"'Hey Thor, how ya doing? I was wondering whatever did happen to that scepter thing, you know the one that Loki used in New York. I have been curious about that for a while and want to know more Avengers trivia?" asked Darcy with an eagerness to get this conversation over with.
It has been an interesting morning to say the least, right now she is having breakfast with Thor and Jane. So far things have been going well and the three of them are having a good meal together. One between three friends and she thinks that she is doing a good job on playing it cool and find the right time to bring it up, if she is going to do it then it has to be now. Neither one of them ask her any questions that might lead to her accidentally saying the wrong thing and then it becomes awkward. Not too mention, there is also the fact that it would put Loki in trouble because of the main concern that she would accidentally reveal him. At least she hasn't said the wrong word yet and they doesn't seem to suspect a thing, that is Darcy hopes that they doesn't and things will continue to run smoothly...
While Thor and Jane quickly glance at each other, already surprised to see Darcy already at the front door without even calling ahead of time to let them know that she is coming over and invited herself for breakfast. So they let her join them, they allow her to get started a conversation between the three of them and they all were enjoying each other's company as they have the meal.
Then the moment that Darcy asked that question and catches them by surprise then it is the moment that they know that something must be going on and it has to be big if she is asking about the there's the fact that whenever she talks about what happened in New York and the Avengers, it is always about the cool action and how great there is a superhero team that is willing to go out there to save the day. Neither one of them remembers Darcy ever mentioning Loki or the scepter. Especially with the idea that there are superheroes now overtaking her mind and the fact that Loki is Thor's brother, she always tries to avoid it as much as she can. The two of them knows that there has to be something going on.
"Well, when I left Earth after the battle... It was decided that the scepter should be left here in the hands of the government facility of S.H.I.E.L.D, for better protection and research." said Thor. "But I had a call from Rogers recently how it fell apart because that division has actually been an evil society called H.Y.D.R.A this entire time and has been a danger for Midgard this entire time."
"So S.H.I.E.L.D has been this twist villain this entire time?" said Darcy surprised by the news.
"It seems as thought it is, recently Rogers and Romanoff had to fight them off after they try to take over the planet and eliminate anyone who may dare stand in their way." said Thor. "They also took any important powerful objects that S.H.I.E.L.D was keeping safe into their custody and that includes the scepter."
"So if H.Y.D.R.A has the scepter then they must have it with them in their secret headquarters? Where do you think that the scepter might be?" asked Darcy. "Since right now they have a really dangerous object and should be retrieved. I mean it is really powerful and in the wrong hands, it can be extremely dangerous right?"
Darcy hopes that neither one of them is now seeing that something going on or see something through her sudden interest in the scepter. She nervously waits for Thor to respond and hopes that these answers will be anywhere close on being good. Since she knows that they would have to get it and the last thing Darcy wants is for Loki to be anywhere near H.Y.D.R.A if they are really back and can't even imagine what they would be ready to do to experiments on him or something. She only hopes that it won't be something that would result in them having to somehow go and face a group of H.Y.D.R.A soldiers that will be more than happy to trap them to do who knows what to them. Darcy wishes that their luck turns around right now and they can just sneak in to Avengers Tower and then they get past the obstacles and easily get the scepter and leave without anyone even noticing.
While both Thor and Jane quickly comes to the conclusion that there is something going on and Darcy is hiding something from them. Especially her sudden interest in the scepter and how she is now this determined in asking for it's whereabouts. Sure Darcy loves reading comic books and a big superhero fan, but aside from making the occasional reference or trying to get an idea what the other Avengers might be like, she has never made it the dominant focus of a conversation. Usually she gives Thor space and allow him to enjoy the company of both Jane and Darcy as they spend time together. Even after the three of them got reunited again for the first time, after Jane quickly leaves to deal with the police and left her alone with Thor. Darcy didn't push on the Avengers questions and focuses on simply catches up with him and allow the two of them to do so, even if she thought what Thor did in New York was the coolest thing ever. But now the only thing on her mind this morning is the scepter and where it might possibly be? The two of them start to grow concern towards their friend and wonders what could be the cause of her sudden strange behavior.
"Darcy, why-" starts Jane before-
"I'm just interested in the scepter and want to finally know what's going on
"I received an invitation from Rogers to rejoin the Avengers to help track down the scepter in a land called Sokovia." Said Thor. "Though he also would like us to team up again to find and stop H.Y.D.R.A indefinitely."
"Wait, does that mean the Avengers are getting back together?" Said Darcy rather excitedly and then become nervous. "So are you guys going to go after the scepter then? Especially knowing that H.Y.D.R.A has it and leaving it with them is nothing but bad news?"
"Well right now we are simply trying to get all of the information we can to find out where each one of their locations may still stand." Said Thor. "Though even then it is harder than it sounds, Romanoff is still trying to figure out where most of them are. So we are going to do everything as soon as we can and when we can."
"Yeah, but shouldn't you guys go after it first?" Asked Darcy trying to play it casual but failing miserably. "Since it is a dangerous weapon in the hands of a Nazilike organization. Shouldn't that be top priority."
"Darcy, what is going on?" Asked Jane immediately before things continue down this route. "Ever since the entire Dark Elf incident, you have been acting strange for the past week. You seem to be hiding something from us, is there something that is bothering you?"
