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?

60. Chapter 52

It took a while, but Darcy and Groot managed to clean up the entire the apartment and from one look of it, they did a pretty good job. Darcy is busy trying to stuff some of the things she grabbed for Loki into her backpack without damaging them. She is just happy that part is over and done with and all she has to do is get all of these things in her bag. While Groot is sitting on the counter watching Darcy while eating some ice cream in a little cone. Happy to eat the sweet desert and content in simply being there, at least having some fun in Earth.

"Ok, everything is here and we somehow did the impossible." Said Darcy. "I can't believe that we managed to clean this apartment and it's perfect. It looks exactly like how it was when we got in. Isn't that awesome?"

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot as he continues to enjoy his ice cream.

"Yeah this is beyond awesome and I know that there is no way Loki will see if there is something off and figure out that something happened." Said Darcy rather proudly. "Now that I got everything in the place where it belongs, rebuilt our collaborate side project and unleashed the place. Now all we have to do is go back to Avengers tower and... see Loki and face the music..."

"I am Groot? I am Groot?" Asked Groot in a tone that Darcy can recognize as 'Are you alright?'

"What? Of course I am fine, why wouldn't I be fine?" Asked Darcy in deep denial. "My best friend is alive and is going to alright, we defeated Thanos and we saved the universe. What could possibly be wrong about that?"

"I am Groot." Said Groot crossing his little arms as he knows that there is something else going on and Darcy is not fooling him.

"Alright, you got me. I am not doing as great as I am making it sound and I don't even know what to think about all of this or how are we going to get through this." Said Darcy. "I don't even know if the Avengers are mad at Loki and me or what might the game plan be or if this might be it."

"I am Groot?" Asked Groot innocently and confused.

"It's because a lot of things happened in the past that I don't think or know that your old enough to know or even hear. But let's just say that Loki made a lot of mistakes in the past and the Avengers are not happy about it." Said Darcy putting it mildly. "Plus there is also the fact that we might still get ourselves in serious trouble and get a unwanted vacation somewhere neither one of us wants to go to."

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

"Well there is also the fact that... things are pretty awkward between us since... I am not the best person to be put in these situations and I don't even know how to handle this type of drama, I don't know why but it has aways made me feel uncomfortable." Said Darcy. "Not too mention, Loki and I left things in a awkward spot, where we might have told each other something that... I don't even know if we're ready for each other to know. Well at least I don't think I am ready for to know or tell Loki just yet."

"I am Groot?" Asked Groot confused and with hints of curiosity. "I am Groot. I am Groot?"

"It's complicated, I don't know if we are ready to take a step that... might be too much at the moment." Said Darcy trying to find the words to say that would let Groot understand her point of view. "I mean we only knew each other for a few months and it feels even longer. But it has been a wild week for us, especially for Loki and he has been through a lot to say the least. Not only he got revealed, he was trapped with Thanos, barely escaped, got a cool magic sword, chose to face the Avengers and Thor, had an epic showdown against Thanos with us as back up and won, nearly lost his soul and died and now is recovering from all that and possibly stressing out on possibly having to be in the penalty box indefinitely."

"I am Groot." Said Groot taken aback by that brief summary.

"I know right, he and the rest of us definitely been through a lot and that is just from the moment Thanos revealed his identity. Now he can possibly start a new life free, he got you guys, Jane, Wanda and me as friends, Thor back by his side, hopefully the Avengers being cool with him and he might possibly leave Earth or do whatever he wants with his new freedom." Said Darcy. "Would it really be fair of me to ask him to drop everything and start something that would be a huge commitment? Plus I also just unexpectedly ended my last serious relationship and I think I need a break from all of that stuff, not too mention Loki needs me right now as a friend nothing more. You know what I mean?"

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot who doesn't know what Darcy might be referring to, so he simply nods his head.

"Yeah, I guess that is exactly what Loki needs; a friend and nothing more can make me say otherwise." Said Darcy. "But at the same time once he is healed then he is going to be facing some trouble, yeah I think he is going to need someone to have his back."

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot as he continues to hear Darcy out.

