Loki: Redemption

by Raven862

Before Loki faked his death, he begins having second thoughts of his past actions and latest plan throughout the experience. Once he got stabbed by Kurse and sees that Thor really does care. He realizes that he has gone too far and flees to earth to start a new life. Will Loki begin his new life and become the greatest hero of all time or will he fall back to being a villain?

59. Chapter 51

There is a somber environment as Darcy, Jane, Gamora and Bruce heads their way to the main control room. The feeling of failure is clouding the hallway as they face the new reality right In front of them. One where Loki is now gone and they have defeated Thanos, there is a silence that is dominating the anthnosphere and no one knows what to say or if they can find the words to say it. Since losing Loki is different from losing Vision and Pietro, simply because they could have done more to save him but they didn't and it resulted in this lost, one that they all failed in trying to do so. The emotions in the hallway are depressing and it's a wonder how anyone can find the words to start a conversation.

Both Gamora and Jane are now feeling as though as they have lost a friend. For Gamora, she lost the closest thing that she would ever know to a brother and know that deep down she will grateful for his role in her escape. If it wasn't for the past mission she embarked on prior to meeting Loki and the friendship they built, then she doesn't know what would have happened to her. While Jane thinks back the brief moment that they had together and how much they have gotten to know each other. That they might have already been friends if given more time or maybe they already are, simply because he came to her for help after everyone was captured, he must have trusted her enough or at least saw her in a better light.

But she still wishes that maybe they could have gotten more time and can't even imagine what Thor might be feeling and wish that she could do something. She wishes that she can find a way to comfort Thor and to be there for him. But she knows that her words are not going to be enough because of the fact that he has to go through all of it again and this time there's no hope in getting Loki back or a way without causing any more trouble, she wishes that she can do anything. While Bruce is feeling like he failed Thor in saving Loki or at least helping him, that in a way he failed both of them and he doesn't even know but he is even starting to think that Loki is alright and what Thor is talking about what he might have been like before Thanos and finding out that he's adopted.

Though all three of them knows that nothing they are feeling is compared to what Darcy might be going through. After they left, Darcy has been going through deep thoughts, at first she was hoping that this was either a dream or Loki faked his death again and then it comes with feelings of loss that comes with losing someone. Remembering the good times they had together and how they went on many adventures and the entire journey they went on. How they still have some words left unspoken and that they can still go on many more adventures. Stuff that they could have done and every moment they could have spread. She didn't tell Loki how much he meant to her or any word that might have at least give her the opportunity to say goodbye or at least. Wishing that she would have found some way to bring him back or to at least take back any moments of when they were not the best of friends and just fix the moments, to at least try to be a better friend and wishes that she could have somehow done more to save him.

She thinks back at all of the times that they had together and how much the two of them has grown and everything they have been through to try to get a hold of the Infinity Stones and just hanging out. The days before Thanos came and everything changed, she doesn't even know what might be next and how she can move forward from this, sure she would have to and yet she can't imagine how. With everything left to do and all of the words that are still left unspoken, that the friend she gotten to know and loved is now gone forever, sacrificed himself to stop Thanos and save the world.

She knows that it's going to take a while for her to get past this and how it's going to be like living in the apartment without Loki and really feeling some regret that she pushed him towards this ending and at the same time, happy that he was able to make things right and he at least had freedom and happiness these past two months, though it doesn't make things any easier and she just doesn't know how she is going to get through this or what is going to be her next move. She wonders if this is how Thor felt and might be feeling, she doesn't know how anyone can go through this and stay sane, she doesn't want to feel this way or know how anyone can go through this, let alone be ready to move on after this blow or move on from Loki.

They soon arrived to the main control room, before they can enter and deliver the news and to get the hardest part over and done with. Darcy just starts to speed up, not even wanting to waste another second and just want to get this over with. Then she will just find someplace to process all of this and to be alone, Jane notices Darcy's change in pace and attitude, knowing that she must be really saddened by what happened and wants to to be there for her. To allow her to open up to her and help her get through this, she understands how she might be feeling right now and how everything has gotten to this point and how much Loki meant to her. To show her that she is not alone and she wants to help in anyway she can and help.

"Uh Darcy, can I talk to you for a minute?" asked Jane nervously and hoping that she can comfort Darcy.

"Yeah... Sure, though we really don't have much to talk about and... it might be something worth talking about but, it's uh... something I don't know if we should even talk about or at least right now..."

"Um... You guys go on ahead, we'll catch up." Said Jane to both Bruce and Gamora, the two of them exchange a look and they start to slowly head their way to the main control room.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Asked Darcy trying to keep her emotions in. "I mean... there is nothing to talk about... I mean we finally stopped Thanos and saved the world. What could be wrong about that?"

"Well, you did just lose Loki who happens to be your friend, one of your closest friends and maybe even one of your best friends." Pointed out Jane. "I know that you are upset that Loki has-"

"Just don't say that word, please..." said Darcy. "This is already hard enough for me as it is."

"I'm just trying to say that if you ever need someone to talk to then I'm right here." said Jane. "When you feel like it and-"

"I can't talk about it, then... it would be real and he would be nothing more than a memory. He would be gone..." said Darcy as she tries to withhold her own emotions and trying hard to stay strong but failing. "I can't believe he's gone..."

"I know, he was always a fighter and wouldn't have-" started Jane, before...

"I don't want to talk about it or ready to even talk about it." Interjected Darcy. "I don't think I will ever be ready..."

"Well when you are, I'll be here if you ever want to talk." Said Jane placing a hand on Darcy's shoulders. "I just don't want you to feel like that you have to face this alone, that you have someone to talk too. I don't think that Loki would have wanted you to keep it all in and for you to be fine and move on with your life, even if it does feel like that things are the end of the world at the moment."

"Yeah..." said Darcy who is trying to withhold everything she is now feeling and trying to stay strong. "Let's just go in and get this over with..."

Darcy didn't even waste another second in waiting or to see if Jane has another word to say, she just wants to go in and to get the entire nightmare over with. She quickly catches up to both Gamora and Bruce and just stays uncharacteristically quiet, as she tries to get past the moment and face the reality that Loki is now... There is no way she is going to think or even bother to say that word or even want to think of her friend in that way. She'll just remember all of the good times that they have and maybe try to think of only them, so that way it won't be any harder and she can try to move past it. Though she doesn't know how she is going to make it through it or at least be able to get to admit the idea that she won't have Loki around to make her home feel less empty and now her life feels like an empty void that might never be filled.

Jane gives a sigh as slowly and quietly follows them all behind and the only thing on her mind is trying to figure out how to be there for both her friend and boyfriend. But she is also feeling a sense of lost as well and doesn't know how to get over that feeling of loss and the fact that now Loki is no longer going to be there Thor and Darcy and she has lost all chances of making a connection with Loki and the chance for a real friendship to form. That the one who she has spent days studying the Infinity Stones and actually enjoyed their time together is now gone. That Loki will never get to experience his possible freedom and live in a world without Thanos. She has be there for them and hopes that it would be enough, she wishes that there is something she can do to help.

Soon the four of them arrived at the main room, once they all go inside then it is the start of the dreaded moments that the four of them are anticipating and one that they know that will be the first step that will make things feel more official and that it will be the start of letting go. Their arrival already catches the others by surprise and Darcy just quickly turns her head, to avoid facing anyone and really wishes that the ship could take off and they have the ability to light speed back to Earth like in a Star Wars movie. Then she can be alone or follow Wanda's example and lock herself somewhere so she can be alone. While Jane, Gamora and Bruce doesn't even know who should break the silence and tell everyone the news. Everyone in the control room can tell that things might have gone wrong or the news might not be any good. That maybe Thor failed and that he was too late. Even Groot stopped his attempts on trying to get through the doors to see what's going on, he looks at them with a sad look as he slowly makes his way to Gamora.

She quickly glances at Groot and crouched down to pick him up. Carrying right over to Rocket and not even knowing how they are deal with Groot's innocent attitude and the fact that they all still have to break the news. Though she doesn't know how is going to deal with Nebula and her guilt, being the level headed one that will get everyone through this and make sure that she get past this and help start to fix everything that Thanos has done, to help the world start healing from the damage he has caused and even if it is irreparable. As she remembers the fact that they all failed in saving Loki from Thanos.

"So I am guessing that those two are having one of those heartwarming brotherly moments where we would either be awing at it, happy that it's finally happening or be annoyed by it being sappy?" asked Rocket hoping that he is right and that there isn't any more bad news and that they are going to get some good news and he's wrong when it comes to what is about to happen.

"Well... We tried to give him, his soul..." starts Jane trying to find the words to say the news, thinking that she might be the best person to say it, but is having trouble finding the words to say it. "But... Loki... he... died a couple minutes ago."

The room turns silent as they all reels in the sudden development that just happened. The news that no one expected to happen or even thought that it would have happened. They all thought that Thor would have succeeded in getting Loki back and yet he was still too late. That Thanos might have succeeded in doing one of his goals and actually did the very thing that none of them thought that he wouldn't be close on succeeding. The idea that Loki is now dead is something that none of them expected, especially with all of the tricks that trickster is able to pull off.

Nebula turns to look away from the group, feeling a sense of guilt of her part in Loki's death. That she managed to become the very thing she hates and that alone makes her feel the level of disgust as she faces the reality that she helped Thanos create. The one that she helped created and yet failed in completely stopping Thanos's plans and he succeeded in one of his goals.

The Guardians are saddened by the news that their newfound friend is gone and they just started to get to know him. Well, Star Lord and Drax are saddened that Thanos has done that to someone that they consider a friend and yet they all failed in saving him. Rocket just looks at them sadly, already feeling the sense that they have lost a friend and that Thanos gave them all a fight that they won and yet lost at the same time. While the remaining three Avengers are feeling a sense of awkwardness and unsure what to think, but ultimately become somewhat respect for Loki and everything he did to help while he was Mysto and doing everything to stop Thanos and going out of the way to try to get the Infinity Stones with Darcy by his side. After everything they have been through and getting to know Loki outside of the incident when he first came to Earth. That he is more than just a villain and if they have anyone to blame for the past and all of this then it was Thanos. No one knew what to say or can even imagine what Thor might be feeling as he has to go through it again, from one look at Darcy, it is obvious that she is trying hard to withhold the overwhelming emotions that she is feeling and losing him.

The silence of the room is overtaking them and how it continues to grow over the course of the next few seconds. How they are going to get through the next part? Especially with not only having to think of any explanation to tell everyone what happened and Mysto's disappearance. There is also the fact that Thor will be going through and wondering if they can help or if it would be any help. Darcy just wishes that this moment would end and wonders if it would ever end, she doesn't know how much more of this she can take. She tries to keep a straight face and tries to stay strong for everyone and for herself, even if she just wants to break down and try to think of all the good times they had. Wanting nothing more for all of this to be a bad dream.

"So he's really dead?" asked Nebula in disbelief as remembering all of the signs that proved that Loki would survive.

"Yes, he is..." said Gamora as she faces her sister, disappointed by the events of the day's events.

"I am Groot." said Groot who doesn't know what to make of the day's events.

"So, it wasn't enough?" said Tony as he remembers how much Thor had to fight for Loki and yet this is a blow none of them thought would happen.

"It wasn't, I tried everything I could think of and it didn't work." said Bruce. "I don't even know if there was anything more that I could have done, he didn't even make it past an hour awake and from the look of things it didn't look at all good."

"How is Thor taking all of this?" asked Natasha remembering what it was like to be separated from Yelena and can relate to it even if there is a difference in this situation.

"I don't think he's taking it well at all, he asked to be alone and I don't think that he's alright." said Jane as she looks back at the door. "I really wish I can be there, but he really wants to be alone with him and I don't even know how I can help."

"Ok, here's the real question, why are we acting like he's dead? Yeah I know he is, but we have the Infinity Stones right? Why don't we just use them to bring him back?" said Quill.

"Thor tried to give Loki his soul back and it didn't work." said Gamora. "Haven't you been paying any attention to what I was saying earlier? We can't use the Stones to reconstruct a soul?"

"Yeah, I know but maybe with the Time Stone or using all of them we might be able to fix everything with that amount of power." said Quill.

"If the wish didn't work, I doubt that anything would and if we use Time travel then we don't know what sort of trouble we might bring with us." said Gamora. "The stones are really powerful and at the same time really unpredictable, if one is not careful then it would lead to consequences that we have no way of knowing , let alone have the ability to fix them."

"Though I wish we could..." said Darcy catching everyone by surprise. "I really thought the wish would have worked that maybe the brotherly bond between them would have been strong enough to make the wish work."

"It is a strong bond, but as I said once the soul is gone then there is no going back." said Gamora. "It would take a miracle for anyone to survive it and one that is so rare that it might not be likely to happen."

"But it should happen, I mean after everything Loki and I have been through, things shouldn't end this way or at least Loki can't go out like this." said Darcy who is not even stopping herself when it comes to blurting out her feelings. "He had to go through a roller coaster ride of everything after he found out he's adopted, then everything that went down with Thanos, the first time and the Dark World and now everything that has happened. Loki deserves to get the same happiness and freedom as the rest of us, Thanos just took that away from him and took him away... from us."

"Darcy-" starts Jane as she is about to reach out to her.

"Ok I'm sorry I bursted out, but someone had to point out how unfair all of this is and that Loki should have a chance to enjoy his life and celebrate that we finally won." said Darcy who is not even bothering to hide her feelings and trying hard to stop herself from breaking down. "I just wish that there is something I could do, that I can..."

"Yeah, I know how that feels and how you want to do more and yet it wasn't enough." said Steve. "That you are still desperate to do more and nothing will change no matter what you do, that you have to live with it as you see the memories pass by."

"You're talking about your old life before getting out of the ice right?" asked Darcy getting the idea, but it doesn't help her feel any better about this.

"It wasn't easy as it sound and it took a while for me to find my place in this time." said Steve. "Along with trying to let go of some people and at the same time, it's almost impossible to do so."

"I guess, but at least Thanos didn't come in and did something to take them away from you." said Darcy.

"That's what Thanos does, destroy everything that he hates and hurting everyone to meet his goals." said Nebula adding her input. "He doesn't care what would be the consequences or how it would effect others as long as he gets what he wants."

"Well he was a jerk... An evil jerk..." said Darcy as she tries hard to withhold her emotions.

"Did he or you have anyone else who knew that he was Mysto? Any friends?" asked Steve trying to get a clear idea and wanting to help.

"No, it was just us... Only us." said Darcy as she stares down to the ground and finally let some of the tears fall.

The room turned silent as they all faces the truth, that the very fact Loki is now dead and they will have to find some way to move forward. Nebula is feeling the guilt that she has been feeling ever since the events of the fight and when Thanos took Loki's soul. Remembering some of the details is hard to think about and almost hoping... She stops herself as she realizes that she remembers what happened and that she still does. Nebula thinks back on the conversation and sees that she is not in any pain and from all of the signs, she starts to see the truth. One that she is feeling that it has to be true and it's not wishful thinking or the concussion giving her confusion. She gives a small smile as she turns to face the others and gives them all the realization.

"Loki is not dead." Said Nebula.

"What?" Said Rocket who is taken off guard by this.

"I am Groot?" Said Groot hoping that it might be the case.

"Hate to break it to you Nebula, but I was in there just now and he had no vitals and we saw him die. It's ok to feel that way, especially with your history together." Said Bruce trying to be a comfort and not even sure if it was her confusing way of dealing with grief.

"No, it's not that, it's because I still remember." Said Nebula.

"Wait, you think that Loki's alive because of the improvement of your memory?" Said Natasha in disbelief.

"Yes, Loki told me when he was doing the memory spell to help me remember that as long as he is still standing then the spell will continue to last." Said Nebula. "He also created an illusion to help me ignore the pain, if I don't feel any pain and can still remember, then he must be alive. Maybe even awake right now."