"What?! Nothing's wrong, nothing at all!" Said Darcy frantically. "What makes you think that I'm hiding something?"
"It's because you seem more anxious about something." Said Thor. "Whatever it is, you are more jumpy than how you usually act and more focus on the scepter than-"
"No it has nothing to do with him!" Said Darcy abruptly. "Why would I want to hang out with him? Isn't he in jail or something?"
Both Thor and Jane stared at Darcy confused by what she just said and that only confirms their suspicions that something is going on. While Darcy can't help but feel really awkward and worried over her reaction. They obviously know that there is something wrong now or at least starting to think that there is something is going on and her defensive outburst confirms it. Darcy knows that she is trying hard to hide the secret and this is her best. Especially knowing the fact that if she fails then she and Loki will end up in a prison cell for who knows how long. She feels as though they are both inches away in finding out the truth and she needs to add some more cover before they find out. Darcy doesn't even know who would be more angry Loki or Thor and Jane. But she does know one thing, she does not want to find out...
"Hey Darcy, is everything alright?" Said Jane. "You know you can always-"
"That is if there was problem and if I was totally hiding it then that would be something I would say." Said Darcy. "But since I'm not, that's just a big coincidence. Not if I am at all worried about anything that might possibly become a problem or anyone ending up in jail in anyway."
"What do you mean by-" starts Thor completely confused and wanting to help, since he doesn't need to be a thinker like Loki to know that something is going on.
"It's really is nothing Thor, besides all of it is in the past and we should just focus on moving on with our lives." Said Darcy. "Along with talking about scepters or anything that might be... cool right now."
Neither Thor or Jane looks convinced at the excuses that Darcy just gave them. Neither one of them can figure out how Darcy honestly think they would believe that. The two of them has a shared concern for their friend and really wish that there is a way to help. Maybe if they continue on with the conversation, then maybe Darcy will slip it out. That is Thor and Jane hopes so and they can help their friend.
"Darcy, why don't we-" starts Jane.
"Hang out and have a good time? Now that's a great idea!" said Darcy rather excitedly and trying to brush their focus aside from their suspicions while trying to make it casual. "Maybe we can just talk, have a good time and enjoy our breakfast. We can talk about New York and the battle that went on and maybe even more about the scepter... That or we can talk about anything, but preferably scepters and anything magical."
Thor and Jane exchange a surprise and yet concern look, as they see that there is definitely something that Darcy is hiding and one that would be something they should know about. Not even knowing how to make of the situation or if they can say anything about it, but they are going to be there for their friend and somehow figure out what is going on or if they can even get past through the walls that are really easy to break. But they know that they will find out and will help Darcy in whatever she may be going through. Thor is simply ready to just get to the point and with the hope that they would know by the time he breaks the ice. He is about to ask, that is until...
"That or we can talk about life and ourselves for a bit?" suggest Jane.
Darcy quickly groans in full frustration before stopping to realize her reaction and quickly make a fake smile. Before Darcy knew it, she is now having a typical normal conversation that she would normally have with Thor and Jane and it's one that won't guarantee in her finding out anything more about the scepter or where it might be. That is if she relies on the rate that she is going and how things have shifted, since no one has to be a deep thinker to know that they are trying to change the subject and wanting to talk about other things. But she might as well enjoy their company and maybe even bring up something that might lead her to answer to the scepter or clues for her to figure something out. For now, she is going to just going to spend the time to enjoy the company of her friends, even if she is not going to find out anything more than she already did and try to keep Loki's secret safe. Though from one glance and remembering all of the things that she has to keep track of, she can tell that she is going to have a tough morning...
A couple of Hours later, back in Darcy's apartment
Loki has been patiently waiting for Darcy's return, he already had his breakfast prior to her departure. He tries his best to keep himself occupied and to spend the time taking a break from the Infinity Stones. He quickly reads his books and is surprised to see how Midgardians can have the imagination to come up with works of fiction that can be engaging. Due to his books being relatively short and it also helps being a fast reader who can still engage with the text as though he was reading it slow. But he couldn't put it down and found the world of Lord of the Rings fascinating and complex, though Harry Potter is rather easy to read and well below the level of his intellect, but he enjoyed the storyline. Though he really thought that Hermione was the character that should be the main focus on and Harry should have turned the Dursleys into toads after he learned how to do it, but still it was imaginative and see why Darcy likes it.
After he read through the only books he now has and wishes that he could have gotten some of the ones he owns back in Asgard. Then he would have gotten more to read as he waits, even if he is going to reread some of them for the many times he already has read them. But still this is a good chance for him to learn how to use some of Earth's technology and to see if he can figure out how to use it. He starts with the tv and that is the easiest thing to learn, since all he had to do is use a little box with buttons to turn it on and change the moving pictures on the screen. He plays around with it as he sees the wonders of the screen before settling with this interesting form of art and sees it for a bit, though he doesn't know what to make of the whimsical tone and songs, but at least it is enjoyable even if the stories are strange and does not portray women correctly. Loki can already imagine Sif frowning at the sight of these women aiming about princes, does not stick up for themselves and everything about this.
