Soon the two of them arrived to the apartment, after having a success with their first quest of getting the Infinity Stones and they are making a good start on the quest to getting the Infinity Stones and stopping Thanos. Both Loki and Darcy are exhausted from the days events and how they managed to break in and get out of Asgard without even getting anywhere close on being caught. Without a word even being said, Loki simply heads over to the couch and uses his magic to reveal the Teaseract and Gungir to place them on a table and then uses his magic to change from the Mysto costume to his Asgardian armor. Feeling a sense of relief that he doesn't even want to get past and happy that he doesn't have to wear the Mysto costume whenever he is in the apartment.
Aside from his opinion on the costume, Loki decides that it might be a good idea to get to work on figuring out how to get the Infinity Stones out of it's containments. So that way, then it would be easier to hide and they will at least have them more secured than if they have a sceptar sitting in the living room. He quickly finds a notebook and a pen, then sits on the couch and starts to focus on the elements that makes the stones attached the objects. Along with the potential power he would have to deal with and try to figure out how to get around any complications or better yet avoid it altogether. At least it will be a good chance to study the Infinity Stones and learn more about the properties that makes them so powerful and the elements that existed in the beginning of time. He might as well learn more about them, as he figures out how to get the stoness out of their objects.
While Darcy on the other hand, grabs a bag of chips from the kitchen and starts to relax after the day they had. She quickly drops right onto the couch abruptly, earning an annoyed stare from Loki and starts to eat her chips. Before she can even think of something fun to do or try to find the tv remote, she sees that Loki is focusing hard on the Infinity Stones and looking over them in a deep focus that it doesn't look like anything can find a way to break his attention away. She sees that he is starting to take notes, along with doing some small experiments with his magic or at least illusions of the objects to see possible ways of removing the stones from their objects or how to use them or something close to it from Darcy's understanding. Though it only adds to her many questions...
"So why are you examining them? I don't see why you would have to relearn how to use them, you already know how to use the blue cube thing." said Darcy. "It's not like we are going to use these things to track down the other Stones. That unless these things already have a built in Infinity Stone tracker, do they? But still I don't see the need on why you have to relearn how to use them if you already have an idea on how to do so?"
"I am not trying to relearn how to use them and no we can't track the other Stones with them." said Loki remaining focus on what he is doing. "I am trying to figure out how to remove the stones from their objects without accidentally creating a catastrophe that guarantees in myself and/or this neighborhood in meeting it's end through a blast that would anialate everything and everyone in sight."
"Wait, what?!" said Darcy immediately in a panic.
She stares at Loki in complete shock and horror as she faces the possible outcome, along with having the growing desire of wanting to grab the stones and lock them away in some room. Darcy doesn't want them to be responsible for that or worse, though she doesn't know how the world is going to handle Thanos with both of the only ones that can stop him gone. Though she doesn't even know if Loki knows what he is doing or if they should even be playing around with the Stones, especially if it is that dangerous. She can already imagine what kind of trouble it might bring and she and Loki would be lucky if they can have a chance to face it.
After a quick look at Darcy's face, Loki realize on how he made that statement sound and his own mistake. It must have sounded like if him studying the stones would bring more destruction than it would typically bring. He feels like he should clarify what he meant before he starts a panic and make Darcy worry over something for nothing. He turns to her, ready to fix his mistake and hopes that would be enough. The last thing he needs is Darcy to try to keep an eye on him and then that would make him nervous, simply because someone would be watching and he would be trying so hard to not make a mistake and then he will end up making a mistake that would be too consequential that they won't be able to fix.
"Calm down Darcy, I didn't mean it like that, why would I make this entire area especially this building self destruct?" said Loki. "In case it hasn't occurred to you, I have changed a lot since the last time I was in this world."
"Yeah, but you are not the type that would care if you caused trouble." said Darcy. "That is unless you are the type to secretly care about others and you try to act so tough to cover up your own feelings and you secretly do care."
"Just because I do not see Midgard as an equal, it doesn't mean that I want to see it destroyed." said Loki. "Besides in case it has not occurred to you, but I am now currently residing on this planet and do not want to be caught up in an accidental apocalypse."
"Alright then, at least I can say that I am right sort of." said Darcy before she gets to her questions. "Why are you so focused on trying to get the stones out of these things?"
"I am trying to get them out as an extra security measure and in hopes that once I do then we will be able to hide them." Said Loki. "With luck, we would have to simply worry about scattering the Stones to harder to reach places where Thanos will never find them."
"Alright, cool we're going towards the divide and conquer approach." Said Darcy. "So I'm guessing that it's harder to get them out of these things, unless you want to accidentally blow something up."
"I would need to break into the object and destroy the shells protecting it to avoid all that." Said Loki. "The shells that is keeping the stones safe from the destruction they are capable of."
"So what happens if you touch one of these stones?" Asked Darcy. "Do you get incredibly awesome superpowers?"
"No, it would only hurt you more, the power of the Infinity Stones has the capabilities of killing the wielder by simply placing a finger on it." Said Loki. "Fortunately anyone with some kind of power such as magic can withstand it's power and I think I can possibly find a spell that would make it safe for at least myself to be able to hold the stones."
