Loki's life was very much a loop of sleeping, eating and distracting himself with books. Doctor Strange made short visits to inquire if he needed anything, but often times it was his servant Wong that brought up his meals. In the meantime, he had heard hide nor hair of his brother or the mortals he had associated with at the tower. He had spoken little to anyone, preferring to put forth plans in his mind if his magic returned, or more likely, if it did not. Doctor Strange had presented him with a journal so that he may write down his thoughts. Loki, of course, not sure of his privacy, wrote everything in an Ancient Norse code.

Days went by thus, and the list for what a future held with his magic far outweighed the one without it. The Trickster could not help the pit in his stomach at that thought. What good would he be if he did not have his magic? Would years go by with him remaining an ordinary mortal? He would have to think about how to live day to day on this planet. At last, he finally tired of the mystery. When Wong appeared with his mid-day meal, Loki decided to ask Strange directly.

The servant settled the tray and began to pour tea. "Doctor Strange wants to talk to you down in the library." Wong began, "Your brother has brought your clothes. They are in the wardrobe." He pointed to a large oak bureau in the left corner. Loki's eyebrow's knitted. He had arrived on Midgard with only his Asgardian battle wear. "Come downstairs when you are ready." He bowed and let himself of the room.

It did not take long for Loki to finish his meal, his energy having seeped back into his bones. Setting it aside, he padded to the wardrobe and opened it to find several tunics, slacks, and even his own battle gear cleaned and mended as if it was brand new. Perhaps Strange had bought them or even Tony Stark. It baffled him that he would be treated like an honored guest even with all that he had done. After dressing, Wong directed him to the library.

The library itself was cosy with high shelfs filed to the brim with heavy tomes of what Loki could see from scanning the titles, many subjects. Two high backed chairs stood several feet apart close to a hearth that was blazing with a crackling fire.

"AH, Mr. Laufeyson, good morning," The doctor set aside one of these heavy tomes he had been reading. He gestured for Loki to sit the unoccupied seat. " I suspect it is time that you found out why you are here and what your future may entail?"

Loki blinked, suddenly taken aback. He was not expecting for Strange to give up this information so bluntly, let alone after being so mysterious about the entire thing.

"I will tell you something honestly." Strange began, leaning forward slightly and steepling his hands together, "I was not so-compassionate a man in the past. I was-" he put a hand to his forehead, "The truth is, selfishness and ego were what drove me. I didn't give a damn about anybody else. Maybe that's why..." He paused only to laugh bitterly as he waved his hand dismissively. The sight of them made him stop mid gesture to stare at him, and then Loki. "Then there was a car accident that robbed me of my hands, of my work. I could only see the darkness, the loss of my career, my independence. It was with Wong and the magic I learned I could wield that helped me see that more possibilities were open to me if I just expanded my mind. Using magic to save the lives and the world, I knew what I was capable of, do you follow?" Loki nodded and he continued, "However, I did not even know of this magic. I studied with Wong and the Ancient One, just as you probably did for centuries with your own tutors."

Again Loki acknowledged this with a curt bob of his head, the rapid memories of being taught by Frigga coming to the forefront of his mind.

"That is why I will help you get back your magic, if you so wish it." Doctor Strange finished.

Loki could only gape at him. He rose rapidly, "Are you mad? No one can undo Odin All-Father's magic. I have tried and failed numerous times!"

Strange just smiled knowingly, "He hasn't met the Sorcerer Supreme."

Loki went off on another tangent, "And besides, I'd rather not die after nearly doing so, thank you. That is what fate awaits us should we defy the King. Besides, you know what I am capable of! I am Loki Laufeyson, Loki Lie Smith. The God of Lies and Mischief. I have killed many!"

Doctor Strange raised his hand to stop him. "Yes about that. There are two conditions to you getting your magic back, well perhaps three."

Loki raised an eyebrow, sitting back down, "And they are?"

He raised a finger, "First, you must have session with me." he pulled a face to think of the term, "to sort out your...issues."

Loki sniffed, "You are not a doctor of the mind."

"Of the Physical mind, yes. But I am a genius. I have read a lot about-" he scrunched up his face to think of the term, "being a healer of the mind. Second, you will train with the Ancient One to regain your magic. It will not be easy by any means, but if you put forth a will to change, then it'll be worth it."

Loki's elegant eyebrow rose, "And the third?"

There was a silence that indicated to Loki that Strange was gearing up for this last condition. "You will penance by protecting this planet, either alongside me or the Avengers."

Loki snorted at this, "The Avengers think me untrustworthy, as does my brother." He glanced towards Strange, "And what will befall me if I should...what is the mortal saying 'become a turncoat'?"

Strange's face became stony, "Then I hand you over to SHIELD or the Avengers to do with you what they like, including taking you back to Asgard."

Loki seemed to think on this a moment, hesitating only slightly. Nodding, he stood and offered his hand. "It seems I have no choice. Very well, Doctor Strange." He shook with the sorcerer.

Internally, he hoped that Hemdall would not get wind of this arrangement, nor Odin smite them into oblivion for their obvious defiance.

TBC...

a/n: I know, it's been a really long time, I'm having a really hard time because "Frozen Sparks" and "Reverse Games" are starting to overlap. Also, I don't know how to do "sessions" with Doctor Strange because it's been done in fanfic before. "A Villainous State of Mind" by Mikkeneko is an amazing fic that delves into Loki's issues. I wouldn't know how to make this work. If you all could give me ideas, or can recommend a beta-reader, I'd appreciate it. Thank you for the reviews, as well as the faves and follows, I appreciate them!

Till next time