once we run out of fuel then I will see how we're going to get to Terra before Thanos decides to send his army after us."

"Wait, we are going to run out of fuel?" said Loki almost imiediatly and doesn't even know if he's more worried of going back to Earth to face everyone or being lost in space.

"The pods are designed to land anyone safely on any planet in case of attacks or evacuations. Afterwards it runs out of fuel and the survivors would have to wait for help, but being rescued or taken in by Thanos is a fate worse than death." said Gamora. "Fortunately Thanos didn't install a tracker on the communication systems, once we stop I will get us a ride and then we will figure it out from there."

"While you do that, I am going to try to figure out on who launched our pod simply because the question of who would risk everything to help us." said Loki. "I don't even know if I should be grateful or worried that they even helped us in the first place. We don't even know why they helped us or if we might be paying the price later or simply if we are just being a pawn to Thanos's plans again. I would rather be one step ahead of whatever game Thanos is playing rather than go through another disaster like the last time."

Gamora gives Loki a quick nod of agreement, they continue to zoom through space and there is no telling where they might end up or what might happen next. But both Loki and Gamora knew that Thanos will go after them sooner or later, that his new mission will be to hunt them down no matter what. They don't even know who the one who launched the pod is or what they might even be planning.

Loki knows that he can't return to Earth because of the Avengers knowing that he's been Mysto this entire time and that he would have to face Thor. Sure he would want things to work out and they can start anew, but for his past and the fact that he lied and hurt his brother more than he has ever had in the past year, let alone an entire life time. Besides it might be best for both him and Darcy if he just stays up here in space, maybe once the help that Gamora is going to ask for arrives, he can talk them into leaving him on another planet or something. Sure he knows that this is not the answer and that he is going to need some kind of army to face Thanos again, but this is what is best for everyone and himself. Loki knows that as long as Thanos has the stones and this anger against him, he will never stop searching for Loki until he makes sure that he pays for everything.

The future looks uncertain and nether one of them knows how all of this will end, but at least they are now free from the prison that Thanos has put them and they are now one step closer on defeating Thanos. At the same time, a step further away and there is no telling what Thanos might do next with this unspeakable amount of power. At least they are free now and soon they will find a way to stop Thanos, only time will tell...

Meanwhile back on Thanos's ship

Thanos has called an emergency meeting with the Black Order and Nebula, he is really furious at today's events and the most recent report that Loki and Gamora escaped. He suspects that there is a traitor in the midst and the question is who? Once he finds out then he will make sure they wished that they have never betrayed him and then they will meet their end in extreme pain. Before he starts to interrogate his entire army, the order and Nebula, Thanos knows that the first thing that he has to do is to give out a new order and to get things back in order.

"As the five of you know, there has been a little incident earlier today organized by our prisoners and it ultimately resulted in their escape." said Thanos. "But I won't tolerate it and want us to do everything we can to make sure that we teach both of them the consequences of what happens when one tries to undermine me. So I'm going to send out the Chitauri to every sector of the galaxy to search for them and to return both of them to us."

Nebula tries her best to hide her uncomfortable feelings from everyone, she knows that both Gamora and Loki is going to pay a high price for this. The best thing that the two of them should do is to try to go as far as they can and do everything possible to hide from Thanos. The last thing that she wanted is for Thanos to have the sastifaction of having them both back in his custody. She also hopes that Thanos doesn't find out the truth of what really happened, for all three of their sakes...

"I will make an announcement to every planet in the galaxy and to make sure that we have everyone on high alert if they know what's good for them." said Thanos. "I will send you all to look for Loki and if you find him, be sure to bring him unharmed. I want to torture him myself and won't rest until he finally pays for everything."

"What about Gamora?" asked Nebula. "What do you want us to do if we find her?"

"Didn't I tell you to do what ever you wish with her? The Gamora that we knew is gone because of Loki and now we will have to deal with her the only consequence for her is death." said Thanos. "If I can't have her, then no one can and we'll see if she doesn't come back once she realize that she has made a mistake in betraying me. The same goes for all of you, if anyone considers or is responsible for today's events or fails me then they will share the same fate. You are all dismissed, I expect all of you to spend the rest of the day training for a fight that I hope you all are willing to win."

With that the Black Order and Nebula starts to leave the room, Nebula doesn't even know what to make of the situation and what to do anymore. It turns out all that everyone was right about Thanos and how he is going to continue to use her until he finds a good opportunity to kill her. If he was that quick to turn on Gamora, she can't imagine what he's going to do to Loki once he find him and if Thanos eventually finds out the truth. She doesn't know how or what she is going to do, but Nebula knows that Thanos is going to be stopped and pay for everything.

An hour later in the middle of space

The pod finally runs out of fuel, leaving both Loki and Gamora stranded, once it happened Gamora quickly goes to the navigator and put the information of the ship that she wanted to contact. She quickly writes a message and their coordinates, with the hope that the others will get the message and they will find them. It has been a long wait and they are mostly relief that there is no sign of Thanos or his allies, but it is taking a while for help to arrive. For now Loki and Gamora are just waiting until they see some kind of sign of whatever ship Gamora contacted, they are trying to make the most of the current situation and try to relax. But that's easier said than done since they are now both running from Thanos and his army, at least they are safe for now and all they have to do is hope that the ship comes before Thanos finds them.

"It won't be long now, I just got a message from them and they are nearby. We only have to wait a couple of minutes." said Gamora. "Now while we wait let's start to think of a plan on how are we going to stop Thanos."

"That is if we can, I was thinking, when your friends finds us, that I should go face Thanos on my own." said Loki. "So that way no one else will get involved and I will deal with Thanos myself, alone."

"You don't have to do it alone and besides it's Thanos, he won't hesitate to kill you the first chance he gets." said Gamora. "This has to stop and Thanos needs to stop doing all of this, no matter what happens I am going to stand on your side and do everything I can to help defeat Thanos."

"Gamora, this is something that I need to do on my own." said Loki. "If Thanos-"

"He will kill you before you can even start the fight, if you want to win this then your going to need a team and lucky for you I want to be a part of it and know more about Thanos than he does himself." said Gamora. "At least our escape will keep Thanos's mind busy from using the stones that is at least I hope this would, let's also hope that things will turn around to our favor soon."

Before Loki can even say anything, he notices that Gamora starting to smile at the sight right in front of her and he turn to see the window and surprised by the sight the ship that is right in front of the escape pod. It's grey with blue and orange details and look bigger than any ship that he has seen Thanos let anyone under his command use. The ship slowly begins to connect itself right after Gamora quickly typed in something in the keypad to communicate to the other side. Letting them know they are there and they are in need of assistance.

Loki assumes the ship must be the help that Gamora called for and that they succeed in their escape. Loki knows that there is still a long way to go to defeat Thanos and the major setback is his identity being exposed and he can't go back to Earth without facing the consequences. Though he might return through an illusion for Darcy to see so that way he can properly say goodbye to her and ask her to apologize to Thor for him. He knows that there is no way, Thor would ever forgive him and that he wouldn't be surprise if Thor's so angry that he hopes that he would never see him again...

Even if Thor hates him, the Avengers would arrest him the moment that he returns back to Earth and Darcy... Well at least Jane must be somewhat glad that Thor knows the truth, though the stunt she pulled to stop Thanos was foolish but he's not going to hold it against her. It was partially his fault, since he didn't explain how to use the stones or even thought about using them. Plus how he was supposed to know that was going to happen? But still at least there is a glimmer of hope, they did just manage to escape from Thanos and he can't even believe their luck. Maybe there is hope that they might be able to defeat Thanos and that it might be possible after all...

Chapter Text

Once the pod is connected to the ship and a safe path for both Loki and Gamora to cross is made, they got out of the pod to enter the ship and to finally be in a more stable condition than how they were just an hour ago. Loki knows that the best thing to do is to have them drop him off on some planet where he can figure out everything on his own, but judging from Gamora's determination to help stop Thanos in anyway she can possibly can, he knows that it won't be easy to convince them is thinking that it's the right thing to do. Even then he also knew that Gamora is right and he will need some kind of team if he wants to get anywhere close on possibly defeating Thanos. But still he can always figure out how to defeat Thanos without getting anyone involved and to maybe even find Thanos's weakness. That is if he has a weakness...

As they continued to head towards the hallway, Loki continues to think what might be the best thing to do next and if there might be a way for him to do this despite the odds in being nearly impossible. He has to find a way to stop Thanos and these thoughts alone are not going to leave his mind until he figures something out and finish this. Before Loki can even start to think of a possible plan of action, he is surprise to see the sight of group he is now seeing. Even after seeing all of the nine realms, fighting and later working with the Avengers, discovering all of the things that Earth has to offer, then eventually going through the impossible journey of gathering all six of the Infinity Stones has not prepared him for this.

Standing right in front him is a weasel or raccoon of some sort, one that he must have seen at least once on Midgard on Darcy's television, two human like people, one that looks like a regular human and the other grey painted with red lines around him without a shirt on and before he can even turn to Gamora, he felt like something hitting his boot. So Loki quickly looked down and saw a tiny childlike sapling or tiny lifelike tree plant bumping into his leg and the sapling looks up to smile at him. Along with give him a tiny wave from the bottom.

"I am Groot!" said the little sapling happily.

Loki just waves back at Groot and quickly turned to Gamora wanting an explanation, since when she said that help was coming he thought it would have been more of an army or at least not this. Not that he's saying a childlike plant and raccoon can't fight in a battle or the six of them doesn't stand a chance against Thanos. But after hearing about the Guardians and how they saved the galaxy from Ronan and with no power or magic of any kind, he was expecting a group that would fit Thor's ideas of Asgardian warrior heroes when they were children, not the group before him.

Still he knows that he can't underestimate them this quickly, the last time he underestimated someone, not only he was so underprepared for defeat from the Avengers, but he was smashed by the Hulk. Not too mention, it was also the final step in his downfall, where he even ended up in prison and then eventually later on the beginning of going on this journey where he wound up meeting Darcy and having to hunt down the Stones. That alone is the most challenging thing he has ever done in his life, at least he found better place, made a friend and it was better than how he was in the beginning of this journey. Despite any self reservations, he is willing to give them a chance and maybe things will be better than how it looks.

"Yeah, these are the friends that I told you about and now we're here, let's start thinking of a plan on what to do next." said Gamora. "Rocket, do you think you have something that can melt highly indestructible metal because we need to melt those handcuffs that are stuck on his wrists."

"Uh ok and who's that?" said Rocket almost immediately looking at Loki with some interest.

"I'm Loki of Asgard, let's just say that I am one of Thanos's most hated living being in the entire universe at the moment." said Loki. "So, I am ready to take him down before he ruins my life any further than he already did."

"Thanos just took him captive and let's just say that Loki's experiences in the last couple of days is anything but peaceful." said Gamora.

"If you mean by the fact that I can no longer return to Earth without getting myself arrested and now hated by everyone I know including and especially my own brother." said Loki with a groan as he remembers the biggest event that is now haunting his mind.

"Why would everyone including your brother hate you?" asked the grey human like alien confused of Loki's story.

"We'll explain everything before we start creating a plan Drax, but right now we are going to stop Thanos before he starts to think of a way on how to use stones in more dangerous ways than just to make sure that he capture us again." said Gamora as she starts to head towards the main room where the Guardians usually hang out or figure out a plan on how they might possibly defeat whatever creature or villain they have to face.

"Wait, Thanos is still after you?" said the human. "Don't you want to relax? I mean you did go through a lot just now."

"I grew up with having Thanos as a father and he tortured me constantly and Loki spend the last two months hiding his identity and you are asking me if I want to take a break?" said Gamora a little annoyed as Loki rolled his eyes at him.

"No, I just thought that since you just got here and that since we haven't seen you in the past two weeks. I just thought that maybe you want to have some time off and we can catch up or-" he begins before Loki just turn to roll his eyes and Gamora gave an annoyed sigh as they continue to focus on the task at hand.

"Can we just focus on the fact that we have to stop a mad titan from using an unlimited amount of power to destroy us all?" said Loki a little annoyed. "I'd prefer it if we get these handcuffs off me while I'm still alive and before Thanos comes in to ruin my life even further than he already has."

With that Gamora begins to continue head that way with Loki and the other Guardians following, once they arrive to the room, both Loki and Gamora got to work on explaining everything to the other four members of the Guardians of the Galaxy the most recent events and how Loki got to the place where he is now. Let's just say, the Guardians became really interested in Loki's story and found it really exciting and they can even relate to some aspects like how Loki has a colorful past where at one point he was seen as a villain, that he also lost people, try to do the least expected and how he has been trying to do everything he can to make sure that he could grab all of the stones and stop Thanos. Loki quickly impressed the Guardians and to the point, where they want to see what is going to happen next and maybe even join in the fight. Since not only because they want to help Gamora and to some extent Loki, want to stop Thanos before he tries to grab a hold of Gamora again and kills everyone including them.

While they were telling the others everything, Rocket is listening while he looks for something that might be strong enough to break Loki's handcuffs off. Until finally he found a little torch that is small enough for Rocket to not hurt Loki, but big and strong enough have it break apart the metals of the handcuffs as quick and as efficiently as he can. Once Rocket checked the battery, he quickly goes towards Loki and got him to sit down and begins to get to work to break off the handcuffs. Rocket manage to successfully get one of the handcuff off and as he is about to continue on to the second one. He notices something that he wants to ask and have been wanting to ask ever since he just got the full story.

"Ok let me ask you something, why are you wearing that outfit? I mean if you are supposably this masked hero that was hiding his identity, wouldn't you be wearing a mask?" asked Rocket. "Plus if you were trying to get all of the Infinity Stones then why didn't you just used the stones to I don't know fight off Thanos before he decided to take you captive?"

"Well this costume did have a mask, but Thanos left the mask back on Earth before he took me to his ship and besides there's no point in continuing if everyone already knows who I am. I wouldn't be surprised if they are ready to come after me to arrest me on the spot and... I can't go back..."

"What? Loki, are you really planning to run away from your problems and to never return?" Said Gamora surprised. "We're going to need all of the help that we can get if we want to defeat Thanos."

"I know that this is not the best idea or if we will be able to stand a chance against Thanos, but it might be best if we stay away from Earth and focus on trying to try to defeat Thanos before he does anything with the stones." said Loki. "No one would be willing to hear me out if I go back, so for the sake of the universe and our sake then it might be best if we try to deal with this ourselves."

"You do realize not facing your brother to try to make things right or at least be honest with him is what got you in this mess in the first place right?" pointed out Gamora. "What about your friend? She seems to truly care about you and I doubt she would be happy if you leave forever due to fear. Plus from what I've seen and spoke to your brother, I really don't think that he would send an army to take you in for revenge. If he was going to send out an army then he would to try to find you."

"Why would I go back? To face the disappointment of the Avengers, not that I care, but let's just say that there is no way they would trust me or at least listen to what I have to say." said Loki. "Darcy already thinks so low of me and believes me to be a monster, but then again we never did clear up that incident and had a conversation about it. Though Darcy wanted us too..."

"Wow, talk about not being everyone's favorite person at the moment." said Rocket in disbelief.

"With my past history, can you really blame everyone for having a negative opinion on me?" said Loki. "I wouldn't be surprise that Thor is ready to disown me the next time he sees me, though I wouldn't blame him simply because I must have been the worst brother in the past year alone."

"I am Groot?" asked Groot confused, while Loki looking confused at the sapling, wondering why he would introduce himself again and he is about to ask, before...

"Groot can only say three things and they happen to be I, am and Groot. But when he talks then he actually means more than a simple introduction." explained Rocket. "He said 'How are you the worst brother ever?'"

"Well... let's just say that the past year, our relationship is not exactly at it's best and I did most recently lie to him over two months." said Loki. "I pretended to be dead for the past two months and he didn't find out until just recently, I don't even know if I can go up to him and..."

"I may not have met your brother, but I do know if my wife and daughter was alive this entire time and if I just found out then it would be the happiest day of my life." said Drax. "Maybe it will be the best day in your brother's life if he sees you again and yours as well."

"It might, but let's be honest if Thanos ever tries to go after me then Earth would be the first place he'll look." pointed out Loki. "I would rather just have us focus on trying to defeat him before he tries anything. So does anyone have any suggestions on what we can do right now to do so?"

"Maybe if we try to take him down from within might work?" suggested Quill.

"It might if we didn't literally tricked Thanos just now through our escape plan then it would have worked." said Gamora. "The best plan might be if we get some kind of help or something that might be powerful enough to stop Thanos."

"I doubt Yondu or any of the Ravengers would be happy campers if we ask them to go up against Thanos." joked Quill.

"Well there's always Xander if they ever had the chance to rebuild what is left of their army." said Rocket. "But that's... or what if we go after it?"

"Rocket, if you are saying what I think that you might be saying then there is no way that will work and it's too dangerous." said Quill. "Remember what happened last time when we tried to get it to try to rescue Gamora, it nearly blasted the three of us out of the planet and that's only for just getting near it."

"So you guys tried to get this mystery object without me?" said Gamora defensively. "Don't you remember this the mystery person said that this object is extremely dangerous and that we needed to make sure that it doesn't try to hurt us when we try to find it?"

"We just thought that it would make an effective weapon when we go to fight off Thanos after he took you." said Drax pointing out the fact that there's no way that they will be able to pull something off in that magnitude.

"Well that would explain what took you four so long to-" begins Gamora annoyed.

"What are you all speaking of?" asked a confused Loki as he is getting more and more curious of this mysterious object.

"We were called for a mission prior to my capture in order to find this object that is really powerful, our first attempt to retrieve it Thanos caught them and threatened to kill my friends and destroy the planet we are on, he said would release them and leave the planet peacefully for my surrender." explained Gamora. "We were on that planet to find any information or lead to find this object, I'm guessing that you have managed to figure out where it is."

"Yeah, let's just say that creepy red head guy, that monster guarding it and being in that planet is the biggest waste of times of my life." said Rocket in disgust remembering their failed attempt on getting this object.

"Where did you go?" asked Loki intrigued of the idea of an object that might be strong enough to possibly defeat Thanos.

"To some planet called Vormir or something, but even then-" started Quill before he noticed something off about Gamora. "Hey Gamora, are you alright?"

"What were you four even thinking of going there?" said Gamora who is obviously doesn't even know what to think about this revelation. "It's a planet full of danger and with items that are too dangerous to even wield! We need to call this person that the mission is off and that we do not do these sort of things and-"

"Whoa Gamora, calm down for a second before your head blows up. What so bad about Vormir then what makes what we already mention before look like nothing?" said Rocket who doesn't whether or not he wants to know.

"I am Groot?" asked Groot agreeing with Rocket's question.

"Vormir is a planet where it holds the most dangerous and powerful objects that are the most protected in the entire universe." explained Gamora. "There's monsters, inhumane tests and objects that if one goes to the wrong hands then they can be completely dangerous."

"So is the Infinity Stones if one puts them all together, I don't see Thanos from restraining himself especially if I'm in the same room as him." said Loki.

"The Soul Stone was located there and the only way for one to obtained it was performing a sacrifice of something they truly care about." said Gamora capturing the five by surprise.

"I am Groot." said Groot nervously as he got closer to Rocket because of that revelation.

"That would explain where he got it, though it would have been helpful if I had known that before accidentally stealing and destroying Odin's scepter with the false mindset of having the Soul stone in my possession." said Loki sarcastically.

"There's more, Vormir also has this keeper that has been trying to get one of these objects to find an escape or something. He is bound in protecting them and he can't leave from the planet unless he either can fight his way to the object or if every single object on Vormir is obtained." said Gamora. "Any one who knows about Vormir either stays away or is foolish enough to attempt to obtain one of these objects. I think it might be wiser to go to Terra and find the Avengers and ask them to help us and then go after Thanos and try to put up a fight."

"Or we can go find this object that might have the power to defeat Thanos for good, if we can come up with a plan that might possibly work then we will be able to have something powerful and strong enough to give us a chance." said Loki. "All we have to do is go to Vormir and find this possible weapon."

"What? Loki, our top priority is to stop Thanos before he locate us and eventually use the stones. He might even be using the stones right now and we might not even know it." said Gamora. "If we are going to stop Thanos then we're going to need to get all of the help we can get, even if we have to go to Terra to see all of them. Thanos will make sure that he has an army, the Black Order and Nebula ready to deal with the five of us and will only focus on trying to do everything he can to kill you."

"Even if we have an army or let alone the Avengers with us, we are going to need to have the same amount of power to face him if not more." Said Loki. "If there's a chance for us to have something that might allow us to stand a chance against Thanos then we need to take that chance."

"I understand but there are better ways of doing it and going on wild goose chases or suicide missions is not the way." said Gamora. "The only way for us to have a fighting chance is to build from the power that we already have and get the Avengers on our side. Look Thanos has been going out of way to obtain the power of the Infinity Stones once he found out of their existence and even before this, when he was conquering planets that power made him a monster."

"I have gone a wild chase for the past two months looking for these stones and only had Darcy as a form of assistance. I didn't need the Avengers back then, if we are going to finally stop Thanos then we're going to need to put ourselves on his level." said Loki. "With this object then it might give us that same amount of power, that's the whole point of exploring the possibilities to have the courage to find something that might be able to defeat Thanos and use it for its capabilities."

"But there is also the question of what if we fail in this search? Thanos is not going to stop on his quest for power the moment he finds out that we have something that has the same power if not possibly more than one Infinity stone alone." said Gamora. "If we don't go to Terra now then Thanos will use the stones and we can't predict what he might do or if he is already using the stones to try to find us."

"I agree with Gamora, going after Thanos should be our top priority." said Drax. "He will wipe out planets and do everything he can to find both of you, so we should go after him before he can do anymore damage."

"Thanos will make sure that he does everything in his power to make sure that we are back under his custody and if we are going to defeat him before he uses the stones." said Gamora. "Are you sure that you think that this is the only way or are you too afraid to see your brother that you are ready to go and put our lives in danger on going to find something that is so heavily guarded that it's a miracle you all made it out alive."

Loki doesn't even know what to say or if he can say anything, sure he is not happy with the idea of seeing Thor again this soon after he found out the truth. Along with possibly dealing with the fact that he might have to face the consequences of his actions and the fact that his brother might not want him back. Sure from what Gamora just said and everything that Jane and Darcy has said in the past has given him some hope that maybe Thor would forgive him. But can he really take that risk?

No, he can't and even if he wanted to this idea of a mystery object is too good to pass, they need to go and find it before Thanos does anything else. To finish what he has started and to make sure that he defeats Thanos for good. If this object can give them a power boost that might give them a higher chance to stop Thanos, then he's going to take every opportunity to find it and to make sure that he takes Thanos down. Now all he has to do is convince them to show him where on Vormir is this thing and he can grab it before anything else happened.

"Even if we go back to Vormir, what will make this time any different?" said Quill who doesn't seem to be happy with the idea of going back to this potentially dangerous planet.

"This time, you have me." said Loki confidently. The moment that Rocket is finished with breaking the second handcuff off Loki's wrist, Loki got up and used his magic to quickly change from his Mysto costume to his regular Asgardian armor, catching the Guardians except Gamora by surprise. "I think I can stand a chance against whatever that planet can throw at us.

After a couple of seconds more for the Guardians and Loki to debate about what they should do next, they ultimately decided a compromise. They will try to get this object and see if they might be able to get it this time. But if they fail once again or if something happens before they reach Vormir, then they will head to Terrra or try to figure out a way to attract Thanos's attention to see if they might possibly stand a chance. Loki does realize that this is a fair deal and just hopes that nothing happens between now and then. Once that brief meeting is over, Loki starts to head towards a window on the ship to admire the view of space. This might possibly even be the start of the end of Thanos and who knows how things are going to end.

He wonders what might be going on back on Earth and if things are hopefully going better than he is hoping for. That maybe Darcy is not in some prison, The Avengers didn't tell everyone that he was Mysto and Thor is so angry that. But still maybe things wouldn't go that far and that maybe Jane would tell them everything, either way it would allow them to know the truth. At least they will never have to deal with him again, once he gets this object and find Thanos then he will be able to finally to put a stop to him for good. But there are a few challenges that he is going to have to face and these challenges are not going to leave him alone. Aside from the fact that Thanos is after him and Gamora, there is also the fact that he's still has the burn marks that are really putting him in so much pain at the moment. Fortunatly Loki is able to readjust his armor to not touch his chest, that way it will still protect him without causing any pain in his weak spot.

Sure it's puts him a little bit of a disadvantage because he can't take any heeling potion with the bottle and the half being back on Earth. Especially when it comes to combat and he don't even know what might happen in Vormir if they need to fight for this object let alone face Thanos again. But still what choice does he have? It's either doing this or let Thanos destroy the universe faster then he would have if he had stayed on the ship. He has to get this weapon and maybe he will be able to defeat Thanos, that is he hopes that he will manage to pull all of this off.

Meanwhile Back on Earth

The Avengers and Jane are doing everything that they can to make sure that this ship works, so far they have built a sturdy foundation for the ship and things are going smoothly. Well as smoothly as it would be when it comes to developing new technology that no one on Earth has ever created before or let alone made it as far in the space program. But from looking through blueprints, the repulser tech from the Iron man suits and the Quinjet designs, Bruce and Tony were able to create something that may be doable, safe and possible knowing their time frame. Jane even double checked on the designs to make sure it's physically possible and that it can work, after giving them her stamp of approval, they all got to work on building it.

There hasn't been any word from Thanos or a sign of where he might strike next, so far all of the test runs are working and maybe just maybe they will be able to pull off the impossible. Thor tried to give as much insight as he can with the ship and the main concern of Loki is going through his mind and he just hopes that by the time that they finally built the ship, they were not too late to save him and Gamora. He doesn't know what might happen once they finally take off, how they are going to find them or what is going to happen once they do. But Thor is determined to do everything in his power to find his brother, he doesn't care whether or not Loki will be happy to see him. All he wants is to find him, see Loki and save him from Thanos. No matter what the price may be...

At least they are now making progress and at the moment, they are doing test runs and making sure that the ship not only will be able to take off but will make sure that it's safe for all of them once it's time to take off. They all still have a long way to go, there are still many factors to over come before they can take off and face Thanos. But they are all determined to do this, to do everything to make it work and once they are done, then they will embark on their journey to space and to stop Thanos for good.

"Well, if things continue on with the pace we are on, then maybe we'll be able to get this thing flying as soon as tomorrow." said Bruce.

"Is there any way we can speed up the progress? So that way we can start the search for Thanos sooner and we will be able to stop him without having to worry about what he might do next." said Thor. "The sooner we complete this ship, the sooner we will be able to find Thanos's ship and the sooner we'll-"

"Ok I know your worried about Loki, but we're not going to help anyone if we just shoot ourselves into space and later find ourselves lost because this ship broken down and we would be floating off for who knows how long." pointed out Tony. "If we are going to do this then we are going to need to do this right and make sure that we will be able to at least go out there and come back alive to tell the tale."

"But it's Thanos, we can't allow him to keep the Stones any longer and hope that he will not do anything to something somewhere, go through with trying to use the stones against Gamora or might even..." started Thor and stopped himself because he doesn't want to think of the worst, he just hopes that Loki is alright in some cell and Thanos hasn't hurt him or better yet if he has somehow found a way to escape from Thanos.

"Look if Loki's dead, then wouldn't we have known by now? Since Thanos would have made a grand announcement or gloat about it?" pointed out Natasha. "Thanos hates Loki, was after him for the past year and Loki and Darcy dared defy him by trying to obtain all of the Infinity Stones before he does. He would have made some big announcement or at least come back to brag about it."

"Besides he might try to use Loki for his bidding again but I highly doubted Thanos would do that again simply because of what happened last time. That's the best case scenario and the unlikely scenario would be that he would leave both of them alone." said Bruce. "The worst case scenario would be if Thanos uses the stones on both of them or if he just spends most of his time to try to torture Loki and doing whatever he wants to do with the stones. If we look at the facts and from what Darcy told us, Thanos is not the forgiving type. Whatever he is going to do to Loki and Gamora is going to bad to say the least."

"Well, let's just focus on trying to get this ship off the ground and to make sure nothing happens." said Steve. "Does anyone know how Wanda is doing? I haven't seen her ever since we found out about Vision."

"The last I heard from Darcy, she said that they were at the training room and Wanda is practicing her powers. While she said something about Pietro helping her train." said Jane. "At least she's putting that anger into good use, well if we continue to focus on the the flight and oxygen then we will be able to get this thing off the ground. Luckily I managed to update my technology to possibly make an even better communication system where we will be able to communicate from here and space."