Afterwards, he changed the channel to try to find anything that would make him want to watch the programming or he sees if it tells him if there is something that might be going on that would lead them to a hint of where the next Infinity Stone might be or if Thanos is doing anything that might guarantee that he has the other three Infinity Stones and is making his attack on Earth sooner. So Thanos can get the three they already collected and then later capture Loki to take him to Thanos's ship to have him face judgement. That would be the perfect opportunity for him to get the job done, one that Loki knows that it would be a disaster if it happens...
Loki continues to relax as he plays around with the tv and to see what the other buttons might be used for and with the plans later to try to learn the other pieces of technology that is in the apartment. Trying to take his mind of the situation, while learning more of Midgardian culture and seeing more of this device. To have an escape from reality, that or he can always reread the books again and then he won't have to stare at a screen. While leaving it on, he grabs one of the books to read it from the beginning once again.
Before Loki can even make it past the first page, the door opens and Darcy comes through it. She quickly just heads right in after closing the door behind her, one look and anyone can tell that she is tired as she heads right over the couch and falls right on it. Loki turns his attention to Darcy, as he puts the books on the nearby table and knows that something is wrong. As she appears exhausted about something and from what he has seen of Darcy, it's rare to see her like this. It must be whatever they said to her about the scepter and where it may be, thus affecting their entire mission drastically. He knows that he should be placing locating the scepter above everything else, but he feels that it would be better to check on her and for some reason he feels inclined to do so.
"Darcy, are you alright?" Asked Loki.
"Yeah I'm fine." Said Darcy and before Loki can even try to ask her again, she burst out. "You won't believe the crazy situation we are now in Loki. Getting the scepter is going to be impossible!"
"What in the Nine Realms make you say such a thing?" Asked Loki and after some quick thinking, he already fears the worst. "Is it Thanos? Has he made an attack on Earth, I mean Midgard yet? Do you think he knows that-"
"No, it's not Thanos." Said Darcy. "I don't think they know he exists yet and besides how would he even know where the scepter might be?"
"Maybe it is because- Never mind, then what is the trouble then?" Asked Loki giving a sigh of relief.
"Right now no one has a clue on where the scepter might be and the only place that Thor and the Avengers think that it might be is Sokovia, another country here." Said Darcy. "If that's not all, then the scepter is in one of the last places we want it to be."
"Darcy, you are making it sound as though we are going to the most dangerous planet in the universe and whomever may have the scepter they are the most dangerous monsters alive." Said Loki. "Surely they can not be as bad as you claim."
"Well this is H.Y.D.R.A we are talking about, you have no idea how bad they are and what they are capable of." Said Darcy.
"I am sorry, but what are you speaking off?" Asked Loki completely confused.
"Right, Asgard doesn't have a secret evil spy organization or at least I hope not." Said Darcy. "H.Y.D.R.A is a secret organization of people who wants to take over the world and rule it with absolute power. They don't care who gets hurt if it meets their goals and if they have the scepter then it's bad news."
"They are only Midgaurdians with lack of knowledge of Infinity Stones." Said Loki. "How dangerous can they be?"
"These guys have been around for seventy years and they are brutal to say the least, Captain America have already defeated these guys once and now they're back." said Darcy. "Fun fact, can you believe that they were S.H.I.E.L.D and they wanted to take over the world by pretending to be the good guys and tricking the whole world that they are done, when they were really still running?"
"Ok, now that is surprisingly cunning for a group of Midgardians and I would have been impressed if I still stayed in my old ways." said Loki. "But this is nothing we can't handle and we can fight them off."
"We don't even know where their headquarters, how are we going to get there?" said Darcy.
"We will find where they are located, I can figure out where they might be and then we will infiltrate it." said Loki.
"What? Loki, this is H.Y.D.R.A we're talking about, they are not the Avengers who would just put you in a cell after a fight, they would torture anyone they can grab a hold and turn you into a lab rat and do who knows how many experiments." Said Darcy. "Plus did I also mention that the Avengers are going to bring the band back together and hunt them down? It's not only getting harder, but it is starting to feel impossible."
"Is it really that difficult that you are already starting to loose hope." Said Loki. "You are making this H.Y.D.R.A sound worse than Thanos and the Chitauri."
"Well if you lived on Earth for all of your life, knowing their history and learned that S.H.I.E.L.D was them the entire time, then you would know they are bad news." Said Darcy. "It's not easy to pull this off with all of the stakes up against us. Especially since not only they have the scepter, but with the Avengers, it is going to be harder to keep your secret."
"Well, it could have been worse, at least we are not going to be fighting off any more Chitauri or worse the Black Order." Said Loki. "Come on Darcy, all we need is to think of a plan, find their location and we will get the scepter."
"Yeah, but things will come easy for you since you are an Asgardian or Frost Giant or whatever you call yourself now." Said Darcy.
"I am an Asgardian and will always be." Said Loki. "No matter what my Jontun heritage may say otherwise, I may be biologically a Frost Giant, but that doesn't mean I have to accept it."
"Ok, calling you an Asgardian from now on." Said Darcy. "Plus for the record, I think I like the term Jontun better than Frost Giant, it sounds a lot nicer."
"Well, it is the current term for the beings in Jontunhiem and my heritage. Asgard used that term to show disrespect to the monsters that were ready to create war against us in the past." Said Loki.
"Well, they should stop. I'm sure not all of them are that bad, I mean you are not that bad." Said Darcy catching Loki by surprise. "Well if we ignore recent events and see the person on the inside."