"I wish you were right." Said Darcy as she stares down to the ground.

"Nebs, as much as we all would want this story to have a happy ending, but isn't that all scientifically and magically impossible?" Said Tony. "Remember everything that Gamora just said about the Soul Stone?"

"He has a point and Gamora as well." Said Drax.

"Yeah, maybe his magic needs some time to fade away or something." Said Rocket.

"Nebula, I know you feel bad about what happend to Loki. But we can't rely on false hope or lie to ourselves with the hope that it would somehow come true." Said Gamora. "Even if you're right-"

Before Gamora could even continue, all of the sudden Bruce's communication device started to give a beep. He took out the little device that he created and kept on him in case he ever needs to call someone, at the same time having it be indestructible whenever he transform into the Hulk. To much of his surprise, he sees that Thor is calling him and quickly picks up the phone and places it right on his ear to see what Thor is calling him for. Wondering what might be going on or if there might be something going on or if there is something wrong. But then again there isn't anything that deems it as an emergency of any kind that might lead to them needing to make some kind of Avengers level plan. So he just quickly picks up the phone to see what might be going on. The others try to see if they can hear what might be saying between the two of them, but they are failing miserably.

"Hey Thor, is everything alright?" asked Bruce unsure what make of this.

"It's alright, actually it's better than alright, it's more fantastic really." said Thor happily as he is still taken aback from the last development and is happy to much of Bruce's surprise. "You need to come here right now and bring Darcy with you, this is something she needs to know right now and-"

"Wait, slow down Thor. What's going on?" Asked Bruce. "Why do you- You know, you sound really um... enthusiastic..."

"Yes, I am simply because of the fact that..." starts Thor as he gives a laugh. "You'll see for yourself when you come here."

"Thor, I don't want to remind you and surprise that I even have to do it... I'm really sorry that I have to say it but..." starts Bruce feeling a sense of guilt for having to be the one to remind him. "Loki is dead, we saw him die remember?"

"Right, you all left and weren't there..." said Thor rather awkwardly before becoming excited again. "The wish worked! It worked and now he's still here!"

"What do you mean by that?" Asked Bruce who is becoming more confused and worried by the minute.

"Loki's alive, he got his soul back and right now he's resting." Said Thor happily. "Right now, I need you and Darcy to come and see. Be sure to tell the others of this, he's still weakened and he still has a fever, not that high as you said before but... high enough. He's also asleep right now, he seems to be doing well, not well enough that he would be walking through the door well, but well enough to know that any danger has passed."

"Um..." said Bruce rather awkwardly as he doesn't even know what to say or if he can even say it at all. "We'll be right there..."

At that moment, he shuts off the device and turns to face the others and from one look, they are just as confused as he is. Even though they didn't hear the conversation, but from his reactions and what was said on the other end of the line, they don't even know what to say about what was said and only have a few questions on what was said on Thor's end. If things are really alright over there and if Thor is really fine after losing Loki for the fourth or fifth time. The only one that feels some sense of knowing and at least relieved is Nebula, if Thor calling for them and judging from Bruce's reactions then it has to be true, Loki is alive and he is going to be alright. She was right and now they can say that they are not going to lose him and Thanos failed in everything he set out to do. They all quickly turned to Bruce wanting to hear what he is going to have to say and what was all of that about, especially with Bruce's reaction.

"So, um..." starts Quill not even sure what to make of the entire conversation or even know how to start it off the conversation.

"He wants Darcy and I to come to the med bay." Said Bruce. "He says that Loki is alive."

"What?" Said most of them in the room at once.

"Really?! That's-" starts Darcy happily before stopping herself and letting disappointment set in. "But it can't be can it? I thought that... not even the wish would be powerful enough to bring someone who lost their soul back."

"I don't know, it shouldn't be and even if it did happen then shouldn't there be some big crazy price to pay?" Point out Natasha. "It's surprising that nothing happened yet."

"It's either that or Thor has a wired way to grieve his loses." Said Tony.

"Yeah, I know that everyone has dead people, but I don't think anyone has ever pretended that they are still alive or overly denied it." Said Rocket.

"We all grieve in different ways." Said Drax. "Sure, I never went that far and would think of it, simply because it would only bring more pain for my lost."

"Still all of the signs are pointing to him being alive." Said Nebula. "My memory is still here, more or less and his brother just called confirming that I'm right. That proves that I was right more than anything."

"Nebula, this might be nothing more than a coincidence and we don't know what is going on in there." said Gamora. "Thor is going through a difficult time as it is, though he does have a strange way of dealing with it."

"But who knows maybe it is possible..." said Darcy with some hope in her voice. "I mean weirder things have happened before and at this point we should't really question anything. That is if best case scenario did happen and I'm already crossing my fingers on it."

"Darcy, Thanos took his soul and the machine flatlined a while ago." said Jane. "Just don't get your hopes and be ready to accept-"

"I'm just saying that it could happen, I mean did any of us expect any of this to be real and to happen?" pointed out Darcy. "Two years ago, before Thor came down to Earth, we didn't think there was life on any other planets aside from whatever we hear from conspiracy theories and rumors. Now look where we are now and besides it's Loki, this wouldn't be the first time that he escaped crutches of death."

"Either way, we need to go check it out and see what's going on." said Bruce as he turns to face Jane. "Uh do you think that-"

"Yeah, he probably needs someone to talk to right now." said Jane as she got up to leave, before turning to Darcy. "Are you sure you're up to coming with?"

"Of course I am, I just need to know if it's true and want to be there in case it is." Said Darcy. "I mean if there's any hope that Loki's alive, then we need to be there for both of them. Plus if he isn't then Thor is going to need all of the moral support he can get."

"Aside from the whole Loki situation, are we ever going to start the launch sequence and take off?" Asked Rocket. "I don't know about any of you, but I definitely did not sign up for us to be stuck in this planet for the rest of our lives."

"Yeah, being stuck on a deserted planet is everyone's idea of a great outcome." said Natasha. "So should any of us come along and be back up or do you think you can handle it?"

"At least it's Thor, there is no way that he would be lying about this or at least I hope that he didn't imagine that he saw Loki being alright." said Darcy. "I mean who knows maybe he is alive and we just fell for it or we just assumed the worst before giving it a chance. I mean isn't it like this in movies? Where it looked like someone died and then, surprise, they were alive this entire time? It can happen, it's Loki after all."

"Um Darcy..." starts Gamora wanting to give her input, before...

"Just let her have this one." said Jane. "Unless you want to spend the next couple of minutes arguing an argument that is never going to end."

"Well, if you guys aren't too busy speculating I am just going to go on ahead." said Darcy. "I mean someone has to and plus I really need to see this for myself and that is something that is not going to leave my brain until I am sure that it's really true or not, depending what it is, I am ready to see what it might be or at least be a helping hand."

Before any of them could say a word, Darcy simply just leaves the room and ready to see what might be going on and ready to help in anyway she can. Along with possibly see that Loki is alive, she has to know since after everything that has happened, Thor and Loki should have some kind of a happy ending or at least somewhere close to something towards it. If Loki is alive then not only he would be back, but he would have a chance to start a new life and one that he never has to worry about Thanos ever again. Plus Thor would have Loki back and they will never have to worry about losing each other ever again, then they would be able to start everything anew and they will at least be together. But even if that's not the case, she is ready to be there for Thor and try to at least be ready for the truth to be real, no matter how hard it may be and how she would want to escape the reality that is in the horizon. But she is going to still go over there and be ready to face whatever the truth might be and ready to help in anyway she can.

The others are still trying to figure out what might be the next best move or to see how are they going to handle this newfound problem. Everyone wants to be there for Thor, but at the same time they also don't want him to feel a sense of lost or hang onto some false hope where he doesn't get any where close in it becoming a reality. At moment they all decided to make a decision right then and there about what to do. Especially before anything happens in there or they find out the hard way.

"Well then, I guess the two of us should follow after Darcy." Said Jane as she face Bruce and they are about to leave.

"Wait, maybe it would be best is I come along" said Gamora. "In case you guys might need back up."

"That's probably for the best, then you will see for yourself that Loki is alive." Said Nebula. "I am definitely going to be ready to say 'I told you so' multiple times."

"I hope that you won't be too disappointed if it turns out that you were wrong." Said Gamora who wants to hear that, but think that it would be her saying it.

"I guess I should go as well, in case the big guy gets close on coming out." Said Natasha. "Besides someone should be there before things get out of control."

"Alright, the rest of us should focus on launching the ship and navigation." Said Steve. "Along with keeping an eye on Nebula, since she's still injured and-"

"I'm fine, just because my memory is hazy and I can barely stand that doesn't mean I am completely incompetent." Said Nebula defensively. "Now are you guys are going to go or-"

"Just a sec, I might need to go with you guys in case of a little something that I really am hoping I am wrong." said Rocket as he quickly looks around and tries to see if he can spot the very person he's now looking for. "Has anyone seen Groot?"

---

Meanwhile in the edge of the hallway

Darcy made her way to the other end of the hall, ready to see whatever the truth that might be right in front of the room and at the same time doesn't want to know if the truth is going to disappoint her or if she's ready for seeing things exactly how she probably doesn't want to see them or if she is ready to see that things are not going to end up like how she is hoping. She hopes that Nebula is right and at least she will find Loki alive and maybe unconscious, she would rather find him like that then actually find him...

She knows that she has to go in and face the truth, but she just doesn't know if she's ready to see it and at the same time she knows that she has to go in. Darcy just wishes that it would be easier or at least be ready for it. She wishes that she waited for the others and then maybe they could go in first and tell her what's going on and report back to her. At the same time, she knows that she needs to be there and needs to know. But is she ready to face the truth or will luck be on her side and Loki is fine. Along with the fact that both brothers can be together again? She is stuck in deep thought as she ponders what would be the best thing to do, that is until...

"I am Groot." Said Groot happily as he runs towards the door with Darcy quickly blocking it in the nick of time.

"Wait, hold on a sec Groot." Said Darcy. "What... What are you doing?"

"I am Groot." Said Groot innocently pointing towards the door. "I am Groot."

"You want to see Loki?" Asked Darcy with Groot nodding his head excitedly. "Yeah, I kinda want to see him too or at least see if... Thor's alright and is not losing his mind after losing Loki for the hundredth time or needs any help if Loki's alright."

"I am Groot." Said Groot excitedly before turning confused and pointing towards the door. "I am Groot?"

"Are you asking why am I not going in?" Asked Darcy with Groot giving a slight nod. "I am definitely going in and not delaying it at all."

"I am Groot." Said Groot crossing his arms who can tell that Darcy is stalling, he may be two months old but he's not dumb to know stalling when he sees it.

"Ok, you got me, is it wired I feel nervous? About going in there?" Said Darcy. "Don't get me wrong, I want to go in there and see both of them, but I also am nervous because I don't want to see Loki... hurt..."

"I am-" starts Groot.

"I mean Loki's one of the best friends I have ever had and I like him a lot, not that I don't like Thor any more than Loki. I mean Thor's my other Asgardian friend and one that I want to be there for, no matter what." Said Darcy. "But I really don't like seeing Loki like this and want to see be up and about. I don't know what I might see and that alone is kinda scary, I know for sure that I don't want to see Loki... either way I know that I have to go in, but it's harder to stop and think about what might be in there."

"I am Groot. I am Groot. I-" starts Groot.

"But I need to be in there for both of them, I mean what kind of friend would I be if I stand around here and ask if I should even go in? They need me and everyone on this ship more than ever, I need to be brave about this and be ready to face the truth even if it hurts." Said Darcy. "Loki was able to face and stand up against Thanos, how hard can it be to go in there and see what is happening right before my eyes?"

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot with hints of encouragement and excitement in his voice.

"Yeah, I can't stand here and do nothing when I know that my friends are in there. Plus not too mention, if Loki really is alive then we definitely need to spend the time to hang out and celebrate." Said Darcy. "Not too mention, we are kinda of a duo and friends stick together no matter what happens and that alone is more important than anything I might be feeling. I have to go in there and I am not going to let that stand in the way of our friendship and walk i without letting anything standing in my way, even if the truth might hurt."

"I am Groot." said Groot.

"Wow, who knew this conversation might be inspiring and yet comforting at the same time." said Darcy. "It's sucks that I can't understand you or I can get Thor or Loki to translate, maybe I can get your raccoon buddy to do it and then we might be able to have a conversation. Did I ever tell you how cute you are?"

"I am Groot." said Groot and points to the door. "I am Groot."

"Right, ok here I go." said Darcy rather determinedly as she picks up Groot to carry him and heads towards the door, wanting to see what is behind the door and see what's the other side of the door.

She slowly starts to head towards the room, unsure at what she is going to see or if she is going to be ready for what she is about to see. Once both she and Groot entered the room, they are surprised by the sight and sound of it. They hear the machine giving a steady beep to give an indication of life, they see Thor trying his best to attend to Loki's needs or at least watch over him and the sight that makes Darcy happy to see from a distance is Loki breathing. That her friend is alive and going to be alright. She doesn't even know how she is going to contain her excitement or even know what she is going to say to Thor right now. She just feels a butter of happiness that bursting through her entire body and she just approaches Thor, ready to hear the whole story.

Groot is happy to see that the room attitude change and happy that all of the drama has stopped and he can finally maybe have some more fun. That at least he finally made it to the room and really wish that Loki would wake up. Since he was hoping that Loki would be awake long enough to talk to and be as awake as the rest of them. He doesn't know what to think about all of this or if he's ready to see what happens next.

"He's alive?" Said Darcy rather excitedly and hoping that this is not some wired dream. That she is actually is seeing this.

"Yes, he was awake a couple of minutes ago and just fell to sleep." Said Thor rather happily as he watches his brother. "I think he's going to be fine, that his soul is back and he just needs to have some time to heal and rest if I remember correctly."

"Now this is so awesome!" Said Darcy excitedly. "Loki's alive and he's going to be fine! Now we're going to- I can't even find the words to express how awesome this is and everything in between."

"I am Groot." said Groot happily. "I am Groot. I am Groot!"

"I know it's wonderful, I can't believe that it actually work." said Thor. "All I did was talk to him, telling Loki how much he meant to me and the stones started to work. The next thing I knew is that he woke up and that he's alive, I didn't fail him and he's going to live."

"Now that's so awesome, I knew you guys have a powerful brotherly bond that not even something like family drama or Thanos could ever destroy." said Darcy happily before realizing something. "Is it normal for him to be asleep now or do we have to wake him up?"

"As long as he has his Soul and he can at least breath on his own then he will be fine, if I remember correctly than anyone who regained will be wanting nothing more to sleep and he will start become more awake as his soul rejoins his body." said Thor. "That is all I remember from the lecture and what Loki told me when he was helping me study before our tutor quizzed us a few times. But I am not sure, maybe Gamora knows more about the Soul Stone and will give more information that might help."

"Ok, trust Gamora's judgement or a blurry past memory of something Loki might have said that you barely remember." said Darcy as she faces her answer. "But at least he's going to be fine and that's all that matters and now he doesn't have anything to worry about, except your dad. What are you planning to do about that?"

"I don't know, I want to tell him and for us to be a family again and at the same time I don't want to place Loki in more trouble." said Thor. "He worries that our father would place him back in the dungeons and the cell under tighter security and I also share the same concerns."

"So does that mean you're not going to tell him?" asked Darcy.

"I hope that my father would see reason and would see all of the things that Loki has done during his time on Earth, how he did everything to help stop Thanos. How he has found not only happiness here, but he has truly transformed and shouldn't be sent back to Asgard to be locked up." said Thor. "At the same time, I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable with Loki staying here, I don't want to lose Loki in one way or another again, he could always go with the Guardians if he ask, but I don't know if I'm ready for him leave and let him go if that's the case."

