It has been a long night for Loki just because of the fact that Thanos is about to come to Earth and is going to be giving them the biggest fight that any of them could ever imagine. The day after tomorrow everything will change and Thanos will be making sure that everyone will be doing everything in his power to make sure he doesn't leave the planet without the Infinity Stones and himself once he grabs a hold of both. Loki doesn't even know if he even managed to get some sleep at all that night, he could already imagine on all of the possible outcomes that might happen. Thanos has done so many horrible things in the past and it was hard enough to try to stop him with one Infinity Stone but with two and one of them's the Soul Stone...
Loki doesn't even know what to do, but he knows that he needs to think of a plan and at least he doesn't have to worry about Darcy's safety. There is no way that the Avengers or let alone Thor and Jane would ever let her accompany them on a mission like this. But he has to make sure in case of anything that can happen, normally he wouldn't let anyone borrow his things. Especially with something that has some sentimental value and to Loki one of the most valuable possessions in Asgard, but he has no choice and there is no way he could run over here and help out even with a hidden portal. Loki grabbed the dagger with the golden handle and the designs in the handle, he carefully put in his pocket and hopes that he could find Darcy alone. He went out of his room and goes to the kitchen and is grateful to find Darcy there, without a sight of Jane anywhere. Jane had decided to stay for the night in order to help with the research in order for Loki to rest, he just hopes that she didn't stay up the entire night conducting the research.
Other than that he needs to talk to Darcy right now and he is not sure if he is ready to talk about their previous argument. But he is ready to at least give her a means to protect herself and maybe as a memory of him in case things don't end well for him. So Loki slowly heads into the kitchen and he's not sure if he can do this or is ready to do this. But he has to because he doesn't think that he would ever forgive himself if Thanos... It would be like his mother's death all over again and even then it would be a hundred times worse because he could have stop it but didn't. That is not going to happen and Loki is going to make sure of it and if nessicarry he will talk to Jane about it. As Loki continues to head towards the counter, Darcy notices and happy to see her roomate out of bed and at least might possibly be on speaking terms. Neither of them knew what would be the best thing to say or who should start off the conversation. Until...
"So I'm guessing that you might had a rough night too? I couldn't sleep because I was too busy thinking about Thanos." said Darcy. "I wonder what today will bring and if it's going to be that good at all you know?"
"It has been a tough night for all of us, it's a good thing that this is almost over..." said Loki. "I have something for you and I know that we haven't gotten well in the past few days, but I don't think I will ever live with myself if I knew that Thanos hurt you."
"Uh Loki you don't have to get me anything?" said Darcy. "As long as it's not another replacement phone, I still have the other one as a backup in case something else happens to it."
"To ease your concerns, it's not another one of those petty pieces of human technology and to be honest I don't see how that will help you defend yourself." said Loki. "But what I am about to lend to you might and if anything happens then I want you to keep it as a memory and-"
"Wait nothing bad is going to happen, I am not going to start the morning off as if this is the end of the world or something." said Darcy. "I don't want to think of what could happen if that happens to you, it will definitely ruin my morning."
"Darcy, we can pretend that everything will be fine and the most that Thanos will do is just bring happinness and cheer all the world from sadness all we want. But we need to face reality and the truth is that we don't know what's going to happen..." said Loki. "I wouldn't be surprise that... But anyway here's one of my daggers and this one is really important to me because my mother gave it to me when I started my warrior training and to at least give you a means to defend yourself if Nebula comes after you or something."
"You remember that I still have my taser and I can just tase her into submission, well if her metal parts aren't tase proof or something. Why would Thanos let his own daughter be turned to a cyborg?"
"It wasn't her fault, Thanos has a twisted way of discipling his daughters and Nebula is the one that suffered the most and that is why she is really bitter towards everyone." said Loki. "She is also really dangerous if you get on her bad side, but she is a good person and can be one if she just try to break free from the grip that Thanos has on her. Why do you think that I try to reason with her?"
"I don't know, maybe to try to get her to join our side or tell us what Thanos might be planning." said Darcy. "But still I have to ask why would you want to give or lend me something that is so important to you?"
"I don't know maybe it's because I want to see you at least having something to defend yourself and plus I believe I can trust you with one of my possessions and that you will be able to put up a good fight against anyone of Thanos's goons." said Loki.
"Wait you trust me now?" asked Darcy nervously and hoping that this could be a good sign from her roommate.
"When it comes to dealing with and surviving life or death situations then yes I do." said Loki. "Just because we have one argument does not mean I don't care about you... I care about you a lot actually."
"I feel the same sentiment towards you too..." said Darcy. Before the two could have a moment or say anything else, they heard some footsteps and they both stopped what ever they are doing and try to act like if there is nothing going on between them. Jane came in to see both Loki and Darcy trying hard to look like if they are just too busy hanging out that anyone one can see that there is something more going on between the two. For argument sake it might be best if she doesn't say anything to the two and they might pull the denial off if Darcy wasn't helping Loki deny it.
"Morning, good news I think I might have figured something out on how to get these Stones crack." said Jane trying to start off the conversation. "It may be a crazy idea, but it might work if all else fails."
"What is it? Does your Midgaurdian science have any kind of information about the Infinity Stones or how to possibly defuse these gems in a possible safe way that could avoid any unwanted trouble or disasters from happening?" asked Loki.
"Well I can safely say that if this works then we'll be able to get all of the Infinity Stones out as safely as we can." said Jane. The first-"
Before Jane can even continue on with talking about her theory on how to possibly remove the Infinity Stones from their respective object, the tv suddenly turned on out of nowhere and the tv is starting to fizzle. The three of them are really surprise to see at the sight and don't even know how to make of the situation, Loki turned to both girls and was ready to ask if this could happen if the tv somehow suddenly breaks. Both girls could tell that Loki is about to ask and quickly shakes their head and is just as surprise to see this happen as he is. Soon the tv's fizzling is starting to stop and an image is about to appear, that image is starting to become more clearer by the minute and once the image is fully clear it caught all three of them by surprise.