"At least we will be able to communicate to each other from Earth to Space." Said Steve. "But now we need to figure out what might be the best plan and to see if we can test this out."

"Uh ok, who wants to see if this thing can work?" Said Tony. "I designed it to be as easy as driving a car but at the same time it also have some complicated factors like how to elevate the flight and landing sequences."

No one answered, they don't even know if it's a good idea or if they want to test it. There's also the fact that they are going to be trying to see if this ship can actually fly, they know that the ship is more promising then they initially thought. But there is one little problem, so far the ship has been failing in the taking off and landing sequences. There are some problems that were occurring while they are trying to make sure that it is able to do the take off sequence and landing, that is what keeping the Avengers from taking off and going after Thanos.

Before anyone can say anything, Bruce decided to go into the ship to try to see if he will be able to get the ship to start and maybe even to see if maybe their luck has changed and that maybe they will be able to have some better luck. Once he got in and start the engine and begin the launch sequence, it looks like if things are going to start smoothly and that maybe their worries are about to be over. Unfortunately the ship starts to malfunction and started to make a strange noise where it's not part of it's initial programing and it even begins to shake around. They all watch the ship rapidly and Bruce quickly try to do everything he can to make sure that the ship is still one piece and they won't have to work on the engine all throughout the night or worse to redesign the whole system.

As they continue to see another failed attempt of the launch of the ship and the possibility of needing to go back to the drawing bored. While they are all focused on the ship and trying to help Bruce in getting it under control, Darcy quickly head in to see another failed attempt of the ship. Something tells her that they are not going to be saving Loki anytime soon or at least until they manage to figure out how to launch the ship. At least she doesn't have to ask how it is going because that scene speaks for itself. She approach towards Jane, knowing that this is the perfect opportunity to ask her about the current situation for both her and Loki. The last thing that she wants is to find herself in a situation where Loki finds himself in jail and she doesn't even know how things will turn out if he has to be in some cell for the rest of his life.

"I'm guessing that things are not going well when it's comes to the transportation?" Said Darcy.

"Yeah, this has been the 12th time that there has been some kind of a problem." Said Jane. "But at least things can't get any worse than it already is, though I just hope that Loki is having better luck than us."

"Yeah, that maybe he and Gamora managed to find a way out and that they are on their way here. That is I hope that they are alright and coming here, I don't know if Loki is going to come back if Thor knows the truth but I hope he does." said Darcy. "Do you think Thor is going to be cool with knowing the truth?"

"I think that Thor has already forgiven Loki and will show him that he doesn't need to prove himself or to run away to be happy." said Jane. "He's doing everything in his power to try to find him and plus Loki wants to make things right, so I have the feeling that things will work out for them."

"Yeah the way you put it, just shows that we could have avoided all of this drama with both brothers just having a simple conversation." said Darcy. "But still do you think that Thor is going to be cool with me now knowing that I not only helped Loki keep his secret but to lie to him and think of the whole Mysto thing? I mean I wouldn't blame him in being mad about that and wouldn't blame him for not wanting to be my friend anymore."

"I don't think that he's going to hold anything against you, I mean after all you did try to help Loki and I think the good overrides the bad in this case. You could have walked away from him or told someone from SHIElD or find a way to contact one of the Avengers about Loki." pointed out Jane. "You had no reason to trust him or even want to help him but you still did it anyway and gave Loki a chance. You gave him a home and friendship that many wouldn't even bother too just because of his past, that alone is something that is a special gift where Loki can have a new chance for a better life and the freedom to see the world and to learn from his mistakes."

"Yeah, having Loki as a roommate is cool and it is nice hanging out with him. Plus the cool thing about it is going on the occasional adventure when we had to go after an infinity stone." said Darcy. "I just hope that things work out in the end and that Loki comes back or at least just find a way to send us some kind of message."

"You miss him don't you?" said Jane.

"Yeah of course, we knew each other for the past two months and been through a lot together." said Darcy. "I am going to do everything I can to find a way to get him back and I know that Loki can take care of himself but I really want to know if he's ok and plus we're dealing with Thanos and if Loki is trapped with him then he will kill him. You should have seen how ready Thanos was to use the Soul stone on him and even used the power stone on him to make him give up Vision."

"Let's just hope that we get there before things get out of hand." said Jane. "At least things are going on the right track even if we are going in this pace, but still don'tt worry we will get through this."

"I'm not worried it's Loki, it is going to take more than Thanos to defeat him and besides I have the feeling that he severely underestimated us." said Darcy confidently. "Especially since Loki is probably going to find some way to escape or survive, he is a fighter and a very smart one that is one of the things that I really like about him. I just hope that we get this ship ready for launch before it's too late."

Eventually the Avengers finally manage to bring the ship down and get Bruce out, they still have a long way to go if they want to go up to space. There is no telling what things are going to like once they are done and the mission to space will start, they are about to enter a new frontier. No one knows what sort of trouble Thanos might have in store and if they are able to defeat him for good. Darcy also knows that she also have to apologies to Thor, find a way to convince them not to send them to jail and to maybe to somehow convince all of them that they weren't the bad guys and all they wanted to stop Thanos. She just hopes, she not only solve that issue, but find a way to go with the Avengers when they finally take off. Since she wants to do everything she can to find Loki and now that she has started to become a better fighter in the past couple days, she is ready to go rescue Loki and Gamora too.

Darcy doesn't know if she can fully stand a chance against the Chitaurii or let alone Nebula, but she will have to try for Loki, Gamora, herself, everyone else and the universe. Everything really depends on this mission, she just hopes that things will work out, she is ready to do everything she can to play a part and to make sure that Thanos is defeated for good. Even if Loki wants to leave Earth after all of this then she wants to at least see him one last time and maybe try to convince him to stay, though she doesn't think that things will ever go that far with Loki. But he is still her friend and she is going to find a way to save him from Thanos and to stop him for good.

Two hours later in space

Loki and the Guardians soon arrived to Vormir and they all soon landed on the planet and got out of the ship. Quill, Rocket and Drax start to head towards the direction of where this mysterious object is with Loki, Gamora and Groot following them. Loki notices on how deserted the planet is and he can't believe that anything might be on this planet let alone an object or an Infinity Stones. So far there has been no sign of any danger or something suspicious that might be happening under their noses, there is no telling what might be here. But still there might not be any other choice and soon if luck is on their side, then maybe they will be able to grab the object without needing to go to Earth.

"To be honest Gamora, when you said that this would be really dangerous I was expecting something more." said Loki. "Not that giant cliff that we just passed by and even then no one would ever go up there for anything unless they want to put one's life in danger."

"Well don't brag about it just yet, we just got here and have yet to face any real danger." said Gamora.

"You still have yet to see what kind of monster we faced the last time we were here." said Quill. "Let's just say that you two are in for some surprises."

Loki and Gamora quickly exchange an unsure look to one another as they continue to walk through the planet. It continues to be a walk where it feels like forever and there is even an awkward silence growing. The Guardians agreed to help Loki find some object that it was almost impossible to get the first time around and the four adults knew that this might not be the best answer. Gamora knew that even if they managed to grab a hold of this object and if it really has the power to possibly stop Thanos then what? Is Loki going to be hopping around planets in hopes that he would never see his brother again and run away from his problems? She may have been free with the Guardians for a couple of months, but even she knew that someday her past will be running up to her someday. That she would have to face Thanos or her past sooner or later, she just hopes that if things doesn't work out or even if it does that Loki will decide to go back to Earth and face everyone. Even with this object it might be wiser to have some form of backup.

While Drax on the other hand knows that this might make things worse between Loki and his brother, he thinks that it might be best for both brothers if they talk about what happened and try to fix their relationship. He may want to see Thanos be defeated for good but at the same time he wants to see Loki repair his relationship with his brother especially under the circumstances that he is now in. The difference between Loki and him is that Loki still has the chance to get his family back or at least his brother. He doesn't want to see Loki to miss the chance in possibly having his brother back and getting a happy life on Earth.

Quill also knows that maybe things will be easier for the six of them if they just go back to Earth, even though he's not comfortable with the idea of going back to Earth but even he knows that it might be best to go there. Not only because they might need more than six to fight off Thanos, plus they also have Groot on the team and he's just a baby and they might as consider it as five against an army. Not only that, Loki might regret not fixing things with his brother and it might be as bad as how things turned out with his mom and the guilt that he felt before he finally was ready to move forward and to live his life with the Guardians and to make the most of his life.

Rocket on the other hand is not happy to possibly have to deal with the monster again, he is keeping a close eye on Groot and making sure that nothing is going to make a surprise attack. He doesn't like this idea anymore than the others but if this might be the only way for them to get something powerful enough to defeat Thanos and to possibly go on the direction that might possibly be the better idea. The awkward silence continues to grow and Rocket knew that it needs to be broken and he might as well do it, no one else is going to do it at the rate things are going.

"So I'm guessing that you are mostly having us do this to get something that might defeat Thanos without having us go to Terra and see these Avengers, your friends and brother?" said Rocket. "Don't you think that this might be a little reckless? That there might be a better way in possibly stopping Thanos rather than doing this."

"It might, but this is our only option and if we fail then we won't have enough power to stop Thanos." said Loki. "The worst part from our agreement that we have to go to Earth, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to stop Thanos and if it means that I am going to find this object and might have to fight whatever monster we are going to face then so be it."

"Ok, but don't you have someone else to go to? What about that girl you and Gamora keep mentioning? That Marcie girl or something, can't you go see her?" asked Rocket. "You know to clear things up and then maybe she can talk to them for us."

"First of all it's Darcy... I don't think that she ever wants to see me again..." said Loki quietly. "I not only ruined her life but there is also the fact that we left things in an awkward place. If the Avengers understand then they might let her off easy that she can start a new life and besides she's better off without me..."

"Loki, I shared a cell with Darcy and from our time together it's obvious that she really cares about you." said Gamora. "She was ready to try to break out of our cell and find a way to escape if it means that she would get herself in bigger trouble."

"Darcy would definitely do that..." said Loki. "But still there is no way we can contact her without the Avengers finding out, she's not the best at keeping secrets and I doubt that my magic would be able to reach that far."

He turned away from the Guardians, knowing the last part is a lie and that his magic can reach that far to create a illusion for only Darcy to see. But he knows that will only lead to trouble, they would ask him to see if he can possibly communicate through magic. Loki knows that he can't do that, not only it would lead to a conversation where he knows that won't end well. There is also the fact that he also will have to tell her that he might never come back to Earth, he doesn't want to leave Darcy in the dark about how he is doing, what's going on and thinking that she needs to find a way to go up to space in order to try to save him. He can't say goodbye just yet, not until he finally defeats Thanos so that way Darcy will know that they did it, that Thanos is finally defeated for good and to also maybe possibly apologies for everything that he has put her through. That is if she would listen to him...

"So Gamora also said that you are from some other planet, this Asgard place. Do you have any friends or family over there that might be willing to help us?" said Quill joining in Rocket's attempts to try to dissuade Loki from doing this. "Anyone that might be willing to come with and still see you as good guy?"

"The only one that would be my mother but she died two months ago, Thor's friends would be happy to either have a fight with me or call the guards to help them take me back to the dungeons." said Loki. "As for my father or rather the man that was the closest thing to one, after all of this, I don't even know what he is anymore. I had He now believes that I have died performing a heroic sacrifice and would be furious if he ever finds out that I faked my death. Along with the mere fact that I never mentioned that Thanos was the one that made me try to take over Earth and is now after me with the goal to make sure that I pay for my failures and trying to stop him from his life goals."

"Yeah that sucks..." said Quill who can relate to Loki for his current situation.

"I am Groot?" said Groot. "I am Groot."

"What is he saying?" said Loki who really wants this conversation to end, but at the same time curious of what the sapling has to say.

"He said 'why don't you go talk to them instead of assuming the worse?'' translated Rocket. "'It might be nice for you to go see them again.'"

Loki stared in silence, not even knowing how to answer that question or if he can even answer it at all. Of course he would want to see both Thor and Darcy again and try to do everything he can to make things right and to maybe even see if he can possibly start over with them. But he knows that for Thor it can never happen and he might not be that happy to see him if he shows up, it might be easier for both of them if they go their separate ways before things get worse between them. Plus things might be better for Darcy if he just doesn't get involve in her life anymore. Not only it would help make things better for Darcy, but it might help these strange feelings fade away. This is for the best for both of them. It has to be this way and Loki knows that he may not want things to end this way but things needs to be this way.

"So can one of you tell me what is your past history?" Said Loki not only wanting to get out of this conversation but to also to get to know the Guardians. "I already know Gamora's history prior to meeting all of you, but I would like to know how all of you met and who you all are. Especially now if we might possibly be facing our doom soon if it's not from this creature than from Thanos."

"Well, our stories are really a messed up origin stories where everyone thought that we are nothing but criminals that only thing that we deserve is to be locked up." Said Quill. "But we eventually proved ourselves, save the galaxy from Ronan and his plans to use the power stone and I literally beat him with an awesome dance battle."

"So you saved everyone by dancing with Ronan?" Said Loki who is surprised to hear that statement is unexpected let alone sound absolutely absurd.

"No, Quill was mostly distracting Ronan in order for Rocket and Drax to destroy the hammer that he put the stone in." Said Gamora. "Then we managed to grab the stone and managed to defeat Ronan by using the power stone as fast as we can. You have to be there if you want to get the picture."

"Yeah cause before we met, Quil here was a thief working for Yondu and the Ravengers, Gamora as you know was working for Thanos and did his bidding until she realized how much of a jerk he really is, Drax was going on a rampage for revenge against Thanos and Ronan, while Groot and I were bounty hunters." said Rocket. "With our colorful background, you can't really blame people for not liking us at first."

"Wow, I believe can relate to that and perhaps our journeys are not as different as I thought they are." said Loki who is starting to like the Guardians surprisingly. "May I ask why Drax is on a roaring rampage on revenge? Who are Yondu and the Ravengers?"

"Yondu is the leader of the Ravengers, they took me when I was a kid and Yondu practically 'raised me' to be a thief." explained Quill.

"So, basically he's like a father to you?" said Loki.

"I wouldn't say that, but if he haven't took me on that day then I would still be on Terra doing who knows what." said Quill. Loki is surprised to see that he was right, he suspected it from one look but he never thought that he might be right.

"At least you didn't find out all of that the moment where you least expected or if this Yondu kept it a secret and you find out the hard way later on." said Loki.

"I am Groot." said Groot who's not even sure what he is agreeing on.

"I wish that I can have the same luck as you have when it comes to having at least one member of my family alive." said Drax trying to be honest and connect with Loki. "Thanos sent Ronan to my planet to slaughter half of my people including my wife and daughter, before I met the Guardians I went out to get my revenge and to make sure that Ronan pays for my lost and to get justiice for them."

"That's... My apologies, I had no idea that happened..." said Loki as he quickly apologizes for letting his curiosity get the best of him.

"It's fine, their deaths has been avenged, Ronan is dead and all we have to do is stop Thanos." said Drax. "But if I haven't met the others then I wouldn't have a real family again."

Loki stayed silent as he thinks about the situation itself and part him is happy that Ronan payed the price for his crimes. At least there is one less of Thanos's allies to worry about and that he can continue to focus on Thanos. But still he can't help but think about his past actions and how it put him in a place where there's no return and that he will never have a chance to get his family back or create a new one. The only one who might have possibly accept him back, probably now hates him and it might be better for both of them if he just stay in space. Maybe he should just stop thinking about Earth, for the good of their mission on this planet and to at least have a clearer mind as they are about to face who knows what. He should just continue to get to know the Guardians and discuss on any possible ideas on how are they going to defeat Thanos.

"Well, at least there are a happy ending to all of your stories and soon there will be one for mine once I get this object and finally defeat Thanos." said Loki. "Then things will be better, we will never have to deal with him again and then maybe I will start a new life somewhere. I don't think that I even want to go back to Earth and might as stay out here and explore the universe beyond the nine realms."

"Then what Loki? Are you really going to be happy being trapped with your own guilt and never truly knowing if there is is a chance for you to get everything back, you're brother, Darcy, freedom and the chance of a better life?" Said Gamora hoping that this question will give Loki a new perspective.

Loki didn't know what to say or think, he didn't expect to hear that question out loud or the possibility that there might be some hope for this problem and maybe even possibly make things right. It does sound really appealing and that maybe... he can't risk it or take that chance without considering the consequences and that there might be some kind chance that he might be able to not only get his brother back and make amends without worrying about any chance of him going back to his cell. That maybe he can continue his life on Earth and continue his friendship with Darcy, with a future with endless possibilities with never having to worry about Thanos again. But he knows that it might never happen, no matter how much he may wish that it would happen this way.

Soon Loki found himself and the Guardians at the cave where the mysterious object is inside, soon they might have to face whatever danger that might be waiting for the six of them. Dealing with whatever might happen is the least of his problems, as they are about to enter an unknown territory (well for Loki and Gamora at least). When they arrived closer, a mysterious hooded figure that look like a human red skull start to approach them and from one look at the mysterious figure Loki was surprise to see that he is literally red and even from encountering and discovering his heritage, meeting Gamora, Nebula and Thanos and most recently the Guardians of the Galaxy with Groot and Rocket in the mix. From all of those times that he spent time studying and learning about other worlds beyond Asgard and the other realms, he has never read about any species that might be all red. While the Guardians minus Gamora and Groot gave a quick groan at the mysterious figure, they are not eager to deal with him again.

"Well it looks like you all came back and brought two more to see if you can get the Laevatein." said the stranger as he notices both Loki and Gamora. "Gamora, daughter of Lalnehe and Loki son of Odin and Frigga."

"You know of us? How? Did you somehow got connected with the Soul Stone?" asked Loki almost immediately.

"I was and still cursed by not one but two stones, I am not only know all the ones that I have ever encountered but at the same time can see their souls and know their whole story like Gamora's mother's name." said the stranger as he even begins to levitate towards them. "This is not the first time that I have encountered an Asgardian or in your case Jontun if we want to be exact."

"Are you going to let us in there without any trouble or are you going to tell everyone's life story before you decide to give us all a fight?" said Loki defensively as he got ready to fight.

"You all are going to be facing many challenges as it is, so it wouldn't make much sense if I give you all problems right now." said the stranger. "You are all free to go and be prepare for the dangers that are up ahead."

They all gave a suspicous look at the red skull like human and begin to head inside the cave, they all are ready for the fight of whatever creature that may be waiting for them. This might be a game changer and Loki knows that this is the moment where everything can be changed for the better. He just hopes that they will be able to get this object without any trouble and that this Red Skull is telling the truth. There is also something that he doesn't like about Red Skull and it's. something that he knows that they can't trust him and there is something that he knows about this object that none of them do. What is the Laevatein? What was he talking about the encounter that he had with Asgardians in the past? If this might be the keeper that Gamora was talking about then he must have something planned and he just hopes that his suspicions are wrong but he has the feeling that he's not and should keep his guard up.

Once Loki and the Guardians entered the cave, the mysterious Red Skull gave an evil smile behind them, he can't believe his luck and now knows that maybe the odds are in his favor. All he has to do is wait for them to retrieve it and maybe use these powers to try to get the object, though the problem is that they have an Asgardian now and at the same time, they need him if they want to get the Laevatein and to defeat the monster that is guarding the object. All he needs to wait and get ready when Loki and the Guardians exit with hopefully the Laevatein in their hands, then he'll make the first move to get it...

Chapter Text

Loki and the Guardians continue to find their way through the cave and to find this mysterious object and so far they are getting nowhere closer to where the Laevatein might be. So far it feels like if they were going around in a circle, an endless circle where it feels like they have gone around the entire cave and at any moment they will be back on where they have started and that alone is already making Loki feel more frustrated by the minute. If he knew that he was going to get lost then he would have taken his chances to go inside and try to figure out how to get around the cave. He has never felt this frustrated when it comes to going on a quest or trying to go or get anything.

Gamora is getting annoyed at the current situation as well, this is definitely going to take longer than she thought and she already feels like they could have made it to Earth and already came up with a plan on how to possibly stop Thanos by now. Even if they would be dealing with who knows how many challenges Loki's reputation may bring. Despite being lost in a cave on Vormir, she should be grateful that nothing has happened yet and they can continue to find their way through the cave without any problems.

Soon they are getting closer to a pathway where there are multiple directions to choose from and it can lead anywhere in the cave. To much of both Loki and Gamora's annoyance, both Quill and Rocket started to argue on which way might possibly be the right way and over time it is becoming clear that neither of them knew where they are going and it got to the point that now they are seeing three paths where neither of them knows where the right direction might be. Loki can't believe this and even wished that this is nothing, but an illusion and that this object is hiding right in front of them. He is starting to think that maybe it would have definitely been better if he came out here alone.

"Please, don't tell me that we're now lost." said Loki who quickly ask once they reach the pathway and not even bothering to hide his frustration.

"We're not lost, we're just... misplaced." said Quill nervously.

"In other words, lost." said Gamora completely annoyed.

"I am Groot." said Groot pointing out something.

"Groot has a point, he says that lost and misplace practically means the same thing." said Rocket.

"I know that lost and misplaced practically mean the same thing." said Quill. "But saying we're misplaced sounds better than saying that 'we're lost.'"

"You don't even need to say it, anyone can tell that we're lost from just one look at us." said Loki. "Did any of you even pay attention to where you were heading the first time that you were in here?"

"We were hoping to go in, grab the object and then rescue Gamora from Thanos. We never really thought that we would be here again or that maybe we would have failed the first time." said Drax. "Though we didn't even have that much of a plan the last time we were here, it also doesn't help that we might have underestimated the monster that we were confronting."

"Are you Kidding me?" said Gamora in disbelief with Loki sighing in the background.

"What? You can't blame us on that one, we were hoping to get this thing and get out to save you from Thanos." said Drax. "We didn't even go further beyond thinking of our goal and quickly got into action over the course of our last attempt."

"So you didn't even have a plan?" said Gamora not even hiding her groan.

"Uh, we were hoping by just winging it then maybe we will be able to pull it off." said Quill sheepishly. "Though when you guys put it that way, maybe we should have had a plan or at least have a under developed plan where we can at least say that we have a plan but not really have a plan. You guys know what I mean right?"

Loki just stared at the four Guardians in disbelief in deep silence, almost immediately he put his right hand on his face in frustration and disbelief. What was he thinking? In letting them come along inside the cave like this? Sure he needs them to take him to the Laevatein, but at the rate they are going he might as well have gotten the Hulk to lead him around caves and he wouldn't know the difference except the fact that he would be taking an endless amount of heeling potion or at least what he has left of it and to drink all of it if not obtain more because unlike the last time that he was smashed by the Hulk and this time he has a good reason to be angry and would definitely be trying to break every bone in his body. He quickly turned to see Gamora just as annoyed as Loki is, this situation is not looking so great.

But Loki knows that just getting annoyed at the Guardians and letting out his frustrations are not going to help them get the object. He thinks that he might know a solution on how to solve this problem and maybe it will allow the pace to go a little quicker. Loki starts to head over towards Quill and he quickly grab a hold of Quill's head to quickly do a memory spell on him. It quickly takes a couple of seconds and eventually once Loki is done, he can't help but smile with the hope that maybe this spell will improve matters and that maybe they will be going to the right direction now they will be able to heading to the right direction.

"I don't know what you just did but somehow I can remember everything that happend the last time and I think that it's this way." said Quill as he heads down one direction. The other Guardians quickly turned to Loki, everyone except Gamora is surprised to see how Loki managed to do it and that they might possibly be going in the right direction.

"What did you..." started Rocket who can't believe what he just seen and how Loki is able to get Quill what he wanted that easily when he failed doing that for the past two months.

"A simple memory spell that I wish I did sooner." said Loki. "It gave him all of the memories from his past visit here and it will lead us to this object and at least we will no longer have to worry about any more delays."

"So you're a wizard that can do magic?" said Drax, capturing Loki by surprise. "That's really awesome! Do me next!"

"I am Groot." said Groot amazed as well and no one needs Rocket to translate to know that Groot thought Loki is cool.

"Well, I would usually call myself a sorcerer, but wizard works." said Loki who is surprised and flattered to see that there are more aside from Darcy that might find his magic amazing. "I would only do spells to try to get things in progress, though I won't mind showing off my magic and put on a show when ever I feel like it."

"I think I can get used to the idea of having someone with magic on the team." said Rocket. "Is there anyway you can make Quill a genius permanently or give me some cool effective super power where I can read minds or give me ahanced power moves or fighting skills where I can knock someone down with just one punch?"

"I don't think that is a good idea." said Gamora who doesn't seem to like the idea of an overpowered Rocket and him being able to read her mind.

"I can't perform that kind of magic, I can use my magic for mind tricks, illusions and the occasional telekinesis." said Loki. "I have been briefly exploring my inherent powers and so far they are better than I thought they were. But even if I could I wouldn't because the last thing I want is to start something that I might later regret and can we just go back on focusing on our mission here?"

"Loki's right, the sooner we find this object and possibly obtain it, the sooner we will be able to start on actually thinking of a plan that might possibly stop Thanos." said Gamora. As she starts to go down the same path Quill is going on. "I don't even want to know what Thanos might be doing right now and I think that it would be better for all of us if we try to get out of here before we face any unwanted monster where we would have to fight off and our lives would be in jeopardy."

"I am Groot." said Groot agreeing with Gamora as he follows her down on the same path.

"I do have one question." started Drax stopping Loki and he quickly nodded for Drax to proceed with the question. "Do you think your magic might be able to turn me invisible?"

Loki quickly gives an annoyed sigh as he starts to continue on the path, he may relate with the Guardians and admire on how they were able to turn away from their dark moments of their lives and start a new life. But with how things are going, he doesn't even know how they possibly managed to defeat Ronan let alone survive the Power stone. The only one he thinks is a competent fighter that might be able to stand a chance against any foe that they might encounter is Gamora. He's not thinking that just because of her upbringing, but it's mostly of how she is able to survive Thanos and knows how to fight off any thing that might dare try to attack her. Still he hasn't seen them in a fight or how they handle themselves in a dangerous situation and if they can do more than just tell jokes or try to fight off something without even having a plan. That is he hopes that for all of their sake, he is wrong and that things will make a quick turn around and maybe they are not going to encounter something that might kill them in less than a minute.

Ten minuetes Later

Loki and the Guardians soon arrived in a chamber where it is surprisingly nicer than the rest of the cave have been, so far it seems to be a circular like cavern where the mysterious Laevatein is. So far it looks like that they can easily grab the object and leave without any trouble, but they would have to climb up a small staircase where they will be able to climb up and reach over the rock to get the object and get out. So far it seems to be an easy grab and that maybe whatever monster the others dealt with the last time.

"So yeah, this is it and wait till you guys see what happens whenever someone tries to touch it." said Quill. "It literally blasted me out of the cave, but then again all we did was try to get close enough to grab it and then the next we knew is that it blasted us back to the entrance and then the next thing we knew is that we had to fight against some crazy giant creature."

"Did any of you do something that caused this thing to react and later attack you?" asked Gamora.

"No all we did is go up to try to get a good look and later grabbed it before the blast occurred." said Drax. "There wasn't any sign of danger and the stranger didn't exactly give us directions on how we can carry it."

"Do you think that you can use magic to somehow get the object to fly right towards us? So that way, we will be able to take it to the ship without being thrown out of the room again." said Rocket. "I am not in the mood to deal with whatever mess we had to deal with last time again."

"I think I might be able to possibly cast a spell to make it levitate." said Loki. "But first I need to see the object so that way I will be able to calculate how much magic I would need to possibly be able to levitate it and not have it's powers throw us out of the cave or in this creature's stomach."

"Are you sure that you can't just teleport this thing and us out with a spell rather than go through all of this trouble to get the object out and get things done quicker?" asked Quill.

"First of all, I don't really teleport and the closest thing that I can do to teleport is having us go through a hidden portal. But unfortunately there's no portal here or anywhere on this planet." said Loki. "Even then we would have to leave your ship behind and that will give us a whole new problem when it comes to transportation."

"Ok good point, so how exactly you are planning to examine this thing without it getting blasting you away?" said Quill.

"I'm planning to see if I can go up to see this object and then maybe I will be able to see what might be the best way to possibly to try to do this." said Loki. "All I need is to cast an illusion that might be strong enough to full whatever is making the object blast once one gets close enough to this thing."