"Um... You were saying, about the scepter and me being Asgardian?" Asked Loki hoping that this would revert the conversation back to the current situation and shake away any touched feelings he may be having.
"Oh yeah, I was just saying that since your Asgardian and have superpowers and all of the cool magic. But me on the other hand... I don't have anything except this teaser, along with knowing some cool karate tricks and that isn't going to help fight them off or us get the scepter." Said Darcy. "I don't want to just sit back and do nothing, especially knowing that I can try to help. But even if I try, it won't be enough and I would get killed before I can even try anything. I don't even know how we are going to get it, without me having anything to help and from just looking at the odds."
Darcy turns away from Loki, feeling as though as her lack of super human abilities are only a burden and really wishes that she can do more to help and do more. While Loki is looking at Darcy, not feeling at all comfortable with the girl's self doubt. He can see Darcy's concern about H.Y.D.R.A and how they may seem a danger to not only Darcy, but to the whole planet and from seeing how determined Midgardians can be, they are likely to pose some kind of threat and he can see why Darcy is against them and how they won't hesitate to hurt anyone for their cause. But he knows that Darcy is capable of defending herself against anyone that may try to go up against her. Sure she doesn't know all of the best fighting techniques in the nine realms, but that does not mean she does not have her own strengths and Darcy can help in her own way and can help him get through this journey. He just have to show her that...
"I can not believe that you are so ready to give up this easily. Especially after all of the effort that you putting in not only helping me find the stones, but to turn me into the masked character we created." Said Loki. "You are underestimating our ability to break into the facility to obtain the scepter and what's worse, you are underestimating yourself and all of your capabilities."
"I guess, but Loki, I'm only human and these guys are highly trained humans who have years of experience and won't even last a minute in the compound without getting myself trapped and never seeing the light of day ever again." Said Darcy. "Sure, I fought off the Chitauri and helped out a lot in the Collector's vault, but it is not enough to actually help out and make a difference if we'd succeed or not."
"If you can fight the Chitauri and still continue to go out to face them and live to tell the tale, then you can fight off this H.Y.D.R.A like an Asgardian warrior." Said Loki. "From what I observed, you are a fighter in your own unique way. You run to danger rather than run from it and always persistent, too much for your own good. You face challenges and never stop fighting, sure you do not have the ability to cast spells or have the skills to take down a Frost Beast without assistance, but you have your own strengths and that allows you to make that difference."
"Wait, are you trying to be nice?" asked Darcy, surprised to hear Loki's attempts of being a friend.
"What? No, I was just trying to be encouraging in hopes that you would feel good about your abilities and then we can focus on the task at hand and we focus on coming up with a plan that will allow us to locate and get the scepter." said Loki. "But I do mean what I said and really think that you can provide assistance and if we are lucky then we can get it before anything happens. It is a shame that I couldn't sneak in to S.H.I.E.L.D and just see through the databases or maybe one of their allies, then it would save us the trouble."
"Wait, databases..." said Darcy as she starts to think of the current situation.
"Yes, they are surprisingly informative and I learned so much when Barton gives the assess codes to me." said Loki. "But if I am being honest, I always suspected that S.H.I.E.L.D is not as benevolent as they seem and that there might be something else going on. Now I know that my suspicions are correct and that things will surely get interesting now."
"I got it, I know how we can find out the location." said Darcy determinedly, getting up from the couch, heading right into her room to much of Loki's confusion and surprise.
It does not take long for Darcy to arrive back to the living room and she is now carrying her laptop and then continues to heads towards the couch and quickly sits back down. She opens it to start to get to work, while Loki watches her a little confused and yet curious. Wondering what she might be doing and the object that she is now tapping all of the buttons, with the screen on the top. She keeps her focus on the screen and it looks like nothing is going to take her focus away, that is until...
"What are you doing?" Asked Loki. "What is that?"
"This is a laptop, one of the coolest and most useful things that humans ever invented aside from the internet." Said Darcy as she continues to work. "I am trying to hack into the H.Y.D.R.A's database and then I can see if I can find the location of their headquarters and if they have the scepter."
"Now that is a intriguing idea that a concept that I would like to learn more about." Said Loki as he looks at the laptop with a deep interest. "Now tell me, how does this work?"
"It's really an interesting trick, it's something that I taught myself. Mostly to watch the highly anticipated movies and recently to try to figure out what was going on during the whole Dark Elf situation." Said Darcy. "If anyone finds out about this, then I might get in big trouble. So can this stay between us?"
"I am a little confused, why would you want me to keep these skills a secret?" Said Loki. "The device and the skills seem to be useful. But still how do you figure out how to find their location in this? It looks like a book mix with those devices with the screens, the one with the moving pictures. Does those buttons allow you to tell it what you want to do and give you the answers?"
"Well kinda, a laptop is basically a computer and it allows you to watch things, read and research for any information you want and what I'm doing is called hacking." Said Darcy. "If anyone finds out then I am in big trouble. So, please don't tell anyone, especially Jane. Since I might have accidentally read her most embarrassing deleted messages from her phone. So..."
"Your secret is safe with me and besides that will be one thing you will not have to worry about." Said Loki. "She does not know I am alive and even if I tried to tell her, the only way I can get her to believe my word is by getting you to confess to her."
