A few Minutes Later
Loki, Darcy and Wanda are about to reach their destination and to face the Avengers, to allow it be the start of a new start and one that no one knows how it is going to turn out and if things will go well or if it will end in some kind of disaster. There is many thoughts that is now going through Loki's head as they get closer to their destination and he doesn't even know what to make of the situation or how to escape from it. Every single step that is taken, it becomes harder to continue on and to get towards the Avengers and to having to hide his identity even more than he may have to. To hear them out and hope that they would be more understanding rather than be the type who would be overly suspicious and then not allow them to get any where close to the Infinity Stone and lock them up somewhere.
That is the least of his worries, he is more worried if Thor already returned and then he will want to talk to him, before they have a chance to get the stone back. The last thing he wants is to be reminded of what he lost and can not get back no matter how hard he may wish for it, maybe even have the feelings that he had back when he faced the droids the first time. The guilt that is trying to take control of him and not let go, as he face his brother and the truth of what he has been doing, by trying to keep his true identity a secret. That he starts to see what he has done in the past and to his brother, that maybe he is everything that he hated about himself and that...
There's no way he has gone that far and became that, sure he knows that he went too far when he led the attack, but that doesn't mean he is a villain or anywhere close on to become one. He is nothing like Thanos, Ultron, Malekith or even his biological father Laufey, unlike any of them at least he admits when he was wrong. He is going out of his way to get the Infinity stones, one of them happens to be from the scepter that Thanos gave him and he lost it when he lost the battle of New York and later on it needed up in a H.Y.D.R.A base and then they lost it to Ultron. It probably wouldn't even be on Earth if he hadn't agreed to help Thanos in the first place.
For now he is going to simply just focus on what he is planning to say to Captain America and Black Widow. He can't believe that he will be meeting the Avengers again, especially after all the efforts he put to try to avoid them at all cost. To avoid any confrontations and live his life as quietly as possible even if he has to go out as Mysto to do something. He doesn't even know what they are going to think of Mysto and how he is planning to make sure that neither one of them suspect anything. Especially Black Widow, he remembers how she was able to figure out his plan to break up the Avengers before they even have a chance to join together. If she can figure out that, then she might be able to figure out his true identity if given enough clues. As admirable as it is to know at least one human that might have his level of intellect, knowing how she was able to outsmart him and figure out his plan. So she is going to be the most dangerous to keep this secret from and he is not going to take any chances.
Every step he takes, feels as though he has been walking slowly forever. That Loki's worst fears is flowing through his mind faster than a waterfall and he is feeling a mixture of emotions every single second that passes by. Part of him wishes that he can just use his ice powers to freeze them like he did to Hiemdell, run as fast as he can and get it over with. But he highly doubts that will go over well with Darcy and his current living situation on Earth, he does not need to be on the run from the Avengers as well. So that would not be the best idea and he can already imagine how an angry rant from Darcy would go. If he had the choice, he would rather talk to the Avengers than do something so reckless that it would bring more trouble than it's worth.
Especially if he wants to avoid anyone suspecting Mysto's true identity and accidentally expose his whole life on Earth. He continues to think about what may happen during the conversation, only for Darcy to take notice. She can tell that something is on Loki's mind and even though he is not the type that would open up his feelings. But she wants to be there for him and knows that she can't if Loki keeps closing every door and opportunity for her to do so. She turns to face Loki really quickly as they continue to walk and head on their way. Hoping that Loki would start to let her in.
"Hey Loki, you ok?" Said Darcy not even wasting another second to get her question out there.
"Yes, of course I am, why wouldn't I be?" Said Loki annoyed at Darcy possibly insisting to tell her everything that is going on in his mind.
"It's just that you are about to meet up with the Avengers again or rather two of them at least." Said Darcy. "You guys didn't exactly have a great start when it comes to any relationship and I just wanted to check in, if you're nervous or anything."
"I am not nervous and have never been a single day of my life or will be." Said Loki and before he can continue walking, he turns to Wanda. "Please if anything do not read into my mind."
"I wasn't going to." Said Wanda. "I don't exactly go through and read people's minds for fun."
"You went through Darcy's and my own minds when we first met." Said Loki not even bothering to hide the most obvious fact.
"I didn't know if I could trust you." Said Wanda. "I did what I had to do."
"Ok, let's just drop this for argument's sake and you can just tell me what's going on." Said Darcy trying to be the buffer between the two and get Loki to be a little more open with her.
"Darcy, we do not have time for these type of conversations. Especially since Stark and whoever else may be helping him might start experimenting on the machine." Said Loki. "Why can we not continue on to our destination and try not to make this into a bigger problem than it needs to be."
"Ugh! Why do you have to be impossible?" Asked Darcy completely annoyed and frustrated.
"I prefer not to share my emotions and would rather just make the most of this time focusing on the priority which is gathering the Infinity Stones." Said Loki. "If we spend the majority of the time, speaking of sentimental feelings then... We won't get anything done, so it would be better to ignore them."
"Yeah, but there's only so much that you can do to hide them." Argues Darcy. "You are going to have to get through them eventually."
"The thing is I don't, I am a master on keeping all of my emotions in and I believe that is what best for all of us at any given time." Said Loki. "As much as I am enjoying this debate, we still have to speak to Romanoff and Rogers, preferably I would like to speak to them in a present mood. We should be more worried about that, do you not think?"
"But..." starts Darcy before just placing a hand covering her face, asking herself what's the point of Loki is just going to try to give her a argument? How is she going to get him to see that she's trying to help? Why Loki can be so difficult at times and why her?