The next thing that all of them knew is that the object seem to be making a loud blast sound and they suddenly see that Groot was trying to get close to the object. But like the first attempt that the Guardians tried to get the Laevatein, the next thing that they knew is that Groot is flying through the air. Fortunately for Groot, Drax quickly caught him and put Groot down. Once Groot is perfectly safe, he quickly goes closer to Rocket still trying to process what happened and even goes closer and behind Rocket's tale for a little sense of security.

"I am Groot." said Groot in a childlike tone.

"Looks like Groot thought that maybe he can get a good look at it and that obviously wasn't the best idea." said Rocket gently patting Groot's back.

"It looks like I might need an illusions if I want to make sure that I don't get blasted too." said Loki. "I wonder what might be up there that might have this kind of power?"

Soon Loki quickly uses his magic to make himself transparent that only the Guardians will be able to see him, after staring at the rock where the mysterious object is and the challenge that is waiting for Loki to obtain it. Once Loki decides to start to head towards this mystery object and to see if this might possibly work and to be one step closer on defeating Thanos. He begins to climb up the stairs and to start on the journey that is about to catch all of them by surprise, the moment that Loki took the first step on the stairs, a small gust of wind begins to blow right at Loki and for once whatever is guarding the object seems to be more accepting of Loki then it might have been for any of the Guardians that attempted to grab it. Though to Loki's surprise, any magic that he might have been using as a defense suddenly disappear.

Loki doesn't even know what to make of this because nothing has ever disrupted his magic like this unless someone just put Asgardian handcuffs on him and even then it was never in a way where he can still use his powers. Maybe he will have better luck and that maybe they will be able to pull things off after all and that they will be able to succeed in getting whatever thing he might be getting or if he will be able to succeed in whatever he is about to do. Loki continues to slowly go up the stairs and found himself constantly stopping himself in case whatever might be causing the blast won't directly affect them and that he will be able to get this thing without possibly having to deal with starting over or alerting whatever monster that might be guarding it. As Loki continues to get closer and closer, the Guardians are staring at the scene really surprised and can't believe Loki's luck.

"Did any of you made it that far the first time?" asked Gamora who doesn't even know what to think and surprised to see what is happening too.

"No, we couldn't make it past the first step." said Quill who is just as surprise she is.

"Though the real question is why couldn't we have gotten an Asgardian to grab this thing sooner?" said Rocket. "All we needed is to find one, have them break into Thanos's ship to get both of you and grab this thing while avoiding that thing."

"I am Groot." said Groot agreeing with Rocket and at the same time finds Loki really cool.

"Are any of you aware that I can still hear you?" said Loki calling from the steps as he is about to make the final steps to obtain the Laevatein.

Things are going better as planned and Gamora knows that this is a great sign and that this might be a turning point after all. She always knew that Loki has this powerful ability but she never thought that it would be this strong, otherwise he would have escaped Thanos the first chance he got and now he's showing that he is able to get to an unobtainable object for some reason is really impressive. Gamora for some reason is starting to have a sense of hope that she has when it comes to Thanos, one that she wouldn't believe that might happen a year ago. That Loki might finally be the one that might be able to take Loki down, he seems to have enough power to do the impossible and he also managed to gather all of the remaining Infinity Stones faster than Thanos ever managed to do so. Along with maybe just maybe with this mystery object then they might stand a chance against Thanos and that is if they come up with a good plan and they find a way to defeat Thanos then it might work after all.

Loki soon got on to the top of the staircase and quickly looks down to see what might be this object and what might possibly be the weapon that might be powerful enough to stand a chance against Thanos. When he finally sees this object, Loki doesn't even know what to think about the sight right in front of him as he stares at the object and wants to just get up and leave. He can't believe that he might have to possibly fight Thanos with just a sword and that there is something that is trying to protect it from anyone who might want or try to obtain it. The sword's blade is completely silver and the handle is black with hints of green on a brown straps and on the top of the handle, it has a dark green gem on a silverish base.

Loki stared at the base and not even sure what to say or do at the sight, once he got over his initial reaction towards the sword, Loki decides that it might be best to try to approach the sword as carefully as he can and to make sure that he doesn't set off any alarms or that might possibly make some kind of affect that might ruin the progress that he has made to get this far and to get this thing before something else happens.

When Loki grabs a hold of the sword, he is surprised to see what the sword is made out and is already starting to have questions on this sword and how it might have possibly landed in a cavern on Vormir. The sword is made from Asgardian metals and from just one look, Loki thinks that this must have belonged to the Asgardians that Red Skull must have been talking about and that something must have happened for this sword to remain on Vormir, the question is what happened and who was the Asgardians that came here?

Maybe before he leaves this planet, he should ask this Red skull a few questions, Loki slowly grabbed the sword and the next thing that they all knew is that the sword begins to grow a little bit and nothing else seems to happen. So Loki starts to go down the steps and rejoins the Guardians, they all quickly got a good look at the sword and don't even know what to think of the fact that they went through all of this just for a sword. But they all knew that this has to be important from all of the security protecting the sword and that only Loki was able to get it and that the sword seems to have some form of power and might possibly be connected to Loki. But the question is what is it's power and why did it react to Loki differently and is it possible that he might be connected to it?

"Whoa, that was faster than I imagined or even thought that would take." said Quill. "So that thing and that magic forcefield thing was protecting a sword this entire time?"

"It definitely looks that way, but the peculiar thing is that the sword is Asgardian made and I think that whatever happened with those Asgardians might have something to do with this being here." said Loki. "To be honest, I didn't even know that Asgardians were even on this planet prior to my arrival and the only thing I know about... But it can't be, it's only a legend... A myth to tell children at night and even then the story is too farfetched to be true."

"What is? Loki what is so unbelievable about this story?" asked Rocket. "In case you have forgotten, you can do magic and you just managed to grab this sword from an unobtainable location that we kept failing to reach. If that is already unbelievable, then I don't even know what might top that."

"In the myth, the Laevatein is a weapon forged by the dwarves as a token of gratitude for the Asgardians." explained Loki. "It is said for it to choose it's wielder if the current king of Asgard or the obtainer sees them as someone who can handle it's power and to help them to achieve their quest and whatever journey that they may embark on in the future."

"What does this sword do? What power does it have?" asked Gamora who is even finding herself admiring the sword.

"It is said to ahance anyone's abilities through making their magic or powers more invincible than it would be without the sword." said Loki. "As I said, it's just a legend that was told to show children why they should remain well behaved because good things will come to them if they are well behaved and when they wait."

"But it might be true right?" asked Drax. "You did say that the sword has to see if the one wielding is strong enough to withstand it's power and you just managed to go through the high protection that was guarding the sword."

"Just because the sword was highly protected doesn't mean that the legend is true, we are talking about a sword that is said to reveal the truth and make a simple attack spell as strong as the most advanced spells that it takes years to master." said Loki. "Besides the story also says that the sword is supposably a family heirloom to my adoptive family and Odin would definitely have this said sword in his vault. In the past few times that I visited the vault and my most recent visit in there, I have never seen a legendary sword in there."

"I am Groot. I am Groot." said Groot. "I am Groot."

"Groot says that maybe it is this legendary sword and just because you didn't see it in the vault that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist." saiid Rocket. "Groot does have a point, all of the things are pointing out towards the idea that your fantasy sword might be real after all."

"Just because all of the facts are pointing towards this being real, it doesn't mean it is." said Loki. "The same can be said towards the fact that just because that stranger called this sword the same name, it doesn't mean that the legend is true. Let's just focus on figuring out on how we might be able to use this to defeat Thanos and-"

Before Loki can finish saying what he is saying, there is a loud howl that came out of nowhere and the next thing that they knew is that there is suddenly a loud growl slowly approaching towards the Guardians and Loki. Quil, Drax and Rocket got ready for the fight against the mystery creature that might be ready to defeat all seven of them. Groot starts to frown at what might is slowly approach them, he really does not want to face what they are going to face and hopes that they might have better luck this time. While both Loki and Gamora stared at the creature in shock, not being able to believe what is this creature is and how it is something unexpected and yet dangerous.

Standing right in front of them is a giant wolf like creature and it is ready to take down anyone that may dare disturbs it's den and to make sure that the Guardians and Loki does not go any further than this den and to start to retrieve the sword and place it back on to it's original location. Loki can't believe his eyes, if someone told him that he would be facing a myth that he heard from his childhood and one that he would role his eyes at from how ridiculous the story is and how that there is no possible way it can exist... Then he would have thought that everyone lost their minds and he was the only sane person in the room, but even now he's wondering if he is starting to loose his mind...

"It can't be..." started Loki as he stared at the wolf in complete shock and even starting to lift the sword up and is ready to fight off the creature in anyway he can. "It's impossible..."

"What is?" said Quill. "Do you know something about this overgrown mutt that we should know about?"

"It's called Fernis and she is also a story that they tell children about at night, it's a story about a wolf that's associated with death itself and how her master commands the wolf to do her bidding and to help her master fight all her battles." said Loki. "It was mostly a story to teach children the power of friendship and the values of teamwork."

"That sounds great and all, but does this fairy tale tells us how we can stop this thing?" asked Rocket.

"No, these are stories that were created to entertain children and to teach them a life lesson, it never occurred to me that any of these stories were true and I would be facing these stories in a life or death situation." said Loki.

"That's wonderful." said Gamora sarcastically before turning determined. "Let's start to fight this Fenris off before she decides to destroy us all and try to defeat it this time."

"Let's tear this thing apart!" said Drax excitedly as he pulls out his blades ready to fight off the wolf.

"Yeah, let's get rid of this dog before she ruins our chances and try to kill us again." said Quill.

"I believe that it might be best if two of us focuses on distracting the creature and while the rest of us-" begins Loki before he can even give a brief concept of a plan, he noticed Rocket doing something with a device. "What are you doing?"

"Well since this is going to take a while and this giant puppy is going to give us a fight of our lives." said Rocket. "I thought that maybe we can listen to some of Quill's music while we fight it off."

"How is this going to help us?" asked Drax.

"If we die because we are going to try to take this thing out, I figured that we might as well listen to tunes before we do so." said Rocket. "Along with make this a little more bearable."

"No one is going to die, but still is this really nessicarry?" said Gamora.

"Yeah, I'm with Drax and Gamora on this one, this doesn't seem to be important right now." said Quill.

"Says the one who is obsessed with his music." said Rocket.

"Really, it doesn't seem to be my top priority at the moment." said Quill. "As much as I love my music, but I-"

"We are about to face Fenris, a dangerous beast who probably killed hundreds and there is also the fact that the four of you barely made it out with your lives the last time," pointed out Loki in annoyance, "and you are all arguing about whether or not we should listen to music right now?"

"He has a point." said Gamora in agreement.

"Yeah, let's take this dog to the pound!" said Quill as he puts on his Star Lord helmet and the next thing Loki knew is that the Guardians minus Gamora and Groot ran into battle.

"They ran into battle without a plan, are your friends always this... rambunctious?" asked Loki to Gamora.

"To be honest, things are mild today and even then we are the best that the Galaxy has to offer." responded Gamora. "Sure we may not look like the sort of team that anyone would take seriously but I can promise you that we are going to get out of this alive, we will find out more about the sword and defeat Thanos."

Before Loki can even say anything, the next thing he knew is that all of the sudden there was music in the background and he turned to see Groot dancing around and ignoring everything else in the background. Even though Loki has to admit seeing Groot dance around is adorable, but he knows that this is not going to help them fight off Fernis. He quickly looked at the fight right in front of him and so far it doesn't look good, he wonders how they are going to finish anything at the rate things are going or at least make this out alive. The situation is definitly not looking good at the moment and Loki is starting to question the odds and looking at the situation more negatively by the minute.

"I can't believe that I am going to fight a losing battle against an overgrown dog with just a sword, you, a dancing twig in the background, a ferret and two imbeciles." said Loki with a sigh, not even knowing what to make of the situation.

Gamora gave Loki a symphatic look and remembering her first impressions when she first met the other Guardians, but still they are going to help Loki in anyway they can to defeat Thanos. Their lives also depends on the fact on whether or not they will be able to surviive from this and hopefully without any injuries. Soon both Loki and Gamora joined the others and begins to fight off Fenris and to make sure that they will do everything to defeat Fenris.

The fight is getting to a point where both sides are an equal match and that there is no sign of either sides ready to give up the fight. So far Loki and the Guardians are doing the best they can to make sure that even if they can't defeat Fernis, they can at least find a way to escape with the sword. But Fernis is not having any of it and is becoming more viscous by the minute, wanting to stop them in anyway she can possibly can and to make sure to retrieve her master's sword before it's too late. No one should have the right to hold it, especially this mysterious Asgardian that is no where near the same as her masters's.

They all try to hit Fernis to see if they can fully stop her or at least knock it out, so far it doesn't seem to be throwing the wolf off guard or at least scare it off. The wolf continues to rage in the battle, the Guardians are hitting the wolf as hard as they can with their weapons and so far the wolf is getting more and more agresive thrrough every single attack. Loki knew that it looks like he's going to need to do some magic on this creature if they want to end this sooner, he has to admit the story wasn't exaggerating when it says that Fernis is hard to defeat and that if they want to finally end this battle. He can't believe he still hasn't tried to do any magic or illusions yet, but then again it is a giant wolf not an army of Chitauri and it should supposably be easier to defeat Fernis than defeat Thanos with all of the Infinity Stones in his grasp.

So Loki decides that it's time to unleash his magic to Fernis and end this fight right here and now. Loki quickly begins to do that trick of combining his magic and ice powers together, but something happened that Loki didn't even expect. The next thing that they all knew is that Loki's new power combo is a lot stronger than any of them even anticipated and that it caused more of reaction then it did when Loki did it when he was fighting Thanos prior to his capture and it seem to have caught the wolf by surprise and blew her away. The Guardians minus Groot all stared in shock, they didn't think or expect any of this to happen, especially with a blast that might have thrown the wolf off like this, it almost like Loki got a power upgrade. Loki also didn't expect that to happen or let alone be that effective, the next thing that Loki knew is that whenever he does a spell or any form of magic the affect is stronger than he thought that would happen if he does magic in combat or any form of magic in general. Something must have been...

What if it was the sword that is enhancing Loki's powers and somehow the story of the Laevatein is true and that he must somehow have become it's successor. He wonders how all of this is possible and if somehow Odin must know about the sword. If this is really the sword form the story then how come Odin would let it sit on a random planet like this? Unless there is another secret that he is hiding that might cause trouble later on, that seems to be a very likely scenario and one that Loki knows that there is a bigger mystery revolving around the sword's connection to him. He needs to find out what it is and how to possibly use it, but first he has to defeat Fernis.

Before Loki can even have a chance to continue to fight off the wolf, Fernis having enough and wants to see if she can somehow trick Loki into dropping the sword and to reclaim her territory. Fernis quickly jumped over Loki and the Guardians and landed on the device that Rocket adjusted so they would all listen to music, completely destroying it and ending Groot's dance party. Groot turned to see what might have caused the music to stop and finds Fernis standing on a destroyed music devise. With a scream, Groot runs over to the wolf and begins hitting her with his little branches and is about to begin an even bigger attack. Before Fernis reached over Groot and pounced him with one paw and gave him a viscous growl. Once the growl ends, Groot realize that this wolf might not be worth trying to get into a fight and the danger that he is in right now. He tries to do everything he can to escape from Fernis and it's no use, her paw is too strong in Groot trying to fight back with hopes of escape.

"Get away from Groot!" yelled Rocket as he is about to pounce on Fernis before Loki stops him.

"We can't just go up to Fernis and provoke her, judging from how she is ready to pounce the moment that we try to do anything. I highly doubt that the wolf might be willing to spare Groot if we attack it then we might make things worse." said Loki.

"He's right we can't save Groot without a plan, if we provoke the wolf then she might hurt Groot." said Gamora. "Loki what if you use that power or magic to try to catch Fernis by surprise?"

"Yeah that might not be a bad idea, you can just do what you just did just now and attack that thing long enough for us to get Groot and escape." said Quill agreeing with the plan.

"I can't do that might hurt Groot, that new move is suppose to cause enough damage through magic and ice to allow myself to make a sneak attack on my opponent. I can't just freeze her without freezing him in the progress." said Loki. "But maybe... I think I might have an idea on how we can do this, I just need the three of you to be a distraction for me and Rocket on my signal you lift that paw to allow Groot leave there."

With that the plan got into action and so far it seems to be working, Quill, Gamora and Darx are doing a good job on distracting Fernis and despite the fact that she has an iron paw on Groot. Fortunately, Rocket quickly manages to get under there to try to find a way to get it off Groot and he was able to get there completely undetected thanks to Loki's magic. Loki quickly gives Rocket the signal and he begins to lift the paw high enough for Groot to get out of there and once Groot is out, both of them got out of the way and Rocket quickly begins to check on him. After feeling a sense of relief for Groot and admiring the relationship that Rocket and the sapling must have, it reminded him of the times when he and Thor used to go on adventures or missions for Asgard. Whenever he was put in a dangerous situation where Thor finds himself trying to save him and checking in on him once the entire situation is over. Though he never really did care about how Thor is doing or if he is alright if it happened to him. Maybe he wasn't the best brother after all...

Well at least he knows that Thor will never have to worry about him again and now he has to do the next part of the plan without worrying about the potential chance that the worst might happen. So he quickly got closer to the wolf and hit it from behind and got the wolf's attention, Loki quickly took down the illusion to wait for the next few seconds to see what might be the thing that provoked her. Before she can even try to attack Loki, he quickly got the sword ready to fight off the wolf and is about to use some telekinetic magic to blow the wolf far enough so he can start to swing the sword at it until he finally tires the wolf. But the next thing that they all knew is that Loki is doing more than just using some telekinetic magic, all of the sudden there is an energy blast that pushed the wolf back further than any of them thought or expected.

Loki took a quick look and notices that the sword glowed for a little bit, he quickly realizes that the sword can also make his magic more powerful than before. He quickly make the same position and uses his magic to see if he can make the same blast again. It worked and Fernis kept flying to the point that she hit her head against the stone wall, the wolf quickly shakes off and is about to start to attack. But the wall starts to crumble and the next thing they all knew is that many rocks begins to fall and that wall collapsed. Trapping Fernis in a place where she can't escape or might have even survived from the collapse...

"Well that sword looks pretty magical, powerful and a real sword to me. Maybe that story is true after all, you did manage to defeat that dog with more magic then you showed so far." said Rocket. "Unless you have always been able to do all of that and just been holding back your powers for the right moment."

"To be honest, I have never unleashed this amount of magic into a blast before. It looks like that this sword has to be the Laevatein, I do wonder how did this sword wound up here and it's history." said Loki. "It wouldn't surprise me if my fath... well Odin kept this a secret and have been on this planet before."

"I am Groot?" asked a confused Groot.

"I'm going to safely assume that you also have daddy issues too, judging from the way you just call him by his real name?" asked Rocket.

"Considering the fact that our relationship was strained to say the least, I wouldn't be surprised if he is sending an army after me for my arrest." said Loki. "But then again, this wouldn't be the first time that he would lie about something that would later be revealed and might cause some sort of conflict and questions later on."

"So the real question is what else can you do with this magic mystery sword?" said Gamora. "If it has this much power that only a select few or at least you can operate it's power then we shouldn't give it to that buyer, we don't know how much more power you might have beyond what the story already told us and what might happen if this ever lands in the wrong hands."

"I believe that we might not have a choice but to figure this out as we go along." said Loki. "All we know that it seems to be enhancing my powers and sorcery that it might at least give me an equal standing when I eventually have to face Thanos again."

"But still you got your sword and it might give us some kind of advantage when we finally face Thanos." said Quill removing his Star Lord helmet. "I mean does Thanos even have a magic sword?"

"A magic sword that might possibly increase the effects of my sorcery and ice powers, we still don't know what else it might be capable of or how much power it possed." said Loki. "Especially with the fact that it was also said that the sword also have the ability to make the user's opponent tell the truth, that might come in handy if I ask that stranger some questions."

"What kind of questions?" asked Drax.

"I just need to know what happened to those Asgardians and how this sword got here, along with how I might be connected to sword and how am I the only one so far that can use it's powers." said Loki. "He's the only one that knows what happened and I am going to get those answers on our way out."

"At least you can get those answers once we get out of the cave." said Quill. "Let's get out of here in case that thing somehow survives and get out of that rock pile to attack us again."

"I am Groot." said Groot agreeing and hoping that Fernis doesn't try to attack him again.

With that they all quickly begin to make their way out of the cave and to head back to the ship, Loki still can't believe his luck that this new sword might give him an upgrade or a power where it might allow him to stand a chance against Thanos. First he needs to find out more about the sword and how it might possibly work, if he's going to be fighting with this sword then he is going to need to know everything he can about it's power and how to use it before having to fight before Thanos with not even knowing how to use this sword. He needs to finds out what this sword does and the whole story behind it, he just hopes that whatever Red Skull has to say is not going to reveal any more secrets that might cause trouble or whatever the truth may be won't break him like the last time...

8 minuetes later

Soon they have managed to find their way through the cave and didn't get lost this time to both Gamora and Loki's surprise and relief. The walk has been a little more enjoyable compared to the first time that they went through the cave to get to the sword. Even with the mystery surrounding the sword is still on Loki's mind and the story behind it, at least he is making the most of the situation and got to know the Guardians even more through out their journey out of the cave.

At least they are all the type that accepted him for who he is rather than judge him for his past, his heritage or any of his interests. Maybe the Guardians are more tolerable than he thought and aside from the fact that they seem to act rather immaturely but at least they are the few that he finds the Guardians relatable and that he feels a sense of happiness that they were able to find a life and free from the past. Though he wish that he can have that luck and at least he will finally make things right, but he might as well make the most of the time he has now before the war destroys any peace he has left.

"I am assuming that you and Groot must be close if you were that aggressive to Fernis and wanted to attack her just like that?" asked Loki who is curious to hear the story of these two unhumanlike creatures.

"Groot was the only friend that I had before meeting the others, we were bounty hunters and I wasn't the nicest towards him, well the old Groot." said Rocket remembering the friendship that he and Groot once shared.

"What do you mean by the 'old Groot?'" said Loki who doesn't know what to make of that statement. As he watches Groot who has ran up ahead to follow some kind of insect to try to catch it or play with it.

"During the fight against Ronan, Groot sacrificed himself to save all of us from dying while we were on a falling ship by forming into a giant ball too break our fall." said Rocket.

"Uh..." begins Loki not even sure on what to think of that statement and starting to come up with many questions about how can all of that happen.

"Groot was an adult when we first met him and let's just say that he was a different tree prior to his hero moment." Quill quickly explained.

"Wait does this mean that Groot died and got resurrected into a child?" asked Loki in confusion.

"Technically, I found a piece of Groot and replanted him and then he was reborn." said Rocket. "It was a miracle that things worked out and Groot was able to restart his life again."

"You kinda needed to be there to know what we are talking about." said Gamora trying to make things easier for Loki when it comes to answering his question. "Groot is an interesting case of where he was able to have a second chance and to start over as a child."

"Well it's mostly a fresh start for our relationship and a second chance for me to be a better friend for Groot." said Rocket.

"If it makes you feel any better, I have to say that you are doing a better job so far." said Loki. "You act like an older brother to him, I could have never have guessed that you both had a fractured relationship."

"Well it also helps that Groot doesn't remember his past life, so that also helped us start over." said Rocket. "Even if he still remember anything, I would have still have found a way to make things right and move forward with our friendship."

"At least you were lucky that Groot lost his memories, so you both can start anew without the past getting in the way." said Loki. "I wish I can have the same luck with... It doesn't matter, I going to have a new life once I finally stop Thanos, that is if I can survive whatever he throws at me."

"But still you can go and see what happens, I mean it wouldn't hurt to try to see if they are doing alright." suggested Rocket. "Who knows, maybe things will work out better than you expect and maybe your brother might want to see you. He might even be trying to find a way to save you right now."

"I'd be lucky if you're right, but Thor would never do that unless he still believes that I am Mysto." said Loki. "Other then that, I don't even know that he would even bother to try to save me from Thanos. If they do go after him, then it would mostly be to stop Thanos, retrieve the stones and maybe even try to save Gamora. I wouldn't be surprised if he is so angry that he never wants to see me again."

"Don't worry, your brother was really upset about your supposed death and that alone should convince you that maybe things won't be that bad." said Gamora hoping that this might convince Loki that maybe things won't be that bad.

"Well Thor's really hot tempered so I wouldn't be surprise if it all ends in a shouting match and even then it probably for the best that we all never see each other again." said Loki. "It will only bring too much pain for both of us..."

The four Guardians all exchanged a look at one another, not even knowing what to say towards that. Quill and Rocket can relate to the feeling of what it is like of being in a place where they feel like that they can't fix their mistakes. Though to be fair, Quill still feels like it if he still hasn't gone back to Earth after all of these years or even face any of the biological family that he has left behind on Earth. Drax knew that the choices that Loki is making is not a good one when it comes to his life on Earth and both of the relationships that he's leaving behind. Especially with Thanos who's going to find ways to cause Loki pain and he hurts Loki like how he hurt him with the death of his family.

While Gamora knew that this is not the best solution, despite the fact that they might be in a better standing when it comes towards defeating Thanos. But she knows that these choices are only going to lead to more trouble if he continues to make these choices, they are going to need more than just the six of them to see if they can fight off Thanos and his army. Even if they have a sword that increases Loki's powers whenever he uses it, she knows that Thanos will be aiming higher than ever before to make sure that he destroys Loki before he does anything more with the stones. That he will be willing to hurt hundreds more in order to find Loki, he will destroy the universe and everyone in it to make sure that he finds Loki no matter what the cost may be.

Before she can even finds the words to try to say something in hopes that Loki would at least consider on returning back to Earth. Groot is standing right in front of the cave waiting for all of them to catch up. When they all arrived, they were all surprised to see that the Red Skull is waiting for them and it looks like that things are not as calm as it seems. Loki can tell that there might be some trouble on the horizon and he held the sword in a tighter grip, this might be the only chance that they might have to find out the truth and to have all of the answers to his questions.

"Well it looks like that things worked out for you, the sword has finally has it's owner." said the Red Skull with a deep interest on Loki. "Let's makes things easier for all of us, just give me the Laevatein and I will let all of you leave the planet without any trouble."

"Uh... if we don't hand over the sword?" said Loki. "I don't believe that we would be satisfied to have come all of this way here for nothing. Especially with the fact that I might need this in the future."

"That's funny I might need it too... for my departure." said the Red Skull menacingly. "If you all refuse to give up the Laevatein then I will have no choice, but to make sure that you all don't leave off this planet alive."

"Yeah like we are going to just give you a powerful sword that might have the power to stand up to Thanos." said Gamora defensively and is slowly reaching towards her sword in case things are about to escalate to fight.

"Especially to someone we barely even know." said Rocket as he got ready for a possible fight as well.

"How about this? You answer some questions for us and then maybe we will let you off easy." said Loki. "Who was the Asgardians that came to this planet prior to my arrival? What happened that might possibly have led for the sword to be dropped here?"

"The Asgardians was here with Thanos for the Soul Stone, well technically the female Asgardian was with Thanos and the Allfather came to stop them." said Red Skull catching Loki, the Guardians and even Gamora by surprise.

"What was Odin doing on Vormir? Why was that Asgardian with Thanos?" demanded Loki wanting to know more about what happened back then.

"I have a better idea, instead of talking about the past and having me to agree on a one-sided deal. Why don't you just give in to my demands or else prepare to face my wrath." said the Red Skull as he rises up and ready to fight off Loki and the Guardians.

They all knew that they are going to have to fight off Red Skull for the sword and any answers, that it will be a fight that they need to win or else they will be facing having to go back where they started. Loki and the Guardians got into position and is about to try to see if they reason with the keeper and to avoid any conflict that might possibly delay them even more than they want to be. The next thing they all knew is that the Red Skull begins to attack the seven of them, by using his powers and any left over weapons that he still has from the last time that he was on Earth. He begins to blast all of them, but it wasn't as effective as he hopes just because of the fact that they all were able to get out of the way just in time.