"So if you touch one of the Infinity Stones then you might have a high risk of it hurting or worse being killed?" Said Darcy. "Then how is Thanos planning to use the stones without blowing himself up? If he can't hold the stones, then Thanos can't use them and any of his plans won't even be possible. He might as well consider himself a failure and cal it a day if that's the case."
"Unfortunately, he has the Guantlet and with its power to withstand the strength of the Infinity Stones, Thanos can withstand the power of stones." said Loki. "The Guantlet is the only way for a being without any power of their own to withhold it."
"So that means he can hold the stones without worrying about getting hurt?" asked Darcy who starting to see how the situation is becoming worse by the minute.
"All he has to do is place the stones on the Guantlet and then he will be able to use it's powers without any limitations." said Loki. "I was hoping that the Gauntlet and the Aether would have been on Asgard, that we could have gotten a hold of them before he did and we would have gotten them in our grasps and have one less thing to worry about. But Thanos got to them before we even had a chance to get there, now we have to get the others before he does and think of a plan on how to obtain them before he starts to use them."
"Oh that reminds me, I overheard that girl warrior and the guy with the giant beard. You know the ones that came after Thor when he first came to Earth and before you sent a giant robot after them?" said Darcy trying to get the description across.
"That's Sif and Volstagg, what did they say?" said Loki with a deep interest and hope that things are not as hard or lost.
"They said that they gave that Eater thing to someone in some different world." said Darcy. "Judging from the way they were talking about it, they sounded like if they just delivered it to this guy."
"First of all, it is called the Aether and secondly, did they say who they gave it to and where they are?" asked Loki. "If we hurry then we can get it before Thanos knows and go after it himself."
"They said that they decided to give it to some guy called the Collector." said Darcy. "Loki, do you know who he is? Have you ever met him? Plus what does this guy even collect aside from Infinity Stones?"
"I have never met him or was planning to, I only heard about him through Fath- Odin. From what he told Thor and myself, he said that The Collector is the biggest pack rat in the entire known universe." said Loki. "He is only after the most valuable or potentially the most powerful objects that he can get his hands on."
"Alright, so he has a collecting obsession and lives up to his name?" said Darcy.
"Yes and if he the Aether then it might be wise if we leave as soon as possible, if he gets the idea to collect the stones or Thanos finds out." starts Loki. "Then we would have a lot more to worry about."
"If that's the case then we need to go right now." said Darcy. "Before a road block happens and we get to that point."
"We should leave first thing in the morning, I need to come up with a possible plan that might work and I still need to study the ones we have obtained, so we will have that out of the way." said Loki. "I believe that there is a portal nearby that would lead us to the planet where the Collector resides in. The Stone would be fine for one day and we can leave once we know exactly what we are doing, we can not simply walk in and demand the stone without some sort of plan and that alone is dangerous. I hope that he will be in a good mood, once we go see him."
"Is he hot tempered?" asked Darcy.
"No, I don't believe so or rather I hope that is not the case." said Loki. "From what I heard, that the man is difficult and that alone makes me worry that he would give us trouble. He might not give it up to us that easily..."
"Maybe if we find a way to buy or trade something in exchange for the Eater then he might be willing to give it up." said Darcy. "Maybe if we go back to Asgard, we can find something that would capture his interest or there is something the Collector would want from Earth that he might want to add something to his collection."
"We just broke in Asgard and we were fortunate that we were able to escape and now you want return?" asked Loki. "I doubt that The Collector would ever find something that would live up to the standards of the Infinity Stones."
"Maybe we can find a way to get it, even if it means we would have to find something and exaggerate so much that he would be willing to accept it." said Darcy.
"Firstly it is called the Aether and secondly, it is not as simple as you are making it sound. The Collector is going to do everything in his power to make sure that we don't leave the planet with it or it would be the last thing he does." said Loki. "So we are going to need to get ready to fight, be up to every challenge that may be thrown at us. There is also the fact that we would also have to worry about any of the Chitauri that would be ready to attack the first chance they get, they will grab a hold of the Aether and the rest of this quest will be harder than simply breaking in to a vault and grabbing the objects' under everyone's nose."
"I guess that's why we should start preparing and to try to think of a plan that might work." said Darcy. "Then again, we have two Infinity Stones, so why don't we just use them? Use the Tesseract to get everywhere and use your dad's sceptar to fight them off?"
"We can't simply play around with the Stones and trust blind luck in hopes that it would work, these objects are capable of causing mass destruction everywhere and we would be the ones that would be paying the price." said Loki. "Gungir would simply cause to much attention that it would be hard for us to hide from anyone and as for the Tesseract, it absorbs too much power and it would lead to many problems, such as accidentally opening the portal to the Chitauri realm or create so many blasts that would make it easier for Thanos to find us. If we are going to do this then we are going to attract as little to no attention as possible and using the stones in not an option."
"Alright then, let's start coming up with a plan that might work." said Darcy. "Especially now if we are not going to be using the Infinity Stones to get the job done." said Darcy. "Along with making sure the stones that we do have safe, so I'm guessing that we are not going to take them out of the apartment for safe keeping?"
"The more they stay out of the open the better secured they will be." said Loki. "But you are correct, we need to get ready for tomorrow and the challenges that it will bring. I doubt that we can get the Collector to simply hand the Aether over to us, so we will need to prepare and I need to study them. I think the best thing would be for us to plan it out and for me to take the time to do the research that may be necessary for us to get the stones out of their objects."