"How is Thanos in your tv screen? Is he here already?" asked Loki nervously and slowly turning towards really worried. "What could he planing to do that involve on human televisions?"
"It's not just the tv, he's on every screen?" said Jane. As she pulls out her phone to show both of them how Thanos just appeared on every screen and Darcy quickly checked her phone and notice that Thanos managed to get on her screen. It looks like that Thanos completely out did himself when it comes to trying to get everyone's attention and whatever he has to say is going to be really important if Thanos invade on all of their screens.
"So this is Thanos..." said Darcy. "I don't know if this is cool or creepy..."
Before either of them could say a word, Thanos makes an evil grin that neither of them could tell if this is a good sign or a bad sign. But either way, at least they are going to find out what Thanos might have in store if he's making a really public announcement. Loki is not surprise in seeing Thanos wanting to brag about his potential win and how is he planning to take over the world. He just hopes that whatever Thanos may have plan won't be too tough or dangerous when it comes to winning in a fight because there's no way he would be able to win if he withhold his magic to try to keep his Mysto identity a secret. Loki just hopes that dumb luck would happen or if there's anyway that he could get Thanos alone, that way he could throw out all of his magic out and defeat Thanos in an ingenious scheme that will outdo any trick that he has ever done. But that's wishful thinking and even more so once Thanos begins to speak.
"Greetings people of Terra, My name is Thanos and I am about to pay a little visit to your pathetic planet." said Thanos. "This will not be a friendly visit and I am here to deliver a message for one of your inhabitants, you may think that you have the upper hand but in reality I will win the upcoming war. I will destroy everything that you ever cared about and going to make sure that this planet pays for you unless..."
Loki just stared nervously and not even knowing what he should say or do, he would give anything for this to be a bad dream and he doesn't have to face the wrath of Thanos. Things are getting worse if now he's threatening to hurt the people of this planet because of him and now Thanos is going to make sure of that. Well if he doesn't turn himself in and give up the Infinity Stones, Loki heard it so many times in the past few days that he might as well start keeping count. He nervously awaits for the response that Thanos is about to give him and what he might do next. Loki just hopes that Thanos is not planning to take someone's soul on live tv or worse kill them for no reason, he also hopes that once this is over, Thanos fully pays for everything that he has done and there will be some justice served...
"Unless you turn yourself in and give up the Infinity Stones, then I will leave this planet in peace and I will spare it and Asgard. I have no need of destroying lives unless you give me the stones and turn yourself in." said Thanos. "You don't want anything to happen to your friend now do you?"
Loki can't help but quench his fist and really wishes that he could punch the tv, he is feeling more anger and the desire to throw the tv is stronger than he wanted to when he was watching Tangled with Darcy. He better not hurt her or else he is going to make sure that Thanos pays for every single thing that he does starting with trying to hurt Darcy. There's no way that he would ever let Thanos hurt her and no matter what he'll make sure of that or it's the last thing he does. Just because he moved away from the path of evil, that doesn't mean he won't consider falling back to it if Thanos puts Darcy and everyone else in danger...
"I am arriving to this planet earlier then I have planned and I hope that I will see you making the right decision, Loki..." said Thanos. "As for the rest of you, if you have any information or helping our unlikely hero then I would share it once I make my arrival to Terra. If you all decide to give himself and the stones up yourselves, I would be more than grateful that I might spare your planet. Give me Loki and the Infinity Stones, I will spare your pathetic planet and leave in peace."
"There is no way we're going to let him take you away without a fight." said Darcy trying to be reassuring and add some possibility. "Sure Thanos is making his visit to Earth a little earlier than we thought, but we still have today and tomorrow to prepare ourselves and to get the Stones out of those things. We can-"
"I am going to be landing my ship tomorrow and I expect that Loki will be there to give himself up. If this planet does not meet my demands then I will have no choice but to start with destroying it first." said Thanos. "I hope that you all make the right decision and one that will be good for your planet, here is one thing you all should know if anyone dares try to fight me or in case you get any funny ideas Loki, I always win. There is nothing anyone can do to stop me and even if you try then you all are going to pay for it deeply, but still I hope they will all remember you Loki and the example that you are going to make to all of them."
Before anyone could say anything, the tv suddenly turned off leaving the three of them speechless. No one knew what to say or if they can say anything, Thanos is coming to Earth tomorrow and he's coming with the intent to take Loki and the Infinity Stones with him. This could be one of the most important missions that they might ever have to deal with yet and one of the most important fights that they may ever have to fight in their lives. Both Darcy and Jane knows that they are going to need to make sure that Loki doesn't go out without his Mysto costume for the next two days or an illusion disguising himself as someone else. But Loki's main concern is what Thanos might be planning to do Earth if he doesn't surrender and if they loose, it's a good thing that the Avengers will also be more than happy to help out with the fight and that alone doesn't guarantee a win. They are going to need to come up with a plan that can possibly work and for once Loki is happy that he's going to see the Avengers later today...
"Well that was definitley eventful and I know that Thanos is definitely is not the I come in peace, take me to your leader alien type of guy." said Darcy. "I'm guessing that at any moment we will be getting a lot of phone calls..."
"Not if we get to that fancy tower first and Jane I am going to need to ask you a favor." said Loki turning to her.
"What is it?" asked Jane nervously not even knowing if this is a good or a bad sign. But whatever it is she is willing to help in anyway she can.
"I am going to need to know if you have a place where you can hide objects and no one, not even my own brother..." said Loki not even knowing what the answer he is going to get from Jane. But he's still hopeful that he's going to get the answer that he wants...
"Yeah I have a safe for my scientific devices, I got it as a safety precaaution and the last time I have them open around the house, an secret spy organization that is some evil nazi group from the 1940s or something took them." said Jane. "Why do you ask?"
"I need to ask if it's possible if you take the stones, if Thanos is coming and Nebula already knows where we live and this will be the first place that he will look for if he tries to look through everywhere to find the Infinity Stones." said Loki. "That maybe..."