Rocket quickly gestured to Groot to hide behind a rock, then turned to the others with his big blaster at the ready. The Guardians and Loki begins to fight off Red Skull in every way they can, trying to hit every Red Skull and to make sure that they take him down. So far from the powers that Red Skull has gained from the Soul Stone and to some extent the Tesseract. But that is nothing that Loki and the Guardians can't handle and at least they are giving the Red Skull a challenge and one that he's failing to stop and Loki knows that he has to use the sword to stop Red Skull. The more time that they spent to fight the Red Skull and to get him to tell them the truth, the longer that this fiight keeps on going and Thanos might be doing more to try to see if he can find him. He may not know on how he can use the sword or what other abilities it may posse, but what choice does he have?

"I know that this might not be a good time to say this, but I told you so." said Gamora as she attacks Red Skull. "This guy must be the keeper that is willing to do anything to try to get a weapon and to make sure that you don't leave this planet or at least make it out alive."

"Gamora, is this really a good time to rub it in?" said Quill, while he is making his move.

"I can't believe that we are fighting this crazy guy over a sword." said Rocket. "If I was going to fight someone over an object or specifically a weapon, I would pick something better than a sword."

"We are talking about a sword that has unlimited power and one that so far has the ability to increase power and might even possibly make my opponent to tell the truth and you really would pick something else." points out Loki

"Yeah, a sword that you happen to be the only one can use it." pointed out Rocket.

"Well if I everything goes according to plan then we will be able to finish this." said Loki. "All I need is for the four of you to focus on distracting him for me, that way we will be able to not only stop him, get the answers and test out the full possibilities for these new abilities.

"Ok, so is your plan just to have us play distraction and maybe you might be able to unleash your full power and possibly stop this cherry head before he does something to us?" said Quill.

"At least it's better than just fighting this being and to waste any more time." said Loki. "If we are going to defeat him, then we are going to need to give him exactly what he wants."

"Alright then let's just hope that things work out and we might possibly at least make this out alive." said Gamora. "Why do I have the feeling that things are not going to end well?"

The Guardians and Loki begins to do their plan of attack and to start to distract Red Skull by giving him exactly what he wants and to make sure that he doesn't turn hiis attention away from them. While Loki on the other hand makes sure that he creates an illusion that will convince the Red Skull that he is still fighting right in front of them. One thing that caught him by surprise is that when he created the illusion, it seems to be attacking Red Skull by. unleashing some blasts of magic. That was unexpected and really effective, Loki knows that this is his chance to start the next part of his plan. Under the translucent illusion, Loki begins to approach the Red Skull and once he gets close enough... He quickly creates a magical blast to try to hit Red Skull, where it ultimately blasts him all of the way to a rock tower much to Loki and the Guardians' surprise.

Before the Red Skull can even have a chance to get up and begin to fight, Loki quickly heads towards him and quickly used his ice powers to see if he can keep the Red Skull in place. To his surprise, the sword seems to have been meeting or rather exceeding his expectations when it comes to his wishes and the next thing he knew is that the ice seems to have frozen the Red Skull in place and to have apparently created thicker ice then he created when he was fighting off Doctor Strange. At least it seems to be holding him in place and now all he has to do is to try to figure out how to make the sword make Red Skull tell the truth. When he approaches Red Skull, he pointed the Sword right at him to give him the message that he is not going to put up with any of this any longer.

"Well now that I have you at my mercy, let's start things easy and now just answer the simplest question and I will remove the ice and let you go. If you don't then-" said Loki before he can even finish saying what he is about to say. The swords gives a soft glow on Red Skull and then it quickly stopped to much of Loki's surprise.

"I would like to see how you plan to make me talk." said Red Skull menacingly as he realize that he still has one hand loose and be able to do something.

"You can start by telling me why that Asgardian woman and Odin was here in the first place? What is her association with Thanos?" asked Loki.

"The woman seems to be working with Thanos or helping him, they came here for the Soul Stone." explained Red Skull. "Odin came to stop them and with the intention to try talk the woman out of working with him."

"What happened? Why is Odin so concerned about this woman? If she was helping Thanos then why didn't he try to put her in the dungeon or try to fight her?" asked Loki. Not even sure what to think about these events, but still at the same time finds himself believing it.

"Thanos sacrificed her to get the stone, Odin was devastated and left this sword in that cavern." said Red Skull. "Apparently it was the woman's and he doesn't want the sword to fall into Thanos's hands or rather wait for it's true successor to come and to retrieve the sword in his grief."

"Who was that woman?" said Loki quietly who is trying to process this information. "What else does the sword do aside from enhancing my powers?"

"Oh I don't think I would like to ruin the surprises in store." said the Red Skull. "Especially with someone like you who is destined to do the impossible and might even have the power to be a powerful sorcerer that can do more than just take over a planet let alone continue on the path that you are on."

"I wanted to gain power, but it has only led me to more hurt and pain. I am still paying the consequences for my choices and will never make those mistakes again." said Loki defensively. "It does seem clear that you still haven't learned your lesson, is that why you want the Laevatein? For Power?"

"It's my gateway for freedom and the only way I can finally have the ability to make sure that I can have the power to finish what I have started." said Red Skull. "When I am done with you and those pesky Guardians then I will end things for good."

Loki stares at the disfigured red human and knows from one look there is no point in trying to talk him out of his path. He is beyond any chance to redeem or to try to reason with. He wonders if this is how he would have turned out if he hasn't picked the path that he has been on? Even then he knows that he can't leave without the other answers to his questions, he knows that the sword must have made Red Skull tell the truth from one glance of the sword's glow. He just hopes that he can somehow make Red Skull tell the truth. As the sword suddenly starts to glow again and a bit brighter than before, Loki knows that this time he is going to make sure that Red Skull tells him more than that. Before he can even have a chance to ask...

"Loki, look out!" called out a raspy voice.

The next thing Loki knew is that the Red Skull seem to be using his hand to see if he can use his ability to levitate to somehow get the rocks to fall on Loki. But fortunately, the Guardians were able to catch him in the act and begins to attack Red Skull from a difference without hurting Loki. Quill, Rocket and even Gamora is using their blasters to try to stop Red Skull as he slowly is trying to find a way to break free from the ice. Drax quickly pushed Loki out of the way before the rocks started to crumble. He can't believe that they all would go this far to save him, that they were willing to risk their lives just to save him. That they all managed to catch the danger that he was in before he can even notice the danger. To add more once he was safe further away from the Red Skull with the Guardians by his side, Groot quickly popped up behind the rock to look at Loki.

"I am Groot?" asked Groot innocently.

"Yes I am alright, thanks to all of you." said Loki being extra nice to sapling, already knowing what Groot must have been trying to say and grateful to the Guardians. Realizing that he was wrong about them and that maybe they are more competent then he thought.

"If we didn't spot that he was trying to summon those rocks in that minute before then you could have been crushed." said Gamora.

"It looks like that this guy is not going to be giving up anytime soon." said Rocket pointing out Red Skull's persistence.

"Then we should give him a reason to give up." said Loki determinedly as he stares at the Red Skull.

He quickly got right in front of the Guardians to see that the Red Skull is about to break free and maybe even to cause them all even more trouble. Loki suddenly feels a sense of anger towards the human. The next thing he knew is that the sword begins to glow again and that all of the sudden a blast came out of the sword and not only it breaks Red Skull free from his eye prison. But the magic is causing him to fly through the air and continues to fly until he hits the rock tower even harder than the last time and it starts to rumble, then all of the sudden it collapse and all of the rocks fell on Red Skull. Ending his reign on Vormir, as Loki and the Guardians stare in shock...

"At least that's done." said Rocket as he stares at the giant rock pile. "So why couldn't you just have done that earlier?"

"I didn't even know that I can do that." said Loki as he stares at the sight right in front of him. "It seems like that this can also powered through my emotions, that's probably why I was able to make him tell me everything. I felt like I needed to know the truth and when I was angry at him for daring to catch me off guard that caused that blast."

"Well the important thing is that we got the sword and we defeated that creep." said Quill.

"Though I wish I could have found out more on what happened here and the sword's abilities." said Loki. "Now I might never know what happened back there and the power that this sword might have or how to even use it."

"I would tell you what happened, but I never knew that Thanos came here with Asgardians or let alone who it was." said Gamora. "I have always thought that he managed to find a loophole with the sacrificial requirement with his love death, apparently he must have had a close bond with this woman."

"It doesn't matter, we have the weapon and now we are one step closer on defeating Thanos." said Loki. "All I need to do is to come up with a plan, use this sword against him and then maybe I will ask a couple of questions before I am done. If this actually works and if I make it that far."

"You will make it that far, we have your back and going to help you stop Thanos for good." said Gamora with the other Guardians nodding their head in agreement.

"Why did you all try to save me?" asked Loki unsure what to think of what happened prior Red Skull's defeat.

"You were in trouble and we knew that we have to find a way to help you." said Drax. "That he was about to attack you, for simply trying to obtain object that doesn't belong to him."

"Not only because of the fact that he might do us in right after he's done with you, but there is also the fact that we did not risk our lives and went through all of this just to see you get killed because of your personal problems and a crazy power hungry maniac." said Rocket.

"Well then with that settled, let's head back so we can all start to plan our next move." said Loki as he starts to make his way towards the Guardians.

Loki can't help but feel grateful for the Guardians and admire the strength that they just shown, maybe they were not as weak minded, foolish individuals as he thought and maybe they will be able to be helpful after all. Even be more than his back up team when he finally face Thanos, at least he has someone that might stand by his side and now he is going to need all of the help he needs to somehow manage to defeat Thanos. But still he is starting to feel better about all of this and that now things are starting to look up in this dark situation and that there might be some hope for the upcoming battle ahead that there might be some hope after all. That maybe with the sword and the Guardians of the Galaxy on his side then maybe they will be able to defeat Thanos for good.

Though Loki wishes that things doesn't have to end this way, that he can at least go to Earth and make things better between him and Thor. To at least explain himself in hopes that his brother would at least hear him out, that maybe they can at least come to a mutual understanding. While for Darcy, he was hoping that any feelings that he may have towards her would have disappeared over the course of the couple days they have been kept apart. But these feelings seem to have been growing stronger over the course of his time in space, despite whatever they may be Loki knows that it might be best for both of them if they continue to stay apart. Though he still wants to find a way to apologies for everything and to at least say goodbye.

He just wishes that things does work out and that maybe he will somehow find a way to make things work out, but he knows that it can never work out and that things have to be this way. Loki knows that he has to move on from this and focus on Thanos, even if he just wants to go down and to see them and things magically work out. But deep down Loki believes that there is no chance that things would ever work out if he ever dares to go back to Earth, it would just bring more trouble for both of them and that he should just stay up in space. He can never go back to Earth...

Chapter Text

The Next Day

It is a busy morning in Avengers tower, as they begin to wrap up the finishing touches of their new ship. Well at least they hope that the work they put in the ship finally makes it functional and that maybe they will be able to take off as early as tonight. Depending that they manage to figure out the final things that they may have to deal with and maybe even possibly see if it can survive one final test before they launch the ship and begin their mission to space. It is promising progress that they are all happy that they somehow managed to pull off and that maybe they will be able to finally get somewhere.

Darcy is just happy that they are finally getting somewhere and maybe they will finally find Loki and Gamora. She just hopes that they are both ok, Darcy knows that Thanos might take it easy on Gamora just because she's his favorite kid, but she knows that Thanos would focus on hurting Loki the most. She just hopes that they are not too late and that maybe they will get there before Thanos does something to Loki. But either way she is going to go out there and to help get both of them out of there. At least she thinks that she has become a better fighter than she has been a couple days ago, maybe she can at least take down one of the Chitauri and then she will be able to play her role in this.

There is also the fact that she also feels like that she needs to apologies to Thor for the role she played in keeping Loki's secret, creating the whole Mysto identity and. helping him find the stones before Thanos does. She is definitely not going to win friend of the year anytime soon, especially with the fact that she also helped Loki continue to fake his death rather than tell Thor the truth about his brother being alive. How is she going to make up for all of this?

If they had time to prepare to sit Thor down and tell him the truth about everything about Loki's survival, Thanos, Mysto and their quest to get the stones before Thanos can. But no, they can't even have that time simply because Thanos had to blackmail Loki, make him give up the stones, capture him and reveal his identity to not only Thor but to the other Avengers. She should feel grateful that Hawkeye left the team to spend more time with his family and probably is focussing on trying to keep them safe, War Machine is helping to handle Thanos's threat in an operative level on Earth in case Thanos tries anything in the towns and cities and Falcon is helping him. Though he said that he might come by to see if they need any help later on, Darcy just hopes that he doesn't no matter how cool it would be to meet another Avenger. At least they are trying to come up with the excuse of why they all have everything under control and that maybe they don't want to deal with having to explain everything to him or have to hide Loki being Mysto a little longer.

At least things are going smoothly now and that maybe they will be able to move and launch the ship. She notices that Wanda is out of her room , that she is the only other one in this living room part and she seems to be doing alright. Well as alright as one can be when they just found out the robot that she really cares about sacrificed himself to not only try to stop Thanos and to also try to save Loki. But still it's good to see that she is out of her room and that she is doing alright, maybe she might help with the Loki situation, sure she knows that now might not be a good time to talk about it. Why is she even considering that especially since that might only make things worse later on and the idea of having her use her powers to somehow manipulate everyone into thinking that Loki's a hero and maybe just maybe have the spell be permenant. She knows that this is not the solution to the problem, but she really wish that it was that easy.

She decides that it might be best to go talk to her, Darcy knows that Wanda is going through a tough time and that she doesn't know what might be the best course of action. But someone might want to talk to her and check in with her before they continue on with possibly planning whatever they may be planing to do when it comes to the plan on how to find Thanos and get Loki and Gamora out of whatever place they are now trapped in. At least things are starting to get better than how they were two days ago and that maybe they will be able to pull this off.

"Hey, I'm guessing that you are now ready to get back to action?" asked Darcy. "Ok sorry that came out all wrong, but then again I never thought that I would be having this conversation or all of this would ever happen."

"It's fine, to be honest I have never thought that convincing Vision to hide in the ship and wait for the right moment to attack and maybe even throw them off would have led to all of this." said Wanda. "Maybe if I haven't convinced him to come, then maybe... he would still be alive and Thanos wouldn't have gotten all of the stones, and maybe Loki would still be on this planet.

"Yeah, but still it wasn't your fault things went down the way it did." said Darcy. "We had no idea that Thanos was planning all of that or how big this plan was going to be. If we did then maybe Loki and I would have come up with a better plan, maybe he wouldn't be up in space right now and we would be one step closer on defeat Thanos."

"At least they are reacting better than you both imagined, all Loki has to do is just prove himself being on our side and maybe they won't be too hard on both you." said Wanda. "They gave Pietro and me a chance even after all of the things we did before Ultron and our past history with the Avengers."

"Yeah but you two didn't try to take over the planet with an evil alien army that works for Thanos or faked your deaths and lied to one of your friends about your survival?" asked Darcy. "Since it's seems clear that you guys don't have a record that goes as far as Loki's, I mean you guys weren't necessary evil more like misguided."

"According to the news, some people don't share the same mindset or at least want to think that same perspective." said Wanda. "But still it doesn't stop us from doing any 'hero work,' maybe you both will be given the same chance to live your lives without the past interfering with it."

"I hope your right, it's either things magically work out or two scenarios might happen to us once everything is over and they decide to put us in the penalty box." said Darcy. "The best case scenario would be that Loki and I will be under house arrest for realistically two years at our place and worst case scenario would be both of us get life sentences and end up in jail, we'd be lucky if we were in the same dungeon or jail."

"I don't think that it's going to go that far, I think that the others aside from us, Pietro and Jane are mostly surprise and confused by all of this. This is the same guy who dare to try to take over the planet and destroyed a city in the progress, it's not surprising that they don't have a high opinion on him or any fond memories." said Wanda. "They fear that this might be some kind of trick and that they need to stay on high alert in case of anything, take me for example people are more afraid of what I might become with my powers that they are more focused on trying to keep me under control rather than trust me. Just give them time and then they will start to see that Loki really has changed and that you two were just trying two help."

"Yeah depending if things do work out that the Avengers would see us as someone who was trying to save the world not helping Thanos or who knows what crazy theory anyone might come up with." said Darcy. "I just wish I can find a way to make things right with Thor and how I practically help Loki keep his secret and lie to him for the past couple of months. It also doesn't help that he was already guilty of Loki being dead, but the fact that not only I knew the truth but didn't tell him as he spends most of the time feeling guilty. That is definitely going to make me win worse friend of the year and I'd be lucky that he would even consider me as a friend after this."

"Well if it makes you feel any better from what I saw in Thor's mind, I saw that he's mostly worried about Loki and angry at Thanos for what he did to him in the past." said Wanda. "Any anger that he seemed to have towards you or Loki seems to have past, but he is still angry at Loki for the whole faking his death and for not telling him about Thanos. Even then it's not something that you should worry about, it's not the amount of anger that would throw you and Loki in jail."

"Well that's good to hear, all I need to do now is aside from practice fighting in case of any emergencies but to find a good time to apologies." said Darcy. "So do you have any tips on how I can do that?"

"If it were me, I would find a good moment to talk or just continue find ways to show him that you are truly sorry." said Wanda. "Actions speak louder than words and from what you two did in the past to get the stones and how you are helping to find a way to save Loki, Gamora and save the world from Thanos. I think that's more than enough to prove that you and Loki are the good guys of this story. The unlikely heroes that wanted nothing more but to help or at least in Loki's case to make up for his past misdeeds. I think Thor and the others will definitely understand that, just give them some time before you start to worry about the worst."

Darcy can't help but smile a little bit, touched by Wanda's words and touched that she provided some comfort to the dark situation. She might be right and that maybe all they need is time and then Loki will be able to prove that he is on their side. Then maybe just maybe they won't end up in jail, at least she hopes that it doesn't end like that. Before she can say anything, all of the sudden there is a buzzing sound from the giant tv and just about every electronic that is in the tower. It was just like the last time when Thanos is about to make a grand announcement. Whatever it is, they knew that this is going to be a big deal and they don't even know what is about to come down. Soon the other Avengers and Jane came right on down to see what is going on and if it's Thanos and if so what does he want this time, they ere all ready to see what's going and to hear what's going on. They are about to get their answer as the screens slowly begins to get a picture.

Meanwhile on the Guardians' ship

The Guardians and Loki are hard at work to prepare for whatever fight Thanos might throw at them, when they eventually find him of course. Quill and Drax are driving the ship and keeping an eye out for anything and making sure the ship continues to fly smoothly. Rocket is making sure that they have enough equipment for a potential impossible fight against the mad titan. He doesn't know if it might be enough even with Loki and a powerful magic sword on their side, but it's better than nothing and at least it's better than nothing and they might barely make it out alive. He does not really like the odds that are stacked against them, he just hope that whatever plan they come up with works. While Loki and Gamora are practicing sword fighting, so far Loki seems to be getting the hang of it even though he's more into daggers and magic. But if he is going to continue to use the sword and face Thanos, then he is going to need to start focusing on practicing his skills and see what else he might be able to do with the sword.

This might be a reckless idea, but he thinks that it might be best if he just try out whatever abilities the sword possesses during this fight against Thanos. It may not be the best idea or at least the one that he would be willing to go with, but what choice does he have? It's either do it then or risk hurting someone or destroying the ship in the progress. At least he can focus on perfecting the art of swordplay while he still has a chance to practice, he just wishes that he can better prepare himself as he continues to practice. Then that way he might be able to know what he is doing when he does use the sword's powers against Thanos, he feels like he is at a disadvantage because of the fact that he doesn't know the sword's full capabilities and powers outside of what the story already. says. At least he can say that he is getting better at defending himself in a simple fight with a sword.

He and Gamora has been practicing for a while now, the only other person in the room is Groot who is watching the two of them fight and enjoying the show. Groot is enjoying seeing them train and that it seems like that they are doing a lot during the fight that they are at least having some fun while they are practicing. He is at least happy to enjoy watching the two of them practice and that they were able to prepare themselves for the better. Groot does wonder when might be the moment that they will face Thanos again and what are they going to do once they do find him and how are they planning to stop him?

"I have to say that you are improving when it comes to fighting with a sword." said Gamora. "Maybe you might be able to stand a chance in a fight if they put you in those handcuffs again."

"At least one good thing of fighting with scepters in the past is that it helps with this form of fighting surprisingly." said Loki. "All I need to do is continue practicing and maybe we will be able to pull this off."

"But then again you have powers with this sword and you can just experiment with seeing how you can use these powers to hold of against Thanos." said Gamora.

"If I do that then I would risk destroying the ship and all of us, though Thor is more of an expert on using objects that increases one's own powers." said Loki. "I doubt that he would be open into letting me keep the sword if he knew about the power that I can access."

"Well you are trying to stop Thanos now, he knows about your past and how Thanos tortured you as well. He might have a better opinion and be open to giving you another chance." said Gamora. "At least have the faith that Thor will give you another chance and consider making things right."

"Why are you so concerned about whether or not I should make amends with my brother?" asked Loki. "You never seemed to be the type to care about these things when we first met."

"I have changed a lot since then, I am not the same person that you met on Thanos's ship and even then I was starting to see the monster that Thanos is." said Gamora. "The same can be said about you, you have changed a lot since we first met. Loki, the life you had on Earth, the friendship you have with Darcy and simply everything that has happened made you a different person. If I ask you about how you feel about your brother last year, you would have told me that you wanted him to pay for everything that happened and putting you in a shadow. But now you are caring about his safety and worried about what he is going to say to you if you two ever see each other again."

"You still did not answer my question." pointed out Loki the obvious.

"I know what it feels like to make a mistake and loose someone because of it, if I didn't blindly follow Thanos and if I helped Nebula when I had the chance then maybe she wouldn't be stuck with Thanos now." said Gamora. "She lost an arm because of me, we were on a mission and was looking for the power stone. It happened a couple of months before you came, she fell into a trap and I was going to help her but Thanos stopped me claiming that's what she deserves. She was already starting to resent me over the years just because I was winning our spars to survive. But after that she hates me for it and any chance she gets to spite me or hurt me, she even let go during the fight against Ronan when I tried to save her."

"To be honest it sounds like it's more Thanos's fault rather than yours, it does seem clear that Nebula is blaming you for things beyond your control." said Loki. "That she is now going towards this path because you did better than her in any training station, while Thanos was manipulating and torrturing both of you to submit to him and work for him without any choice but to accept your fate and to obey him without any question."

"But still I still had the choice whether or not I obeyed him or not, all she wanted was a sister and Thanos refused to let me be one. I let my desire to survive cloud my judgment and abandoned and hurt Nebula in the process." said Gamora. "I just don't want the same thing to happen to you and the difference between the two of us at least you have a chance to see if you can fix things with Thor. That is if you really want to fix things or you might loose him forever."

Loki turned away from Gamora, not even knowing what to think and at least he now knows what is driving Gamora in the argument of going back to Earth to ask the Avengers for help and to try to see if he can make things right with his brother. He wishes that there is a way for them to save their relationship or whatever was left of it, but Loki knows that it's too late and the damage has been done and that things would be better if they never cross paths. He just hopes that she doesn't bring up Darcy because he doesn't want to think about he has made her life even more difficult than she deserve.

The connection that they have has gotten during their time together has gotten stronger and he tries not to think about her simply because he doesn't want to feel anymore guilty than he already is. Every time that he is reminded or thinks about her, he suddenly remembers how he has possibly made Darcy take the blame for everything he has done and how they left things before all of this started. It might be best for the three of them if he just says up in space and never return to Earth, that way they can all focus on moving on. Before Loki can even have a chance to say anything to Gamora or figure out what might be the best way to say it with hopes that Gamora would give up on trying to get him to go back to Earth.

"Guys, the screens are going all fizzy like the last time." said Rocket entertering the room in a hurry. "You know before Thanos attacked Earth to get Loki to give up all of the stones he collected."

"What?" said Gamora surprised at the sudden development and suddenly groaned. "It looks like that Thanos might have something planned if he is making this announcement out of nowhere, it's probably is about our escape."

"I am Groot?" asked Groot confused and unsure if this is a good thing.

"Uh no, Groot I don't think that he wants to make a peace offering. We'd be lucky if he hasn't already got some humoungus battle ship right behind us." said Rocket.

"Whatever he wants, I doubt that it would be any good." said Loki and he quickly starts to exit the room to see what the titan might want, only hoping there is no more trouble on the horizon.

The three members of the Guardians all begins to leave the room following Loki, they all knew that Thanos is going to make his next move. It's going to be a moment where they are going to see what Thanos is planning to do next, knowing how Thanos can be to anyone that might dare to go up against him or at least someone who he can't stand. That Thanos might be thinking of doing something that is not only going to try to get to her and Loki, but something that innocent people will get hurt and Thanos will do more than have an empty threat to convince them to do whatever Thanos wants them to do. She doesn't even know what to make out of the situation and have the feeling that this definitely not going to end well. She just hopes that for the sake of whatever fight they are going to face, she is wrong of what Thanos might be planing to do.

Soon the four of them arrived to the main room where Drax and Quil are starring at a frizzled screen that the picture is starting to slowly form as the six of them begins to watch Thanos fully appear on screen and to see what he might possibly want and what might be the biggest announcement that might change the course of the overall fight against Thanos and the current status. Loki just hopes that his ship is not behind them or he thought of catching the others and try to blackmail him for their freedom again. When the screen stops frizzling, Thanos begins to make his announcement with a furious demeanor.

"I have an urgent message that needs to come to your attention. Yesterday that two prisoners has escaped from my ship, fortunately they didn't take any of the six Infinity Stones or the gauntlet during their escape." said Thanos. "Unfortunately, I will have no choice but to take immediate action to locate both of them, they are my favorite daughter Gamora and Loki."

Both Loki and Gamora exchanged a nervous look at each other, both can tell that this is not a good sign and that Thanos will be doing everything he can to make sure that they are going to pay. But they both knew that if anyone is going to get the shorter end of the stick, it's Loki who Thanos is going to make sure that he doesn't get out of this alive He knows that whatever is going to happen right now and once the message is over, then he is going to need to think of a plan on how he is going to defeat Thanos for good.

"If anyone has the audacity to turn them in to me, I only want Loki to be given to me unharmed and alive and as for Gamora do whatever you want with her." said Thanos, as they all became defensive at the request. "Unless if you Loki, turn yourself over to me and I will spare not only Gamora but Terra as well. I already have an army of Chitauri stationed around Terra ready to attack on my order and I might pay them all a surprise visit. If anything happens to your brother or any friends. of yours, rather one particular friend then you will have no one to blame but yourself."

Loki really wishes that it is Thanos himself is on the ship, so that way he can unleash the power of the Laevatein and make sure that he defeats Thanos for good. There is no way he would ever let Thanos hurt anyone from Earth especially Thor and Darcy. He would even get mad if he hurts Jane, the Maxioffs, The Guardians (fortunatly they are all in space with him) and maybe even the Avengers to some extent. He knows that Thanos would be to blame for it, that he would have done all of that to make sure he falls for whatever emotional trap that he wants him to fall. While maybe with the hopes that he will go after Thanos for a quest of vengeance, if it does happen he knows that he would use it as a sense of motivation to make sure that Thanos is defeated for good.

"But for a little hint of motivation, that is if you truly are a hero and really want to do the right thing then surrender is the only option. Unless you want anyone else to meet this fate..." said Thanos with an evil grin. "Proxima quickly managed to find a Terran that is surprisingly stranded on a planet last night and quickly alerted me of this human with immerse power. He could have defeat me if he didn't hold back his true power, but he was too much of a weakling or rather foolish to even consider of doing so. Children of Thanos, bring him out."

The next thing that they all knew is that the Black Order came into the same room as Thanos, they brought the human tied up with chains and Asgardian hand cuffs on his wrists. Once Loki sees the human, he can't believe his eyes or even know what to think of the sight right in front of him...

"Strange?!" said Loki almost immediately after he recovered from the shock and finally found the only thing to say.

"I know right, it's strange to see another Terran out here." said Quill who is surprised as well but doesn't know what is the major cause of shock that Loki is now feeling.

"No, that's literally his name; Doctor Strange. He is a human that I encountered back on Earth, he was holding the time stone and I had to fight him and accidentally trapped him in a portal/world of some sorts." explained Loki. "I'm surprised that he ended up on another planet or let alone in the hands of Thanos this quickly. But he does have a point, Strange could have easily defeated him even without the time stone or that magic portal ring thing. I'm just surprise that he didn't put up more of a fight."