"Sure, the future is a mess right now but I know that we will make it through it." Said Darcy. "I don't know if I can go in there and see him like that, I am not good with this kind of drama or the type who would be panicking of the worst case scenarios. I am more of a glass half full sort of person and don't want to see Loki.. like this..."

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot giving Darcy a little pat on the hand of encouragement.

"I may not know what you just said or most of the things you are saying. But I do know one thing that you are a great listener and that I have to be strong, Loki is going to be facing a lot of challenges in these next few days and I might have to face them to. Though that doesn't and won't stop me in doing everything I can to help." Said Darcy. "I didn't give up then why should I give up now and will do everything for us to get through this and be a friend that will help Loki in anyway I can. Not too mention to try to speak up for both of us."

"I am Groot. I am Groot!" Said Groot excitedly caught up in the moment.

"Yeah, we will get through this and I am going to make sure that we face the future with our heads up high and ready for what happens next." Said Darcy with a dash of determination. "Let's go out there and face the future."

"I am Groot." Said Groot excitedly.

"Now let's get back to that tower and face the future together." Said Darcy as she is about to get her backpack and quickly realize that she has to figure out to get Groot out of there without attracting any attention or people starting a panic. "Ok how am I going to get you out of here without being seen?"

"I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot who is confused to what Darcy might be worried about.

"Ok, here's an idea, it's risky... But it might just work." Said Darcy as she thinks hard on the plan she is now thinking of. "I just need you to be still and not talk once we leave here."

"I am Groot?" Asked Groot.

"It's because... some people are... not going to be that understanding..." starts Darcy trying to find the words to tell Groot without being harsh. "It just that... think of this like a game. The rules are that whenever you see someone you don't know then you hold still and don't talk."

"I am Groot. I am Groot?" Said Groot wondering why would they need to go through all of that trouble.

"It's because we have some people who wouldn't find anything out of the ordinary as cool as we do." Explained Darcy. "So we're going to have to pretend by playing this game. The main rule is to not to talk or move as we make our way to the tower. If you talk or say anything then you lose and we will have to start again. Got it?"

"I am Groot." Said Groot rather excitedly.

"Alright then, let's get going." Said Darcy as she puts on her backpack and gently picks up Groot. "Ready?"

"I am Groot." Said Groot excitedly.

The two of them make their way out of the apartment and leave the building. Darcy is feeling more confident than she was when she first returned to the apartment. She knows that they still have a long way to go and that the next few days are not going to be easy. But as long as they push forward and continue to head towards the tower, then things will turn out ok. Every step that Darcy takes, it feels as though she is reaching towards the land of uncertainty. So far she has no idea on how she will stand up to the Avengers if she has to or how she can even find the courage to face whatever comes next. But she knows that as long as she has everyone who has stood by Loki and her's side then maybe she will have a chance or least stand one and make sure that they will still be free by the end of this week. She knows that she can handle any challenge that will come their way and is ready to face the future and everything that will come her way. Well that is, almost everything...

"I am Groot!" Said Groot excitedly greeting a random person catching both the woman and Darcy by surprise.

The woman gives a cold scream as she stares at the sappling. While Darcy watch in horror, before quickly speed walking away from the woman. Wanting to get to the tower as fast as she can, as Groot continues to be friendly by either greeting people or waving his hand. Despite Darcy's occasional reminder and plead for Groot to stop playing whatever game he is playing right now. He always is trying to be friendly and as much as Darcy admires that, finds Groot the cutest thing she has ever met and likes a good laugh, but right now is not a good time. As they continue their way through the city, there is only one thought that is going through Darcy's head; 'this is going to be a long walk.'

---

Ten to twenty minutes later, back in Avengers Tower

The four Avengers, the Guardians (with the exception of Groot and Rocket) and Nebula are in the living room area of the penthouse. Trying to make the most of the current situation and try to figure out their next move. This might not be the best place for them to meet, but it's the most they can do with how Loki and Nebula are doing. The Avengers just hope that they are making the right decision when it comes to what they have decided and talked about. Before they can even discuss it further...