"We better get to work then." said Darcy. "Alright, I have a few ideas that might possibly work and I need to just throw them out there, just tell me what you think."
With that the two of them spend the rest of the day, preparing for the following day and to see if they can find a strategy. To much of their surprise, they seem to be enjoying each other's company and seem to find themselves bonding throughout the time that they are working on preparations. Soon Darcy decides to take a break and grab some lunch, while Loki decides to stay behind and start to continue to study and seeing the properties of the Infinity stones. From a quick look through and remembering his time with the scepter and the Tesseract, Loki continue to be fascinated by how they work and how the different properties work. Every single moment he sees them or tries to do some kind of magic on it, he only gets amazed by it's potential and the power that gets reflected upon him and stops before it gets too dangerous. Loki doesn't know how he is going to get the stones out of the objects or if it is even possible, but he is willing to do anything to not only to get the job done and to learn more about the stones.
Loki focuses hard on the stones, studying them for hours without anything about to break his focus and the potential of the power that the stones are now possessing. He can already imagine what would happen if anyone dares tries to unite the stones and place them on the Guantlet. But at least they have two of them now and once they get the other four stones, then they will have to somehow get the Guantlet and figure out how to stop Thanos for good. That is if it is even possible and they are not putting themselves in a situation where they are going to make things worse or one they can't get out of as easily as they would hope. He continues to take notes of what he is learning and seeing something new over the course of what he seeing as something more complex that makes understanding it's power a challenge that he is ready to learn more and see, that is until...
"Hope you're hungry, I got us the greatest thing that Earth has to offer and I don't even know if you would like it, but I got us salad in case you are not into it." said Darcy. "Though everyone here likes them, do Asgardians have burgers?"
"What is a burger?" asked Loki looking up from the Stones and see Darcy place a bag on the table.
"Ok, you are so going to try a burger." said Darcy happily as she sits on the table. "Come on, let's take a break and then we can figure out our next move."
"I highly doubt that Thanos would be taking breaks and laying around resting endlessly simply because he is tired." said Loki annoyed.
"I'm sure Thanos takes time for a lunch break whenever he's not busy trying to take over the World." said Darcy.
"Well, to be fair he is tying to destroy it rather rule over it." said Loki as he got up and joins Darcy on the table. "But I suppose a small rest won't hurt, as long as I take the time to plan out what we should do tomorrow."
"Great, since I have come up with some ideas and I think they might work and can make things easier if we give it a try." said Darcy as she reach into the bag to pull out her burger and fries. "We might as well experiment and at least try somethings out while we go around to try to get the Infinity Stones."
Loki grabs his and from one look at the food, he doesn't know what to make it and doesn't think that it's the healthiest plate of food he has ever seen. That and anywhere close on what he would find edible or live up to the standards that he is used to. He grabs a bow and place some of the salad into it and then picks up the rest of the food to see if maybe it's better than how it looks and that maybe he is judging it too harshly. That is right before he takes a bite and sees for himself if he truly likes this Midgard dish and he has half the mind to spit it out. But before he finds himself doing so, he quickly grabs the first cup he sees and pours some water from a pitcher and drinks it as fast as he can, giving a sigh and only put more salad on his plate. Along with simply pushing the burger away.
"Alright, I'm guessing that you are not the type who likes burgers?" asked Darcy.
"That was the most unbearable thing I have ever tasted, not only it does not look if it is anywhere near nutritious, but it taste completely horrible." said Loki. "Do all humans eat something as horrendous as this?"
"Well it's something that we all happen to like, but you're right it is unhealthy but it's still taste really good and I enjoy them." said Darcy.
"Humans do not know what food is well served then, the type that has rich flavor and sophistication that makes one wants to eat more." said Loki. "This is anything but one should really be placing in their mouths."
"Wait, did you just say human?" asked Darcy catching Loki by surprise. "I think that this is the first time I have ever heard you call us that."
"Please do not get used to it, it simply slipped out." said Loki as he tries to be defensive but is falling short.
"You should continue it, I kinda like it when you call us humans rather than Midgardians." said Darcy. "It's sounds more nicer and that you actually are getting know us."
"It would be better if I try not to get to attach to this planet and just focus on the task at hand." said Loki. "On the topic of which, I think that it would be best if we try to plan while we eat and make this a little more productive."
"Talk about being a party pooper..." said Darcy. "Here's an idea, have you ever thought of using your magic to turn into Thanos and find a portal to his planet and just get the Guantlet?"
"Why in the nine realms would I ever do that?" asked Loki.
"To make it look natural and trick everyone into thinking that you are Thanos." said Darcy. "If they think that you are him and they would let you leave with it without a fight."
"What do you propose I do if the real Thanos shows up and everyone realize the truth?" asked Loki pointing out the most obvious question.
"You could always... turn invisible... Can you turn invisible?" said Darcy. "That or you do it... when he's asleep..."
"I don't think that is going to work." said Loki, who doesn't know if he should be annoyed or just be somewhat impressed by Darcy's response and idea.
"Alright, it might not be the best idea. But you have to admit that it is a good one at least on paper." said Darcy. "But still can you turn invisible? I mean you can do illusions, maybe you can hide yourself from plain sight whenever you feel like it?"