"Thanos, whatever you are planning to do to this universe think of the consequences that you going to create if you continue using the stones." said Strange. "You are only hurting yourself and not too mention thousands of others by continuing to make the universe unbalance through your quest of power. Not too mention whatever crazy obsession you have with Loki is only making things worse, no one should be pay for the price of your anger and desire for revenge."

"I believe that you do not have a right to say anything to me, I used the mind stone to see through your mind and know who you are and everything that happened to you." said Thanos. "It's ironic and humorous once you think about it, Loki was telling the truth about my existence, my intentions for the stones and the desire of him to obtain them before I do for his foolish heroic goals. But you were too busy to suspect that Loki is planning to use the stones for his own personal gain and fight him because of an unproven accusation to even stop to listen to him and take the time to see that Loki's claims are correct. With your power, you could have defeated me even before I entered this galaxy and save Loki, these Avengers and everyone else the trouble."

"Another good point." said Loki as he earned stares from the Guardians. "What? It's true if Strange stopped to listen to me then he wouldn't be in this situation or at least use some of his magic to at least help better protect Earth to make this easier for all of us."

"Aren't you a criminal back on that planet?" pointed out Rocket.

"Well I am not exactly welcome on Earth and if I ever make my presence known publicly then I will probably have an angry mob coming after me for what happened last year and most recently unintentionally making Earth, Thanos's target." said Loki. "I do know with my record that it doesn't make me the most valued person in Earth's book at the moment, but still he also has the power to see if I am telling the truth through his magic tricks."

"Loki has a point, if you have some magic powers that might possibly see someone's mind then why not use it to see if someone's telling the truth?" said Quill agreeing and seeing Loki's point of view of the entire situation.

"Guys, I. think we should leave the commentary for later." said Gamora. "Thanos isn't done making his little announcement and I don't think that this guy is going to have a happy ending from one look at that argument."

Loki quickly turns his attention back to the screen and notices that Thanos has the guantlet on, he doesn't know if it's from the footage but from one look he notices the soul stone seems to be glowing brighter than the others. Part of him wishes that this is just a trick of the light or that Doctor Strange would somehow used his magic to send Thanos to another dimension or something. Now that he thinks about it why didn't he just keep the ring and learned to use it and maybe send Thanos to another dimension when he had the chance it would have made everything easier. Before Loki can continue to think about what he should have done in that would have made the situation better and end it quicker than the rate they are now. Thanos isn't done just yet...

"Loki, if you don't turn yourself in and if you continue to pursue this futile quest. Then I will have no choice but to attack Earth and hunt down every single planet to make sure that I gather whatever information I can obtain to find you and make sure that I will destroy you." said Thanos. "If you continue to believe that you can live out your days without ever having to face me again, then you are wrong and deep down you know that you can't hide from me forever or else your brother and friends will face the same fate as Mr. Strange here."

Thanos quickly lift his gauntlet and quickly placed the soul stone right at Doctor Strange's chest to begin taking away his soul. Loki and the Guardians watch as Thanos makes Doctor Strange live out the final moments for the sorcerer supreme. Loki stares at the sight feeling partially responsible because he was the one that accidentally sent Strange through the portal that eventually led him to Thanos. Gamora and Drax are disgusted by the sight and they really can't wait for this to be over, Gamora wasn't surprise to see the lengths Thanos is willing to go. Drax hoped that for some reason the Soul stone would fail because this is definitely not a good sign for Strange or for them. Quill turned away from the screen, feeling awkward and uncomfortable at the scene and knew that Thanos is definitely is crossing the line with the soul stone. While Rocket quickly cover Groot's eyes from the sight and even though Groot has seen a lot ever since he was turned back to a sapling, there are some things that Groot is not ready for. Though it is a struggle for Rocket because Groot is trying to find a way out of Rocket's paw and when he finally succeeded, Rocket quickly use his tail to block Groot's view before using his paws again.

They all continued to watch the scene unfold and despite the odds, Doctor Strange tries to see if he can put up a fight and maybe even find a way to escape. But to no avail because of Thanos's grasp and the soul stone fully managed to get a hold of Strange's soul, over the course of the process Strange seems to be loosing his power and any strength that he might have had to fight back Thanos. He tried to see if maybe he can try to use astral projection to try to see if he can somehow see if he can separate his soul from the stone and keep it apart long enough to make an escape. But it is no use the stone has a tighter grip on Strange and is about to finally complete it's job...

Strange knows that even if he dies right here then he might as well try to see the outcome of a future where things do end well, he quickly cast a quick spell and he is a little surprise of the outcome, but is happy to know that the universe has a chance. At least there is hope, even if Strange is surprised from what he has seen, only wishing that he listened to Loki earlier and helped when he had the chance. But he knows that he needs to say something now before it's too late, to give them the advise that he only hopes that they listen to and he needs to do it discreetly, so that way they will get the message and Thanos won't realize what's going on and do something more rash to Earth. He just hopes that Loki is watching this and that he will be able to figure out what he's trying to say.

"He... They... will stop you..." said Doctor Strange as genetically as possible and trying hard to make his message stand out for Loki to hear. "You will never win or get Loki, as long as... the... A..."

With that Strange only lets out a gasp and when Thanos sees that the stone's work is done, he pulls the Guantlet away from Strange's chest and with an evil smile. Thanos lets Strange's body drop and the sorcerer supreme is no more, the sight of the dead sorcerer makes Loki feel not only a mix of disgust and shock from what just happened but a sense of guilt and hopelessness. The idea that Thanos was able to overpower and take someone as powerful as Doctor Strange's life is not only sad and terrifying to see. But there is also the fact that fighting against Thanos with just a sword that enhances his powers being underprepared power wise and the Guardians on his side might not be enough to finally stop Thanos.

Though he does notice that Doctor Strange seems to be trying to say something to him, through his it is almost like if he is trying to tell him something about needing something else if he wants to stop Thanos. Even then he doesn't know that if he can fully trust Strange after that little confrontation that they shared back on Earth, but he knows that there is no time to let his personal bias get in the way of the situation. He knows that Strange had this amount of power to see things beyond the room right in front of him, that's how he managed to find Loki on Earth for their first time. So he must have seen something that he needs to do or get if he wants to finally beat Thanos, he spends the next couple of seconds to think about it as Thanos continues to make his threat.

"It looks like he was weaker than I thought, here is an example of what might happen to your brother, any allies that are foolish to support you or any innocent people that dare try to stand up to me." said Thanos quickly using the Space Stone to let Strange float out into space and turned to face the screen. "You have forty eight hours to turn yourself over to me, if you do so then I will leave all of them alone and let Gamora live her life freely. But if you don't then I will send the Chitauri to destroy everything in Terra and beyond, I might even send them a little surprise later as a warning. I am sure they would love my gift, if you want to avoid all of this trouble then surrender is your only option."

The next thing that Loki and the Guardians knew is that the screen suddenly starting to frizzle, they all were quiet at what just happened. Rocket slowly removed his paw from Groot's face and Quill turns off the screen. They all are taking a good look at the situation and trying to think of what might be their next move, it looks like that Thanos is pushing all of them into a corner and a fight even earlier than they were hoping for. They all know that this is the moment that they all knew where they will all have to face Thanos and the inevitable fight that is about to happen and the endless amount of outcomes that might happen when it happens.

Loki can't help but feel that things are now hopeless again and that in two days, Thanos will not only destroy Earth but everywhere else in the universe to make sure that he hunts him down. At least he has the hope that the sword might be powerful enough to stop Thanos and even then he still has to figure out how to master the sword's power and can't rely on the same luck he had while fighting Red Skull to magically make things work out. He knows that things are going to really depend on whether or not he will be able to fight with the sword and use it's power to overpower Thanos.

As Loki continues to think about the current situation, the message that Thanos just sent and Strange's last words. He begins to realize something that is now making him more uncomfortable by the minute and he quickly realize that the Chitauri is not just going to stand by and wait for Thanos's orders. His warning must be to send them to Earth on a rampage and if this theory is ok then Earth might be under or still have yet to be attacked by the Chitauri. Thanos must be using Earth as a way to get him to come out and give himself up to Thanos, once he's done with this preview and if he still doesn't surrender. Then Thanos will use it as an excuse to destroy Earth, then Asgard and then all of the other planets and realms until he eventually does find him.

"I think that Thanos is planning to attack Earth, that's why he must have the Chitauri stationed, to have them attack in hopes that I would feel a sense of guilt strong enough to surrender." said Loki. "He hopes that if I let my guilt get the best of me or worry too much on Thor, Darcy and anyone else on Earth then I might have the idea that the only way for things to end peacefully is through surrender."

"That definitely sounds like Thanos, that's what he does. Manipulate, lie and torture others until he gets what he wants." said Gamora.

"I am Groot. I am Groot." suggested Groot. "I am Groot."

"We are not going to openly attack every Chitauri soldier we find, not only it would give Thanos an idea where we are but there is also the fact that we'd find ourselves in a bigger problem simply because of the fact we'd be dealing with an army that will continue to give us pathetic attack attempts." said Rocket. "Everyone knows that the Chitauri is the worst army in the galaxy."

"I led that army and they did a good job in causing damage, we would have won if it weren't for my brother and the Avengers." pointed out Loki.

"Or you almost led them to victory due to your skills and intellect, I may have not known you for long but I can tell that you are the type that would be able to make them get their act together and have an awesome plan that make them do whatever you want." said Rocket.

"To be honest, I had two Infinity stones on my side and one of them I can mind control others to my bidding." said Loki. "So that probably helped in my case or rather didn't help when it comes to the gravity of the situation and Earth's standing after the invasion and the overall aftermath. At least I know that the Chitauri are not the best, otherwise things would have and still might be worse."

"So we have two days to figure out a plan before we have to deal with whatever trouble that Thanos is going to throw at us." said Quill turning to Loki and Gamora. "There is no way we are going to give up either of you to him, Thanos will be stopped and we are going to give him a fight that he'll never forget."

"It is going to take more than a determined attitude to stop Thanos, we are going to need a plan if we want to stop Thanos." said Gamora. "The question is how are we going to do it? If Loki's right about the Chitauri being stationed and ready to attack Terra, then we don't have any time to loose. Thanos will start small and continue to make larger attacks until he eventually find us and do what he wishes to all of us."

"What are we going to do?" asked Drax. "How are we going to stop him?"

Loki turned away from the Guardians to start to think about the situation itself and all of the things that Thanos might be planning to do to Earth and beyond. He knows that Thanos might send more than the Chitauri if he doesn't just give himself to Thanos. That everyone is already in danger or if not about to be, once Thanos sets off the attack and might do more than capture a human, all of the current living Avengers and the occasional Asgardian. He starts to think about all of the things that Thanos has done and how things got this far. He knows that Thanos is not going to stop until he gets exactly what he wants. Loki doesn't even know what might be the best course of action, the last thing he needs is to fall into Thanos's traps again.

As he is thinking about the situation, he starts to realize what Strange was trying to say and how things got to the place it did. All of this hiding, keeping this secret and avoiding to face Thor and reality is what got them in a bigger mess in the first place. If he had revealed himself alive from the start and explained to Thor about Thanos, his quest for the Infinity Stones and his hatred towards him then Thanos wouldn't have the stones, everyone would have been better prepared, Hiemdell, Vision and Doctor Strange would still be alive and things wouldn't have escalated this far. Darcy, Jane, Gamora and in a twisted way now Thanos was right, he can't keep using illusions, a mask or even space to hide from his problems.

"We need to go to Earth, this is getting completely out of hand." said Loki. "Thanos is going to do more than do multiple attacks on Earth and later on other planets to try to get me out of hiding. I am going to give him exactly what he wants, but not without a fight and we are not going to face him alone."

The Guardians all exchanged a surprise glance with one another and they all knew that this is a big moment for Loki and the fight up ahead. They all knew that there might be some trouble up ahead due to Loki's past and whatever feelings the Avengers might have towards him. But they all hope that they would stop to hear them out and that they would put aside any distrust towards Loki to cloud their judgment. At least they will stand by Loki's side no matter what happens once they get down there, whatever happens they all hope that the Avengers will listen to them and anyone who knows Loki's true intentions. While Gamora on the other hand is happy that Loki said that they need to go to Earth, they are going to need all of the help they can get if they are going to win this.

While Loki on the other hand is heading towards one of the windows to get a good look at space, as he is about to face his doom in one way or another. He knows that this is a big risk and one that he doesn't even know if they will even listen to him. Not too mention if they told anyone else that he was Mysto and have everyone on higher alert compared to whatever Thanos might be. Though he just hopes with one sight of Gamora and that would be alone to show them that he is on their side and is asking for their help. He still worries about the reaction he is going to get once he faces Thor again and how things probably have escalated for the worst between them. Loki wouldn't be surprise that things are now beyond repair between the two of them, he doesn't blame Thor for being angry about everything that happened for the past few days. He can't imagine what Thor must be thinking about the past two months, let alone the past year since New York and all of the things he did before meeting Thanos.

Even if Thor is angry with him to the point that he never wants to see him again, the Avengers finding every excuse to put him in a cage or simply refuse to believe him despite Darcy, Jane, the Maximoffs and Guardians' defense, whatever awkward tension that he may have with Darcy due to whatever feelings or connection they share and if Thanos does exactly what he suspects him in doing then he knows that things will only get worse when he is given the excuse to finally attack until he just shows up to surrender. But he has had enough of this and knows that the only way for them to finally defeat him forr good is for Loki to drop the illusion and to face the Avengers and ask them to team up with them and to finally stop Thanos.

As the Guardians begins to navigate the ship to head towards earth, Loki is already starting to come up with a plan on how they can approach the fight against Thanos and he knows that Thanos planned everything in hopes that everyone would turn against him. If he can convince the Avengers to help them, then they will be hopefully have Thanos underprepared. All he needs to do is figure out how to execute the plan and maybe get some practice with the sword then maybe they will be able to pull this off. Along with to prove to them that he is not the monster that they believe he is, the one that many like Thanos wants otherrs to believe. Sure he's not the ideal hero that many would look up to admire like the Avengers or the fictional overrated ones like super alien man or some other genetic hero that he would roll his eyes at.

But all he knows that he is going to make sure that Thanos is defeated for good, no matter what might happens next on Earth or how they may feel about him. Loki just hopes that all of this works out and even if they don't want anything to do with him, then he'll leave and never look back once this is over no matter how much it would hurt him to do so. While the Guardians are talking in the background trying ease the tension for both Loki and Gamora to relax before they reach Earth, Loki is developing a plan that might possibly work and one that he just hopes that he can finish developing it before they reach Earth.

Meanwhile back on Earth

The Avengers, Jane and Darcy start to process the message that has been sent, the brutal death of the wired Earth guy that they have never met and the mere fact that Loki and Gamora managed to escape from Thanos. At least they don't have to worry about having to locate Thanos's ship and make rescue attempt that they are really underprepared for. The bad news is that now Loki and Gamora are now somewhere in space and they have a two day time limit to find them and they also have to deal with the fact that there's an army of Chitauri that is ready to attack Earth at any moment or two days later if Thanos doesn't get a hold of Loki. Everyone is in deep silence and thoughts as they face the gravity of the situation, that is until...

"This is awesome!" said Darcy happy and relief. But unfortunately from that she reaction, she earned an a "seriously" look from everyone in the room.

"Can I ask how is having an unplanned deadline to figure something out, being blackmailed and an army of Chitari ready to attack on Thanos's orders all because Loki is missing, he wants him back and we're back to square one 'awesome?'" asked Tony who doesn't know what to think about the entire situation.

"It's awesome because Loki and Gamora escaped him, that they are alright somewhere in space." said Darcy happily. "That we now know or have an idea on what Thanos might be planning, all we have to do is find them before Thanos does and then we will be one step closer on finally defeating Thanos."

Thor has to admit that Darcy has a point and he is honestly relieved that Loki and Gamora are no longer trapped on Thanos's ship with no hope for them to escape or worst being tortured by Thanos or his Black Order. All they really have to do is get the ship off the ground and make sure that they somehow find them before Thanos does sometime between the next two days. It may not be a lot of time, but at least it's better than having to spend hours wondering what Thanos might be doing to either of them or worse worry that Thanos might have used the stones to make Gamora return to his side and by the time that they arrived it would be too late. Though he does wonder where they might be and hopefully wherever Loki and Gamora may be, they are somewhere safe and far away from Thanos. He just hopes that they reach them before Thanos does...

"At least they are out of the ship and nothing much might have happened between now and then." said Jane. "If you guys some how get the ship to launch or if we figure out someway to communicate to them in space then maybe we can somehow reach them."

"But the question is how?" said Bruce. "Wanda, couldn't you somehow send a message to them with your powers? Like how you put vi... those hallucinations into our heads?"

"If I was a couple feet close to Loki or Gamora then I might be able to, but I haven't tested the extent to my abilities yet and even then I would need to know exactly where they are to somehow do so." said Wanda.

"That is surprisingly informative." said Darcy unsure what to make of this new piece of information.

"Our top priority should be try to launch the ship and then find them before Thanos does." said Thor. "I don't know what we should do after we find them, but I do know that I want to talk to Loki and then we can figure out from there how to stop Thanos. I hope that we are not too late, the last time Thanos dealt with an Asgardian that chose to work with him... It didn't end well..."

"Maybe this time it will be different, at least you guys are going to be fighting back this time and Thanos will have to deal with all of us." said Jane. "He is not going to hurt him like that, Loki's smart enough to find ways to not let Thanos hurt him and if he found a way to escape then at least he won't be able to do anything to Loki. Besides at least he's not alone if Gamora is with him and they will be able to find a way to get back here or at least find a way to stop Thanos that is I hope that is what they are doing and he is not going to end up like her."

"What are you guys talking about?" said Darcy confused with all of that talk and the vagueness of the conversation. "Who's she?"

"This is not the first time that Thanos pose a threat to someone of Asgard, he once teamed up with the sister I never knew I had." explained Thor. "He murdered her to sacrifice her for the Soul stone, they had a toxic relationship and Thanos used her to do his evil deeds. My father tried to reason with her to no avail and by the time that she saw the truth it was too late. He told me all of this before I left Asgard and I fear that Thanos is going to do the same to Loki, even if there was no other reward except revenge on Loki."

That alone caught the Avengers and Darcy by surprise, they all weren't expecting that and the idea that Loki and Thor have a sister this long. Along with how far Thanos would go to get the stones, they all know that if they are going to win the upcoming war ahead then they are going to need more than a plan to help them. That maybe they might need to get better prepared. Darcy just hopes that the other Avengers will be willing to help because it's going to take more than five experienced fighters, a beginner and a scientist to stop Thanos for good. Fortunately, for everyone it seems like that the four other Avengers in the room are willing to at least help just because of the whole stopping Thanos thing.

"We're not going to let that happen, we will stop Thanos and even with some of our past history with Loki... We are not going to just simply give up on a life just because of any reservations that we may have." said Steve, while Tony, Bruce and Natasha look unsure but yet determine in the background. "There is also the fact that Gamora also needs our help and that the whole universe now is in jeopardy, plus if Loki really has changed then I am willing to hear him out. They know the most about Thanos and we are going to need their help if we want to stop him for good."

"Yeah despite the fact that we are going to be helping the same guy who threw me out a window." said Tony. "But right now we have bigger fish to fry and I can give him a piece of my mind about that and everything else after all of this is over."

"But still you guys had a long lost sister, that alone is crazy and I don't know how more complicated your family is." said Darcy. "So I'm guessing that Loki doesn't know about all of the secret sister that is basically the ex-girlfriend sidekick of Thanos thing?"

"In other words, Harley Quinn." said Tony with Natasha nodding her head in agreement trying to hold back her laughter from that statement.

"No, father never told us about Hela and that was the first time he has ever mentioned her to me." said Thor. "Apparently she begun this relationship with him when my father and Hela's relationship began to strain over the course of the relationship he and Hela shared, as my father's turn from conquering the nine realms to begin to rule all of the in peace."

"Did Thanos happen to call her mistress death by any chance?" asked Darcy. "Loki said that Thanos is trying to impress some girl called mistress Death, that's why he is trying to collect all of the stones and thinks that destroying the world and everything in it is the best way to impress her."

"Thanos only wants to destroy the universe and everything in it for his quest for power, I wouldn't be surpirsed if he lied to Loki and his followers to get them to do his bidding without question." said Thor. "Though father did say that Thanos did call her mistress death and that must be what he still calls her in order to make them believe that he truly cared about her and to make him look more innocent then he is."

"Loki is going to have a big surprise when he finds out that you guys have a secret sister and that Thanos is just the biggest jerk who just wants to do all of this just because." said Darcy. "But then again who can blame him for being surprise?"

"At least he might react better than I did when I found out that he was alive this entire time." said Thor can't but chuckle at the response and the fact that Darcy has a point on that one. "Now all we have to do is find him, so I can tell him myself and see if we can repair whatever relationship we have left."

"Ok, we know that they escaped and the ship is almost fully completed and ready for launch." said Steve. "How early can you two get the ship ready?"

"If everything goes well and if the ship passes any final test runs that I want to do prior to it's launch." said Bruce. "This is space travel, we can't just shoot ourselves into space and hope that things work out, it's either we successfully get this ship off the ground or we're back to square one or worse we're lost in space for an unknown period of time. If everything works out then we might be able to launch the ship as early as tonight, depending if we can get it ready in time."

"Now that's finally some good news, let's just hope that this ship is ready to take off in time." said Natasha. "Before Thanos tries to do anything to Earth and beyond, he is not going to stop unless we magically bring Loki to him and even then he might do more than just focus his time on hurting Loki. He will keep using the stones more and more until there is nothing left."

"Guys, I don't think that Thanos is going to withhold his attacks even before Loki have a chance to think about surrendering." said Pietro who is staring at the window, surprised by the sight.

"Why do you say that?" said Wanda who is confused and yet becoming defensive at the same time as she was starting to feel like that there might be some trouble that is about to happen.

"Since there is an army of those crazy and creepy looking aliens flying down here, they are attacking the city like the last time they were here." said Pietro.

With that they all head towards the window and is surprised to see that there is already an army of Chitauri flying down to Earth ready to make their attack on the city. No one needed to be told that Thanos called out the order, as the Chitauri arrives closer and closer to Earth to begin their second attack. The Avengers wasted no second to quickly get ready and suit up for this unexpected fight that is about to happen. They are ready to fight off whatever attack Thanos is planning and to make sure that they do everything to make sure that they stop them.

"Ok, it looks like that these things want a round two." said Captain America.

"Darcy, can you and Jane go to the control room and lock down the tower?" said Iron man. "The last thing we need is a broken tower when we get back and who knows what else that they-"

"Are you sure that you want them to lock the tower so we can still have a place to still meet under all of these circumstances or you don't want to pay another bill like the last two times that the tower got trashed or looses power because of something Loki related?" said Black Widow.

"It's just a precautionary measure, that's all. It's not like I am worried that I might have to pay a large bill or anything, but... it's for keeping the girls safe." said Iron man trying to make his reasoning sound heroic.

"You do realize your talking to the person that not only took Loki and help him gather four out of the six Infinity Stones right?" pointed out Darcy. "I think I can handle myself in a battle or anything Thanos can throw at me."

"Yeah I am tougher than I look, sure I messed up with the whole Infinity Stone thing but I have been to alien planets, have one of those things inside of me and faced many evil aliens with Thanos the most recent one." said Jane. "Why does everyone think that I can't handle anything dangerous and that I am a damsel in distress that needs to be rescued or be protected?"

Darcy and the Avengers minus Thor, either turned away or try to look as less uncomfortable and more reassured as possible. Darcy may have not been at the Dark World or seen anything more than the destroyer and an army of evil elves, but she knows that Jane is not the type who would go up to start a fight with something out of this world without needing Thor to rescue her. The other Avengers can't help but feel uncomfortable, they may not have known Jane for long and ignoring most recent events. They all knew that it might not be a good idea to put Jane in a situation where she is facing something that might not be resolved by science. At least Darcy is prepared from her experiences, probably went to places beyond Earth and faced many things with Loki. Plus Loki seemed to handle the situation well and that Darcy seems to handle these things well especially if she was able to hold off against Nebula.

While Thor on the other hand can't help but admire Jane's determination and knows that she is strong in many ways, he knows that she is strong if she can handle the Infinity Stone and is smart enough to figure out everything science related then she can handle everything that can be thrown right at her. Even then he knows that he doesn't want to put Jane in danger or at least hopes that she can use that brilliant brain to find a way to defend herself or at least find a way to escape from whatever may be up against her. Sure he had to save her sometimes, but still he would still be ready to do that even if Jane was as skilled as Black Widow in fighting. He knows that Jane is not someone that would simply be helpless in a situation.

"You two are not helpless and are capable in different ways." said Black Widow trying to reassure both of them.

"Yeah sorry about that." said Iron man awkwardly to Jane and Darcy before turning to the other Avengers. "So are we going to go stop these or what?"

The Avengers quickly leave the building to go fight off the Chitauri, from one look they all knew that the Chitauri is more viscous than the last time they fought them in the battlefield prior to their capture. When they made it outside, Bruce quickly turned to the Hulk and they quickly headed towards where the Chitauri is causing the most trouble. Once the Avengers arrived at the scene, they noticed that the Chitauri is now causing more damage than they did the last time they invaded Earth and the Avengers wasted no time to try to stop every single member of the army in one way or another. The fight itself is challenging and that every single time they took down some Chitauri, they find themselves fighting even harder against the Chitauri.

Fortunately for all of them (especially for Iron Man and Thor's relief), Darcy and Jane managed to lock down the tower successfully. No Chitauri will dare be able to get inside the tower and they will be able to focus on beating them and making sure that they are doing everything they can to make sure they stop the Chitauri right in their tracks.

It isn't an easy fight or one that the Avengers would be able win in an easy fight, the Chitauri continues to make their attack on the planet. It got so bad that they had to ask Scarlet Witch to put many in a trance in order to evacuate them from the city. The fight continues on for hours and it looks like that the Chitauri are more relentless in the fight that they are fighting with the Avengers still having that same determination over the course of the fight. But they all knew that this is nothing compared to whatever else Thanos might be planning in the future, they don't know what other things that Thanos might have in store or if they will be ready for it. They still have to fight him and hopefully this will show Thanos that it is going to take more than sending more Chitauri to get them to back off. Not too mention, find Loki and Gamora before Thanos does and hope that he will be willing to answer some questions. That is if they will be able to find them in time and if they will somehow finally get this ship to launch, all they can do now is hope that everything turns out alright and fight off the Chitauri before they cause any more damage.

Two Hours later in Space

After two hours of navigating through space, almost running out of fuel, arguing whether or not they should stop for supplies or which song to play next (well it was mostly Quill and Rocket arguing.) It was a long couple of hours for everyone to the point that an annoyed Loki exit the navigation room to get a break and see if he can practice some combat with the sword or any moves on his own when they made it past the first hour. The Guardians and Loki finally arrived at Earth, well above the planet trying to figure out where might be the]e best place to land and how quickly they can get to Earth. At least Loki told them that they were in New York and used his magic to cloak the entire ship and them so that way the Chitauri won't see them and they won't drag any attention to themselves.

Right now, they are trying to figure out what might be the best way to find New York and to land there. So far they seem to be going on the right track and they are just putting the coordinates and about to start the landing sequence. It won't be long until they are finally on Earth and hopefully in the right city and maybe even find a way to get to the Avengers' tower. Then the hard part will begin, trying to convince the Avengers that Loki and the Guardians are truly on their side and to see if they might be able to get their help for the plan.

Loki knows that all of this can go wrong and that they need everything to work out if they want to not only have an advantage over Thanos, but to also hopefully have one aspect of the plan to work and maybe just maybe it will be enough to finally stop the mad titan. Though Loki does wonder how will they react to his return and if they will listen to him even with many already know that he has changed and would believe that he is truly there to stop Thanos. The four Avengers never really have a reason to trust him and he wouldn't be surprised if they don't even want anything to do with him. As for Thor, Loki wouldn't be surprised if the moment that he steps into the room, there will be yelling, an argument and who knows what more trouble that might be in store for him. Then again he has been lying to his brother and half of the problems could have been avoided if he told the truth even before Thanos made his attack.

No matter what happens when they land, whether or not they listen to him or not or Thor and Darcy never wanting to see him again. Loki knows that he has to try to convince everyone that he is no longer a monster that they would need to stop and that the only one that they need to stop is Thanos. That they will need to put all of their differences aside if they want to stop him, at least stop Thanos before it's too late. Even if they refuse to listen or at least stop to think about what he is offering and is willing to at least hear the plan. All he knows that he is going to leave the planet and never come back, it will be best for everyone and he is only going back because this is the right thing to do. Even if the outcome will hurt him more than they will ever know...