"Wow, thanks." Said Darcy relieved that she is not going to find herself in a awkward situation.
"Of course, you are keeping mine despite your open bluntness and the least I could do is keep yours." Said Loki. Before either of them can say anything, Darcy's face lit up as she see the results on the screen.
"I got it!" Said Darcy happily. "I know where the H.Y.D.R.A base is and its in Sokovia like Thor said and the best part is the scepter is there!"
"That's wonderful, we saved weeks worth of searching. If I have to be honest, I think you should be proud of your skills." Said Loki happily "What you just did was really impressive, I think I am going to like that mischievous side of you."
"Hey, I am not a big trickster." Said Darcy as she got the laptop set up to print the page.
"I'd argue to say that you are by this hacking technique and besides you are more intelligent than I honestly thought you would be." Said Loki. "As I said, you have amazing skills of your own and if it were not for you then, I would have to try to find it on my own. Fortunately from one look at this image, it looks as though that there is a portal nearby that we can take."
"Awesome, it's walking distance." Said Darcy happily as she prints the map overview and gets up to take it off the printer. "Now let's go and-"
"Hold up, we can't just go and walk in to this place." Said Loki. "We are going to need a plan, to know the entire area from top to bottom and know what we would be facing."
"But that would take too much time, we don't know what they are planning to do with the scepter." Said Darcy feeling a panic. "If we don't hurry than H.Y.D.R.A might use it or worse Thanos somehow finds out and we would have to get the other two Stones before he has the chance and we don't even know where they are."
"I know, but if we are reckless and if we fail then we would only be making it more difficult on ourselves." Said Loki. "If we want to succeed then we are going to need to think of a plan and one that would work, we are going to need to prepare or else H.Y.D.R.A will use our failure against us. They would tighten security and be better prepared if we try to strike again."
"Ok good point, so what's the big game plan that we are going to do?" Said Darcy. "Aside from sneaking in and grab the scepter and get out without anyone noticing."
"The best thing to do is to prepare, we are going to need to know everything about the base. So we or rather I go to the base to observe their daily routine for a day and then we discuss all of our findings and figure out a plan." Said Loki.
"Wait, you said all of our findings then what should I do?" Asked Darcy. "Oh, do you think I should go out there and stand guard or we have a stake out to find a week spot in the security and somehow use your magic to make the H.Y.D.R.A soldiers let us in without even noticing."
"Darcy, we are going to use illusions, but mostly to cloak ourselves not to make us transparent and even then that's impossible. Look the only way I can even do that is through advance dark magic, but I would never go that far and I don't even know if it is at all possible." Said Loki. "But I really think you should look at your device and try to see if you can find out more about the base and it's security."
"So maybe I can disable some cameras or shut down some systems?" Said Darcy rather excitedly towards the idea.
"Whatever can help us get in and get the scepter, then do whatever you need to do." Said Loki.
"Oh now this is becoming so exciting, we are actually going to pull off a heist." Said Darcy. "This is so giving me spy movie vibes!"
"Let's put this excitement to good use then." Said Loki. "We should get to work, so we can come up with a plan before they try anything."
At that moment, that is exactly what they both start to do. They start preparing for the days ahead and to be ready for the ultimate goal, to break into H.Y.D.R.A and get the scepter and then they will be halfway done. The two of them start their preparations and to learn everything they can about H.Y.D.R.A as they can and then use it to their advantage to make their quest a success. It may not be easy and they would possibly have to face more challenges up ahead, that so many things rely on this mission to go well and there is also the worry that the Avengers might show up and might even get the scepter first. But they still have to try and they will try to get the scepter first, somehow...
One Week later
Loki and Darcy are now making their final preparations for their plan and the infiltration of the H.Y.D.R.A based, they spent an entire week learning what they could and preparing for the break in. Loki has made frequent visits to the base that at this point, he knows it as well as he would get through Asgard and while he does that, Darcy is learning everything about the base and thinks that she at least stopped most of the H.Y.D.R.A's security system. While the two of them are learning everything about the base and preparing for the break in, they are enjoying every moment they are together and start to develop a trust that makes the two feel that lasted for a life time and will last forever.
Throughout the morning, they have been making final preparations for their mission and getting everything ready if they have to face the worst case of the scenario and one where they would have to get out of as fast as they can before it is too late. The two of them are looking at the makeshift picture board that Darcy has made, to help organize the information she has gathered and what Loki found out throughout his visits to the H.Y.D.R.A base. That this is it is almost time for them to get into action and to get the scepter with the hope that they would succeed, that is if luck is on their side and if there plan works.
"Ok, the base is constantly being watched over by security guards and every single time, I sneak past them, I always find that there is a highly secured vault and it is always secured." said Loki. "I can easily knock the guards out with my magic, but I know that I might still need the code in case my magic fails to open the door. Darcy, did you find the code?"
"Yeah, after breaking through some back walls and cracking some codes, I think I managed to find the code to the door and I don't know if I am right, so I made a list of back up codes." said Darcy as she hands a list right to Loki. "One of these will open the door, if you can't get past it with magic, all of the cameras are down and from what I have seen on the map, there are some places where someone would have to physical be there to get them open."
"So, while you find a way to take out the remaining security, I will focus on getting the scepter." said Loki. "It seems easy enough, I already know where the scepter is and I laid out the directions to what I believe to be a control room."