"I have no comment on this." Said Wanda trying her best to distance herself from whatever argument the two might start at any moment.
"Come on, we should really keep on going before anything else happens." Said Loki as he starts to walk towards the direction they are headed in and then get the task that he is dreading more than every passing second.
Wanda simply gives a symphatic, awkward look and starts to quickly catch up with Loki to lead the way to Pietro and the Avengers. Darcy sighs as she follows right behind them as she thinks about all of the challenges that Loki now placing on her. Especially if she wants to be a good friend and find a way to be there for Loki while they get through this and help him through whatever emotions he is now feeling. But what was the point? Right now Loki is more determined on getting the next back than even stop to talk to her about any emotions he may be feeling, that he wants to get their meeting with the Avengers over with. No matter how hard Loki tries to shut her out, she is going to find a way to get him to open up.
But first they are going to need to meet up with the Avengers, that is something she is so excited about and she can't wait for them to get there. Darcy just wishes that it will go well and that it won't end in some kind of disaster, whether it's through the Avengers thinking that they are the bad guys or Loki, just being Loki. The last thing she wants iss for things to go wrong, then again who knows? Maybe things will work out, this entire trip has been full of surprises so far and she is not going to give up hope. As long as she, Loki and the twins continue on and not give up then they will succeed, she has to believe that it will...
A Few minutes later, right near the train tracks
Soon they didn't have to worry any longer of how the Avengers may react towards them or think about it any longer, they arrived right at the meeting place and right in front of them, with Pietro standing right near by them. Loki stares at Black Widow and Captain America, not believing that he is right in front of them again, after everything that has happened the last time and only hoping that this will be over soon. He knows that he has to keep things with a straight face and make sure that he doesn't let one thing slip and allow all of the clues to finally figure out what might be going on and his identity. At least the entire Ultron situation can be used at a shield and main basis of conversation that he can always turn to if they suspect anything.
While Loki is starting to come up with good potential questions to ask, Black Widow and Captain America does not know what to make of the sight right in front of them. When the twins said that one of their friends like to wear mask to cover his true identity, they weren't exaggerating and they can't help but look right at the duo right there. Wondering why is he is wearing a mask let alone a costume and not daring to reveal his true identity? That there must be a deeper story that they are not even realizing and one that they might never know unless they befriend him, maybe they can after all of this is over. While the masked hero's friend is standing right there looks as though she seems to be a regular civilian who seems to be helping him and the twins now get through the entire fight and defeat Ultron. With a quick nod, they know now it is the time to break the ice and get some answers.
"So we got a guy in a wired costume and his sidekick who doesn't seem to have any special abilities as the rest of you." said Black Widow as she crosses her arms when the three of them finally arrive.
"Wow! You're Black Widow and Captain America! This is so awesome!" said Darcy with a big grin. "I'm a huge fan of what you guys do and think it's awesome how you guys save the world and everything you guys are? Can you guys sign my Avengers poster? Once I go home to get it or buy a new one?"
"Um... Sure. Thank you for all that, so you guys have been helping them defeat Ultron?" said Captain America not even beating around the bush.
"Yes, we noticed that there were these robots flying around and causing destruction, I couldn't stand by and watch them destroy everything and I decided to play my part and try to stop them." said Loki. "We met the twins a little while on our journey and agreed to help them when the moment is right and to get the opportunity to find where their next strike happens which is a lot sooner than we thought it would occur."
"Yeah, we decided to go out there and do our part and be heroes in case you guys are busy." said Darcy as she earns some glances from Loki and the Twins. "But hey I am just the tag along girl who often help out in these things and basically the Velma of the group, the brains and the girl with the plan and-"
"Darcy, please stop yourself before you go even further." said Loki already annoyed by that.
"What, I am just trying to give the spiel and be the type who just going to sell you guys to them, it's like a business play." said Darcy.
"Right now we do not have time to do any of this and we really should focus on the mission." said Loki as he turns to her.
"Hey that's what I am doing, if you just give me a chance-" starts Darcy.
"Guys, let's stick to the subject." interjected Black Widow. "Look we have some questions we want to ask you guys and we would like to hear some answers."
"Sorry about all that, what are your questions?" asked Darcy before giving an annoyed look at Loki.
Loki simply ignores Darcy's annoyance and tries to prepare himself for any potential question that may be asked and any convincing reasoning that would make them accept all of the answers. So they will know what answers that are believable and they would all believe it without another question in mind. Then he can find a way to get the Infinity Stone, if he can somehow convince them to hand over the Infinity Stone then it would definitely make everything easier. Maybe he can find a way to get their trust, that all of this is his chance to get it and then maybe he can reason with them to give him the Infinity Stone after all of this is over. That they will believe that the stone will be safe with him and then he can continue to gather the Infinity Stones without any interference. Maybe even face Thanos on his own and then he can get everything settle and with luck right on their side than he can get through this without having to worry about meeting Thor.
"What exactly is going on? I find it hard to believe that you guys would simply help two random people that you barely even know." said Black Widow suspecting something, but she doesn't even know what it is that makes her question them.
"We simply only met when these robots start these attack, after a series of saves during the same battle, we all built a trust within one another." said Loki. "It is a little hard to explain, but we only started to go after these contraptions that I believe they are only set to become even more dangerous over time and we can not afford to lose another second if we are going to stop him."