Gamora soon enters the room with Groot and Rocket following behind her, she knows that Loki is feeling guilty about every single thing that has happened in the past few months. That this trip to Earth can change everything and that Loki have some reservations in facing Thor, Darcy and the other Avengers, especially for his past actions. So she might as well talk to him and tell Loki what they all agreed on after he left, that will at least make the situation a little better on his side and that they will get it out there. Once she approaches him, Gamora knows that this will be a good moment to tell him, their decision and that they are ready to start the landing sequence for Earth.

"We believe that we finally found the coordinates to this New York city, Quill is going to start the landing sequence at any moment." said Gamora.

"When she said Quill, she means that I did most of the work, while he goofs around and acting like an overgrown man child." said Rocket. "So this is it huh? You are finally going back home to see one of the last people that you ever thought that you would see again, well rather go to and see if they can help us out over here."

"That is if they are willing to listen to us and if we are not being chased out of the planet afterwards or worse." said Loki. "At least the sword can help us in case we need to make an escape, though I really don't want to use it if I have to..."

"I am Groot. I am Groot." said Groot positively. Loki quickly turns to Rocket for a translation and just hoping that he can share the same reassurance and sense of positivity.

"He said that 'everything will be fine'" said Rocket. "Besides we have your back in case they are going to cause you any trouble."

"At least there are some who don't see me as a villain that needs to be stopped and refusing to see that I might have the capabilities to change my ways." said Loki. "Don't be surprise if we have to deal with the stigma of my past history and it's unfortunate reputation that has proven to be nothing but trouble."

"It can't be as bad as bad as the reputation we had before we saved the galaxy." Said Rocket. "Before we can't even go anywhere without watching our backs and now that we're one of the good guys, everyone loves us."

"Well almost everyone..." Said Gamora. "But still at least you have the luxury of having two planets against you rather then the entire galaxy."

"It's technically three planets, I didn't leave Jontunhiem in good terms the last time I interacted with them." Said Loki. "But still at least I still have the freedom to go wherever I want, depending if everyone has the same mindset as Thor did and no one believes a word that Thanos says."

"That is something we don't need to worry about, if everything works out and Thanos doesn't make a grand announcement of how he succeeded in his goals." said Gamora. "Since there is no announcement and no one aside from some people on Terra and us saw you alive and well, the thing about Thanos he would have done something like he did to Strange to you right about now if we haven't escaped. At least you can use that as an advantage and then everyone else over time will start to move on with their lives and will forget everything that Thanos claims."

"But it won't erase the fact that they know that I'm Mysto and that I have been alive this entire time." said Loki. "Any lingering bonds that I may have back on the planet or the fact that... he knows..."

"We have been doing some talking after you left the room earlier, we all decided that if things doesn't work out when we arrive and if you still believes that it might be better to leave and never look back." started Gamora. "You are welcome to stay with us and join the Guardians, to start a new life and yet not completely start it off on your own."

"Really? You would let me join your team and let me stay on the ship?" said Loki surprised of the offer, the Guardians are now giving him.

"Yeah, we are always ready to welcome someone that is on the same boat as we were and besides we have all been through too much together in one day that we are just not going to ditch you." said Rocket. "Either way we would have offered you a spot on the team despite the messy situation that you have back on Earth."

"I am Groot." said Groot with a big smile that Loki didn't even need Rocket to translate what Groot is saying and he is starting to grow fond of the sappling.

Loki quickly gives the three a grateful smile and they spend some time talking and enjoying each others company until Drax came in and said that Quill needs Gamora and Rocket's help with the landing sequence. They left to help while Loki and Groot stay behind to look through the window as they are about to land on Earth and the moment that Loki knows can end in a lot of ways. Though part of him is happy to see Darcy again and it would be nice to at least have one more moment with her before he faces his doom. Along with see anyone else that has stood be his side, it will be reassuring to see some that are still loyal to him after everything that has happened and he wouldn't be surprise if Jane is happy that Thor finally knows.

Though he does wonder how would his brother react to his return and if things will somehow work out between the two of them. The best scenario would be Thor would listen, understand and accept him as a brother again and agree to help. But the scenario that is more likely to occur is that Thor would be angry beyond words and never want to see him again, that the damage is irreparable and that they will never be brothers again. That is the one thing that is holding him back and he just hopes that whatever outcome is waiting for him on Earth is better than he is imagining.

Chapter Text

Fortunately the ship finds it's way to New York and while they are flying through the sky from above, they are all surprised from the sight of the city. Loki and Groot soon joined them to see the damages as they are flying through. It looks like that Loki's theory about the Chitauri attack on Earth was right and they did more than enough damage. There are broken buildings, debris all over the ground, it look as though the Chitauri did not hesitate and made sure the city pays the price that Thanos sent. To send out a message with hope, it would make the people of the planet to meet Thanos's demands and then they can put an end to the threat, well at least long enough until Thanos finally use the Gauntlet.

Loki stare in shock by the sight of the city, he has never noticed that the Chitauri can cause this amount of damage or that he may have played a part in all of this and that maybe he did go a little too far on the destruction that he helped created in the attack. He knows that everyone is disturbed by his previous actions, but he never thought that they would have a point, where even Loki is starting to realize that he went too far. Loki does not even know if he ever wanted any of this, he only wanted to be seen as equal and thought ruling would be the answer, taking over Earth and that would be enough. Loki didn't even think about the damage he ever caused or if he even did more harm than good during the invasion. He has always assumed that the Avengers, Jane, Darcy, Odin, Thor and his mother were exaggerating and the city is better than they made it sound, but at least they are here now to try to put a stop to Thanos before he sends more Chituari to make the situation worse.

"Looks like that your theory about the Chituari making their move on Earth was right, unfortunately they also seem to have caused more damage than we thought that they might do." said Rocket. "Did Thanos make them go through an upgrade or something?"

"From the look fo this damage and my last encounter with the Chitauri, we don't even need to see the fight to know that Thanos is focusing on trying to make sure that he either intimidates the people of Earth and the Avengers to give me up or hope that I would feel guilty enough to give myself up to him." said Loki. "Though he is being too overconfident if he honestly think that we are going through all of this again."

"Thanos will also make sure that everyone will pay until he is sure that he will make sure that he destroys everything that stands in his way to make sure that he gets what he wants." said Gamora. "This is just the beginning, I wouldn't be surprised if Thanos is already planning his next attack on Earth and then he will continue to attack until he either find us or destroys everything."

"I am Groot." said Groot curious about the world that they all are now in and want to see if there might be anything that might be from Earth that he has already been introduced to or Quill mentioned it at least one. Though the city is more destroyed than he imagine, but he still would like to explore the planet and to see if he can find anything else on the planet to enjoy and see if it has anything more to offer Groot and to see if there is anything more in store.

"I don't know or think if Earth has always been this way and even then we still have yet to see the rest of the planet." said Rocket. "Maybe it won't be as destroyed as this part."

"Trust me when I say that Earth is nothing like this, it's actually more cooler than- since when does Time Square have giant tvs on their buildings?" said Quill who is surprised by the tech upgrade of the city.

"A lot of things must have changed on this planet since the last time you were here." said Loki. "I know that there are something here that I know that I find admirable and that maybe the people of Earth is not as underdeveloped as I. thought."

"Is that suppose to be a complement to everyone on and from Earth?" said Quill not even knowing what to think about what Loki just said.

"Well it's one of the nicest things I have ever said about Earth so far." said Loki. "So yes I believe it is and should be considered a compliment."

"Now that's a good one." said Drax lauging with Rocket laughing as well in the background.

"Guys, we still have to deal with Thanos and trying to find this tower before anything else happens." said Gamora regaining the rest of the team and Loki's attention. "So how much further until we get there?"

"We are getting closer and we are not that far from it." said Loki. "Fortunately it is at least a block or two away from this area and let's just hope that they are at the tower and they all believe in second chances."

They continue to navigate through the city as they follow Loki's directions to Avengers tower as they continue to get closer and closer to their destination and that they are going to be facing a moment where they just hope that everything works out in the end. There is no telling how they will react when they finally arrive at the tower or if they will listen to a word they say or be willing to give Loki a chance. But they all know that this is the best chance they got and that alone will change the outcome of the fight that they still have yet to face and that alone is nerve wrecking.

Loki just hopes that they would all listen to them, if they don't then they will just leave and that maybe they will have enough power to try to stop Thanos. He just hopes that they will listen to them, that Thor does not have a grudge against him and that maybe he will be willing listen and haven't told all of Asgard his secret and that Darcy is not in some jail cell where she is paying the price for all of his actions. The same goes for Jane, simply because of the whole Infinity stone situation and for briefly helping them. She still shouldn't be paying the consequences for his actions and to be put in jail for nothing more than trying to help to learn more about the Infinity Stones and to help stop Thanos. At least he is going to find out once they eventually find out.

Meanwhile back in Avengers Tower

The Avengers are taking a break from the struggle that they all just have during the fight and how it took them forever to fight off every single Chitauri that has gotten tougher than they thought. They all knew that if they are going to fight off against Thanos, maybe they should also focus on trying to train more and advance the Iron man suit before their next fight. They all were grateful that Thor and Wanda were able to use their powers to defeat all of them in a quick second and that they can all finally catch a break.

Natasha, Steve and Pietro knows that they have to focus on training harder if they want to beat the Chitauri at their own game and to make sure that they are stopped for good. While Tony on the other hand is mostly focusing on creating a new Iron man armor that has the capabilities to not only create larger blasts and maybe even create something that will at least be able to stand up against Thanos if he has to fight him on his own. Bruce on the other hand is happy that the Hulk was able to do some good for the overall battle and how he was able to smash more than he thought and helped the battle move forward rather than backwards.

While Wanda is practicing with her magic with simple telekinesis like summoning food or the remote to better prepare herself for the battle up ahead. She figures that she will need to get better at using her powers to help take down Thanos and to make sure that he pays for everything he has done to them, Loki, Gamora and Vision. Thor on the other hand is trying to figure out what might be the best way to deal with Thanos and find Loki, he just hope that wherever they are that both Loki and Gamora are fine and that he will be willing to him out. He has half the mind to leave now and to go after Loki right now, but there is still the ship that will eventually launch and Thor figures that if they don't get the ship out by tonight then he will go out and find Loki and Gamora before it's too late.

At least the ship is almost done and maybe Bruce and Tony will be make up for lost time and will be able to get the ship to launch in time. Jane knows how the state of the situation is and hopes that wherever Loki and this Gamora are alright and that maybe they are on their way to Earth so that way not only it will repair both of their relationship but to also know if Loki is alright and that he didn't get in trouble because of her.

Darcy just hopes that Loki is alright wherever he is and even if he never comes back to Earth, at least be somewhere that Thanos can't reach him. While Gamora reunites with the Guardians and is back to the life that she had before Thanos caught her. That at least wherever they are, that they are hopefully fine and maybe they are far away from this galaxy beyond where Thanos may be. She knows that she really cares about Loki and actually likes like him, but the fact that Thanos is never going to wake up one day and decide to leave Loki alone and give up on this quest for power. She knows that will never happen and that if this is the way, then she wishes Loki the best of luck and to be happy and safe wherever he is. Even after everything they have been through and the fact that she would like to see Loki again, she knows that if Loki feels like that this is the way and that Earth would be the first place Thanos would look. It is already hard thinking that she might have to let Loki go without saying goodbye, but she knows that if this is for the best then she just hopes that Thanos won't get to him and that he finds whatever new life that he is looking for.

But still at least Loki and Gamora's escape have given her a good moment to apologies, especially since now that they all know that this changes their overall goals in the mission and that maybe things will be easier. That maybe they will be able to be a little more lenient to hear her out and at least that they will be more understanding. Despite the fact that they all just faced a Chitauri invasion and that they are still trying their best to recover from that and to plan their next move. But still this might be the only time that she might be able to clear it up until she have to wait till later to find another perfect moment to say something. Now this is the moment that she knows that can't wait and one that she knows that she might as well say something right now. At least she hopes that this is the right moment for her to apologies and that this is the start to repair any damage from all of that stuff.

"Well since you guys took care of the Chitauri and now that we all know that Loki and Gamora escaped from Thanos's ship and that they are now somewhere in space right now and that no one died out there." said Darcy rambling on what she is trying to say and hoping that the apology. "Sorry about the whole keeping Loki being alive, Thanos and the entire situation with the Infinity Stones and us going after it before Thanos does a secret. Thor sorry about lying to your face for the past few months and keeping Loki being alive a secret. I was just trying to help him and thought that maybe if encouraging him to play Mysto, to find the stones and to be his friend that maybe he might be a good guy and I kinda felt like that he needs help or a friend or something..."

With that Darcy stopped herself, not even knowing what else to say, she really hope that Wanda is right and that maybe they will be understanding. But at least she got it out there and that it will be one closer on finally and at least hopefully clear things up. That maybe they will be able to understand where they are coming from, but so far this seems to be a good sign just because of the fact that arguing and shouting matches hasn't started yet. Maybe this is a good sign and that they might be off the hook after all.

That is she hopes and when they do find Loki, then maybe they will be more open for it and that they will focus on the fact that Loki is no longer evil and that right now they should focus on defeating Thanos. She just hopes that they are cool with her now and that maybe they will be understanding, at least she will save her friendship with Thor or at least that she and Loki won't be behind bars when this is over. Now she understands how Loki feels, this is so nerve wrecking and she doesn't know how much more of this she can take without going insane.

"Darcy, I know that you were just trying to help and I do not hold a grudge against you." said Thor. "At least you were helping Loki and make him see the error of his ways. Even if you didn't tell me that Loki is alive, at least you were there for him and gave him a chance to start a new life. I am grateful that he at least found someone to talk to and trust that he might have changed for the better."

"So I'm guessing that we're still friends or at least still cool with each other?" said Darcy relieved at Thor's response and hoping that this is a good sign that their friendship is beyond repair.

"Yes we are still friends, half of the things that happened and occurred was not your fault. At least Loki was in a place where he was safe from Thanos and is free from his cell and to see the world a little differently then how we were raised." said Thor. "I just wished that I knew about Thanos sooner and he would have told me then maybe we would not only be better prepared but I would still have my brother by my side even if he was wearing a mask and I didn't know that he's my brother."

"Hey I was the one who was keeping Loki being here aa secret and it was my idea to have him go around dress up as Mysto and go around to hunt down the stones and maybe even go out to stop crime." said Darcy. "So I didn't really help matters if it comes to the honesty side of things and not too mention there is also the fact that you had to find out the hard way and that must have been a shock to say the least."

"Well it was a surprise, but I am going to do everything in my power to find him and make sure that I show him and do everything I can to repair our relationship somehow..." said Thor.

"If it makes you two feel any better I think that you might be left off the hook, there is no way we can just put you in jail without revealing the whole truth." said Natasha. "Everyone here believes that Loki is dead and now with Thanos making these claims, no one would believe us unless we have Loki standing right in front of them. Even if that does happen, no one would listen to us or at least give Loki a chance to speak for himself without someone ready to accuse him of planning something."

"She has a point, look what happened with the Hulk when I lost control during the start of the whole Ultron incident and how we introduced the twins as the newest Avengers." said Bruce. "We definitely had a lot of backlash back then, I can't imagine what would happen if we just came out with Loki and say that he helped us save the universe?"

"Yeah, no one would believe it or take us seriously if that happens." agreed Jane. "We are talking about the same guy who tried to take over the world and destroyed a city in the progress, that's just the biggest argument in the room. It's going to take a miracle to convince everyone that Loki really changed and that he's not working with Thanos or something."

"We all heard Thanos, when he was taunting that guy in pajamas with a cape about how he didn't believe Loki earlier about the stones and Thanos, himself. If that's how that guy reacted then who knows how everyone else will, though I don't really blame him that- Wait who was that guy and why did you guys even meet him in the first place?" said Tony.

"I never met this guy and I don't even know why-" started Darcy before she stopped herself before she realize something. "Loki did say something about some guy that he had to literally fight for the time stone, something about him being a strange doctor or something. I'm guessing that he must be the guy that Loki fought for the stone."

"At least that answers that question, how long will it take for us to get the ship to launch?" asked Thor ready for the search and just hopes that he doesn't have to go out there alone.

"Well no thanks to the Chitauri, we kinda fell behind schedule and I don't even know how long it's going to take for us to put the finishing touches and test runs." said Bruce. "Well I hope that we will be able to make up for lost time and be able to continue through with the plan, but realistically we can't just rush through it and hope that things work out in a couple of hours."

"So your saying?" said Darcy nervously.

"That it might take us more than a day to make up for lost time, especially since it took us most of the day to fight off every Chitauri that attacked and it might take us at least 1-2 more days to make sure that we can get this ship ready to launch and not too mention safe for all of us to travel in." said Bruce.

"At least we still have some form of transportation that is going up there." said Wanda. "The question is how are we going to get up there before Thanos makes his next move?"

"She has a point, if we are going to do something then we need to do it now before Thanos makes his move and it is worse than before." said Natasha. "We need to get this ship out and ready to fly now."

"I would offer to help build it but I can't figure out which part goes where and with my super speed it might make things go longer than we want it to go." said Pietro. "Any other great ideas?"

"I don't see any other way on how we can make this thing take off any faster unless-" starts Tony before...

"Hey is this thing working?!" yelled out a gruff voice from a loud speaker outside. "Do I have to speak louder for them to hear me?"

"Rocket, these people are not as weak as you may think and are capable of hearing us perfectly fine." said a female voice that all of them minus Jane quickly recognize as Gamora and they all turned to see that a giant orange space ship is right in front of them.

"Yeah you talk to me and you never find the need to raise your voice when you do that." pointed out Quill.

"What I have only met one of you Terrans in my entire life and I can't predict what you all are like." said Rocket defensively.

"He has a point." said Drax casually.

"No he doesn't, not all humans are like Quill. Well... most of them aren't and they are capable of hearing us in a normal speaking voice if we are in the same room as them." said Loki defensively. "Why are we even having this argument? We have more important things to worry about and we can't afford to loose any more time if we are to defeat Thanos."

Simply hearing Loki's voice caught both Thor and Darcy's attention, Loki's here and he's alive and alright. Darcy is happy that Loki's back and at the same time surprised to see him return, she always thought that Loki would leave and never look back if Thor ever finds out that he is alive and is Mysto. But either way, who cares? Loki's back, he has Gamora and she's guessing Gamora's friends that she keeps hearing about and now he's back willingly and maybe they will see the good in Loki that she is trying to show them. While Thor on the other hand is happy to see that Loki is back and that this might be the start to try to repair their brotherly relationship, maybe they will be able to start anew and that he would be open to talk to him and maybe be willing to start anew...

"Yeah he's right, ok people of Earth we have come in peace and all we want is to help you stop the evil all powerful Thanos and..." started Quill. "Ok guys I don't know where to go from here."

"Seriously is that the best you can do, now everyone is going to think we are here to clown around and not take anything seriously." said Gamora annoyed as she takes over when it comes to making the announcement. "Hey, we are here to offer our help to stop Thanos and we also have a plan that might possibly-"

Before Gamora can even finish telling the Avengers, Darcy and Jane more, the five of them notices that the ship is starting to move and they all turned to see that someone forgot to take the key off and little Groot is on the control panel playing with it. The four other Guardians and Loki immediately got into action to try to stabilize the ship and to regain control. Quill quickly reaches to the main controls, Loki quickly and gently picked up Groot and quickly handed him to Rocket, while Drax and Gamora quickly start to stabilize the ship and to make sure that they regain control somehow. Rocket on the other hand has a couple of things to say to Groot and is ready to lecture him of the dangers of trying to play with the controls and trying to drive a ship without even knowing how to drive it.

"What were you thinking of playing with the controls? It's not a toy for you to play with and to see if you can somehow figure out how to drive it." said Rocket. "You need to wait until you are a little older before learning how to drive."

"I am Groot." said Groot innocently.

"Yeah I know you were curious but that doesn't mean that it's ok to try to take over the control panel when it's fully operational and-" starts Rocket and before he can even finish reprimanding Groot, something unexpected happened.

The ship starts to move forward too quickly, Quill accidentally is making the ship move forward and is trying to do everything he can to regain control of the ship. But it was no use, the ship won't stop until the next couple of seconds and he is still trying to regain some kind of control over the ship. As the ship continues to get closer and closer to the tower. As a precautionary measure Loki quickly uses his ice powers to make a ice covering over Quill in case the worst happens, he just hopes that things doesn't go that route and they would be able to regain come control over the ship.

It was too late because by the time that Quill managed to get some kind of control, the ship hits the tower and breaks not only a window but knocked the Avengers A logo out of place. Fortunately none of them got hurt and that everyone inside of that particular room in the tower managed to get out of the way just in time and they were all staring at the damage that the Guardians unintentionally caused and it definitely does not look good. Most of the glass of the main window is broken and the Avengers A logo was slinging back and forth, the good news is that at least the top part is heavily bolted and they don't have to worry about it falling off. But the only thing that Tony has to worry about is paying for the repairs and fixing up the tower again.

"Thor, no offense but your brother is really expensive." said Tony in deep frustration as he stares at the damage.

Jane and the other Avengers stared in shock at the damage that just happened, all of them already knew that Tony is definitely is not going to let this go and that Loki better be prepared to not live this down for a long time. While Darcy is now feeling a mix of ashamed, frustrated and worried as she puts a hand on her face out from all of these emotions, so far she doesn't think that new Loki is making a great first impression and not too mention there is also the fact that she is now worried that since now that Tony knows that Loki is Mysto, that in a few weeks later she and Loki will be receiving a really big bill in the mail from this for all of the repair and they will be in more deeper hot water then they are right now. While Thor can't help but feel guilty for what just happened and really hopes that Tony would accept Asgardian money as some form of payment for the damages.

Thor is not the only one who is feeling guilty about this recent event, Loki doesn't need to read through everyone's minds to know that things are definitely is not looking good when it comes to making a good impression and convincing them that he is just here to help. He just wishes that the team will overlook it and maybe they will take the excuse as it was just a mistake. But then again this wasn't entirely his fault, he didn't even have anything to do with this and it was mostly Groot's curiosity and Quill's lack of control that broke the window. That won't stop them from finding some sort of excuse to put the blame on him and that maybe they will use that said excuse and accusation to put him back in his cell and try to deal with Thanos on their own with little to no preparation. At least the Guardians were able to regain some control of the ship, but there is one small problem...

The ship is completely damaged itself and Quill is having trouble making sure that the ship is staying in the air and doing everything he can to make sure that they can find some place to land before they completely drop from the sky and they make a unplanned crash to the street. Rocket and Gamora quickly went to the control panel to help Quill regain some kind of control over the ship and maybe even possibly somehow save the ship. Drax is looking after Groot to make sure that he doesn't get in anymore trouble and to make sure that he is nowhere near any danger. While Loki is trying to figure out what might be the best way to not only save the ship and themselves but to also figure out how to possibly convince the others that they are here to help even with all of the evidence stack against them.

But right now they have more important things to worry about, as the ship begins to struggle in staying up in the air. As the trouble continues to grow, the Guardians starts to have their usual bickering that later leads to Loki in asking how they can remain friends and stay sane with all of the arguing that happens between them. Well he might as well get used to it, if he's going to be spending the first moments of space with the Guardians then he is going to need to get used to this. At least the Guardians are still good allies that he can trust in a battle and at least he will be able to have some by his side that is not going to hold his past against him. He quickly look through the window to see if he can find a spot for them to make a hopefully successful landing. After a few seconds of suspense, he eventually found somewhere that might possibly work as a landing pad.

"I believe that I might have an idea on where to land, but I do have one question, do you think it's possible for this thing to fly any higher than where we are?" asked Loki.

"I can try but the main problem is that we might only have a few seconds before it comes crashing down and we all fall to our deaths." said Quill. "Why in the world would we want to go any higher than this if we might crash at any moment?"

"There is landing pad for these flying objects that humans use to fly around the planet and navigate to one land to another." explained Loki. "If we want to land safely and to hopefully we somehow manage to survive this, then we are going to need land on the pad and maybe just maybe we will be able to somehow land."

"It might work if we hurry, I think we have no more than a minute to somehow get this ship high enough to that perch if we want a smooth landing." said Rocket. "I'm going towards Loki's plan, it is better to at have some kind of plan or at least land somewhere before this thing looses power and we drop from the sky."

"Yeah since that's the only idea we got, then we need to do it right now before it's too late." Said Quill. "Everyone get ready, we're in for a bumpy landing, well let's just hope that it's less bumpy than how we're already imagining it would be."

They all quickly got to work to try to get the ship to land on the tower successfully, but that was easier said then done simply because the longer they are in the air the more that they loose power. Gamora, Rocket and Quill somehow managed to get the ship high enough where they will be able to successfully land the ship or at least crash without little impact happening. They eventually manage to get the ship to land on the base and that struggle was anything but easy and it was a miracle that they managed to do so. The landing happened rather abruptly, the moment that they managed to get the ship from above the base after a struggle of getting the ship higher and to make their attempt to land on the tower and save themselves from falling to their deaths, (well for Loki's sake just some bruises).

Before they can even start the landing sequence, the ship's controls starts to shut down and it drops to the roof in a loud crash. Fortunately none of the Guardians or Loki got hurt by the crash and managed to survive that. Once they all quickly recover from the crash and quickly check if they are all alright, the Guardians and Loki got out of the ship to see what are the potential damages that might possibly have happened to the ship as they focus on the damage that is created from that unplanned crash and how it is taking the time to repair it.

The five of them knew that the ship is going to take a while to repair let alone fly again soon, it might take them weeks to make sure that they seen all of the damage and somehow obtain the parts that they might need to fix the ship. Neither of them don't even know what to say about this and Loki can hardly imagine what the Avengers might have to say about the idea of him having to stay on Earth for a while until the ship gets repaired and then he will leave the planet for good. At least Darcy will be happy with that news, none of them knew what to say or if they can say anything except Groot...

"I am Groot!" said Groot excitedly as they all stared at the damages, capturing all of them especially Rocket by surprise.

"What?! We are not going to do that again, the ship's a mess and even when we finally fix this, we are not going to wreck it again for fun!" said Rocket in frustration and surprised that the little sapling is thinking that. "In case you haven't figure it out, this is not fun and we were really lucky that none of us got hurt from all that!"

"Well it doesn't take a genius to know that this baby is grounded for the next couple of weeks." said Quill quickly checking his walkman. "At least my Walkman is still in one piece and that we can still listen to some tunes while we're here or at least lighten any mood."

"Is that honestly the thing that you are most worried about?" said Loki in disbelief as he stares at him. "You do realize we have worse problems to worry about then a random piece of technology."

"What could be worse than my walkman breaking beyond repair?" asked Quill in disbelief.

"Maybe the fact that the six of us might be placed in jail for simply damaging the tower and how you are all helping me." said Loki. "It wouldn't surprise me that they already have a makeshift jail for me and would be happy to expand it for five more if they find any reason to be suspicious."

"Yeah, there's that but this means everything to me simply because..." started Quill before he stops himself and not wanting to reopen old wounds for Loki or himself. "Uh... never mind, you have point there that I can't really argue with."

"What I'm more worried about is when we have to confront Thanos and how we're going to get up there to meet him." said Gamora. "I doubt anyone from Terra will be open to have us meet Thanos and possibly have a fight against him in this city."

"If we do succeed in recruiting the Avengers, it's more likely that they are going to have Thanos face us somewhere on this planet away from any cities and towns." said Loki. "That what we all did the last time and even then it didn't really worked out due to Thanos's master plan that I completely fall into and if we had won that battle then we might not even be in this situation."

"Thanos has a way to manipulate other to get what he wants, at least now he has all of us to fight off." said Gamora. "If we can somehow fix this ship before the next two days will make me happy, we are going to need some form of transportation if we are going to get him and the Chitauri away from this planet. The first thing we should do is talk with the Avengers, ask them to help us and show them that we are truly on their side."

"Yeah... you guys should let me do all of the talking, I want them to hear what I have to say before they make any assumptions or decisions without at least hearing what I have to say." said Loki as he starts to head towards the door that leads them inside the tower. "Maybe they will listen and we will at least find some kind of an understanding with the Avengers willing to at least listen to our side."