"You want me to take the stones home and put it in my safe to hide it from Thanos..." said Jane not even knowing what to say about this request and can see Loki's reasoning. Darcy is also surprise to see that Loki wanting to go this route because of the fact that Loki is not the type to trust anyone that easily or if not at all, but then again Thanos is coming and he needs to figure out what might be the best solution that will keep the Stones safe. Maybe this is a good sign to see that Loki is opening up and getting along with Jane, at least Thor doesn't have to worry about having any constantly bickering between the two.
"I know this is a lot to ask and the challenge of hiding it from my brother, but this might be the only way of keeping these stones safe and possibly have the upper hand in all of this." explained Loki. "Thanos doesn't know that you have been helping me and if Thanos has to accuse anyone in helping me then he would blame Thor, but no one would think to blame you. I am not trying to offend you Jane when I say this, you do not seem the type who would be doing hero work or anything else that could possibly make an impact on a universal scale."
"He kinda has a point..." said Darcy. "I mean you were kinda moping around after Thor left..."
"Hey! I had an Infinity Stone trapped inside me and my boyfriend happens to be from another planet, I even stayed at that planet and help save the world by using the powers of science." said Jane. "I have my experiences when it comes to dealing with magical worlds and supernatural threats to the universe. Plus we should also kinda add keeping my boyfriend's brother being alive a secret and helping him save the world to the list."
"I know that you now have a decent track record... But the problem is that you always have Thor by your side and occasionally myself now to save you whenever some danger comes up." pointed out Loki. "Thanos wouldn't even think twice on checking on you and Nebula didn't see you or knows that you even exist, we need to go with the choice that no one will expect. Now will you two excuse me, I need to get busy training and to at least get somewhat prepared for what is yet to come. Let me know when it's time to depart."
With that Loki left the room to try to practice some spells and maybe even use some of the ice powers that he have due his frost giant heritage. Maybe he could use some of these powers to stop Thanos, he can use them to make sure that Thanos is stopped once and for all. Loki knows that it wouldn't be as easy to fight him off with the Avengers in the same battlefield as he is and trying to deal with Thanos. Loki doesn't see any way on how he could try to do part of the plan that he is slowly coming up unless he uses an illusion to make Mysto look like if he is fighting the Chitatri or Nebula, then he will just use his magic to make sure that no one will see him and then he will be able to at least freeze Thanos long enough to have someone take the gauntlet or he could do it himself. It worked with Strange, it might work with Thanos and unfortunately he can't really send Thanos falling in another dimension this time. But he can use these powers and the art of manipulation to defeat Thanos and keep his identity a secret for the time being. All Loki can do now is train and hope that the Avengers will agree with his plan well the part of the plan that involves of Avengers and would buy him enough time to do the rest of his plan...
An Hour later
They received a call from the Avengers and they all knew that it's time to go and that things are definitely moving forward. Loki and Jane managed to figure out a plan on how to get the Infinity Stones in the apartment without Thor finding out. Fortunately this meeting with the Avengers is doing them a favor and Jane could just sneak them in while Thor is talking to the others and Mysto. They put the three Infinity Stones in a backpack and fortunatly for all of them, not only they were all able to fit inside but they didn't seem to have reacted to one another. Now Loki doesn't have to worry about any possible trouble that could be caused with all of the stones being contained in the same place by a normal human. He just hopes that Thor isn't home or walks in on her trying to hide three Infinity Stones in her safe, Loki really does not want to know what might be the explanation that Jane may come up with if that happens.
Other than that it is almost time to for things to end and for Thanos to make his first move on the inevitable fight, Loki almost wish that this is just a nightmare but he might as well accept this. He is going to face Thanos eventually and besides at least things will finally end and Loki can hardly wait until this is over and Thanos is defeated for good. The future looks completely endless if they win and he survives this, Loki doesn't even know what he is going to do once he is free to live his life and where he will be able to go without any worries or fear from Thanos, Asgard and hopefully Thor. He doesn't want to leave Earth, but he knows that he can't stay no matter how much deep down he wants to stay...
"Are you sure that you can handle the responsibility of keeping the Infinity Stones and making sure that they don't land in the wrong hands?" asked Loki nervously and hoping that he's making the right decision.
"For the tenth time, I think I can handle this and all I have to do is make sure the stones don't leave my apartment. It's not some crazy rocket science experiment." said Jane. "I can't see why you two are acting like I am a damsel in distress that you have to make sure that I can't handle keeping an eye out on a couple of magic stones. I mean I managed to survive the Aether and went two different alien planets without any experience."
"Thor and I still had to protect you from Malekith and his army." pointed out Loki. "But let me tell you what you had to deal with the Dark elves was nothing compared to this, this is a really delicate and dangerous situation. Just don't play around with the Infinity Stones or try to do anything without having myself in the same room and be sure to-"
"Wow Loki, talk about being a little overprotective about the stones and possibly Jane and even the rest of the planet." said Darcy trying to tease Loki. "If I didn't know better, I would say that you are becoming one of those determined heroes that are willing to do anything to stop the villain like-"
"Darcy I would appreciate it if you don't compare me to my brother, I have been compared to him long enough and I am tired of trying to be at the same level if not better in my father's eyes. I never needed my father's approval to be happy, I guess I only needed two months in a healthier environment away from them to finally see it." said Loki. "I am being protective because we're dealing with the most powerful objects in the universe and a maniac is landing on the planet. These stones are really dangerous and they can ruin one's life if you are not careful or if you use them too many times to count then it can ruin your life to the point that you can no longer tell the difference between reality and the lies that the stone tells you. Especially with that stone..."
"Ok then which one?" asked Jane nervously.
"You know I was going to say that you act like someone like Batman or Raven from Teen Titans or maybe someone who is once a villain and now turned into an awesome hero." said Darcy. "I mean comparing you to Thor is like comparing apples with oranges, I don't even know how your dad managed to do that and... I am definitely ruining the moment and not helping am I?"