"Yeah, I don't even know how you can handle all of this and stay sane. I mean I thought that he died and that alone is hard to live with let alone move on. I don't even know if anyone can possibly put up with it." said Darcy as she remembers how it's feels to lose Loki and everything that has happened during the past two hours, before stopping to ask a question that has been on her mind for a while. "So what's going to happen to me if you do tell him? Am I going to jail or will he leave me off the hook and just be happy that I helped Loki out and that he's now a different guy than the last time they met?"

"I doubt that my father would throw you in the dungeons or at least I hope that he doesn't consider that." said Thor. "I think the most he would probably do is ask to speak to you, have you stay in Asgard for a couple of days for a trial and if he is hard on Loki then forbid you in seeing him. But if he was more forgiving of Loki, then he would either end his sentence earlier or pardon him if he was in a really good mood. Though I doubt my father wouldn't want to decide anything until he speaks to Loki and then will make his decision based on the conversation."

"Yeah, I'm guessing that might have a chance on not end well." said Darcy as she faces the situation right in front of her. "So I guess either way things might not end well if you do tell him?"

"It might lead to more trouble that I don't want to put Loki in and you in a situation where you both would be paying the consequences of the past." Said Thor. "I don't know what to do or what might be the best thing to do. I don't want to lie to him, but at the same time put you and Loki in a place where it would cause trouble. I don't want Loki to wake up in the same cell or pay deeper consequences because of the laws of Asgard."

"But still, Loki is still his son. Shouldn't that count for something?" Asked Darcy. "I mean don't parents usually forgive and forget when their kid makes a mistake? Sure it's never on this scale, but being family has to count for something right?"

"I wish father has the same heart as you, but he believes that once a crime is done then justice needs to be served no matter what." Said Thor. "I wish that the laws are not as strict and father would see reason. But even I am not sure what might occur if father ever finds out."

"So there might not even be hope for Loki or even if there is then it might be less likely..." said Darcy rather nervously. "Now that sucks. So what are you going to do?"

Before Thor can even have a chance to answer the question or have a moment to think about his answer. Gamora, Jane, Rocket, Natasha and Bruce soon arrive to the healing room. Catching all of them by surprise and neither side knows what more surprising. For both Thor and Darcy, simply forgetting that the others are still there, while for Darcy's case that they were on their way here. For Groot realizing that Rocket must have figured out where he must have been and that he might be going to be told off, at least he managed to get in to the room and see Loki. While the others are surprised by the sight of the room. That both Darcy, Thor and Groot are not only doing alright emotionally, but the sight of Loki still alive, simply breathing and sleeping while the machinery is giving a steady beat to indicate life. The room stayed quiet for a couple of minutes before...

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot rather happily before frowning at Rocket's expression. "I am Groot?"

"You bet you're in trouble, we're going to have a little talk once we get back to Terra." Said Rocket who is annoyed by the sappling before he sees the sight right in front of him that is completely unbelievable. "What? Is he..."

"Ok is it it just me going crazy or are we seeing the same thing?" Points out Natasha. "Was he faking his death again?"

"Not this time, he did die and I saved him, I wished for him to come back. He was awake earlier but he simply fell asleep." Said Thor as he looks at Loki for a bit before he turns to the others. "I thought that it would be fine if Loki slept, he is going to need to rest and he is still responsive. Gamora, is it normal for someone who lost their soul to sleep more due to their bodies needing time for the soul to rejoin as one?"

"Yes, it's completely fine..." said Gamora who is taken aback from the sight, with only Bruce slipping by to check the monitor and take a closer look at Loki.

"Thank goodness..." Said Jane relieved before stopping herself with a sense of confusion. "How is this possible?"

"It's not." Said Gamora breathlessly before she realizes what must have happened. "I guess the wish must be more powerful than I thought..."

"Well if you have seen as many Disney movies as I have then you would realize that-" starts Darcy before she lets her excitement take over. "Who cares?! Loki's alive and that's the only thing that matters."

"As long as he doesn't dies on us for real, then I am going to be more than happy about this." Said Rocket as he is happy to see that Loki is going to be alright.

"I guess I should go and tell the others the news and check in with them, they are thinking of launching the ship and would want to know what happened." Said Natasha. "I going to safely assume that we're all set here?"

"Yes, it's time to go back to Earth and leave this planet. I can hardly wait for us to get back." said Thor who would give anything to leave this planet and to return back to Earth.

"Alright then, I will leave you guys to it and help the others when it comes to the launch." said Natasha as she starts to leave the room.

"Thor, can you tell me how Loki has been in the moment he was awake and how he has been doing in the past few hours?" asked Bruce.

Thor simply nods as he tells them everything that happened just now. How the wish worked and that Loki woke up, that afterwards he just let him sleep and nothing happened during that time. After a quick examination and some questions answered from Gamora , Bruce quickly determined that Loki is going to be fine and maybe all he needs is some rest and maybe more of the healing potion then he will recover from his current condition. Thor is keeping an eye on his brother, ready to do anything to help in his recovery and to figure out what would be best choice and how to get around to it. He wants to help Loki and try to figure out what should he do since there is the fact that he would need to face Odin, find a new gatekeeper that they can trust and he doesn't even know how any of the other Avengers feels about Loki or if they would be open to allow him to stay if he chooses to stay on Earth or what would they have to say if they have to lie to keep Loki safe from the consequences of the past or how to resolve any of this.

The ship starts to take off and finally fly back to Earth, to return everyone back to the planet where it is called home to many on the ship. There is still a long way to go and there are still the many problems left that are ready to stand in their way.

But for now, they need to look after Loki and help Both him and Nebula heal from what happened, try to see if they can reach out to Wanda and figure out what to do next as they make their way to Earth and with Bruce, Darcy and Jane trying to do everything to make sure that Loki will be fine on the flight back and to at least give him the comfort he needs to rest. Gamora is standing awkwardly on the corner, not even knowing if she should help or how she can or should she just leave and look after Nebula. But part of her doesn't want to get an "I told you so" from her sister and at the same time is glad that she would be getting one under these circumstances. Darcy is just happy that Loki is still alive and that she is not going to lose her friend. Though she doesn't know how to deal with the feelings towards him or if she should even tell him, she just hopes that Loki doesn't ask her about it because the last thing she wants is to make things awkward and put them in a wired spot. That is she hopes that they could just ignore it for a bit or at least until Loki is feeling better and maybe he would feel as just as uncomfortable and nervous about this as she does.

Thor just continues to look after Loki, making sure that he is fine and waiting to see if his brother will wake again and might need anything or at least to be there to help in anyway he can. That or at least be there by his brother's side and that he would be ready to help in anyway he can, Thor just hopes that he would be able to try to be a better brother for Loki and to try to figure out what might be best thing to do that would be best for Loki and for all of them, simply because of all the challenges up ahead that would still stand in their way. But he's ready to fight for his brother and Darcy's freedom and will stand by his brother's side no matter what happens next.

---

Meanwhile in Loki's mind

He is in a world where he doesn't even know where he is or how he even got there and when Loki got up, he sees it as part of some kind of field or a land where everything seems to be at peace and there is no conflict. One that he doesn't even know or remember it, from one look at it, it look like the Earth country that he once saw on tv called Norway. But at the same time, he sees it as more of a land where it allows one to admire the scenery and yet at the same time feel more relaxed

Loki got up and starts to walk around in this unknown world with the questions on his mind and wondering simply if there is a way out or what would be the best way to escape from the reality. Even if everything around him is beautiful and the mere fact that he is completely alone. Loki doesn't even know why he would end up here if he is in an unknown place that he has no idea what would be his purpose on being here or how he even got into this world. Maybe it has something to do with his soul, that it could be part of the healing process or he simply imagined the entire moment her had with Thor and he wounded up in this world this entire time or this is where anyone who loses their soul and ended up if they die. But even then he starts to feel more like he is a little bit whole, but at the same time that there is something missing and that he needs more time to heal before he can fully be complete.

From a quick look at the world, it surprising feels like home and at the same time one that Loki is determined in getting more information of. Before he can even continue to move around and explore the world that he is now trapped in. Something catches his eye and he just needs to make sure that he is seeing what he believes that he is seeing. Loki simply just ran to get a closer look, to make sure that he is not imagining what he is now seeing. Once he got close enough, Loki simply feels a sense of happiness, relief and at least at this moment.

"Mother..." said Loki rather happily and at the same time breathlessly.

"Hello Loki, it is wonderful to see you again." Said Frigga. "I see that you must have gone on a long journey and you need a chance to finally reflect on it and rest."

"Am I dead?" Asked Loki bluntly as all of the emotions are racing through his mind. "Did I simply imagine the conversation I had with Thor or was I really awake? Is this where any one who may have lost their souls end up? Is this Valhalla and defeating Thanos was enough to grant me it?"

"No you are not dead and this is not Valhalla, far from it in fact." Said Frigga rather gently. "This is a land between the dead and the living, a world where many who are on the blink of death or has lost and regain a soul. It's a place where many arrive to heal and think about their purpose in life."

"In that case, my soul must have returned if I am here or am I going to die for real this time?" Asked Loki not even sure if he wants to know the answer.

"Your Soul is back inside you, but as of right now it has been weakened from the time that it was taken from you and your body is trying to heal from your injuries and reconnect itself with your soul." Explained Frigga. "You are not going to die, simply because you passed the first test, one that not to many has ever tried to do."

"What was this test?" Asked Loki.

"You chose to continue to fight rather than simply lose yourself to the struggle and kept on pulling through even if things were hard." Said Frigga. "You chose to continue to stand up against Thanos even if he took your Soul and all of the odds stand against you. That you were ready to do everything to make sure that he was defeated."

"All I did was try to finish what I started and make sure that Thanos can no longer create havoc." Said Loki. "I did whatever it took even if it led to me getting injured, we already made it this far, I wasn't going to let Thanos claim victory that easily and was going to let everything fall apart just like that."

"But you still chose to sacrifice yourself to save another." Said Frigga. "Something that you would have never done before all of this started."

"To be fair, I have saved many others prior to Nebula." Said Loki. "I only saved her because of the shared history we had and how lost she was. She reminded me of myself and I simply wanted to help her get the same chance I had with Darcy. To find a new life beyond Thanos and one where she can finally get the freedom that she has always wanted and deserves."

"I see that you have grown so much since the last time we spoke." Said Frigga smiling softly. "From how you were able to give up yourself to fight off Thanos, sacrifice yourself to save that girl and give her a second chance and how you made up for the past is what allowed you to pass the test."

"If my Soul has returned and if everything I did allowed me to survive from this ordeal then how long would it take for me to heal?" Asked Loki. "You said that only ones who are in the blink of death can land here. I may have lost and regained my soul, but what makes me see this place more clearly than one may assume? I lost my memories when I was unconscious and had nightmares, only remember what Thor and Darcy said to me."

"I believe that due to how you fall under both criteria that it allows you to have a better footing here and an understanding that not many have ever seen before." Said Frigga. "There is also the fact that you were using the Laevetin and once your soul rebinds than you will have more power and strength than you have before. I believe your magic will have a capability that would allow you to be one of the most powerful sorcerers in all of existence."

"That would have been helpful when I was fighting off Thanos." Said Loki as he quickly wonders on how powerful he would be. "But you still haven't answered my other question."

"I don't know, everyone needs a different amount of time to heal." Said Frigga. "It really depends on how long your soul find its way back to merge with body and only then the fever that you have will fade and your body will start to heal."

"Did I... die?" Asked Loki nervously as he remembers what Thor said.

"You were only dead for a few minutes before your brother's love brought you back." Said Frigga. "When he finally makes the wish and the love that you both share was strong enough to give you a second chance."

"It doesn't make any sense, how?" Starts Loki. "None of this should be possible, my soul would have faded if I died and there is no possible way that it should have..."

"Souls are tricky elements that lives inside all of us, true that many fade if they are not returned to their owners on time. But there is one detail that people often never know about the Infinity Stones." Said Frigga. "Anyone who may have lost their soul could still be saved if someone who cares about the person in question wishes for them to regain their soul if it's not long after the soul is gone."

"So how are you now here?" Asked Loki. "If I am still alive and only need to heal from all of this then..."

"Only someone who has been departed that is closest to the person who lost their souls can only communicate with them during their recovery process." Said Frigga. "Once you are healed then you will return to the realm of the living and you will be free to live your life."

"Will I ever see you again? Once I am all healed and can return to living my life back..." starts Loki as he turns away, hoping that it would not be the case and he would be able to communicate with his mother as often as he can or at least will know how long would he be able to do so.

"No, this is only a temporary moment and I will only be here until you and your soul are completely healed." Said Frigga. "Once you're Soul is about to finally rejoin to you then it will be time for you to return to living and see the world that you helped fight for."

"Alright then, I guess I should enjoy this while I still can then." Said Loki. "Will I be able to wake on and off or will I mostly remain asleep as the merge starts to happen?"

"You will be able to wake up from time to time, but you will be awake much longer as you are getting closer to it." Said Frigga. "But I will be here until you are ready to return fully and regain the strength that you have lost."

Loki just gives a nod as he takes the time to process everything that he was just told and how the journey has still have yet to be done. He would have to heal from the injury and wait for his soul to fully heal. He doesn't know what might be up ahead or if he will be ready for what the future might be in the horizon. Since just because he defeated Thanos, it doesn't mean that he still hasn't dealt with the problems that he has still yet to deal with the Avengers and Odin.

He doesn't know what will happen to him or if Darcy will face some form of consequence. But Loki knows that he has to figure out how to convince them that he has changed, that he truly regrets what happened and everything he has done and to allow him to live out of the cell that he is desperate to stay out of. For now the only thing he can do is rest and try to get some kind of understanding when it comes to all of this and hopes that he would figure something out. He has to, though right now he is just happy to be with his mother again. Wishing that he can find a way to make this moment last as long as he can and just wishes that there is a way to undo what he did and that he could make it up to his mother. He just wishes that he could do more, he just happy that he gets to see her again and that he finally have ended the war against Thanos. Ready to just wait to see what the future has in store and be with his mother for a little while and for once wait and see what happens before having to fight.

---

An hour later

The ship is racing as fast as it can, heading right towards Earth and so far things seem to be going as smoothly as it might be aside from the fact that Loki is still recovering from the Soul Stone and his near death experience. That as of right now, he has been mostly sleeping since he has woken up. Though it hasn't been that long, but that doesn't stop Thor from worrying over his brother and hoping that he would wake up at any moment. Especially after everything that has happened and everything they have been through, he doesn't want to lose his brother again or something we're to happen that might lead to that.

He is just grateful that he has friends that are willing to help him out in all of this and are trying to do everything they can to do so. He sees how Darcy and Bruce are doing everything they can to make sure that Loki is still alright. Well for Darcy's case is to try to look at the machinery to see if it's working alright and trying to keep the room in an upbeat attitude. While Bruce is the one that is mostly doing all of the work with Jane's help, though she is simply doing to help Loki and at the same time try to be there for him. Rocket finally got Groot out of the room by offering all of the candy he must have on the ship back to Earth. Then Gamora offered to report back to the others and to check in with Nebula. For the past hour, it was simply that, at times Gamora or someone else from the Guardians or even one of the other Avengers with the only exception being Wanda. They mostly check to see how things are going, give them updates or ask if they need anything that they can simply get for them.

Thor is just grateful that they are all being helpful and that at least they are willing to put the past behind long enough to help them. He just wishes that Loki would wake and see that he is going to be fine, that he can trust them enough to believe that he is going to be fine staying on Earth. That is if he wants to stay and if the others will be fine, maybe he can get them to talk to Loki or at least have them all be alright with him being in the same room. Especially if they are now going to be on the same team and possibly Loki staying on the same planet, they are going to need to learn to move past everything that has happened and with the hope that everyone would get along. It's important to him that his friends and his brother at least try.