"Alright, I have searched the entire tower and I couldn't find him." Said Rocket as he arrives back to the room and is about to sit back on the couch. "I don't know where Groot is and he's not even in the most obvious places where anyone would think he'd be."

"Maybe, he's just exploring this place again. There are a lot of things that might have excited him." Suggested Quill.

"I just hope that he didn't sneak out of the tower, I would take him going in and seeing Loki then have him lost on Terra any day." Said Rocket.

"Even if he did, there is still the hope that he would be with Darcy." Said Natasha. "Besides I don't think that he would be that easy to spot just because of his size and people will have to look down to see him and he would be more worried about some freak accident than anything else."

"I don't know... This is Groot we're talking about and he will always think of some way to get himself into trouble." Said Rocket. "No matter what we tell him, I just hope that he didn't wander out of the tower. If he did then-"

"Great news, I just got off of the phone with Darcy and she is not only on her way back but Groot's with her." Said Jane coming into the living room happily.

"Please tell me wherever she and Loki lives is close by." Said Quill as he trying hard to figure how far that might be in Earth time and distance.

"They live close by actually and it's a thirty minute walk." Said Jane. "It's only taking Darcy and Groot longer because she said that she has to deal with a mess in their apartment and try to figure out convincing ways to make sure Groot pretends to be a cool toy or she is practicing a wired vanquillity act."

"What?" Said Rocket with the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Avengers looking at Jane confused.

"What are you even talking about?" Asked Nebula with a sense of confusion and annoyance.

"To be honest, I don't even know what she meant by that either." Said Jane as she thought hard about what she just said and sat down just as confused as everyone in the room.

"Ok, we tracked down Darcy and the talking baby tree." Said Natasha. "So, how is Loki and Thor doing?"

"When I was in there, Loki woke up and he was more than ready to talk, Thor and I were able to have a long conversation with him." Said Jane. "He was still awake when I went in to check on him an hour ago."

"So at least we know that he is doing better or at least as well as he can right now." Said Tony.

"As long as he continues on with this habit then he will make a speedy recovery." Said Gamora. "But I am mostly concerned about tonight because this is the night where anyone's soul is about to return to the body and it might determine it. I don't even know how that is going to look or turn out, since the night is often restless for anyone who is on brink of it."

"At least, he doesn't have to worry about Thanos or dealing with anything right now." said Jane. "Though I don't know how long Thor is planning to stay by and watch Loki, I have never seen him this dedicated and concern about anything or willing to stay by anyone's side, except during the entire Dark Elf incident, he stood by my side and was willing to break all of the rules to help me."

Before anyone can even make a comment or say anything else. The elevator door opened and they all see an exhausted Darcy and a happy Groot coming out and entering the room. Darcy let Groot down and in a quick moment the two approach the others. Groot happily ran up to the others, while Darcy simply took off her backpack, drop it and sat next to Jane completely exhausted.

"I am Groot. I am Groot!" Said Groot happily and excitedly.

"I am glad that you enjoyed the city, but right now let's not avoid the fact that you snuck out." Said Quill annoyed. "How many times have we told you not to explore in any unknown planets without our permission?"

"I am Groot." Said Groot with a hint of annoyance and in the end happy for what he saw. "I am Groot."

"Aside from that, Quill has a point and we don't know what sort trouble you might have caused by sneaking out." Said Rocket.

"Speak for yourself, next time one of you guys tree babysit." Said Darcy as she takes a break.

"I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot?" Said Groot happily and excitedly to Darcy and quickly turns to Rocket for a translation.

"He's saying that he had fun and wants to know if he can do this again sometime?" Said Rocket.

"Maybe, as long as there more of us around as back up then I am open in going around the city with you again." said Darcy who is now smiling right down on the sappling.

"I am Groot." Said Groot excitedly and happily with the gesture.

"Though hopefully not this soon or at least we practice being in public first or figure out how to trick everyone that you're a real boy." Said Darcy as she gives a sigh. "So how is Loki doing? Is he awake?"

"He was awake when I came to check on Thor and we talked." Said Jane. "He seems to be doing better than how he was earlier."