"At least it's better than Thor's rambling and I think I can get used to not being constantly compared to him." said Loki. "Fortunately that stone is no longer in our care and it's finally in a place where it can finally be put in good use..."
"Are you talking about the stone that Vision has right?" asked Darcy. "But still we don't have to worry about Thanos getting it if Vision puts up a good fight, I bet he doesn't know a thing about Vision having the Infinity stone or that he even exists."
"That stone nearly destroyed me and one of the best things that could have happened is separating me from that stone. If one tries to use the stones then it will consume them, I am still surprised that Vision turned out the way that he did." said Loki. "Let's just hope that the Avengers are now thinking of some plan that could protect Vision from whatever plan Thanos may have planned, in case I am wrong..."
"Well we're not going to let that happen, at least Thanos can't steal Vision's soul." said Darcy. "At least your not going to be facing Thanos alone this time, but still let's just hope that he falls for the whole Mysto and secret identity thing too."
Loki knew from the mention of Mysto that it's time, he starts to use his magic to transform his normal Asgardian outfit to his Mysto costume. In a quick second, Loki is now wearing his Mysto costume and is ready to meet with the Avengers and later on face Thanos. This is the moment that he was waiting for and is the moment that things will change forever, it's time to face the future and the fight ahead. When Thanos is going to make sure that he pays for everything and the time that no one knows what might happen or who might win in this final fight. But this is the fight of his life and it's time to finally stop Thanos, if he doesn't then who will? What will Thanos do to Darcy or anyone else involved? Will he have them die once he uses the gauntlet as he anilates everyone else? Will Thanos hurts everyone and make them suffer in order to cause him more pain? What more would Thanos want? Why does Thanos believe that doing all of this will bring him any peace? He can say from personal exspirence that this life is anything but good. At least he is now going to stop Thanos before he hurts anyone else and do any more damage and that alone gives Loki some comfort in trying to deal with the whole Thanos situation.
Jane is just surprised to see Loki in the Mysto costume, she knows that Loki has been Mysto this entire time but she never tried to imagine Loki wearing the suit and always finds herself often forgetting that Loki and Mysto are the same person. At least she can finally see Loki in the Mysto costume and now sees that they are the same person. Though it's going to take a while to get used to calling Loki, Mysto while he's in costume and Loki when they are in the same room together. At least she's not going to worry about that for a while unless she ever finds herself in the same room as someone else and Loki conveniently is there and he's Mysto. Now she can finnally wrap her head around the idea of Mysto and Loki being the same person...
"It's time..." said Loki. "Let us get this little emergency meeting over with and save the universe before I lose my mind."
"I'll be sure to call you to tell you everything is going on and off course if Thor is there or not." said Darcy. "I mean someone has to keep you updated of what's going on right?"
"Well then good luck you guys, Let's just hope that this ends tomorrow and that this Thanos is not as tough as he is making out." said Jane. "Maybe he can easily be defeated in a snap of a finger and it will take you guys less than a minute to defeat him and take the gauntlet."
"I honestly wish it was that simple and that Thanos is that weak, but in reality guantlet or no gauntlet he will continue to be invincible and won't rest until he sets his plan to motion." said Loki. "We are going to need all of the luck in the world if we are going to win this."
With that the three went on their way to do their part in trying to stop Thanos for good, Loki and Darcy quickly make it on their way to Avengers tower and to the fight that they were both anticipating ever since they started on this journey together. They hope that they could win this fight and it's not as impossible as Loki at times make it sound and that maybe they might stand a chance. But Darcy knows that Loki has a plan and that plan could help them and knowing Loki his plans always manages to work out in the end or they are always well thought through that they might work. Loki just hopes that the plan might work and that the Avengers will go for it, he doesn't even know what he's going to do if things don't work out or if they might be able to win. But Loki knows that no matter what the odds may be, they are going to have to fight and will fight and stop Thanos from winning, Loki has to or else he will fail everything that he has worked for and Loki will have more to loose after his first encounter with Thanos...
A half hour later
Soon they both arrived to Avengers tower and things have been quiet between the two as they made it their way to the elevator and begins to go up to the floor that the Avengers may be on. Both Darcy and Loki wants to say something to each other or try to have at least one word towards each other, if this is the moment and they are about to go towards a journey where they don't know that they are going to make this out alive or even if they are going to see each other again. They both want to talk to each other and to say any words that are flying through their minds and to see if they could try to start their friendship again or at least leave things off in a better place where they don't have to regret anything in the past couple of days.
"So this is it, we are going to fight Thanos and save the universe." said Darcy. "Sure he has a soul stealing stone on his side and his giant magic glove, but at least we have the Avengers on our side and a robot with an Infinity Stone on his forehead. Plus we also have the advantage that-"
"He's coming to us and we are going to prepare in this short amount of time, though he should have just given us the extra day to at least give us the opportunity to better prepare ourselves regardless of whether or not he believes that we can win or not." said Loki. "I mean honestly, when I was a villain who wanted nothing more to prove I was a worthy son, working for Thanos to take over Earth as a plan to get revenge on my brother and other things that I am not proud of, I was at least true to my word. There's no point in saying that you are coming in a certain amount of time if you are going to be honest about, but then again Thanos is the king of evil what do we expect?"
"True, though I never thought that you would value honesty." said Darcy. "I mean your specialty is lies and manipulations right?"
"Yes, but there is a difference between lying to someone and being lied to." pointed out Loki. "I should know better than anyone that lies can hurt someone in the long run."
"Good point and plus that wasn't what I was going to say." said Darcy.
"You weren't going to point out the fact that I am best known for lying and manipulating others?" asked Loki annoyed. He is not in the mood to hear what could Darcy mean and how her words could potentially hurt him more than he would like to hear.