"In case anything goes wrong or we have to make a quick getaway, I got us one of the coolest things that will make communication easier." said Darcy rather excitedly as she pulled something out of her backpack. "Walkie talkies!"
She hands one over to Loki and he stares at it, he sees the blue, grey device with a giant dinosaur sticking out and doesn't need to ask to know that it is a communication device of some sort. One that is completely different from a phone and yet he feels as though that this is nothing more than a toy for a child, he doesn't see how this would be a effective way of communication. He turns to look at Darcy in disbelief and continues to let the thoughts continue on his mind and doesn't even know what to make of the sight of the object and have only questions forming and ones that he wishes they would all get answered, to see if this is some kind of joke and one that he would find anywhere close on it being humorous.
"So you want me to go around, infiltrate the facility and use this toy?" asked Loki.
"It's not a toy, it's a state of the art communication device that will allow us to talk in a two thousand foot radius." said Darcy as she earns a disbelief look from Loki. "Ok, I know it's Jurassic World themed. But it's the only one, I can find and get last minute and since I don't have enough money to pay for two cell phones. But this is the next best thing I can find when it comes to communication and at least it's giving me spy movie vibes."
"What is the point of this Midguardian technology if it is for similar functions as phones?" said Loki annoyed. "In my honest opinion, Midguardians spend too much time on them and it is a waste of technology and resources. Especially since we don't know if these objects record our every conversation or something."
"You do realize that this are used for communication and everyone especially spies use them to help save the world right?" said Darcy. "Besides it's important to make a quick getaway if we need to make one."
"I can always simply send a spark of magic to alert you of any danger and we can simply meet at the exit." said Loki.
"Yeah, but sometimes we may need a way to communicate to one another, that is a little more conversational." Said Darcy. "Why are we standing here debating on whether or not we need walkie-talkies or cell phones? We should be heading out there and putting our plan to action and bust into H.Y.D.R.A already."
"You make a fair point, we should start to head out to the portal and then we can work our way through there." Said Loki, he starts to make his way out the door, before...
"Wait, don't forget to put your Mysto costume on." Reminded Darcy.
"Right..." said Loki giving an annoyed sigh.
As he simply rolled his eyes, Loki quickly uses his magic to change into the Mysto costume. Then the two heads out of the apartment and start to head on their way. Normally Loki would be angry if someone tries to talk back at him and would argue against them. But knowing the situation at hand and how it is more important at the moment for them to work together to get the scepter, he will overlook it just this once. Plus Darcy is still determined and passionate about the idea of him becoming a superhero and saving the world from Thanos. Knowing everything at stake and how they are about to enter a place where they would cause trouble if asked. They are going to have to work together and it would be best if they can avoid an annoying argument if it's possible for both of their sakes or worse, he crosses a line that would result in him living out on the streets. Especially if he pushes her too far and they reach the point of no return.
Still aside from the threat of potentially becoming homeless and him still feeling ridiculous wearing the Mysto costume, he is still ready to carry on the mission and to focus on getting the scepter out of H.Y.D.R.A's hands as fast as they can. The walk is rather quick and yet not quiet, as they head on their way, Darcy continues to talk and she is letting her excitement dominate the conversation. Loki is trying his best to ignore her and yet is failing, since after the time he spent with Darcy bonding and their friendship, he is actually starting to enjoy her company far more than when they first met. At least it was nice to have someone to talk to again, his mother tried to be there for him and yet he rejected her and the only two that were friendly towards him were with Thanos.
Though she is overly optimistic and he at first wonders why she couldn't just tell the Avengers about Thanos rather than push him to try to stop the mad Titan himself. Believing that he is capable of doing so and not many have ever believed in him before and always thought that he was nothing more than a trickster. He knows that Darcy is relying too much of a fantasy to even realize that it is futile and she is trying to work with a lost cause. But he will get this over with as quickly as he can and then get the stones out of the objects and then scatter them in safe places in the universe. By the time he is done, then he will finally leave the planet and get away from all of this before Darcy realizes all of this and wants nothing to do with him. Well at least she is by his side for now, before eventually he will be on his own again. They soon made it to where the portal is located and Loki is about to go through right before...
"I can't believe we are actually doing this and I am so getting Kim Possible vibes, though without the over the top villains and the mole rat." Said Darcy. "Not too mention, any cool gadgets or cool things that might possibly make this cooler."
"You are good at Midguardian technology and can probably easily figure out how to disable any system without anyone finding out that you were responsible." Said Loki. "Though don't be too excited over this, since we still have yet to see what they have in store for us. Especially since we are going to be split up for the entirety of the time we are there."
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun with this." Said Darcy. "Here's a good idea for a name for this mission, how about operation Break-in?"
"That name needs work, a lot of work." Said Loki. "Why don't you forget about giving this a name? We are there to get the scepter and one wrong move, if we are discovered then we will be in serious trouble."
"Yeah, then that would be really bad." Said Darcy admitting that out loud and can hardly imagine what would happen if they get caught. "So are we going to do this?"
"Of course, are you ready?" said Loki.
"Not really." Said Darcy as she remembers that they are about to face hundreds of H.Y.D.R.A soldiers and walking into the last place they should be.
