Loki: Redemption

by Raven862

Before Loki faked his death, he begins having second thoughts of his past actions and latest plan throughout the experience. Once he got stabbed by Kurse and sees that Thor really does care. He realizes that he has gone too far and flees to earth to start a new life. Will Loki begin his new life and become the greatest hero of all time or will he fall back to being a villain?

62. Chapter 54

The next morning

Thor heads right into Loki's room and sees all of the stuff that was left behind when Loki decided to leave and ended up on Earth. He is happy to see that everything is still in it's place and his father hasn't completely abandoned his love for both of his sons. Though Odin may never know the truth, Thor is at least relieved to see that he kept Loki's room the same as though his brother never left. He only wishes that Odin wouldn't be so hard on Loki and find it inside him to forgive and apologize for his role in Loki's downfall. But what can he even do to make his father see that?

Even if he wanted to, Thor knows he can't without revealing Loki's secret and survival. For now he is content with the fact that Loki is alive and he is free, ignoring the price that the they would have to pay to keep it that way. He is also glad that at least he can bring some of the belongings that Loki has back to Earth. Even if Loki, has been on Earth for a few months, Thor thought that it might be nice if Loki has a few things from home and to be able to see his belongings again. So far he has gotten most of the books that he knows Loki has and focused on getting his favorites, he also gotten some more of the things that he values such as any objects that had personal meaning or anything that he still kept from childhood.

That way, Loki will still have something from the past and he would be able to enjoy them even more so now. Thor debates whether or not he should bring Loki some daggers, remembering seeing Loki fight using a pair or two and there is also the fact that he has the Laevetin now. So Loki is stock up when it comes to the fighting department and they are all soon going to be stock up on the potion, so that will be one be one less thing they will all need. He also try to grab some of Loki's clothes and found that as usual, they are no where in sight because of the spell that Loki usually use to change his clothes in an instant. But he does notice this other armor that is still in the closet and one that he doesn't even know if Loki would want to wear it or why he didn't take it with him, but he knows that he will take it with him, in case the one that Loki usually wears gets ruined or if his brother is ever in the mood to wear something different.

He is grateful that the humans created backpacks and that the Asgardians can cast enlarging spells. Otherwise he doesn't know how was he going to carry all of Loki's stuff and the potion. Thor takes a good look at the room, now a little more empty and yet gives him a feeling of sastifaction as he continues to get a couple more things from there and later go to grab some things in his own room. But Thor didn't take as much as he thought he would, since he feels more happy by the fact that Loki is alive and he is free to return to Earth to be with him, Jane and the rest of his friends. That is the only thing that matters to him and now things are finally going to reach the point of peace again. That he is going to be back and he doesn't have to worry about any of these problems coming up again. Thanos is gone and if all of the security measures and plans are in place then he would have nothing to worry about any trouble coming their way.

Soon Thor starts to leave the rooms and is ready to go past the halls, to arrive at the Bifrost and return to Earth as quickly as he can. But first he has to go past the halls and to get there, even then he doesn't know how much longer he would want to wait. He just want to leave the palace and the walls of Asgard to where he can be free from the restrictions of the expectations and the duties of a prince. To return home to Earth, where he can make up lost time with Loki, be with and enjoy every moment with Jane and to be with the friends he has made there. To continue protecting the planet and making a life on it rather than be trapped with the expectation that someday he would be king and follow the path that was set in front of him since he was born. He can escape the confines of a destiny he never asked for and one that would keep him from his brother, Jane and friends.

For now, he is not going to worry about it and just head back to Earth. Though he doesn't know how he is going to explain to Loki of what he just did and can already imagine the reaction his brother is going to give him, once he finds out the truth and when he tells him what happened. He wouldn't be surprised if Loki would be ready to argue with him because of the fact that he practically left Asgard defense less, but at the same time he really didn't and was only trying to help. At least he got someone to watch over the realm that can hear if there are any threats and he is capable of at least defending himself and warning their father on any threats that may dare try to harm Asgard and the universe.

Even then, Thor knows that things are going to work out somehow. All he has to do is help make sure that no one finds out and keep Loki safe from the laws of Asgard and everyone's hatred of him back on Earth. If only there was a way he can ensure that his brother would be safe and free. He is now wondering how Loki would make of the news, would he accept it or think that he has done enough? Thor feels as though it was not enough and he should have done more and maybe even can try to do more. Though he is going to have worry about it later, as he reaches the end of the rainbow bridge and about to get to his destination. Ready to ride the Bifrost and simply leave and not look back.

When he arrives, Thor sees the new gatekeeper and simply just nodded at him. Without even taking a good look and head his way to the front entrance, ready to be sent back to Earth and to simply return home. He just wants to be back to the planet where he feels the most happiest and where the people that he cares about the most are there. Soon he will be there and then he can finally be back and he will be where he is needed and things will work out in the way he always wanted them to. Thor is just happy and relieved that he ensured his brother's freedom and that they won't have to worry about Odin. As he feels the power of the Bifrost is consuming him as he gets send back to Earth, to deliver the news and to live his life and enjoy the wonderful new future beyond the challenges they all had to endure and just start anew. He takes one last look at Asgard, as the Bifrost sends him down to Earth and to the new life waiting for him from below. Thor only hopes that his plan works out and he allow Loki, himself and everyone else a chance to live their lives without having to deal with the trouble that Odin would place on them and the only hope that they would all be free...

---

Meanwhile back on Earth on Avengers Tower

After a night where everyone had a good meal and try to make the most of the situation. The Avengers finish wrapping up the phone calls, but they are to meet for a few interviews on their own on news networks, The Guardians decides to call it a night and to take a break from the ship repairs and to at least enjoy their time on Earth and to try to be a buffer if there is a war that is to occur. Gamora often rotates between spending time with the others and checking on Nebula. The bright side is that she is starting to make some progress as she tries to walk and remember some details. Though it is going to need more time...

Loki and Gamora only hope that Thor managed to get a hold of the healing potion and they can give it to Nebula. She needs her memories and to physically heal from the experience, the only way they can do it is either through the healing potion or let the healing process run it's course. Though everyone in the tower has unanimously agreed that it would be better if Nebula take the healing potion, once and if Thor arrives with it. At least it safe to say that Nebula is starting to heal and she will be alright.

Nebula is not the only who is making progress with her recovery. Loki is doing a lot better than he was after Thor returned his soul to him. From one glance, no one would have thought that he was fighting for his life on the brink of death. Loki is feeling better than he has ever been and closer to himself, though the moment he woke up and started his day, he feels a strong urge of magic right inside him. One that seems to be ready to burst out, it almost is like that it wants him to use the magic inside him to cast a spell.

That it is urging him to get into action and use his magic, giving him the hope that he can use his magic again and he might have not lost it after all. So he is going to have to test and see if he might have it back. Since the energy within has never felt this strong and yet it is giving him the motivation to try it out and see if he can do it. Once he knows that it is something that he has to do, Loki quickly decides to try to find Darcy and then later Bruce about it. They are the only ones that he knows that would want to know about the potential chance that his magic would be back. He also knows that he would also have to let Jane and the Guardians know, along with the others. But right now he just only want to let those two know and then he can test it, besides they are the ones that have been mostly keeping track on him. Plus he would also have to tell Jane, since she would like to know and he is grateful for her help and is alright with her knowing right now.

Though he does remember that he kissed Darcy or rather she kissed him and kissed her right back. Ever since last night, after it happened, he can't help but to think about it and is really confused at how he felt. Loki at the one hand is just happy probably because his feelings towards her is pushing forward to his mind and simply the joy of expressing his feelings. But at the same time, angry at himself for allowing it to happen and letting Darcy feel that way and himself. He knows better than anyone that it would never work out and they would both be asking for pain and misery. Since he will lose Darcy eventually because of the different life spans and he is not ready to go through that or if he wants to. Not to mention, Darcy would be forced to keep it all a secret and he doesn't think or know if she will take keeping it a secret. Since from judging how open she usually is and how she will be ready to share with the world that she is with someone who saved the universe from Thanos. Not too mention, he might unintentionally hurt her in ways they won't be able to repair. Plus the friendship they have means so much to him that he does not want to lose it. Especially if something goes wrong and he wouldn't be surprised if it does.

Though he does not know how he feels about the idea of him kissing Darcy and how long they can avoid that topic. But at least they can just try to keep their minds off it as they focus on his magic and whether or not he will be staying on Earth. He finds her, eating one of the bags of the crunchy chips that he always noticed that she likes to eat. So he approaches her, ready to get on the topic at hand and then later they can get to work on finding out if his magic is truly back, watch more of the films that they were watching or at least the sixth one that suppose to end the arc and wait for Thor to give them whatever Odin's verdict may be. He quickly approaches Darcy in a happier mood, wanting nothing more but to tell her about the possible new developments.

"Darcy, I have great news, that is I think it is good news and I might not be believing in false hopes and be wrong." Said Loki rather excitedly.

"Wow, you seem to be a happier mood, despite..." said Darcy surprised at Loki's attitude at the moment. "Look about last night-"

"Darcy, can we talk about that later? Right now this is important and I don't know if I might be right." Said Loki. "I only hope that I am..."

"Alright tell me, what's the big news?" Asked Darcy who doesn't know if there is anything that would make Loki in a good mood right after everything that happened and is still going on.

"I think my magic might be back." Said Loki and is about to continue right before.

"That's awesome Loki, I knew that all your magic needed was time-" starts Darcy happily.

"Wait a minute before you kick off the celebration, all I said was I believed that it might be back because I feel it as though it's the strongest it has ever been in the last few days." Said Loki. "It feels as though it is ready to burst out and that it is ready to come out. I don't know how to explain it or if I can even find the words to say it, but I think it is back."

"Alright, you feel that your magic has the urge of bursting out and you think that it might possibly be back?" Asked Darcy confused.

"Yes, I never felt it this strong before I lost my soul and even then once I got my sword, I felt as though there is a strong increase that will only continue to grow unless I let it out." Says Loki.

"Oh by the way, what did you decide to name the sword?" Said Darcy. "What is the lucky name that we will be calling the sword?"

"Well one of the ones I was thinking of is Gram." Said Loki as he notices Darcy's facial expression. "What? The meaning is really appropriate to my story and is better than saying something called damaged twig all the time."

"Yeah, but it kinda sounds boring if it is being said out loud." Said Darcy. "I mean calling it the Night Sword or better yet Night blade would make it stand out. That already sounds cooler, why don't you call them that?"

"Darcy, there is no way I am going around calling this 'The Night Blade,' it sounds completely childish." Said Loki. "You seem to have forgotten that it's an Asgardian word with its own meaning."

"Alright then, what is the great meaning of this word?" Asked Darcy who doesn't even know if she wants to know.

"Well, it is a word with many different meanings and one that many have debated since it is the newest word in our dictionary." Said Loki. "But the common meanings of the word are 'journey, secret, endurance, brotherhood and new beginnings.'"

"Ok, fair enough that sort of beat out my ideas." Said Darcy. "But still does it have to sound something so... gloomy?"

"It is not the worst word in history and besides it has deeper meaning that-" starts Loki before he stops himself. "Why are we debating about this?"

"I don't know we kinda got started and then let ourselves fall even further..." said Darcy. "So you were saying that you think your magic is back?"

"Yes, as I said that the urge of the magic is giving me is the strongest it has ever been." Said Loki. "So I think that it might be best if we test and see if it truly has returned?"

"What?" Said Darcy immediately in shock. "Loki are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Of course, I am. Otherwise how are we going to know for sure?" Said Loki.

"It's just that every single time you are in this tower..." starts Darcy a bit nervously. "Something is always guarantee... to break..."

"Those were nothing more than mere accidents and Groot was the one who drove the ship into the tower that time." Said Loki.

"Yeah, but that still doesn't change the fact that every time something wired or magical happens something get broken." Said Darcy. "Tony still has to pay the damages from the entire ship incident and he seems to be a little annoyed about it."

"That was all nothing more than a complete accident and one that is not likely to happen again." Said Loki. "All I just need to do is a simple spell and then we will know for sure."

"I really don't like the idea of you waving the magic sword around and doing something so big that if it goes wrong, we would never live it down." Said Darcy as she imagines all of the scenarios.

"Who says I am going to use Gram?" Said Loki. "When I test it, I am going to use a small spell to see if I can do any amount of magic."

"Ok, even if you do that then we still have no guarantee that everything will still be in one piece." Said Darcy.

"If I don't try it out then we will never find out if my magic is back until we possibly return home." Said Loki. "I think I can prove that I will not be responsible for anymore property damages on these premises."

Loki heads over to the nearest table and pick up a glass vase. Wanting nothing more to prove his point that he will be careful by simply showing her. He really doesn't see why she honestly thought that he is going to make it his personal mission to destroy the tower single-handedly. Maybe if he just hold the vase then she will see that he is not going to do something that would result in something getting broken or worse. At one look, he is just happy to see that so far he is succeeding and the vase is still in one piece and still balanced right in his hand and try not to break it. Then Darcy will see that he is not going to find a way to break something in the tower every time he is in there.

While Darcy looks at Loki and the vase, with complete fear and wondering how long is Loki going to be holding the vase like that? She is almost ready to panic, as a hurricane of emotions start to swirl through her head. That there might be another accident and one that will possibly add a broken vase to Tony's repair bills. As much as she likes Loki, she is only more worried about him accidentally breaking anything at the moment. This is anything but a good idea and Darcy can already imagine what might happen if Loki doesn't put the vase down right now. The last thing she wants is to have to explain to Tony what happened and having a long conversation and hopes that they won't be going home with a bill.

"Loki, put that down really carefully." Said Darcy as she stares at him nervously. "Put it down before you accidentally break something."

"Darcy, there is nothing to worry about, I am not going to break anything and I was only trying to prove a-" starts Loki before he lets it slip his grasp and the next thing the two of them knew is a loud break sound goes through their ears and they are staring on the floor a broken vase.

"You are not going to break anything huh?" Said Darcy not impressed by the sight and what just happened.

"Come on, it was only an accident." Said Loki. "This could happen to anyone and besides it's not like we are going to get in trouble for this."

"Yeah, but he might still make us pay for this, I just hope that this vase is not expensive." Said Darcy. "See what I mean, the idea of you doing magic right here and trying to see if you have it, that does not sound like a good idea. Especially with your track record right here in this tower."

"I will be more careful from now on." Said Loki as Darcy continues to stare at Loki unconvinced. "Darcy, the spell that I am going to do is simply going to change from these Earth clothes back to my Asgardian armor and maybe some illusions. Those are simple spells that do not guarantee that they would make a mess."

"Yeah, but still-" starts Darcy and before she can start, Tony comes rushing in to the room.

"I just heard- Oh no!" Said Tony as he sees the broken pieces of glass on the floor. "Please tell me that wasn't a glass vase and you two happen to be walking by and had nothing to do with it."

"Sorry about that, just a little accident, it won't happen again." Said Darcy as she gives him a nervous smile. "So about that-"

"Don't worry about it, I got it covered and besides at least this will give me time to come up with a better surprise welcome back present idea for Pepper or at least something that isn't fragile." Said Tony as he stares on the floor.

"I am sorry about that, I was not intending for your vase to break." Said Loki. "I was simply telling Darcy that I would be careful if I were to try to see if my magic has returned. As you can see that clearly backfired."

"Wait, you were trying to do magic?" Asked Tony who doesn't even know if that would make things better or worse.

"Yes, since I think it came back and I want to test it." Said Loki. "With some simple spells and ones that would not cause any physical damages such as illusions, a spell to simply change my clothes or some holographic like projections that can make it feel as though something is really there because one can touch it."

"Ok, I don't think that's probably a good idea..." said Tony as he is now imagining the tower completely wrecked with the sprinklers on and him accidentally walking into a wall or something.

"Told you." Said Darcy as she crosses her arms and happy to see that she is being proven right.

"You both in all honesty have nothing to worry about and all I will be doing is small spells." Said Loki. "Besides we all do not know for sure if my magic had truly returned. I feel an urge and one that is growing stronger by the minute and it only going to get stronger until I let it out."

"Yeah, but the last thing I want is for you to break another thing that isn't just a vase." Said Tony. "What if you break another window or something bigger next time?"

"Who says that I would need to be near a window, I could try it out anywhere and it would be alright." Said Loki. "Besides it is simply to test if my magic is back and if it has not returned or worst case scenario gone for good, then nothing will happen and I would have to find another means of defending myself or solely rely on my daggers and Gram."

"Wait, Gram?" Asked a confused Tony.

"Loki's magic sword thing." Said Darcy. "Don't give up hope, if it does work then you will have your magic back and then you'll be back to your awesome self and be completely healed."

"Yes, I only hope that you are right and which is why we need to test my abilities and see if it has truly returned. So what do you guys say?" Said Loki. "Should we put this theory to the test and see for ourselves if I can still at least make an illusion of myself to confuse both of you?"

"I say that we might as well, even if something is going to break." Said Darcy to Tony. "Trust me, he is not going to let this go until we agree to it."

Tony stop to think for a moment on what might be the best option for this entire situation and how they can do it without anything going wrong. While Loki is hoping that Tony would be more willing to understand and offer some kind of compromise where they can both agree to do so. Since the magic inside him continues to grow in a fiery rate and making Loki feels as though he is ready to let it all out and see for sure if it is going to happen. That is continuing to fester deep inside him and it is going to continue until he can finally have the chance to let his magic go and see what he might be capable of doing. It's that or hopefully eventually waiting to return to his and Darcy's own apartment to do it. They are waiting for Tony's answer to see what he thinks and if he is willing to allow it to happen...

"Alright, you can try out your magic." Said Tony. "But first we need to come up with some ground rules first before you try anything."

"Which are?" Asked Loki.

"One that you do small spells that are easy to manage and won't do some serious damage and the worst that can do is maybe make a dent or something." Said Tony. "Along with try to keep it all in the training room, in case anything goes wrong."

"It is not going to go wrong." Said Loki annoyed at the lack of confidence in his abilities.

"But just to be on the safe side, it would be better if we take these precautions." Said Tony. "I am assuming that you are going to let Bruce know."

"Of course, since he's the one who helped look after me throughout my injury. It would be fine if he sees this through to the end and know what is going on." Said Loki. "Besides Thor is going to ask him for a report when he gets back and would be ready to tell me off if I didn't tell him the full progress report."

"Ok then, I guess I will go and get the training room ready." Said Tony. "While you guys do whatever you need to do."

"Alright, we'll see you then." Said Darcy, Tony quickly makes his way and she turns to Loki. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, of course I am." Said Loki rather confidently before turning to a nervous feeling that is ready to overtake him.

Of course he is confident that he would have his magic back and at any moment he will see for himself. But at the same time, there is a fear that is growing inside him and one that doesn't seem to be going away. Since if he's wrong and if he can not use his powers, then he would never be able to use his magic ever again because he would lose his powers and he does not know if he can ever be ready for it. The idea that he might lose something he loves and a skill that he has always been so passionate about for good. It's nerve wrecking and he doesn't even know what he would do if can no longer use it...

"Hey, you ok?" Asked Darcy as she sees Loki look unhappy about something.

"Yes, of course I am." Said Loki confidently before he turns to her, not even sure what he is thinking. "Is it normal for humans to lose a skill they have and value and might possibly use on a daily basis."

"Yeah, it sometimes happens, though it's more of a physical thing not a cool superpower thing." Said Darcy. "Why are you- Wait, it's your magic isn't it? Are you worried that it might not come back and you are wrong about that feeling?"

"I may have some reservations and not be completely sure if it is completely back, but I feel it." Said Loki. "What if I am wrong? That it's not back and I... lost it forever?"

"Don't worry, it will come back and your magic will be stronger than it has ever been." Said Darcy.

"But what if it doesn't and I am stuck like this? With my magic and powers completely gone and the mere fact that I will be an empty shell of my former self and be noting without them?" Said Loki. "That alone is terrifying, losing the one thing that defines me and the very thing that... helped me to be something more. What if the moment we find out the truth and if the worst come to happen, everyone turn against me?"

"Even if that does happen which it won't. They will still be cool with you and won't throw you under the bus for something beyond our control." Said Darcy. "Even then magic doesn't define you and sure it's a part of what makes you, you. But at the end of the day it won't change who you are."

"That is so easy for you to say, you do not even have powers and can never understand what I am going through." Said Loki.

"You're right, I don't or might never get the full picture of what you are going through right now." Said Darcy. "But Loki, you should know that I won't think any differently of you if you do wind up losing your magic and I would still have been your friend and will always be with or without magic."

"Well then, we should really go that room and get this over with." Said Loki as he tries his best to keep his focus on the current situation. "I just want to know the answer as soon as possible."

"If you feel that it's back then we have to believe that it is." Said Darcy. "It is better to go in there with the hope that things will turn out well rather than just let negativity cloud your judgement and let it make you lose hope."

"I wish I have your optimism, but I would rather find out now than simply stand and ponder on the negative." Said Loki. "Let's get this difficult task done and hope that this part will have a happy ending."

"Hey, it will work." Said Darcy. "You got this."

Loki just gives her an unsure nod, while Darcy gives him an encouraging smile. They both start to make their way to the training room and with so many thoughts that are going on in their mind. Loki just can't help but think about his magic and trying hard not to imagine a future where he doesn't have it or his Jontuns powers. The idea that he might not be able to use them anymore is terrifying and Loki can't help but find himself thinking that. The idea that he would be losing something such as his magic and the very thing that allowed him to not only fight in the battles he has and will face, but the thing that let his identity shine through is heartbreaking. Loki doesn't even know what he would do if he is wrong and his magic is still and always be dormant.

But Loki is not going to give up hope that easily and he is going to try to get it back. This serge that he is feeling must mean something and it has to be a sign, he has to make sure that he is right and test his magic. Even if he's wrong, at least Loki has Darcy, Thor, Jane, Nebula, the Guardians and now apparently the Avengers by his side. So at least he has a group of people that will now give him moral support no matter what. That alone is better than having no one as he face the possibility of losing his magic completely. Maybe it won't be so bad... That is he hopes that it will not be so bad and the idea of him without his magic and many other abilities is better than it sounds.

---

An hour later in the training room

Tony is trying to get everything ready for Loki, making sure that everything that is fragile is out of the room. Along with making sure that everything is completely Hulk and Thor proof, that is he is assuming that Loki would be as powerful as Thor. Since they are both aliens from another planet, who also happens to be brothers and they would have to be trained together in some capacity. So this has to be the safest place in the entire tower that will guarantee that there won't be any more damages and that alone is more than a possible relief.

As Tony continues to adjust the room, Darcy, Jane, Gamora, Rocket, Groot, Natasha and Bruce are watching him as he does. It took so long that Loki even changed his mind and decided to go back up to the room he was staying in and grab his sword. So that way they can see if he can still use the sword's powers and to try it out and make a small glow. But even then, they all see how he is trying to over prepare the training room and how nervous he is for what is about to happen. It's a wonder why he hasn't put on the Iron Man suit and use it to not only rebuild the tower but to also make this room so magic proof that it wouldn't surprise anyone if Tony went a little overboard. Though Darcy doesn't blame Tony for feeing this nervous, with Loki's past history with the tower. There is a wonder how there is still a tower for the Avengers to hang out in.

"Tony, aren't you overdoing this?" Asked Natasha as she watches the scene right in front of her.

"Yeah, you look like someone who is preparing for a hurricane." Said Rocket as Tony continues getting the room ready.

"I have to make sure that nothing happens to this room or at least something that I won't have to worry about paying for potential repairs." Said Tony. "This time, I am going to make sure nothing happens to this tower or at least this room."

"I don't think that it is going to go that far." Said Darcy. "I lived with Loki for the last two months and as his roommate, I give you an absolute guarantee when I say that Loki is the best when it comes to someone who respects other people's property and leave things better than how he finds them."

"Tell that to the front window." Pointed out Tony. "I am not taking any chances and just going to make sure that nothing is going to happen to this room."

"But it could have been worse, there might not even be a tower." Said Jane.

"Thanks for the moral support." Said Tony. "I wish I know where would be the perfect place for us to do this that isn't a really expensive training room."

"I would suggest the roof, but since we have our ship up there and repairing it so I don't think that it would be a good idea." Said Gamora.

"Well this is a surprise that you are here, Gamora." Said Rocket. "I thought that you would be looking after Nebula or something."

"I was going to, but she insisted that I be here for the both of us." Said Gamora. "Though it wouldn't have been a good idea if Nebula is here if anything does go wrong and something hits her head again."

"Yeah, that would not be a good idea." Said Natasha as she crosses her arms. "I am just here to enjoy the show."

"So I am guessing your a big fan of Loki's magic too?" Asked Rocket.

"I am Groot." Said Groot as he happily sits and wave his legs in the air.

"No, I am just here to see if Loki is going to break something again and see Tony have a freak out about it." Said Natasha with a shrug. "It beats helping Cap talk to hundreds of people who are refusing to give up on trying to find out the whole story."

Some of them start to giggle at Natasha's comment, while Tony just groans at the thought and really hope that no one is jinking it and it happening. Soon Loki enters the room with the sword at hand and ready to find out the truth if his magic has truly returned and he can use it again. Once Loki enters the room then Tony nervously watch, hoping that there isn't going to be anything going wrong. While everyone else knows that this is the big moment that they all have been waiting for and it will be the time to know for sure. That it will lead to an interesting few minutes that no one wants to miss and yet will answer the question of whether Loki still has his magic or not. Loki stops right in front all of them, ready to find out the truth and desperately hopes that he is right...

"The good news is that I feel my powers flow inside me when I held Gram and it seems to have intensified the feeling I now have within me." Said Loki. "At least that is giving me hope that- Wait, what are you doing?"