From the look of it, everything seems to be running smoothly and Thor is just relieve that they are almost back to Earth and this is starting to fall into place. That maybe things will start to get better, that they will find a way to work everything out and he won't have to worry about possibly losing anyone from all of this. He just hopes that Loki will be alright and nothing will to more problems. Thor continues to watch Loki and tries to help in anyway he can with the hope that his brother would soon wake.

"Well in all in all, this is not the type of thing that I thought that would happen." Said Darcy. "I know a lot of heroes would go out there and sacrifice themselves to save the world or in this case universe. But I never thought or even wanted to put Loki in a situation where he would have to do that..."

"It wasn't your fault, you were just trying to help and I am sure that he will always be grateful for everything you have done for him." Said Thor as he tries to add some comfort for her. "He'll make through this and then he will be fine..."

"Yeah, Loki's a fighter and he can make it through anything, I mean he survived Thanos for this long." Said Darcy rather confidently.

"He also has all of us looking out for him so at least that might help." Said Jane. "Since he knows that we're there for him, maybe that would help if Loki is the type that would want that on his back mind and he's the type that would be appreciate it."

"I know he does appreciate it, even if he doesn't want to admit it to anyone." Said Darcy remembering all of the times that her friend showed that he's more than what anyone may think.

"I am just happy that he's alive, I am grateful that the wish came true." Said Thor as he tries to make sure that he is ready to help and simply tries to find a way to see if he can comfort his brother by simply brushing the hair out of Loki's face.

"He's going to be ok, right?" Asked Darcy as she tries to get her head wrapped around everything that just happened. "He wasn't doing so great earlier and Thanos definitely outdid himself when it comes to giving Loki a near death experience."

"He's lucky that things didn't go Thanos's way." Said Bruce. "I may not know that much about the Soul Stone or souls, but I do know if Thor didn't came when he did then we might have lost Loki."

"It was a good thing that Thor came to the rescue then. One of these days, you have tell all of us the full story." Said Darcy happily. "I don't know what you did over there, but it definitely got the Soul Stone back. It was really cool that you did all that and you didn't give up even when everything was was becoming more impossible by the minute."

"Yeah... of course..." said Thor as he reflects what happened. "I would do anything for him ..."

"Thor, is everything alright?" Asked Jane rather concerned. "You haven't really said much what happened in the Dream dimension ever since you got back."

"It doesn't matter, Thanos is gone and we no longer have to worry about him anymore." Said Thor. "I am more worried about Loki, he hasn't woken again yet and his fever is still high, it is one that does not seem to be ending. I don't know what would happen if it rises or if it continues to be consistent."

"Didn't Gamora say that as long as Loki is alive and is able to breathe on his own then he would be fine?" Asked Darcy. "From the look of things, he seems to be doing better than any of us thought. But then again I am not a doctor to make that guess or should I say make that call. I don't know the correct terminology but I know that I don't know anything about these things. Wow I care about using proper grammar, I guess hanging out with Loki a lot got to me."

"I think that either one would be alright." Said Bruce. "But I think that Loki is at least in a place where I can feel confident that he will make a recovery."

"Is it normal for him to fall back asleep the moment that he just wakes up?" Asked Thor. "I don't want to place him in a position that might hurt Loki more than help him."

"I assume that it might be fine, Gamora didn't say anything about it and she knows the most of the Infinity Stones aside from Nebula and Loki." Said Bruce. "From what I am getting from Loki's vitals, it seems no different than anyone who would have woken up after being unconscious. So maybe that's what all he needs to sleep for a bit."

"Yeah, he did just have an epic showdown with Thanos and nearly died." Said Darcy. "It's not really a surprise that he's this tired. Plus there's also the fact that he just nearly lost his soul and that alone obviously took a toll on him. Loki is going to get through this and will be awake in no time. I am more than confident this time."

"I am just relieve that he's still alive and that I saved him, but there is still the fact that we still need to face many things in the end." said Thor. "I still need to face our father and try to figure out what the best way to make sure that Loki remains free from his cell."

"We'll worry about all of that later." Said Darcy trying to bring some comfort to the situation. "Why don't we just focus on making him feel more comfortable and try to make things easier on him when he wakes up again?"

"You're right, I should get the heavy parts of his armor off." Said Thor as he got up to carefully remove the top part of Loki's armor and any pieces of shield that protects Loki from getting injured.

He just going to leave the green long sleeve shirt on and the pants. Just take off the heavier bits that might cause him discomfort or at least allow Loki to feel cooler and for him to at least be more relaxed. Thor doesn't bother to ask for help, since he's the only one that knows how to take it off without disturbing Loki and yet he also doesn't know how comfortable would his brother be if he allowed someone else to do something like this. He notices that Darcy is turning away, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the scene and Jane trying her best to try to keep Darcy distracted. While Bruce is focusing on the machinery and making sure that everything runs smoothly for the remainder of the trip. Thor tries his best to speed things up and to make sure that he gets Loki to feel comfortable.

Eventually Thor manages to get every piece of armor off Loki except a part of armor remaining on Loki's chest and his boots. He figures that maybe it would be best to remove the boots and once he does so then he moves to the chest and is about to remove it as he quickly places his hands to remove it. Loki just gives a loud groan as he unconsciously tries to move away from whatever Thor is trying to do, much to his surprise and confusion. He carefully tries to take the part off again and this time more gently as he sees Loki moan in more pain. Once he does so then he carefully tries to see what might be the problem and tries to place a hand on Loki's chest and that results in his brother groaning even louder catching everyone's attention.

At that moment, Thor knew that there is something else going on and he quickly tries to see if there is anything going on. So he gently tries to unbutton a bit of the shirt and sees what might be the problem, he stares in shock once he finds out the answer. Loki's chest is covered by second degree burns, ones that are clearly inflamed and the dark marks are slowly fading away. It doesn't take a deep thinker to know that Loki has been suffering from these burns and that he was hiding them. After that quick look, he turns to the others and just wishes that the potion that he had on him would be enough.

"You all should see this." Said Thor. "He also obtained an injury."

"What?" Said Jane almost immediately as Bruce quickly made his way to see what Thor was talking about.

"Yeah, they look like if they could be days old." Said Bruce. "That would explain a couple of things, so not only Loki was losing a soul and just regained it, but he was also dealing with a injury that seemed to finally have gotten infected."

"Darcy, did you know about this?" Asked Thor as he tries to get a clearer idea of what might have happened to his brother.

"No, Loki didn't say anything about- Wait, I think I might have a idea on what might have happened." Said Darcy. "Thanos was using the Power Stone when the most of us got captured, that has to be from that. What if Loki didn't..."

"He didn't take any of the healing potion and have been hiding this?" Finished Jane as she makes the same realization.

"I have a vial of the healing potion, it was given to me in case I would have to deal with any injury between myself or anyone else." Said Thor. "So it might help and I can simply just give him as much as I can and leave a little if both he and Nebula needs more."

"Should we bandage or clean that wound or is it too late for that?" Asked Jane who is unsure if that might help anything.

"It might be for the best, but I don't know how to do it without causing any more pain." Said Bruce. "Especially since these wounds are clearly infected and yet we might be able to still stop the infection from spreading."

"If it might help him then I am ready to assist in anyway I can." Said Thor as he pulls out the vial of the healing potion ready to give it to Loki.

"Yeah, while you guys do all of that. I am going to go check on the others and see if Nebula is doing alright." Said Darcy catching the three of them by surprise. "What? You guys have it all covered and in order to do all of these things you have to do requires drama, pain and the chances of you guys having to bandage Loki and that results in... Sorry but I or rather we're not there yet."

"What?" Said Jane in disbelief. "Weren't you and Loki lived together in the same apartment for two months?"

"Yeah I know, but we kept these things to ourselves. Though we have the luxury of the healing potion with us, but we never really went around that or crossed the line where we would be cool with that." Said Darcy. "We're best pals now, but I don't know if we might ever be there or if..."

"I understand Darcy, yeah it might be a little awkward when it comes to that. I don't know if I can make it any less awkward..." said Jane.

"That's one of the reasons why I will never get into the medical field." Said Darcy. "So can you guys... Let me know when you're done..."

"Of course, we'll have you aware when it is fine for you to rejoin us." Said Thor as he tries to get everything ready for the next part.

"Great, I guess I will see you guys then..." said Darcy as she leaves the room.

Feeling a sense of guilt and relief, Darcy leaves the room feeling as though she is abandoning her friend. She wants to be there for Loki and be by his side through it all. But she wishes that she doesn't have to see him like that or she feels comfortable enough to see all of the drama going on. She was never the type who would be in all for the sappy over the top drama where she has to be Loki's personal nurse who is hopelessly devoted to Loki and she winds up breaking down a lot. She wouldn't even be much of a help there or might even be close to being a pain if she just does that. She doesn't even know how she can help or if she can even manage to keep everyone including herself sane from that.

But she knows that the only way she can help is by being there for Loki and try to figure out a way for him to remain free to live on Earth, Asgard or do whatever he wants to do now that he's free. She wishes that she knows for sure that it is possible and maybe Loki will stay. But she will support him in whatever he wants to do, Darcy would rather have Loki be happy doing whatever he needs to do, no matter how much she wants him to stay. So she is going to do everything to make sure that she helps out and figure out what to say to Loki. They left things in a awkward spot before he passed out, she just hopes that Loki forgot about the whole needing to tell each other and never got the chance thing. If not then they or rather she will figure out what might be the best thing to do. Besides they still have a long way to go before they can even start thinking like that, for starters Loki still needs time to heal and she is going to be there for him and Nebula as well as try to be the friend that they need.

She figures that she needs to go back and see what happens. Darcy may not know what might be in store or if she will be ready for what the future may be, but she is going to be there and help in anyway she can. That they will all find a way to make things work out, it has to...

---

A Little while Later, back on Earth...

The ship manages to land on the tower successfully, once the Avengers, the Guardians, Loki, Nebula, Darcy and Jane are back on Earth. Then the mood changed drastically as they moved both Loki and Nebula to the med bay or at least the makeshift one that they all agree to have it in the penthouse for the time being, to much of Tony's reluctance, generosity and apprehension. Due to the fact that it's the most spacious area they have to make things easier on Bruce, Loki and Nebula and whomever may be up here. Along with to give the Guardians, Jane and Darcy a place for the time being, while he figures out icing arrangements for seven more and later on eight, once Nebula is healed enough to at least be able to walk around without any assistance.

Everyone except Wanda is now hard at work on trying to help in anyway they can. Natasha and Steve often try to check on Wanda in here room or at least try to fill her in on what has been going on, in hopes that she would be open up and try to move forward in life and start to heal from the pain that she is now feeling. They all have to start to plan on what they need to do and how to approach everything that has happened and what to say to the public. So they all regroup in the living room side of the penthouse, well with the exception of Thor of course who is staying by Loki's side, refusing to leave him. Darcy figured that she might as well be there in case they are going to make a decision about Loki or her as well and what they might have to deal with once Loki is well enough to at least fight something off that would be hard for anyone who is inexperienced on fighting would be able to beat unless they are born Asgardian. She just hopes that they are not going to end up in some jail cell of any kind.

"Well, out of all the missions we ever had, this had to be the most dramatic." said Rocket as he takes a look at the tower. "But I have to say, that this is surprisingly comfortable. At least the four of you guys will luck out when it comes to living accommodations."

"Try having a killer headache and trying hard to maintain your memories in your mind at the same time." Said Nebula who's not even bothering to hide her annoyance. "Then we'll see if you find it as luxurious as you believe."

"At least I'm trying to make the most of all of this." argued Rocket. "I'm not the one who's being super negative about this."

"Usually these sort of things come with a price, Fox." Said Nebula annoyed at Rocket's attitude. "Don't be surprise if we have to pay it in a week from now."

"No one is paying any kind of price or at least when it comes for helping you." Said Gamora. "You no longer have to worry about being trapped in a system of pain or to fear that you might be punished for anything."

"Besides I am not the type that would kick you out for anything that might happen." Said Tony. "I mean you did prove yourself out there and plus I have a history when it comes to former bad guys being in here. Even if the one I had to deal with always winds up leaving things worse than how he finds them and always leaves me with a huge bill to pay."

"Yeah, about that..." said Darcy rather nervously. "Sorry about that, well that is if you accept someone who is apologizing for their friend."

"Uh... it's fine, though none of it was really your fault." Said Tony. "You weren't even there the first time it happened."

"If you want we can find a way to pay for the damages." Offered Darcy. "I don't know how are we going to do it or where we are going to get the money, but... Would you accept us doing a payment plan?"

"Don't worry about it." Said Tony. "I can handle it, besides I might as well think of what other things I would like for the tower. It's gives me a chance to look into more technical advancements and take the time to figure out how to make this thing more Loki proof."

"Though to be fair, it wasn't exactly Loki's fault." Said Rocket. "He wasn't the one driving the ship or at least thought it would be fun to play around with the controls, leading us to crash into this thing. Groot do you have something to say to our pal over here?"

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot quietly before becoming excited. "I am Groot. I am Groot! I am Groot?!"

"No!" Cried out Rocket, Gamora, Drax and Quill at the same time, catching everyone else in the room by surprise.

"Are either one of you going to offer a translation?" Asked Natasha who doesn't know if she wants to know what the sapling said.

"He said that he's sorry that he wrecked your tower." Said Rocket facing Tony.

"Ok, apology accepted." Said Tony who is ready to forgive the sappling for causing his troubles.

"Ok, I don't see how that could be a problem." Said Steve who doesn't know what to make of this.

"He also said and asked that we borrow the ship or when we repair ours, if he could use them to play around with it again?" Said Rocket. "Plus he also had fun during the entire scenario and asking if we crash into more buildings again."

"There is no way that's going to happen." Said Quill with everyone in the room agreeing, even Nebula agrees on it just because that would be her only escape if things doesn't work out on Earth or with the Guardians of the Galaxy.

"Anyway, how are we going to explain all of this to everyone?" Said Bruce. "There is no way we would get away with the truth or I know how we can even explain any of this. Who would believe us?"

"We live in a world where there's alien planets and we are now friends with baby tree and a talking raccoon." Points out Darcy. "At this point we or rather everyone should believe anything."

"Maybe if we have Rocket, Groot or Nebula who's practically a cyborg over there with us then they might buy it." Suggested Natasha.

"Here's a better idea, why don't we just keep this all a secret and we don't reveal that much of what happened?" Suggested Darcy. "I mean it's not like anyone would believe us or be that open on giving Loki a second chance and we can't just go out there and say something."

"I think Darcy might be right, not everyone would be open on letting Loki walk around here just because of the past and I am worried that people might blame him for what happened with Thanos." Said Jane. "Sure he wasn't working for him, but people will be pointing fingers and it might end up causing more problems."

"They have a point." Said Nebula. "I know first hand what it's like to be to face someone who would show unreasonable hatred even when one does something right. They might not leave Loki alone, they are not going to leave any of us alone unless they either see Loki pays the price for his past actions or he chooses to leave peacefully."

"I think for now it might be best if we keep this to ourselves, until everyone calms down and to see if Loki is ready to make his identity known." Said Steve. "We need to avoid as much conflict as we can."

"Now that is something I know I can get behind of. Thanks." Said Darcy who is grateful that the Avengers are being somewhat supportive and understanding.

"No problem, at least it will buy us more time to figure something out." Said Steve.

"So is anyone going to go in and check on them?" Asked Quill. "How long has he been in there? I know that it's his brother, but still is he going to leave that room for anything.?"

"Yeah, it has been a couple of hours since we came back." Said Bruce looking at his phone to see the time. "Maybe I should-"

"It's alright I'll go check on him, maybe all he needs is someone to talk to." Said Jane. "He did have a rough week and a crazy one to say the least."

"Yeah, if we're not busy dealing with Thanos then he was trying to save Loki from him." Said Darcy. "I just wish I knew if he is awake, I mean Loki did just died/came back alive or rather almost died. I just want to be there for him in case anything else happens."

