More of the same as the last chapter. More HYDRA orphanage stuff.

Differences mentioned in this chapter: All of it.

Ariana was getting frustrated. No matter where they looked, what outpost they took down, they were no closer to their goal. They were down to the last known "house" and if they found nothing on Erika, she had to assume she was dead, either killed on a mission or before she could join society by law.

She searched through the latest intel they had gathered, hoping to find anything, even if it was a snippet in someone else's file. She hadn't slept in three days and it was beginning to show. Loki was worried and offered to look for her, but Ariana refused.

"Not until we find something," she always said.

But today, he had had enough. He gave her a dinner and warm drink, all designed to help her fall asleep. It wasn't long before she had passed out at her desk. He used his magic to change her clothes to pajamas and put her in her bed. Then, he grabbed the USB she was looking into and joined the rest of their group of detectives.

However, only Natasha could be found. She was in the lab, waiting for Loki. He could see she wanted to talk.

"You know Erika Smithson, or suspect you do," Natasha said. "I don't need to know everything about how. That's up to you to tell us."

"I do suspect I know her," he said. "But until I see a picture or find something on her, I won't know." He pulled out a flash drive. "I took this from Ariana. She is running herself ragged. I want her to rest. Can you look at this with me?"

"Sure." Natasha began working on the files. "You know, after what happened in Germany, I would have never thought we'd end up here. But you are good for her, her for you. Sparky… she's special. She hasn't had a hard life, or an easy one either. She's had good moments and bad, like everyone but…"

"It's the bad ones that stick with her."

"She lets them define her. But she doesn't judge. Show her it's the good, the way she cares, that makes her Ariana Stark-Tonysdottir. It's the life, the love in her, that makes her perfect to be the Goddess of the Eternal Spark."

"She inspires everyone to be better. She was a goddess before she got the title."

"It's good you see that in her. I know that, even if you weren't a god or a prince, if you were just a man, she'd still see the good in you."

"She draws the best out of people. It's why I don't understand why this one girl disliked her so much. And if she is who I believe, I fear for her safety."

"I know Jebediah Stane is always in the back of her mind, and all of our safety if he should attack."

"She told me of him. The poor excuse of a man that hit her."

"He wanted a trophy, she wanted to be a person."

"She is my Queen, Natasha. I do not deserve her. But I will fight to protect her, even at the risk of my own life."

"I know. I just wanted to hear it from you. Knowing it and having it confirmed are two different things. Don't let this mean I won't take you down if you hurt her. She's like my sister. The Avengers are a family. I see you as my brother now, but that status can change with how you treat her."

"I know my position is tentative at best."

"No, Loki. You're one of us. Just how we see you in our family changes because of her. She is the glue that holds us together. She is the youngest, and it hurts seeing her push herself so hard. She wants to save this girl. She's fighting for her despite everything."

"You think it's a hero complex?"

"No. I think she sees what she could have become, what you could have been if she hadn't helped you. She believes everyone deserves a second chance. If she thought there was a chance for Jebediah…"

"He hit her. Would she really risk herself to give him a chance after what he did to her?" But he knew the answer. He was proof of that. "She can't save everyone. Not all people deserve a second chance, even if offered."

"You and I know that, but she won't stop." Natasha looked up from the computer at him. "I'm trusting you with her. Despite being able to see into people's heads, she still holds out her hand. It's up to you to be her shield when someone like Stane comes along. He won't change. He tried to change her, then manipulate her, before finally trying to kill her. This Erika girl, she's in the same boat, from what I understand."

"I know. I'll keep them from hurting her further."

"Good, because I found a picture of Erika."

"Show me." Natasha pulled up the picture and Loki froze. It was just as he feared. A location appeared on a map. "I'm going to go find her. Try not to let Ariana go. She is too tired right now to be helpful. She will only put herself in more danger."

"Loki, I'm going," said an exhausted Ariana, looking at the picture. "She tormented me for five years. I have to attempt to find out why, and maybe even help her see that HYDRA isn't the answer if she's working with them." She swayed and Natasha ran to her side to catch her as she fell. "Please, understand, Loki. If there is a chance for her to be saved like you, Bucky, Nat, and I have been, I have to give her that chance."

Loki took her from Nat and said, "I do understand, but I have to do this one on my own. Trust me this time."

Ariana looked up at the man she loved. She cupped his cheek. Why?

Loki kissed her. I will tell you when I return. I promise.

She pulled back and laid her head on his chest. Take someone with you, so I don't worry so much. Maybe your brother or mine.

Loki picked her up and carried her back to her room. I'll take Thor. Do not worry, my Queen. I will be careful.

She kissed him as he laid her back down. As much as she wanted him, to tell him how much he meant to her, she couldn't express it with words. And as much as he wanted to accept the love she was willing to give, she was far too tired.

"A promise," he said, pulling back. "A promise to return and a promise to worship you as you deserve when I do."

"Okay," she said, falling asleep in his arms.

When he was sure she was fast asleep, he returned to Natasha. As if knowing what he needed, she handed him a printout of everything.

"If you do this, do it right," Natasha cautioned.

"I will not fail her just because of this," Loki said. "I may not like this, but I will need to be gone for a few days. I will need help from Thor and… my parents."

"Tell her before you leave."

"She will want to follow if she knows I am going to Asgard. I will leave a letter with you. Give it to her in the morning. I will leave tonight."

"Thor is in the living room."

"Probably drinking. We still have Thor's friends to send back."

"We did alienate them because of this mission. We should send them back with something."

"Helping the Goddess of the Eternal Spark is a mission they would happy to take on. Knowing what is in this file, they will not hesitate."

"You expect a battle. Loki…"

"I expect to need help, yes. But I will be gathering every piece of info my father and Heimdall can give."

"Alright. I won't try to change your mind and I don't agree with it, but I understand not wanting to worry her more."

"Thank you, Natasha."

"Thank me when you come back. You have three days. After that, I tell Sparky and the both of us will come find you." She walked with him to see Thor, touching his shoulder and secretly placing a tracker. "You two, don't kill each other and have a good talk. I'll send the other four in."

"What is it, brother?" asked Thor.

Loki didn't like sharing Ariana's secret, especially with his loose-lipped brother. But he had promised Ariana that he would ask Thor for help. Loki sighed as he sat next to his brother, both wearing Midgardian attire for both its comfort and its help letting them blend in. They sat in silence, waiting for the Warrior's Three and Sif.

It felt like hours before the four of them appeared. Unlike Loki and Thor, they never took off their armor except to sleep, not even bothering to blend in since they don't spend extended periods of time on Midgard. Exchanging a look, the brothers took on the Asgardian armor. Once everyone was sitting, Loki briefly explained why the woman he loved feared water, or rather, lost the will to fight when it closed over her head. Thor nodded but wasn't getting why Loki was telling him.

"Look at the photo in this file, brother," said Loki, handing the folder to Thor. "Tell me I am not seeing who I think I am."

Thor opened it, the other four peering over his shoulder, and looked at the photo, saying in shock, "Sigyn?"