"I am only getting this room ready for anything." Said Tony as he just got started on preparing the room again. "If we have any more incidents."

"Are you sure that it has to do with my magic or are you letting your anxiety get the better of you?" Said Loki. "One would think that you were preparing this room for a hurricane."

"Told ya." Said Rocket giving Tony a shrug.

"Remember I gave you permission, it doesn't mean that I can't remove magic privileges." Said Tony.

"Well if worst case scenario happens, then you would not need to worry about me ever using my powers again." Said Loki. "But still there is hope and I only wish that I know for sure."

"Let's finally find out, alright Loki you said that you have been feeling some surges in your magic inside you?" Asked Bruce trying to get a clear picture and try to be encouraging for Loki to try.

"Yes, it is as though my magic has started to manifest itself and the serge of magic is only growing stronger by the minute." Said Loki. "I don't know why but I really think that it's back because I never felt this strongly to it than I have ever been."

"So do you think you can try something, anything for us to have an idea where you are coming from?" Said Bruce.

"Preferably anything that will not guarantee a drastic increase in my bills." Added in Tony hoping that he would be lucky that none of this will not end disastrous.

"I could try to create a illusion to see if I can still make them." Suggested Loki. "But I need to concentrate on a object to allow myself to fully create it."

"Do you think you can create an illusion of that punching bag over there?" Suggested Darcy as she points out the object.

"I can try." Said Loki as he turns to look at the bag, to have the picture set in his mind and to do what he has been hoping to do ever since he feels the surge of magic within.

He concentrates on the bag allowing himself to fully be able to unleash his magic. With the hope that he would be able to do it, Loki simply relax and focused on creating a illusion. He doesn't want to look up in case he failed and to face the truth, yet he knows that he has to, he wants to hear a response from someone and yet he doesn't hear one. Though he does hear some sighs and that is only makes him more worried and yet he knows that he is going to have to see what is right in front of him eventually. So Loki slowly looks up, ready to face the truth and hesitant of what might be right in front. When he finally looks up and sees, he does not even know the words to say and just can't help but find himself smiling at the sight right in front of him as relief and happiness takes over.

There's a illusion right in front of them of the punching bag, it is exactly identical and with one hand, Loki allows it to go through it to see if it is transparent and to much of his happiness, it is. Without even a second thought Loki quickly creates another illusion and this time of a plant that he sees from a distance at the very end of the room. He can create illusions again and he can do the very spell that he has often used to fight and sneak around, to deceive others in self defense and simply is extremely well known for. Loki tries to see what else he can make an illusion of before he decides that he should see if he can make a duplication of himself and uses his magic to quickly do so and the illusion is still as accurate as it is before he lost his soul and maybe even more.

"Alright Loki, that's enough with the illusions." Said Bruce. "At least we know that illusion projection is back and now why don't you-"

"Actually both illusion projection and duplication have returned." Said Loki. "It is two different concepts and spells that many often confuse it from one another and if you want I would be happy to explain it to you all."

"Now that would be awesome, I always did wonder why you differentiate the two." Said Darcy. "But still it's awesome to see you having your magic again."

"It is about time it returned." Said Loki. "So what do you all say? Do you all want to learn a thing or two about magic?"

"Maybe later," said Bruce as much as he is interested in learning more, but he doesn't know if the others want to stick around for the lecture. "now you also have the ice power thing?"

"Yes, my Jontun abilities, the ones that are surprisingly more useful than I thought." Said Loki. "Though you all might want to stand back, these abilities can be quite dangerous."

"Ooh, I am Groot." Said Groot excitedly.

"Please don't tell me that this might guarantee in you freezing and bursting a pipe or something." Said Tony already dreading a possible plumbing bill.

"No, it would be quite worse than that in all honesty." Said Loki.

"What could be worst than a broken pipe?" Asked Tony.

"I could accidentally freeze you from top to bottom." Said Loki.

"He got you there." Said Natasha.

"Yeah, you definitely walked right into that one." Said Rocket.

"More like ran into it." Said Gamora not even bothering to add her own input.

"Guys, why don't we just focus on the whole testing if our residential former dark wizard over here can freeze anything in here that isn't any of us." Said Tony. "Since the last thing I want is for Loki to 'Let it Go' and turn all of us into popsicles."

"Come on Stark, at this point I mastered control and can use these abilities." Said Loki. "If the worst were to happen then you will thaw out, eventually..."

"Why don't you try to make a small block of ice?" Said Bruce as Tony looks unconvinced. "Then we can see if you still have the ability to make a winter wonderland whenever you feel like it."

"I'm confident that I would still have these abilities after all they are my inherent abilities." Said Loki. "I think deep down I will always have some form of connection of my true heritage and that is alright and at this point okay."

"Wow, that is a turn from the whole 'I am meant to be this evil monster and I should be ashamed of myself' attitude back then." Said Darcy.

"That was before I gave these abilities a chance." Said Loki. "Now I am not going to let anything define me or make me feel ashamed of my abilities again."

Without a second thought Loki starts to focus on the corner to see if he can create a small block of ice. To try to see if he can do it and never wanting to take these abilities for granted ever again and only wanting to know if he can do this. As Loki continues to concentrate hard, there are block of ice starting to form up from the floor. It continues to grow until it eventually hits the ceiling. Then Loki quickly sees if he can still combine magic and his ice powers together, to see if he can do the same combination. Fortunately he manages to do it and to much of Loki's surprise he did not hurt anyone in the process and he is able to do it. He is slowly starting to feel even more confident and relaxed that his magic and powers are back and he is alright and will not need to worry about him losing it for good.

"Ok you have your signature spells back and you can freeze anything again." Said Tony. "I am just happy that so far you haven't destroyed this training room."

"Don't push your luck, I still have a ton more tricks on my sleeves. I might make a hole in the ceiling if I keep this up." Said Loki as Tony looks at the Asgardian in horror, as Loki looks back with a smirk. "I was only teasing, I don't know why you are acting like it is my personal mission to put this tower into ruin."

"You might as well." Said Tony as Darcy tries hard not to smile, since not only she was starting to miss Loki's snarky remarks, but she think she is going to enjoy watching the whole Loki and Iron man dynamic, especially when it comes to the whole situation with Tony being paranoid for the tower and everything in between. That alone is going to be so entertaining.

"Aside from all of that, are you going to try to do any more of your magic or is it safe to say that it's back?" Asked Jane.

"Well, there is two more things I need to see and one that I should do." Said Loki and he quickly uses his magic to change from his Earth clothes back to his Asgardian armor, relieved to feel the hard pieces of metal again.

"Alright, it's great to see you wearing that again." Said Darcy. "No offense to your Earth look, but you look so much like yourself with the armor on, it really suits you."

"Thank you." Said Loki facing Darcy before turning to the others as well. "I figured that I should wear something that would at least be a little true to myself and now that it is clear I am well and no longer have to worry about any complications I would be at risk for almost losing a soul."

"So are we done here?" Asked Tony hoping that this would be the last test.

"Well not quite, I still need to see if I still have the ability to use my sword." Said Loki.

"Are you sure it would be a good idea to test it right now?" Asked Darcy rather nervously.

"Especially knowing how powerful you can get while using the sword." Points out Gamora. "We don't know if you are more powerful than ever before after this entire episode."

"All I am going to do is use my magic to allow the sword to create a nice glow and then that will be more than enough." Said Loki rather confidently. "Nothing will go wrong."

"Something is so going to blow up." Said Natasha.

"Yeah, definitely for sure." Said Rocket.

"Nothing is going to get destroyed, a simple glow is not going to hurt anyone." Said Loki annoyed by everyone's doubt.

"I will be the judge of that." Said Tony with hints of skepticism in his voice.

"Does anyone want to make bets before he starts?" Asked Rocket.

"Thank you for the voice of encouragement Rocket, it definitely going to help lift anyone's mood." Said Loki in a annoyed deadpan tone.

"For argument's sake, let's get through this test and see what happens," suggested Bruce.

"Ok, here's the real question, exactly what's the whole story behind the sword?" Asked Jane. "I know that you and the Guardians happen to find it on your unplanned trip to space and it used to belong to your sister. But still is it basically your answer to Thor's hammer now?"

"Sort of, it supposed to advance my powers and my magic exponentially." said Loki. "It gives me a boost that I can still use even without the sword in combat, Mjnonir only allows Thor to use its power while holding it. Though in all honesty I really would like to see if some of that hammer's power rubbed off on Thor and-"

"Uh Loki, can we just get to the magic?" Suggested Bruce.

"A small amount not some crazy big amount that we would be worried about." Suggests Darcy remembering how big the magic from the sword might get.

"Right, my apologies. Now here I go." Said Loki as he picks up the sword and points it towards the door direction.

Loki uses a small force to see if he can light up the sword and then let it shine in the room. To much of his relief, it is giving a glow and one that seems to continue to radiate in the room and allow it to be the overflowing light in the room. Loki is just so happy and relief that he is now alright and he can safely say that he has his magic back, the worst is over. He is just happy that he does not need to worry about the worst anymore and he can safely say that it's back and he is now well once again. As the light of the sword is allowing him to feel even more please by the minute, an overwhelming amount of happiness continues to go through his mind and before Loki knew it, a blast comes rights from the sword and hits the door with a fiery amount of emotion, literally.

Everyone in the room stares in shock as they see the sight right in front of them. The mere idea that Loki has just set the door on fire with the sword is not only surprising, but shocking. Especially if they remember everything that has happened and Loki's true heritage. No one can expect him to have the ability, since due to his Jontun heritage, he has always been able to create ice and have the ability to withstand the cold weather, but him summoning fire from the sword is just a big surprise that they don't even know what to say. Loki stares at the sword, with many emotions and thoughts that are going on his head. Not even sure how this might be possible or he should be concern by the fact that he can now create fire through the sword. That maybe he has more power than he thought and his magic might have gotten through a transformation that he has yet to discover, one that has simply just begun...

"Great, now the door is on fire!" Said Tony as he quickly places an Iron man suit and starts to use it's fire prevention mode and spray foam on the door. "When were you planning to tell us that you can set things on fire with your sword?"

"I did not even know I can do that or even think I would." Said Loki. "My power and my magic must have gotten stronger while I was recovering and I honestly do not know if I can do more than just that."

"Please if you are going to try anything or test if you have any new surprises in your magical abilities that you try not to set this entire tower on fire." Said Tony as he continues to put out the flames.

"Sorry, I didn't think that it would have gone that far." Said Loki as he lowers the sword and watches the scene.

"Well there is one silver lining in all that, at least we now know that your magic is back and it is a lot stronger than any of us anticipated." Said Bruce as he sees the scene unfolds right in front of them.

"I am Groot. I am Groot!" Said Groot excitedly and causing everyone to turn to Rocket and Gamora.

"He says that he likes it, do it again." Said Rocket which Loki can tell that this is anything but a good thing and he should try not to do what he just did.

"Come on guys, it could have been worse, at least Loki didn't set the entire place on fire." Said Darcy trying to come to Loki's defense, but the words only makes him uncomfortable.

"Thank you for your kind words of comfort Darcy, they are definitely reassuring." Said Loki who does not even bother to hide his annoyance.

"That's what I'm here for." Said Darcy ignoring Loki's sarcastic tone.

"At least now you don't have to worry that much about heat right?" Asked Jane. "Due to being a frost giant right?"

"It does seem as though that I have more immunity from things that would typically weaken a Jontun." Said Loki. "Just because I am biologically a Jontun, it does not automatically mean that I am made of ice."

"It's official, he's back." Said Darcy happily. "You know Loki's alright if he is showing off his Lokiness."

"I am not showing my-" starts Loki before he stops himself. "Why am I ready to start an argument over a made up word?"

"Yeah, you're definitely back." Said Darcy not even bothering to hide her smile. "Back to making those sarcastic, witty remarks that always guarantee in putting us in a annoyed mood and then leading me to argue back right at you. But right now I am more happy to hear you make one since I really missed them."

"Um... I glad that you enjoy my view points..." said Loki feeling a little awkward as he tries to find the words to say exactly what he is now feeling about that unexpected compliment.

"As fun as this has been, if you guys excuse me I have to go back up and check on Nebula." Said Gamora. "I promised to try to help her relearn to walk after this is over."

"I hope you don't mind if I join you." Said Loki. "I haven't seen her since our time on Titan and I promised that once my magic returns or if Thor returns with healing potion then I would help her heal and get her memory back. It's about time, I finally keep my word."

"Do you know a spell on how she can get her memory back?" Asked Gamora.

"It might not be as instantaneous as we all may want it to be, but it will help." Said Loki. "It may take a few months, but it will help her in the long run and she will eventually heal and will be back to herself in no time and yet she will be a different person."

"What do you mean by a different person?" Asked Jane.

"I meant that she will and has changed so much, this will only add more her growth." Said Loki. "But as I said, I am going to need a few months in order to fully be able to help heal her."

"You won't have a problem there, as of right now judging from how wrecked the ship is, we all are practically stuck here." Said Rocket. "I better get back to work and then maybe I can have an idea on how much we might still need to do and then get something done today."

"Is your ship that bad?" Asked Natasha.

"It's worst than anyone can imagine." Said Rocket giving a sigh and goes over to Groot, to pick the sappling up. "Come on Groot, we should get back to work."

"I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot rather hopefully.

"What? For the hundredth and last time Groot, we are not going to ask Loki to freeze the tower or make something turn into fireworks." Said Rocket as he continues on his way with Groot on his shoulder, turned around waving bye to everyone in the room.

"Yeah if you guys excuse me, I need to make a couple of phone calls and hopefully I can find a good insurance company that has a better plan for the tower and a contractor that would not only fix up this place, but be willing to make it stronger and indestructible." Said Tony as he makes his way out and removing the Iron man suit, before stopping himself to face Loki. "That is unless Snape over here knows a spell that can fix all of this and the art of construction?"

"No, I don't. The best I could offer you is an illusion or ice wall and even then it won't be safe." Said Loki earning a groan from Tony. "But wait, I think I have an idea that might work, maybe if I can use a piece of ice and transform it into authentic building materials. Than maybe it can work..."

Without a second thought, Loki starts to create some blocks of ice. Once he creates the blocks, he focuses hard on trying to create something out of them and with hopes that he would be able to do it. Soon the next thing, they all knew is that the ice blocks are slowly turning into numerous building materials and supplies. To much of everyone's surprise and seeing how he simply just turned the ice to supplies, Loki goes over to touch them and is surprised to see how at this point it is as real as he was hoping. That his hand is not going through the objects or he feels the coolness of the ice, he actually did the impossible and managed to use his magic to transform an object to one another. Feeling an intense sense of pride, he uses his magic to move the objects to land right in front of Tony and ready to get this part over with.

"Here is some building materials that you can start off with and maybe take a weight off your expenses." Said Loki rather happily. "I know it won't change anything or remove the trouble that I caused financially, I only hope that it would help in someway."

"At least it would save me hundreds of dollars, plus it might convince people to consider at least work on the tower and then later shuffle out any of the details of the supplies." Said Tony a little relieved that he now has a start now. "I really appreciate all this, though is there a chance that you can make some more later? You don't have to do it right now, but I think that we might need some more than that."

"If course, it would give me some practice on trying to perfect my skills and then we can get some things done." Said Loki. "Along with try to fix some past wrongs that I don't even know if I can fix all of them, but I might as well try."

"Hey Loki, maybe after your little magic healing session with Nebula, if you want to finish watching Star Wars?" Asked Darcy with the hope that he would say yes. "There's still one movie left and you really should see how it ends."

"Of course, if this could possibly be my final moments of this planet, then I want to enjoy every moment of it." Said Loki. "I also would like to see how well Luke is going to take Vader as his father, since after a revaluation like that then it would drive anyone insane. Besides it would be nice to spend some time with a friend before everything changes."

"Great, now I am so excited!" Said Darcy happily. "I should really make some popcorn, do you like it with butter or salt or-"

"I believe plain with a bit of salt would be nice." Said Loki. "Whatever that may be healthier for us and enjoyable to eat."

Without even saying another word, Loki and Gamora makes their way to the exit and to start to leave the room. With one problem out of the way, there is still many problems that are yet to follow. Since there is the question of whether or not Thor has told Odin that Loki is still alive, Nebula and her healing, finding out what else he might be capable of and helping Wanda get through her grief. They were the problems that Loki knows that he still has to deal with and even then Loki knows that deep down he won't be able to solve most of these problems overnight no matter how much he may want to. But he is going to take it one step at a time and work out every single issue as they come towards him. Along with maybe hope that things will somehow find a way to work out on it's own. For now, he is going to take everything as it goes along and hope for something to happen and that all of his problems will be solved. Then to take the time fix all of the issues that is now in their way and over time, he will find a way to deal with all of it. For now he has the freedom to do so and to enjoy his life and he is going to make the most of the remaining moments...

---

Ten minutes later, in the hallway

Loki and Gamora makes their way through the hallway and they are simply enjoying each other's company as they go through the halls. Along with enjoying the first time, they ever had a moment to themselves without having to worry about Thanos ruining everything. That they were able to escape from him and never having to worry about the Titan ever again. They and Nebula are now free in living their own lives and have a new beginning where they will get to make their own choices without ever needing to worry about being trapped within the past again.

They continue to head to right where Nebula is now resides. That is until something or rather someone catches Loki's eye and he doesn't seem to be wanting to shake it away. He sees Wanda walking right by in a hurry, not wanting to stop for anything and that that there is nothing that will detract him from the sight. Especially seeing how she is trying her best to avoid him and everyone else. Loosing Vision and her brother must have hurt her so much, Loki wishes that he could have done more to protect Vision or stop him from going up to face Thanos. If only he knew and can somehow found a way to save him. Same goes for Pietro, who was ready to sacrifice himself for all of them and the last thing he ever tried to do was try to save his sister. Loki knows what feeling completely isolated from the world and the sense of lost can do to someone and Wanda needs a friend right now, more than ever and he is going to give her one.

"Gamora, will you excuse me for one minute?" Asked Loki. "I really need to talk to Wanda for a moment. I will catch up with you shortly."

"Alright, are you sure she even wants to talk?" Said Gamora. "She has been really moody lately and might want to be left alone."

"To be honest, I do not know if she is ready to talk. But I do know that I am not going to leave her alone in the dark and let the darkness consume one's mind and the feeling of lost." Said Loki. "I want to help her get through this, Wanda and Pietro helped Darcy and I get to where we were before Thanos came, so it would be the least I can do for her."

"She seems to be a little more shut off, hurt and angry, a lot more than I have ever seen even in Nebula." Said Gamora.

"Yes, I know exactly how she feels and want to help get through this." Said Loki. "Plus I think she also may need help with her powers and I need to give it to her."

"I am going to go on ahead to check on Nebula." Said Gamora. "See you in a bit."

Loki gives Gamora a quick nod and goes on their separate ways as he heads his right to Wanda. Hoping that she is alright and that knowing that she now has someone to talk to then it would be enough to make her feel a little better. He slowly heads his way towards Wanda, seeing that she is not noticing him and that she seems to be focusing on something and he can't tell what. But Loki is just going to talk to her and then see where it goes from there, he just only hopes that she will be willing to open up. That is if she really wants to talk, but that doesn't mean he is not going to try to reach out.

"Wanda, is everything ok?" Said Loki not even bothering to beat around the bush.

"Everything is more than alright, why are you asking?" Said Wanda trying to keep a distance.

"I only wanted to check in with you, to see how you are doing." Said Loki. "You had a difficult week, not to mention the past few days and-"

"I am doing well thanks, I only need some time that's all and I will find a way to move on." Said Wanda. "That is I hope that I will."

"Well if you ever need someone to converse or-" starts Loki, before Wanda takes over the conversation.

"Thank you, but I just need some time to be alone and I..z don't know if I can stay here a minute longer." Said Wanda.

"What do you mean..." starts Loki and stopping himself when he realizes the answer and desperately hope that he's wrong.

"I am thinking of leaving the Avengers and take some time for myself." Said Wanda. "This place has too many memories and it was the first place I have ever considered a home. But it can't continue being one without Pietro..."

"Wanda, I know how it feels, what you are feeling and how much it hurts, but the pain will not go away if you shut everyone out with the hopes that it will." Said Loki. "Pushing others away only brings more pain in the end, I had to learn this lesson the hard way and I do not want to see you go through it as well. You are an Avenger and you always find a way to fight through whatever battles may come your way, whether it's combative or inner deep down and personal."

"You are more of an Avenger than I will ever be." Said Wanda.

"I would not say that, I doubt I would ever be one. Especially after everything I have done in the past." Said Loki.

"I think at this point you made up for it more than any of us can even ask of you. Since you nearly died or actually died and later came back, what are we planning to call that?" Said Wanda. "If what happened back there doesn't make you a true hero than I don't know what would."

"Still you would be a much better person than I know I ever would." Said Loki. "Wanda, you shouldn't leave the Avengers and the people that still cares about you. You still have so much to hold on to and found a home with people that have forgiven your past deeds, that will always welcome you in open arms."

"Yes, but I need to figure things out on my own without the Avengers or anyone else that I have met during these past two months." Said Wanda. "But I will come back, when I am ready and when I finally understand who I am and what my true potential with my powers."

"Maybe we can figure it out together, from seeing how your powers seem to be increasing and throughout the time we had together, I realize that it might be or rather you have the potential of being able to create magic." Said Loki.

"Magic? Me?" Said Wanda in complete shock of the very idea.

"Yes, since some of the things you were doing is rather similar to magic and at points was on the brink of becoming spells." Said Loki. "If you want I can try to teach you, magic or we can find a way for you to learn to reach your full capabilities without magic."

"I would like that, then maybe I can do more with my abilities than just move things with my mind." Said Wanda. "I may need it more than ever..."

"Pardon me?" Said Loki who is confused by what she means by that.

"I only meant if I are join the Avengers when I am ready." Said Wanda as quickly as she can without even looking at Loki and trying her best to hide a secret.

"Right." Said Loki with hints of skepticism, already can sense that she is hiding something. "We can start as early as today if you want and if not we can find a way to do so if the worst scenario happens. I can always try to sneak you right into Asgard."

"That or I can play around in your dad's mind and make him change his mind about you." Offered Wanda.

"I highly doubt that brainwashing him to give me what I want is the best way to go, even if it is effective." Said Loki. "But we will figure it out and you are always welcome in the apartment that Darcy and I share, if you ever need anything or want to talk or come by just to be friendly."

"I know and I might take you on that offer." Said Wanda as she starts to walk away and turn back to Loki. "Though I might also pop in every now and again, only when you and the others are really in need of the Scarlet Witch."

"Wanda, think about what I said and remember you do not have to be alone." Said Loki.

Wanda only gives a smile and starts to head on her way to her room. As Loki watches, he only feels a sense of concern for his friend and how she might possibly be heading towards a dangerous path. One that he wouldn't wish anyone to go on and he only hopes that he is overthinking this. That maybe she is right and all she needs is time alone, then she will come back and be ready to move on, though gaining that feeling is not going to be easy and Loki knows that no one can fully get it, especially if they are doing it all on their own. But maybe this will be different and Wanda will be alright, that she will come to someone when she's ready and when she does then then Loki knows that he will be there for her and he knows that they will all support her if only she just lets them.

Loki starts to head to the pent house and to help Nebula as he promised. Deep down he only wishes that Wanda would turn back and talk to him. But he knows that he has to give her time and only wishes that he knows when or a way to help Wanda. Loki can't stop her in leaving the Avengers and the tower even with the Avengers' help, but that doesn't mean he can't have the doors open for her and be ready to hear her out when she is ready. He only hopes that she sees it for herself before it's too late...

---

A few minutes later at the end of the hall

Wanda is relieved that talk is over and she didn't have to do some memory manipulation on Loki. That would be the last thing she wants to do is hurt one of her former allies and go as far as that. But she can't afford in anyone finding out what might be the biggest secret she has ever had in her life. Wanda can't lose him not again, all she has to do is tell Steve and the others what she is going to do and leave with him without anyone noticing.

Wanda quickly looks around to make sure that no one is watching and opens her door to enter right into her room. She gives a sigh of relief that he is is still there and she did not have to worry about something happening and all she has to do is make sure no one finds out. She can't believe what her powers are capable of and stares at him happily, that there is no word that would describe what she is feeling or if she is ever going to let this go, a second chance to be a friend and to not let anything happen to him again.

"Great, you are still here and no one else decided to check in on me." Said Wanda smiling at him. "If we leave tonight then no one will suspect a thing and we will escape without a trace."

"Wanda, are you sure this is a good idea?" Said Vision as he slowly comes out of the shadows. "Why don't we just go up to them and tell them the truth? Explain that you didn't use the stones and didn't mean to use your powers to bring me back."

"No, they refused to bring Pietro back when they have the power to do so. Do you really think that they would accept this?" Said Wanda. "If anything they would try to use these against me and have you destroyed."

"Wanda, they are not going to go that far if you give them a chance." Said Vision feeing more desperate by the minute. "Look what happened to Loki and how things went when he tried to keep everything a secret."

"The difference between us and Loki is that we do not have an evil vile alien chasing after us. We have no reason to put ourselves in the public and we can live normal lives without a care in the world." Said Wanda. "Don't worry about the Avengers, it will be just us and you no longer have the mind stone. Nothing will ever harm you again and you need to stay hidden, we can no longer take any small chance. Someone might use you for evil and no one will leave us alone until they can get what they want."

"So you are planning to hide me and not let anyone know I am alive?" Asked Vision, Wanda gives a nod, as Vision sighs. "I only wish that we can let our friends know that I am alive."

"We can't unless you want to put yourself in danger." Said Wanda. "Don't worry, everything will turn out fine, just trust me."