"I can create illusions to cloak myself from the world and even cast a spell where I can allow myself and others to be seen by only anyone of my choosing." said Loki. "It comes in handy if I ever may need to hide or embark on a journey where I may have to work with anyone on a common goal."
"Now that's something so cool, that I can't wait to see." said Darcy. "Here's another idea, why not use boomerang daggers or try to turn Thanos into a mouse?"
"What? You do realize that those are anything but a good idea right?" said Loki who doesn't know what to make of those ideas.
"Come on, boomerang daggers would be awesome. They will come back right towards you and it would be so cool and you can totally catch them." said Darcy.
"If I wanted sharp objects flying right towards me, I would either reveal my identity to this planet or foolishly challenge Thanos." said Loki. "While we are on the topic of which why would I go over there and turn Thanos into a mouse?"
"Maybe, it is because it would make things easier and save us from all of the trouble and we save the universe quicker." said Darcy. "I mean no Thanos, no one ready to go after the stones or us and no one needs to worry about him getting the stones and executing everyone in sight."
"No, but someone else will and Thanos have more than the Chitauri on his side, one of his children might come after us for revenge." said Loki.
"Wait, Thanos has kids?" asked Darcy surprised.
"He adopted six and the ones that we need to be afraid of is the Black Order, the four of them are the most loyal to Thanos." said Loki. "They would probably be more than happy to come after us and at least finish us off. You do not want to get on the Black Order's bad side, unless you want to start planning for your tragic death."
"Ok, that would be bad." said Darcy. "Let's just scratch those ideas for now, but still the boomerang dagger idea would be so awesome."
"Well, it would if I didn't have to worry about dodging every now again or become blind." said Loki. "You know for a Midgardian, I have to admire your dedication and aside from being a little too exuberant, you seem to be really into this."
"What can I say? I am really big Avengers fan and love reading superhero comics." said Darcy. "Now I'm practically helping someone become a superhero and helping to save the universe. What can be better than that?"
"You actually believe that we can stop him?" Asked Loki not even sure what to make of her optimism. "Do you really have a strong faith that things would work out or are you so blinded by the admiration of the concept of heroism that you are failing to see that you might be setting yourself to a disappointment? That you might be living in your own childhood fantasy and you might not even know it?"
"Don't you ever stop and think positively Loki?" Asked Darcy.
"I prefer to think realistically, there is no point in giving yourself false hope if it will only lead to disappointment." Said Loki. "I had to learn the hard way that it is better to simply live one's life without wishing for the impossible. It avoids pain and gives one the confidence to accept even if they are desperate in wanting it to be a reality."
"Loki, you don't have to give up any hope and can still go after any of your dreams." Said Darcy.
"I went after a father's love and approval and look where it got me." Said Loki. "I am now stranded on this planet and have to get the stone before a mad Titan who is set to use its powers to destroy everything to impress his lover and do me in just because I failed him on the past. There is no hope unless we get the stones before he does and even then it's impossible. I am surprised that we even managed to grab a hold of two and I know we are setting ourselves to failure, I doubt we will be able to escape failure..."
"You know what one thing that I like about comic books and reading the stories of superheroes who get up and fight these battles is that they give you hope." said Darcy. "The hope that tomorrow will be a better day and one that everyone can be free to live their lives."
"You honestly believe in that lie, the entire concept of freedom is nothing more than a fiction." said Loki. "That and hope is nothing more than illusion to satisfy children, it is useless in the real world and will only lead to pain and misery for whomever is foolish enough to pursue it."
"But that's the thing, it's not just a kids story for us to entertain everyone we meet." said Darcy. "It is something that get us through our day, for example whenever the Avengers come together to fight off some evil villain. Well they only fought you and whenever I pick up and read a comic book, I read about people who are ready to fight for what they believe in and how they are ready to do anything for what is right. That gives me the hope that they would not only defeat the evil bad guy, but that we can fight our own battles and win, that is what makes superheroes so awesome and why I look up to them, admiring that they have the courage to fight these battles for not only for themselves but the world."
"I am assuming that you were excited to hear about the Avengers, how they risk everything to stop me and them going around to stop other foes in doing their bidding?" said Loki.
"Yeah, they're real superheroes and they were awesome." said Darcy. "I was really excited when I found out, that actually have superheroes in the world and they are real and I am friends with one of them. It is so cool!"
"Well it could have been if they stopped Thanos for us while they were at it." said Loki. "Then maybe they would have stand a chance and we wouldn't have to collect the stones or at least I can move past it and move on."
"Yeah, but that's why we are going to do this. We save the world and you can take a permanent break and do whatever you want to do." said Darcy. "Not too mention, it would be so awesome to save the world and we won't have to ever have to worry about Thanos ever again."
"When you put it that way, it does sound appealing." said Loki. "Escaping Thanos without ever having to worry about dealing with him ever again and not to mention, if people ever finds out about Mysto then they would be admiring him, so that is a bonus."
"Yeah, they might even give you an action figure if you save the world and they know about it." said Darcy happily. "So you came up with any ideas or made any progress on getting the Stones out?"
"I think the main objective should be to try to sneak in and if we run across the Collector then we try reasoning him before having to rely on brute force to get the stone." said Loki. "As for my research, I see that the Stones are made with many properties and they have became the main source of these objects' power that it is hard to break it out without causing a disaster."