"If he's awake, I'll tell him you asked about him." Said Jane. "I just hope that things are better than how it was since we landed."

With that Jane got up to leave and is just wishing that both brothers will be fine once she arrives and that they will at least be able to have a conversation with her. If not then she needs to see how Thor is doing and just hopes that Loki is showing more signs of improvement. She wants to see her friend is getting better, though she is still surprised that Loki even in the position now that she considers him a friend or that is if Loki really meant what he said about them being friends. After everything they have been through and how they have gotten to know each other then she now sees Loki as a friend.

When she leaves the room, Darcy, the Guardians, Nebula and the four Avengers are trying to make the most of the situation and there is a silence between all of them as they stop to see what they should do to solve all of the problems that they are now facing. Not only they have to figure out what to say to everyone, but they also need to figure what might be the best thing to do with the Stones and Loki is one of the people they need to have that type of conversation with.

"Well, at least she is going to go in and make sure that-" starts Rocket.

"Don't jink it!" Said Darcy almost immediately. "The last time that we played around with words, Loki almost died or did or heck I don't even know anymore!"

"Besides right now, I have to figure out where to put everyone." Said Tony. "I didn't expect to have to room nine more into the tower. At least Loki is fine here and that's just a temporary placement because of the whole him needing to heal from the whole Soul losing thing."

"There's also the fact that Loki is also dealing with the burn marks from a couple of days ago." Said Darcy. "At least, that's practically history and we really should get more of this potion or at least have a high supply of it. Then it would solve half of our problems when it comes to the health side."

"It is surprisingly really effective, I don't think I have ever healed this quickly since I have drank the dose that Darcy administered to me." Said Nebula as she reflects on the heeling that she had to do so far. "It allowed me to have a second chance, allowing me to heal more and the memory spell that Loki has placed on me allows me to remember and I think I am getting my memories back and trying to get through the blurry ones and they are all starting to come back to me."

"At least you are getting better, let's hope that you will continue on this rate with your speedy recovery." Said Gamora. "Though I am still surprised that you have been doing well. The potion must have been that good."

"It was, I just wish that I knew how long I would have to wait to do anything on my own." Said Nebula. "I can hardly wait to start walking again and... I don't even know what I should do with my spare time now that Thanos is gone and I no longer have to train vigorously for any form of attack and plot out how to make him pay for the pain he inflicted on me."

"You'll have plenty of time to figure out what would be a great past time for you now." Said Quill.

"I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot?" Suggest Groot with only Rocket shaking his head to give Nebula the hint that it's anything but a good idea.

"You guys have things easy, try being the new hotel tenent here." Said Tony as he looks through the blue prints of the tower. "Nebs, you and Gamora can stay here and you guys can use the spare room that Pepper always use. I am just happy that she is off at the international Stark expo covering for me.. That way I can do this without having to explain to her the entire story and making the situation a little awkward..."

"Alright, that's reasonable." Said Gamora relating to Tony before turning to Nebula. "You can have the bed while I take the floor."

"That's not really necessary-" starts Nebula.

"It is, you're injured and it would only be right for you to have the bed." Said Gamora earning a look of appreciation from Nebula.

"Ok, F.R.I.D.A.Y be sure to get two cots up here or at least remind me later." Said Tony alerting the A.I before focusing on the screen. "Now where to put everyone else?"

"You know, Groot and I would be happy to take the couch up here." Said Rocket. "Since we don't take that much space and it might be helpful for the guy that turned into the giant green monster if we're up here for any progress reports."

"Someone should really stay here and make sure everything is alright in case of any complications." Said Bruce. "But still I don't really mind if they stay or anything..."

"F.R.I.D.A.Y make that three cots." Said Tony with a sigh. "Ok, I think due to the limits of rooms, the four of you will have to be paired. Since the big space ship is down outside in need of repairs and the two of you would want to be close to both Thor and Loki. So you guys can stay as long as you need to, same goes with all of you."

"Now that's great and all but where exactly are you planning to sleep?" Asked Natasha the most obvious question, catching Tony by surprise who doesn't really know what's his plan going to be.

"You can stay in my room, if I am going to stay up here then you might as well stay in my room for the time being." Offered Bruce.

"Well, it beats bunking with someone. No offense Cap." Said Tony with Steve just giving a shrug clearly not offended by that comment.

"Anyway with that settled, maybe I should go back to my place. To bring some of Loki's things, so that way when he's awake for more than an hour and if he's bored then he will at least have something to do other than getting tired of watching tv." said Darcy. "Though I don't really want to ditch or anything, but I guess it's better now then when Loki is well enough to stay awake and I don't want to just get up and leave or make him think I don't care and to at least make sure that he will at least be comfortable enough to survive boredom. Just call me if anything happens and let Jane and Thor know that I am going over there and be right back."

"You know we have plenty of things to do if any of you needs something to fight off the evils of boredom." said Natasha.

"I know, but since I am his friend and roommate, then I know that Loki has a unique taste of interest." said Darcy. "Besides I know for a fact that Loki wouldn't want me to see him like this... I don't think I want to see him like that- I mean want to make him feel like if we're disrespecting his wishes or something, you know as a friend and all of that stuff. You know what I mean?"

"Alright then, just take all of the time you need, Loki's not going anywhere until you feel ready to see him." said Steve. "At least try to be there for him, Jane and Thor even if it feels impossible."

"I am ready to see and be around Loki, but I just thought that... he needs to have space and he should have some moral support that's all." said Darcy. "You guys get me right?"

There is a silence in the room, the remaining four Avengers, the Guardians and Nebula all stared at Darcy with an expression of knowing and disbelief. No one needed Wanda or her powers to see that Darcy clearly does care about Loki and she understandably is not happy with what happened and is doing a terrible job hiding her true feelings. Most if not all of the Avengers are now even asking themselves how did they not figure out that Loki is alive and was Mysto sooner? Natasha always somewhat thought that the similarities between Loki and Mysto were there then she always finds herself dismissing it, thinking that they were nothing more than coincidences and Thanos's demands made her sure that she was right. But from one look at Darcy, they all can't believe that they didn't figure it out sooner and how that three out of the four of them didn't suspect a thing. At the same time, they can tell how much she is hurting from all of it and won't even bother to point it out. It continues to remain silent until...

"Alright then can I come with? I need to see how this planet managed to make Quill into such a loser." Said Rocket.

"Hey, Earth is not the reason why anyone- I'm not a loser, I am just a guy who really enjoys my tunes." Said Quill. "Wait till you actually see what Earth has to offer and you'd be surprised on how cool it is."

"Aside from whatever that was, I don't think it might be a good idea..." said Darcy hoping that Rocket might be able to understand and doesn't want to be the one to say it.

"Darcy's right, you are not really covert and there are not that many raccoons in New York City." Said Natasha who's already imagining all of the scenarios involving Rocket in the city.

"What? You are acting like they have never seen anything like me before." Said Rocket.

"Maybe it's because they haven't..." Said Quill.

"There are not that many talking raccoons or any alien species around here." Said Steve. "Though the only ones they know is Thor, but we don't keep raccoons as pets and they normally don't talk. So-"

"You want me to stay behind without the entire city freaking out?" Said Rocket crossing his arms. "Apparently most Terrans are wimps who can't handle a bit out of the ordinary. Who knew?"

"Well with that settled, I guess I should get going..." said Darcy hesitantly and is just happy that she got her backpack in case of anything and took it with her before Loki came back to Earth with the Guardians by his side. Before she leaves, all she can do is turn to the others. "Can you guys..."

"Let you know if anything happens?" Finish Gamora for Darcy, with only earning a quiet nod from Darcy.

"We'll call you the moment he wakes up or if something else happens." Said Bruce. "Don't worry, he'll get through this. If he can survive the big guy and Thanos then he will make it out of this."

Darcy just gives a smile and starts to head on her way out of Avengers tower and back to the apartment that she and Loki called home. Ready to get everything they might need and to somehow be ready for the next step. She knows that they still have to face many problems that she doesn't even know what the solution may be. She just hopes that whatever happens that they will make it out of this and that maybe Loki will be free from the past and somehow everything will be fine. It's that or they are thrown in the dungeons of Asgard and they become cellmates.

She goes down the elevator, with all of the emotions coming up to her as she stops to think about everything that has happened and everything they still need to face. Darcy just wishes that she can do something that would change the course of the entire situation, to make things better and even then she knows that it won't be enough. Wanting nothing more to stay, she knows that she has to go and get something's for Loki. She just doesn't want him to be bored right? Darcy just stares out to space as she realizes that she doesn't know anymore and just wishes that by the time she gets backs then there would be some good news or at least Loki being awake and all of the signs show that he is going to be fine. Darcy can't imagine a world without him now and she know that Thor can't either. Whatever happens all she wants is for him to be alive and for the both of them to be free without being punished for saving the world and that they all don't have to pay the consequences for it like being thrown in jail.

Plus there is also the fact that Thor nearly lost Loki and they both finally made up. They need each other more than ever now and in the future. Both brothers deserve some kind of happy ending and one that they can be together and free to live their lives without worrying about Thanos, the past and the throne. The two of them have been through so much already to be denied that.

Darcy continues to think about all of the problems that they still have to deal with, as she got down and exits to the main lobby. Leaving Avengers tower, returning to the apartment where the memories are stored and a place that she wants to be in now to get some stuff for Loki and just somehow hope that maybe some time away would be more than enough for her to process all of this and maybe try to figure something out. She has to find a way, though she doesn't know how she can help or figure out what is making her backpack feel like if there is something hitting her back...

---

Meanwhile back in the penthouse, in Tony's room

Jane just enters the room and is saddened by the sight that she sees and wishing that she can do something to help. Right in front, she sees Thor who is not letting his sight off towards Loki. Making sure that his brother is alright and trying to make sure that Loki stays cool by placing a cool towel on his forehead, hoping that it would help and at least bring some comfort for his brother in one way or another. Wanting nothing more than to simply be there and look after him.

Jane knew from one look from the sight, it is clear from the sight that Loki hasn't woken up from earlier and Thor is desperate in helping Loki and is now looking after him. Remembering everything they have all been through and how much the brothers had to endure and everything that has happened in the past two years. She knows what it was like for Thor before all of this, Jane can't imagine what it would have been like for Thor if the wish hadn't work. Not too mention, they all would have lost Loki, Thor would have lost his brother and she would have lost a friend.

She slowly approaches Thor, wanting nothing more but to give him comfort and to try to be there for him. To help in anyway she can and to try to see if she can make things easier for everyone. With the hopes that she would at least help in someway. Thor still hasn't noticed Jane as she finally close enough for him to look up and see that she's there. From one look at Loki, he seems to be more or less doing alright and even then no one needs to be a doctor to know that he still has some healing to do and that alone is what keeping Thor determined to help his brother heal.

"So, how is he doing?" Asked Jane rather nervously, catching Thor's attention and his face looks somberly as he returns his attention back to his brother.

"I wish I could say that he is well and the nightmare that Thanos caused is over, but Loki is still trying to get past the burn on his chest and his soul is slowly trying to reconnect to him." Said Thor. "I am happy that he's alive and that he is going to be alright. But I wish that he doesn't have to go through this pain and that he is awake right now and that alone is what makes me feel a sense of sadness."

"But he had some of the potion and he woke up earlier so that has to be a good sign." Said Jane trying to give Thor some comfort. "All he needs is rest and maybe more of that healing potion and then he will be fine right?"

"Yes he would, even without the potion, he would still heal and all he needs is his soul to become one with him again." Said Thor. "I should have done more, I almost lost him again."

"But you didn't, you fought to give him another chance to live and that's what saved him. Said Jane placing a hand on Thor's shoulder. "Now you two are free to be brothers again and never have to worry about anything tearing you guys apart again."

"Well there's father and whatever happens on Earth and if the others would ok with Loki possibly staying. I should feel grateful that they are helping me with this, but I don't know if..." starts Thor before giving a sigh. "If only I got there sooner..."

"Thor, none of this is your fault and you did everything you could to help." Said Jane.

"Did I really help or did I simply hurt him once again?" Said Thor. "What if we had gone down there sooner? Why didn't I think of suggesting to Tony to split up and maybe we could have found them sooner and then we could have helped or saved him from getting his Soul being taken and saved Nebula from everything Thanos was doing..."

"Thor, what happened to Loki and Nebula wasn't your fault and there was no way that any of us could have known where they were at the time. You and Stark did everything you could." Said Jane. "At least you're here to help now and once all of this is over then things will be alright, you two will find the time to bond, be brothers again and have the friendship that you two finally can rebuild again."

"But still, I wish that I could have done more to prevent this and even wish that it was me who lost my soul in the hands of Thanos." Said Thor. "Then that way I would be on that bed and Loki would..."

"Be blaming himself for letting you get hurt? Look Thor, I don't even know if there could be a scenario where all of this could have been avoided." Said Jane. "Either one of you would have done everything to fight for one another and that alone is something that is rare and you two care and love each other so much, that love must have been what made the Infinity Stones grant your wish."

"I know and when all of this is over then it will be the start of a new beginning for us. One that we need to figure out how to maintain." Said Thor. "Though I still feel as though as I am mostly to blame and that... I failed him..."

"You can't say that... You haven't failed me, not yet..." said a familiar voice catching both of them by surprise. "If you did then I would have died and failed in making sure that you and the others would be free from Thanos. Honestly, you really think that I was going to let Thanos defeat me that easily?"

Both Thor and Jane turns to see that Loki is awake and he is trying to sit up. Much to their surprise, from the look of how things are now looking up. That he at least seems to be doing better, they watch Loki as he tries to sit up but fails. Still weakened by the recent events and him losing and regaining his soul.

"Loki! You're finally awake!" Said Thor rather excitedly.

"Yes, but I am obviously not pleased by your enthusiastic yell. I am injured, but I still am trying to make it pass by a hour while being awake even if I still feel absolutely exhausted." Said Loki rather annoyed. "Now can one of you help me sit up before I lose my mind?"

Jane quickly got another pillow and tries to help Loki sit up and make himself comfortable. Once he is in a sitting position, he takes the time to look around and see his surroundings. Wondering how long has it been since he woke up and spoke to Thor? No one needs to be a deep thinker to know that he is no longer on the ship and that they are now somewhere else. He just needs to make sure, since he has to find out what's real and what's nothing more than a fantasy. After a wave of nightmares, a moment in darkness and now recently seeing his mother again. Loki doesn't want to believe in anything that might be nothing more than a illusion going on in his mind and needs to know the truth.

"I am going to safely assume that we are no longer on the ship?" Asked Loki. "That we managed to arrive safely back to Earth?"

"Yeah, we did and we are now in Avengers tower and we can stay here until they figure out what to do next and for you and Nebula to get well." Said Jane. "At least they are letting you and Nebula stay in the penthouse, so that's cool right?"

"Indeed and yet surprising that it would..." starts Loki before stopping himself not even sure if whether or not he wants to know if he is now in Tony's bedroom since this look way too comfortable.

"So, how are you now?" Asked Jane. "How do you feel?"

"Exhausted, hot, and surprisingly in less pain than how I was before." Said Loki. "Though if I am being honest I am slightly confused and would like to know what is going on before I lose my mind."

"Relax, we are back on Earth and there hasn't been an angry mob ready to come after you. I don't even know what the Avengers are planning to do or if they are thinking of exposing your identity." Said Jane. "We are just trying to figure out what should be our next move with the stones, Nebula is doing alright and she is improving, the others are trying their best to help and Darcy has been asking for you."

"She was? Where is she now?" Asked Loki almost immediately. "Please tell me that she is not taking the blame for my previous actions or for any of this."

"No, she is not in trouble, she just left to go to your place to get a couple of things for you." Said Jane. "I don't think we have to worry about anything, you guys did team up to save the universe and everything that you did to prove yourself even before Thanos revealed your identity. They at least started to see you for being more than the guy who wanted to take over a planet, plus... hearing what happened to you from Gamora might have helped."