"Especially with what just happened just now and our theory about the machine that Ultron is planning on using as a body." said Darcy. "We think that it's possibly going to be a the key for him to win, that if we don't stop these possible experiments then we might be making a bigger problem than Ultron."
"The last thing we need is to make this any longer than it may require it to be." said Loki. "So should we get going and get this task over with, though I wonder where do all of these robots come from, but right now we have to focus on what's more important and it's stopping them."
"Yeah, the last thing we need is for Stark to create any more damages." said Wanda as she crosses her arms and only moved her fingers a bit.
"Hey, did you just use your mind powers to read our minds?" asked Natasha who noticed the red glow right on her hands and Wanda is only taken aback by the quick deduction and quickly stops what she is doing.
"Wait, are you telling us that Stark was the one responsible for this? That he created Ultron?" asked Loki who is very surprised by this development that he just found out and knows that he has the answers to his questions and does not know what to think of the discovery.
"Oh snap, that was totally unexpected..." said Darcy. "But I am still a big fan of you guys, even with that detail in mind."
"In that case then we are going to need to leave now and get to the body before they start experimenting." said Loki hastily. "Anything could happen if they are not careful and that is a risk we can not afford to take."
"He's right, we can't afford a second of this machine being out in the open for long and we need to stop the others before they accidentally make this problem worse." said Captain America. "As... Wait, what's your name again?"
"Mysto! His name's Mysto." said Darcy earning an annoyed look from Loki.
"Right, as Mysto said anything can happen and from the look of things we are going to have to work together if we are going to stop this." said Captain America. "Though the real question is are all of you ready to do this and really want to do this? Since this is going to be really dangerous."
"I care too much of my own and everyone else's well being to let that thing destroy us thank you very much." Said Loki. "Look if you all are willing to take the risk of experimenting on that thing in hopes that it would work out then be my guest, I am not going to stand by and let Ultron destroy everything without a fight."
Darcy can't help but turn to Loki completely surprise by what is happening right in front of her. Here Loki is standing right there, giving the hero speeches and being so overly determined to the point that he is about to win them over by his attitude. That is she hopes that she and Loki are making a good first impression, since from one glance of them so far, it is really hard to tell since they haven't said anything. She just hopes that they keep this up and nothing goes wrong.
"How do we know if we can trust you?" Asked Black widow, catching both of them off guard.
"Well... it's because we... need a piece of it to study!" Said Darcy catching all of them by surprise.
"What?" Said Captain America and Black Widow at the same time.
"Darcy!" Said Loki in complete shock at the sudden revaluation.
"Yeah, you guys see we're scientists and have been hoping we can get a hold of it to study the structure of it." Said Darcy. "So that way we can study all of the functions of it and help us further in our research..."
Darcy just gives a nervous smile, hoping that it would be a convincing reason to both of the Avengers. She also hopes that she started getting better in lying, especially after she spent all of that time hiding Loki and helping him track down all of the Infinity Stones. At least she would think she would have gotten some experience, especially after everything that happened. If she still hasn't then they all would be doomed with a capital "D" and she doesn't even want to know how the Avengers would react to Thanos. But she knows one thing, that she has to help Loki, no matter what challenges it may bring and what they may face and no matter how much she wants to fangirl of actually talking Captain America and Black Widow and get their autographs and maybe take a picture. She is going to help him get these stones and find a way to help him defeat Thanos. Besides maybe saying part of the truth and twisting it up to a small white lie won't hurt right?
Loki on the other hand feels a sudden panic from what Darcy just said. He doubts that not even his illusions could somehow make his feelings disappear from oblivion and only ask what in the world would make things turn around for the better? That is if there is even a chance, since Darcy just destroyed their one chance of being able to win the Avengers trust. But maybe there is a way and he can return everything back to their favor. All he has to do is appeal to them and maybe just maybe it will work.
"I know we just met and you have every good reason to not trust us. But right now the situation is bigger than any of us and this planet is now at stake and we are going to need to work together." Said Loki. "Especially with the circumstances and everything that has happened, I wouldn't trust myself either. But-"
"But we can help and we will. Why don't we go back to Avengers Tower with you guys and help fight off Ultron?" Said Darcy catching all five of them by surprise.
Loki is only growing more and more frustrated by the minute. He has been trying to get all of the Infinity Stones in order to stop Thanos as discreetly and as quietly as he can. But here Darcy is saying everything on her mind and revealing some details and at the rate she might as well reveal his true identity and say it to Thor in person while she's at it. Now that he thinks about it, the chances of him encountering his brother is increasing. Loki is not ready to face his brother again especially after everything that happened or knows if he is ready to face his brother's anger. Since if Thor were to ever find out what is now happening and Loki being Mysto, then he should forget about Thanos, he would have to deal with Thor, Odin, the Avengers and an army of angry Asgardians to deal with. Ones that are ready to make sure that he meets his doom and regrets lying to them, things would definitely not go well if the truth comes out to say the least...
Then Loki would really wish that he knows a memory spell to make everyone forget. But even then the most he can do is simply make someone regain a memory or feel the same emotions as they originally felt as they relive it. Though in that scenario he would definitely need one, but first he has to talk to Darcy about all of this. To make sure that she hears one thing clear from him and to put a stop to all of this right now. Especially before Darcy suggests that they move in with them Avengers any second now. He has the urge to speak his mind and he doesn't even know what he is going to say, but he he is going to say it now...
"Will you guys excuse us for a minute?" Asked Captain America, as he and Black Widow start to walk away from the group. "We just need to think about some things that were said."