"Ok, then how are you planning to get the stones out then?" asked Darcy. "If you can't remove them without them blowing up not only this place, but everywhere else then what are we going to do?"
"I have no clue, but I do know that I should get back to my research." Said Loki as he finish the salad. "I am going to need to study them more before we try anything."
"Alright, I guess but you know, we can just hang out for a bit if you want a break." Said Darcy. "That is if you really want one, since I am cool with just hanging out and-"
"As much as I would like to continue our discussion, but I am going to have to decline." Said Loki. "If I don't find a way to get the stones out of these objects then it is going to take us longer to finish the job and it would also be harder for us to even do it. If and when Thanos finds out then he is going to do everything in his power to get the others before we do and once he grabs a hold of the remaining , then he will come after us."
"Procrastination is a bad thing at the moment, ok I get it." Said Darcy. "But still we can always just hang out while we are doing this. You know just have fun while we're doing this and-"
"Dealing with Thanos is anything but fun and it is a situation we must take seriously. He will try anything to get the stones and will not hesitate in killing us if he finds a viable excuse." Said Loki. "I wouldn't be surprised if his desire to finish me has increased. The only way that we can guarantee that he will be stopped is to get them all now and limit his chances on winning."
"Alright I get it, but if you want to chat or talk about whatever plan you are cooking up, the offer will be open." Said Darcy as she gets up. "While you work on that and your plan, I will come up with some cool ideas and things that might work for tomorrow."
Without another word, Loki leaves the table to return to the couch and for once he feels a sense of joy. He never thought that having someone to talk to would give him that joy. Maybe having a friend will not be bad and he can get used to having someone to talk to. At least Darcy is likable enough and even if they are going to be spending most of the time hunting Infinity Stones, he might as well enjoy her company and get to know her. Since now that they are friends and they are on the same team. Then they really should spend some time together, before he has to leave Earth and they lose a chance. At least they have plans the following day, even if they are going to another planet to retrieve an Infinity Stone.
He sits back down on the couch to start to study the stones and hopes that he can get a better understanding on each of them. He sees that the Tesseract seems to have the cosmic energy within itself to keep the stone protected and allow anyone to use it to use its powers. While for Gungir, Loki notices that the scepter has a different structure and sees that there is not as much protection for the overall structure. That it is still the same scepter with the power that he once held and then again, it is no where close to where he thought the Soul Stone might be. Maybe it is more durable than he is thinking and is assuming the worst and letting his fears get the better of him.
Regardless of that, Loki continues to study the objects and even if he notices that there some differences, it still doesn't stop him in learning more about these objects. He continues to study and not letting his focus out of his sight. The only interruptions he allows himself to have is whatever questions Darcy may have and to hear out any ideas that she may have and give his own feedback of the ideas before he continues to prepare for the following day. It looks as though that nothing would make Loki lose focus and continue with his research.
It has been a few hours since they had lunch and those hours leads right into the night, with Loki in deep concentration and he is deep space in learning more of the objects and not even letting anything disturb him. Darcy after taking the time to not only just help with planning for tomorrow, but to also take the time to keep Loki some company as she ask some questions and occasionally often leaves to do something and take a break. Though in the later hours, she tries her best to help out and though it only leads in Loki becoming distracted and him simply remaining focus on his research. After a day's worth of excitement and everything that has gone on, Darcy knows that maybe it's time for the two of them to take it easy.
"Well, it's been fun, but I am going to call it a night and turn in early." Said Darcy. "But before I go, I have been wondering can I keep the armor? It's so cool that I still can't believe that I am wearing it!"
"Sure, if you truly like it so much and it wouldn't hurt having it in your closet." said Loki. "Now if you excuse me, I still have to study these objects and it might take me longer than planned."
"So I'm guessing that you are still going to be up for a while?" asked Darcy trying to start a conversation with her newfound friend and be supportive.
"I have to if we want to make any progress on learning about the stones and it's potential properties." Said Loki. "We can't afford to lose a second if we are going to do this, especially if Thanos is after the stones and if he finds out that we have two then this will be the first place he will look."
"Yeah, I get that we have to do everything to stop Thanos. But I do know that I want to get some sleep and we are going to need sleep if we are going to pull this off." Said Darcy. "So how long are you planning to stay up?"
"I am planning to stay up as long as I may need to." Said Loki. "I was thinking that I should continue studying the structure of these objects and the forces that are keeping the stones contained within them. Then figure out how to break apart the force and see is I can do so through a theoretical basis without making it lead on to a more difficult matter where the objects gains a firm sense of what is going on by strengthening its grip and might require me in possibly using more magic and increasing the risk."
"Alright then, while you are working on your very dangerous science magic project. I am still going to go to bed and just sleep." Said Darcy. "Besides we have a busy day tomorrow and we should really get some sleep. Just try to take a break alright?"
"I would, but right now I have to focus on this research and ignoring the fact that we have pressing issues to deal with. This is really fascinating and I am learning so much more about the Stones then I ever thought I would." Said Loki. "Besides I have to do this and if I don't figure out how to get the stones out then..."
"Loki, we are going to have plenty of time to figure everything out." Said Darcy. "But we still need to look after ourselves if we are going to do any of this and we can't exactly have a showdown with anyone if we are sleeping on the job."