"At least that's a relief, they are letting her and the Guardians off without any punishment, that Nebula is doing better and-" starts Loki before noticing something. "Thor, what's wrong?"

"Nothing... I am just happy that you're ok and you are awake again." Said Thor as he stares at his brother trying hard to hide the expression of guilt from his face. "That's all... Nothing more than that..."

"Thor, we both know that you could never keep a secret from me." Said Loki getting down to the facts and wanting to be a comfort for him. "Now can you tell me what is troubling you?"

"I'm sorry." Said Thor immediately.

"Sorry? For what?" Asked Loki surprised.

"For failing to protect you from him, for not being there for you when you needed me most, for not finding you quicker than I did, for almost failing to save you and thus almost letting you die." Said Thor. "I am sorry that I failed you as a brother and couldn't have done more to help or prevented him from doing this to you. I wish it was me who is now lying on that bed then you would be ok and-"

"Thor, none of this is your fault and even if you had found me when Nebula and I was fighting him off. We have no guarantee that it would change anything or when you would have hypothetically arrive." Said Loki. "Thanos would have been more than pleased to use you against me, so it could have made things worse and besides the last thing your friends, the Guardians, Jane and Darcy need is to worry about the three of us being injured."

"But it won't change the fact that you are injured and he nearly killed you." Said Thor.

"But he didn't, come on Thor even if Thanos had succeeded, at the end of the day we still would have won." Said Loki. "I did send him to another dimension and that alone is more than enough when it comes to making sure he will never return and gets exactly what he deserves."

"This isn't about Thanos or whether or not you defeated him or where he ended up." Said Thor. "This is about how I almost lost you again and this time it would have been for good. That you wouldn't have some way of coming back and if I hope that you faked your death again then it would be nothing but false hope."

"Are you really going to bring that up now?" Asked Loki who rolled his eyes in annoyance. "I thought that we move past all of that and-"

"I don't think that I would ever forget this, I thought I lost you then, but it turned out to be an illusion and I was happy that it was and you were alright. But now I almost lost and it was all my fault!" Yelled Thor catching both Loki and Jane by surprise, he just gives a sigh and continues on. "It was my fault... If I only saw the signs sooner or figured out that you were Mysto or did something more back in Asgard or simply try to fight off Thanos myself. I failed you so many times and now he has hurt you and I almost lost you yet again. I failed you as a brother and I-"

"Thor, none of this was your fault and if anything this would have been more my fault, I was the one who teamed up with Thanos and pushed you and everyone away in the process." Said Loki. "Yet you still tried to bring me back and stand by my side, no matter how many times I reject you or whatever I may have done."

"Loki, all of the problems that Thanos caused and everything he had you do, it-" starts Thor before...

"Let's avoid that argument or rather reassurance for a bit, just hear me out for a minute when I say you haven't failed." Said Loki. "I can prove that you didn't fail simply by the fact that you never gave up on me, you continue to hope that I would return to your side, you went out of your way to try to save me even if we have yet to face these consequences."

"You didn't deserve to die and I was not going to let you, if I knew how to save you and could, I would always take that chance." Said Thor. "I can't lose you again or even want to be placed in the situation where I would lose you for good and that is something I would never want to happen..."

"That alone is more than enough proof that you haven't failed me." Said Loki. "I mean I didn't die or even close to dying right now."

"Loki, if this is your own strange way of making me feel better then-"

"Are you going to stop and listen to me when I give you a rare moment of praise?" asked Loki. "Especially when I am about to show some gratitude?"

"He got you there." Said Jane who doesn't know if she should feel a little awkward on still being here when the two brothers are having a moment and at the same time happy that they are getting along.

"My point being is that you saved my life, even with the fact that it would have made your life easier and the risks are too great, you still chose to save me and wouldn't give up even if the odds were impossibly against you." Said Loki. "If that doesn't qualify as a brother who is persistent, stubborn, caring and yet somewhat annoying who would never give up on me even if everyone else has. Then that would be more of a brother that I don't think I would ever have and one that I would never change, no matter how many spells I can cast or illusions I can create. You're good enough for me and not a failure in my eyes."

"You always did know the words to comfort me and I have almost forgot how they can be." Said Thor.

"Well they can provide wisdom when the situation may require it." Said Loki. "Though the only time I have ever failed was when you were ready to invade Jonthunhiem and led your friends and myself to try to exact your vengeance for simply because they ruined your coronation."

"Who was to blame for the entire fiasco?" Pointed out Thor.

"I never intended to have you banished, I simply was hoping for fa- Odin to see that you were not ready for the throne and simply only that." Said Loki. "It was before all of this and before finding out that I was adopted and let my insecurities get the better of me."

"So that's why you got sent to Earth." Said Jane. "You had a little issue with the Jontuns?"

"More like nearly started a war." Said Loki nonchalantly.

"What? You nearly started a war?" Asked Jane in shock.

"Yes, but I was furious back then and didn't see the error of my ways, that was who I was at my worst." Said Thor. "I am no longer that kind of person and I owe it to both of you and father."

"I was the one who caused the entire problem in the first place." Pointed out Loki completely confused . "Why would you be thanking me for that? Let alone what possibly might have been the hardest two years in your life and later on more problems such as Thanos to name a few."

"If it weren't for you, from seeing that I was not ready for the throne, then I wouldn't have been sent down to Earth and I would have met Jane, Darcy and my friends and became an Avenger." Said Thor. "Even if I had to deal with the consequences of your actions..."

"Someone had to make sure that you don't start a Galaxy size war even if it means that I have to take matters into my own hands." Said Loki. "Though I trust that I don't have to worry about you going that far again?"

"I learned my lesson and I assure you brother, I am not going to go that far and I don't even know if I want to be king." Said Thor. "This entire journey has only shown me that I am meant to protect the Nine Realms and to remain on Earth. I can't do any of that if I am sitting on a throne in Asgard. Besides father would have you thrown in the dungeons if he was in a bad mood if he ever finds out you're alive."

"But still he might not do that right?" Asked Jane. "After you tell him everything that has happened and how Loki has changed and save the entire universe."

"I highly doubt that Jane, Odin is not the type who would overlook on past transgressions. He's a man who would push away any emotion or sentiment in order to do what he believes might be justified." Said Loki. "Even if it's... his own sons, he will never pardon me... While we are on the topic, Thor there is something that I want to discuss and it's about Odin and-"

"We'll worry about all of that once you are well again." Said Thor. "Right now lets focus on trying to get you well and make the most of this precious gift."

"Brother, we can't avoid this conversation and issue forever." Said Loki. "We need to face-"

"I know and we will, but for now I just need to spend these glorious minutes with you." Said Thor. "It has been far too long since we had a conversation and I don't want to miss a minute of this."

Loki stares at Thor in complete disbelief, as all of the questions that he is suddenly now asking himself is no coming down his brain as a rapid waterfall. Wondering why would Thor be avoiding the main problem that they now have to deal with? Does his brother have any idea on what might be at stake if they don't tell Odin that the threat of Thanos is over and he is still preparing for a fight that is now long over? But from one look at his brother, he can tell that Thor want nothing more but to just spend time with Loki and to have that moment to simply be there for him.

Loki does feel flattered by his brother's kind gesture, though his main concern would be what is going to happen after he is healed and when it is time to face Odin. But after everything that has happened and everything both brothers have been through, he figures that it might be best to spend this moment with Thor and Jane. So that way not only he would at least provide some comfort to his brother and to enjoy every moment he could before he has to face judgement from Odin and the Avengers. He is happy that at least Thor and Jane are there, that they at least can have a conversation without the fear of Thanos looming over them.

Though he quickly realize that this is the first time that the three of them ever spent time together and all three of them are in good terms with one another. It has been long since the night they have spent planning their attack in the Dark World, how far things have come for them and how much he has changed since that night and how he was able to get past the anger within him and find true happiness, see the error of his ways and stood up and defeated Thanos and now he is in a better place and have support.

He is better off now then how he was before and he is just happy that he has Thor, Darcy, Jane, the Guardians, Nebula and Wanda by his side. Though Loki wishes that Darcy was here right now and there. Even if he doesn't tell her how he feels, that is he doesn't know if he feels ready to do so or if he is even ready for them to go down that path. There is also the fact that he might have to pay the price for the past, he just wishes that he has her company right now. That they can simply be friends and have a good time, like they always do. Loki just hopes that she is not going to pay the price for helping him and that she at least will be rewarded for what she has done. He doesn't want to see that happen or even wants to put Darcy in that situation.

For now, he is just trying to make the most of this time he has left. Simply enjoying Thor and Jane's company as they continue to talk. From one look at the three, it would be a surprise to everyone if they hear that once Loki couldn't stand either of them and begrudgingly helped them defeat Malekith. Even if there is a lot of uncertainty left in the future and Loki doesn't know what will be the outcome, he is just enjoying the conversation and getting to know Jane a little better as a person. He wishes that he could discuss his worries and the entire situation with Thor, but right now all he wants to do is relax and enjoy the company he has before he either falls asleep or his troubles will come up to follow him.

---

Meanwhile back in Darcy and Loki's apartment

Darcy soon arrives to the apartment building and makes it inside. She starts to make her way inside their apartment, taking a look at the place the two shared and the apartment full of the memories they shared. Sure it was the second apartment that she and Loki wound up living in, but so far between the first one in London verses the one they have in New York, the second one felt more at home than anything else.

They moved into it, at the time the reasons were nothing more but Jane was going to New York to be closer to Thor and she would have to tag along, she thinks that she and Loki needed a bigger place and she was about to be charged for the damages that Ultron did when he took the mind stone. But over time, it felt more like home than the other apartment ever did and she simply feels as though that if the worst happened then it would feel more like an empty shell of the home that she once knew. One that she doesn't even know what to think whenever she faces a memory of Loki or passing by his room every day.

Darcy is just grateful that he is going to be alright and that he's not going to die. But she is still worried of what's going to happen once the Avengers figure out what to do and if Thor tells Odin what happened and if he tells Odin the truth. At least when it comes to the Avengers, they seem open in giving Loki a chance and not to place both of them in a jail cell or paying some kind of consequence for the past. Maybe they are starting to see Loki in the way that she is sees him and at least try to give Loki a chance. That they are seeing him more as a person than this villain that caused them nothing but trouble. She is just happy that there is hope for her friend and that he can stay on Earth if he wants to. Maybe if she talk to the Avengers about it and tell them the things Loki has done remind them of the past week, then maybe she can somehow convince them to let off any punishment for possibly both of them.

Though right now, Darcy is more busy trying to get some of Loki things and activities that he could do to fight off being bored to death and right now she just needs to figure out what to bring. She knows that Loki likes to read a lot and he has still yet to finish Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, so she grabs a hold of that and quickly grab something from Loki's piles of books in case he finished it, the ones that she grabbed are Game of Thrones and Three Hearts and Three Lions. She doesn't know anything about these books or how Loki can enjoy these hard, more like impossible to read books, but she is not complaining as long as it makes Loki happy. But she might want to start watching the series in order to be caught up and that way she can at least talk to Loki about something he would enjoy for fun.

She continues to try to think of things for Loki to do that not only be fun and relaxing, but also be something that she knows that he would like to do and that is at least going to be open on giving it a chance. Maybe she should at least grab something for Loki to make him more comfortable, so she quickly grab some necessities for both of them and some snacks, if Loki doesn't want any then there would be more for her. She also grabbed some of the things that might give Loki some comfort and a clean set of clothes, so that way he would be more comfortable while he rests and heals. Once she grabs everything and placed it on the counter, she is going to go and put everything in her bag and then she will return to the tower. She opens her bag and is about to start...

"I am Groot!" Cried out Groot happily surprising Darcy. "I am Groot."

"Groot!? How did you-" starts Darcy before realizing the truth right in front of them. "Wait, did you... Were you in my backpack ever since I got to leave from the tower?"

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot happily and then turns around to see the apartment in amazement. "I am Groot."

"You stowed away?! Oh boy, this is bad. Once the others find out then..." starts Darcy as she takes the time to think about the situation. "Rocket is definitely going to blow his top at me, then you and then me again. While everyone else is definitely going to be in line to wait their turn."

"I am Groot." Starts Groot as he looks around the apartment full of child like curiously. "I am Groot?"

"Yeah, this is where I live and Loki lives here too. It's not much, but it's perfect for two who has to live together and hide their super secret mission from the world." Said Darcy. "Now Groot, why don't we-"

"I am Groot." Said Groot happily going down the hall and is going to see what's else this apartment has in store.

Darcy doesn't even know if this is a good sign or even wants to find out. So she quickly rushes over to follow Groot as he is about to go in the bathroom. He quickly goes inside to see what is in there and if there is any difference between this room and the one on the Guardians' ship. He quickly climbs on top of sink, to much of his disappointment, he discovers that it's not so different except it's a little bigger and has better lighting. Before Darcy has a chance to grab a hold of Groot, he quickly turns on the sink and goes over to turn on the shower and quickly flushed the topper before running out of the room.

Darcy quickly turns off every single faucet and hurries over to try to see what or rather where Groot may be off to next. She doesn't even need to look far, since she can hear excited giggles coming from her room. Once Darcy makes it inside, all she sees is Groot jumping up and down on the mattress. Having the time of his life, but not seeing how he is having a little too much fun. As she notices Groot jumping up higher and higher.

"I am Groot! I am Groot! I am Groot!" Said Groot happily messing up the covers and slowly messing up the rest of the room as he swings around, hitting random corners with his ability to extend his tree arm and knocking everything in sight.

"Groot, I know you're having fun but right now that's not exactly the best way to do it." said Darcy trying to see if she can catch the sappling. "You're making a mess and one that I need to clean up before we leave here. The last thing I need to deal with is you trashing my room."

Groot takes a look at Darcy and quickly jumps off and starts to race past her. He ran around the room for a little bit, while Darcy is having trouble keeping up. Before she can even grab a hold of the sappling, he makes a run for it and stands to look at the door across the hall. Darcy finally manages to escape from her room and from one look, she already knows where Groot is going to head next and no one needs to be a deep thinker to figure out what he planning to do.

"Groot, you better not do what I think you're going to do." Said Darcy as she starts to quickly get to the door to block it.

"I am Groot." Said Groot excitedly as he races into the room and begins to play around in it, creating a mess while Darcy tries to catch him and unintentionally making the mess bigger in the process.

Groot keeps allowing his curiosity get the better of him and there doesn't seem to be any stopping him. That is until, he managed to find something that completely stops him from his fun. He sees that Loki has a wired half built giant castle, so he tries to see if he could fit right in, without getting stuck and only breaking most of it, allowing the pieces to fall to the ground. Groot is about to climb down the shelf and jump on to the bed, before Darcy grabs a hold of him.

"Gotcha!" Said Darcy. "I finally got you, now all I need to do is pack everything into my bag, get us both to Avengers tower and clean up the mess you made..."

"I am Groot." Said Groot happily and proudly as Darcy stares at Loki's room and thinks about the rest of the apartment, knowing one thing: that she needs to clean this up before Loki comes home when all heals up and sees it.

"No, Groot this is bad, this is beyond bad." Said Darcy. "I can't believe that you trashed this place!"

"I am Groot?" Asked Groot confused on what was wrong.

"Of course this is bad, look at this place. It looks like if a tornado hit it, a very cute tornado." Said Darcy not even bothering to stay mad at the sappling. "It's going to take me forever to clean this place up."

"I am Groot?" Asked Groot wondering if he did something wrong.

"Uh it's not really that much of a problem Groot, it's just that you practically messed up Loki's room and mine and the rest of the apartment." Said Darcy as she stares at the apartment and the mess right before her. "How am I going to fix this Lego Hogwarts castle that Loki practically was helping me build and he practically took over without the instructions? I really hope that I can find them, this thing is over 6,000 pieces. He is so going to have a cow if he sees this."