Vision looks at Wanda completely unsure, while Wanda only gives a sigh and thought about her choice as and really does not see that many options. She can't trust the Avengers, Guardians or Loki, they would tell her that she shouldn't have done something that none of them understands and the choice that she is making is anything but a good one. Then they might even lock Vision somewhere, Wanda already lost a brother and she is not going to lose her only true friend and is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that she doesn't go through any pain again. Wanda is going to make sure of this and to do everything to keep Vision safe, no matter what.

---

Meanwhile in the pent house

Loki makes it to the room, happy to finally have made it and to see Nebula again. Even if his thoughts always finds it's way to think about Wanda, but he always finds himself to get back to the present and Loki is going to see Nebula again. Not only he will start to keep his promise, but he will also have the chance to check in on Nebula, he hasn't seen her since Titan and there might be changes. At the same time, he is not going to miss out the chance on being with an old friend and one that he is only glad that he didn't lose because of Thanos.

He makes it to where Gamora and Nebula shares a room. Giving the door a quick knock, after getting the invitation to enter, Loki simply enters the room and sees both Gamora and Nebula in there. Seeing that they must have bonded during their time on Earth, after being free from Thanos and no longer having him looking down on them and to have freedom to start again and move past from the pain they experienced in the past. To create a fresh start where they can finally be sisters and no one can ever rob them from that and they can finally start to rebuild the bond that was lost and heal from an entire lifetime with Thanos. He enters the room without another thought in mind and knows that he should be the one that start off the conversation and then they will get to the start of the healing process or rather the start of the healing process with magic.

Then she will be alright and the final injury Thanos will heal, he doesn't even know how long it is going to last, but he only hopes that magic will be enough to help her heal. He slowly heads right towards the two of them and careful not to disturb the moment until he finally makes it to the two and once he was there, then it catches both sisters attention and they turned to him. With Loki deciding that it is time to break the ice and the moment where it is time to fill the lose ends. Loki doesn't even know why he feels so nervous and why he can not shake this feeing, but he does know that he is not going to let it cloud his emotions. That the spell and later the healing potion will be more than enough to help her or at least heal her to the point where she is fine.

"It's been a while since the three of us were alone in a room like this." Said Loki as he starts a conversation and then notices something. "Wait, where is Quill and Drax?"

"They went to help Rocket with a few things with the ship, they might be back soon." Said Gamora.

"I haven't seen you since everything that happened on Titan. I see that you had a faster recovery than I had." Said Nebula trying to be friendly and open to him.

"Yes, I am just as surprised as everyone else." Said Loki. "Though I am not really complaining, it only did last for a few days and even then it could have been worse."

"Well, it almost did and I don't think any of us was ready for that." Said Nebula as she reflects on the role that she played in Loki's near death and wonders if anyone especially Loki can ever forgive her for her role in all of this. "Loki, before you say anything else, I wanted to tell you that I-"

"Nebula, there is no need to apologize, I have already forgiven you." Said Loki. "It was never your fault, the only one truly to blame for all this is Thanos. He was the one that nearly killed us, tortured the three of us and numerous other crimes. I would go down the list of his other victims, but evidently it would take me years to name all of them."

"True." Said Nebula, as she realizes that there are so many that she doesn't even know all of their names and she might have helped created more.

"What matters now is that he's gone and he can't hurt anyone anymore." Said Gamora. "Now it's a time for us and the world to heal from Thanos and repair what he has broken."

"Starting with your memory, I can't promise that it will give you all of your memories back and even then once we are done everything good and bad will be there, but it will be a start." Said Loki. "Are you ready for this?"

"Yes, I want to have everything, to remember what I had to go through and my mistakes. To make me stronger than I was before all this and to have a constant reminder." Said Nebula. "So I will not forget the pain I felt and let it be a motivation to never become him."

"You will never be like him." Said Gamora. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Why? Do you think I am so weak that I can not even handle my own memories?" Asked Nebula annoyed. "Aren't you worried that I might eventually become some monster worse than Thanos or do you believe that I am too weak to be capable of it?"

"I think you are stronge enough not to become one and stronger than Thanos ever was." Said Gamora. "You don't have to have this pain anymore, you are free to start anew."

"I know but I need to have them in order to start anew." Said Nebula happy to hear Gamora's response and turns to Loki. "Do it."

Loki looks at the two sisters, wishing that there is another way and to spare Nebula from the pain the memories will bring. That there is a way for him to do this without her knowing and possibly reliving the pain that Thanos has put her through. But at the end of the day, this is Nebula's choice and no matter how much he and Gamora dislikes it, they will need to respect it. He only hopes that he can maintain a better grip unlike what happened in the training room. The last thing he wants is to lose control and hurt Nebula, fortunately he feels a tighter grip on his magic and he starts the spell.

He feels as though that the memories his magic is allowing is only showing mostly bad memories and only a few sprinkles of happiness is only shinning through. It is getting to the point that Loki is even starting to feel it as well, seeing how much Nebula had to go through. It only increases Loki's loathing of the mad Titan even more. That is only making him feel more happy that Thanos can no longer cause pain to the universe and both Gamora and Nebula are now free from the Titan that they shouldn't even call him their father. They are free to start out a new life away from the pain and they can start a new journey without anything holding them back.

Loki continues the spell for a good couple of minutes, wanting nothing more but to complete the spell. Hoping that this will give Nebula the closure that she most desperately wants and yet he doesn't have relive all of her pain to the point that she is back to where she has started with the healing process. But from one glance, Loki is surprised and relieved that she is remaining calm and only flinching when there are moments that have gotten too hard for her to handle. Soon after a few more seconds, the spell is complete and Loki allowed himself to slowly put his hands down, taking a careful look at Nebula. Hoping that he didn't help cause her any more pain by accidentally reliving it.

"Nebula, do you remember anything else?" Asked Gamora not even sure if she wants to know or see her sister back to the angry vengeful girl who would do anything to get revenge on the ones who hurt her.

"I remember the first few weeks, how we met and the start of our training and our first dual. You won for the first time and you wanted to take it easy on me." Said Nebula as she remembers the entire moment. "I agreed and after the fight, you got those silver pieces on your face. Thanos claimed that it would help increase your vision."

"Nebula, I never meant to make you see that far back-" starts Loki wanting to apologize for what he just unintentionally did.

"Don't, it was one of the best memories I had during that time. After that, it was nothing but darkness and... I think I may have lost myself to it." Said Nebula.

"I lost myself to the darkness too, before I found the light again and made a new life for myself." Said Gamora. "That's all anyone can do right? Go through challenges to find a new beginning."

"I guess..." said Nebula who is unsure if she deserves this chance.

From one look both sisters are simply content with one another and finally starting to find the common bond between them that has been broken for so long, finally start to repair itself. They are starting to see the things that they have first seen in one another when they were children start to shine through. They are slowly finding it within themselves to build that bond, to repair all of the damages that all of the years and Thanos has caused. To have the chance of becoming true sisters and never letting anything come between them ever again.

Loki is happy with the sight that he is now seeing and how Nebula is finally starting to find peace. That she can start things anew with Gamora and can start to heal from the pain that Thanos has inflicted. Nebula now has a second chance to start again and to create her own path away from everything and to make her own choices. Even if she has a long way to go and he doubts the journey will be easy. But he knows that Nebula is now in a better place, a happier and safer place. He knows that she will find what she has been looking for and have the strength to overcome the challenges ahead.

"I wish to find out more, do you think you can do the spell again?" Asked Nebula.

"I do not think I can for today." Said Loki. "If I try to do the spell again then it may do more harm than good. You're find would become so overwhelmed that you may lose yourself to it. If we are going to do then we need to do it right."

"I agree with Loki, if we try to rush it than we would be trying too hard." Said Gamora. "This might be easier for both you and Loki if we try to do it on a daily basis until you can fully remember everything."

"I am trying to get them back as fast as I can, I need to know everything." Said Nebula wishing that the spell could have done more than bits of her memory.

"I know but you should allow your body and mind the time that it needs to heal." Said Loki before stopping himself. "I can not believe that I am now repeating what was said to me when I was really desperate for my magic to return. That was hypocritical of me wasn't it?"

"No, it is not, especially knowing that you did not have to wait long for your magic to return." Said Nebula. "I only wish I have the same luck with my memories."

"You will remember whatever you want to remember, but it will take time for you to heal from all of this." Said Gamora. "Just give us a chance and you will find a way to start again. Move past the pain that he has placed on you and just start to heal from this."

"You always did act like you know everything." said Nebula trying her best to act annoyed and is only glad that she is now finally getting some care from her sister and having a friend she trust by her side.

"Well I am older, so I have some more experience." said Gamora who can't help but point that out in a almost joking manner.

"Only by a year." said Nebula who is now feeling a sense of happiness and now for once she is feeling right at home, that she is in a good place, that she finally at peace.

"This has to be the first time I have ever seen both of you enjoying each other's company. I have never seen either you have a conversation that did not end in a shouting match." said Loki, both sisters stare at him as they realize that he's right and that they are starting to heal from Thanos and being true sisters again.

"Yes, this is definitely a first." said Gamora surprised to see how much things have changed since she saw the truth and escape Thanos, how much Nebula has changed and how they may have a chance to start anew...

"Gamora... Don't you have a ship to repair?" said Nebula hastily being back on her guard. "You should go check on your friends..."

"Umm... Yeah, you're right, I should go and see how they're doing." said Gamora a little taken aback and turns to Loki. "Can you stay with her?"

"Of course." said Loki giving a nod, as Gamora leaves the room wishing that Nebula would see that things are different now.

Loki is a little surprise at Nebula's sudden pushback and at the same time he's not since they have years of trauma to help her overcome. It's not going to disappear overnight and it will take time, he knows that Nebula is trying to move past it and trying everything to do so. But he only wishes that he can find a way to help her, to make this transition easier and yet he knows that the best he can do is help her regain her memories. Maybe if he to try to be understanding and listen to her, then she will start to open up, then maybe Nebula will get to see that she doesn't have to hide herself any more and she can trust them.

"I did not expect that to happen." said Loki as he tries to start a conversation.

"Well she did need to go on and check on her friends instead of standing here all day with me." said Nebula.

"Gamora was just trying to help." said Loki. "I know it may seem overbearing, you have no idea on how long it took me to convince Thor to leave for Asgard. As annoying as it was, but it is strangely comforting to see that he cares."

"I know, but I don't deserve it and if anything if it were up to Thanos I would loose another part and torture me for years." Said Nebula.

"You're free from him now and you do not have to worry about him hurting you anymore." Said Loki. "If it were up to me, then I would let you live out your best life and make sure you remain free. No one deserves to go through what you went through and feel the same pain you have experienced."

"No one except Thanos." Said Nebula.

"True, I can't argue with that." Said Loki as he smiles at that remark. "Though I doubt that the others would agree with us."

"You'd be surprised, I'm sure that there would be some that would be willing to do so." Said Nebula. "The team's name is going after revenge after all and have you met the Guardians of the Galaxy?"

"I have and I doubt they would be happy to go on a mission that they don't even know if they'll survive." Said Loki. "As for the Avengers, good luck with them. They are not the types who would be willing to go on the path of revenge."

"Then they should really consider changing their name." Said Nebula. "What's the point of being called as someone one going out looking for revenge when you don't go out and get it?"

"I have no idea, but let's try to avoid going down that path again." Said Loki. "It led us to nowhere but to more trouble, no matter how much the person who hurt us may deserve it. I may have changed but that does not mean I am not going to suddenly not yearn for it, though I won't plan to pursue it."

"But you should, especially after everything that has happened and all of the things he has done, all of the things I have done and yet you are still not mad at me." Said Nebula. "There are not enough words to tell you how sorry I am and if I can use the Time Stone to undo everything than I would use it. I almost killed you and you still are not furious with me, you haven't done anything but try to help me and practically forgiven me for everything I did to you."

"It probably because I choose to move forward in my life and already have forgiven you for everything." said Loki. "As someone wise once said to me, a hero or anyone in general has to fight for what one believes in and fixes their mistakes."

"Now that is surprisingly too much, did you hear that from Darcy?" said Nebula.

"Yes, now you know that being around Darcy is really catching up with me. As much as she can be overexcited about every little thing, she can at times be surprising, kind hearted, wise in her own way and brave. Maybe that's why I like her so much..." said Loki before stopping himself as he realize what he's saying and quickly change his wording. "As a friend of course, nothing more than that!"

"Whatever you say." said Nebula seeing through the mask and yet not saying anything. "But still it doesn't change the fact that I almost killed you and did more than enough things that are unforgivable, I should not even be here and-"

"Thanos was the one who was after the stones and used the Soul stone." pointed out Loki. "If anything then he deserves more of the blame then anyone in this tower, besides you redeemed yourself in the end when you decided to help us and it is obvious that you want to have a flesh start and not forget the past rather than ignore it. You could have just left Thanos and not look back but you didn't and you wound up staying to help us, defeat Thanos without a care of what the consequences were."

"It still does not excuse what I did to help him get there and all of the pain I have caused to you and Gamora, who should hate me beyond words for everything." said Nebula. "Why doesn't she just give up on me and drop me off on some planet when this is all over? All I wanted was revenge on her, Thanos and anyone who hurt me. I did not care who would have gotten hurt in the end and I only wish that there is a way for me to undo what I have done."

"Unfortunately we can't, no matter how much we may wish to go back in time to undo our mistakes. But we can take the first steps forward and start again, make up for the past and look forward to the future." said Loki. "If what you have done to Gamora in the past is what really is making you want to push her away, just don't Hiding from the people that you hurt, the ones that truly cares for you is only going to hurt you more in the long run. I made the same mistake you made and let me tell you, it is something that I would highly suggest never to go through. They have already forgiven you and if they still haven't then they will, just give them a chance and let us help you."

"You really think that we should trust them, that I should give Gamora a second chance? I don't want to get hurt again and want to be free from all this." said Nebula as she sees that maybe she does have a bright future ahead and she will get through this.

"I know you can and they only want to help you, we all do, otherwise you would not be in this tower, let alone this room." said Loki. "Besides the Avengers have already forgiven me after everything I have put them through in the past, forgiving you would be much more easier."

"Maybe, but what I did was much worst." said Nebula trying to counter it with a smile.

"Well you were not the one fighting them while trying to take over their planet, I did not make a good first impression to say the least." said Loki pointing out the obvious.

"Yes, but you are not the one who helped Thanos gather the stones to the point that he was dangerously close in finally eradicating the universe." said Nebula as she can't help but trying to beat him in this defeat.

"True, I can not really argue with that." said Loki accepting defeat with the last argument, can't even help but laugh at that part.

"So now you are some big hero, practically one of them." said Nebula as she points out the obvious. "Must feel good being called that huh?"

"I don't know about that." said Loki. " I doubt they would ever see me as one of them and for now I think we are just on friendly terms nothing more."

"I think they would be more accepting of you than you may think, they did help you when you lost your soul." pointed out Nebula. "Maybe the whole Mysto thing, gave them a good first impression on you that they now started seeing the real you."

"Maybe, that's the best viable explanation that I can think of." Said Loki as he stop to think of it.

"So, once you're brother returns and if he says that you no longer have to worry about your father and being trapped in a cell." Said Nebula. "What are you planning to do next?"

"To be honest, I don't know. At first I wanted to leave Earth, I was desperate to go and not look back." Said Loki. "That desire only grew when Thanos exposed my identity, but now everything has changed. For the first time, I have actually feel at home somewhere, that I now actually feel accepted. I have my brother here, a friend to speak to and another that would miss me terribly if I leave and never see me again. But at the same time, I don't want to lose my friendship with the Guardians, they were the first ones that accepted me into their group without question and I do not want to let that go."

"I would choose what's best for me, think about your choices and what you really want." Suggested Nebula. "Then make your decision based on what you need and what you truly want."

"The thing is I don't know what that is and all I know is that I don't want to lose what I already have." Said Loki. "How about you? What are you planning to do once you healed and when this is all over?"

"I don't know either, I have been thinking of maybe go to the places that Thanos destroyed or the people that he held captive prior to this or the families that he destroyed to help fix the damages." Said Nebula. "I know that it won't undo all of the damage he's done, but it might be a good way for me to try to make myself useful."

"That and you are tempted to destroy some of Thanos's 'wonderful' work are you?" Said Loki knowing that might not be the only reason why she would be so charitable.

"Perhaps, at least it will give me a chance to ruin something Thanos values." Said Nebula. "Though I would like something with more meaning."

"Maybe we'll figure something out and then you can finally start to find that meaning." Said Loki. "But we can figure it out later and over time, right now we should focus on letting you heal from all of the injuries that you gained when we fought him."

"At least I finally got to stand up to him, even if it means that I almost lost my life to do it." Said Nebula.

"I saved it, if it were not for me then he would have killed you without a second thought." Said Loki.

"I wish it was me instead of you, you didn't deserve to go through all that." Said Nebula. "At the same time, I am grateful for what you tried to do. You saved my life, I will always remember that and I just want to say that. Though I don't really know how say it."

"Then don't, I know what you're trying to say and it was really no problem." Said Loki. "I am only glad that it was able to work out. I just wish Thor would return and deliver the potion, so we can start with your physical healing."

"Yes, since I am tired of sitting around and having to helped to walk around. Stark offered me a wheel chair, but I declined though Gamora was a little annoyed." Said Nebula.

"I can see why." Said Loki already imagining the scene playing out and how annoyed Gamora must have felt and might still be feeling as she helps her around the tower.

"I guess I should make the most of this time off." Said Nebula. "So what things do people on this planet do for fun?"

"Many things, it is something that really depends on what you like to do." Said Loki. "Darcy did bring me something's to do while I was recovering when my soul was returned. If you want, we can see what's in there and maybe it will help pass the time. Though they are still technically my stuff and it is simply a suggestion, if you really want to."

"Yes, that would be nice." Said Nebula.

With that Loki quickly heads right back to his room, grabs the back pack and opens it up. He mostly found books for him to read, which does not seem to be the type of thing Nebula would be into. He continues to try to find something and so far there are snacks, but there is something that catches his eyes. He can't believe that Darcy packed it and yet he wonders how long did she think that they were going to be in Avengers tower and he was going to be unhealthy. But does it really matter? At least now he has something to do with Nebula and it will be somewhat engaging, but not to mention provide a good strategy and maybe help her with her mind healing over it.

He quickly brought it and some snacks right to Nebula and quickly set things up for them. Loki quickly told and explained to her of the rules of a game that Darcy showed him and he quickly got into for its strategy and quick thinking. After quickly telling her about chess and it's rules, she agreed to played and the two start. Loki tries to make the game easy for her and often let her perform moves that would decrease his chance on winning the game. But either way, he is impressed to see how Nebula was able to play despite being in the situation she's in and needing to heal so much that she is going to need more time to overcome all of the pain that she went through. But Loki is determined to do everything he can to provide her with the help that she may need.

They continue to play and the game continues to excite Nebula at every turn. She seems as though she is having fun for once and is now more relaxed than how she has ever been. Eventually the game ended with Nebula wining, he is glad to see her smile a little bit after all of the years trying to please Thanos, win in a fight against Gamora and now enjoying the simple pleasures of a game. What really surprised Loki was when she ask if they can play again, which he can only give a simple nod and set up the board.

The rest of the hour or so went like this, they start a new game, play and then when it ends then they would start again. Loki is trying his best in letting Nebula every game they play, in order to not make her disappointed, lose the feeling of winning and he knows how long she has waited for this moment and he doesn't want to take it away. But Nebula quickly caught on and just ask if he can stop making it easy and for a fair game, he simply shrugs with the hope that he is not going to regret this. It runs smoothly for a little bit, that until Loki won the game and he feels a wave of panic as he watches Nebula and wait for her reaction. To much of Loki's surprise and relief, she ask if they can play again and that is exactly what they did for the time they spent together.

Both Loki and Nebula winds up enjoying the time they have together and how they quickly found a brief moment of peace. One where they would be able to heal from everything that has happened, where they can finally be friends and be free from never having to worry about anything coming to ruin it ever again. That they can start a new life without fear on their minds and hopefully without their pasts coming back to haunt them. Even then they will find a way to move forward in life and find a way to move past everything they have done and start a new life. For now both of them are happy in having a break and that over the course of this time, the two of them are happy to find this time for themselves and they are truly finding themselves to the branching point of becoming true friends.

---

An hour later in the hallway

Loki spent an hour with Nebula, playing chess and just getting her comfortable with simply being in the tower and to let her have time to relax and a sense of normality when it comes to living in complete freedom without ever having to worry about someone ruining one's only chance of happiness ever again. It allows him to have a brief moment where he starts to think of his own future and everything that might still be at stake if Odin does not let him stay on Earth. Eventually Gamora returns and only give the update that it is going to take them longer to fix the ship and they may be stuck on Earth longer than they thought. He didn't mind at all and still trying to get everything all settle and figure out what might be the best past for him when all of this is over.

Soon, Loki leaves the two sisters to bond and heads his way to go find something else to do and have some time to think as he plan ahead. He always thought that when he get all of the Infinity Stones and defeat Thanos, he would leave Earth and never look back. That he will just do what he does best, go it alone and never look back, but everything is different now as he now have made attachments, ones that are too powerful to simply break and against his better judgement, he wound up forming connections. Ones that he now values and he doesn't know if he is ready to let go or if he is ever going to get the strength to do so. But he has to figure out how he is going to do it before this amount of sentiment makes him lose his mind and Loki only hopes that he does so soon.

He continues to make his way through the tower and with all of the many thoughts going through his head. Ones that is ready to dominate his mind and cloud his judgement to the point that it may eventually catch up to him. There does not seem to be a stopping point and Loki continues to feel as the original plan is becoming impossible to do and the thought of Odin is dreading him. That is until he sees Darcy walking towards him and she is right there and he doesn't even know how to start a conversation or if he can even start one. Since there is so much going on in his head and he doesn't even know how he can express them in words or if he can even do so without letting her know about the feelings that are deep inside him. Plus the moment they shared on top of the tower, the previous night is not helping matters and Loki doesn't even know what to make of it except he feels awkward and only wants to ignore the feelings that might be ready to overtake his emotions.

But he knows that he has to do everything in his power to ignore these feelings and keep it together, he only hopes that Darcy doesn't try to start a conversation about it again. That they can just move past it and continue being friends, it all he wants and is hoping for rather than it goes towards an awkward conversation where they will have to face their feelings. The last thing he wants is to reach to the point of no return and have it reach where they will have to avoid each other to the point that they may lose all of the connection they may have with one another and possibly lose their friendship. He is going to pretend nothing is going on and just try to keep things go as smoothly as he can and try to save their friendship before it reaches to that point...

"Hey Loki, how's it going? I'm guessing you had fun with Gamora and Nebula that-" starts Darcy, before stopping herself not even knowing where she is going with this.

"It was nice to spend some time with them, outside of Thanos and after everything that happened." said Loki. "I think that I may have gotten Nebula a little too into that chess game, probably because of all the numerous times she was able to win easily."

"It's not really a surprise that her new favorite game is something she would win at all the time." said Darcy. "It's a good thing that she found something that would make her more happy than trash talking about Thanos all day."

"At least I know that she's healing and she is finding others things to do that may be a little more productive than thinking solely on the past." said Loki as he decides to get the next part of the question over with and face the reality of the situation. "Has Thor returned yet?"

"No, there's still no sign of Thor and we haven't heard of anything that might be supernatural that might lead to Asgardian activity." Said Darcy. "But maybe if we give it time then it would be fine and Thor is just only wrapping some things up and you don't have to worry about dealing with your dad or anything."

"Maybe, but is it bad that I feel as though I need an answer right now rather than just stand around in a endless cycle of thoughts that never seem to end." said Loki. "Wondering what my fate would be and never stopping to ask myself what did Odin say and if I will truly be free after this?"

"I wish I can say for sure, but even then I don't know if I would be accidentally lying or something." said Darcy as she wishes that she can provide an answer, though her face lights up as she has an idea. "Hey do you want to finish watching Star Wars while we wait? It might help take our minds off things?"

"Yes, that sounds perfect." said Loki who is eager to escape reality for a moment.

"Great, lets just meet in that living room area, I am going to go and get the popcorn and then we can just watch it." said Darcy happily.

Loki just gives a quick nod and heads on his way and then heads his way to the living room, when he arrives, he sees that the room is still pretty much how they left it the last time. That they are about to have some peace before Thor's return and he finds out whatever fate, Odin may have in store for him and then deal with the consequences. He wonders if there is a way if he can convince Odin not to take it out on the others, since Loki was the one who decided to keep everything a secret and everyone else agreed to it. They shouldn't be blamed for something that is beyond their control and something that he is responsible for, maybe he will take it easy on Thor and would accept their request on not punishing Darcy, Jane, Nebula, The Guardians and the Avengers. But he is just going to have to wait and see before he has to figure out how to escape the fate that he is about to receive at any moment.

He made himself comfortable on the couch and soon Darcy arrives with a bowl of popcorn for the two of them to share. She picks up the remote and turns on the tv, head to the movies section and then press Star Wars: Episode 6 Return of theJedi, Letting the movie start so they can watch it. Once they are an hour in, Loki doesn't even know what to make of the story the movie that is now presenting and how he feels about the story as they get through the movie and can relate to the whole Darth Vader/Anakin being Luke and Leia's true father storyline. But at the same time, the whole determination of Luke trying to build a connection and bringing Vader/Anakin back to the light side and their interactions is giving Loki a strange feeling of discomfort and one that is not letting him forget his troubles. Though he is not going to get started on the whole romance arc between Han and Leia as he is feeling a sense of discomfort as he watches it, not even bothering to look at Darcy at he feels awkward. They made it to the part where Luke surrenders and talking to Vader, that is when Loki finally decides to break the silence and to say something.