"We are not going around picking up fights with everyone we see or challenge the Chitauri or any of the guards. If we want to succeed in this then we are going to need to be smart rather than reckless." Said Loki. "Besides I would rather have some time alone and to reflect on everything that has happened anyway. I am trying to do the impossible, but then again I have already lost everything."
"Loki, you didn't lose everything." Said Darcy.
"In case, it has not occurred to you, I can no longer go home without hiding and my mother is dead." Said Loki as he turns to Darcy. "My brother believes that I am now now dead and would never take lightly that I fooled him and as for- Odin, I think it would be better if he believes the lie rather than see the truth."
"Maybe you haven't lost both, that maybe if you talk to them then you guys might work something out." Said Darcy. "You should have heard Thor last night, he is really upset about what happened and is now blaming himself."
"What? Even if I was not faking my death, I fail to see how any of it would have been his fault." Said Loki.
"I'm guessing it is mostly because he asked you to come with and thinks that if he didn't then you would be alive but in jail right now." Said Darcy.
"Well, before all of this I would have agreed." Said Loki. "But now, I see that it was not his fault and it was never Thor's intention to have the journey and it's events to harm me. Is he taking all of this hard?"
"Yeah, he is really is and I think the idea of you being 'dead' for good is what hurting him more, despite the fact that you are alive and he doesn't know it." Said Darcy as she sees Loki turns away from her glance. "Maybe if you should go and show him that you're alive and tell Thor the truth. That way not only you two will feel better from all of this and it's not like we can keep this a secret forever. We could use all of the help we can get if we are going to get everything and stop Thanos?"
"Would it even matter? He would never listen to me and even if he does then he would put me back in that cell." said Loki. "Telling Thor will only lead to trouble and these problems are imperative for us to avoid. Even if it might make this mission even more difficult..."
"But wouldn't you be happy to see your brother again without having to hide behind a illusion?" asked Darcy. "That you and Thor can find it within yourselves to move past everything and make up?"
"Darcy, as pleasant as it sounds, you have to realize that it will never happen." said Loki with regret in voice. "No matter how much I would love to go to him and reveal everything, but we can't, I can't. We need to keep this secret even more then we would have before we decided to embark on this quest, it would not only keep Thor, Jane and everyone else safe. But it would allow us to maintain the freedom to do this and I doubt that Thanos would ever go after them if he thinks that they don't even know the truth, I am the only one he wants and it would be better for everyone and Thor to not know the truth..."
"Though, it might be better for him to know and I think he would want to know about all of this." said Darcy.
"It does not mean he should or it would be safe, Thanos will be ready to attack anything in order to draw me out of hiding. He will start with Asgard and Midgard, while he is there then he will try to take over both places or have Thor captured in hopes that it would draw me out." said Loki. "Especially if he finds out that we are going after the Infinity Stones and that will only lead to him to creating attacks on both planets in retaliation. The best way for me to do this is doing it alone, not letting anyone know what is going on and not allowing them to. I am not going to let anyone especially Thor find out, for their own safety and it is not like anyone would offer their help anyway."
"I already know about Thanos and getting the stones before he does is technically my idea." Points out Darcy.
"Of course, you deserve some of the credit for giving me a task that might possibly ruin my life." Said Loki. "Not too mention, I might meet my end and that is also a plus."
"Alright, there's that and I don't think it is going to go that far. If we get them all and you turn Thanos and his goons into mice or something then no one will die." Said Darcy.
"I just told you that-" starts Loki.
"You said that you can't turn Thanos into a mouse when you were sneaking in." Said Darcy. "You never said that you can turn all of them into mice in one go."
"That is not how magic works, I have to take the time to focus on a set goal and use my energy to make it a reality, not rely on wishful thinking and hope it somehow works out." Said Loki. "Besides the most I could do is maybe set multiple illusions at one go. My magic is still on the development stages, I have already mastered the spells, but it would take at least maybe four hundred to a thousand years for it to reach its full power."
"So it's in the teenage stage?" Asked Darcy.
"Later than that and more like an early twenty year old and yes." Said Loki. "But it would not be enough since as I said I am dealing with all of this alone and it would be better if it is kept that way."
"You are not alone in any of this, you know why?" Said Darcy earning Loki's full attention. "It's because you have me."
With that Loki stares at Darcy, who is now unsure what to take by this. The idea someone would voluntarily help him gather the Infinity Stones and would even think about risking her life to help him is not only surprising, but it is a strange concept that he never thought that he would see. Darcy is practically ready to throw her life away to help him get the stones and defeat Thanos. That maybe this girl is stronger than he realize and that her kindness is admirable in a sense. But still he is probably going to have to make sure that everything remains safe for her and try to keep the danger away. Though he knows that Darcy is self reliant and can take care of herself, part of him even seems to feel a sense of gratitude for the friendship that she gave him, not that he would ever admit that out loud. Not only it would be the last thing he would want to admit, but it is too sentimental to even do it much less think it. He must have stayed on Midgard, for far too long and he can hardly wait to leave.
"I really should get back to work." Said Loki rather determinedly. "I would like to make some progress done before we leave to confront the Collector tomorrow."