"No I was going to say that the advantage that we have is you, I mean you know Thanos better than anyone and can trick an entire universe into thinking that you are dead." said Darcy. "If you aren't the best chance we have then I don't know who is, aside from the Avengers of course. But still if you hate being lied to so much because it hurted you when the whole adoption discovery thing happened then why do you lie and continue to do so? Not that I am not saying that you shouldn't but I can't see why you would want to continue hurting Thor or anyone and maybe even yourself by making the same mistakes that your dad did."
Loki couldn't help but stay quiet, he has never thought of it that way or even considered that he has never thought of it that way or even considered that he could be hurting Thor. But is he really ready for this big step or would it be better if this is kept a secret? But he can't change the fact that he did this to himself and that is if he is ever really to face all of the rage, disappointment and maybe even resentment. Loki wouldn't blame him if Thor feels that way or if he sends him back to Asgard to face Odin's judgement. He doesn't think that it would go that far but at this point and the depression of grief that Loki put him in the last two months, Loki honestly don't blame Thor for going down that route because of the fact that he made him misserable for the last two months and dealing with their mother's death and now Hiemdell's. Loki is definitely has been the worst brother of the decade, there is no way that Thor would ever forgive him or accept him back. He needs to move on and the same goes for Loki too, that's the whole point in wanting to leave Earth in the first place is to move on and try to stop the feelings for Darcy from growing and to give her the chance to live a normal life and fix her relationship with Ian. He has already caused more than enough trouble for both of them, everyone in this planet or any world might be better off without him and he might be better off without having any sentimental attachments.
"Darcy, you know why I have to do it and if Thor ever finds out then everything will be falling apart and Thor might... he might..." begins Loki. "It shouldn't matter, once he finds out then I will be long gone and he would never have to see me again, I am going to keep my part of the bargain but I never agreed that I have to stay on this planet."
"So you're just going to leave and pretend that this has never even happend?" asked Darcy unsure if she should be feeling frustrated that Loki wants to do this or wanting to do everything in her power to make sure that she stops Loki from leaving or talk him out of it.
"I'm leaving because all of this has happened and everything has changed, it might be better for everyone that we never see each other again." said Loki. "Sometimes I think that it would be better if I never came to this planet then maybe it would have delayed Thanos a little longer and it would have been harder for Thanos to find the Infinity Stones."
Before Darcy could even say anything to argue against what Loki is now saying or at least implying, they arrived to the top floor and it's time to get into character and hope that they might be able to listen. The two of them heads toward the Avengers and knowing that this is the moment that Loki is going to reveal this big plan of his. Darcy just hopes that this plan will work or that the others will be willing to listen to them, this alone is big when it comes to how far Loki came when they all started this journey. If she told anyone that Loki is going to help save the world and the crazy adventure that they have been so far then no one would have ever believed her, she wishes that there is a way that everyone could see how amazing Loki can be and that he doesn't have to hide under a mask to do it. When they got close enough to the table, Darcy knows that this is definitely the planning stage before the ultikmate fight and that alone is exciting but also terrifying because unlike anything that could happen in a comic book. The main difference is that this is real and that Thanos is the ultimate threat that could... She shouldn't think that way because she knows that Loki and the others can beat Thanos in their sleep, they are the Avengers and they have Loki by their side nothing can go wrong right?
"Look who's back, the mysterious caped crusader, coming to the rescue." said Tony.
"You do realize that your making Mysto sound like Batman or something out of a comic book right?" pointed out Natasha annoyed.
"Let's not start a debate unless it's on a plan on how to defeat Thanos." said Steve. "At least we already agreed on having Thanos meet us in a clear land where there are no civilians in the area. But after that I don't know what else we can do to try to stop him or at least get that soul taking stone away from him."
"According to my father, he believes that the soul stone is one of the most dangerous out of the six Infinity Stones." said Thor. "I believe that it might be true, he managed to kill a friend right in front of the entire realm, the important thing is to try to make sure that Thanos doesn't try to put that stone anywhere near our chests. Once the stone is there then Thanos will be able to take our souls and..."
"Aside from the potential consequences, on my way here I was coming up with a plan on how to possibly defeat Thanos and it might not be a good plan and it may also be insane but-" begins Loki nervously before he is interjected by Natasha.
"Uh Mysto, I fought an evil alien army, found out that SHIELD is HYDRA this entire time in disguise, faced an army of robots and now about to fight off a purple giant looking for Thor's dead brother and these magic jewels." said Natasha. "I have already experienced more crazy things that could last a life time and we might need to do something crazy if we are going to stop this Thanos guy."
"For starters, I figured that the best way to defeat Thanos is by sneaking and to make him expect the unexpected." said Loki. "So that way we can grab the stones without Thanos realizing what's going on and by the time that he finds out what is going on, then we will have the Gauntlet and the stones."
"Ok how do you suggest that we will do that?" asked Bruce, not even sure where this plan might be going.
"All we need is a distraction, something or someone that might take down a beating and might be strong enough to give Thanos a fight that he will never forget." said Loki. "Maybe even a good beating like... the one that Loki exspirenced in that fight you had in New York."
"Wait, are you suggesting that we use the Hulk to try beat down Thanos as a distraction?" asked Bruce not even sure what to think of the plan so far.
"As a distraction and that will buy Wanda enough time to restrain Thanos in time while I grab the gauntlet." explained Loki. "If we are going to go for the element of surprise then it will be better for Thanos to not expect an ordinary human being in trying to take the gauntlet right under his nose."
"Ok what are you planning for the rest of us to do?" asked Thor. "I don't want to sit around, waiting in the tower and not doing anything, that monster has done more than enough damage to the universe and has hurted my home and my family long enough."
"You don't have to worry about waiting for any potential answers from any of us, here's what you and everyone will be doing." explained Loki. "You and the others will be dealing with the guards and any ally that could be helping Thanos in anyway."
"Wait what makes you think that Thanos will have an army with him?" asked Steve not even knowing if he wants the answer to that question to come or what the numbers are looking like right now.