"You know after we are done with these film, we really should rewatch the first three of this series." said Loki. "They are more compelling and interesting as an overall story arc."

"I can't believe you actually like the prequels more, most people liked this trilogy more than them, the last three are my favorite out of the nine main movies." said Darcy. "But then again I have always liked all of the Star Wars equally, I don't know why some people actually get upset over things like that."

"Of course, it is absurd but I believe it may have something to do with nostalgia and then again I did watch the first six in order with little to no context." said Loki. "I managed to gain a preference without a second thought."

"Yeah, but still it's a good preference and I have no judgement." said Darcy.

"I am mostly intrigued on the fall of hero and the space politics in the films as we see the republic fall." said Loki. "Though it does need to work on it's dialogue, while the rest of the films needs some form of expansion for plot details to make sense and while the later films does need to work on the emotional impact and relatability as a whole."

"Yeah, if you are talking about the whole Vader and Luke' family issues thing. I am starting to see that this is not the best movie to take your mind off every thing that is going on." Said Darcy. "Especially in your case and how your dad might be on his way to Thor right now and I might never see you again."

"Well. I believe we have it within ourselves to find a way to continue being friends or be in touch." Said Loki. "At least I hope that we can and I will be pushing for it."

"We have been through so much together for your dad to simply split us apart." Said Darcy. "I don't want to see you being grounded for who knows how long. I mean you did save the universe, so it would give you more than enough reason to be free to live your life without a care in the world."

"Ok saving the universe may be a stretch, but it is a good one." Said Loki. "It looks as though I have finally done something right."

"Well it's more than right, you're a hero and you did everything you could to save us." Said Darcy. "Ok even with my help, but you still save the day when the rest of us weren't around. I guess you are no longer the former villain who doesn't even know what to do with himself that I met two months ago?"

"I would not say that quickly, I am still trying to figure what I should do next after all of this if Odin decides that it would be best for me to remain free." Said Loki.

"So have you given that any thought?" Asked Darcy. "Have you decided to stay here on Earth or going to leave to who knows where?"

"I have no idea, I always knew I would have to go, but now I am not so sure." Said Loki. "Listen Darcy, before I had no one and I knew deep down that nothing will change what I have done and no one would ever dream to be associated with me, let alone want to be anything more than the hero that wants to defeat the rouge villain."

"You know that is no where close on being true." Said Darcy almost immediately.

"I know because this entire experience and these past few days, it only proved me wrong. I was able to create connections to point that I now consider acquaintances, I have found friendship in the least expecting places and finally found the courage to make amends with my brother." Said Loki. "I now have Thor, you, The Guardians, Nebula and Jane on my side, I have been running away from attachments ever since I got here. I don't want to run anymore, I only want to have the freedom of to choose and I do not even know what the right one would be."

"Yeah, but at least the Avengers are now cool with you staying. So that's something to keep in mind just saying." Said Darcy as Loki gives a nod and she sighs as she gets to the next part. "About last night..."

"Darcy, can we try to avoid talking about that..." said Loki as he turn away feeing a little awkward about it. "I do not want our possible last conversation to be about this."

"I know, I don't want to leave things off at this spot and..." starts Darcy, she wants to tell Loki her true feelings and yet she doesn't know what to say and to clear things up with the whole moment. "I just wanted to say that I... I know that it came out of nowhere and... I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable and..."

"It's ok, I accept your apology and I hope that you accept mine." Said Loki not even wasting another moment.

"Wait, what?" Asked Darcy completely surprise.

"I had no idea what came over me and I should not indulge into that kind of behavior." Said Loki. "I have no idea why we did it, but it is something we have to avoid in doing in the future as two grown adults and we crossed a line too far. I am sorry about that."

"Yeah sure, I accept your apology." Said Darcy. "I just don't know why I did it and it was totally in the moment."

"Of course, I understand and it happens." Said Loki as he trying to keep his own emotions hidden.

"So, are we still friends?" Asked Darcy hoping that this doesn't change anything and make things really awkward between the two of them.

"Of course, we are, nothing like this should ever tear us apart." Said Loki. "Only let us never speak of this again and pretend this never happened."

"Yeah, of course and besides wouldn't it be too early for us to do it?" Asked Darcy as Loki turns to look at Darcy completely confused. "You know actually get together like that? I mean if your dad gives us the go ahead for you to stay and after everything we have been through, all of that stuff has to be the furthest thing from your mind right?"

"Of course, I do not believe I am ready and it would be far too soon." Said Loki as he gives a sigh. "It has only been two months after all and we need to know each other longer and take our time. That is if one is going to do any of that and if we were anything more than just friends."

"Yeah, of course I totally agree. We are not the type that would be into having the fairy tale life, it's too early for whatever that is." Said Darcy. "We are not going this route, plus isn't that a Thor and Jane thing? You know where they spent like a day together and they are a power couple?"

"Yes, we are so above that." Said Loki.

"Yeah, we are friends and right now is not the time." Said Darcy a little disappointed and yet understands where Loki is coming from.

"That is if there will ever be a time and if there is then it will be one where we will both be ready." Said Loki feeling slightly disappointed and yet stands firm with what he is saying. "I did die, been brought back and at any moment might lose the freedom that I am holding on to so preciously. I need some time for myself before anything else happens."

"Yeah of course, especially when you put it that way." Said Darcy as she maintains her excitement at the idea and hiding her disappointment. "To go out on adventures and hang out with with friends and just living life. Especially after what happened back there and seeing you just lying there with no sudden movement is a lot scarier than you wrecking a city and doing who knows what."

"At least it is over now and I'm ok, you do not have to think about that anymore." Said Loki reassuringly. "It's done, we are now both fine and besides it is not as though I haven't faked my own death before."

"Yeah, but it wasn't like last time, this time you actually died and we nearly lost you." Said Darcy who is annoyed that Loki is not making it into a bigger deal. "You died and you almost didn't come back, I never wanted that to happen when I said that you should go out and become Mysto. Emotional heroic sacrifices are not exactly on the top of my list of what makes a hero requirement. Especially ones where you might have a high chance of not coming back."

"Darcy, I know that must have been difficult to watch and I wish that you didn't have to go through that. I can hardly imagine what must have felt and..." starts Loki as he thinks of what might be the best thing to do and once he came up with an idea he knows that may not remove the feelings Darcy may have inside but may help. "Maybe if it helps, if I stay here for a few more days until you are emotionally healed."

"Really? You would do that?" Asked Darcy surprised by Loki's sudden change of attitude.

"Yes, not only because either way I am stuck on this planet until I come to a decision. The Guardians are going to need time to repair their ship and Nebula to make a full recovery, but Odin may want to ask everyone some questions and conduct a investigation." said Loki. "More importantly I want to be here and I do not want to leave here without knowing that you are going to be fine. Especially everything that has happened and now knowing how you have been feeling after everything."

"Wow, that is totally unexpected, I mean a good unexpected and something I will always remember and-" said Darcy trying to find the words to say everything on her mind. "Thanks."

"My pleasure, we should really continue to watch the film, I haven't pain that much attention and I would like to see it before lunch." said Loki.

"Yeah, I can just rewind it for you." said Darcy as she picks up the remote and press the rewind button. "Maybe we can join Jane, the Guardians and the Avengers for lunch, I don't know about Nebula but depending if she's comfortable enough to be up and about. Plus if she is ready to join us, since she has been uncomfortably guilty after everything she has done."

"We need to give her time, she has been through a lot and as for the Avengers, I doubt that." said Loki before turning back to Darcy. "So now that this is all over, what are you planning to do next?"

"I don't know, I'll probably going to finish my internship with Jane and maybe go into tech or something." said Darcy. "Since who knew that I could be so passionate about it or maybe something superhero related or maybe combine both of my interests, I mean it's possible right?"

"Yes, but I am sure that at this point anything is." said Loki. "Though if only the future can be as clear as we are making it sound."

"Well no matter what happens, I know one thing for sure that no matter what happens next, I will be there right by your side." said Darcy. "No matter what happens and even if we're worlds apart, I have your back."

"Thank you for everything." said Loki as he smiles at Darcy.

"That's what friends are for right?" said Darcy as she smiles back.

With that they turn their focus right back to the tv and Darcy simply rewinds it so they can catch the parts they have missed. They spent the remainder of the time enjoying the movie and each other's company, that they are not letting a second pass by, as they enjoy what might possibly their last moment together spending time together. Neither one of them knows what the future may hold once Thor comes back or if they will even have one where they can continue being friends, but they know that they will find a way. No matter what they will always be friends and whatever happens with Odin and the feelings that they both may have towards one another, the bond they share will always be there and they will always remember all of this and the time they have spent together. The memories and the power their friendship has are a greater treasure than the Infinity Stones can offer anyone, it's something Thanos will never understand.

As they continue to watch the movie, Loki and Darcy's hands finds their way to each other's and they notice each other's touch. Quickly looking at each other's hands and seeing that they are now holding each other's hands. They feel a tingling sense of excitement and nervousness as they realize that and ultimately chooses to let their hands stay in place, seeing it as a means of comfort nothing more. With only the feelings they have towards one another in their mind and the sound from the movie filling up the background, as they relax and get ready for whatever may be up ahead. That they will face it together and be ready for it somehow...

---

An hour later

Loki and Darcy finished the movie, after a few seconds of Darcy of getting out of the streaming service and turning of the tv. They got out of the room and heads right towards the kitchen to grab something to eat. Things have suddenly become quiet between them and Loki just hopes that there is no one inside the kitchen, sure it's not like he haven't shared a space with the Avengers before. But he knows that deep down, that with him being there, it's only going to make things more complicated and he does not even know if things won't end in some form of conflict. One that would end poorly that it would only bring a passive aggressive argument that may not ever seem to end, that they would have to get through the next few days at what would feel like a war that might break out at any moment.

But he is going to try to get along with them, for everyone's sake, they are also Thor's friends and they did help save his life, that is more than enough reason for him to be grateful for. There is also the fact that they are not going to expose his identity and that alone is more than enough for him to feel a sense of comfort, one that Loki does not even think that he would turn against any of them for. Since he is going to remember what they did and only wishes that they would be more accepting of him and that they don't leave things in any animosity that would be more than aggravating for anyone to tolerate. He doesn't even know how Darcy can handle wanting to be in there, especailly if they look at everything she did to help him keep his secret. They are about to approach the kitchen and when they finally reach the door, Loki stops to turn to Darcy, completely unsure what to say and figures that it might be a good idea to say it before they go in...

"So, do you really think that it would be a good idea for me to go in and simply sit down with them?" asked Loki. "That is if they are even there and I am not asking this for nothing."

"Yeah, they are pretty much cool with you now." said Darcy as she gives a shrug. "Even after everything that happened before all of this."

"That is exactly my point, I have destroyed a city and hurt hundreds of people and you saw what keeps happening to Stark's tower and how it keeps getting destroyed by my presence." said Loki. "I am not Stark's favorite person at the moment, especially if we look at the tower repair bills."

"Don't remind me of that, I still can't believe that we found a way to get out of that one, which I am extremely grateful of." said Darcy. "Aside from last time, you did save the universe and I think at this point everything is practically forgiven and already under the bridge."

"I hope you are right, since I do not want to leave this room completely upset and we ruin whatever good relationship we may have started." said Loki.

"I don't think that it's going to go that far and if anything I think they are going to be more cool with you than anything." said Darcy. "Let's try to get in there and try to get some food before your insecurities and the past indirectly start a civil war in here."

"If there's any conflict I could always create an illusion and leave before anything escalates." said Loki.

"It will be fine, come on let's go inside." said Darcy.

Without another word being said, they both enter the room and much to Loki's anxiousness and surprise. He sees not only all of the four Avengers that he has been avoiding aside from a few interactions, Jane and all of the Guardians of the Galaxy with the exception of Gamora. But even then it doesn't take long for her to arrive and to much of everyone's surprise Nebula is right there and she nervously tries to keep her guard up. They all make space for Nebula to sit down and make herself comfortable, Loki just watches the room, feeling a little out of place and not even knowing what to make of the emotions that he is feeling. He turns to look at Darcy as she just gives him a confident nod and heads right over to join the others and with many thoughts that are now going through his mind.

He watches Darcy take a seat right next to Jane and he is feeling more and more out of place, sure Loki stopped Thanos and saved the universe. But that is not going to change the facts and all of the feelings of guilt that he is now feeling inside and he knows that he should just get up and leave. That might be the best thing for all of them, he'll just grab an apple or something and eat in his room, then it would make things easier for all of them He is about to do that, until...

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot once he notices Loki and how he may be trying to leave.

"Hey Loki, where are you going?" Said Quill as he took notice as well.

"I am just going to grab some food and eat in my room." Said Loki trying to maintain peace within the group. "I will not cause any trouble and disturb you while I do this. Besides it is not as though I belong here, I should really just... leave..."

He looks at all of them, waiting to hear some kind of response and to see what and how they may react. Loki knows that deep down what he did was unforgivable and the only reason they were being so kind to him now is because not only he is Thor's brother, but he stopped Thanos and that is why he is not in some cell. He only hopes that they would let him go without an argument and then he can get back to his room. Loki does not want to cause any more trouble than it is already worth and he only wants to just leave things as they are now before they somehow make it even worse. But what is about to occur is something that he never thought would happen or even would consider it as anywhere close on being possible.

"Come on, have a seat." Said Natasha as she rolls her eyes and want to make the first move in making Loki feel comfortable enough to know that he is accepted and can eat with them.

"What?" Said Loki in complete surprise and disbelief.

"We have plenty of room and you don't have to eat alone. " said Tony. "You know what they say the more the merrier. What do you say?"

"No, I really should not impose and besides it is not as though I am really a part of the team." Said Loki. "I have already done enough damage and should really stay out of the way."

"You were a part of the team, the moment that you decided to help us fight Ultron and continue to do in the past month and Thanos. Even after he exposed you and knowing all of the possible consequences and that didn't stop you. That and saving the universe makes up for any thing you have done in the past." Said Steve. "You're one of us now, that makes you part of the team."

Loki stands there, surprised and not even believing what he just heard and the Avengers sudden acceptance. Maybe they are not so bad after all and that maybe they are not as weak minded as he thought, though they have admirable strength but the four of them have an admirable sense of understanding that he doesn't even know what to say. Though Loki doesn't think he will ever be an Avenger and that would be crossing a line far too much and one that he is not going to go as far as that.

So he heads right over to the table, feeling awkward and yet a little comforted and sits right next to Darcy. He grabs some of the food that looks edible and placed it all on a plate. The Avengers and the Guardians try to keep a conversation going, Gamora at times try to give Loki and Nebula a chance to speak. Jane and Darcy often join in to say whatever may be on their mind and to help pick up the conversation along. Despite the friendly environment they were all trying to set up, Loki still feels out of place and he doesn't even know how to overcome this feeling as things continue to go on and mostly tries to stay quiet in the background.

"So Loki, do you have any ideas on how I can turn your name into a cool nickname?" Said Tony. "No matter how hard I try I keep reaching a dead end."

"I thought that we agreed to not to speak of this foolishness and I do not want a nickname." Said Loki.

"Yeah, but that alone is a challenge that I kinda want to take and even then it keeps having me stumped." Said Tony.

"Simple, if you are that desperate in taking part of that tomfoolery then simply call me Mysto and let us be done with this." Said Loki. "Though some people have called me mischief and trickster in the past."

"I am definitely not going to call you either of those." Said Natasha. "Wait how did we get into this subject?"

"Yeah, since we didn't exactly fall into the whole what would make the perfect nickname conversation until you brought it up." Said Rocket annoyed.

"Hey, I figured that now Loki's a part of the team and all that, he should get a nickname like I gave all of you." Said Tony. "But even then I am having trouble with him and even then at this point I am starting to run out of ideas."

"Wait, you came up with nicknames for all of?" Said Rocket before covering his face with his paws. "Oh boy."

"What's mine?" Asked Drax rather excitedly at the prospect of having one.

"See, Mr. Clean over here is excited about nicknames." Said Tony as Drax slowly went from excited to a little annoyed by the disappointment of his nickname.

"I am Groot." Said Groot giggling a little bit at Drax's new nickname before turning it into hysterical laughter.

"Look just because I am now part of this group and the team now." Said Loki. "That does not mean I am a Avenger."

"Well, it sorta does." Said Darcy as she gets excited of the idea of Loki becoming an Avenger.

"It doesn't, with that logic than all of those S.H.I.E.L.D agents, Jane and you would be members." Said Loki. "I mostly agreed to stop Thanos and that was it, I do not see myself doing this as a full time job."

"Yeah, but you'd be good at it and it would be totally awesome." Said Darcy.

"Look, why don't we just forget about whatever this is and just simply enjoy this meal." Said Nebula. "Unlike all of you, some of us do not exactly have all of the time in the world."

"She's right, we might as well just try to make the most and enjoy this while we still can." Said Gamora.

Loki is grateful for the sisters for speaking out and soon they continue on. They keep eating and all find themselves in a more engaging conversation. One that Loki surprisingly find it more entertaining rather than annoying. This time at least makes Loki feels somewhat at ease as he relax and enjoy the time that he has gotten during his time on Earth. That he is now feeling a sense of acceptance as every minute continues to pass by. Loki still does not know what the future may hold and really wishes that it would stay this way, but he knows deep down that he had to be ready for a thing.

Though during this conversation, Loki finds himself wondering what is taking Thor so long? Did something happen? Does Odin knows and is he on his way to Earth right now after deciding what he is going to do to both Thor and Loki? Has something happened?

Loki tries his best to ignore all of the thoughts that he is now thinking deep inside and try to relax. To enjoy this moment with his friends and maybe even with the acquaintances he has made during this entire ordeal. Thor is fine, he was probably held up doing something on Asgard. That's the only explanation and one that makes the most sense. What else could possibly be going on?

---

An hour later, right near Avengers Tower

Thor is on his way after having to go through a long flight and is still on as he reaches his way towards the tower. One that he wouldn't take and yet Thor has to, he is now even asking himself if putting the this person in Hiemdell's former position was the right move? He can already imagine what Loki may say to him and does not even want to know what the look on their father's face is going to look like once he finds out.

Despite all of that, it's the best way to ensure that Loki will stay hidden and to keep Asgard safe from anyone who may dare try to attack it. Though he knows that it may not be the best idea and he is now even questioning it himself, but what other choice does he have at the moment?

But it isn't going to stop him from complaining for a little bit though. Since when he landed on Earth, to much of his surprise and horror, Thor did not land in New York or anywhere close by, not even a town. He ended up in a frozen wasteland where there was nothing but ice and snow. After making sure that all of the stuff that he is bringing is still in the bag and everything is in one piece. He quickly flies off to only find himself in a town In Australia and after receiving directions and taking his time to fly over there before accidentally flying past the city. He eventually made it to Europe only to find himself lost and having to land to ask for more directions. Thor eventually got enough to start again and eventually after three hours of flying, landing to ask for directions, getting briefly lost and more flying, Thor eventually made it to North America.

Once Thor arrives to the city and sees all of the sights of sounds of the city he calls his Earth home, he was more than relieved. Thor only hopes that he doesn't have to go back to Asgard again soon or the new replacement receives better training or he gets Loki to show him the nearest of the secret portals back to make it easier.

For now, he is mostly happy to be back, to be right near the tower and to tell Loki the news of what he has decided to do. That Loki is now free and does not need to worry about Odin coming after him, that Loki's secret is safe. He knows that his brother will have a chance to live a life without fear, beyond the laws of Asgard and the opportunity to have a new start. That it would give him the chance to live his life and then he would have to keep hiding from the people of Asgard and the people of Earth. Thor would have liked it if Loki can live his life more freely without having that in mind, but this is the only way and he doesn't even know if there may be another solution. He only hopes that Loki will understand and then they can figure out another way, one that would give his brother the true freedom that he knows that he deserves, but this will have to do for now and he only wishes that he can do more.

But Thor is also concern on how the Avengers and Loki may be getting along, since this is the first time he has left both his friends and Loki alone. Remembering the first time that the Avengers and Loki met and how well that turned out even if it was at the lowest moment of Loki's life. He can't even imagine what kind of war might be waiting for him to stop when he arrives. Still, who knows maybe it isn't as bad as he is making it out, Loki is really sorry about what happened and wants to make that change and was ready to sacrifice himself to make up for what he has done. Thor knows that he has to think positively, there is nothing going on and he is not going to find a full blown battle happening when he arrives. At least he hopes that he won't...

He soon makes to the tower and lands carefully on the roof right near the Guardians' ship and heads right towards the door, with so many thoughts that are going on his mind and not even knowing what to expect or if he is going to have to stop a war from breaking out. That alone what making him worried as he starts to enter the tower, he makes a stop to where Loki is resting and quickly knocks the door to see if Loki is awake. To not just barge in and find themselves in a awkward moment or disturb him, if Loki's taking a nap then he can simply just walk in quietly and leave the bag of stuff. Then he can meet up with the others, he is wondering how Loki is doing and he is doing better than how he was when he left, maybe he is fine and doing well. Once Thor does so a couple of times, he slowly enters the room and sees that Loki is not in there and is simply happy to see that he is doing well enough to be out of bed, that maybe his brother has fully recovered and he is fine. But to be on the safe side, he is going to grab a vial of the potion for Loki and another for Nebula with that hope in mind.

Once he grab the vials and place the bag in a safe place, one where it will be fine and yet let Loki see it. Then he heads on his way to find his brother and the other Avengers and to see what may be going on, he heads right downstairs to the kitchen, to try to see where the others may be. With only the hope that things are fine and he is not going to find a fight occurring and continue to go through the hallways, to see if there is any sign of any of them and only stop once he hears voices and starts to follow them right towards it. Wondering what sort of trouble he is going to find when he arrives, he follows the voices with no idea on what may be going on. He knows that whatever may be going on, he is going to help his friends and his brother get along.

Thor finally reaches the kitchen door, already nervous of what sort of conflict he may be facing and if there is a way for him to stop it. But after simply taking a breath and pushing the door, Thor knows that he has to be ready for anything and has to try to maintain peace between all of them. Once he opens the door, he is ready to stop whatever argument that is going on and to cease whatever conflict that may about to break through. When he enters the room, Thor stops himself and stares in shock, he can not believe what he is seeing...

Here Loki, Darcy, Jane, Nebula, The Guardians and the Avengers sitting comfortably around the table happily getting along. He can't believe that he is seeing this and does not even know if he should be more happy or relieved or surprised by the sight of it. This is everything he has ever imagined and it is happy to see it finally come true, even if it is a lot earlier than he expected and may have been a shock within itself. But he can't really complain much, there is no war that may have broken through and Loki seems to be fully healed. Now all he has to do is enter the room and then move the conversation forward from there to quick updates. He takes a quick breath and heads right inside the room to make his presence known and start the inevitable conversation.

"Hello everyone, I have returned." Said Thor as he catches everyone's attention and they turn to face him.

"Thor, it's great to see you back." Said Steve as he faces the Asgardian.

"Yeah, especially if you look at what you had to do." Said Bruce.

"Well, it's about time you finally came back." Said Jane. "Wait, are you back for good again or do you have to go back to Asgard again soon?"

"I am back once again for the time being and I also brought back some things." Said Thor. "Such as more of the potion."

"Well at least we will have more than enough for Nebula." Said Loki. "Along with any more emergencies that may occur."

"Are you sure you do not need more?" Asked Thor. "I remember how hurt and ill you were when I left."

"I am hale now, I think at this point I am completely fine if I haven't had any symptoms and my magic has fully returned." Said Loki. "I don't know how, but I really believe that my sword may have something to do with my quick recovery and advanced magical abilities, it may have improved my immune system that when I took human medicine, it just gives me a boost. Besides Nebula needs the potion more than me right now."

"Alright, but just take more of it in case you may go through some form of relapse." Suggested Thor as he gives Loki a vial.

"Fine, if it makes you feel better about all of this." Said Loki as he rolls his eyes and accepts the vial. "Besides maybe it would help with any lingering complications that may start a problem later on."

Thor gives a nod and then hands a vial right to Nebula. She quickly opens it and starts to drink it as fast as she can, as Loki slowly take a sip of his and only stops when he only drinks a quarter of it. He wants to preserve as much as he can for any real emergencies and any other previous symptoms resurge. They all turned to watch Nebula, who is desperate for the remaining pain that Thanos has put her through to end and every single drop continues to give Nebula a sense of hope and give her a chance to move forward. Once Nebula finishes the vial, she feels a bit better when it comes to her injuries and a sense of confidence as she feels that it slowly start to become nonexistent. She tries to get up from the chair and to much of her surprise, Nebula is able to do it without anyone's help. She even takes a couple of steps to discover that she can walk again and with a small smile on her face.

"Great you can walk again, now we don't have to worry about babysitting you all the time." Said Rocket, only to receive glares from Loki, Gamora and Quill as they are annoyed by what he just said. "What? it's true, we no longer have to worry about her being so needy and-"

"But did you have to say that out loud?" Asked Quill. "Especially knowing-"

"It's ok, I am used to abandonment and mistreatment and I may deserve your fox's cruelty." Said Nebula as she looks down and Rocket soften up to look at her sympathetically. "I only wish that my memories would have returned and all of this pain will stop."

"It will take time, but we will help you get through it." Said Gamora. "All you need is more of the potion and Loki's memory spell and you will be well again before you know it."

"I know, I will at least remember all of the kindness you all have shown me." Said Nebula. "Don't expect me to change into one of the types who is going to have a cheery outlook on life that one has to ask how did I find myself trap with an idiot?"