"Of course, Uh... Darcy, can I have a word with you? Now?" Asked Loki trying hard to keep his patience in check, but failing miserably.
With that both groups separated to have their respective discussions. Loki knows that this is the perfect opportunity to talk to Darcy about the recent developments. It's either right now or wait if they get back to Darcy's apartment. They start to walk a little bit further away from the two Avengers with Wanda and Pietro following them. Once they made it to a good spot where it would take a long walk for anyone to get there, Loki quickly cast a spell around the area. So that way no one will be able to hear a word they were saying, similarly to when he visited Thor when he was trapped in the facility in New Mexico by those S.H.I.E.L.D agents. For trying to get the hammer back and being under interrogation of what happened, though Loki wasn't surprised to see Thor in trouble to the point that he found himself to be arrested.
At least this spell offers a cloaking for all of them and this time it is not going to turn them invisible, transparent to everyone that passes them by. He is glad that he know of this spell, than he can say every single thing that comes to his mind without revealing a thing. His frustration continues to goes towards a changing point, one of growth that feels as though there's a volcano about to euros at any moment. His deep frustration continues to grow to the point that it is close on becoming a fiery anger that has no limits. He is trying to keep as grip and yet is failing hard in doing so and Loki honestly does not even know what else may annoying him even more.
"So... That was unexpected..." said Pietro.
At this moment, Loki does not think he can take it anymore and he is not going to put up with this another minute. He doesn't even know what to say without losing his mind and can only think of one thing. A wise four word question that he has on top of his mind and he is not going to miss the opportunity to say them and it is something that he would like to say to Darcy...
"What were you thinking?!" Yelled out Loki, the moment that his patient finally worn out. "Are you trying to get the four of us arrested? Not only we have to deal with possibly having to continue fight an army of talking metal bins of nuts and bolts, something that might derail the entire mission as a whole. Do I need to also add the mere fact that you also just jeopardized my secret identity? You practically told them why at least you and I are involved in this and you didn't even stop to think of the consequences and what it might happen if the worst comes to pass?"
"Loki, I only told them a stretch of the truth, nothing more." Said Darcy trying to be the peacekeeper at the moment. "It's not like I told anyone that you're alive and you re Mysto or anything."
"You might as well have and we wouldn't know the difference." Said Loki rather dismissively. "Putting us all in a situation of unsureness just because you yearn so much to live in the desirable world through your book of drawings!?"
"You know you don't have to shout right? Plus I know you guys would make an awesome team if you just give it a chance. Plus I am not trying to live out my childhood dreams, I am only trying to help." Said Darcy now getting just as frustrated as Loki is, but trying now to not lose her temper. "If you don't keep your voice down then they are going to hear us."
"That is something you do not have to worry about, I casted a spell that only the four of us can hear everything I say or at least when it comes to anything we need to keep a secret." said Loki as he does not back down. "But still you have to be careful, we do not know what they will think or what they would plan to do with that information and it is a risk we can not take."
"This might be our only chance to get that stone and I don't see you taking on any risks to do it. You're just standing there, hiding right behind the mask and making sure that no one sees your identity, let alone your true self." said Darcy. "You are so ready to stop whatever might happen that you are not taking a chance and acting like someone is going to grab you, reveal yourself to everyone and take you away like that's ever going to happen. You are pushing yourself into a bigger shadow than anything that Thor may never unintentionally make no matter how many years you spend living in the same palace together. At least I am not trying to miss every opportunity that comes out way to get the stone, the real question is why are you so afraid to take them?"
"First of all, I am not afraid or worried about anything or anyone and second there is nothing wrong with taking extra precautions, especially with the circumstances at stake." said Loki so frustrated that he's now regretting to agree to do any of this. "I am trying to grab all of the Infinity Stones and doing everything I can to get all of them, doing it in a way that guarantees we would not get caught or worse one or both of us get killed. Maybe you should try thinking ahead every now again, then you would not continue to find ways to make reckless decisions that would get us and yourself into trouble."
"At least I am not the one who is trying to have a mask on me at all times to hold me back. Maybe if you let go of your fears for one minute then maybe you can feel more free and live your life more freely and maybe even more happily than how you're living it right now." said Darcy ready to stand up to her pessimistic and difficult roommate. "Just go with the flow every once in a while and you might see you might feel better about the whole thing than being the doubtful Grinch who steals all excitement because he might possibly have to work with the Avengers. Treating it like it's the worst thing that has ever happened to you."
"If I knew that things were going to go down this path, I would have used my magic to create an illusion to make Thor think that I returned as a ghost to be his guide to go after the stones. Not make him so reckless that he goes after to fight a maniac that will not hold back to get the ultimate power he desperately yearns for." said Loki. "You are being so reckless that you have forgotten what we might have to face. I am not talking about facing an army of evil robots, if it hasn't occurred to you, my brother is a member of their team, if anything goes wrong then he'll know. Do you not care if we end up in a jail cell?! You are being so irresponsible with no regard to our well being that it is a plain miracle that we are still alive!"
"Says the guy who practically needed saving from being trapped in a runaway truck!" said Darcy. "At least I am the one who is moving everything forward rather than holding us back because of the past and intense brother issues that can easily be fixed if you just talk to him!"
"I find that hard to believe!" said Loki as he rolled his eyes. "You are relying too much on a childish wish that you fail to see reality."
"I'm not the one trying to hide from the world!" said Darcy. "We have to do something if we want to get them to help us and telling the truth, while we twist around with it was the best way to go."
