Loki paced around his small prison cell. The once mighty Asgardian had been turned into a prisoner being help captive by mere mortals again, with his brother keeping first watch.

"You didn't have to lock me up you know."

"We had no choice. The moment we turn our backs on you you will sneak off to formulate another quest for power. It is what you have done, and it is what you always will do."

"Woh what's with all of this hostility buddy? I have done nothing to indicate that. Sure, I might have nearly destroyed New York, but that was ages ago! I am reformed now brother."

"You have not proven yourself worthy to be a friend of the Avengers. You say one thing yet do another. I heard from Hulk how you tried to weasel your way into power once Thanos had you backed into a corner."

"Most mortals, and gods for that matter would shit themselves when confronted with that beast."

"Tony did not, and Steve did not and they are both mortal. What then does that speak of your own character brother?"

"They were fools to have done so. Why even try to fight a battle that you can not win?"

"But we did win!" Thor quickly interrupted slamming his hammer on the ground. "Every fight is winnable until your last breath. Although with a willpower like yours I can see why you would think such a thought."

"It is not willpower Thor, it is knowing when to fight and when to retreat. Seems like father hadn't taught you the latter."

"A true Asgardian never retreats. He fights till death."

Loki raised an eyebrow. "A true Asgardian you say? In what realm does one know what a true Asgardian is?"

Thor paused for a moment. What was Loki stalling for? He knew his brother well enough to know what he was doing, but for what. "Enough chatter, Loki. What do you really want?"

"You know me too well brother." Loki chuckled. "I'll cut to the chase. After I died I gained valuable knowledge that will help you defend Earth further."

"How can you gain knowledge when you are dead?"

"There is so much more that you need to learn about the universe. When you are dead you can see the past, present, and an infinite amount of futures."

"You're lying."

"Are you sure? I could show you myself. We could kill you in a controlled environment."

Thor swung his hammer at the cage, partially shattering it. "You only say that so you can escape." He growled. "If I am to meet death I will do it on my own terms!"

"Suit yourself, but I have valuable information that can save Earth."

Thor paused again. "You lie! Why would you want to tell me that Earth is in danger?"

"Man, you are really short sited today did Stark put something in your coffee? Anyway, I am telling you this because teaming up will benefit the both of us."

"How so?"

"I help the Avengers save the planet and then get my freedom back."

"How will we know that you won't have something up your sleeve after all is said and done."

"During the meeting I will announce my plans to exile myself from Earth for the time being after we take care of this threat."

"That is a very long-term plan for you, Loki. Did being dead give you those powers too?"

"Funny, you mock me, but I have seen a future where I come out on top."

"And the only way to stop you is to die myself?"

"Bingo! Between us I am the one who possesses more information. You can even the odds by submitting yourself to death."

"Couldn't I just get Strange to see the future for me? Surely his abilities should be enough to stop your trickery."

Loki clapped his hands. "Ah, but you see that's where you're wrong. People like Strange and Zatanna dream of the power that the dead possess. You, Thor don't have to dream. Let me free and I can give you an endless amount of knowledge. Knowledge that you can use to save Earth, and keep me at bay if you so choose."

"Fine, I'll bite." Thor said after mulling it over. "I'll get Fury and Stark over to escort us." Thor left the room, and waded through the maze of corridors that was their headquarters until he ran into Fury. He recapped their conversation, and Nick agreed to the plan.

When they got back to the cage however, there were several dead and wounded guards, and a giant gaping hole in the cage's back.