A/N:Let me know if the pacing is too fast, I'm like an excited child wanting to get to plot points. Also trying more of the "show not tell" the reader in my writing. I've been known to have lengthy descriptions to put the reader to sleep before.

At the inari shrine.

Once Clint had left, Thor could no longer wait. He stepped forward despite many of the members putting hands out to caution him.

"Where is my brother?"

"He is in my service as a regalia."

"Give him back."

"No. He is deceased. Once his service is complete he will pass over to the far shore."

"But I saw him-"

"You saw a physical manifestation . He is no more."

Thor looked conflicted.

"Can I at least see him?"

She seemed thoughtful for a moment. Tilting her head to the side.

"It is not wise for the living to be with the dead."

"Then I shall find him myself." Electrical sparks gathered around his hands. Before anyone could stop him, he raised his axe forward and lightning came through the door to strike the kitsune. There was a deafening thunder. She stopped the bolt with her fire covered hand . Stood in a crouched position.

"You fool!" Shouted Dr Strange. "Fire and lightning magic are complimentary." The room dimmed back to the normal lighting. There was a moment of apprehensive silence. The kitsune was looking at him with pure rage. Her face seemed elongated. Ears pointier. Nails were like black talons.

"You dare attack me in my own shrine!" Her voice was not entirely human, mixed with guttural growls. Dr Strange erected a dome shield around the group.

"What are you doing? We have to help him!" the Hulk said outraged.

"They are both gods, you will get torn to shreds." Strange replied.

"Wizard man has got a point." Tony said, but still had his iron man suit on.

They were both about to go to strike each other before a flash interrupted them. Loki stood before Thor.

"What is the meaning of this?" Cool, cold malice dripping off of the kitsune.

"My Lady, he doesn't understand-" Loki said through a bow.

"That is no excuse!" She said pointing to his brother. "He can pay the penalty for attacking on sacred ground."

"Then let me pay the penalty. I will gladly take punishment in his stead."

"Loki, no. I-" Thor began but Loki gave him a hand gesture to be quiet. Momentarily the kitsune bared her fangs before returning to her previous form.

"Very well. Please escort him off the grounds." As she kneeled back down on the mat, returning to her previous serene composure.

"Yes my Lady" Loki said with a bow. He grabbed Thor by the arm and promptly left the hall. Dr Strange lowered the shield.

"The lady will no longer be accepting requests at this point. Please pay your respects to the shrine and leave any other requests in prayers." Meli said in a business like tone.

"We mean no disrespect and are honoured to have an audience." Dr Strange said with a traditional japanese bow. The Kitsune inclined her head.

"If you ever need some help with those stones, Steve Rodgers, just bring some mochi to the temple." She said with a twinkle in her eyes. With a flash, both her and Meli were gone, to be replaced with a fox statue depicting seven tails and Saisen. There was an almost audible sigh of relief in the hall. Clint walked back through,

"Do I want to know what happened here?"

"Thor got angry but it's all sussed now." Said Tony as he inspected the Saisen, back in his two piece smart suit. Peering over it with his glasses.

"We got what we came for and none of us are hurt." Cap said. "We need to get back and send these to where they belong." The Hulk nodded in agreement. The sound of a metal coin dropping through the Saisen interrupted them.

"Are you offering a prayer to the Kitsune?" Dr Strange asked Tony, somewhat surprised.

"Just paying respect to the fox lady like it says on the box." He said pointing to the inscription. "Best keep her happy if we want an easy life. Right?" He said as he walked out of the hall. The rest followed him.

xXx

Thor and Loki were walking down the winding stairs, side by side.

"You've let yourself go a bit." Loki commented on Thor's weight gain, trying to lighten the mood. Thor didn't really seem to hear him, just kept looking at him. It wasn't until they reached the bottom with the first red gate did he say something.

"I thought you were dead?"

"I am dead brother."

"What happened? On the ship, I saw you, Thanos killed you."

"Then I died. When I did the Lady appeared before me and offered me to be a regalia."

"Why did you accept."

"Because she agreed to save your life Thor. If I hadn't, you would have died too."

Thor contemplated this.

"Surely there is a way I can free you?"

"What, to finish dying? No thanks." Loki grabbed Thor's shoulder. "Listen, I don't have much time before it becomes too obvious I am not just escorting you. During the japanese new year, regalias have three days to ask for a request. If you wait, I will come and see you."

"Well when is that?" Thor started to get excited, holding Loki's shoulder in turn.

"Not long, it's once every human year."

"You swear to me that you will come and explain everything?"

"Yes Brother." Thor pulled Loki into a hug.

"Until then Brother." Thor said with a tear in his eye.

"Until then." Loki echoed. They pulled apart and Loki vanished in a flash.

The rest of the team came shortly after, Dr Strange bid them farewell before vanishing behind a portal. The jet ride home was quiet, they all seemed to be contemplating the day's events.