"Yeah sure, I really want to get some sleep and we really should be well rested for tomorrow." Said Darcy. "Just think about the break and maybe get some rest."
"I will take that under consideration." Said Loki. "Sleep well and I will see you in the morning."
"You know you will." Said Darcy rather excitedly. "Good night."
With that Darcy starts to leave the room and leaves Loki alone to continue his research. He tries to see if he can learn more about the connection between the two of stones or if there is some kind of hidden secret that can lead to him getting the stones out of their objects. Though his mind is often leading him towards thinking about Darcy and the conversation that they just had. How she is so open in being his friend and help him in any possible way regardless of the situation and who he is. That he has found an ally that is true to her word and has no idea what they are up against and it would be better if she doesn't know. But he doesn't have time to think about Darcy and their newfound unlikely friendship, he has to figure out how to get the stones out and what they have to do to get the Aether. All of this can determine the universe's fate and he is not going to sit around and let Thanos win, it is not what his mother would have wanted and he is going to make sure that he gets close on defeating him before it's too late.
Meanwhile in an unknown part of space
The area surrounding the asteroids are in peaceful anthnosphere that nothing is going to break away the peace. Though there is something more sinister that relies there and someone that no one dares to go to the area of Sanctuary and those who do never return. Sitting on his throne, Thanos got up to see the world right in front of him. Ready to make his next move and carefully planning on getting the Infinity Stones.
His thoughts are interrupted, when the Other comes rushing in. Thanos glares at the Chitauri leader and has the desire of doing anything to punish the creature for disturbing him and would be more than happy to take the control of the Chitauri. The only reason stopping him is the fact that he could use him to not only to get more information about the Stones. But to also see if he can be useful in giving Loki a reminder of what's to come and to bring Loki to him at the earliest moment. He only hopes that whatever the Other is going to say it is good news and he is not about to hear anymore failure.
"This better be good, you and your squadron better have Loki or some news." Said Thanos, as he continues to stare towards the view.
"My lord, we went to Asgard as you requested and discovered that you're suspicions have been correct." Said the Other. "Loki and a girl are trying to gather the Infinity Stones before we do."
"So the Asgardian decided to play a foolish move and wants to gather all of the Infinity Stones?" Said Thanos as he turns to face the Other in annoyance.
"Apparently he still has not learned his lesson of what happens if he dares to cross us." Said The Other. "What do you propose we do? Should I send some Chitauri to Earth to get Loki and the Stones he may have already collected."
Thanos turns to look at the view, thinking about the current situation and how much he would want to have a hold of Loki and make him pay for everything. That is until he realize that it might be a better idea, if he simply waits until the moment is right. This might work out in his favor and the only thing that they have to do is simply wait. Not only it would save them trouble. Especially if the work is being done for them...
"No, that will not be necessary. Let them gather the rest of the Infinity Stones and entertain ourselves as we watch them do all of the work for us." said Thanos. "This is an opportunity, we should not allow ourselves to miss it."
"Wouldn't it be wiser if we go after him now and we'll have not only have the stones, but Loki as well?" said the Other. "He failed us before and lost the stones, who to say that he will not fail in his futile quest?"
"No, we need to let it play out and allow Loki the opportunity to complete his mission, then once he does, we will strike and he will give them all to us." said Thanos. "I forbid you in creating attacks that would jeopardize his progress. When the time is right, we will make Loki give them to us. Whether he chooses to do so voluntarily or we make him give it to us ourselves. If he doesn't then we have other means to persuade him..."
He pulls out the Infinity Guantlet with one of the Infinity Stones place right on it and grins out to the horizon menacingly. Thanos knows that he is taking a huge risk in relying the chances to faith and that he would be close on getting another set back. But from the fact that Loki has reobtained the Tesseract and he would be gathering the remaining stones, it is a chance that he can not afford to miss. Regardless on whether Loki succeeds or fails, Thanos knows where Loki is now and he knows that he will be paying a visit to him and one that will make Loki pay for everything. He stares out into the horizon, ready for the future and to succeed in his goals for once and for all.
Back on Earth, the next day
Loki finds himself waking up and to see that he must have fallen asleep on the table from all of the hours that he spent studying the stones. He quickly goes over to try to see if he can find the objects and to much of his relief, the objects falling off the table did not disrupt them and didn't place the area in jeopardy. Loki quickly picks up the objects and take them over to the nearest closet and place them right in there. Though it may be a broom closet, but it is better than leaving them out in the open. He quickly joins Darcy in the kitchen, to have some breakfast and then they will be on their way. He simply grabs some food and start to eat it as quickly as he can, to much of Darcy's surprise as she starts to eat her toast rather calmly and sees how he seems to be ready to leave and definitely looks as though as if nothing is going to distract him or get anywhere close on stopping to take a breather.
Before either of them knew it, Loki is finished with his breakfast and is now waiting for Darcy to finish hers and she quickly starts to get ready and just grabs a backpack. Once the two of them are ready, they start to head out the door and Darcy notices how there's not a word being said between the two and how Loki seems to be more determined than usual. She figures that it has to do with the idea that they would be facing the Collector and they don't know anything about them and he is only relying on some plan or hopes that they are not going to deal with something that would give them that much of a fight. Maybe she should start a conversation, though she doesn't even know what would be a good starting point, as they exit through the door she notices something that captures her immediate attention.