"He's an alien being that is coming to invade the planet, do you honestly believe that he isn't going to arrive with some reinforcement to help him find these stones and Loki? Judging from the other foes that I have to face in the past, they always have to have some back up plan or reinforcements hiding in the shadows." pointed out Loki. "Do you all recall the battle that we had with that Beck character?"
"Oh right the Mysterio incident and how he managed to nearly take over the city..." said Tony with a groan. "Beck really thought of everything and if I see another one of those clones or illusions again, I am moving out of this city and live my life in a cabin in the woods and ask Pepper if she will join me, but I don't think she would be happy if we are going to be hiding from clones for the rest of our lives."
Thor couldn't help but looked confused at what the two heroes may be talking about and doesn't seem to have a clue about what they might be talking about. Loki quickly notices that and is ready to tell him some of the adventures that he had with the Avengers during the time he spent on Asgard, but he also have questions on what Thor meant by "family" and "long enough." Could Thor somehow have found out about his past history with Thanos and now knows what Thanos did to him and the true story that happend? That's impossible and even then he would never believe a word Thanos say, if he did then Thor would hunting him down and trying to do everything in his power to hunt Loki down and to try to see where he might be. Loki knows that deep down that he may never know the answers or anyone else aside from Darcy, Jane, Gamora and Nebula will ever know what happened back on Thanos's ship, but that doesn't mean he can't say a thing to clarify and it feels nice to at least say something that he can be proud of and to have something to brag to Thor about one of the good things that he has done as a hero so far. Though it would have to be really discreet if he wants to get away with it. But...
"Apparently there's some crazy guy that dressed up with a fish bowl helmet and a cape that used to work for Mr. Stark over there drove everyone crazy when he created an army of evil clones of himself after you left, the Avengers and Mysto." explained Darcy. "Fortunately, they all managed to defeat him even after some confusion and hundreds of clones, Mysto managed to find a way to defeat them all. That guy was really mentally unstable..."
"You do recall that I had some help from all of you right?" said Loki. "All I did was to figure out how to identify the clones and to figure out who is responsible for the whole incident in the first place. It was nothing compared to the whole Doctor Doom incident prior to your departure and how he nearly took down and break up the whole team in the process."
"Yeah that Doom guy did bring an army with him and you guys totally defeated him." said Darcy. "But I think we can all see your point when you say that Thanos is more than likely to bring an army with him."
"Ok, you want to use Hulk as a distraction, Wanda as a restraint and for the rest of us to focus on some army of evil aliens while you are somehow going to grab the gauntlet away from Thanos?" asked Steve surprised to see that Mysto created a plan that quickly with the lack of information that he now has towards the current situation.
"That is what my plan is so far, but we also need to figure out what might be the best option on what to do with Vision." said Loki. "Thanos will most likely go after Vision because of the mere fact that he has an Infinity Stone planted right on his forehead."
"Are you saying that Thanos might try to kill Vision just because..." begins Wanda nervously as Pietro quickly just grab her shoulder before she can try to do anything that might bring an arguement for the safety of Vision.
"Knowing how it is typical for villains to target the mere person that has the object that they are trying to obtain, Thanos won't hesitate to try to hunt down Vision once he realizes that he has the Infinity Stone." points out Loki. "If we want to win then we are going to have to figure out how to deal with this problem before Thanos makes it worse for all of us and try to use us being underprepared as advantage."
"I don't see any other way on how we could try to stop the inevitable except if we remove the stone from me and maybe even have it destroyed before Thanos can obtain it." suggested Vision. "Even then it might lead to even greater pain..."
"Are you suggesting that we remove the stone from your forehead in order to stop Thanos from obtaining it?" said Bruce. "I don't think that we can do that without accidentally killing you."
"Well if it deems necessary for the defeat Thanos then we might not have any alternative." said Vision. "If he is as dangerous as Thor is claiming then it won't do us any favors if I still have the stone and it's still functional. We can get Wanda to use her powers to destroy them, she's powerful enough to use her powers to try to see if they are capable of destroying Infinity Stones, we witnessed her potential and she might be able to destroy the Infinity Stones if we obtain them and the stone on me."
"We are not going to trade lives to make things easier for us to stop Thanos, if we are going to stop Thanos then we're going to make sure that we do it in a way where we are not going to be bargaining for a chance to win." said Steve. "If we are going to get the stone out then maybe it would be better if we try to explore those theories before we just do something that we might not even know if it could work."
"Even if we do sit down and try to figure out how to safely remove the stone without potentially killing Vision and unless we go somewhere with advance technology or find someone that could possibly have an understanding to the stones and know more than enough about complex technology to figure out a way to possibly get the stone out." said Bruce. "That could take years alone if we try to study the possibilities of the stone and the overall structure, there's not enough time to try to find a possible way that can remove the stone from Vision."
"Even then I would never agree to hurt you and we will find a way to defeat Thanos and we will do it in a way where no one is going to die because they have one of these stones as a part of their body." said Wanda. "Maybe it might better if we try out Mysto's plan and try to end this before he tries to hurt anyone else or go after Vision."
"Well it's the only plan that we have so far, I don't even see what other alternative we can do except Mysto's plan." said Natasha. "It's a long shot but it could work if we have plenty of luck on our side."
"I think that we should go with Mysto's plan and to see where it goes from here, we don't have more time to waste and we need to act now before tomorrow comes and Thanos makes sure that Earth pays for something that no one is responsible for." said Thor. "What makes him think that Loki is alive in the first place? What possible reason does Thanos believes that Loki has some kind connection to the stones or even went on a insane search to go after them? Loki would never go on a suicide mission like that, he knows how dangerous the Infinity Stones are if one puts them together and there is no way that Loki would be looking for power that he can't control."