"Was it or was it the best thing you can come up with and you simply assumed that it was the only way to go?" said Loki.
With that an argument breaks out between Loki and Darcy, growing more and more intense by the minute. That simply the word 'intense' is simply a big understatement and one that would not describe the argument that is going on. Both Wanda and Pietro are standing there watching the entire scene, feeling a little awkward as they watch the scene right in front of them. They share a quick glance at each other and then watch the scene before them, both of the twins are glad that Loki made the sound proof barrier because from the argument itself then Loki's secret would be revealed a lot faster than anything Darcy can say. They continue to watch the scene and keep an eye to see if Captain America and Black Widow are coming back to alert the two of them to stop the arguing. It only takes a few minutes for one of them to break the silence...
"Should we say something?" asked Pietro unsure of what to do.
"I don't think so." said Wanda as she watches the scene right before her as the argument has no sign of stopping. "Maybe we should step in if it gets out of hand or at least when they come back."
Pietro gives a nod agreeing with the plan and they continue to watch the scene right in front of them, they see that both Loki and Darcy are so focus on one another that they didn't even seem to notice what is going on in their surroundings. At this moment, they both start to see the change in Loki play out as they see that no matter how angry Loki right now, he is not ready to use his powers. That maybe there is more to him than anything the Avengers and the world may think of him and that Loki is changing from the villain that tried to take over Earth and he is more than what anyone may think and both Wanda and Pietro may have found friends within Loki and Darcy.
That is whenever they are not arguing nonstop, as they watch the argument right in front of them and turn their heads to see the current speaker and keep an eye on the scene. Seeing Loki and Darcy argue is as though they were watching an intense tennis match with the scores tied, they made it over time with the best players in the league and they wait for the other to make their move. The twins watch the scene wondering how long it's going to last and as they see the argument continue, they notice that there is something between the two of them that they really care about each other and yet they are failing to see how much their friendship may mean to them as every word continues to unleash a bit of anger. They hope that Loki and Darcy can quickly resolve their differences to preserve the friendship they share before the wrong word is said and there is no telling how that would turn out...
Meanwhile far from the group and behind a building
Captain America and Black Widow are heading towards that spot so they can have a chance to talk. To allow themselves the chance to have some privacy as they think about what Mysto and Darcy just said and to see if they and the Maximoff twins are on their side. To figure out what might be the best course of action and what they should do. How they should handle the four that are now waiting for an answer?
Since they both know that even after when all of this is over, they can't give up the machine to them without even know inch if they can trust them. From the look of things, the twins have done nothing but cause trouble and work for Ultron the moment they escaped and they just met Mysto and Darcy. They don't even know who they are and they haven't done anything that would convince them that they should trust them. But one thing is for sure is that they need to think of something that might work or else they may need to think of numerous back up plans on how to hide the machine or at least the part they want really well. Especially if this weapon is really more powerful than Ultron might ever dream to be.
"So we have the twins and their two friends coming up to us wanting to help, while costume guy and the fan girl wants to keep the very body Ultron created to transfer his database to for a secret little science project?" Said Black Widow. "Now this is one of the weirdest things I have heard of the day. The real question is can we trust them?"
"I don't know, but I am willing to give them a chance." Said Captain America. "To at least prove that they can be trusted, to let them help us. The same goes for the twins, I think they are most likely either too hurt or misguided that they fail to see what is really happening."
"Maybe, but we don't know that for sure. But that's the least of my worries at the moment, there is something about Mysto that feels oddly familiar." Said Black Widow. "That I have seen and spoken to whomever is under that mask."
"We can figure out his secret identity later, right now we really should focus on Ultron and this offer to help." Said Captain America as he sees Black Widow's point, but pushing it aside to focus on the current priorities.
"I know, we can't just give them this machinery and then call it a day or make a promise that we might not be able to keep." Said Black Widow. "If we are going to do something than we are going to need to do something right now, we need to come up with a plan and eventually choose what we may have to do."
"But the question is what are we going to do and how are we going to do it without upsetting anyone?" Said Captain America. "I can't see how we are going to do this, unless... Unless..."
That stop catches Black Widow's attention and she turns to face her teammate and friend. Knowing that he has a plan and it might be one that might help them in the long run. That it might be one where it may help move things along and yet work in everyone's favor. The more Black Widow thought about it, the more interest she is becoming and curious on what it might be.
"Unless what?" Asked Black Widow deeply interested and almost immediately.
"We should let them help us." Said Captain America with a sigh. "We are going to need all the help we can get if we are going to defeat Ultron. But before we agree to give them anything, we will let them earn it."
"What do you mean by that?" Asked Black Widow not even sure what to make of the plan.
"I am simply saying that we need to see and know for sure that they are on our side." Said Captain America. "We will tell them that in order to get the part then they going to need to earn our trust. Then we will find out more about them as we all fight, we will know if they are truly on our side and prove that they are telling the truth. We will be giving them a chance and one where they can prove themselves to us, one that I am happy to give to them."
"Wait, are you really willing to make a promise like that? To give up the machine to two total strangers and work with people that initially hate us?" asked Black Widow. "Are you willing to take that chance and to try out and hope that it would somehow magically make it work out? Are you ready to give up that part and not even know what is going to happen to it?"
"I am ready to give them a chance and give them the benefit of a doubt with a honest deal. If we try to manipulate them to help us, then we'd be no different than H.Y.D.R.A." said Captain America. "I think that it would be better if we are honest with them right from the start, to let them see we're the good guys. Even if that means... we'd have no choice but to keep our end of the bargain."