"The good news is that his fever is going down and maybe it will only remain for a day or two. That is if I have to estimate how long it might last and from what I usually see unless some complication happens." Said Bruce. "But from the look of things, he seems to be doing better. Gamora, do you know how long it would take for anyone who is just regaining their soul?"

"Thanos never took the time to explain it to us, but from what I know is that he is recovering quicker than I thought that he would." Said Gamora. "From what I heard, most people who lost their souls, it takes them months to heal and find a sense of themselves. Loki is doing the impossible and I think he's going to be healed even sooner than many of us thought."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Said Darcy. "The sooner he's better, the sooner we can move past this."

"I wish I can say I have the same luck as he does." Said Nebula as she tries to get past a headache. "What caused him to heal this quickly?"

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

"Groot says that maybe it's magic, since the Guantlet has power and Loki has magic that might have explained why." Said Rocket. "Though that seems likely."

"They might have a point though, the Guantlet does have enough power to do the impossible." Said Quill. "It's either that or the magic sword."

"So you think that Loki's Excalibur sword thing might have given Loki the ability to heal himself faster?" Said Tony.

"Well he did say that he's more powerful now, but who cares what could have helped? Does it even matter?" Said Darcy. "He's alive and is going to be alright. So do you guys think that it would be alright to go see him now? I mean if Loki's awake and I haven't seen him since we landed a few hours ago. So I was wondering if-"

"I don't see why you are being all nervous about it." Said Jane. "We all know that you two are close and how this is affecting you and Thor. Loki was asking for you and-"

"Wait, he was asking for me?" Said Darcy not even sure how to make of that. "Not that it's a big deal or anything, I mean as his friend, I am really flattered, happy he's alright and can't wait to see him, that's all, nothing more."

Suddenly there is an awkward silence in the room, one that no one even knows what to make of. Before anyone can even say anything or start to make some kind of comment or figure out what Darcy might have meant. Thor comes into the room, catching everyone completely by surprise and the sight of him simply made everyone speechless. Especially knowing that Thor is the one who has fought to do everything in his power to get Loki back and would have never left his side for anything. Now here he is in the room, something has to be going on...

They all quietly watch Thor as he makes his way to the room and head to the kitchen and supply room built right in the apartment. Starting to grab whatever he can think of and what might be useful or something that Loki might need or in case they run out of water or the supplies they already have. No one knows what to say or if they can say anything and find the words to say it. Many are even exchanging surprised and yet unsure looks at one another, as they try to figure out what would be the correct way to break the ice and to get the answers to some of their questions. The ones that is now racing through their minds as though it's an endless waterfall. That is until someone decides to break the ice...

"So this is a surprise..." said Darcy out of nowhere, catching everyone by surprise. "I wasn't expecting this..."

"Hey Thor, um... How's Loki doing?" Asked Jane trying to be there for him. "Is everything alright?"

"Everything... is alright, I am just getting a couple of things for Loki." Said Thor as he thinks about everything that has happened in the past week. "I just want to have everything ready for him, if he needs it..."

"He must be doing better if you left him for a couple of minutes for getting everything he might have asked for." Said Rocket. "Wow, that's a quick change in attitude after everything. Especially after how you didn't want to leave his side for anything."

"He is healing from everything and I am just relieved that his condition is improving." Said Thor. "This will only be quick and I will return to his side as soon as I am done here."

"Mind if I tag along, I really want to see him, especially since I feel like we haven't seen each other in forever and now that he's awake then maybe we can talk." Said Darcy rather excitedly. "That is if he's up for us to have our usual conversations and if he wants to talk that's all."

"Darcy, you are always more than welcome to go in and see Loki. I am surprised that you are even asking for my permission for it." Said Thor. "Though I wish you can talk with him at this moment, since right now he has fallen asleep again and he's... I don't even know if I want to wake him up, he seemed so at peace and his reality is messy to say the least."