Both Loki and Darcy exchange an look at each other and knowing that Thor is in for a big surprise once he eventually finds out that Thanos is telling the truth and they went across the universe to try to find the stones. Loki knows that the idea of Wanda possibly having the power of destroying an Infinity stone sounds like an intriguing idea and Loki knows that this could be a good way of possibly getting rid of the Infinity Stones for good. Part of him wishes that he knows how to possibly get rid of the stone out of Vision and that he could just cast a spell that could remove the stone from him. But it is not as simple as it sounds and Banner has a point that in order to have an reasonable understanding to try to remove the stone from Vision safely and even if he successfully managed to not to kill Vision after removing the stone there is no guarantee that the stone won't do some dangerous repercussion that will end up doing more harm than good. Loki doesn't know how to do it or even wants to risk trying, but he just hopes that Vision's theory of Wanda being able to destroy the Infinity Stones. It's not only might be beneficial for the future of the universe but it will be easier for both of them to just get the stones destroyed rather than scattering them around the universe. At least if they get the stones destroyed then they could avoid any future maniac going after these stones in the future and might make everyone's lives easier if they don't have to worry about these stones anymore.
But still it's surprising to see how the Avengers are open to his ideas and listening to what he has to say, maybe this will work out after all and that maybe they can win this. It does feel good having his voice heard for once and for being seen as a respected individual than a villain that has done unforgivable things or a trickster that can't be trusted or the inferior son of Odin and a frost giant runt. Even though they are only seeing him as Mysto, but at least that there's three in the room that sees him as just Loki and is ready to listen to what he has to say and at least there is also the fact that Loki's plan is not yet complete because there is still one more factor of the plan that is still an important part of the plan and he just hopes that Darcy would go for it. Though he is not going to force Darcy into doing anything if she doesn't want to but he is going to need her in order for this plan to work. Well only time can tell and all Loki has to do is hope that Darcy would go for it...
"It looks like we are all going for the plan that we all know that we can at least agree on." said Tony. "Are we really going for the first plan that comes to our mind? What are we going to do about Vision if Thanos is after him?"
"I guess we're going to have to bring him along, it's not safe for Vision to stay alone in the tower and to just hope that Thanos won't send one of his army to try to get Vision or take the stone." said Steve. "Everyone get ready, tomorrow we are going to be having the fight of our lives and we'll be leaving at dawn to set the field ready and to try to get Thanos's attention to us."
With that everyone gives a nod and before anyone ca even desmises them, the rest of the team begins to train harder and prepare themselves for the fight of their lives tomorrow. Loki on the other hand makes a quick gesture to Darcy to try to grab her attention and once Darcy sees that Loki is trying to do so then she knows that Loki wants to speak to her. Though it's a first in a while and whatever it must be, it has to be important and something to do with the fight that is going to happen tomorrow, could she be a part of Loki's plan? She doubts that but would be more than happy to help him in any way she can, but the question she has is what does Loki want her to do in this big plan of his and maybe she can help in someway that can make a valuable contribution to the plan and maybe in defeating Thanos. She just hopes that whatever her role might be it can be something that might help. Though part of her also think it's kinda cool to see Loki trying to grab her attention in his Mysto costume and before she gets too distracted by Loki, maybe she should see what he wants. She's hoping that this could be the first step for the two of them being friends again and she won't have to worry about Loki leaving or any other outcome that results in never seeing him again...
"I can't believe that we're here and this is the moment that we have been waiting for ever since we started this." said Darcy right after everyone leaves the room. "I mean the possibilities where this can go is endless and-"
"Darcy, I am going to need your help if I want this to work." said Loki determinedly.
"Wait are you asking me for my help?" asked Darcy surprised. "You are always the 'I work alone' or 'humans are inferior to Asgardians' and now your asking me for my help? This is really exciting and surprising at the same time, what do you want me to do?"
"I need you to come with me and keep a lookout when I do the final stages of my plan, I can't afford to have anyone see the next part because I am going to be using abilities that I used only twice." said Loki. "I understand if you do not want to take part of it and I will not make do anything that you-"
"So you want to me to go as your look out and to be out in the battlefield too?" said Darcy excitedly. "Does this mean that I am actually going to help fight Thanos or your going to use those powers that you are so ashamed of that you never use them and I am part of your secret plan and we're going all super spy in order to do that? What do you have in mind?"
"All I need you to do is try to keep an eye out for not only someone running in and seeing me trying to freeze Thanos but to also try to take the gauntlet while I am doing it." said Loki. "I do not believe that Thanos is going to just give up without trying to break free from the ice and this is not like how it was with Strange and-"
"Wait, who?" said Darcy almost immediately. Loki almost wants to chastise himself for mentioning that second rate sorcerer because now he has to explain who he is to Darcy and how he accidentally send him to an unknown dimension or does he?
"He was the one that was holding the last Infinity stone and tried to fight me because he believed I was a danger to Earth." explains Loki. "But none of that matters anymore and if we want this plan to work then we are going to need to withhold Thanos before he does anything else and loosing is not an option. I know that-"
"Of course I'll help you out Loki, you don't even need to do one of those big hero speeches that I don't think I would get used to seeing you making inspiring speeches or something." said Darcy. "But still we are definitely going to win tomorrow and I'm sure that you are going to be awesome for that part of the plan and how are planning to convince the others that you might need me to come along for the ride?"
"They will never agree with me if I suggest to have you come along, but that doesn't mean I can't sneak you into the ship myself." said Loki. "But before we do anything, we have some orders of business to deal with and one of them is training you how to fight in case of anything or at least some basic fighting skills in case of Nebula or any one else trying to capture you."
"That's why you are letting me borrow the dagger, in case I want to help and to at least stand a chance in a fight if I wanted to help..." said Darcy. "So you really do trust me now huh?"
"We have been living together for two months and you have never exposed my identity, that is more than enough proof that I can trust you." said Loki. "But I need you too promise me a few things before we proceed with this."
"Yeah I guess, but it really depends on what you are trying to get me to promise." said Darcy. "I don't want to do anything that might be so crazy that it will never work or if it's-"
"I need you to promise me that you'll do exactly what I say because Thanos must already know that we are close and might use you as an advantage. I don't want to regret putting you on the battlefield with barely any fighting experience except some pointers." said Loki. "In fact I am already regretting even asking you to do this and the last thing-"
"Loki when are you going to get this through your head that we are in this together?" asked Darcy annoyed. "What could possibly be the other thing that you want me to promise that is making you really this... so unlike you? I mean I have never seen you worried about anything or anyone... What are you so afraid of?"