"Well Steve, I really hope that you know what you're doing and we are not going to regret this later." said Black Widow giving a sigh.
"I know we are taking a lot risks and I do not even know if I am making right choice." said Captain America. "But deep down, I just feel that I am making the right choice, maybe even the only choice we have at the moment, one we have to hope for the best."
The two of them gives each other a unsure look and they start to make their way back to the others, to give them an answer and a chance to prove themselves. They don't know what might happen or if they are making the biggest mistake they have ever made in their lives. But they are going to take this chance and try to prepare themselves for every scenario that may happen and to be ready what may be up ahead, with only the hope that they are not making a mistake. The only bright side of the situation is that at least they will get answers to all of their questions, but at the same time would it really be worth it? They continue to make their way towards the four and to make their move before it's too late and something else happens.
Meanwhile back near the bridge
The bickering is still going on strong, Loki and Darcy is showing no signs of stopping and not even hesitating for a minute. They are so determined to tell each other off and prove each other wrong that they are ignoring everything that is going around them. That both of them is only letting the anger deep inside them, as the twins continue to watch on and feeling a overwhelming feeling of annoyance of their arguing and wish that the argument would end. From what the twins have seen and for how long they have known Loki and Darcy so far, they can agree that they both fight like an old married couple and the twins are tired of all this.
Pietro ran off to keep an eye on the Avengers from a far and to be ready to alert the others in case Captain America and Black Widow comes back and tell them what they decided to do. The last thing they need is to come up with an awkward explanation on how the Avengers weren't able to hear the argument or worse Wanda having to need to use her powers to make both Avengers forget the entire scene. She watches the scene in complete annoyance, Wanda knows that deep down she doesn't want to brainwash Black Widow or Captain America to make things right with the Avengers, but she is starting to wish that she can do that to Loki and Darcy so they can stop. She is not going to do that, especially after everything they did help them. It starts to feel endless until Pietro came back...
"Wanda, they're coming back. They want to talk to us again about whatever they are planning, we have to-" said Pietro anxiously before stopping himself to only stare at Loki and Darcy. "Are they still fighting?"
"Unfortunately yes." said Wanda in annoyance before becoming somewhat relieved. "We should break up the argument before they arrive."
"I know, I doubt we would have a good explanation if they see them like this." said Pietro. "Should I?"
"Don't worry, I got this." said Wanda earning a quick nod from Pietro.
She quickly activates her powers and is ready to push them away from each other, to knock them gently on the ground and then hopefully they will stop themselves long enough to hear what's happening. Then they can stop the argument themselves, see that the Avengers are coming back, Loki undos the spell he created to block sound and that will be the end of it. But it isn't going to turn out like that and Wanda's powers might have a different plan, as it did give them a push, a push forward rather than backwards instead... Wanda's powers pushes Loki and Darcy closer together so quickly that they can't escape the pull, to the point that there is no stopping. In an instant, Loki and Darcy wind up hitting their heads to one another.
Wanda watches the two of them in complete shock in what her powers just did, she wasn't expecting or planning to do that. They both ribbed their heads and turned to look at the twins in complete annoyance. They did not expect for it to happen or be anywhere to the point that it might have happened, neither of them needs to ask to know that Wanda is the one that used her powers to do it. Probably to grab their attention, they figured it may have been annoying but even then did she really have to do it that way? They give silent glares until...
"Ugh! Did you really have to do that?" asked Loki as he rubbed his head, not even knowing if he should be more annoyed with Wanda or Darcy or maybe even awkward at the moment. "If you wanted us to stop so badly, you s hould have said so.
"Yeah seriously. I know that it might possibly become annoying, but was using your powers really necessary?" asked Darcy as she tries to soothe out any temporally pain. "I mean honestly, what could possibly be so important that you had to do that?"
With that both of the twins exchanges an annoyed look at one another and then turn to face Loki and Darcy. They gave them a look and one that neither one of them have to say a word to know that they would say "really?" But they both quickly put aside their personal feelings to return their focus right on the current situation and one that they know none of them can ignore.
"As much as I would love to resolve your identity crisis and figuring out ways on how you can continue to do this without taking risks." said Wanda hastily. "But right now you two might want to drop all of this. Unless you want to owe them an explanation of Loki's powers or try to pretend you don't even know what they are talking about even if it means that neither one of them believes you, especially when they come to give the final verdict."
"What are you talking about?" demanded Loki as he sees Pietro and Wanda point right behind them.
They both turn to see Captain America and Black Widow on their way back, to speak to them and probably have seen them argue. With a quick gasp, Loki without any hesitation quickly removes the spell around them and make the sound audible again. He doesn't know what the Avengers must have seen, but he does know that they need to think of something. Darcy is already thinking the same thing and is trying to think of perfect excuses or a plan that might work. Since anyone would be asking why they were both in a shouting match, especially if they can't hear it and it looks like they were in one. After some quick thinking, she comes up with a perfect plan, to cover up their argument with another argument.
"Here's the plan, act like we're fighting over whether a burger is a sandwich or not." Whispered Darcy.
"What?" Said Loki surprised and unsure of what to make of Darcy and her plan so far.
"Play along and follow my lead." Whispered back Darcy.
"I do not even know- You better not be trying to make a fool of-" starts Loki as he feels more unsure by the minute.