"Hey, you're not wearing the Mysto costume." Said Darcy almost immediately. "Should we go back to get it?"
"In all honesty, I do not believe that it is necessary simply because I have never met the Collector and he has never seen me." Said Loki. "He will not know who I am and we won't be facing any danger of anyone finding out."
"But still are you sure that it's a good idea?" Asked Darcy. "It might be better for us to let him know who's boss and you can start to go on your hero's journey and start of making your superhero identity known."
"It would be best if he sees us as ourselves and then we can make our move without having to fight." Said Loki. "That way he will be more intimidated by us. We don't even have to worry about anyone finding out, just because Asgard gets the news from that planet slower in comparison to other planets and the rest of the realms."
"As long as we don't tell him who we are and just get the Aether and go then we will be fine." Said Loki.
"Of course we will, now come on, fortunately I know a gateway to his planet that is close by and one that I never even went through and a little excited for that." Said Loki. "Especially after all of these years discovering it through my research. At least that will be an interesting experience and one that I for one am happy that I finally have an excuse to go through and see what this new planet is like."
"Yeah, let's go." Said Darcy as the two of them head out of the apartment building.
They start to make their way to the portal that Loki is referring to. Knowing that it is going to be tougher this time around, just because they will have to face someone that is standing in the way between them and the Infinity Stone. That he would do anything to make sure that they both leave empty handed. Loki knows that they might be facing a challenge that he doesn't even know what they might be facing. But he is determined to face the Collector and knows that he is leave unless the Aether is with them.
The walk is going as quicker than they both through that it would and they are making good time in getting to where they the gateway is. Loki is only hoping that whatever happens, that it will turn out alright and that it would be fine to keep the Infinity Stones alone, hidden in the apartment. The last thing he wants is to get right back where they started before they even make any progress. He only hopes that when he gets there it will be before Thanos knows about where the next stone might be and it is already been taken. Loki isn't even sure how he would even handle the situation if that tuns out to be the case and they would have a harder time in getting the stones, but they would also have to face Thanos sooner and they would have to fight him off. He doesn't know how they would defeat him if that was the case and knows that it would be hard, but he is going to somehow try...
They made their way to another alley way and one that feels more empty than it looks like no one has ever been through it or even bothered to. Loki starts to lead the way with Darcy following him and he is slowly starting to take a good look around to see if he is right and from the feeling of being close to something mysterious and yet magical, it gives Loki the sense of home. He places a hand towards a wall and sees that it is the portal and that they found it and that it is time for them to get the next Infinity Stone and to face the fight ahead.
"Ready?" asked Loki nervously, thinking of all the consequences.
"Ready." said Darcy determinedly.
With that they both enter through the portal, to get to where the Collector resides and to get to the Aether. Both of them are nervous to see what might be up ahead and what the Collector may throw at them. They know that they need to do and it will lead them in being one step closer on defeat Thanos and succeeding in their goal, it is not like they have that much of a choice anyway. But they are ready to face it and fight it, determine to stop whatever the Collector may throw at them...
Here it is, the eighteenth rewrite and we officially have broken out of the tens and now there's nine rewrites left.
I can't believe that we are getting close to the end and that we only have nine rewrites and one chapter left of this story. How far we have gotten and yet see how this story grows and continue to grow over the course of the rewrites. It's so far has been great to revisit the old chapters and to see how much I have grown as a writer after working on this story for so long and to add more scenes and details than I did when I first started on the story.
For this chapter I wanted to expand more on the interactions, the scenes and add more details than I did for the first version of the chapter and to see if I can expand details and explore the characters in ways that I didn't have a chance to do so in the first time. I hope that you guys enjoy this rewrite and seeing the expansion of this chapter.
The next rewrite will come out as early as two weeks, since I want to get into more details, as we see Loki and Darcy on their little visit to the Collector and I think an every two week period would be the earliest for me to put out all of the remaining rewrites as I continue writing and planning the final chapter.
Though I am happy to report that I am almost done with the planning stages of the fifty fourth chapter and I have started a little bit of it and now working on the first scene of the final chapter. :)
I don't know when it will come out (probably late September-October earliest, but I do know that it will wrap up the story arcs that are present in the story, well at least the most prominent ones. Along with it being a celebration of the story and for all of us to see the story wrap up and the characters' journey. But one thing is for sure that the next nine rewrites will come out before the final chapter does, so that way they will all be up and live up to the standards of the other chapters for you guys to reread them and for future readers.
Though just because the main story is ending, 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, but before I make any decisions I want to finish this story first before I get started on one shots or any sequels. Especially since the next two chapters and the rewrites are my top priority at the moment. :)
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, hear you're favorite moments and be happy to hear from you when it comes to anything you all may have to say. :)
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 :)
So will Loki and Darcy get the Aether? Will the Collector pose as much of a challenge or will they just get the Aether easily without having to worry about anything? Now that Thanos knows that they are after the Infinity Stones, will that cause trouble for Loki and Darcy? What is his overall plan and how is he going to unleash it and what will Loki and Darcy even do about it? Will they get the stones or at least the Aether before Thanos does? What will go down when they meet the Collector?
Find out in the next chapter of Redemption, whether it's the original chapter or the upcoming rewrite. See ya in the next update. :)