"I am not afraid of anything, I just need to know that you will be safe and won't get hurt because of me." said Loki defensively and later turn calm. "I also need you to promise me that if Thanos gets a hold of me and at least not to loose any of the Infinity stones and we are successful of retrieving the other two and gauntlet... Continue on and finish what we started and try to see if you can get the stones destroyed and not to go after me no matter what." That caught Darcy by surprise and there's no way she would ever promise something like that...
"Loki you can't seriously mean that-" begins Darcy.
"Yes I do, look Thanos is going to do everything in his power to get a hold of me and to get a hold of the other stones. Once he manages to do so then it will only bring destruction and the end of all life in a snap." said Loki. "But if my plan is successful and if I fail to avoid getting captured then all that matters to get rid of the stones as fast as you can to make sure that they are destroyed so Thanos can never get a hold of them."
"But that doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice yourself to save the universe and please tell me if that happens that you are planning to escape." said Darcy. "There has to be a better way and plus you do realize if I don't figure out a creative way to go after you then the Avengers will find a way to do it themselves."
"I am aware of that, but that doesn't mean that you have to drop everything and forget about the overall mission. I know that I can probably find a way to escape and maybe someday return." said Loki. "But I can't say the same about stopping Thanos if he gets a hold of the stones, you need to promise me that you have to let me go if anything happens, will you promise me that?"
Darcy doesn't even know what to say because sure she can refuse to promise Loki the other part of the promise and maybe she can somehow try to talk him out of it. But that doesn't mean that Loki is going to drop the idea and the worst case scenerio might happen, she doesn't even know how to get out of this idea out of Loki's head or if she can even try to comfort him. Sure Thanos getting a hold of Loki is possible and that things can go downhill from there if that does happen, but that doesn't mean that it will happen and Darcy has to fight to make sure that it doesn't happen. She has to and maybe she can come up with a plan of her own and make sure that neither Loki or the Infinity Stones get taken by Thanos. She is now coming up with a plan in case that happens or at least to stop that from happening, Darcy just hates that she might have to make a promise that she might not be able to keep...
"Alright I promise, but this plan better work..." said Darcy. "I don't think I want to know what to do if it doesn't..."
"It will work, I am going to make sure of it, Thanos is never going to expect what's coming to him and I am going to make sure that this ends now." said Loki. "Come on, we have work to do if we want everything to go well tomorrow."
With that the two begin to head to find a training room where no one is in it, maybe if it just has the Maxioff twins then they might be able to share it. But that's the least of their worries because right now they are about to face the biggest fight in their lives. There is no telling what might happen in the following day or if they might live to tell the tale, but they will have to try or else the universe is doomed. Loki knows that this plan has to work and he is going to make sure that this plan works out and make sure that Thanos is defeated for good...
Well here it is the chapter 37, I can't believe the next chapter will be the first confrontation against Thanos and that we made it this far. The final battle is here and we're finally going to see it and let's just say that it is definitely going to blow off everyone's expectations. This is the moment that I have been building towards since the beginning and I am just as excited as all of you to see how this will turn out. Along to see how things turn out with Loki because he is dealing with so many thing problems at the moment that Thanos will definitely not make his life any easier and this fight against Thanos will be the biggest fight that Loki will ever have to face and will be the ultimate test that he will have to face to defeat Thanos and to truely be the hero and person that he is meant to be.
No this is not the end of Redemption because the upcoming battle is more of a part 1 of the battle and think of this as part 1 of the final battle. I still have some plans for the future of Redemption and when we reach to the second part, then the end will be near...
As for the next chapter, I think the earliest the next chapter will be out is two weeks and there might be delays because of online classes. But I am going to get the next chapter out as soon as I can. But at least it might be easier to upload with the current situation and I will have more wiggle room to do as many updates as I can without a delay. I am also going to aim not to make a delay like the last time. I am going to stay committed to this story and won't stop until I finally finish it.
As for the Spiderman or rather Mysterio reference, I did it as a cameo and to fill up the gaps between the month that Loki has been helping the Avengers and after Thor went back to Asgard. Though it would be an interesting time to explore, but I am not planing anything at the moment, if I ever do continue Redemption after this story, it might either be that like a midquel or a direct sequel to the story. I will let you guys know if and when I can confirm if that happens. Do you guys even want a sequel to Redemption or would rather see it as a stand alone? I am still on the deciding phase and at this point it really depends because a sequel has to be as good or better the original. I don't want it to get to a point that it will ruin the first fanfic and we find ourselves with something that no one is happy with. But still we'll cross that bridge when we get there because we still have the rest of this story to go before we're talking about any potential sequels or midquels.
But back to Spiderman, I don't have any plans on including him at this time, but I am open to the idea as long as I find a way to put him in somehow and if I do put him in it would be a longer stay compared to Doctor Strange. Do you guys want me to put Spidey in? I have to warn you it's going to be a pack cast of charecters, but I am open to it as long as it fits in the story some way.
But the last thing that 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. 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's plan work? How will Darcy deal with the promise that she made to Loki and will she find a way to keep Thanos from getting his hands on the Infinity stones and Loki? Could this be a sign of their friendship being repaired? What is this strong connection that they are feeling that might be stronger than friendship? Will they succeed in keeping the stones that they already have and get the other stones and the gauntlet? How will they protect Vision from Thanos? Will Vision be ok from this new ordeal? Will Nebula get the freedom that she is yearning for? Will she escape from the cage that Thanos has put on her? What is this mysterious thing that Thanos picked up? What role with the mysterious package be? Is it a person? Will Loki win this fight and be ok in the end?
I guess all of our questions will be answered in the next chapter and the future ones as well. See you in the next update. :)