"It is a sandwich! Come on, anything with two slices of bread and something that is holding them together in between is a sandwich!" Said Darcy trying to make it sound like an argument, but being really awkward about it. "I can't believe that you actually think that a burger is a sandwich because it is obviously is a sandwich."
"What are you talking about? Why would I even be debating about a meal, I have never had before?" Asked Loki absolutely confused.
"Come on don't you play dumb to me... We both know what you said." Said Darcy awkwardly trying to make it sound more aggressive, but instead rather ridiculous. "We both know that burgers are definitely a sandwich. That is unless you said they were not and you somehow forgot about that argument and now you're having trouble remembering what you said. On the past argument that we agreed to go back to later, one that we both agreed to settle whenever it's the most convenient..."
"I hardly would say that this is at anywhere close to convenient." Said Loki as he crosses his arms, deeply frustrated at how this conversation is turning out and completely foolish and humiliated for Darcy.
Before Darcy can even continue with her weak performance of a argument even more awkward and humiliating. They see Captain America and Black Widow return, from one look of their faces, they can tell that they were just as surprised and uncomfortable as they are. Loki really wishes that he can use his magic to create an illusion to hide himself right in it and hope that they would walk away. Especially after simply witnessing the most humiliating argument in the history of the entire nine realms. He doesn't even know what to say or how to get out of this situation, at least he knows that it is that bad if even he does not have a plan on how to get out of this.
"Uh... What was that all about?" Asked Captain America.
"They we're arguing about sandwiches and hamburgers." Said Pietro not even believing what he is saying.
"Seriously?" Said Black Widow in disbelief.
"It's a long story, you do not want to know." Said Wanda.
"Sorry..." whispered Darcy to Loki, as she gives a awkward laugh while he silently glares at her.
"Aside from all of that and by the way a burger is a sandwich like it or not." Said Black Widow wanting to give her input before returning her focus back to the current situation. "We talked about it for a little bit and we are prepared to offer you a deal."
That got Loki's attention and annoyance all at once, he was hoping that they would have been able to get the Infinity Stone easily without having to do anything more than what may be initially needed. But what other choice do they have? They need to get the Stone back and the Avengers are the ones that have it and he has to convince them to give it to him. If it means to help the Avengers to defeat Ultron, then he is going to have to be willing to do whatever it takes to get it, even if it means that they are going to be fighting hundreds of robots that he doesn't want to deal with.
"We're listening." Said Loki ready to hear what this deal is.
"If you all can prove to us and the others that you are all telling the truth and if we can trust you with our lives then we'll forgive any past misdeeds and you can have the piece that you are looking for." Explained Captain America. "If and only if you guys managed to do so. I know it's a lot to ask and we are going to push you all to do it, but we really need your help to defeat Ultron. If you guys really want to help that is, but we are not having the best of luck and we are going to need all the help we can get, so what do you all say?"
"In all honesty I am not sure, one end is saying that we have to fight off these robots and the other is that this is the perfect opportunity to prove our loyalty." Said Loki thinking of his choices and wondering how he protect his secret identity. "I think that we may need-"
"Now that's sounds like an awesome deal and I know we are more than happy to help in anyway we can." Said Darcy almost immediately. "Sure some of us feel a little more reserve than others, but I am sure that deep down we are all ready to help, right guys?"
"Yes, it's time we finally stop Ultron and his reign of terror." Said Pietro.
"At least this will give us a chance to fix our mistakes and maybe even be the start of us being on the right side for once." Said Wanda with hopes that they will defeat Ultron.
"Plus this isn't just about getting that part anymore. It's about saving the world from Ultron and stopping the experiments on that thing before it's too late." Said Darcy. "What do you say, Mysto?"
Loki doesn't know what to think, here he is ready to find them a way out. Darcy is going about making promises that she can't keep and ones that are just as dangerous if not more. Now she thinks that they have to go out and face Ultron, just to get a chance on getting the Infinity Stone. Even if it might be there only chance on getting the stone and they have never been so close on getting it back until now...
As he continues to think about the situation and plays around with the idea. Loki starts to realize and he is starting to regret the realization as he continues thinking. That he might have to work with the Avengers and help them stop Ultron. If he wants to have a chance to get the Infinity Stone then he might have no other choice and any other method or scenario he can think of, it always to end in a failure. Even if he tries to create an illusion that might end up fooling the Avengers into thinking that he is with them this entire time. It still would not guarantee that they won't find out one way or another.
Plus he also start to realize that he can't just say no or come up with an excuse why Mysto can't help. Since that would only open a never ending amount of questions and ones that will become harder to answer over time. That it will only lead to suspicions and Loki wouldn't be surprised if they try to come up with their own theories about him. That it will eventually get to the point where someone will figure it out and he wouldn't be surprised if Black Widow would be the first one to figure it out. Then she will definitely have an interesting conversation with the rest of the Avengers and then it will become a long week for all of them. Loki feels as though he that he can't take that risk.
Plus for some reason, Loki is feeling an urge to do it. That deep down he wants to help out and yet he is fighting it off. He knows that Ultron has to be stopped and from judging on all the things that he has stop underestimating the robot and now considering him a serious threat. With all of the factors being there and Loki's own worse fears in mind. He has now come to conclusion that he may have no choice in this matter. Against better judgement, he knows that he needs to do the last thing he really want to do...
"When do we start?" Asked Loki in a defeated tone and quietly hoping that he won't regret this...
The rewrites are done! I did it! All the first 27 chapters are now done and I have managed to do it and we made this far. That we are this close to the finale and I ended the rewrites, the same spot where I ended it the first time around.