"Shouldn't we find a way to communicate to them and tell them that we're on their roof?" asked Drax pointing out the fact that the doors might be tightly secured.

"No it's ok, I got it." said Loki as he opens the door breaking the lock and the door knob in the process, along with starting to head inside. "Let's get this over with and hope that this goes better than I already am imagining."

Loki and the Guardians to start to make their way inside the tower, to meet whatever fate is waiting for them inside and what might be the Avengers response to his entire return to the planet and if they are going to be open to help them. He just hopes that they will be able to somehow convince them to go along with his plan, he doubts that they would even stop to consider what he might have in mind on how to stop him. He wouldn't be surprise if they are all thinking that he is an unethical villain that doesn't think of anyone but himself and wants to possibly take over the universe in the progress. Loki knows that he has to somehow convince them otherwise. He just hopes that they are as easily persuasive and open for giving second chances, along with maybe he can somehow persuade Thor into at least be open for not only keeping his survival a secret against Asgard but to maybe help him with his plan to defeat Thanos. After that then he'll leave and they will never see each other again.

He just hopes that Thor will at least consider what he is saying and be somewhat the voice of reason, along with maybe be the only one open to his return. At least Darcy is going to be happy to see him again, he knows that deep down he would be happy to see her again and at least they can spend at least a week or two after the fight against Thanos while the ship is getting repaired and to maybe even say goodbye. He highly doubts that they will be able to stay in touch because of any range or connection that might allow them to communicate to one another in space. They might as well make the most of the time that they still have together and try toend things right. He just hopes that that things somehow work out and that maybe there is not a jail cell waiting for them.

7 minuetes later

The Avengers, Jane and Darcy are looking at the damage that the Guardian's ship just made, they are still going through the thoughts of Loki, Gamora and whoever else aboard on that ship is here. They all know that Loki is here for a reason, that he and Gamora might have possibly brought some kind of backup or at least hopefully be on their side. There is also the fact that maybe this might be a trap or some part of an scheme that Loki came up with, but the Avengers (with the exception of Wanda, Pietro and Thor) all knew that they are taking a risk in possibly hearing what Loki has to say and teaming up with him to stop Thanos. But what choice do they have? Loki and Gamora are the only ones that know the most about Thanos and if Loki really has changed, then he might be able to help in the end and to finally defeat him for good. But the real question is can they trust him?

Darcy is more than happy to know that Loki is here and might possibly have a plan to stop Thanos, not only they will be able to finally stop him but they will see the person that Loki has become and to give him a chance. She knows that Loki has changed and is now a good person, one that would go out and face Thanos bravely and to fixes his wrong. She just hopes that Loki just talks to Thor and then maybe just maybe they will be able to work things out, she knows that both brothers still care about each other and wants to make things right with one another. All they need to do is talk to one another and then they will be brothers again, she also hopes that they are able to make things right between themselves. They both left things in an awkward spot where they ever really had a chance to talk and try to make things right with one another. But still he's back and that all that should matter even if there is the fact that Thanos is still out there and he is going to make sure that he destroys the world just to get revenge on Loki and who knows who else.

Thor is just hoping that he and Loki can have a chance to talk and maybe see if they can somehow work out all of their differences. He doesn't know if Loki would want to reconnect with him but he knows that if Loki really has changed and became a hero then he can't miss this opportunity. At least Loki is here right now and all he has to do is find the right moment to talk to him. Though he doesn't really know what to say to Loki or if he can find the words that are good enough for Loki and to at least hopefully find a way to reconnect with his brother. He can't loose him again or be in a worser place where their relationship is beyond repair. He just hopes that Loki will listen and hope that they can somehow make things work. Thor knows that it will take both of them to possibly make this work and that Loki might not, but he is determined to convince his brother to give this a chance and maybe he will finally have his brother back by his side.

Jane just hopes that things will work out for Thor and that maybe both brothers will finally make things right with one another, she just hopes that Loki will accept her apology for unintentionally handing the Infinity Stones to Thanos, that latter led to his identity getting revealed and for his capture and his unplanned trip to space. She just hopes that he would at least accept the fact that she was just trying to help and didn't mean for all of that to happen. While everyone is thinking about Loki, whether it's to trust him or is his well being, Tony is too busy looking at the damage that was caused by the ship and is worried how much he would have to pay or what more damage that might happen with Loki being here.

Either way they all know that at any moment Loki might appear and they are going to be dealing with him again, that they are going to deal with him again and they don't even know what he is going to say. But still at least Darcy, Jane, Wanda and know Pietro that Loki has changed, while Thor at least have some glimmer of hope that he can somehow get his brother back. Steve and Natasha think that it might be possible that Loki might change,

Natasha knows what it's like to have a dark history and what it's like to try to have a flesh start and to try to redeem herself for her past actions. Steve can relate what Thor is going through and how it's tough to reach out to someone that may be close to you so close but yet far to reach out. He had to deal with the brainwashing that Hydra did to Bucky and how much trouble he is having trying to reach out to someone that is impossible to reach. He knows that at least Thor has a chance to fix things with Loki and just hopes that both of them takes this chance.

Bruce is unsure about Loki and how to feel about all of this, he knows that all he has to do is turn into the Hulk and smash Loki in case anything happens that gives them the idea that Loki might not be on their side. But even he knows that the main problem would be that dealing with Thanos and even if Loki doesn't do anything, Thanos will continue attacking until he gets a good hold of Loki and to make him pay for everything that he blames him for. He doesn't even know what to think about Loki, after how he manipulated him to turn into the Hulk and destroyed the Quinjet and Coulson. But still he did help Gamora escaped, went after the stones, didn't hurt Darcy, Jane or anyone else and the most he did was accidentally leading that Strange guy to Thanos in whatever happened back then and he did try to save them back there. So maybe there is some good in him...

Tony doesn't even know what to think or if he truly trusts Loki yet, he can name a couple things that Loki has done that goes beyond the whole Mysto thing and he has the tower and a couple of bills to prove it. He's willing to go along with whatever they decide to do even if he doesn't like the idea of possibly having to work with the guy that threw threw him out a window once. Other than that the Avengers doesn't even know what to think about this situation or what they might have to say to Loki, Gamora and whoever else that may be on the ship. But before they can even have a chance to think about what they might say or to at least unlock the roof's doors and let them into the tower, the main door opens up with Loki, Gamora and the rest of the Guardians came into the room ready to talk things out and to see if the Avengers are willing to hear them out.

They are all surprised to see the group that is standing right in front of them, Loki and Gamora are standing right in the front with some of the most unexpected characters/creatures that they all have ever seen. Even Thor is surprised to see that there is rabbit with a long tail and a little tree boy on his shoulder, the Avengers, Jane and Darcy are surprised by the sight of the group. No one needed to ask to know that the rest are the Guardians of the Galaxy and that they are now on Loki's side, that maybe things are not too good to be true. But they still haven't heard on their reasoning for being here or answered any questions that they all have, though they are going too hear them out and get those answers. Neither one of them knew what to say or how to start this conversation with them. Fortunately they didn't have to think of something.

"Loki, you're back!" said Darcy excitedly, before she stops herself and tries to play it cool and casual "So how's space?"

"It would have been better if I wasn't being held captive by Thanos or the fact that he will loose his mind if I don't meet his deadline." said Loki. "Other than that it feels good to be on this planet again even if it's better than I remembered."

Darcy can't help but smile, she was about to race and hug him. but she stops herself because of the fact that Loki might not appreciate a hug in front of everyone and she doesn't want anyone to know about her feelings or at least Loki. She just got him back does she really want to make things awkward between them just because he knows and a relationship between the two of them. She needs to keep it cool and still be the friend that has always supported him and been there for him from the very beginning. So she decides that it might be best if she just go with the causal approach before any tension between the five Avengers and Loki possibly rise. That is she hopes that they will be willing to listen Loki.

"I know that I am the last person, you all I want to see and I have a good reason on being here." said Loki. "I can explain-"

"What I'd like to know is why would you come back and put this planet in even more danger than you already put us in?" said Tony defensively.

"We did not come here to cause any trouble or at least I hope that we didn't cause any more trouble." said Loki trying to reason with them, but he doesn't even know what might be the best words to convince them due to their past history. Fortunately Gamora and Rocket have a few things to say that maybe help ease any distrust that may be on their mind.

"We all came here to help, if we all want to finally stop Thanos then we are all going to need to work together." said Gamora. "Holding a grudge is not going to help us defeat him or somehow regain all of the stones and the guantlet."

"Yeah and if you guys have a problem with us then-" started Rocket as he is standing up for Loki and themselves. He was about to make a threat or something to try to make them see that they are their side, but it may be the exact opposite.

"Rocket, trying to intimidate them is not going to help our case or convince them that we are on their side." said Loki trying to calm the raccoon down or at least makes things better than they already are now looking.

"Wait did that raccoon just talk?" said Pietro who is surprised to see Rocket is a raccoon that talks.

"We fought and were held captive by an alien army and that was just this past week alone and a talking raccoon is the only thing that is surprising you?" said Wanda in disbelief.

"I am Groot." said Groot agreeing with her, capturing everyone's attention towards the young tree in complete surprise.

"Ok we now have a talking raccoon and a twig, is that a normal thing anywhere beyond Earth?" asked Natasha.

"To be honest this is the first time that I ever had to encounter a talking rabbit and tree child." said Thor. "Let us listen to what they have to say before we make our judgement."

"Believe me when I say that you all would be happy to accept what I am about to say." said Loki trying to lighten the mood, once he noticed that no one is laughing at his attempt to make a joke, he just gives a sigh and knows that this is his only chance to convince the Avengers and he needs to succeed in convincing them to help them or else the plan might not be able to work. "Look I know you all have every right not to trust me and have many reasons to be furious at me."

"Have you forgotten the whole incident a year ago and don't get us started on the fact that you lied to us for the past two months?" pointed out Tony.

"Yes I realize that those were not my best decisions and that it caused more than enough trouble for all of us, but everything is different now and I only came here to ask for your help and if we want to defeat Thanos then we are going to need to work together, if we want to finally stop him then we need to play Thanos's own little game." said Loki.

"What exactly are you saying?" asked Steve unsure whatever Loki might have in mind.

"It's seems clear that Thanos has the hope that thanks to his grand reveal of my identity that you would all turn against me and would be more than happy to have you all turn me over to him the moment he sent his last message." said Loki. "If we all team up then maybe we will be able to use his own plan against him and we will be able to change the overall course of the fight. That maybe, we will also be getting the upper hand and possibly be strong enough to defeat him for good."

"We're listening." said Steve crossing his arms and willing to hear what Loki might have to say.

"If we team up that alone will put Thanos at a great disadvantage and we will be able to do the one thing that Thanos will never expect, I have already came up with a plan on how we might be able to defeat him for good." said Loki. "I understand that you all do not want to listen to a word I have to say or would want anything to do with me but Gamora and myself know Thanos better than anyone, we can provide all of the information that you need to defeat him."

The Avengers minus Wanda and Pietro look at Loki unsure what to think or if this might be a good idea or even know if they should go with what Loki is saying. Then again if Loki had some big master plan then he would have already have done it before Thanos exposed his identity. The most damage that Loki has ever done during his time on Earth is accidentally destroying the tower and giving Tony an unwanted repair bill. Maybe they should give Loki and apparently the Guardians of the Galaxy. At the rate things are going then maybe they should take the risk. Thor just hopes that his brother knows what he is suggesting and that he is truly is back, he is just happy that his brother is alive and turned over a new leaf. He just hopes that they would be willing to give him a chance and maybe that will be the start of a renew relationship between the two of them. They all waited for an answer from one of the Avengers or at least Steve say something, once the moment is right he turned to the eight people, two Asgardians, tree and raccoon in the room.

"Let's meet here again in two hours, so that way I can have enough time to think about all of this and maybe for you guys to get settled and check out the damages that you guys have on your ship." said Steve. "I need more time to think about what might be the best course of action and what our next move should be for all of this."

"Look you all can do whatever you want with me but just leave Darcy, Jane, the Guardians and the Maximoffs out of any consequences." said Loki trying to reason with the Avengers and hope that they would hear him out.

"Why don't we just focus on- wait you two knew Loki was alive and Mysto?" started Bruce before alerting his attention to the Maximoff twins with them looking unsure about this sudden development and isn't surprise that the Avengers now know that they knew before all of this. While Loki starting to realize that they didn't know that part just quickly give the twins an apologetic smile for causing them trouble.

"Yes, we knew after I quickly went through Loki and Darcy's mind when they rescued us after retrieving one of the Infinity Stones when we were trapped with Hydra." explained Wanda. "I saw that they had good intentions and that Loki is now a different person compared to his little visit to New York. So as a thank you for rescuing us and helping us when we came to both of them, we both decided to keep Loki's secret identity from all of you as a thank you."

"At least that clears things up when it comes to all of that." said Darcy who is grateful that the twins didn't tell them and genuinely wanted to help them out just because they helped them out.

"So I'm guessing that we're at risk of going to the big house too?" asked Pietro not happy of the idea that both his sister, himself and everyone else that got involved in all of this especially Loki and Darcy might end up in a jail cell once all of this is over.

"Uh... let's just focus on just trying to stop Thanos before it's too late and we'll meet back here in that time frame." said Steve. "While we think about what might be the best course of action when it comes to dealing with all of this and then we can talk..."

The Guardians quietly left the room with Loki following them, they know that they would only make things awkward if they stayed in the room. Plus Loki also knows that deep down he can't stay in a room where he might have interact with Thor. The last thing he wants is to be placed in a situation where they will be in an awkward spot that will later lead to an argument and then things will be worser between the two of them. He doesn't even know how to deal with the whole Darcy situation, especially since he doesn't even know how to start things off with her or at least clear things up from the last time that they met and how their friendship is nearly ruined due to all of what happened prior to Thanos's arrival to Earth, any conflicting emotions and the fact that she might get in trouble because of him. Maybe it would be better if he just distance himself from them earlier on before he goes up to face Thanos, that way it will be easier to leave everything behind once all of this over.

Once they all left the room, Thor on the other hand is not happy to just let Loki go without a word or at least make an effort to approach him while he was there. But part of him doesn't even know what to say or how to start repairing the bond that has been broken and one that he would give anything to repair. He also wants to find a good moment to talk to him, though the question is how is he going to do it? How is he going to talk to him without an argument starting or Loki pushing him away? He wish that Loki stayed to talk to him and decided that before they confront Thanos and defeat him for good. Then maybe he wouldn't feel as lost as he does now and all he have to do is figure out when might be a good time to talk. He can't loose Loki again and is going to appreciate the chance that he now has to make things right with Loki and to hopefully they will be able talk things out. For now all he should do is just give Loki some space and maybe before they can reconvene he can go find him and then will talk to Loki, all he has to do is wait for the right moment and maybe they will be able to make things right.

Darcy on the other hand can't believe that Loki now has the chance to finally fix things with his brother and he's passing up the opportunity to do so. She knows that this needs to end and that these two should talk things out and make things right between the two of them. Maybe she will be able to find some time to encourage Loki to go to talk to Thor and maybe things will be able to start to get better between the two of them. At least that way they will be able to see that they both want to repair their relationship and they are both standing the way of trying to make things right between themselves.

Jane is also thinking that same thing right now, at this rate as things are looking right now, they are going to keep beating around the bushes until Loki eventually leaves the planet in the worst case scenario and even then they might not even say a word other than simply goodbye or whatever else they may say to one another in a fight whether it's through an argument or fighting off against Thanos.

She decides that it might be best if she follows them, not only to talk to Loki about all of this but to also apologize about what happened and hopefully he would be able to accepted it. Though she doesn't know if they can officially call their relationship as friends, but she still cares about Loki from those nights researching the stones and what happened the last time they met before things went this far. She would say that they are more like acquantencases at this point. Where they are not really friends but at the same time they can say that they care and don't want to see each other get hurt, she just hopes that maybe she will put things into perspective for Loki. She just hopes that she somehow manage to get through to him.

Chapter Text

20 minutes later

The Guardians (well mostly Gamora, Quill and Rocket) are hard at work on checking the ship to see the damages that happened when it crashes into the tower. So far it is worse than any of them can imagine or at least what they would like it to be. Once they deal with the fight against Thanos then it is going to take them forever to get repaired long enough for a round trip. Loki and Jane were watching the three of them hard at work to see the repairs, while Groot is wandering around the tower to explore, they sent Drax to look for him and to make sure that he doesn't get in any trouble. Loki is just hoping that for some miracle that they will be able to still have some form of way to fix it as quickly as they can, but he doesn't think that will likely happen at the rate things are going. Jane on the other hand is waiting for the right moment to talk to Loki and at the same time wondering all of these pieces of alien technology work. After a quick investigation, the three Guardians already can tell that the damage is worse than they thought.

"Well I think it safe to say that little crash was worse than we thought and we'd be having a busy couple of 'days' once this is over on fixing it." said Rocket. "But there is also something... I have some good news and some bad news when it comes to all of this, do you have a particular preference?"

"Let's start with the bad news, to get it over with." said Loki really not in the mood for any more set backs.

"The ship is so badly damage that it might take us longer to repair it and it might take more than a couple of weeks to possibly repair it enough to at least to get this thing off the ground." said Gamora in deep frustration. "Unless you can use your magic to fix the ship or your friend over there knows something about ship repairs."

"No I can't say that I do." said Jane. "But I have to say that your ship is so awesome, I would like to know more about space travel and how the ship works overall."

"Once this is over then maybe you can help out with the ship repairs." Said Quill. "We could use an extra hand when it comes to repairing this thing.

"Quil. Gamora. Loki and new girl we just met... A little help over here." Yelled out Rocket with his tail stuck under some giant motor where it looks to be some kind of engine or something. Both Gamora and Quill quickly went over to lift the battery high enough for Rocket to pull his tail out. Once Rocket does so then they both put the battery back in place and Rocket quickly check on his tail before about to get back to work.

"Yeah we can use the extra help we can get if we are going to somehow fix this thing before the fight upon us." said Gamora. "Is there anyway you do know a spell on how we can speed up the repairs?"

"I can't say that I do, the best I can do is see if I can levitate the ship from the ground but the only problem is navigation because I would have to remain here or be on another ship in order to make sure that I can see where it's going." said Loki. "Even then I don't know how we can do this without any guarantee that it would be completely safe."

"Beside if we can fix this before tomorrow then maybe we will be able to take off and maybe just maybe I will be able to fix this thing to at least be able to take this thing for a spin around the planet." said Rocket. "That is if if you still want us to go off and fight Thanos."

"That's the overall idea." said Loki. "Please tell me that good news you were referring to earlier."

"The good news would be that at least you would be on Earth for the next couple of weeks if we can't get this repaired on time." said Rocket trying to add some positivity but quickly notices Loki's frustration. "But I'm guessing that's not really good news for you is it?"

"Isn't it obvious?" said Loki annoyed. "At the rate we are going for ship repairs then we might as well call Thanos to declare victory already. I just hope they would be open on having the fight on this planet if we can't get this repaired in time."

"So you all want to fix the ship to possibly go back to space and fight off Thanos?" asked Jane surprised to see that Loki is willing to do something like that. "Especially after what happened the last time? I never really saw you as someone who is ready to admit your mistakes and to face them heads on."

"To be honest, I didn't think that I would come back here to get help to face him or enlist the Guardians to help me. But after sometime I realize that I may need some assistance if I want to stand a chance against Thanos." said Loki.

"Yeah since you thought going up against Thanos with a magic sword would be more than enough to stop him with the rest of us playing back up." said Rocket pointing out the last plan that Loki thought off that is mostly of him going alone to fight him off."

"Rocket, now it is not a good time for-" Started Gamora before she got interrupted by Jane.

"You were going to what?" Said Jane in complete shock. "What were you thinking of going it alone? What does he even mean by a magic sword?"

"I mostly thought that it might have been a better idea to go it alone and to see if I can stop him on my own." Said Loki. "I just realized that there is no way that I will be able to defeat him on my own and hiding and running from my problems is what got us into this predicament in the first place."

"Yeah but you still haven't-" started Jane before getting interrupted by Rocket.

"Come on you guys know that it would have been a huge lost to fight against Thanos the way things are looking it would five against an army." said Rocket. "I'm not even counting Groot just because he's a kid."

"He has a point." said Quill.

"How is predicting our odds is going to help us repair the ship to face Thanos?" said Gamora who is starting to share the same frustration as Loki may be feeling.

"Uh someone had to point it out." Said Quill not helping the situation.

"Did it have to be now?" said Gamora annoyed at how their supposed team leader is acting immaturely when it comes to this whole situation.

"Well anyway, going completely off topic from whatever this is." started Jane and she knows for the good of the current situation and everyone's sanity over this. "Right after all of that happened, they-"

"I am Groot! I am Groot. I am Groot." said Groot happily to the whole group with Drax following him.

"Guys you won't believe what we found, we found another ship that we might be able to use to get off this planet." said Drax excitedly. "I didn't know that this planet had space ships too?"

"Wait you guys have actual space ships now and you didn't tell us?" said Quill surprised at that announcement.

"What? There are no advance space ships on this planet and. the only space ships they have is mediocre compared to this one. Besides when Darcy and I had to go out to see if we can find any of the stones, we used hidden portals to travel off this planet." said Loki before stopping himself on a realization on what. the two might mean. "Are you referring to the Quinjets?"

"Uh. No there is an actual space ship right in this glass tower place, maybe we can use it to avert Thanos's attention from this planet." said Drax. "So that way we can still proceed with the plan

"That can actually work and with a different ship then we will be able to fly out without any detection from any witnesses and no one else but us would know that we. were on it." said Gamora who is starting to like this idea and is surprise that she is actually agreeing with Drax with a plan like this.

"Yeah, but the only problem is that they still haven't managed to figure out on how to have it fly out safely." said Jane. "After he got the stones and Loki, they all wanted to build the ship to go after Thanos and to save both of you, but the main problem is that they couldn't figure out how to launch it safely and keep it afloat while at the same time deal with any potential landing issues that may come in the way."

"Really? That's all?" said Rocket surprised, got up and ready to make his exit. "I think I might want to have a look at this thing and to see what you guys came up so that way I can make it better than whatever Quill can come up with."

"Hey, I have more experience with ships then these people and you are ready to assume that whatever us Terrans came up with is worse thing that you ever imagine." argued Quill going after Rocket with Drax following behind the two to see how this argument will end. While Gamora is rolling her eyes at the whole situation at annoyance before turning to both Loki and Jane.

"I better go and make sure that those three stay out of trouble, along with to see that maybe this thing might possibly have any potential to navigate in and we need to have some form of transportation if we want to do this." said Gamora to both Loki and Jane before kneeling down to Groot so she can talk to him. "Hey Groot, do you think you can show us where this ship is?"

Groot happily nodded and starts to head towards where the ship is, Gamora quickly gives a look to both Loki and Jane before beginning to follow Groot and joining the others. Once all of the Guardians are gone, there is suddenly a silence between the two not even knowing what to say to one another. Jane decided that it might be best for both of them if she is the one that starts of this conversation and she just hopes that Loki will be willing to hear her out and maybe they will find some common ground. She just hopes that he will listen to what she has to say and at least consider what she about to say, but first she needs to get at least one thing out of the way and to say it now. But she might as well start things off with a friendly conversation before they go over the topics that might not be a good thing to start of a conversation after everything that happened.

"So... Your friends seem interesting and really different then the Avengers, I'm guessing that they always act like that?" says Jane. "I didn't think that I would ever guess that you would hang out with some jokesters that includes a talking raccoon."

"Well they are the most interesting group that I have ever encountered, they rescued Gamora and I when we escaped from Thanos. They and Gamora happened too save the universe once and even voluntarily help me when... I was up in space when they didn't have to help or accompany me embark on a journey that I needed to take, but they still did so and even save me at one point, they are reliable in combat." said Loki. "Well most of the time."

"I'll take your word on it, you guys did arrive on a working space ship that looks cooler than anything I have ever seen in Star Wars and went through who else what during your time in space." said Jane trying to lighten the mood before realizing that the next thing she should do is definitely apologize for what happened. "Hey look about the whole taking the stones and tried to use them against Thanos without telling you about it, I'm sorry-"

"I have already forgiven you, it is also partially my fault that I didn't explain to you how the stones work and how they can be activated or at least made sure that the stones were still in the vault." said Loki looking back at the situation and holding no forms of resentment towards Jane.

"Loki, you never thought that you needed to take the time to check or explain of the stones to me. If I just told you what I was planning to do then..." started Jane before stopping herself from going nowhere on this conversation. "Maybe we were both to blame, if only we just told each other everything and communicated better..."

"You're right, at least now there is some hope for us to rise against Thanos and we shouldn't focus too much on what happened on that day." said Loki. "We can only move forward and try to stop him before he does more than simply revealing my identity."

"Wow, since when have you been so good at being the voice of reason?" said Jane. "I never thought that you would even be the type that would care about taking the time to be nice."

"I have always been the voice of reason, someone had to be if they used to go on adventures with Thor and his friends. If I wasn't then we both wouldn't be alive to tell you the tales." said Loki. "Plus there is also the fact that I have been living with Darcy for this long, so her sentimentality seemed to be rubbing off on me. While we are on the topic of her, how did they treat her after I involuntarily left on Thanos's ship? Did they try to arrest her or is she currently paying the price? Not that I care of course, I just want to know if she didn't pay the price or might still do so because of me."

"Well they are taking things easier on Darcy and wasn't that hard on her and they might not even punish her just because of the fact that aside from hiding you and all of the things you guys did to try to obtain all of the stones. She was just trying to help and not too mention all the two of you wanted to do is to stop Thanos, so at least they realized that they can't punish her for that." said Jane. "I don't even know what they are thinking about you, but I bet once you prove to them that you are truly on their side then maybe they will be more forgiving towards you and they will let you remain free."

"I doubt that things would go that far or let alone they would all be forgiving because of my past, in case you haven't notice Stark has to pay for a new window and that's nothing compared to what I did in the past." pointed out Loki. "How did Thor take the news of Mysto's true identity and how I faked my death and survive? Was he furious at me?"

"He was upset about it at first, but then he was ready to do everything in his power to get you out of there and get you back." said Jane. "He really cares about you Loki, Thor was ready to risk his life, getting captured and getting lost in space for you."

"You do recall that Gamora was also on that ship too, he might have wanted to go on the ship to rescue her." said Loki who believes that Thor would be more angry then forgiving when it comes to the current situation.

"Even if Gamora wasn't on that ship, Thor would have still gone after you and do everything he can to save you." pointed out Jane. "Here's the ironic thing that I have noticed about you Loki, here you are doing all of these things to prove that you are great and to try to get everyone to care about you. But yet, you never really needed to prove yourself and Thor, your parents and anyone that may have known your secret before Thanos like Darcy has always cared and you are running away from them. Why would you want to run away from the people that care about you?"

"I don't know... it would be for the best if I just focus on the task at hand and try to defeat Thanos before it's too late." said Loki unsure of himself. "I have already lost everything, so I might as well finish what I started and defeat him for good. Then I will leave and never look back, that has always been the plan and I am intending to follow through with that plan."

"But still things might be different now, why don't you just go talk to them?" suggested Jane. "At least fix things up with Darcy from that argument you guys had before all of this and go explain everything to Thor before you go off to face Thanos. So that way you can at least save the friendship you have with Darcy and whatever is going on between you two and you two will work things out. Plus you might as well give Thor a chance to understand why you made these choices and show him that you are truly sorry and changed. Then at least Thor will know everything and you will be happier that you got that clear up and at least you tried to make things right."

"I can see Darcy ready to accept me back no questions ask, that's in her nature even if I don't deserve it. That is one of the most admirable things about her and one trait that I know I will always admire and that is one thing that I hope will never change about her." said Loki. "As for Thor, I doubt that he would ever forgive me for everything that I have done and besides it would be better for both of us if we stay apart."

"Just go talk to him, then that way you will at least clear things up." Said Jane. "If things don't work out and both of you guys think that things are way beyond repair then I'll back off and you can leave without looking back."

"Fine I'll do it, mostly to see if there might be a chance that he would be open to listening to what I have to say and to at least have the right to say that I was right when all of this is over." said Loki. "Don't be surprise if Thor later comes to you to complain about how I am the worst brother ever and he can hardly wait to never having to see me again."