"You will be fine, we will be successful in our heist." Said Loki. "If we are not, I am going to do everything in my power to get us out alive, though I would not worry we have a plan, we are prepared and ready for anything. Come on, maybe we will have luck on our side and we will be leaving the facility victorious."
Darcy gives a determined nod, touched by Loki's words and happy that they are making some progress. That she is now seeing Loki showing off his nice side and one she finds sweet. Though she is feeling slightly inspired by his words and ready to do her part of the plan and to help with the mission. With a burst of confidence that is trying to take over any doubt that still lingers on.
They both share a quick glance and a nod, as they quickly go through the portal and arrive in Sokovia. They are both on top of a a hill, seeing the H.Y.D.R.A base from a far and the soldiers are marching intensely. With their weapons held closely, ready for a fight against anyone who may dare attack. Loki and Darcy take a good look at the situation right in front of them. They still have to fight off some soldiers, but they know that they can handle it. As they both stare, the two of them try to figure out what might be the best plan and ready to begin their mission.
Meanwhile in an Unknown Part of Space
Thanos is waiting patiently for some Chitauri to arrive and for them to bring The Other to him. It is time for him to inflict his punishment on the former leader of the Chitauri for his betrayal. For daring to disobey him and yet failing all the same. They wasted nothing but time and resources over the futile attempt in capturing Loki and nearly ruined his plan. As much as he enjoyed watching The Other pay for his crimes in a cell, Thanos knows that it would be a waste to continue providing food and shelter for a traitor and he is going to need to set an example for them. One that would make them remain loyal to him and make sure that they would never dare try to stand against him. He can't afford to lose resources, but he will be willing to make sacrifices if it's necessary.
He watches the Chitauri take the Other right to his feet, every step they take, Thanos's anger grows more and more that it doesn't seem to ready to fade away or get anywhere close to where the titan is ready to make peace of the situation. Then again would Thanos ever try a peaceful resolution to solve any conflict he has to deal with? He sits on his throne, watching all of the ones right before him continue to walk until they all stopped. Thanos grinned at the sight of the Other who is now standing right before them and how far the former leader has fallen. The Other looks as though someone has shriveled him off, as he continues to try to stand and yet fail as he is weaken from the lack food and the lack of food. The grin only grows bigger as he stares at the Other menacingly and will not show him any mercy.
"Look how the mighty have fallen or rather a traitor." said Thanos. "I suppose this happens when you deliberately disobey me, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
"All I did was to make an effort of progress, to get Loki and the Stone and yet he still managed to escape with the stone at hand." said the Other. "You honestly can't be upset about that?"
"I am, I ordered you to stay out of Loki's way and allow him to gather the stones, instead you create an unauthorized attack and nearly ruined our chances in getting the stones."
"I was only doing you a favor, you were allowing Loki to get all of the stones for himself. You were letting him and his little human friend win, while you idly sit on that throne. I sent soldiers to not only retrieve the stones, but to finish the job." said the Other. "We still have to punish Loki for his failures on Earth and now his treason."
"What you were trying to do was ruining my plans and the future of my cause, if I try to attack them every time I find out they have knowledge of an Infinity Stone, then it would jeopardize our chances to get not only the one they got, but all of the others." said Thanos. "I will deal with Loki when the moment is right, I already have a plan and I assure you, he will suffer for both of these offenses. While we are on the topic of treason, we still have to deal with yours."
"My Lord, I would like to say-" starts the Other ready to commit himself to Thanos again.
"You're words have no meaning to me, I know how to deal with you and it is about time, you get some relief." said Thanos as he turns his head to face the doorway. "Nebula come."
At that moment, Nebula comes right into the room and she glares at The Other and heads right over to stand right next to Thanos. As she stands, she feels a firely fury that seems to be ready to consume her and wanting nothing more but to escape on the first ship she can find. She knows that she should consider herself lucky that Thanos decided to give her mercy and allow her to rejoin his ranks. She really wishes that Thanos would have left her on Xandar after her ship crash landed, unconscious and completely beaten, but the offer Thanos has offered her was nothing more than enticing, the reward of getting revenge on her sister and eventually someday Thanos is hard to pass up. Once she agreed, he made her second in command and gave her the task to monitor the search for the Infinity Stones. Even with the promise for revenge, it doesn't stop the anger as she is now in the same room with the two that caused her so much pain and Thanos seems to notice that.
"So you are letting your weakling daughter back in to your ranks? After she sided with Ronan?" sneered The Other.
"Unlike you, Nebula has proven herself to be useful and she knows where the next Infinity Stone is and will be the only one she is set to retrieve." said Thanos. "I doubt Loki and the Terran would find out about it and if they do then it will be too late. So far, she has proven to be more useful than you have ever been and I have yet to give her a gift for her return."
"What are you-" start The Other as he stares at his former master, completely confused.
"It is more of a test of loyalty, one I know that she will pass." said Thanos and he turns to Nebula, giving her look that means business. "Nebula, finish him."
Nebula turns to her father, at first not believing that he is giving her the opportunity to finish one of her tormentors and after seeing that he means it. She stares at The Other and feeling the anger inside her that continues to grow and realizing that maybe this time it will be different. That this is the first step for her, even if she is now trapped with Thanos and she won't be able to escape that easily, but she will find a way and now she is ready to make one of her tortures pay and to be the inflictor of his pain, something that Nebula knows that she is going to enjoy every minute.