This chapter originally came out three weeks right after Endgame, when I was almost ready give up on watching Marvel movies because of the disappointment I felt with the movie and Infinity War. Especially with the idea of the Avengers and The Guardians of the Galaxy meeting and teaming up to stop Thanos and Loki possibly teaming up with Avengers. It had so much potential and it was disappointing to see something that I was so excited for disappointed me and other people. But as I said back then, instead of ranting about Infinity War, Endgame and now Thor 4, the solution is not to watch them. Since there are many ways to be a fan without putting up with something that we might not like. There are still many Marvel movies and series for us to watch and enjoy, along with now at least Loki and Vision is back. I am holding on hope for Iron man, Black Widow and Gamora. Plus if we ever decide to rewatch ad stop watching the movies at Age of Ultron, Guardians 2 and Ragnarok, all of these characters did have a happy ending. It leaves things open ended for many fanfics regarding what happens next and the fight against Thanos.
The thing about being a fan is that no matter what happens in the future whether through a story ending or it being unsatisfying. The memories that were made when you first entered the fandom and the happy experiences that you made as a fan. Along with all of the friends that you made and the stories that you read and made about these characters. I mean I know it sounds cheesy and some of you may be rolling your eyes while reading this, but it is true because we shouldn't stop being fans just because of the last two Avengers movies. Since abandoning everything else because you hate somethings that happend in the last couple movies is not what true fans do. We still have the other movies, the series and the new content that might be good and fan fiction to enjoy. So who to say we can't be fans due to a couple of movies and I'm sorry if I offended anyone who likes both Infinity War, Endgame and Thor 4. I'm glad that you all enjoyed something that some people and myself probably didn't enjoy, I hope that you will continue to enjoy them after rewatching them for the number of times your hearts. But I feel like that this is something that I needed to say before continuing to write this story or rather finish this story.
I can't believe that we made it this far and we are finally at the finale and not to mention ahead of schedule. Maybe I might even be able to meet my original deadline or maybe even a head of schedule. Though I can't make any promises and I think if it has to come out in November, the earliest it would come out is at the end of November. A little after Thanksgiving to give us an idea of the time frame and the latest would be the end of Januar. If I have to give a realistic time frame, that is unless I manage surprise all of us again and it comes out a little earlier than we may think it would...
But anyway, I am just happy to revisit this chapter and to add more elements of the change that is happening within Loki and one that will ultimately affect his character going forward. I am also happy that I got everyone in character and was able to expand the scene even further than before, that it allow us to see the story not only flow better, but the development that I was hoping for ever since I started this rewrite.
I also really wanted this chapter to be the next stage of a stepping stone for us and it is the next phase of transition to Loki's role in the Ultron arc and for us to see Loki's growth in the story. That we will get to see something exciting in the chapter and one thing that I thought that the rest of the story is missing and we are going to see it happen in the next chapter. Plus it would add up to the rest of the story and hopefully this big moment will be more than enough to fulfill this gap.
I really wanted to expand this chapter, to explore Loki's thoughts as he goes through the events of the first part of the Age of Ultron arc and then we will see the evolution continue on. That we will see Loki practice new abilities with his magic that will continue to be shown for the rest of the story and that is not the only thing that will be shown throughout the story. As we experience Loki's transitional phase happens, it will be where we get to see the real growth start to happen and where we will get to see him over this arc in the story as he learns his new magic, see a new side of things and maybe experience new emotions...
I hope that you guys have enjoyed the rewrites and that you are seeing the story get expanded in multiple ways. That you all are excited for the finale. As I said, it is now currently in the works and is in the works at the same time as the rewrite and I hope that lives up to all of our expectations. But for now we are going to see this story continue to grow as we reach to the the finale.
Though I don't think I am going to rewrite the second half of Redemption, unless it is is small continuity errors or to add more details. At this point the finale is my top priority, though I am going to look at the later chapters for those errors and will have them fixed by the finale. I hope the grammar has improved in these chapters and lives up to the standards that I promise and keep it true to the original chapters, along with expand the story even further.
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 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 off 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?)
I might also be thinking of possibly, maybe doing a holiday special (it's an idea that I have been playing around and been thinking of for a while now and if it does happen then it will take place after chapter 27 and be a stand alone (though some details will be added that will be relevent for the second half of Redemption)), depending if the final chapter doesn't take too long and if you guys really want it, since it might happen...
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 final chapter and the next rewrite is my top priority at the moment. :)
If you guys ever 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, have a chat of the story so far 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, Darcy and the Maximoff twins earn the trust of the Avengers? Will they stop the other Avengers doing the experiments before the machine is accidentally activated? Will Loki and Darcy be able to get the mind stone back in time? If Loki is going back to Avengers tower, is it possible that he will run into Thor again? If so what will happen and will it go well? Will we ever see Loki use his Jontun abilities again or will it be a one time thing? What has Thanos and Nebula been up to the entire time Loki and Darcy have been trying to get the mind stone back and dealing with the Ultron situation? How are things going to change with Loki and Darcy in the Age of Ultron storyline? Are you guys ready to see Loki meet the Avengers again? Are you guys ready for Loki vs Ultron?
Head over the next chapter to find out, as for any long time readers who are keeping track of the rewrites, we're one chapter away from the finale and I am going to try to make it come out as soon as I can. Along with aim to have it come out in the original release timeframe, I hope that you guys are excited for the finale, that it will tie up the lose ends and it will be a satisfying end. See ya in the next update and the finale! :)