"Trust me, Thor is going to be so happy to have you back and that you also want to fix things between the two of you." said Jane. "Though I don't really need to tell you that, you should know that better than anyone that Thor will be happy to have you back and you have nothing to worry about."

"For once I hope that you are right and maybe I will even take back every negative thought I assumed of you prior to when we first met." said Loki.

"Thanks... I think." said Jane who is not sure if she wants to know what things that Loki may be thinking about when he was in his cell before all of this happened.

"Now that we are on good terms, I need to ask you a favor and it is something that might change the overall course of whomever may get injured over the course of the battle." said Loki and he quickly pulls up a key and is about to hand it over to Jane. "This is a favor that can help increase our chances, the reason why I'm asking you becasue I can't leave without getting someone suspicious and it might be best to be trust worthy if I want them to hear me out. Plus you are one of the only few people here that I not only trust but also on good terms at the moment. Here's the key to Darcy's and my apartment, I just need you to go grab something for me and it might be useful later on."

"What do you want me to go grab for you?" asked Jane who is ready to do everything she can to help.

"Remember the healing potion that I used to heal my injuries and fake my death in the first place?" said Loki with Jane nodding. "I have two bottles of it, one half and a full bottle of the potion. I need you to go and grab it for me simply because Thanos will try to use the gauntlet against all of us and we are going to need it before we go face him."

"Where is the potion?" asked Jane, quickly receiving the key and is now ready to help in anyway she can.

"I put the vials in a bag in my room, it's on one of the hooks near the bookshelves and it will be the only objects in the sack." said Loki. "But you will need to be careful because these vials are really fragile and we are going to need every drop if we are all going to survive what is up ahead."

"Ok got it, I guess I will see you when I get back?" said Jane. "Hopefully..."

"I know talk and hopefully make amends with Darcy." said Loki who doesn't know if he should admire or be annoyed at Jane's persistence.

"And?" asked Jane simply just wanting to hear Loki say it out loud.

"And to talk to my brother with hopes that he would be open on making amends and maybe he won't completely be ready to at least disown me." said Loki. "Is there anything you would like to add to the list of objectives?"

"Nope, I think that covers it." said Jane who can't help but smile at the whole situation. "I'll be back and you definitely got this."

"We'll see and I will find a suitable time to do so, but I can't promise the results that might happen." said Loki. "I am grateful for your help and maybe once all of this is over and when you and Thor finally proceed to the next stage of your relationship the you might want to consider to visit me in my cell."

"You're not going to jail if things work out and they will." said Jane. "Just trust me on this one, don't worry about it."

With that Jane left the roof, leaving Loki alone to think about everything that has happened in the past few days and how things are heading. He doesn't even know how he is going to approach Thor or convince him to listen to what he has to say. What if he wants nothing to do with him? But then again Jane and Darcy must have already told him everything and explained to the Avengers his side of the story, that is if Thor wants to believe it. At least Thanos did him a favor for making that reveal, but still he wished that he was the one that told Thor everything. He just hopes that Thor will listen to what he haas to say...

At least Darcy will be open to listen to him and maybe she will also be open to have a conversation with him. He knows that his past attitude prior to Thanos was anything but friendly and he wasn't the best friend that Darcy had in a while. But he might as well try to be now and if Thanos is going to try to destroy everything just because of power and simply just because he wants to see him fall. Though he knows that he will have no trouble in trying find Darcy because he knows that she is probably is going to find him first, then things are going to get a little interesting when it comes to the whole friendship department. Well before he deals with the wrath of his brother and hopefully he will be able to fix things with Darcy and they can at least spend some time together before they face the fight of their lives. He might as well have a moment for himself to reflect and go through the plan again to make sure that there is no flaw in the plan before they face Thanos.

10 minutes later

Loki goes to the outside edge of the tower where he first saw his invasion in action and prior to his fight with Thor. Even before all of this and during his brief little visit to New York, he really admired the view as he emerged out of the tower and despite all of the chaos that was going on at least he was able to have a moment of peace before having to go through all the troubles he knows that he would face later on. That is one of the moments that he remembers where he didn't have to worry about Thanos or failure, now that things are going down towards a path that he doesn't even know where it will end or how things are going to turn out in the end. At least things can't get any worse from here or at least he hopes that there is some kind of sign that things might turn around.

"Looks like I finally found you, with a tower like this then you would think that it would be easy to find every Avenger or someone that is on their side that is a guest here for the time being that happens to be a superhero." said a voice from behind him. "Though to be honest this would be the last place I would ever think that I would find you here unless... Wait are you using your magic to create an illusion for no one else except us can see you?"

Loki turned around and he sees Darcy standing there, he doesn't even know what to say he is just surprise to see Darcy there or let alone wanting to talk to him. He didn't expect this and part of him thinks that she is just there just because of the whole Thanos situation. Hoping that he might be willing to put the Mysto back on and he would continue to fight after Thanos. It's probably that though he should tell Darcy that the costume got destroyed during his little escape, then maybe it will allow her to forget about it with no hopes on getting a new costume or suggesting he can just use his magic to recreate the costume. Though the emotional attachments may. be clouding his judgement but part of him is happy to see Darcy again, after a brief few seconds Loki finally found the words to start things off and he might as he would in any conversation before all of this...

"To answer your question, I have set an illusion for only you, Jane, the Maximoffs and the Guardians to be able to see me." responded Loki. "If you are here just to give me one of those motivational talks to encourage me not to give up or to try to find ways to convince me to be Mysto again then just leave me alone. I am not in the mood to talk about-"

"I actually wanted to see if you are alright and check up on you." said Darcy capturing Loki by surprise. "I mean come on Loki, this is the first real conversation we have in like a week and so much has happened since then. You have been through a lot and two of the major things is being trapped on an alien ship with a overpowered Thanos and who knows what happened when you and Gamora escaped. Plus there is also the big fact that the Avengers and especially Thor now knows that you have been Mysto this entire time. I just want to be here if you want to talk or anything."

"Well since your here and now that we are about to face a monster that is going to make sure that I suffer a fate worse than death and that everyone will pay the price for simply trying to help me." said Loki. "I might as well clear things up before it happens, I'm-"

"It's fine I have already forgiven you for that part and I guess I should have listened to your side of the story and should have never doubted that you would have done something like that." said Darcy. "I should be the one apologizing to you for reacting the way I did and for calling you-"

"I moved past it, we are in the midst of an battle that we haven't even won and you honestly think that I would be sulking over a past argument when we have all of this to worry about." said Loki. "Not too mention there is also the fact that Thor now knows that I have been playing Mysto for two months and keep it a secret after supposably dying in the Dark World and been keeping it a secret during that time frame. Unless he suddenly is happy about all of this."

"Yeah Thor had a really intense reaction to say the least, long story short I think he broke the record for being able to go through the five stages of grief the fastest." said Darcy. "Other than that, he seems to be happy you're alive and wanted to go after the ship to rescue you. I don't think that he's going to be ready to give you a shouting match or secretly finding an excuse to take you back to Asgard to put you in a jail cell. At least things can't get any worse from here."

"Define worse." said Loki in a monotone tone before sighing. "I should have never agreed to do this."

"Come on, we were this close in winning and all Thanos had to do is create an elaborate plan that tricked us into giving him the stones." said Darcy. "At least he hasn't done anything with the stones yet."

"Wait two days from now and you'll see that Thanos will be using the stones more often to simply try to find my location and destroy everything in sight starting with Earth." said Loki. "No thanks to us, Thanos's plans for the stones are going to happen sooner rather than later and now we have the others against me. Why did I agree to become Mysto in the first place? Why couldn't I have just gotten up and leave rather than agreeing to do this?"

"You're asking me? I'm not the one who woke myself up at two in the morning ready to be a hero." said Darcy. "Now that I think of it why did you change your mind that day? I mean one minute you were like 'there is no way that I will ever be a superhero' and the next minute your ready to be a hero. It did come out of nowhere and it was really surprising to say the least."

"Let's just say that I saw it through a new perspective and I felt like that I had to do this to fully redeem myself." said Loki. "To make things right for myself after everything that happened and besides my mother wouldn't have wanted me to remain a villain to everyone's story and she would have wanted me to do this."

"Ok I take that as an answer, are you sure you're decide to do this for your mom or maybe you wanted to do this more for yourself?" asked Darcy. "That maybe deep down you knew that you needed to do this and you want to be free from your mistakes and think that if you try to do this then maybe it will be the first steps in the right direction."

"I don't know... Maybe you are right, that maybe I didn't agree to do this just for my mother or even for anyone else including Thor. Maybe I chose to go on this quest because..." started Loki. "It doesn't matter, it was all for nothing and our efforts only sped up Thanos's plans quicker than he may have if we haven't interfered."

"Come on it does matter, you took the time to try to gather these stones to try to stop Thanos." said Darcy. "Sure you needed some persuasion at first, but over time you started to want to be a hero, well most of time and it's often to try to get the Stones and defeat Thanos for good. I mean you could have walked away when we got captured, but you didn't and tried to save all of us. Plus you came back, so that has to count for something."

"I almost didn't, but after everything and what happened in Thanos's message, I realized I can't run away from my problems any longer." said Loki. "Being Mysto, avoiding my past and Thor led to all of this. That I need to finish this and maybe I can finally be free from my past and start anew, Thanos will do more than just make Earth suffer just because no one else outside of this tower except Thanos and his army knows that I am alive. He will gladly use that ignorance as an excuse to attack the planet and later Asgard."

"Ok ignorance is not bliss in this case, at least Thanos hasn't done anything yet and we have the advantage of having time to plan our next move." said Darcy. "Uh what is our move? What's the big plan that you already cooked up and how are you planning to stop Thanos?"

"Well all I need to do is to try to convince the Avengers that I am truly on their side and then tell them of my plan." said Loki. "If we're lucky then they will see sense and we will finally defeat Thanos."

"Wait did you say 'we?'" said Darcy hopefully and excited at the idea that Loki is not only more willing to work with the Avengers but to possibly consider that they are both a team.

"Of course I did, the Guardians and I are going to need all the help we can get if we are going to defeat him for good." Said Loki. "Plus I can also use your help as well and maybe even more of your unconventional ideas that works surprisingly well at times."

"Yeah I can do that, so I'm guessing that you are now considering us a team and you now want my help?" asked Darcy.

"Well you did help me and was there from the very beginning, so I have to give you that credit." said Loki. "Besides we are now on good terms again, so we might as well take advantage of this moment and try to work together before anything else happens."

"Are you talking about Thanos, Thor or some other problem that I'm not aware of?" asked Darcy.

"Right now it really depends on the scenario and besides this has gone on long enough and it is about time that we put an end to this story." said Loki. "If we are going to put a stop to this then we are going to need to make sure that Thanos doesn't expect the unexpected."

"Ok we're going towards the element of surprise." Said Darcy. "So how are you going to address the major elephant in the room? You know the whole thing about Thor knowing that you are alive and been Mysto this entire time? How are you going to talk to him about all of this? Are you even going to go talk to him?"

"Of course, I made a deal with Jane to do so, even if it is going happen sooner than I have originally planned." Said Loki. "I was also thinking that maybe before I leave I should talk to Thor and tell him everything. If there might be a fraction of a chance that maybe Thor would listen and he might be open to at least letting me go without a fight then I should take it."

"I'm sure you guys will work it out, I mean you and Thor already want to make things right and that alone is a good start." said Darcy. "All you have to do is try to start the conversation off in a casual light, then apologize for everything that happened and then you guys will be best friends again."

"You are making it sound that easy." said Loki turning away from Darcy. "What if you're wrong and Thor will and is angry at me?"

"I saw him back there and he was more upset about you being captured and not being comfortable enough to be honest with him." said Darcy.

"About my survival or my secret identity?" asked Loki who knows that those are the major reasons that he wouldn't be surprise to see Thor angry about that.

"No, for not telling him or your parents everything that happened between you and Thanos." said Darcy. "He wasn't happy that he had to find out the truth from Gamora and me rather than from you."

"I didn't think he would care, at least I know that I am likely to have Thor giving me a scolding about not telling him anything." said Loki can't even help but laugh a little bit at that even Darcy find it funny.

"Yeah he definitely would, but then again isn't that what big brothers do when things like this happen? They are ready to tell you off the moment that you make a mistake or you have been in some dangerous situation where we had to go on some crazy adventure to retrieve four of six overpowered magic rocks before Thanos does." said Darcy. "But still it would have been fun if we weren't fighting off any of the things that we had to fight off, at least we now have only Thanos to worry about and I guess this is it. The grand finale that we have all been waiting for."

"Yeah, it is not going to be easy." said Loki with a sigh as he becomes confident about the situation itself. "But we are going to stop him and I am going to make sure of it, if everything goes accordingly then we will win."

"Wow, talk about a boost of confidence and determination. Just remember that..." said Darcy who is unsure of what to say without making it sound awkward and decided to play it towards the friendship route rather than the other way. "You're not alone and I have you're back, you know in case you are doubting it or something. That I believe in you and things will turn out alright with Thor, defeating Thanos and everything in between."

"I know, no matter what we are going to stop him, we started this together and we're going to finish this together." said Loki. "Even if I might..."

"Hey, nothing like that is going to happen, I won't let it..." said Darcy. "Besides it's going to take more than Thanos to take us down and we are not going to give up without a fight. Yeah it's time to finally turn our loosing streak around, we're so going to win as long as we stick together and not give up."

"Well depending if everyone else will be willing to hear me out and remain on my side." said Loki. "After that little fiasco, I am not sure if they will be willing to do anything I suggest, let alone work with me."

"No matter what happens with the Avengers, Thanos or even Thor, I will stand by your side and will never give up or leave you." said Darcy. "We're friends and a team, we stick together and we won't ever let each other go."

Loki gives Darcy a smile in which Darcy returns, they find themselves admiring the view for a couple of minutes and to at least have a moment for themselves before reality returns and Thanos will be doing everything to make sure that things does not end well for Loki or the universe. But before they have to return to reality and face Thanos, they might as well enjoy this time and little did both of them know. The two of them started to hold hands out of nowhere, they both stared at themselves for a couple of seconds before Loki quickly pulled his hand away from Darcy. He definitely does not want to go any further than this and before he can even try to find some way to figure out a way to get out of this situation, Darcy decides to make a move and simply just hug him.

Loki is more than ready to try to push himself out of the embrace and stop the entire moment, but at the same time he didn't even bother to try to break out and for once he feels happy towards their interaction. Not that he would ever admit it to Darcy or anyone out loud, but he's happy that Darcy and him is back on good terms again. At least he doesn't have to worry about their friendship being ruined anymore and he might as well let Darcy have this hug simply because of all they have been through so much in the past few days and he doesn't even want to imagine what it might have been like for Darcy when he was up in space. He wouldn't be surprised if she had to pay some kind of price no thanks to him and at least they will soon see that he means no harm. For now he just simply hugs Darcy back, at least they will be able to at least have this moment before facing Thanos and the future.

Before either of them can say a word or find an excuse to break out of the hug...

"I am Groot. I am Groot." said Groot from behind. "I am Groot?"

"There is no way I am going to translate that." said Rocket standing right next to Groot, after seeing the two Loki and Darcy quickly break the hug up with Loki trying hard to look like that they were not just hugging just now.

"Uh what did he say?" asked Loki nervously not even sure he wants to know what Groot said.

"Trust me you don't want to know." said Rocket who put a paw on his face, shaking his head.

"Actually I do." said Loki already fearing the worse and wouldn't be surprised if they are assuming that they are a couple.

"Awe, there's the talking raccoon and the little baby tree boy." said Darcy already going towards the two of them and crouching down. "You never told me that you guys have this in space, just look how adorable they are. I just can't get over how cute they-"

"Hey who are you calling cute?!" said Rocket angrily.

"Uh... sorry I didn't mean to call you um cute." said Darcy rather awkwardly. "I didn't think that it would have offended you."

"I am Groot?" said Groot unsure what to think about all of this.

"Is there any reason why you two wanted to find me?" said Loki trying to stop this from going any further than it has already have.

"Yeah, the big blond guy who keeps calling me rabbit is looking for you." said Rocket. "You guys should see him, tearing this place apart to see if he can find you so he can talk to you. I'm going to safely assume that he's you're brother?"

"Yes that's Thor, at least I know that he wants to talk to me." said Loki with a sigh."It looks like I'm going to have to face him sooner or latter, it's time."

"Loki, you don't have to go to him alone. I mean he's cool with me now, so maybe I can go with you and be there you know be the peacemaker. That is if you want me to come with and be the buffer between the two of you guys." said Darcy. "If you don't then I completely understand and won't tag along, I'm not saying that you need some moral support or-"

"Darcy, I appreciate the offer but this is something that I need to do on my own." said Loki. "Thor needs to hear what I have to say and I need to at least try to make things right with him or at least give him some kind of an explanation and show him that I had a change of heart and really am sorry for everything that has happend. I just hope that he will be willing to listen."

"He will." said Darcy reassuringly putting a hand on Loki's shoulder as a way to give him some comfort to him.

"Yeah, he's looking for you right now. So at least there is some hope for you guys to put all that stuff behind you and straighten things out." said Rocket.

"Yeah what he said, just go in there and explain everything then maybe you guys will finally be cool with each other and you can move past all of this." said Darcy. "If things don't work out, just remember that you're not alone in all of this and at least you have nine people by your side."

"I am Groot. I am Groot" said Groot encouragingly.

"He says he thinks that things turn out alright and good luck." said Rocket.

"I will need all of the luck in the world if I want things to go well." said Loki. "If I know Thor, if he finished searching the tower for me then he would go to his room or find some space for himself to reflect or calm down of what might be happening currently that is upsetting him. Let's hope the next time we meet that I am not only in a pleasant mood and the only thing that I have to worry about is dealing with Thanos and that alone sounds more pleasant than dealing with my brother at the moment."

"It's not going to be that bad, just go in and talk to him." said Darcy. "You got this."

Loki just give the three a unsure look before he goes off to find Thor and hopefully things will work out between the two brothers. Darcy just hopes that things work out between the two and that they will be able to see how much they both care about one another. The ironic thing she has learned of both Loki and Thor from all of this is that they are terrible at communicating and they can avoid half of this trouble if they sat down and talk about their troubles. At least Loki is making the first move now and that they are one step closer on possibly reconciling. She just hopes that things works out for them and that by the end of this Loki will finally see that he doesn't need to leave Earth and that he can find the strength to make amends. That maybe he can be happy without the weight of the past or Thanos blocking his way and she just hopes that Loki is happy in the end no matter what might happens in the end...

"Uh how much do you two want to bet that they are going to fight?" said Rocket.

"They're not going to fight." said Darcy confidently.

"How can you be so sure?" said Rocket. "Haven't this gone on for a little over a year and siblings always fight over the littlest things and those things always come back. Have you met Gamora and Nebula?"

Darcy is about to argue back and wanted to say that there is no way that is going to happen, but she stops herself because even she has to admit that Rocket has a point. From looking at everything that has happened and how things are for Gamora and Nebula, there is a chance that things might not work. But she just hopes that things do end well and that maybe they will work things out and besides both Loki and Thor wants to make amends, so that's a good start and then they will at least find the words to talk about everything and before they all know it then they will be brothers again. She just hopes that Loki will pull this off and that they can both be happy again. Loki needs to do this, not just for the fight up ahead or for Thor but for himself. To start to move on from the past and be free from the guilt that he is now feeling towards everything that has happened and to move forward to the future with a possible strong renewed relationship with Thor.

Ten Minutes Later

Loki is standing outside of Thor's room and doesn't even know if he should go in, for starters he doesn't even know if Thor is in there and the last thing he wants is for Thor to think that he has been in his room for this entire time. Plus there is also the fact that he doesn't even know what to say or if he can even do this, there are so many things that are blocking between them and Loki doesn't even know what to say first. Should he start by simply apologizing or just give Thor an explanation of everything from being held captive by Thanos, after the Dark World and later on his attempt to gather the Infinity Stones as Mysto with Darcy by his side? How is Thor going to react to him? Will he be willing to listen to a word he say or would the attempt to have a conversation with his brother turn into an argument? Will he be happy to see him or angry that Loki lied and faked his death in the first place?

These thoughts are going through Loki's mind rapidly and he has half the mind to just leave without saying a word and try to avoid his brother for the rest of his time in the tower and just focus on stopping Thanos and his plan. But he knows that he needs to do this, not only because of the deal he made with Jane back when she first discovered the truth. To also see if he can start to repair his relationship with his brother, he just hopes that Thor would listen to him and that maybe they will be able to start to repair what has been broken for far too long. He just wishes that whatever happens, his brother will at least his apology and the truth, even if they never see each other again.

Soon he sees Thor entering the room, he is happy that not only Loki has an illusion covering his presence but he was right, he knew he'd come there to think or at least be there to try to calm down. He knows that his brother would take the time to calm down from his frustrations or to think about everything that might have happened. That was always the first place Thor would go to whenever he got in trouble with their father or an argument that he may had with Odin, his friends or even Loki himself to think about everything that has happened, the only exception was when his failed coronation and when he let the Jontuns into Asgard. They all know how well that ended...

Loki is happy to see that hasn't changed and at the same time feels a sense of guilt, it's his fault that Thor is like this in the first place. Well as it was many times in the past, Loki knows that this is the moment, so he quietly entered the room. He didn't know when would be the perfect moment to take down his illusion and to talk to Thor and hopefully he will be able to still call Thor his brother. He stares at Thor, he can't believe that he is going to do this and just hopes that he is ready for a potential rejection from him.

While Loki is watching Thor before he finds the moment to appear and to try to start to make amends with him. Thor is already in deep thought about his failed attempt to try to find Loki, already assuming that maybe Loki doesn't want to see him and just going to simply help them defeat Thanos and leave Earth once all of this is over like Darcy said. He needs to find a way to convince Loki to at least hear him out and to at least be willing to give him a chance to be a better brother and to start things anew. He doesn't even know what to say or do once he finds a good moment to talk to Loki, that is if he can even find him in the tower before and after their fight against Thanos. Even if Loki doesn't want anything to do with him then Thor just hopes that Loki would be happy, safe and free from Thanos no matter what he may choose afterwards. But still that doesn't mean he wishes that his brother would be open to remain by his side and they can start anew...

"You know I never really expected things to turn out like this," said Loki as he appears right in front Thor to his surprise. "and to be honest, I have always thought that if I ever did tell you it would have been after Thanos is defeated and I would have told you everything including my true identity privately."

Thor is surprised to see that Loki's here and he's here voluntarily to make things right. He doesn't even know what to say and one of overall emotions is happiness as he sees that his brother is here and is making amends on his own. That the hope that Loki is alive and truly went down on the path of good, he has seen the errors of his ways and Loki is doing everything to make up for his past actions. Thor is happy to see that Loki has not only started to see the error of his ways, but to see him here, letting go of everything in the past and to try to make amends now.

For once Loki can't tell if things are going well and what Thor might be taking all of this, he doesn't even know what Thor might be thinking or if he's accepting Loki back. He figured that this should be a good moment to try to explain himself and maybe then Thor will understand and he will at least be able to clear things up with his brother. He just hopes that Thor will hear what he has to say and then they will be able to move past from everything that has happened and to try to make amends. He just hopes that things don't go downhill from here.

"Look I know that what I did was hurtful and living in a lie and later learning the truth and being hurt from the fiction that the illusion created was also hurtful." said Loki. "I didn't mean for it to go on like this or for everything to get worse like how it did. I know that you are angry and what I did was unforgivable and-"

Before Loki can even finish trying to say everything on his mind or find the words say to continue on and to try to apologies for everything, the next thing he knew is something that he has never expected and is surprised to see it happen. Thor almost immediately hugs Loki, to his own surprise and Loki doesn't even know what to make of this. He is surprised to see that Thor would be open to forgive him that easily and is happy to see him, Loki always thought that things would be worse between them and everything would have ended in an shouting match. Instead Thor is just hugging him and happy that he's there and alive, rather than just simply standing there in shock, Loki feels a sense of happiness and relief, so he simply just hugs him back.

"I'm sorry for everything." said Loki. "I didn't want things to turn out like this, first I wanted prove that I was a worthy son and then afterwards, after I realized that I was wrong about everything, about you, power, Odin and you were right the path I was going on was dangerous and only hurted me more. After meeting Darcy and her insistence on going to gather the stones to stop Thanos, over time I realize I needed to do this and have to stop Thanos before he causes any more trouble and to at least make up for my past-"

"What matters now is that you're here now and you're safe. You're no longer on that ship with Thanos and you are free from him." said Thor.

"Well until two days from now and Thanos will do everything he can to hunt me down and he will use the stones to not only destroy Earth but everything on this planet and the universe until he finds me and make sure that I pay for everything that has happened." said Loki as he breaks away from the hug and turns away from his brother. "Maybe he's right, that this is all my fault and that it would be better if I... it doesn't matter, if things go according to plan then this will be enough to. stop him for good and...

"You're worried about what might happen after all of this aren't you?" asked Thor with Loki turning to face him nodding his head, before turning away from Thor already ashamed of recent events and at the same time ashamed that Thor knows his insecurities. "Loki, everything will be fine."

"You saw what happened back there, Thanos will be willing to do anything to make sure that he gets what he wants and he won't be willing to give in that easily." said Loki.

"Why didn't you tell anyone about Thanos in the first place? You could have told me before we fought in New York or at least hinted about it." said Thor. "You could have told Mother or myself when it was over and after we returned back to Asgard."

"Would you have believed me if I told you?" said Loki. "After everything, I wouldn't blame you for that and at least I know you're not that much of an oaf if you refused to believe Thanos when he was telling you the truth."

"I wish I had..." said Thor as he reflect on how he failed to protect his brother from Thanos.

"Thor, a lunatic came to Asgard and made a scene with the claim that he is after me and wanted me to give up the Infinity stones that I acquired to keep from him." pointed out Loki. "It would be sensible to not believe him, I know I wouldn't believe it if it was the other way around. You did see me die after all..."

"Yes about that, Loki is there anyway we can avoid another episode like this in happening again?" said Thor. "I don't think I would ever want to go through something like this again."

"It wasn't exactly the first time that you thought me dead or I played some sort of trick. At least you didn't have to wait a year or more to find out the truth and Ragnarok is happening right before our eyes." said Loki trying to be reassuring and making the last part into a joke, but he quickly notices that Thor is not having any of it.

"Loki, I honestly thought that I lost you and that you died to save Jane and me. Do you have any idea how much I mourned for you?" said Thor.

"Uh maybe..." said Loki remembering all of the times hearing this from both Darcy and Jane. "But I couldn't have done anything without revealing my identity..."

"So what? At least I would have known that you are alive and I would have been happy. What if something like that act you put on happens for real next time? What if you were so badly hurt that you..." started Thor before he stops himself and later continues. "Just think of this way, imagine if it was the other way around and I pretended to die and have you think it was your fault. Then through unexpected circumstances, you find out that I'm alive and well, how would you take it?"

"I'd probably would be upset if I thought that your death was my fault and I wouldn't be surprise if I would blame myself for it too." said Loki a bit regretfully. "I don't know if I'd be more angry or happy to see you're alive at first, but over time I would be happy to see you're ok."

"That's exactly how I felt throughout all of this, I don't think that I ever want something like that to happen again." said Thor. "What's worse is that I had to find out the worse way imaginable and you were trapped with Thanos. What if you and Gamora didn't escape? What if he did something to you and when we arrived it would have been too late? We'd probably wouldn't be having this conversation right now if you told the truth from the very beginning."

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm not planning to pull any stunts like that again especially after all of this." said Loki. "If the plan works then we will all not get hurt from all of this and after we defeat him, then I will face whatever fate that fa- Odin may have in store."

"I haven't told father anything yet, to be honest I don't even know how to tell him everything." said Thor. "Though we can go to Asgard soon if you want, we are going to need all of the help we can get if-"

"We can't tell him, if we do then not only we might not be able to do my plan but you know the laws." said Loki. "The moment that he sees me then he will put me back in the dungeons so I can finish my sentence, he will never pardon me."

"Once he hears everything you did as Mysto, how you came back even after your identity was exposed and now going to help us defeat Thanos." said Thor. "He would be happy and proud that you are doing this and-"

"That he will overlook it and will focus on the past, Thor you know how he is with every criminal, he will never listen." said Loki. "Even if he sees the truth right in front of him, he'll put me in a cell and this time under tighter security than it was initially. He would never make any exception to anyone who have either broke the law or betrayed Asgard in the past, what makes me any different?"