"To be honest I would be very surprised if you do take that turn." Said Darcy trying hard to imagine Nebula a carefree happy girl with no care in the world.

"Yeah, no offense Nebs, but you are definitely in a class of your own." Said Tony as Nebula smirk at that response.

"Other than all that, what did Odin say? Does he know? Are there guards here? Did you tell him that I take full responsibility and not to punish the others for my actions? How long do I have until they arrest me?" Asked Loki not even wasting a second to ask the questions that have been haunting his mind for over an hour, making him desperate by the minute. "Did he responded well to the news? Is he furious at me?"

"No, he's not furious at you..." said Thor. "He doesn't know, I didn't tell him."

"What?" Said Loki not even sure if he heard Thor correctly.

"I was going to but I couldn't, I just couldn't." Said Thor. "I asked him what he would have done if Thanos was telling the truth and he said that if you were alive then you were to continue your sentence as if nothing happened."

"I wish I could say that I was surprised and did not expect of this." Said Loki. "Unfortunately I knew that Odin would value tradition and law over his own former son."

"I was hoping that he would see reason and bend the law a little bit. But our father is too stubborn for his own good and he is refusing to see the possibilities, the potential truth right in front of him." Said Thor. "Once he gave me that answer, I knew that I could not be responsible for giving you a life time trapped in a cell. Well until I am king and I pardon you myself, but still I do not want to have you wait for that long."

"That's considerate of you, but we still have to worry about the new gatekeeper." Said Loki. "We do not know who Odin is going to appoint and what they would do if they either see or hear me."

"I took care of that and he is now doing his job and can be trusted, though I may have not told him the whole truth and got some questions from both father and many others if I lost my mind." Said Thor. "Even I myself am now questioning if it's a good idea, especially if we look at the fact that it might put Asgard in a bit of a possible security problem or at least a temporary one."

"What in the nine realms do you-" starts Loki frustrated before becoming completely shock. "You didn't..."

"I did, I had Hoder agree to be the new gatekeeper and father agreed to it." Said Thor as Loki look at his father in complete horror.

"Thor, what were you thinking?" Asked Loki not even wasting a second to voice his concern. "What makes you think that this is anywhere close to a good idea?"

"Wait, hold on a minute. Who's Hoder?" Asked Jane as most of the others turn to look at the two brothers in complete confusion.

"Hoder, is one of the elders that is still alive since the first insurgence of the Dark Elves." Said Loki crossing his arms and stares at Thor in annoyance. "He was a noble warrior, now he is blind with weak hearing and was living a well deserved retirement until now..."

"It is the best I could do at the moment and the only option available that would work." Said Thor. "I know it's risky, but it is only to buy me some time until we find someone we trust or we can just keep him on the job and hope for the best. But right now I am more worried about trying to keep you safe from imprisonment, so far I have at least convinced him that you are dead and even if Hoder is not my first choice on who should be a gatekeeper, he can still identify threats and we really do not have that much of a choice."

"So that's it then?" Asked Loki who still does not like the plan, but knows that Thor is right and it has to be this way.

"Yeah, pretty much." Said Thor. "You are free to live your life on Earth, just know that I will be staying here on this planet as well if you need anything."

"I can never return to Asgard can I?" Asked Loki as he faces the truth of the situation.

"You can, but never as yourself. If we want to keep it all a secret." Said Thor. "I do not know how I can convince father the law is wrong. If I could then maybe things would be different and I can tell father everything, as far as he knows is that Mysto is the one who stopped Thanos."

"You did not have to do that, I only was just trying to stop Thanos, it was nothing more than that." Said Loki.

"Ok, is he still Soul stone effected or something?" Said Darcy completely surprised by Loki's sudden humbleness. "I never thought that I would ever see you be so modest about anything."

"Especially if we look back at how you were back then, how you wanted nothing more than power." said Natasha. "Maybe deep down even revenge for what you went through or to prove something to someone or yourself."

"Along with having all of the statues and parades anyone can ever imagine." said Tony.

"That was before, when I did not know any better and now after this journey, I know that there is a better way to get attention." said Loki. "Besides you all may have to thank me at one point, if it weren't for me you five wouldn't have and wouldn't be such good friends, if I did not foolishly team up with Thanos then you had no reason to meet and try to stop me."

"So in other words, if it wasn't for Loki then there wouldn't be a team called the Avengers?" said Drax catching Darcy, Jane and all the Avengers by surprise and they were speechless by the thought of what Loki just said and they have never thought of that.

"Ooh, I am Groot." said Groot at the statement, no one needs Rocket to translate to know what the sapling just said.

"He kinda has a point." said Gamora in a instant, as the silence continues on and the Avengers don't know what to say.

The room is a silence that anyone can hear a pin drop from the other end of the hall, that there is no telling what may be going on in each of their minds or if they are able to say anything. The idea that they owe the Avengers and the friendship they have found with one another to Loki, it is a thought that never occurred to them and they don't even know how to feel about it. If they are able to escape that thought, sure it was Thanos who sent Loki and he was the mastermind of the entire fiasco, but it was Loki that caused them to meet and his past crimes, that gave them the motivation to fight back. The thought alone is mind blowing and they don't even know what to say or if they can even say it, but the five of them can all agree is never to say something like that to Clint Barton because they can't even imagine how he would react. The shock continue on for the next few minutes, before Darcy decides to break the silence.

"He's back." said Darcy not helping but grinning at Loki's statement.

"Other than all of that, I wish I could do more and I can find a way to allow you to have freedom without having to hide behind a mask and illusions." said Thor.

"It is probably for the best." said Loki. "Things between my father and I are now far too damaged to start to mend our bond, it may be best if I stay dead to him. As for both the people of Asgard and Earth, they will not be accepting of me if they ever find out the truth."

"But you saved the universe and stopped the most evil psychopathic conqueror of all time and almost died by doing so." said Rocket pointing out the most obvious facts. "Wouldn't that be enough for the people to see it? All we had to do was defeat Ronan and then that was it, you went above and beyond anything we pulled off."

"The difference between you and I is that the five of you had witnesses, I didn't except all of you and that won't be enough, I doubt it ever will." said Loki. "In reality there will always be a skeptic and in my case there may be hundreds. They will never accept me and no matter how much I may dream, hope and prove it, they will never accept or trust me. It would be best if I stay in the shadows for good of both planets and our own good if we just keep it all a secret. We can't risk anyone finding out for now, I also doubt the people of this planet would be happy to hear that I am Mysto at least right now."

"He may have a point, do you guys remember how wild the reporters were with just the thought of Loki being Mysto, imagine the public." said Natasha as she starts to imagine the complicated mess that would happen if Loki reveal himself to the world.

"Yeah, it might be best if we take all of this slow and do it when the time is right." said Jane having some hope that maybe things will change for the better.

"I do not think that I ever will or anything will ever change." said Loki. "Though I have been proven wrong before, but I doubt that this will be one of the times, as of right we can not risk it and have to distance Mysto away from my true identity. So I agree with the plan, to speak to the public and that will be my only chance to make sure that no one suspects a thing. I need to keep my identity a secret now more than ever."

"Alright, I guess I will call some reporters and try to see if I can set something up for next week earliest." said Tony. "Only if you guys are all up for it, that is and nothing else overly dramatic happens."

"That works perfectly well for me." said Loki as he crosses his arms and accepts that as it is.

"Ok then, I guess it's all settled, let's just make the most of this and try to relax and celebrate." said Darcy. "We just saved the universe and now Loki doesn't have to worry about being grounded forever, it should give us the reason to do so."

"She's right, we're so going to get good rep after saving the galaxy twice." said Rocket already imaging all the units they can carry. "Especially after helping getting rid of Thanos from the Galaxy."

"Seriously?" said Quill in utter disbelief at Rocket's sudden excitement of the entire situation and thinking of money.

"What? I am just saying, just think how much all fourteen of us will be able to earn if we say it." said Rocket. "Even that girl with the cool powers can earn some good money if she says that she helped."

"Wait, now that I think of it, where is Wanda by the way?" asked Natasha. "I haven't seen her since yesterday."

"She told me that she was thinking of leaving the Avengers and must still be in her room packing some things." said Steve. "She told me last night and wouldn't hear anything from me to try to convince her otherwise."

"I tried to talk her out of this decision when we met earlier, but she wouldn't listen." said Loki. "She just needs time and after everything that happened can one really blame her?"

"But should she really be left alone, she lost her brother and Vision the same week?" asked Jane. "I can't imagine that this might be the perfect time to give her some alone time, do you guys really think she will be alright?"

"No, I only hope that she comes to us before she loses herself to her emotions." said Steve. "We are all team and we all have to look out for one another, especially even more so after we all just went through."

"As Loki said, she just needs some time and we'll be there when she is ready to reach out." said Bruce. "Though in all honesty, the way she is going about it may be more hurtful over time."

"Maybe just keep trying to reach out before it gets to that point." suggested Darcy. "She may need a friend, right now more than ever, if only she just let us be one."

"We should try to call every now again on her cell, then maybe when she's ready then she will talk." said Steve.

"Maybe, we just need to wait and see..." said Loki as he is trying hard not to imagine all the worst scenarios that may happen, before sighing and trying to take his mind of it and turns to Thor. "Do you have any other news from Asgard or is that all?"

"The only thing I can say is that Odin has the guard and all of the realms armies stop preparing for an attack." said Thor. "I really believe that he would have made a powerful attack if he knew of our plan and helped us on Titan."

"It would definitely make that fight easier, though I don't know if it would be possible to keep my secret." said Loki. "At least that is a concern that we do not have to worry about, that I can now live my life on Earth or anywhere in this known universe without any worry."

"Well now only to keep your secret from anyone that does not know the truth." said Thor as he is happy that his brother now can live his life outside a cell even if is a price that he would have liked to not pay.

"Though I do wonder, whatever did happen in the dream dimension?" asked Loki with a sense of interest "I do not recall in you ever telling us the whole story."

"I..." starts Thor, only to stop as he remembers everything Nightmare put him through and the Loki he had to face and all things that he had to go that he is not ready to say. "I... I have to go."

Abruptly, Thor leaves the room without a second thought, leaving everyone surprised and yet confused. None of them, not even Loki has ever seen Thor react that way or ever thought that the Dream dimension would have been so bad that it would bring up such a reaction. Jane looks towards the doorway, concerned for her boyfriend and wishing that they or at least Loki knows what would have been the cause of his sudden reaction. Especially since she knows that Loki needs to know what happened and Thor is going to need to get through all of the emotions that he may be feeling. That alone would give him a chance to heal from the entire situation and answer all of the questions that Loki may have that she knows he will try to find out the truth and once he does, Loki might have wanted to hear it from Thor himself rather than learning it on his own. She sees that Loki look confused by the entire situation, before turning to all of them.

"Did I say something hurtful and did not realize it?" asked Loki trying hard to figure out what may have caused such a reaction from his brother.

"No, I am assuming that Thanos must have done something that would create a larger impact on him than we thought." Said Gamora.

"I don't think it's just Thanos, maybe it is something bigger than him." Said Jane as she stops herself before she winds up saying too much and got up from her chair. "I'll go talk to him."

Without another word being said and to much to everyone's confusion, Jane leaves the room to catch up with Thor. She knows that he is going through a hard time and one that it may take him more time to heal. But she is going to talk to him and going to try to give him the comfort that he needs right now, Jane just hopes that Thor will be willing to listen and willing to tell Loki the truth. There will be more challenges ahead and she doesn't even know what they are going to do as they face an unknown and possibly bright future. She just hopes that Thor is willing to see it before it somehow catches up to them.

The room continues to be silent for a moment, with everyone slightly surprised of Thor's reaction and how he just avoid Loki's question. Loki is deeply confused by Thor's reaction and maybe even a little hurt, it was not like his brother to blow him off like that. No one needs to be a deep thinker to know that something must have happened in the Dream dimension that made Thor this hesitant to share what happened to him. As he thinks, he hears the Avengers and the Guardians try to start a conversation to ease the awkward tension and Darcy often getting Loki to join in with hopes that it would help distract him from the thoughts he may be having. But there is one thing that Loki does know, he is going to find out what happened and be there for his brother as they get through this, no matter what...

---

10 minutes later, in the training room

Jane quickly finds Thor in the training room, punching bags in hope that it would clear his head. She sees him concentrating so hard that it looks like that nothing will break his concentration away and he doesn't even seem to notice Jane just arrived and that she is in the room. Anyone can see that Thor is going through an emotional pain that he is trying to keep inside and yet letting it build a wall within himself. One that Jane is determined to break through.

Every punch Thor gives the bag is becoming harder and harder by the minute. That it is getting to the point that he wants to lose his grip and yet feels as though that he has to keep punching harder than he has ever done so in his life. He wants to tell Loki what happened, but he feels as though he can't. Not if he wants to keep his brother safe from himself and does not even know if he is ready to know the truth. After discovering Loki was alive and later on needing to save Loki from a possible death due to Thanos taking his soul, he vowed that he would protect his brother and he would never fail him again. If he only knows how he can do it, he continues to punch the bags harder and harder until the bag breaks open and the contents insides falls out.

"Wow, I am guessing that you have been training hard?" Asked Jane as she catches Thor's attention.

"Yeah, I needed to blow off some steam and this is the best and only way to do it." Said Thor as he turns to her, feeling a sense awkwardness as he stops from his quick training exercise.

"Yeah, I figured since you kinda did just left Loki and the others hanging over there." Said Jane as Thor looks away as he feels the guilt consume him. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I couldn't tell him, I just couldn't find the words to tell him what happened." Said Thor. "I don't even think or know if I ever will, I do not even know if I should tell him."

"Why wouldn't you tell him? If anything Loki deserves to know the truth." Said Jane. "I know it was difficult, but you just got Loki back and he survived this entire ordeal. Wouldn't it be better if you tell him the truth and be honest with him right from the start?"

"I know, I want to be honest with him and tell him everything that I want to tell him. But I don't want him to see himself as a monster anymore." Said Thor. "You saw how insecure he was during the entire situation and how he blamed himself for what was going on. I did not want him to feel like he is a irredeemable monster that doesn't have the capability or the heart to be anything more than that. He has thought that long enough and it is about time, he puts an end to those thoughts."

"I know but Loki still needs to know, he wants to know." Said Jane. "I understand you want to protect him from the truth, but you could only do so much and it may hurt him even more if and when he finds out. Don't you remember how well it went when Loki was trying to hide he is alive from you? How about when your dad was hiding Loki being adopted and his history with Thanos? Are you really willing to put him and yourself through that much pain again?"

"How am I supposed to tell him everything I have seen? The horrors that the nightmare may have create and remind him of all the pain he must have felt. Plus there is also.." said Thor and he stops himself as he remembers the Loki he met, the one that he has seen and the one that Thor hopes that Loki will never becomes and face, the mere thought of him is terrifying. "I can't let Loki find out, it will only hurt him and I want to keep him safe from the truth"

"But what if he finds out? What are you going to him when he does? You should know better than anyone that Loki is not just going to give up until he gets the answers to his questions." Said Jane. "He's going to be hurt if he finds out, you both would be and I do not want to see you two like that. I don't want to see you two in a place where you two are right back where you started. Do you really want to go back after everything you both have been through?"

"All I want is to protect Loki and right now I do not even know what may be the best thing to do or if that fiend pose a threat if he is trapped." Said Thor. "All I know is that I can't lose him again and will do everything in my power to make sure he's safe. Even if it means that I have to lie to our own father to do so and I was hoping that it would not have to come to that."

"That must have been tough to do." Said Jane as she imagines how the entire scene between Thor and Odin played out.

"It was, but at least Loki is now free to live his life and he won't have to worry about facing the wrath of my father and the law." said Thor. "I don't know if I am ready to face the truth or if I want Loki to know just yet, I do not know when I will be ready or if I will ever be. But if I am going to tell Loki then I want it to be in the right place and the right time. I only wish I know..."

"Thor, I think the sooner the better, only when you're ready." said Jane. "But just know that Loki should have the answers sooner rather than later."

"I know, but I don't want to hurt him or make him feel any worse than he already has been." said Thor. "I have to protect him, if it means hiding the truth then so be it and I am going to tell him when the moment is right and once it is, then maybe... he will understand."

"You have to tell him, I think it should be today and the next time you guys talk." said Jane. "Then that way you guys can maintain the trust that you have already built and then maybe you both can start to move past it and then it might straighten your brotherly bond."

"You have always been so wise about these things and have a compassion that I will always admire." said Thor.

"Hey, someone has to be ready to tell you the best form of advice." said Jane with a grin. "Though no matter how lost you may feel, just know that it will take time and you have the strength to pull through no matter what the challenges may be."

"I will try to tell him tonight, it is not going to be east but I think Loki will see reason and will not assume the worst, that he has overcome his insecurities and if not I will help him get through them." said Thor. "I do not know how, but I will help him get through this and will be there for him as we start a new life together as brothers."

"Looks like I'm not the only one who's compassionate around here, you are always so willing to help others and the moment that you found out what Loki was doing you did not stop to hold a grudge, you forgave him and did everything you could to save him." said Jane. "That is one of things I have always love about you."

"I thank you for your advice and will always love you as well." said Thor as they share an affectionate glance before giving a quick kiss to one another for their new future and once they break apart. "May I ask if I can practice what should be said to Loki with you? So that way I can be ready before I have to go up and face this daunting task."

"Of course, you can practice it on me and then we can figure it out from there." said Jane as she earns a nod from Thor.

Soon Thor starts to practice and comes up with ways on how he can tell Loki the truth and the whole story. He doesn't even know if he would ever forgive himself if this winds up hurting Loki with this nightmare. But then again Nightmare is a twisted being that always tries to find ways to hurt others for his own bidding, Thor would do everything to make sure that Nightmare doesn't succeed in this part of the plan. He now has to figure out what the best move may be and if Thor is making the right choice and even then he hopes that they will be able to deal with it together as brothers. Only with the hope that the road up ahead will be easy and they will be able to find the strength to move forward, he only hopes that this revelation won't make them lose what they both have finally found and regained.

---

An hour later on top of the roof

After that brief lunch and the end of the conversation, they all decide to take the afternoon and take Darcy's suggestion in celebrating their victory later on. But first they all need to do some things to prepare for not only that and any possible damage control they may have to deal with, but to also make the most of the afternoon to relax for a little bit. To give all of them a break from the world and all of the problems that are now on their mind and may affect everything over time, they all hope that this time to rest and celebrate will allow them to enjoy themselves for a little bit.

Loki decides to make the most of the time by trying to do something that might be more useful, by helping the Guardians fix their ship, especially since it may help keep his mind off things and would be better than simply sitting and wonder what might have happened to Thor back in the dream dimension, what he should do next and any feelings he may have towards Darcy. The ones that is still on his mind, that he hopes that will pass and he can just move on from them. Since it would be more difficult to let go later on and not to mention there is also the fact that he knows something must have happened in the dream dimension. It is clear that it is something must have happened that is bothering Thor and he is determined to find out what it may be. To try to get his brother to speak to him, but at the end of the day it would be enough and he will know and they can be ready if something happens or he can just be the brother that Thor deserves and at least help Thor if he needs him.

For now, he is just going to try to keep his mind busy and just try to help repair the ship and then he can spend some time with the beings that he now considers as friends and to have some time to relax and enjoy themselves as they get through the moment. So far, it is a little more relaxed, they were able to joke around as they work through the ship and collaborate on all of the possible outcomes. That they are getting through the entire ship maintenance somehow and then he will have to make a choice. One that he doesn't even know what to make and if he will be able to even make a decision. Loki thought that he knew before but now he's so unsure as he continues to think of the choice he is going to have to make and the implications that it may make.

He levitates some parts of the ship for the Guardians to see some parts of what may be within it. Quill, Gamora, Rocket and Drax work on fixing any broken pieces and placing lose parts together. From one look, it will take a miracle to get everything fixed up and yet they are seeing that there is still some pieces that they may need to replace. Though Loki may be able to easily get them through his hidden portals and can go through various planets as often as needed.

While they were all busy trying to make progress on the ship, Nebula watches in the back ground, happy to finally be out of the tower and outside once again. She was getting tired of feeling trapped within the walls of the tower, now that she can walk again, she was allowed to go to various places as long as she doesn't leave the tower or cause any trouble. Something that she is not planning to do anytime soon. Though she is now wondering what is the story of how the ship got damaged, since if she is remembering correctly, the Guardians are good pilots or at least Gamora and maybe Rocket, she doesn't know about Quill or Drax and highly doubt they would let Groot drive around. Maybe later on she should ask and see if she will get her answers.

"I don't know about any of you guys, but every single time I look at this ship and all of its damages..." said Rocket as he place a wire into a circuit. "It feels more and more bigger every single time I take a look at it."

"It could have been worse, at least Groot did not single handily took out the roof and we crash onto the ground." Said Loki as he continues to levitate the piece.

"What?" Said Nebula in disbelief wondering if she heard it correctly.

"Groot, took control of the wheel when we did the whole we come in peace thing and he carnage's the ship into the tower." Said Quill casually as Nebula stares in shock.

"What? You let the twig drive you around the ship?" Asked Nebula surprised by the revaluation.

"Actually, we didn't. Groot took control of the ship and one thing led to another and the next thing we knew is that we crashed the ship and we needed to make an emergency landing." Said Gamora. "It was not the best moment to say the least and I still can't believe that Groot managed to wreck the ship and a skyscraper in one go."

"To avoid any more complications, we are trying to keep Groot from coming up here." Said Rocket. "Not only to make sure we get work done, but most importantly, to also keep him safe from any sharp objects or running of the roof or something."

"Good thing Darcy agreed to look after him." Said Drax as he agreed with Rocket.

"Well to be fair, I think Darcy has grown fond of him. I am assuming after they interacted while we were busy attending to our own matters." Said Loki. "She always did like anything she deems adorable, it is not that much of a surprise if she bonded with Groot that easily."

"Groot is ready to be around anyone that may excite him or offer him sweets or both." said Rocket. "I wouldn't be surprise if Darcy did both and that how he quickly latched on to her."

"Maybe, I can see Darcy giving Groot all of the ice cream he can ever eat." said Loki as he imagines every scenario play out right before him. "She will probably give him a good time and make sure he's happy. She has a rare talent for that, something that is admirable to say the least."

"If you all can fix the mainframe and readjust the wings to possibly make it easier for you all to see what potential damages there may be underneath and to possibly improve the ship." Suggested Nebula catching Loki and the Guardians by surprise. "Though it may take a while, I don't know how any of you can handle the idea of having more than two pair of wings in one ship. Eight seems a little too much."

"Why don't you have some more of the potion a little later, maybe it might help?" suggested Loki rather gently hoping that she would be willing to take it without an argument, to much of Loki's surprise.

"I do have a slight headache and may need more of it than I thought." said Nebula agreeing as she rubs her head.

"I am only glad that Thor managed to bring more than I thought he would have been able to." said Loki. "I was honestly worried that Odin may have avoided and diminish his chances on getting enough potion for all of us to go around."

"Well he got it and it has been really helpful," said Gamora as she focus on the ship. "Can someone pass me a screw driver?"

"Here, now let's focus on trying to get the engine back in place." said Quill as he passes Gamora a screwdriver. "After that we should try to get the ship in a position where it can possibly be easier for us to see most of these damages without having to move all of the big pieces for it to get out of the way."

"Too bad those other guys are busy getting things ready for us to celebrate that we practically saved the universe, they should have left the one that can turn into that giant green thing help us." said Rocket. "Maybe we can get the job done sooner than the pace we are going right now, that is if he can combine his brain and muscle together."

"You do realize that you would only be asking for trouble if you try to go down that route right?" said Loki pointing out the obvious. "There is no predicting on how Hulk can react to anyone or anything, we'd be lucky if we'd still have a ship to fly off this planet from."

"So, I am going to safely assume that you are thinking of coming with?" asked Quill as he tries to remove the damaged pieces from the Motors, with the hope that they can find a way to replace them.

"Yes! No, I mean... I have no idea, at first it was clear, but now it is so confusing." said Loki. "First I wanted to leave this planet the first chance I had because I felt as though I had nothing left to lose and I can simply leave and start a new life. Now I realize that I could have found a way to repair my friendships, that Darcy did not hate me and I could not only earn Thor's forgiveness but have my brother back by my side. I just got both of them back and the opportunity to remain on Earth, I do not want to lose them or any of the friendships that I have found on any world. I never had any of this, any friends or anyone I could feel that I can trust enough to call a friend, I only know that I..."

Loki turns away from the friends he has made during his time in space and even before then if he looks at Gamora and Nebula. He doesn't know what to make of the situation or if he is comfortable in letting the Guardians and Nebula know exactly what he was thinking and how he is feeling about the entire ordeal. That it would be a sign of weakness if he suddenly start to express himself and yet Loki feels comfortable with the five of them know what he is thinking and feeling.

Loki doesn't even know how he is going to get them to forget everything he just said and yet he doesn't mind in any of them in knowing. He must have changed more than he realized and Darcy's influence has encouraged him to be something more than himself and maybe even become a more open person to his allies. Though he doesn't even know if he should have said this much and only hopes that he doesn't fall into this habit and then it would lead to him in becoming more vulnerable and that is something he knows that he can't afford and risks that are too dangerous for him to open up like this.

"You finally are cool with everyone here and no one is going to give you a life sentence?" asked Nebula. "No more disguises?"

"Nebula, do you have to rub it in?" said Loki as he remembers everything that he has went through and can not help but feel regretful of his choices.

"I am assuming you are happy here? With your brother and your two friends?" asked Drax trying to get a clear picture. "That you want to leave and yet do not know how to let go?"