"I am Groot." Said Groot. "I am Groot?"

"It's fine Groot, sorry if I am being hard on you on this." Said Darcy. "I have been so stressed by the entire mess that Loki and I are in, I mean sure we defeated Thanos, but do you have any idea on how much trouble both Loki and I are going to be in if things don't work out?"

"I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot?" Asked Groot in a tone that indicates if he is asking a why question.

"Why? Where do I begin? If the Avengers are the types that would hold a grudge, then they would ban Loki from Earth or something. If Thor tells their dad, then Loki and I might be trapped in the dungeons of Asgard or at least Loki will pay the price for it." Said Darcy. "Since things are still up in the air for me, I mean I could join him when it comes to the whole prison life style or be the most hated person on the planet if everyone finds out that I am BFFs with Loki."

"I am Groot? I am Groot?" Asked Groot.

"I wish I know what to do, I don't want any of those things to happen." Said Darcy. "Right now I don't even know if I can do anything to stop it, if I can't even stop you from trashing this place then what makes me think that I can convince them to not do what I am the most worried about?"

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot.

"I know that they are not planning to tell anyone yet or at least considering it. Plus Thor cares about Loki and might not want to see him get hurt, maybe there's hope there and that alone is something that I should know by now that it's more than likely the case. Thor is ready to go to an unknown dimension to do everything in his power to save him." Said Darcy as she makes her own realization. "So maybe instead of simply just worrying about it all of the time, I should go with the flow and have the fate that things will work out. Especially after everything we have been through, we always find a way to get through and what makes this any different? I am going to stand by Loki's side and will stand up for him and myself, if things go sideways. I just hope that I don't have to do it towards the Avengers, even if I know that there are the others by our side."

"I am Groot. I am Groot?" asked Groot.

"I mean I am a huge fan of them, they are real life superheroes that might do their job on us. But I guess that I should simply stand up for both of us and our well beings if it comes to that." said Darcy. "Maybe I should take things as they go and be ready to face them if I have to do it, that I should go with the flow and see what happens. Things will work out, I know that it will and I am going to make sure of it."

"I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot." said Groot.

"Yeah I know that it's going to be tough, but as Loki's friend, I am going to stand by his side, we made it this far." said Darcy. "Besides if worst case scenario happens, maybe being stuck in a Asgardian dungeon won't be so bad, maybe it will be like... a wired permanent vacation."

"I am Groot." said Groot in a tone that sound as if he is saying 'seriously.'

"Hey, I am jut trying to be positive and trying to make myself feel better, there is also the fact that I have to figure out what to say to Loki the next time we meet because we kinda left things in an awkward spot." said Darcy. "But then again, I thought that he was going to die and I was ready to pour my heart out. Maybe I should try to play it cool or who knows maybe he forgot that and won't ask."

"I am Groot." said Groot giving her a shrug.

"I'll figure that out later, right now I need to get everything ready to go and clean this mess up." said Darcy. "If you want to help just gather any small parts and make a pile and let's just hope that I can be done before the end of the day and somehow make it look exactly like how it was before you came in and trashing into our place."

With that both Darcy and Groot got to work on trying to make the most of the situation, to try to clean this as fast as they can and Darcy just hopes that she can somehow make it look exactly before they both arrive this apartment. She doesn't even know how she is going to do it and if things are going to work out. But from a look at the current situation and how there are many signs that maybe things will be alright. That maybe the Avengers will be cool with Loki staying, that is if he is going to stay and that nothing is going to convince him to leave Earth forever, she doesn't want him to go, but at the end of the day it will be Loki's choice and the circumstances before them.

As she starts to focus on reorganizing the books that Loki has gotten during his time on Earth. She knows that she is going to pull through and to do everything in her power to help and at the same time, try to figure out what she is going to do and just hopes that she would think of something and do it, that alone is not letting her have a break. Things have drastically shift from getting the stones and stopping Thanos from using them to try to save both of them from being trapped from going to jail and worrying if the events of the past will somehow stop the Avengers from giving them a chance or will Odin come down and do it himself if Thor tells him the truth? All she can do now is try to make everything look exactly as it did, find the instructions and hope that things will somehow work out. That or worst case scenario, she and Loki better start brainstorming ideas on how to survive a literal eternity of boredom.

---

Two hours later, back in Avenger tower

Loki is simply resting as he is giving Bruce an update of his symptoms and how he is currently feeling after the recovery process so far. So far, he does start to feel somewhat decent, but the burn marks Thanos created is giving him this itching feeling that makes him anxious to scratch, but is trying hard to avoid it in case of it being absolutely important for him not to scratch. He wishes that his magic is back, that way he could have conjured an illusion so that way he can avoid feeling the pain. Unfortunately due to the fact that his soul is still taking the time to rejoin him and without more of the healing potion, it is taking slower than any of them would like.

Not too mention, it also doesn't help that he still has a fever, it is currently at 102.9, all he feels as though he has been encased in ice as the heat seems to give Loki a headache and that alone is just creating some discomfort and chest pain that feels worse than the Power Stone. That it seems like that the past couple of hours, feels endless as he is trying to make it through the rest of the day. He honestly doesn't even know how anyone without magic can handle recovering anything without creating an illusion or using an advanced healing potion in hopes that it would end soon and he'll be well enough to at least get out of the bed and go for a walk, that is if he can even have the opportunity without facing hundreds of restrictions standing in his way. He just wonders when Thor will go to Asgard and talk to Odin, so that way maybe he can request some ore potion enough for him and Nebula.

But in all honesty and seriousness, he knows that his brother is going to have to their father sooner or later and he would prefer it to be sooner. So that way he would know what is going to happen and get the consequences over with, as much as he wants Thor to keep him being alive a secret from Odin and the rest of Asgard. But deep down, he knows that Thor would never want to keep something like this a secret and would want for him and Odin to make amends and start anew. As wonderful as it sounds, Loki knows that this fantasy won't happen no matter how much the two of them would like it to happen, simply because of the laws in Asgard and Odin is not the type who would be open on giving second chances.

He has seen many during his time in the dungeons try to appeal to Odin in hopes that they would get pardoned and that they will be freed from their crimes. Though most of the time, it was mostly an act, a pathetic lie that everyone can see through and Odin never buys it for a minute and he often sends them back to the dungeons. Even if they were sincere, Odin would never hear a word of it and often just dismiss their pleas and send them back to the dungeons. Loki wasn't surprised when he sees all of the escaped prisoners who begged Odin for forgiveness and another chance joined Malekith and the Dark Elves, even more so when it comes to the ones that were sincere in their attempts. There is no hope for him, if Odin ever finds out and he'd be lucky to get a lighter sentence.

For now he is just going to try to enjoy the time that he has left on Earth and heal from this entire ordeal. Maybe even try to reevaluate his options and he is really considering on going with the Guardians, but even then he would probably have to leave with them as early as tonight. But with Nebula who is still recovering from her concussion and his current condition, he would slow them down, especially if he doesn't have the strength to get out of this bed and put up a fight. It doesn't help that the Guardians' ship is completely destroyed and it might take a couple of weeks if not a month or two to get the ship fully repaired. He's stuck on Earth for the next week or so, he is just going to enjoy being in the planet that at first he looked down upon, but in the end he sees that there is beauty in the planet and companions that he values and a home that he never thought that he would ever find, one that he doesn't want to leave or to return to a world where he would be trapped in. He would have to leave everything behind and that alone is what making him more and more disappointed and wish that there is a spell that would allow him to change the possible inevitable fate.

He has been quiet thinking about the future and how to convince Thor to possibly consider going to Asgard and with the hope that he can somehow luck out and have a peaceful last couple of days on Earth before he has to go back. No one else is in the room, other than Bruce who came in to check on Loki and he has been checking the monitors, asking Loki how he is now feeling. Right now is simply checking his temperature after asking both Thor and Loki, the normal vital signs for an Asgardian or rather Jontun in Loki's case. Though there has been more of a concern towards Loki knowing that he is a Jontun biologically by birth and is weaker when it came to having a fever and seeing how he is doing so far. Loki is grateful that at least Thor and Jane spent the hours with him, until they had to leave and left him in Bruce's care.

Jane left the room a little earlier, after realizing that Darcy still hasn't come back and is going to call her to check in and see if Darcy's alright. While Thor on the other hand has to attend some Avengers meeting with at least Tony, Steve and Natasha attending and are the only ones that going to be having a time to talk about what has happened and what they are going to do next. While the Guardians are focusing on trying to fix their ship and Gamora is focusing on Nebula with the Guardians helping her and probably him as well, if he doesn't watch out then they might come in to check on him. Though he wants nothing more to be left alone at this moment and think about everything and figure out the words to say to Thor to convince him to go to Asgard and get it over with.

"You have been really quiet lately, don't feel like talking?" Said Bruce trying to start a friendly conversation.

"Of course I don't, I have many things to worry about at the moment." Said Loki rather briefly and trying to end this attempt quickly. "Besides I don't like to talk."

"You talk a lot despite saying that, I don't even remember the last time that I ever saw you not talking to someone." Said Bruce.

"It really depends on the mood and right now I am not in the mood to have a friendly discussion." Said Loki.

"Ok, I guess that being stuck here and nearly dying for good makes you in anything but a good mood." Said Bruce.

"You think?" Said Loki with a hint of annoyance and gives a sigh. "Please tell me that your friends said anything about me and I don't have to worry about facing two guards or you as the Hulk ready to make sure that I am kept inside this room."

"First of all, you can barely get up right now or use your magic and secondly you had many chances to do something and you never did." Said Bruce. "That and saving the world at least gives me some comfort that you are getting things off on the right foot. That I don't need to let the big guy out to put a stop to whatever you are doing."

"Do you and your comrades speak of what they are planning to do?" Asked Loki. "Now that they know that Mysto is nothing more than a illusion? That the ally that they trusted was me, the very person that causes destruction where ever I go and the most wonderful memory you all had in of me is the disappointment of discovering that I lied and caused Thanos to attack Earth, along with the week we all had to endure. Do I really need to get started on my first time on Earth?"

"Well, I don't think any of us will ever forget New York or how you were Mysto this entire time, but I think you made up for it by coming back and saving the universe, you were ready to sacrifice yourself after all." Said Bruce. "Besides Thanos was the one who wanted to destroy the universe to create his perfect world literally. Even if you did make some kind of deal with Thanos, he was more powerful and might have even influenced you through the mind stone or the offer that he has given you or whatever might have been the reason, at the end of the day you still chose to do everything in your power to stop him and make up for what you did."

"You still haven't answered my first question." Said Loki. "I am flattered that you think that of me, but I am more curious on how the others might feel and what would happen if they are still holding everything against me and if they expose me..."

"Loki, I can promise you that the others are not thinking of some crazy revenge plan and ruin your life out of spite." reassured Bruce. "If it makes you feel any better than none of us thought of exposing you or at least are having conversations on how to possibly deal with this. We still need to figure out how to explain this to everyone and if we can even do it. People are going to have questions and we don't even know if we're going to have the answers to answer them."

"Good, at least I can safely say that I haven't been revealed to the entire planet yet." said Loki. "But it won't be long now won't it? That they will reveal the truth and then it will be the end."

"I really don't think they are going to expose you, I am not going to." said Bruce trying to relate to him. "I know what it's like to be not accepted for your past and how people will see you as a monster even after you have proven that you are nothing what they are saying and that you are more than that."

"Perhaps, we are not that different after all. But at least when you turn into that green monster, aside from any damages you may cause, it won't stop from at least a child being amazed by the creature that you transform into." said Loki.

"I wish it could be like that for anyone who may think of me as a monster." said Bruce. "But I really think that you'll be fine, if they can accept me as hero and I am sure they will open to you. That is if you ever chose to reveal yourself and if we can find someway to prove to everyone the truth."

"I doubt it, they will never accept me and will hold the past against me." said Loki. "I doubt anyone would be willing to listen to us and besides it won't even matter because of the choice that Thor would have to make when he has to return to Asgard and tell our father everything then he will take over any duties of making sure that my sentence will be resumed and I'd be lucky if he would be lenient and allow me to peacefully return to my cell, the laws in Asgard is different than the ones on Earth. There is no hope for me..."

Before Bruce can say another word, Thor enters the room catching both of them surprise and from one glance of the room, Thor can already tell that the main conversation was about whether or not the others will tell everyone on the planet the truth. It doesn't help that Loki might be worrying about what would happen if Thor tells Odin everything. He really wishes he knows what to do and if he is ready to face Odin, at least he would wait until knows that Loki is well enough to at least leave this room on his own or his fever finally ends. He does wonder how long does a soul need to fully form and if they need to do more? Would Loki need some of the healing potion? If so then he would need to go to Asgard to obtain more, though he may already need to go sooner simply because Nebula needs some more as she tries to heal and yet made some promising progress. He approaches the two of them as he allows all of the thoughts going on in his head.

"How's everything?" Asked Thor.

"Better than how I was on the ship." Said Loki. "That is if I can make it past getting off this bed and don't feel like if I was set on fire and it was the middle of the hottest day in summer."

"Well the good news is that at least your fever stopped rising but it's still high." Said Bruce. "Other than that and the muscle weakness, I think it is safe to say that you are going to be alright. But then again, I don't really know much about souls regaining and how it all works."

"It's a complicated subject matter." Admitted Thor before he turns to ask one of the questions on his mind. "Is there anyway we can bring his fever down?"

"I wish I knew, but as I said I don't know that much about the process of regaining a soul and judging from how things have been so far then it could either be as immediate as it was earlier or as slow as it is right now." Said Bruce. "Unless you guys can take any human medications, where it might possibly help improve some of the symptoms."

"If only it works as simple as that." Said Loki. "Asgardians, Jontuns and many other beings outside of Earth in the nine realms are physically stronger. Try to give me any medication right now, but it will be the equivalent to a cough drop."

"The only way to possibly help Loki heal sooner if I obtain more of the healing potion." Said Thor. "The only way any of us can obtain it is by going to Asgard and getting a couple of bottles."

"One could always try to make it, but it is a challenge within itself." Said Loki. "During my entire time on Earth, there has been no signs of any of the plants that I have seen or at least know that we can make the potion. It's a very rare and exclusive potion that many have failed to replicate, I wouldn't be surprised if only the healers, Odin and our mother knows the recipe for it."

"Ok, rare exclusive potion that no one else can make." Said Bruce. "That's completely helpful.."

"I don't think it's necessary." Said Thor. "There have been many cases that many who nearly lost their soul and regain it is able to heal themselves without it."

"What? Thor, there hasn't been such said time in recorded history and even then there is a risk that it might take me weeks to fully recover from this." said Loki.

"Well there is a first time for everything." said Thor trying to reassure Loki and himself, mostly himself.

"Thor, it's not going to happen and we both know that the potion is the best way for anyone to heal from injuries like this." said Loki. "We can't rely on the false hope that it would all magically work out. Besides your going to need to go and face Odin, it is going to happen sooner or later and-"

"I think it can wait for a little bit and right now we should focus on... trying to help you and Nebula get better." said Thor. "Along with how to respond to any questions that many will ask and we need to think of all the answers for them."

"Thor, can I talk to you alone?" Said Loki giving a sigh and turning to Bruce. "That is if it is alright and you are not going to give anyone ideas on how to make sure that I stay out of trouble."

"Of course, come on Loki we have been through so much already and even if we were on opposite sides." said Bruce. "They are not going to do something like that and I am not going to give them any ideas like that."

"One can't be too careful can they?" said Loki as he tries to get up, but failed on getting out of the bed and with a frustrated groan, he simply make himself comfortable on the bed annoyed by the current state of things.