"It will be my pleasure, dad." said Nebula as she gives The Other an evil grin and heads over to him.
Once she is right in front of The Other, she starts to beat him and letting the anger inside her dominate her mind. She wants to make him feel the same pain as he made her feel and the same anger that is inside her. Every hit that Nebula gives the Other grows harder and harder over time and she only continues on as she feels the anger grow, it makes it harder for her to stop. The Other tries to keep his composure and to keep on standing, but due to the lack of food and Nebula's brute force that she doesn't seem to be anywhere close on stopping or at least refraining herself from any more. Nebula continues to feel the sweet sense of revenge and a satisfaction that she has never felt before and that doesn't seem to be wanting to end and Nebula isn't even thinking about stopping until...
"Nebula, allow me." said Thanos as he got up from his throne and heads right over to the two.
When he gets close enough, he takes the guantlet off and places it down for a a moment and the places both hands on The Other's neck. He doesn't even look closely at The Other and simply snap the Chitauri's neck, before The Other can make a protest or have a word said and now he is forever silent. Thanos throws his body to the ground. Feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment, as he grabs and puts the Guantlet back on and returns to the throne. Knowing that nothing will stand in his way and the last bit of trouble is now gone and he can set his focus on the plan.
While Nebula stares, as all of the anger and satisfaction fades away, she now sees The Other's body on the ground and is feeling a sense of confusion on why she hasn't feel a sense of satisfaction. Until stoping to realize that she will never satisfy and this revenge means nothing, the only revenge that matters to her now is trying to get back at Thanos for everything and making her sister feels her pain. Though she does not know how she is going to do it, but she will find a way to freedom somehow...
Thanos is gleaming proudly at the sight, knowing that he is now on track and is about to move further. He has to get Nebula ready for the raid to get the Power Stone, then they will wait until the moment is right, to make their attack and to gather the rest. That it will be the start of his conquest of not only gaining ultimate power, but to make Loki pay for his failures and his treason. The plan will work and it will guarantee him absolute power and by the time, he is done then he will be invincible.
Here it is the 20th chapter and we are at the twenty mark, wow we are already moving along and making great progress with the rewrites. I mean we only have seven left and then we will reach the finale, I still can't believe that we are actually making this far and this close to the end.
Ok I owe you guys some explanations for this chapter and why I expanded and added some details when I did. For starters, I wanted to rewrite some bits that I felt was chunky and out of charecter, I mean Darcy losing hope in their ability to break into H.Y.D.R.A, when she has Loki? I wanted to expand to it, to her being unsure that breaking into H.Y.D.R.A is a good idea and seeing the potential consequences that it might bring. Along with seeing Loki starting to value his friendship with Darcy and how he is starting to change, sure we are not seeing a big drastic change where he suddenly becomes the hero who would put others before himself. But we are starting to see some of Loki's walls break down and see him be a little nicer to Darcy.
As for Nebula, first of all, you guys didn't expect her to show up did you? Yeah I wanted to include some elements of Guardians of the Galaxy ever since watching the movie for the first time and decided that to start with her. Plus also make it a little more realistic when it comes to the time frame, since if The Collector only just made the deal with Gamora and the idea that the events of Guardians of the Galaxy happened the day after seems a little far fetched and I also would think that Loki would want them to come up with a plan before going anywhere. Aside from that, there will be more elements, but I can't say if The Guardians themselves will be appearing, since that will be a big spoiler and one that you guys will have to wait and see.
I also wanted to expand the details of the scene where Nebula makes her first appearance in Redemption and set her character arc for the rest of the story. Since the original version, I felt that it was rushed and we didn't see Thanos in his full power, how much he is a threat to the universe if Loki and Darcy fail. Sure we got to see it in the movies, but Infinity War and Endgame were not out when this chapter came out at the time, plus those movies ruin things in the end. Oh well, at least the newer Marvel movies and Disney Plus shows like Loki and Wandavision are making up for it. (sorry for that little tangent, I am not a fan of those movies.)
Other than that, I wanted to show how much more of threat Thanos is and how he has no boundaries. Along with giving Nebula a proper debut rather than just have her beating up the Other as she was in the original chapter. To set her story up and to allow us to see the starting point of her journey and the beginning rather than have a complete 180 when we will meet her again. I hope that you guys enjoy her story, since writing Nebula's story in Redemption is one of my favorite parts and her arc is so compelling and one that is an interesting journey where it only adds to the twists and turns.
As for the next rewrite, it will come out as early as two weeks, since I am about to get started after this chapter gets posted, but I assure you it will be worth the wait and we not only get an expanded edition, but we will meet some more familiar faces...
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 second scene of the final chapter with the first scene just being completed. :)
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 they be able to break into H.Y.D.R.A? Will the heist be a success? Will Loki and Darcy get a scepter before they might be discovered? Will they get the Power Stone before Thanos and Nebula do? If so, how will they find out? What is Thanos's ultimate plan and why is he relying on the idea to let Loki gather the Stones back and hope that he would voluntarily give them up to him? What will Nebula's role be in this entire situation and will she get what she wants in the end? What is Thanos's plans for Nebula in the end? Who will get the remaining stones (including the scepter and the orb) first?
Find out in the next chapter of Redemption, whether it's the original chapter or the upcoming rewrite. See ya in the next update. :)