"Yes, I do not even know what I want anymore." Said Loki. "But I do know that I do not want to lose any of this and need to think of something to somehow maintain it."

He tries hard to find a way that would allow him to stay on Earth and not lose what he already had. Every single time he tries to think of something, it always leads to another failure or a lost in the scenarios. He really wishes that there is a way to do so and the more and more Loki thinks about it, the more lost he feels and he doesn't even know if there is a way out.

Gamora notices Loki's emotions and how he may be feeling and that alone is what caught her off guard. She knows how much Thor and Darcy means to Loki and how saddened he was when he thought that they didn't want anything to do with him. Along with how desperate Thor and Darcy were to save Loki, the hurt in Thor's eyes when he thought Loki died and how Darcy was ready to deny the truth and stay by Loki's side. She can not even imagine how the others may have felt if they have some fondness to Loki or Jane by being a friend and one friendship that is slowly starting to blossom. She and Quill shares a quick knowing glance, no word needed to be said to know that they have to get Loki to see the truth before he makes a decision that he might regret.

"Loki, maybe you should stay, on Earth." Suggested Gamora.

"What? No I can't." Said Loki almost immediately. "You heard Thor, I can never reveal my true self in Asgard and I highly doubt that there will be anyone who will be welcome in having me here and I would not be surprised if no one on Earth would be happy to stay on this planet or-"

"Hey, let's forget about the universe popularity contest for a minute and just focus on the main fact." Said Quill as he stops what he is doing to face Loki. "That you are trying hard to not let go and other ways to avoid leaving, that alone is what making all of this even more complicated. Let me ask you a question, are you happy here?"

"I fail to see how that is relevant to-" starts Loki who is feeling a little annoyed with what the Guardians might be saying and where this may be heading.

"Are you happy here? That you feel as though you finally found what you wanted and that you are now home no matter where you go?" Asked Quill. "I have never seen you this happy or close enough to be anywhere close to that word than how you are right now on this planet."

"Yeah, so what?" Said Loki. "The risk is to great and one that I do not know if I should take."

"But you all would be together, you were fine on this planet before all of the is happened." Said Drax. "This is your chance on having a new life, one with the ones that you truly care about. After you spend the entire time fighting for not only to defeat Thanos, but to also find a way to make things right between your brother, Darcy and get the entire group to accept you, are you really willing to give up on everything just like that?"

"That is surprisingly insightful of you Drax, I definitely did not expect you to ask me such a question." Said Loki. "I don't want to leave any of this, but I know I am better off alone and the sooner I leave the better, though I am tempted to stay."

"You are not alone, you don't have to be anymore if you really do not want to. It is better to spend time with the ones that you care the most now, than regret a lifetime later." Said Rocket. "I learned that lesson the hard way..."

"I'm sorry..." said Loki as he remembers what Rocket said about Groot's origins.

"But I do know that I do not want to see you make the same mistakes I made." Said Rocket. "So I have also been working on a creating a frequency for Earth to receive any intergalactic communications to keep in touch. It's not ready yet, but it was kinda of my own little pet project that I have been working on. One that I am getting close on at least creating communication devices and base to this tower. Then we will be able to communicate no matter where we are."

"That is beyond the point, I can not be here any longer than I have to." Said Loki as he tries to find an excuse and yet he is now failing on finding one, before sighing. "I don't even know what is the right thing to do or if I would be be making the right choice. That... it may bring more trouble than what it's worth..."

"Loki, let me ask you, before all of this, what were you planning to do?" Asked Rocket.

"Stay with you for some time and try to earn enough money to buy a ship, so we can go our separate ways." Said Loki. "That is if I managed to ruin everything for all of you as well and then... I don't know what I would do afterwards..."

"Here's the real question, do you really want to be alone or are you afraid that something beyond your control will come over and mess things up?" Asked Rocket. "Even if you shut everyone out, will it be worth it in the end? Will you truly be happy?"

"I.." starts Loki before stopping himself and becoming lost in his own thoughts as he remembers of the thought of being alone forever he had as a child, they were always terrifying.

"Loki, we are not going to tell you what to do, it's your choice. Whatever it is just know we will support your choice." Said Gamora as she tries to be the voice reason. "You will always be welcome to the team, just choose what you think is best for yourself. That is one of the perks of having freedom, you are allowed to make your own choices without having to worry about someone trying to take them away."

"True, I still need some time to think about it and to figure out what might be the next best thing for me to do." said Loki. "I only wish that it is not as complicated as it is..."

"You don't have to worry about it right now, you still have time." said Quill. "But just remember what you have before you decide anything, that we will still be happy for you even if you decide to stay and if you want to come with then you're always welcome."

"Though that might take a while since this thing always seems to have more damages than we always thought." said Rocket as he got up from underneath the ship and got up to face the others. "It's going to take months for me to make all of the repairs and finish doing all of this if I don't discover something else and nothing else comes up. Even then there are parts that I need to find or recreate."

"So, we're stuck here?" asked Nebula the most obvious question on all their minds.

"It's looks like it." said Gamora as she gives a sigh and as if it was on cue some of the wires create a a electric surge and one that annoyed the six of them.

"Yeah, you definitely going to have more than enough time to think about it." said Drax patting Loki on his back. "You are stuck on this planet until we get this ship repaired."

"That is comforting." said Loki rather annoyed as he gives a sigh and reflects on everything that is going on.

"Give it time, at least now you will have a chance to know what it would be like if you stay for a longer period of time." said Gamora.

"Like that is going to change much." said Loki as he stays unsure.

"Loki, I may not know your bother and most of the people in this tower very well, but I do know a good place when I see it." said Nebula "Give them a chance, then maybe you will find a place where you belong."

Loki is about to say something, but he realize that they are all right and maybe he should try this out. It is not like he has that much of a choice anyway and he knows that he has to decide what might be the next best step for him. Loki knows that he is at the point where there may be many changes and that whatever he choose it will mean a lot and he has more to leave behind now. Yet he doesn't even know how or if he is ready to let it go or if he even wants to, especially after what they all went through and hr knows that the Guardians were right, his brother and Darcy did risk everything to save him and Jane stayed by his side no matter what challenges were up ahead. That alone is something that deep down he is grateful for and the same goes for the Guardians, after quick thinking, Loki knows what to say and wants to make sure of it, then maybe see if it factors into it. But even then it would be a great source of comfort and it would be some form of relief.

"Even if... Would it be alright if I occasionally join you on some missions?" asked Loki catching all of them by surprise."If you all ever need a hand in whatever you need to do, I was simply wondering in case I ever were to change my mind or need to have a break from everything."

"Yeah sure, that's fine with me." said Quill as he gives a quick nod. "Just give us a call and we'll pick you up or we might give you a call."

"That would work out fine, but I still do not know what would be the best move or what may be the right choice." said Loki. "But I suppose that it is the price I will have to pay, if only I know what is the right choice."

"At least you have a future, I don't know what mine has in store." said Nebula. "I wouldn't be surprise once I am healed and your ship get repaired, you all send me to Xander to have me face judgement. With hopes that you would all get some kind of reward money and never have to put up with me again."

"We could do that or you can join us." said Gamora as she catches Nebula by surprise.

"Really?" asked Nebula who doesn't even know what to make of their kindness.

"Yeah, we can always use more help on the team and you haven't tried to hurt Gamora or any of us." said Quill. "I think we can relate to that and willing to take a chance on you if you really want it and-"

"I accept your offer, I want to start making things right or at least figure out who I am outside of Thanos." said Nebula.

"As nice as all of this is, but we should really focus on getting the rest of this ship repaired." said Rocket as he grabs some more tools and returned to the ship.

At that moment, everyone seems to follow the raccoon and they all got to work. Nebula fond some of the circuits boards that need be rewired and starts to work on them after Gamora gives her a screwdriver. Drax and Quill start to work on fixing the control panel with hopes that it would allow them to have a break through and they can at least fix the communication line. Gamora and Rocket are working on fixing the motors and reworking then if there are any damages that can possibly be beyond repair. While Loki is using his magic to organize the pieces and try to lift anything heavy and it in its place. The six of them continue to work on the ship and they are making the most of the moment and trying to make progress on the group project that they started on together that will take them a while to repair.

Loki for once feels a sense of happiness as he continues to work on the ship. He wonders if this is how Thor feels with the Avengers or even with Sif and the Warrior three. He is feeling a little sense of peace and happiness as he enjoys the company of the ones he knows that are his true friends. He is grateful for their help and having the chance to have met them. He knows that they all still have a long way to go and one where the journey will lead to many obstacles. Either way Loki knows that he still needs to make a decision and one that he doesn't even know what it will be. But for now he is just going to enjoy the company he has and think. There will be many roads ahead and ones that Loki does not even know which is the right one. But what ever happens he knows that he will be ready and will not be alone as he has his friends and brother by his side. There is no threat they will be able to face at the moment, the Guardians promising their loyalty to him and the others, all he has to do is keep everything a secret on both Earth and Asgard, maybe everything will be fine and it will somehow work out after all...

---

Meanwhile outside the tower, right in a back door to the alley

The door behind the tower suddenly starts to open, one that has been rarely used throughout the tower's history after it was bought by Tony Stark. When it opens Wanda and Vision makes their way outside, with Wanda frantically making sure that no one is watching and relaxes for a bit. She is happy to be out of the tower and all she needs to do now is get Vision and herself out of the city and then they can start a new life away from the city and the Avengers. She knows that if they hurry then maybe they will leave undetected. That no one will be trying to stop her and she would keep Vision safe and alive. Wanda only hopes that leaving will be enough and no one will go after her and it lead to more problems.

Vision on the other hand feels unsure about all of this and does not even know if any of this is a good idea. Since he really does not like the idea of hiding from anyone they consider a friend and from what Wanda told him, the idea that everyone now thinks he's dead is not helping matters and he is only growing more against the idea by the minute. Vision knows that Wanda is worried about how the others may react to his return, but he knows that deep down that it may be better to be honest. He doesn't want to have them live in a lie and hide from everyone for the rest of their lives. All Vision wants is for Wanda to be happy and he does not see how hiding from everyone is the only answer to all of their problems. He just wishes that Wanda sees that before she hurts herself and to help her in anyway he can.

"Good, no one is around and if we hurry then we may catch the next train out of here and later we can fly to somewhere undetected, where they will never find us." Said Wanda rather determinedly. "With luck then maybe we will be able to start a new life without anyone getting in the way."

"Wanda, are you sure this is a good idea?" Asked Vision completely unsure about what they are now doing.

"Yes, of course it is." Said Wanda rather stubbornly. "It is the only way for you to be free and safe from everything that may try to hurt you."

"But still, these are our friends and they should know the truth, they have a right to know." Said Vision. "Are we really just going to get up and leave them in the dark about all of this."

"We don't have a choice, if we tell them then they are going to do who knows what to you. They didn't want you back, none of them can ever understand how wonderful this is." Said Wanda. "They care more about what they should do with those rocks and how to keep the world from knowing the truth, to use it's power to bring back their fallen friends."

"Wanda, there is a very fragile balance that we should not meddle in. We do not know what sort of implications your wish may have brought and-" Starts Vision.

"I did not use the Guantlet or any of the Infinity Stones." Said Wanda annoyed. "We don't have to worry about anything."

"But that is beside the point, we shouldn't be doing this. We shouldn't be lying to our friends and-" starts Vision.

"What friends? They didn't want to try to find a way to save you nor Pietro." Said Wanda. "I would think that they would want to save their friends instead of letting their fears hold them back."

"They must be more worried about what consequences it could bring and how it can potentially hurt other people." Said Vision. "Have you tried speaking to the others about how you feel? Are you going to give them a chance? How about... Loki? Did you even think of maybe talking to him and then maybe-"

"He will never understand! None of them will ever understand what this may mean to you and me. As for Loki, he did the same things I am now suggesting and Thor used the Guantlet to save him even though he knew the risks." Said Wanda frustrated as he hands start to glow a bright intense red. "Thor might have put the universe in jeopardy and he is not being told off, Loki hid from the world on this planet for months and he is not getting a punishment. Loki got rewarded for it, what makes this any different? Why can't we find a way for you to live? Why do we have to be punished for something that others have done before? I am not going to let-"

"Wanda, you're powers." said Vision gently pointing towards the fiery red energy surrounding her hands and how she is self consciously levitating it, she quickly realize what she is doing and calms down enough to drop everything she is holding.

"Sorry, I just want to keep you safe and after everything... I don't want to lose you again because..." starts Wanda. "I care about you and I don't want to lose you again, especially after everything that happened and..."

"I understand, I care about you too and I don't want to see you hurting any more than you already are." said Vision as he looks at her. "I don't want to see you possibly making a mistake and one that you might regret later. I don't want to see you push others who care about us away and feel alone as you are right now."

"I know, I don't want to push them away either, but right now we don't have a choice." said Wanda. "The only way for you to stay safe is for us to leave and make sure no one find out, to go in hiding and leave this life behind."

"That's it? You want us to leave New York and the Avengers and never look back?" asked Vision with a sense of sadness at the thought of never seeing their companion again sets in.

"No, if we want you to be safe and for us to live our lives away from all this." said Wanda. "Please, just trust me on this one and know that I am trying to do what's best for you and trying to make things work out and keep everyone safe."

"Alright, let's try it, though I do not like this idea." said Vision. "It is not too late for us to turn back and tell them the truth."

"I know, but it is what's best and the only way." said Wanda. "Come on, before it's becomes any harder than it already is."

Vision looks right at Wanda, giving her an unsure look and just only give her a reluctant nod, while Wanda simply gives him a smile as the two of them start to leave the area as fast as they can. To catch the next train that would take them far from New York, away to start of their new life and away from the Avengers and the memories they are now leaving behind. To have a brand new start with one another and with the hope that they would be able to be successful in it and yet Vision can't help but feel guilty of the path that he and Wanda are about to take and not even sure if it is a good idea.

While Wanda is relieved that Vision agreed with her and happy that he is back, she doesn't know what will be their next move or if she wants to make this choice. But right now she knows that she is making the only choice, one that she knows that will guarantee in both of them to keep the freedom that they now have. She really wish that there is a way to get Pietro out of the soul stone, but she knows that deep down she will find a way with her powers. She is going to make sure that Vision is going to be safe, hidden from the world and not let anything happen to him again. Wanda knows that deep down she is never going to forgive herself if Vision gets hurt or worst die again and she is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that he is fine. She is going to learn how to expand her powers and maybe even train herself to do more, Wanda does not know what the future has in store for her. But Wanda knows that she is not going to let anyone take it from her again, she is not going to let anything hurt her or anyone she cares about again, she is going to make sure of that.

---

Three hours later, back inside the tower

Things have been pretty quiet in the tower, as they all make the most of the time off and get ready for whatever challenges they may face in the future. But for now they all decided to take the time to celebrate their victory and for saving the universe from a dangerous threat. That they managed to win and the only thing they have to worry about is clearing some more things up on Earth for Loki and help the Guardians on staying on Earth until they get their ship repaired. Not to mention, figure out what they are going to do with all of the Infinity Stones and the gauntlet when everything is over and even right now. It is something that is on everyone's minds and there is no escape in that obligation and they all know that they have to figure something out. For now, they are all taking it easy and making sure that they enjoy the time that they have right now and to finally take a break.

Darcy has been mostly trying to enjoy it, to make the most of the time she has and even then she doesn't even know how she wants to spend it. Since she doesn't even know what she should even be doing as she sees everything that they set out to do is now done and she doesn't want to get in the way while everyone is dealing with their own thing. Thor and Jane are probably doing their romantic moments, the Guardians are fixing their ship with Loki and possibly Nebula helping them and the Avengers are trying to figure things out and she would be too busy fangirling rather than actually helping anyone. At least she still have some comics to read while she is waiting for something to happen. Not as exciting as going off on a adventure with Loki and going after the Infinity Stones. But it will have to do, even if it is not the same and Darcy doubts that it would ever be.

She wonders what will come after all of this? If Loki is truly going to leave Earth and what is going to happen to the Infinity Stones? Not too mention, what is going to happen to the Guardians while they stay here to fix their ship? Sure she can offer them a place to crash at their apartment if they have room, when she decided to rent it, Darcy never thought that she would eventually have to let six more stay. Though she is going to safely assume that the Guardians and Nebula are more likely to stay in Avengers tower to be right near the ship. But even then what's next for them? They have done everything they set out to do and now they are free to live their own lives and yet she does not even know what she is going to do with this freedom or if she will be ready for the next phase of their lives. What exactly does anyone do once they get to this point?

She looks through her comic books with the hope that they will give her answer. Darcy's focus on the pages keeps her distracted from the world around her and she doesn't seem to notice what is going on. It looks as though nothing is going to break Darcy's focus and attention from the pages, as she wonders what may happen next.

Soon Loki arrives to the room, happy to be taking a break from the ship repairs and to finally found Darcy. He is surprised to see her actually sitting down and reading her comics, Loki assumed that she would be finding an excuse to celebrate all the time, speaking to any of not all of the Avengers or simply having more fun than just sitting and reading her comic books rather quietly. Maybe she is still upset about the events that happened and everything that is still going on. If that is the case then they really should talk and maybe it would help Darcy feel better about it all or at least be a source comfort. Though he doesn't even know what else more to say and if it would be enough to allow Darcy to feel better about herself and help her start to move past it. Then maybe it will help her even more that she would start to heal from the entire experience and then she will be fine and they can move forward and it will help her through this. He approaches her and yet Darcy did not take her focus off the comics and decides to get her attention and start off the conversation.

"I am simply glad that we all decided to continue working on the ship tomorrow." Said Loki. "As much as I enjoy the Guardians' company but I do not know how much any of us can take repairing the ship. I believe at any moment Rocket may lose his mind if he continues to discover any more damages."

"Well, that would definitely suck." Said Darcy as she continues to look right at the comics and turn the pages. "I can't believe that Groot can wreck a space ship if you leave him alone for five minutes."

"It definitely did come to a surprise for all of us, I honestly do not think that any of us expected the ship to be that badly damaged." Said Loki. "Rocket thinks that it may take a few months for us to fully repair it and that we may be stuck here for a while."

"I do not know what to say on that one." Said Darcy as she looks up. "Not the progress report that you probably we're looking for, am I right? Sorry."

"For what?" Asked Loki in confusion at what his Darcy may mean.

"That things are not going fast on ship repairs, since I know how much leaving here means to you." Said Darcy. "Now you are stuck on Earth a little longer, unless you are going to use your secret portal gateway things. That is if you want to leave as soon as possible and you are just letting me know in your own wired way."

"I was actually here to see if you are alright." Said Loki. "Especially knowing how you were feeling earlier and how all of these potential changes may have been making you dread it."

"Wow, I did not expect that and honestly thought that you would have been mostly hanging out with the Guardians and Nebula more." Said Darcy. "They seem like you're group of people and basically a great friend group. It's awesome that you found your type of people and the friends that you will always find yourself leaning on and having your back."

"True, they see the world in a grey manner rather than the usual hero mindset." said Loki. "Maybe that's why they and I became fast friends, we have a deep understanding on it and the world, that is what I like about them."

"Yeah, I know you're going to be happy when you leave with them, up in space and going off on adventures." said Darcy. "Not that I think it would be bad or anything, but if you decide to go off on adventures with them, then I will be happy for you no matter what. Even if I hate the idea of possibly never seeing you again and you moving on from all of this. I mean to you guys this is nothing more than a brief few seconds compared to thousands of years right?"

"I think the memories we share and the time that we spent together are ones that will last a life time and ones I will always treasure." said Loki. "Darcy, I will never forget our friendship and just because I am now close with the Guardians, it does not mean that our friendship has lost any value."

"Yeah, I know, at least I hoped and it is nice to hear you say that." said Darcy smiling before she continues to look her comic books. "You know as much as I love comic books, but there is one thing I hate about them."

"Really? What is that?" asked Loki with an interest on what might annoy Darcy in something she always enjoy.

"I went through these a ton of time, at least hundreds of time just now and I still haven't seen what happens after all of this." said Darcy. "I mean we just saved the universe and there's practically nothing that shows what happens the big final battle. You know when it's all done and we saved the universe from some evil super villain, it doesn't say what happens next after that. I mean I am not the type that would look over some rule book, but the only thing I have to ask is what's next? What happens after we fight and win some long battle that we have been fighting for forever."

"I doubt that you can find out in any of these books and if there really is a set path." said Loki. "Especially if we look at everything that happened, neither of us planned on any of this to happen and yet I'm glad that it did."

"Yeah, me too." said Darcy. "Even if things are going to end this way and you may be leaving in a few months."

"Maybe not, I was thinking of maybe trying living here on Earth for a trial run." said Loki. "To see if it would work out and once they are done with repairing the ship, then I will make a decision."

"Wait, are you thinking of staying here?" asked Darcy rather happily and hopeful.

"It is just a trial run to see if it would work and I still haven't made a decision yet." said Loki as he quickly clarifies what he meant and notices Darcy's disappointment. "But that does not meant I haven't been highly considering it and thinking of it."

"Either way, it would be awesome if you stay and if you don't, then at least come over sometime to say hi." said Darcy rather awkwardly. "I mean if you are up to doing all of that."

"Maybe, but we should wait and see how things work out." said Loki. "Since life can be unpredictable and at times be out of control, but I would rather try to see if this would work rather than leave and regret not giving this a chance."

"We will make that chance count and- Wow, I can't believe that we made it this far, that we actually did it." said Darcy. "That we are finally here, that you now free to live your life after everything you went through and you finally found your way."

"Yes, I did and if it weren't for you then I would still be hiding." said Loki. "If only I know what is the right choice, what my next move should be and whatever choice I make is the right one."

"Loki, I don't know what I am going to do now that this is over or have any idea what might be next." said Darcy. "But I am ready to face it and... try to make it work and figure it out."

"Maybe we can figure it out together as friends?" suggested Loki as he fights off the emotions that he is now feeling and hiding them from Darcy.

"Yeah, maybe we can." said Darcy as she wishes that they can be something more, before deciding that she would rather be friends with Loki than lose him forever. "Out of all the portals you could have chosen, I'm glad that you picked the one that took you to Earth and I was there when you first arrive."

"Out of all the humans, I am happy that you were the first human I met and the one that I will always remember and see you as a friend." said Loki. "We both came a long way, from that first meeting to right now and learned and grew so much during that entire time."

"Yeah and we actually became superheroes or rather you did and I became your partner in crime as we go out there and grab Infinity Stones." said Darcy. "Yeah, it's definitely been the adventure that will always mean so much to me."

"I'm glad that you feel the same way." said Loki. "I will always be grateful for the time we have and ready to move forward to the future, no matter what challenges may be up ahead. But I suppose that no matter what choice I make, there will always be challenges, ones that will make it feel like it's more trouble than what it's worth and have us asking if it's really worth it. But I know that we both have the strength within ourselves to push forward."

"Yeah, along with having the time to figure out what our next move should be and spend more time together." Said Darcy. "I have the feeling that we are going to have more time for that and the bright side is nothing and no one is going to tear us apart."

"For now at least, we have no guarantee for the future." Said Loki.

"Yeah whatever the future brings, I know one thing is for sure that we are going to face it together." Said Darcy while the two of them share a reassuring smile. "Now, why don't we just worry about the future later and just have some fun. We have so much time to make up for."

"To be fair, we did see your War of Stars films and that was a nice break from the current events." Said Loki. "Something that would help take our mind off things and for us to at least enjoy ourselves for a little while. That is until the next catastrophe happens."

"Don't say that, we don't want to accidentally junk it and then it happens in a hour." Said Darcy as she hopes that they don't have to deal with any more drama for a long time or at least until the end of the day.

"To be honest I do not think it is wise to believe in coincidental superstitions." Said Loki. "But I do believe that it would be nice just to sit down and talk."

"Ok, we are going to have our first Thanos, Infinity Stone, drama-filled free conversation after all this." Said Darcy as she tries hard to think. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"I don't know, what should we talk about?" Said Loki. "There are hundreds of topics to choose from and yet we haven't spoken on them."

"We can always just talk and then see how it goes." Suggested Darcy.

"Yeah, but before we start I have to ask, did Thor ever mention anything to you about what happened in the Dream dimension?" Asked Loki.

"No, ever since he came back, he has been keeping it to himself." Said Darcy. "I don't even think he has even taken the time to talk to Jane about it. That is from what I know, it's not like I am going to go up to Jane and talk about every single thing that happens between her and Thor."

"True, they would want to have some privacy and not have us know everything that goes on in their day." Said Loki. "But I have the feeling that something happened in that world and it's something horribly traumatic. I have never seen Thor act this way or be anywhere close to want to avoid talking about a battle of any sort."

"Yeah, now that you mentioned it, Thor is trying hard to avoid talking about any of it to any of us." Said Darcy. "Yeah, whatever happened over there, it must have been that big."

"It looks like I will try to talk to him, maybe he will open up to me." Said Loki. "I don't know if it would be anywhere close on being helpful or if it would get Thor to open up. But I need to try and find out what happened, it's clear that the events are bothering him and I want to help him get through this, I need to know what happened."

"Maybe he'll open up to you and at least he'll know that he doesn't need to hide it." Said Darcy. "That it is all over and he has us."

"Hopefully he sees that, I do not want him to suffer through it alone." Said Loki. "That he knows I am there for him and will not have to go through what I had to go through."

"Hey, he knows that you now want to be there for him and that you are not the type that would go out of your way to go back to how you were before." Said Darcy. "Thor will be fine, it's not like he met someone over there that is worst than Thanos, to the point that they make him look like a baby."

"No, I doubt that it would go that far." Said Loki rather quietly before turning rather confidently. "All I know that whatever happens, we will be ready and face it together."