Without another word, Bruce simply leaves the room wondering if the conversation between the two brothers will end well or if the rest of the Avengers and himself can think of a solution that would be alright with everyone in the tower. Loki waits until Bruce leaves the room and tries to think of the words to say to Thor and knows that he is going to need to make sure that Thor knows, that he needs to go back to Asgard and face Odin, the sooner the better and as much as he appreciates Thor on wanting to be there. But he knows that he has to set things straight and convince Thor the most obvious facts and for him to be ready to face the truth and their father before something happens and they would be paying worser consequences. He just gives a sigh and faces Thor, ready to start off the conversation and not even sure if he just hopes that Thor would hear him out.

"Thor, I think you should go back and talk to Odin." said Loki.

"No brother, I am not leaving you and intend to stay by your side as long as you may need to have someone by your side and to stay and help." said Thor. "If I leave now and if something happens, then-"

"You returned my soul and aside from the recovery process, I believe I will be fine without you for a day or two." said Loki. "I did survive this long without you by my side and for some time you didn't even know that I was still alive."

"I wasn't there, we fell apart for one minute and you had a mad titan chasing after you." said Thor. "I am not going to just get up and leave."

"You and I both know that Odin will be preparing for a war and he probably has all of Asgard's allies preparing." Said Loki. "The sooner that he knows then the better it will be, he would be ready to use all of the resources he can think of in order to prepare for it if not do something rash without even knowing. We can't afford a universal war accidentally breaking out, we don't know what Thanos has done to try to find me and the stones. It is imperative that Odin and the other realms and planets know before it's leads to something."

"I know, but right now I need to be here and we will figure out how to stop it." Said Thor. "We can work this all out later."

"What if there is no later, we don't know what's going on or if there has been some conflict that started to arise." Said Loki. "If we look at everything that has happened, the past events and the history before I met Thanos. We both know that Odin couldn't save Hela and he might take the opportunity to make sure nothing like that happens again no matter what the cost."

"I doubt that it would happen or at least hope it doesn't." Said Thor. "But I am not going until I am sure that you are alright."

"Thor, I will be perfectly fine and I am sure that the most that they will do is keep someone watching the front door to make sure I don't escape or cause any trouble." Said Loki. "Besides if there is any attack, then I think I can handle myself."

"How?" Asked Thor. "You can barely use your magic, let alone walk."

"Assuming so that it happens when I am well or close enough." Said Loki. "Even then I am not going to give up without a fight and despite not knowing if I fully trust your friends, I do know that they care about you more than enough to make sure that nothing happens to me."

"It's not that... You're hurt, everyone is confused and the Guardians needs help when it comes to rebuilding their ship, Nebula and the Infinity Guantlet..." starts Thor. "All I know is that my place is here until I know everything will be alright and you and Nebula will be more than fine."

"Thor, if you truly want to make sure that both Nebula and I will be fine then you are going to need to go back to get more of the potion." said Loki. "We are going to need more if we are going to fully heal from this and we are going to need to make sure that everyone knows what happened and we have to put a stop to it before it can even start."

"I... don't know if I am ready for the next steps and what happens next." said Thor. "If I will ever be ready to face the future and everything that has happened and how..."

"Thor, we have to face it eventually and sooner or later, we can't run from it forever and the only one who can go to Odin and the one he will listen to." said Loki. "We can't escape reality, no matter how much we may want to, we have to face it and from first hand experience, I can tell you that running and hiding from your problems is only going to make it harder and it will only grow over time."

"I am not going, until I know what to do and if you will be fine." said Thor.

"We won't be if we don't alert Odin now, out of all the planets, Asgard is the most powerful and Odin will not put a stop in preparing for imminent attack and will know what happened unless someone tells him." said Loki. "Thor, I know that it would make me feel better knowing that you are over there telling him that we defeated Thanos and getting more of the potion. We can't leave him in the dark and be more reckless, especially with the price that is at stake and one we can't afford in letting it go any further and if we can somehow make anything work or resolve any of these problems."

"I can't go, not yet..." said Thor who wishes Loki would give up on the conversation.

"Why? You keep saying that you are not ready and it's clear that you are not, but you doing everything in your power to delay it." said Loki. "I am fine Thor, I may not be fully well and will need time to heal and need some more potion to do it. The only place to obtain it is Asgard and what might possibly be troubling you that you are now avoiding it? What could possibly make you so afraid that you are prolonging your stay on earth, that you are ready to avoid Odin for the foreseeable future?"

"It's complicated." said Thor as the conversation is becoming more and more difficult to continue as the unsurity of the future comes through his mind.

"How is it complicated? You have not given me a reason why you find it so complicated, aside from your concern of my well being then what makes seeing Odin harder than everything we have been through?" asked Loki. "Are you so worried that Odin would not listen to you that he would ultimately deem you as a failure? In case it had not occurred to you, Hela's dead and Odin believes that I died in the Dark World, he would never turn his back on you not only because you are the only heir to the throne, but you are his son and his favorite out of the three of us. So he can't disown you and I don't see why you are so worried about that."

"I am not, it's just that... I don't want to... I can't go there and face him or face..." starts Thor not even sure what he is trying to say.

"Face what? Face the pride of our father, when he finds out that you helped stop Thanos or are you worried that he would deem you ready for the throne?" asked Loki trying to get a clear picture and is frustrated with his brother's reluctance and cryptic answers. "Why don't you just tell him that you're not ready for it? How hard is it for you to go up and tell Odin that-"

"I can't fail you again!" said Thor catching Loki off guard and he turns away from his brother as he finally let everything out. "I can't lose you again, not after everything that has happened. I almost did and I have hurt you so many times and... I failed as a brother and nothing I can do will change that."

Loki stares at Thor for a good couple of seconds as he sees the emotions that his brother is now feeling and that alone is making him feel a sense of uncomfortably. Things are starting to make sense and he sees his brother in a new light and one that he knows that he has to show him that he didn't fail. One that he would never think any less of and will never take for granted again and treasure every moment he has with him. But at the same time to show Thor that he hasn't failed and realize that they need to face the future. Right now his top priority is to make his brother see what he sees in him.

"Thor, you are not a failure." Said Loki. "Whatever gave you the idea that you are a failure?"

"I wasn't there for you when you needed me or realized that you were Mysto, I allowed Thanos to hurt you just this past week alone and you nearly died." Said Thor. "What kind of brother doesn't try to fight for his sibling? What kind of brother doesn't recognize the signs of him or doesn't try to help when you needed me most? What kind of brother fails to save..? Loki you almost died because of him and I almost failed to save you and-"

"Thor, listen to me, none of what happened was your fault and if anything it was more my fault then yours. I was the one who teamed up with Thanos in the first place." said Loki. "But regardless who is to blame, it has always been Thanos's fault and this is what he does, create pain and destruction to get what he wants. He wouldn't stop until he grabs a hold of it, what he did to me is nothing compared to everything else he has done in the past."

"It's not just Thanos, there is also the fact that I didn't do more to help you and if we go back further than this past week, I have done more to hurt you rather than help you. Back then before we embarked on our journey to the Dark World, I could have done more to try to reach out to you and I didn't, I lost all hope that you would seek redemption and simply assume that you were too far gone and that you didn't want to make amends." said Thor. "I should have done more and I have failed in every way possible and for that no apology will ever be enough."

"You didn't fail me, after everything we have been through you still tried to be there and didn't give up on me even if everyone else except mother did. If anything it only proves that you are a worthy brother." Said Loki. "Even if you did fail, you always find a way to make it up to me and you saved my life against all odds. I don't know if I can ever repay that or if I will ever forget that."

"You don't have to, you're my brother and I will always do everything to ensure that you are alright." said Thor. "But I still should have done more and I-"

"Sometimes things happen and they are often beyond our control, the best we can do is move past it and try to do better." said Loki as he placed his hand right on Thor's. "There was nothing more that you could have done and instead of spending time wondering what you could have done differently. We should try to move forward into the future together and not take this opportunity for a new beginning for granted, we have been apart for far too long and right now we should rebuild our bond, enjoy our new lives here and try to not let this opportunity slip us by."

"I know, but I am more worried about what I am going to say to father and if I am ready to face him." said Thor. "I don't want to lie to him, but if I tell him the truth then I'd risk losing you again and you would possibly pay the consequences for the past and if I don't tell him then I would be living a lie for the rest of my life. I don't know how you make it look so easy."

"Believe me, it is never easy to keep a secret that is hurting oneself along the very person that you wish that you can tell the truth and you can't because of the consequences it would bring. You have no idea on how much I wanted to tell you everything, but I knew that the risk it would bring and I thought that you would tell everyone that I was alive or you wouldn't forgive me for the past and for keeping my survival a secret and I didn't want to find out what could happen if you did and feared the worst." Said Loki. "I don't blame you for feeling that way and I understand how hard it must be."

"I don't know what to do or if I can do anything." Said Thor. "I wish that I know what to say and know if what I am doing is right."

"I would personally suggest to keep it a secret simply because I would benefit from it and Darcy and I won't be at risk of facing the wrath of Odin and the laws of Asgard." Said Loki sighing before continuing on. "But I won't hold it against you if you do tell Odin and at least it will take a weight off my shoulders. Thor, I want you to know that I think it's time for us or rather you to face him and for us to face the future together."

Thor stares at Loki for a brief moment that he doesn't have anything to say, he can see how much Loki has changed in the past couple of months and how he has became the brother that he knows and love is back. He doesn't want to see his brother get hurt from his choice and knows that he is going to stand by him no matter what. Thor hopes that he makes the right choice, he doesn't want to face his father and face with making this choice so soon, but part of him knows that he can't run away from the inevitable and he has to be ready. But first he needs to make sure that Loki is alright before he goes anywhere and to see that his brother will really be fine. He has to make sure of that, especially with how the past history that the Avengers (well four of them at least) and Loki has, it is important for him to make sure that they get along and that Loki will be alright.

"I believe the earliest I will leave is tomorrow night, I can't simply just leave without making sure that you and the others will get along." Said Thor. "Besides I have to make sure that you are getting better and can have the strength to get past the door."

"Come on Thor, I am not that hurt that you have to monitor my well being for the entirety of the time." Said Loki earning an annoyed look from Thor. "I will do my best not to talk to them and if I need anything I will simply just ask Jane, the Guardians or Darcy to alert them or ask Banner when he's in the room to avoid conflict."

"I know if you take the time to talk to them and allow them to see who you truly are then they will be more understanding than you may think." Said Thor. "I can't promise that they will forget everything but they are willing to listen if you try to talk to them."

"I highly doubt that, especially after everything I have done." Said Loki as he remembers the first time he met the other members of the Avengers and everything that has happened recently.

"Everything that Thanos made you do." Said Thor. "Besides I would be more than happy to trade places with you when it comes to confronting Father. All you have to do is rest and possibly having to speak to the others and possibly having to apologize for the past."

"I won't be doing so and will simply just make the most of staying out of their way while I heal." Said Loki. "At least you decided to go back and that alone is something I am pleased to hear. You are finally listening to me."

"I may have decided to leave as early as tomorrow night, but that doesn't mean that I will in case of any complications." Said Thor. "Plus I will need some time to think of what I will say to father."

"Just figure out what would be the words already and make sure that I don't end up in a prison cell." Said Loki. "But at least if the worst scenario happens than I can trust that you would come to see me? This time make the visits more often."

"You are not going to end up in a prison cell, I am going to make sure of it." Said Thor. "I wish that the road upon us will be easy and we can find a way to make it work. I don't know how to even fix this or if it can somehow work out."

"I can't think of the most likely possible outcome that might happen either. I don't even want to think of the worst scenarios that I did think of." Said Loki. "But no matter what happens, we are going to face it together and we will face it as brothers."

Thor just gives a nod, he really wishes that he has the knowledge to know what to say to Loki or if he knows what he is going to do. The future is uncertain for both of them and that they will still have many challenges to face and it will be the toughest moment that he will ever face and a choice that he needs to make. For now he is just content being with his brother and is ready to face the future and that alone is what gives him the strength to move forward. He is just happy that he is now in this place where it seems like time will continue to pass by where the two brothers can simply enjoy each other's company and heal from Thanos. But deep down, Thor knows that he is happy that Loki is right about one thing, that whatever happens next they are going to face it together.

---

Wow, it's about time I finally put this chapter up and I made it on my deadline. Ok I got an announcement to make about the fifty second chapter.

That won't be the final chapter and I was planning to make this the second to last chapter, but it was going to be a longer chapter and it felt like two different chapters. So I thought that it might be best to add another chapter in order to help it flow better and we are going to see the story continue to wrap up and some heartwarming moments and the story continue to develop over the course of the next two chapters. Since we still have some ground to cover and we are going to see some big moments of character development in the next chapter before we reach the final chapter.

On another note, I think the earliest for that chapter to come out is late April to early May. Simply because I am working out some of the details of it and working on making the final chapter the best that it could be and give us the satisfying conclusion to the story and to end this journey on a high note.

While you guys wait, there are still the rewrites to look forward to. The first seven chapter rewrites are up now if you want to check them out, with new scenes, expansion to details and a further developed story. The next ten chapter rewrites will come prior to the fifty second chapter and the next ten prior to the fifty third and then we'll be done. The finale will be here for all of us to read and enjoy as many times as we may choose to.

But just because the main story is ending, it doesn't mean that this will be the end of Redemption. The rewrites will allow us to see a expansion of the story and to see more development and scenes with in the story and growth as a whole.

I'm also thinking of possibly doing one-shot chapters for Redemption that takes place during the time skip and it can be anything like slice of life fics, Loki teaming up with the Avengers or just Thor and Loki as Mysto of course. teaming up (it can be a midquel story with multiple chapters), maybe even a Loki and Hiemdel team up or maybe even Loki and Darcy's adventures of searching for the Infinity Stones. But it has to take place during the time skip and not be something that would add more to the main story that it would be necessary to read them. They are mostly would be stand alone stories that still in the Redemption canon and yet still be part of the story (think of it like a spin of series of a movie that the story takes place between the previous movie and the sequel like How to Train your Dragon (the first and second) or Tangled (for the movie and Ever After short) for example.) I'm open to any idea that you guys might have, just put a review or pm me with your ideas and I'll be happy to use your ideas to write them into one shots. (Maybe even a Guardians of the Galaxy prequel/midquel before Gamora got caught by Thanos or even one before she even met Loki or went through the events of the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie?)

Though I would be mostly doing Loki ones but I am open to the idea, but I was also thinking of having them to be more interconenctive than one may think, that it would be telling an overall story which would serve as a prequel, but at the same time they would be stand alone stories and within them, they will have a story arc that will lead into the rest of Redemption after the Age of Ultron arc. But the Gamora one is definitely going to be a prequel and I think I would probably at least have that one up, so that way we will see the start of her journey before meeting Loki and how she started her journey. (It's the only thing I can promise that will come soon whether it's before or straight after the story is done.) Other than that I am open to doing more Redemption, but before I make any decisions I want to finish this story first before I get started on one shots or any sequels. Especially since the next two chapters and the rewrites are my top priority at the moment. :)

If you guys want to share a favorite moment or have any questions, you guys are so welcome to leave a review or pm me. I'd be happy to answer any questions 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 how long will it take Loki to truly heal from everything that has happened both physically and mentally? Will he find the courage inside him to try to make amends with the Avengers for the past? Will he stay on Earth or leave it whether by joining the Guardians of the Galaxy or Odin making him return to pay for his sentence? How is Wanda doing after losing Vision and Pietro? (spoiler alert, Wanda is going to be in the final two chapters.) Will Darcy finally see and talk to Loki? What were those words left unspoken or are they even ready to know it? If so will the two of them finally tell each other what they were going to say and if so what is it? What will Thor say to Odin? What will he do? Will he keep Loki's secret or will he tell Odin the truth? When Thor does make his choice, what will be the consequences of the choice be on Thor and everyone else involved? What will the price be for Thor's wish and will we even see it? Will Loki be free in the end or will the sins of the past stand in his way?

I guess we will have to wait for the next update to find out, don't we see you in the next chapter. :)