"Yeah like we always do." Said Darcy as Loki smiled.

"At least, I hope it is nothing too much to worry about." Said Loki. "But either way, I have the feeling that it will all turn out alright and for now let just enjoy that we won this battle. We will have plenty of time to worry about the future, now I just want to spend time with you and do what you humans call hang down."

"Actually it's hang out." Said Darcy. "Yeah sure, let's hang out."

At that moment both Loki and Darcy start just having a conversation about anything that may come to their minds. Whether it's magic, any theories that Loki has from the books he has been reading or something Darcy always wanted to do or try. But regardless of what they are talking about or find themselves saying, they are both having fun together and being the friends that were from the very moment their friendship begun. Sure there will be many more changes to face and fights they would need to win, but right now they don't care and are just happy to be together.

The feelings they have for one another is growing on a rapid pace and one that neither one of them feels they have any control. Loki is doing his best to ignore the emotions that are now trying to overtake him and the ones that are ready to take over him at a given moment, but he knows that he can't let his feelings get the better of him. He knows that deep down that he and Darcy can only be friends nothing more, since not only it would have a chance to ruin their friendship, especially if things don't work out and the most important thing in mind is that she's a human and he's an Asgardian, he will outlive her drastically and he wants to stop the heartbreak before it even has a chance to start.

Even then, they were friends and their friendship should be placed first, right before whatever this may be and that alone is more important. It should be more important then these feelings and he knows that deep down that it is better this way and he will get over these feelings over time, that is he hopes and yet he feel as these emotions are going as he spends more time with Darcy.

While Darcy is only wanting to embrace her feelings and just act upon it, she doesn't think that her feelings are going to fade away. She is only happy that Loki is staying on Earth and she's still Loki's friend, that is good enough for her. Though she wish that they can be something more, but right now she is more than happy to have his friendship and that they are at least cool with that. Besides maybe one day they will cross that line and then maybe it will work out, but for now she is just happy that Loki is going to stay even if she doesn't know if it would be a permanent stay. She doesn't want to lose him again so soon and maybe for good, they will find a way to make it work and she will be there for Loki no matter what. At least they can have this time together and then maybe they can figure things out.

That is they both hopes that everything would be alright, that they are starting to see the future right before them and as they continue to see their friendship grow. The feelings that two of them share continue to grow over the course to the point that it made them think how they are going about it, they have saw the light within each other and they know that they do not want to lose each other. But even then it would be something they will try to work around it and keep it within their control to continue their friendship even if they feel there is something more. Yet they are only happy to be feeling a sense of freedom and that they are free to live their lives and have found each other no matter what the cost was. Sure they may have many things to face and there is no telling what they will be or if they will be ready, but for now they are going to enjoy this moment and just be happy with what they accomplished and the life ahead of them. The future may be unclear, but it is something they will face it and no matter what happens they will face it together.

---

An hour later

Loki and Darcy head their way to the living room, after Darcy got a text from Jane and Tony about something going on in the living room and they should head over. Both of them quickly heads over as quickly as they can to see what the trouble is or if there is any trouble and ready to see if there is something they can do to help. Wanting nothing more but to get there, they wonder what might be the emergency or if whatever consequence the wish may have brought is causing them trouble right now and if there is something they can do to help. They just hope that whatever may be going on is nothing to bad and they can deal with it rather easily and it will be over and they will be win the fight.

When they both arrived, the sight before them catches both Loki and Darcy by surprise, they don't even know what to say or if they can even say it. Nether one of them can ever suspect or even think that they would be seeing what they are seeing. Loki looked annoyed at the sight, not even know what to say or to make of the situation, he can't believe that they were called for this and feels as though they wasted more time than they can ever get. Darcy is surprised but she is more than happy to see that everything is alright and the sight right before them, that she has to say that it is a lot better than she thought or can even imagine as they see.. They both stare at the sight and wonder what might be going on or if they are anywhere close to believing what they are now seeing.

"I am Groot." said Groot happily wave as he sees them on top of the table trying to see if he can sneaks any thing sweet and then sees the two, only stopping in his quest to wave hi at the two.

"Hey Groot, awe isn't this awesome." said Darcy. "It is almost like you guys all read my mind and this is absolutely great."

"To be honest, I don't even think that would be the word to describe this" said Loki. "When you all said that this was urgent, I honestly thought that it was a real emergency, not a victory party."

They look at the table filled with food, the Avengers (minus Thor and Wanda), the Guardians of the Galaxy including Nebula and Jane are right in front of them. Quill seems ready to put some of his tunes, Rocket and Gamora is trying hard to keep an eye on Groot to make sure he doesn't get in any trouble and that he doesn't do something that would mess the food up and leave them all with nothing, Drax just watches the scene with interest, while Nebula is standing there annoyed. While the Avengers are trying to set things up for them to enjoy the evening and Jane is simply helping them by bringing some plates and other utensils, even bringing some soda for all of them to enjoy the pizza and the ice cream cake that is now right on the table. Darcy is looking at the food happily and seeing the mere sight of them celebrating, while Loki doesn't even know what to make of any of this or if he can say anything on his mind without being ungrateful. He waits to see if there is anything anyone may have to say about this.

"Hey we just saved the world and got through all that drama, we might as well celebrate." said Tony. "It's been a wild few days Lokes, we practically deserve a celebration."

"Wait, I'm sorry, what did you just call me?" said Loki not even bothering to hide his annoyance.

"Lokes, I finally came up with a nickname that suits you that might work." said Tony as Loki gives him an annoyed look. "I figured I should think of one anyway, since you are part of the team now."

"True, Lokes or Lo would suit you." said Darcy before Loki can say a word.

"Fine." said Loki annoyed as he gives a sigh not wanting to start an argument.

"Well with that settled, what are you guys in the mood to listen to?" said Quill as he looks through many devices. "Do you guys have any idea on how many songs we can listen to now? All the ones I missed out on, all the ones that I need to listen to, I don't even know how I am going to catch up."

"Welcome to my world." said Steve. "I'd say go with the flow, over time you learn not to question it that much. Even if the world keeps catching you by surprise, but you learn to live with it."

"I'm with the soldier on this one." said Rocket.

"I am Groot." said Groot happily as he tries to see if he get a lick of frosting.

"Don't you even think about it." said Rocket as he catches Groot in the act. "Honestly, what am I going to do with you?"

"Let him eat the cake, though I wouldn't exactly recommend it." said Drax as the sappling looks on the cake.

"I am Groot." said Groot happily, as Rocket looks at Drax annoyed.

"Not helping." said Rocket as he continues to watch Groot. "You can have one slice after you eaten whatever Terran food we are going to have as desert."

"I am Groot." Said Groot a little disappointed.

"Sorry that's how the cookie crumbles." Said Rocket. "But you can have a huge slice though, especially knowing that we all did go through many nightmares to get here. Plus you may have earned it for what you did back there."

"I am Groot!" Said Groot happily at the thought that he may have the biggest slice of them all.

"Do we really have time to do any of this? Is all of this even nessicarry?" Said Nebula as she watches all of them while crossing her arms.

"Yeah, of course." Said Jane. "It's not like that we have anything more to do."

"No, I meant if we really should do this." Said Nebula. "There really is nothing to celebrate."

"We freed the universe from a complete monster, that would have destroyed everything and everyone in sight to meet his wants." Said Drax. "Along with freeing you and many others from his grasps. Avenging the people that have fallen and tortured that includes you and my friends. If anything you deserve to celebrate and be happy for being free from him."

"That is still not going to change the facts, that I am still..." starts Nebula.

"A monster?" Said Bruce simply with Nebula. "It wasn't your fault, you can't blame yourself for things that you can't control."

"Is it? I still chose to go through with these things and not question Thanos's actions." Said Nebula. "If I had the courage to finish him off or maybe escape then maybe most of this could have been avoided or-"

"Ok, that's dark, but I don't really blame you." Said Natasha as she crosses her arms.

"It would get the job done." Said Nebula with a shrug as she looks down on the ground.

"Hey, I know what it's like to be in a bad place and feel as though everything is somehow your fault and how that guilt eats you up. How you feel trap, that nothing you do will ever make things right, that you have to clean out that ledger for the rest of your life." Said Natasha. "It doesn't matter what you could have done, sure the choices you made didn't help matters, but you still chose to make things right, you chose to fight with us. Sure you made mistakes, but who hasn't? Our experiences are only going to make us stronger and you are making things right. No one deserves to go through what you went through, this is the start of a new life for you and you have to the freedom to make your own choices now. To finally live and that is what's worth celebrating."

Nebula thought about what is being said to her and is only relieved that she now feels safe and now free. From all the pain and to see she found a group that supported her and no longer having to worry about Thanos or everyone in the room hating her for what she has done. That maybe she will be alright, that she can start a new life. Though she knows that there will not be that many to forgive her or if they can ever can. But for now Nebula is only glad that she has found a place where she can rest and people that she may even rely on. Whether it's with her sister and her friends or Loki and the companions he has on this planet, she is now better off than before. But first she needs to clear things up and hope that the others may not take it the wrong way and they would be understanding.

"I don't really like parties." Said Nebula. "I don't really know if I belong here."

"You're with us now, you better get used to them." Said Gamora. "It beats a day of combat training doesn't it?"

"Yes, it really does." Said Nebula giving a bit of smile and happy that she is now part of a group.

The rest of the Avengers got everything ready for the celebration up ahead and then to enjoy each other's company. Like as the Avengers have done so before during their first team up and a little after Ultron. To have some fun before reality steps in and they have to face whatever may come tomorrow. Even if Wanda is now gone and they all hav to wait until she is ready, they will keep trying to reach out and then they will help her heal and hope that would help, maybe even get her to rejoin the team. But for now they are all just going to enjoy this moment and celebrate their victory.

"Are you all sure that it would be wise to celebrate this victory?" Said Loki trying to be the voice of reason and try to say the most obvious facts. "We still have to worry about what is still yet to come and who knows what we may have to deal with in the coming days."

"Come on Loki, we are literally going to be hanging out with the Avengers." Said Darcy. "We can always worry about the future later or better yet tomorrow. We have months to worry about it and we have plenty of time until then."

"I know but-" start Loki.

"Loki, we'll deal with all of that one step at a time and let just enjoy every victory that is won." Said Steve. "I know you are worried of what the future may bring, but you deserve a chance to be happy and we might as well enjoy whatever the day may bring us, you never know what you may end up losing."

"Alright..." said Loki really reluctantly before he quickly looks around as he notices something. "Wait, where's Thor?"

"He needed some alone time on the roof and he said that he will be coming down as soon as he can." Said Jane. "Though that is what he keeps saying, for the past few hours."

"Are you going to tell him come over, it's urgent again?" Said Loki as he rolled his eyes and still annoyed at the entire scenario that led him and Darcy to a hurry there.

"Sorry, it was the only way I knew to get you here fast enough." Said Jane. "Since you don't seem like a chill person who is ready to drop their responsibilities at a moment's notice."

"True, fair enough, I'd probably would not have come until later if you simply texted Darcy the truth." Admitted Loki before turning his focus to the current situation. "I suppose that one of us should go get him and tell him to join us."

"Yeah, it's been long enough." Agreed Jane and she starts to head her way to the door. "I guess I should go-"

"Don't trouble yourself, I will go." Said Loki as he got up to go to his brother. "You two were on the roof earlier am I correct?"

"Yeas, but Loki you don't have to go up there!" Said Jane almost immediately as she tries to stop him. "I don't think he, you would want to-"

"Jane, he is my brother and whatever may be bothering him, I can assure you I can handle." Said Loki rather confidently. "We now have returned to the point where we can confide to each other everything and will not start an argument."

"I don't know about that..." said Jane as she remembers seeing Thor being so upset about what happened and trying to be the peacemaker between the two. "Loki I know that you are worried about Thor, I am too. But I don't know if this is the right time to-"

"Go, you guys have been apart long enough." Said Darcy rather encouraging earning a knowing smile from Loki.

"Darcy, this might be a little bigger than-" starts Jane as she trying to prevent what may be something big in happening and wishes there is a way for both of them to stay happy.

"Jane, I think at this point they can handle anything the world throws at them." Said Darcy. "They will be fine."

"Thank you Darcy." Said Loki as she gives him a nod and turns to the others, though something caught his eye. "I will return shortly, please do not start the feasting without me. That goes for you too Groot."

"I am Groot." Said Groot a little annoyed as he pulled back from the cake with Rocket laughing in the background, before staring at the cake rather excitedly. "I am Groot."

Loki can't help but smile at the brief moment, he can get used to living like this. For the first time in his life, he does feel like he truly belong somewhere and he doesn't even want to let it go. Loki is just grateful that Thor found a way for him to keep his freedom, give him the chance to choose where to go next and saving him from a eternity in a prison cell. Now he has to help his brother in the struggles that is now plaguing in his mind and the events that are now bothering his brother so much that it is making him feel alone. He wants to try to help him in anyway he can, to be there for his brother and he has a burning desire to know what happened and yet needing to make sure Thor is alright is overturning at every desire for him to find out.

He hopes that Thor is still on the roof and would be willing to listen and talk to him, Loki knows that he can't make Thor tell him anything or know if Thor really wants to tell him. But regardless of any of the facts and the obstacles that may be in the way, he is going to be there for his brother and talk to him about whatever may be in his mind. Even if Loki might not find out what happened, but he knows that he is going to be there for his brother, no matter what may have happened, Loki is going to be there for him and be the brother that Thor deserves. He just hopes that Thor lets him be, they have been broken apart for far too long and he is going to take the first step in starting a new life for both of them, a new future where nothing will tear them apart again.

He needs to do this to make sure that it goes well, with the hope deep inside giving him the courage to find his brother and talk to him. Loki knows he hasn't been a good brother in the past and he is going to start now, he is ready to face the truth no matter how hard it may be, it is what brothers are there for and what they do...

---

A few minutes later right on the roof

Thor is pacing as he thinks about everything that happened in the dream dimension and if he should tell Loki or not. All of the thoughts and emotions of what would happen if Loki knows the truth is bothering him as though Thanos is right in front of him and making him see Loki being tortured. He doesn't know what is the best thing to do or if there is a way for him to go up to Loki and tell him everything, how does someone tell anyone that they had to face the worst version of themselves?

He doesn't even know how to tell Loki or what would be the best path to follow and how he can protect Loki from the truth. Thor knows that Loki saw the entire fight and with Nightmare's manipulation then who knows what Loki must have thought. He doesn't want to put Loki in a place where he would be questioning if there is any truth to what he has seen or remember what happened. But at the same time, he also feels like that he can't keep this from Loki and he doesn't deserved to be lied to or if he is ready for the truth, especially after everything they have been through and how Loki was ready to give his life up to stop Thanos. Thor is not going to make Loki question these things and believe that what he has done is any less than it was. He lost his brother so many times, more than he can count, he is not going to lose him again and he is not going to make Loki feel as though he is destined to be a monster.

Thor wishes that there is a way to make this less complicated that he can simply go in and just say all of the words that are on Thor's mind. But he doesn't know how and wants Loki to be safe and happy, Thor wishes that there is a way he can go up and tell Loki the truth. That he can just do it, but deep down Thor does not want to cause a riff with between him and Loki, especially after all they have been through and how they are just starting to rebuild and heal. He doesn't want what happened, Nightmare or anything else to ruin it, Thor just have to make sure that his brother stays safe and they start to move towards a brighter future. Thor knows that he can't ruin it, not again and he is not going to hurt brother or push him away. He can't fail this time, he has to be a better brother, to be the one that Loki deserves and keep him by his side. Thor would never forgive himself if he hurt Loki again and knows that he can't lose him like the many times he had before, he just wishes that he knows what to do...

While Thor is deep thoughts that never seems to be ending, Loki made it right up on the roof and finds his brother right in front of him. Happy to see that the search was a lot easier than he thought and that his brother hasn't left the roof and yet he sees him more troubled than he can imagine. Whatever happened in that dimension, must have really hurt Thor and yet he has a need to know what may happened. To be the listening ear that Thor needs right now and if there is something more to worry about. Even if there was that isn't as important as helping Thor, his brother needs to speak to someone or at least know that he won't have to face it alone. He sees his brother in a wave of conflict, one that he is hoping to find a way to help and to be there for his brother. Loki starts to heads his way right towards Thor and sees that he doesn't see him, as Loki takes a breath and decides to break the silence and the current mood.

"I see you're still up here." Said Loki catching Thor's attention. "Jane was not exaggerating when she said I might find you here, though in all honesty I am surprised that she is not here to keep you company."

"Loki... I just told her, I needed to be alone to process my thoughts." Said Thor. "I just needed some space to think for myself and reflect."

"Hmm... for more than a few hours, I take?" Said Loki as he catches Thor by surprise and he tries to hide his emotions from his brother, as usual Loki can easily detect them. "So is there a reason why you needed more than three hours to think about anything that may be going through your mind?"

"Loki, I am well, I only need some time to think." Said Thor trying to wave his brother off. "It's nothing."

"Is this all about what happened in the Dream dimension?" Asked Loki as Thor turns away. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Yes, I mean no. I don't know, all I do know is that it's complicated and there are so many things to say." Said Thor. "At the same time, I do not know if I should say it or when or how. I only know that it is more complicated than you or anyone would ever understand."

"Thor, I am not going to try to make you tell me what happened or use either magic or the stones to make you tell me." Said Loki.

"Don't you dare-" starts Thor as Loki trying to hold back a laugh at Thor's defense, he missed this.

"No need to worry, after everything you honestly think that I would invade your privacy" said Loki. "I should be the last person you ought to make you feel that hint of concern."

"Well you are and still are a trickster, I never know you what to expect." Said Thor. "I could be walking right into a trap right now and may not even know it."

"Awe, I am glad to see that you are finally learning and not being as gullible as I thought." Said Loki. "You were becoming more easier to trick."

"I was almost worried that you were starting to become predictable." Said Thor. "But with your sword and ice magic, it is clear that you are becoming harder to see coming."

"They do give me the upper hand in combat, if only I knew my true and yet growing potential., it would have made things easier. I could have taken over this planet easily, but then again that would have been bad." Said Loki. "Other than all that I am mostly going to be ussing these powers for good. So, are you going to tell me what's going on?"

"I... That is... I can't, it is to hard to say and I don't even know if I want to remember or..." said Thor as he tries to block out all of the images from his head and keep everything away from his mind.

"It's alright, you don't have to tell me right now." said Loki as he faces to look at the sight right before them. "We have an entire future ahead of us, we have more than enough time to speak of it, to face the reality of it."

"True, Loki are you really ok with this?" asked Thor.

"Am I ok with what?" asked Loki completely confused.

"With me not telling father of you? That you would have to remain in hiding?" asked Thor. "That you can never return home to Asgard as yourself again, if not at all? Are you really ok with living with this?"

"No not really, it was my home, the place I grew up and the memories we share are there." said Loki as he gives a sigh. "But you did what you had to do to ensure my freedom no matter the price we may had to pay and for that I am forever grateful."

"You don't have to lie to make me feel better about any of this." said Thor as he looks at Loki.

"I'm not and if I have to be honest, maybe this works out for the best. Surprisingly I feel right at home on Earth so it won't be that bad or the worst fate in the universe." said Loki. "Besides it will be alright, I know it will be."

"I wish I have your confidence." said Thor. "You changed so much since the Dark World and maybe even before all of this, you are no longer the same person that would do petty pranks or plan revenge to meet your goals or personal needs. You seem to be even more hopeful now, while showing more of you're true self in the process."

"It has been two months since you have last seen me, well as Darcy would put it the 'old me,' it is not that much of a surprise." said Loki. "In all honesty after all of this, after everything maybe I have changed, maybe for the better. Earth isn't as bad as I thought and everything about it, seems to have rubbed off on me and maybe in a way I did not expect."

"Yeah, Earth seems to have that affect on people." said Thor. "So are you thinking of maybe staying? On Earth?"

"I don't know, I am planning to spend some time on Earth or at least as long as the Guardians need to repair their ship. To see how it would go before I decide anything." said Loki. "We just have to wait and see and maybe we can or rather will figure all of this out as we go along."

"How long do you think that this new reality will last?" asked Thor "Should we be worried that it won't last long? That something might tear us apart again? That this can truly last this time?"

"I have complete fate that it will, nothing or no one will ever tear us apart again." said Loki. "Sure, we may face many challenges and at times it may not be as easy as we hope, but we will over come. We overcame all of this didn't we?"

"True, all of this was hard for any of us to get through, but we found a way to get through it." said Thor.

"Exactly my point, unlike the last time we are together and I already learned my lesson, I am not going to push you or anyone away again." said Loki. "We will go through any challenges and face any battles, we will have each other's backs and it will be alright, I'm sure of it."

"You are right, we are now back each other's side and I know we no longer have Thanos to worry about and the law is out of the way." said Thor before remembering what he had to face and Nightmare. "But still what if something were to happen that tear us apart again or if we wind up losing you or..."

"Even if that were to happen, one of us would find a way to mend the bond again." said Loki. "No matter what happens, what foes may come our way or challenges that we may have to overcome. Just remember that we will always be brothers, no matter what happens, we will always share that bond forever and nothing will take that away from us. Even if we may disagree or at times you drive me insane, never forget that I will always keep loving you."

"Thank you, I love you too." said Thor. "Just promise me never to fake your death again."

"I wouldn't dream of it." said Loki giving a laugh towards Thor's request and earning a smile from Thor.

At that moment, both brothers quickly start to embrace one another and hug as if they have never done so in centuries. Happy to finally be together once again and that they no longer have to worry about anything daring to tear them apart. That they are at peace with one another and they are at a place where they can truly be free from the expectations that Asgard puts on them and the limitations of uncertainty that Thanos caused. Now they are both free to be together, free to be brothers, sure there are still the many challenges that are up ahead and they know that the future will not always be this bright and yet peaceful. But for now, they are only happy to be together and that the worst is over.

Thor is happy to see that Loki is finally back on his side and his brother is here safe and sound, nothing can ever ruin this. While Loki is happy that the very thing that he thought was impossible, the moment he always wanted and yet thought and knew that would never happen or know if he deserves it is now happening. He never thought that he would have his brother back or even sure if he could believe it, but now he is feeling a sense of peace and happiness that he does not want to let any of this go. That he is now finally happy, knowing that nothing is going to tear them apart. The hug continues on for a few more seconds neither of them wants to let the other go and have the moment go on. That is until...

A flash suddenly appears and one that catches both of them by surprise and turn their attention to where it may be. They break out of the hug and turns to see where it may be and notice that both Jane and Darcy are right there. Darcy is holding her phone up and quickly realize that she has forgotten to turn off the flash again. Loki quickly realize what happened and rolled his eyes as the truth comes to his mind. Both brothers sees both girls not even sure what to say and before they have a chance to say anything...

"Darcy!" Said Jane in total annoyance.

"Oh shoot, I forgot to turn off the flash again!" Said Darcy as she reacts and look at her phone and quickly turns off the flash. "Sorry! You guys continue doing this, pretend we're not even here!"

"Darcy, you just ruined the moment." Said Loki. "It would be completely awkward if we were to continue on and act as though nothing happened."

"I said I was sorry. But this is the first time I have ever seen you and Thor hugging, so I had to take a picture." Said Darcy. "Which was really sweet by the way and I can do get used to you guys being sweet bffs all the time."

"Yeah but that's beside the point and-" starts Loki as he is about to argue on the importance of privacy.

"Aside from all of that, didn't anything happen while we were up here?" Asked Thor with Jane quickly shaking her head and realize that maybe he is over worrying, as he sees Loki's annoyed look. "Then why did you come up here?"

"We were just coming up to check on you guys." Said Jane as she sees Darcy raise an eyebrow at her. "Ok, I wanted to come up here to check on you guys and Darcy wanted to give you guys some space."

"That is until I decide to tag along to be the extra buffer if there's a fight going on." Said Darcy. "Plus Groot also said that he's so hungry for cake and is ready to eat it all. Rocket translated and I think he is having trouble keeping the little guy in one place."

"He is still trying to sneak a piece of it?" Asked Loki can't help but laugh a bit at the sappling's determination.

"Hey, I'm just the messenger and all I have to say he has a point." Said Darcy as she thinks about how desperate the sapling may be to have a slice of cake. "It is almost like he never had cake before."

"To be fair, we did just save the universe and Groot practically earned all of the cake he can grab his hands on." Said Loki. "This truly feels the end of a journey."

"More like the start of a new journey." Said Darcy. "Even if it won't be as wild as the one we just had or who knows maybe it will be just as exciting as this one."

"We really should head down and join the others." Said Jane. "We really shouldn't keep them waiting and join in the fun."

"Yeah, let us go and spend some time with our friends." Said Thor. "I just want to spend the rest of this day and many others without having to worry about anything coming in to destroy what we now have."

"Ok, here's one thing that I just realized that I'm surprised no one pointed out." Said Darcy. "Have you guys noticed that this is the first time that the four of us are now alone in the same space, at the same time together?"

That revelation catches Thor, Loki and Jane by surprise and from one look, it's clear none of them have ever thought or realize it. Sure there was the time that Loki was Mysto and the time that Loki had to leave the apartment and having to disguise himself as Ian. But Thor and Jane didn't know that it was Loki at the time, so Darcy feels that they don't really count. Though right now, they are all finally together and yet the four of them are now enjoying each other's company at the moment. That they will at least enjoy spending time together as a group and neither one of them knew what to say.

"Well I guess it's about time we finally got to this point." Said Jane. "Though this still feels very much of a surprise, but it is a good one. Maybe we should all hang out now, we might as well enjoy the time we have together."

"Yes, it would be nice to enjoy the company of all my friends." Said Thor. "Especially before the next threat comes and we have to fight it."

"Come on, don't say that." Said Jane. "We need to look at the bright side rather than assume the worst case scenario."

"Yeah, besides even if it does happen we have the Avengers with Thor, the guardians and you to fight it off." Said Darcy. "Hey, Loki since you are not a part of team yet, why don't we get you a super hero team for you to follow and to get out to fight if everyone needs back up."

"There is no way that is going to happen, besides Mysto is more of a solo hero." Said Loki. "If I have to take part of a team of some sort, I would rather be with the Guardians. There is no way I would ever become an Avenger."

"Well you did go up and fight Thanos, along with not caring what the consequences that may be ahead." Said Thor. "That technically makes you an Avenger."

"Let's not go that far, I still want to keep some of my dignity and my individuality. Not be part of something or earn a title that I do not think I have earned or will ever earn." Said Loki.

"Well, you are always going to be an Avenger to me." Said Thor.

"It's either be an Avenger or a Guardian, you'd totally be awesome for the job." Said Darcy adding some more of her input, Jane notices that Loki is feeling a sense of uncomfortable at the idea and decides to take over.

"Yeah aside from all of the superhero team ups, we really should rejoin the others." Said Jane. "Yeah, this is definitely a celebration we really should not miss, one that we all may deserve."

"Especially after everything we have been through." Said Darcy. "Wow, I can't believe that all of this is over. That we now saved the universe and have a big future ahead of us."

"Things definitely changed so much since we all first met." Said Jane remembering how she met all of them and how they have grown since then.

"Yes, it has and no matter what happens next, I am only glad that I have all of you, the Avengers and the Guardians by my side." Said Thor. "We will face whatever challenges and whatever may be next together."

"We always will, I may not know what may the future look like or if things will work out." said Loki. "All I do know is that I want to try to make it work and do everything to make sure that it does work out."

"So are you saying that you are thinking of staying?" asked Darcy rather excitedly at the idea of Loki staying, earning some stares from the others. "I mean if you want to skip the whole test run thing. If not, whatever you chose, just know I have you're back and always will."

"I did not say that exactly, I still do not know what the best choice is and that alone is tempting." said Loki. "But I do know that all I want to have a rest, to take a break from trouble for a while and simply rest and enjoy the company of my allies. To finally have some peace, now let us go downstairs and join the others, I think we all should forget about the future for a bit and enjoy the present."

"Loki, are you sure about this?" asked Thor. "I'm surprised that you of all people would make such a suggestion, but still I don't want you to feel pressured or under prepared for what may still have to come. We don't know what the future holds..."

"I wouldn't worry so much about it now brother, I have been worrying for two months and the only thing it does is give me a headache." said Loki. "Now it is a time to celebrate, to finally live and besides no matter what trouble may be up ahead, we will face it together, we will fight it together and I have the feeling that we will all work something out. That everything and we will all be fine."

With that being said, the four of them start to head their way to rejoin the others and yet there are many things that are going on in their minds. On the future and everything that is up ahead and how they are going to be ready for it. Even if Nightmare is safely in prisoned in his dimension, away from creating danger and harming all of them, Thor doesn't know how to tell them and how Loki would react to the idea that he had to face him and Nightmare used him to create a challenge for Thor to fight. If there may be any more danger to face and if he is ready to speak to his brother about what happened, if he really wants to be cause of any more pain for him. But for now he is simply happy that his brother is back on his side and that the worst is now over that they are all safe and they can move forward to the future together.

With one look Jane can tell that Thor still haven't told Loki about what happened in the dream dimension and really wish that she can tell Loki. But deep down, she knows that this is a conversation that both brothers need to have and one that she can't take away from them. Especially after they all had to go through for both brothers to find it within themselves to finally come together. She doesn't want to ruin things for them, even if she thinks that Thor should tell the truth and then both he and Loki will come together and move through it. Jane just hopes that Loki doesn't find out the hard way and that Thor finds a good moment to tell him the truth. At least right now, they are both on good terms and deep down she knows that after everything that happened, there is nothing that is going to break these brothers apart.

While Darcy is hopeful that Loki is considering to stay, not that she is desperate for him to stay or anything. But she knows that she will be really happy that he would and then it would make things feel like a perfect happy ending. Though Darcy feels more happy with the fact that Loki is not only alright, but is now finally happy if he is that willing to ignore any of the downsides of the situation and is more willing to relax for a bit. She knows that Loki now have a happy ending to his story and now they are going to face a happy beginning together. That not only Loki is now a full fledge hero, he also now have Thor back and he is also now free to live his life and no longer have to worry about Thanos or anyone taking it away from him again. But no matter what happens or what Loki chooses to do next, she knows that she will always have his back and they will always be friends, wherever the road may take them, wherever her feelings may take them. Darcy knows that they both have a bond that is now unbreakable and all that matters is that they have won this battle and whatever happens next, they all will face it together.

The four of them enters the tower, to join the others in celebrating the victory that is now won and to have a moment of peace. Where they can fully relax and be surrounded by the ones that have stood by their side. The future may be unclear, yet they are just happy to be free and that the worst is now over, that they can start a new life on Earth, they will figure things out as they go along. As long as they are together, then they can be ready for what's up ahead and face anything, things will turn out alright. Maybe Loki is right, maybe things will turn out fine, as they all start their new life together.

---

A few minutes later in the kitchen/dinning room

Loki, Thor, Darcy and Jane soon arrives at the dinning room, they see all of the remaining Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Nebula all turn to see the four of them. The four of them start to enter the room, Loki stops himself, still feeling unsure if it's a good idea for him to join the others and if he is truly welcome after everything that has happened. So he stops himself before Darcy and Thor takes notice, Darcy nudge her head as if she is telling Loki to "Come on." While Thor just pat Loki on the back in reassurance in hopes that he gets the idea that Loki is welcome there. Once Loki feels a sense of confidence, then the two of them start to make their way to the others and join the others right at the table.

Now that everyone is there and they made sure that Wanda is really sure of wanting to miss out after a quick phone call. They start to celebrate and enjoy one another's company as if they haven't seen each other a long time and they all just made time to speak. While they talk, eat and listen to some music that Quill made into a playlist, Groot quickly eats through his meal, wanting nothing more but to have a slice of cake and is ready to take more than a slice while the others are not looking. Even though they started out as many individuals that only wanted to just defeat Thanos and get it over with, but at the end of all this, they are now one team.

They all are now celebrating the end of a war that seem impossible to win. A fight that has been one of the hardest ones that any of them had to face. A fight that led them to many twists and turns, to a unlikely hero that managed to save them all. One they didn't ask for and yet one that they didn't even know they needed. None of them expected Loki to be the one under the mask, but still what makes a hero and what makes a villain?Thanks to Loki and anyone who helped him on his journey, now there's a future right before all of them and they are now free from the threat of Thanos. They all know that they are going to be facing many challenges whether it's villains or the people on this planet wanting to get all of the answers, but for now they are celebrating and will be ready for it when it comes.

The Avengers are doing everything they can to make everyone in the room feel welcome. Steve is trying to engage the conversation between all of them and getting the room in a mood where they are on the same page. With Bruce constantly checking if there's enough food for everyone to eat and if they are in the mood for more later. Tony is simply asking questions about the Guardians' ship structure to Quill and offering ideas on how it can be fixed and maybe suggesting they can replicate some parts with Earth technology. While Natasha has her feet up as she and Gamora talk/debate on effective battle strategies.

While the Guardians are doing everything to make it more fun and engaging for them to continue on with the party. Gamora is trying to make sure that Nebula enjoys herself, including her in the conversation that eventually become a wider group chat and while Nebula is just happy to finally be in a place where she is at peace. Drax is simply happy beyond words as he celebrates Thanos is gone and his wife, his daughter and hundreds of others can finally rest easy. Quill is just enjoying some thing he missed from being years in space and making up for most of the time in space with pizza and learning more about pop culture that he missed out on. While Groot is trying see if he can grab another piece of cake, as soon as he finished the piece he had and is trying to see if he can get it. That is before he notices Rocket watching him with a close and yet watchful eye and the sappling was about to turn away feeling defeated. That is before Rocket rolled his eyes and cut a smile piece of cake and hand it to Groot, as he smiles happily at Rocket.

Jane is only glad that they are all alright and that she has the chance to spend some time with her boyfriend, two of her closest friends and her newfound allies. She finds herself holding Thor's hand and her feelings for him is growing as much as the happiness in her grows as she is ready to live her life on Earth. Pursuing her love of science and being with the ones that she cares the most about. This is going to be a new start for them and she is just glad that the worst is over and for now they are all on the same page, that there's no longer a divide between them.

While Darcy is too busy fangirling with the mere fact that she is now hanging out with the Avengers and the very fact that she is now living the dream. She and Loki did it, they saved the universe and stopped Thanos from using the Infinity Stones to eliminate all of life and everything in the universe. They actually saved the world and this is better than Darcy always thought it would be. Though the main questions on her mind is what's next for them and what are they going to do with the Infinity Stones? But at least for now she is happy to say that they did it and is ready to face the future, with her friends by her side and she can't wait for whatever adventure may be in store next. Whatever surprises that there may have in store next, she knows that with having Loki around, he will always find a way to make things exciting. She so can't wait for whatever adventure they may have next.

Thor is just happy that things have managed to work out at all, that it somehow managed to become something better than he could imagine or ever dream. Now he has his brother back on his side and most importantly Loki is alive and no longer have to worry about Thanos or anything hurting him ever again. That he can stay on Earth, he has everything he has ever wanted and does not want to let go of anything. He knows that he can't take the throne of Asgard, if he does then he will lose everyone he has ever cared about and he does not think he is or will ever be ready to let go. Not to mention, lose his brother again through it and even then he has something worse to worry about that might tear him and Loki apart, the last thing he ever wants is to let that happen or be responsible for them to fall apart again. He just wants Loki to be happy and nothing like what happened the past few years again. Especially with Nightmare having this power, one that he knows that would be a danger for all if Nightmare ever escapes his prison or at least having the ability to manipulate dreams.

For now, Thor is going to enjoy the moment that he is now sharing with his brother, girlfriend and friends. All of the trials are now over, he doesn't have to worry about Thanos coming in and destroying everything and all he has to do is keep Loki hidden from Earth and Asgard. Even with all that in his mind, Thor is just happy that he has Loki, Jane and all of his friends on his side, that alone allows him to find some peace within himself and look forward to whatever the future has before them and one that he is now glad that he is free from the burdens. That he has a chance to be with all of them and he can have the chance for a new beginning. A fresh start with his brother, to stay with Jane and hiss friends and to truly make Earth his home and that is more than enough for him. He knows that there will be many battles for them to face in the future, but for now he is going to take the first steps as they all start to live their new lives and Thor feeling an sense of happiness as he starts a new beginning with the people he cares about. Thor knows that he is going to make every moment count, he has to and now he is at peace with himself and for now he is going to enjoy the peace within him and the moments that are ahead.

Loki does not even know what to make of this or if he has any words to say, as for once he is starting to feel a sense of acceptance that he has never felt before. One that is making him feel a sense of happiness, pride and many other positive emotions that he doesn't even know what they are or if he ever wants to let go. He did it, the impossible and now in a place where he never even thought he would ever be. Loki may have finally defeated Thanos, but he feels he has won more than a victory, something that is more grander than any of them can ever imagine. That he knew deep down, maybe it is something that he always wanted and yet he always had before he lost it and now finally have it back...

Loki finally now has found a group of people that accepted him for who he is, a group of friends that he can depend on, a friend that he can speak to, one who was ready to risk everything for him and allies that are willing to let him stay and helped him in the end. He found a best friend that he cares the most about and knows that she will never turn her back on him. Loki still doesn't know about how he is going to go around his feelings, part of him wants to embrace them and yet he is trying hard to ignore them, he does not want anything to ruin their bond. Since the friendship he has with Darcy means so much to him, that he would rather let them figure things out as they move forward. But one thing Loki knows for sure, that nothing is going to break their bond and even if he has these feelings, they can find a way to make it work and maybe their bond will grow even stronger than ever before. Loki also now has his brother back and that is one fact he still can't believe. It was the very thing that he was hoping for and yet he accepted the idea that it may never happen. Yet, they were able to find a way to make amends, rebuild what they have lost and now it feels as though they are picking things off where they left. Loki knows that he is never going to take his brother's love for granted again, he is never going to doubt him again. He sees that their bond is now stronger than before and Loki knows that no matter what happens or the challenges that he may face, nothing break them apart again.

Though the real loss, Loki is now feeling is the idea that if he wants to ensure his freedom, he can never return to Asgard as himself. Loki has always known that going back to Asgard was never going to be an option, but hearing it out loud and seeing that he can never return home again. It only hurts, that if he tries to spend a day in Asgard then it would have to be through a illusion or else he will end up back in the dungeons. It is probably for the best, besides Asgard was a home, yet he never felt he truly belong there, let alone fit in. But now he has found a place where he truly feels happy, where he feels right at home and Loki is now even starting to see it as a new home. One where Loki feels that he truly belongs, surrounded by the ones that not only first accepted him, but truly gave him a chance. For once, Loki is feeling a sense of peace at everything that happened and happy at the overall outcome of his journey and how he is no longer alone anymore. He knows that this is the start of a new life for him, a new beginning for the universe and all of them. For once after everything that has happened, Loki feels free and he's finally home...

The End

---

It's done...

I can't believe Redemption is finally done and that we made it to this point, after 7 years since I first thought of the idea, developed some parts of the story and put out the first chapter. Along with completing the prologue and 27 rewrites on the way Now we have a completed and one where we got to see things finally come full circle and we finally got to see the ending take place, where we get to see Loki's redemption arc completed. Isn't it awesome?

There are so many things I have to say and so much to explain, that no words can ever describe this feeling and some of the choices I have made while I was writing this chapter. But I think I will start with some of the choices I have made with the story and why I decided to end it the way that I did and maybe add some more reasoning on why I decided to go on this route.

Ok, here are some things to clear things up to answer any questions and to allow me to explain myself when it comes to the ending and some of the things I decided to go with.

For starters, I wanted to leave some things open ended if I ever do a sequel, since I have some ideas for it. Along with even letting us see that just like in the Marvel movies, that just because Thanos is gone, it doesn't mean that there is not going to be some other villain will come to do their plans or if it will be easy for the Avengers to buy their story about Mysto. Not too mention, I also want to leave things as though there will be many more adventures to come their way. So it's kinda like the adventures will continue sort of ending, where we leave things open ended and can imagine what might happen next.

As for Odin not finding out, it was something that I have been debating about it towards the second half of the story. On whether or not he should know and even then that would make a drastic change in the story. One where I would have to change the ending if I had him find out in the story and decide that the story was really about Loki's redemption arc and Odin finding out would be so much in an already packed story. Though I have to admit seeing the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Loki and the entire Asgardian army going out there fighting Thanos would have been awesome. I mean it would not only make things a lot easier for Loki, Darcy, Jane, Nebula, The Avengers and the Guardians, but it would offer a even more epic showdown. But at the same time, I would write myself in a corner and beside Odin finding out needs it's own story.

The same goes for the whole Thor telling Loki about Nightmare and the whole fight that he had with the evil Loki. I think at this point, Thor is just happy that Loki's back and he doesn't want to destroy what he has just rebuilt with Loki. Plus after so many times, loosing Loki and the last time it was nearly for good, I think that all Thor wants is protect Loki and keep the bond that they both just finally start to rebuild and he wants to maintain that bond. Especially if we stop to remember on how much Loki has changed for better, how he nearly died for good to save the universe and he doesn't want to lose him again and that alone is going to be on his mind when it comes to moving forward. But I don't think he is going to be crazy overprotective, I think he is going to do everything in his power to make sure that nothing hurts their relationship again. That they are going to make sure it works, along with being the brother both of them deserves and make up for the past.

At the end of the day, I think the other big overarching story aside from Loki's redemption arc and defeating Thanos is the brothers finding each other and rebuilding their bond. Since throughout the story, we get to see Loki regretting his past actions and giving up hope on being able to make amends with Thor, while Thor is feeling nothing but guilt over Loki's death and wishing he could have been a better brother. But the moment, the mask was taken off literally, Thor does everything to get his brother back and Loki eventually realizing that he can't hide from his problems and have to face the past and his brother. In reality, now that I think of it, Redemption is really the story of two brothers, my only regret is that we didn't see that many Thor and Loki team ups. Maybe in the future (one shots or possible sequel)...

I also need to explain to you about why I decided to go the way I went with Loki and Darcy, with the hope that it would help make things a little more clearer. The reason why I went towards this way towards the whole Loki and Darcy will they or won't they is because I think that's what they would probably do in character. I always like to think that Loki and Darcy's relationship is very realistic, especially if we look right at Thor and Jane's relationship in the first two movies, where they have the perfect fairy tale romance. I think that Loki and Darcy knows that there is something going on between them, but after all they have been through, it's not really a surprise they would go this route, I also wanted to leave that a little open ended as well rather than turn it into a sappy and cringing moment that you would expect them to start singing a love duet and ride off to the sunset. I think I would like to explore more of their relationship and maybe actually do it, if there is ever a sequel for Loki: Redemption and once I get more writing experience when it comes to romance since that is not my strong suit. But still I think I did a pretty decent job on it.

Yeah, I guess I did end things sort of bittersweetly, though it is a little bit of a happier ending and I hope that it gives you guys a satisfying ending, though I think I went towards the Star Wars route when it came to the ending without dialouge though. But I think ultimately it works as we get to see the characters the last time in this fanfic. Plus I also wanted to bookend it by having Loki be the one to say that that they will always be brothers and close it on his thoughts like we did in the prologue. One where it allowed us to see the character journeys reach to it's destination and all of the plot points and story arcs get a satisfying end that is one that all of the characters get a happy ending. Plus as I said I left things a little open ended, so you guys can assume some things, though I did give hints of Loki's overall choice though...

As for a possible sequel, I don't know if or when it would come out. Especially since I am probably going to take a break before doing more Redemption/the spin offs. Don't get me wrong, I like writing Redemption and would be more than happy to continue it, but after seven years of nonstop writing, I feel like I need a break. Plus I don't want to rush into a sequel that I don't even know if it would be as good as the original and even if I do, then it would more likely be twenty to thirty chapters. Since I need to think about it, though I do have ideas and I think we will see Wanda/Scarlet Witch play a bigger role in a Redemption sequel. Especially if we look at Vision being back (let's just say that Wanda and Thor would be a big foil for one another if there is a sequel.)

But if I were to make a sequel, charecters I would like to see in it are: Valkyrie, Falcon, Bucky/Winter Soilder, Yelena (Black Widow's sister), America Chavez, Spider-Man (I was originally thinking of doing it in this one, but then I realize he wouldn't have that much of a role and the cast is already packed as is. But I still would like to see him in Redemption.)

Charecters, I would like to see, but I don't know if they would work is Captain Marvel, War Machine, Shang-Chi (Along with Katy and his sister), Pepper Potts, maybe Shuri and Kilmongler (though I don't see myself adding any characters from Wakanda at the moment, but that can always change), but I don't know but the top ones for sure.

Though for the sequel, we might meet a character that might create some more mischief for everyone and might cause some trouble...

I also would like to have more of Hawkeye, but I think the earliest I might have him appear if I do more Redemption is the holiday special and maybe have Kate Bishop in it. But these are ideas that I have been playing around with as I think about the future of Redemption, but one thing for sure is that before I think about any possibilities of a sequel and how likely it would be. But one thing for sure is that realistically the one shots-midquel series, the Gamora one shot prequel and the holiday special, when the time is right and when I feel ready.

I am also thinking of maybe writing an epilogue, I have two set in mind, think of it as the post credit scenes for Marvel movies. One of them would be more of a wrap up to this story, the other is to set up a possible sequel, which Nightmare will be the main villain.

But these ideas are still in development and I am still playing around with the ideas, at this moment. Though if there is a sequel, I would want to take the time to plan it out before I actually do it, so that way there would be more consistency. But that is more up in the air at the moment and I know that I am going to take a break before I decide to do anything and maybe work out what's the story is. But we all will have to wait and see if and when it does happen.

But before we get to that, there is one more thing I want to say, is just because the main story ended it doesn't mean that this will be the end of Redemption. I'm also thinking of possibly doing one-shot chapters for Redemption that takes place during the time skip and it can be anything like slice of life fics, Loki teaming up with the Avengers or just Thor and Loki as Mysto of course. teaming up (it can be a midquel story with multiple chapters), maybe even a Loki and Hiemdel team up or maybe even Loki and Darcy's adventures of searching for the Infinity Stones. But it has to take place during the time skip and not be something that would add more to the main story that it would be necessary to read them. They are mostly would be stand alone stories that still in the Redemption canon and yet still be part of the story (think of it like a spin of series of a movie that the story takes place between the previous movie and the sequel like How to Train your Dragon (the first and second) or Tangled (for the movie and Ever After short) for example.) I'm open to any idea that you guys might have, just put a review or pm me with your ideas and I'll be happy to use your ideas to write them into one shots. (Maybe even a Guardians of the Galaxy prequel/midquel before Gamora got caught by Thanos or even one before she even met Loki or went through the events of the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie?)

Though I would be mostly doing Loki ones but I am open to the idea, but I was also thinking of having them to be more interconenctive than one may think, that it would be telling an overall story which would serve as a prequel, but at the same time they would be stand alone stories and within them, they will have a story arc that will lead into the rest of Redemption after the Age of Ultron arc. But the Gamora one is definitely going to be a prequel and I think I would probably at least have that one up, so that way we will see the start of her journey before meeting Loki and how she started her journey. (It's the only thing I can promise that will come soon whether it's before or straight after the story is done.) Other than that I am open to doing more Redemption. :)

The same goes for the possible holiday special, it might take place during the time skip and I have developed a premise for it. It will be basically a week after Loki and Darcy moved to New York, though after all of that chasing after the Infinity Stones, the Ultron drama and everything else that may have happened in the past month alone. Once Darcy realize that Christmas is coming, she is ready to do everything to catch up on holiday related activities that she couldn't do while she was helping Loki. While Loki being a total scrooge, doesn't want all of this to get in the way of their quest, though Christmas does remind him of an Asgardian holiday that he was always fond of. So he decides to try to make up for a past wrong like to Darcy such as breaking her phone and get a new one for her as a gift, but the only problem is that in order to get a hold of it is by working with the Avengers. While Darcy deciding to make things easier for Loki, to do something that would make the best holiday present, to get the next Infinity Stone. The only problem is that she doesn't know where to start looking. Will they succeed in their goals or will they fail in every possible way and ruin the holidays for not only each other but others around them?

The Gamora prequel will mostly be about what made her start to question Thanos and how she starts her journey right before she first meets Loki and then later on the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy. What was the push that she needed to start to made her start to want to change her ways, leave her life with Thanos behind and begin her journey.

But as I said, these ideas are in development, I don't know when they would come out as I take my break. :)

I also updated the poll on how you guys want Redemption to continue to help me decide on what might be the next thing to do. So yeah be sure to check that out on my profile. :)

If you guys want to share a favorite moment or have any questions, you guys are so welcome to leave a review or pm me. I'd be happy to answer any questions and be happy to hear from you when it comes to anything you all may have to say. :)

I also would like to take the time to thank everyone who gave me an idea that I used for the story. Special thanks again for Brigitta, Hackline83, Wiredhead and AskertronNidavellir8 for giving me awesome ideas for the fanfic and letting me use them, thus making the story the best it can be and help move it forward.

Plus a special thanks for all of you, for sticking by all of these years and being patient with me as I write this story. I know it probably wasn't easy and you all got annoyed by all of the delays and my excuses which I apologies for. But I know for a fact that I will always be grateful for your loyalty to the story and I really hope that you all enjoyed it as we got to enjoy this story in the past 7 years. :)

Lastly, I want to say is that I am dedicating the Redemption fanfic to a good friend that has been there for me for the last couple of years. One that I will always appreciate that our friendship happend for the rest of my life. I am dedicating this story to Brigitta Pekelharing, a friend that helped me out of the darkness that I often take for granted. But I want to thank her for everything and helping me during the darkest time of my life, her friendship has made me grow into a better person and writer. I am always going to be grateful for the friendship that we shared and the impact that it made on me. In a way if it weren't for our friendship then there might not even be a Redemption because she got me into Marvel movies and helped me at the beginning of writting the fanfic. Thanks Brigitta for everything :)

Wow, I don't even know how I am going to close things off or if I can find the words to say everything on my mind since we have reached the ending. I can't believe that this is the end of Redemption and that it's done. One of the songs that I have been listening to while I was writing this fanfic and I guess if there is songs that I would pick if I had to make a Redemption soundtrack or playlist for this final moment is Hero by Mariah Carey and At the Begining from Anastasia, but it's the Mat and Savannah cover. Maybe I should create a Redemption play list for myself. I guess what makes this difficult is that when I was writing this story, I always knew I was going to come back for one more, but this time I'm not and I will always be grateful for the time I spent writing this story, that you all read every word and will always remember the fun that writing it brought to me. Along with the lessons that it brought not only to me, but to all of you. If someone were to tell me the amazing journey this story brought before I saw my first Marvel movie, I wouldn't have believed them and yet intrigued with the idea. I hope that you guys enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

This story, really brought the question what makes a hero and what makes a villain? I hope that I was able to answer that question and Loki's story in this fanfic not only answered it, but taught us all that it's never too late to make things right and have the courage to face whatever challenges that we may be up against, to create our own path away from expectations and restrictions of others, the past and ourselves. To be a hero in our own stories, to be an Avenger.

Until next time, see you guys again someday. Pursue your dreams and create your path, thanks again. :)