"Great, I came just in time when he decided to either call it a night or that it's nap time." Said Darcy. "At least he's doing better than before, I know that the two of us are in big trouble after all of this, but still at least he's going to be fine. Wait that's an understatement, since Loki and I are still in big trouble on both Earth and Asgard. Only because of everything Loki has done in the past, but everything that has happened and me helping him when he is technically a fugitive, one that an evil power hungry manic was after him, threatened and attacked the planet in the progress. Do I really need to go back further than the past few days?"

"About that, I want to talk to Loki and have been doing some thinking. After hearing his story and talking to the rest of the team, we decided that we are not going to place any punishments on you and Loki." Said Steve.

"Wait, what? Really?" said Darcy who can't believe their luck.

"Well, you two did try to save the universe, even if it was behind our backs." Said Tony.

"Loki actually saved the universe and nearly died in doing so. He really changed from the person that we met when he tried to take over Earth." Said Natasha. "But you guys better not make us regret this, the last thing we need is another global situation to deal with."

"Thanks so much, I can't believe we are..." said Darcy as she gives a sigh of relief and having trouble on finding the words to express her gratitude. "Why are you guys going to let us off the hook? Is it because the two of us teamed up to save the world right? I am so going to give Loki, an 'I told you so' once he's awake."

"Well it was part of that, but after hearing his side of the story back on the ship and... it reminded me of a friend. Loki's time with Thanos, remind me of something that happened to an old friend." Said Steve. "After talking it over with well the others, we decided to give Loki a chance to live on Earth if he wants to."

"Thank you, all of you." Said Thor happy that his friends would be open in allowing Loki to stay on Earth.

"It's no problem Thor, I just thought that maybe sometimes people deserve another chance." Said Steve. "I know I would give it to my best friend and would fight for him to have it, though to be fair most of those problems wasn't his fault."

"I am more worried on what we are going to say to everyone if we do this." Said Tony. "Everyone is going to want some kind of story and answers to all of their questions. I don't even know what I am going to say in the press conference that everyone is begging to have me schedule."

"Why don't you guys just say that Mysto simply defeated Thanos single-handedly and everyone in this room helped?" Asked Drax. "Telling the Truth might make things easier."

"Yeah, if we all want to be caught and maybe the Terrans will turn against their hero." Said Rocket. "The problem is that they all weren't there and might not believe it unless they all see the truth for themselves."

"What if we just tell them a cover story? One that they all would believe and will keep Loki's secret safe." Said Darcy rather helpfully.

"That might work, it might buy us more time." Said Natasha. "But the other problem we would have to face is how are we going to convince them that it is true? We can all go up with the story that we created, but at the same time they might see it as us trying to protect a friend."

"What if I go? No one aside from you guys knows that I have been helping Loki and we can use that as an advantage." Said Darcy. "Besides Loki would want someone he can trust be out there to speak out for him. No one else ever had to go through a journey that we both have gone through, so it has to be me."

"Are you sure about this, Darcy?" Asked Tony. "The press is going to be ready to eat you alive the moment that they see you and you give them the Loki report."

"Relax, I think I can handle one or two reporters that willl only be asking hard questions and plenty of awkward ones in the progress." Said Darcy. "This is going to be a piece of cake, one that will be too easy for anyone who have no global public speaking what so ever. "

"I don't think that it's going to be that easy." Said Tony remembering all of the times that he has to face the press and how intense it usually is.

"I'm sure I can handle it, I mean how hard it can be?" Said Darcy. "Besides Loki would want someone who knows him the most to speak for him and it would be the least I can do to help and maybe make things easier once he is alright."

"I appreciate your help for everything and I don't know how I can ever repay you." Said Thor as he tries to find the words to thank Darcy.

"It was nothing, I guess that it's more of something trying to help someone that needed a friend more than he may have thought." Said Darcy as she remembers how they started at all of this and how they went from not standing each other to the best of friends. "But I am ready to help clear things up or do anything I can to help. After everything I am ready for the next steps, to finally put an end to all of this."

"Well, with that settled, I should return and see if Loki needs me for anything." Said Thor getting up. "I don't want him to leave him alone anymore than I may have to."

"Ok, exactly how long do you plan on being there with him without even thinking of taking care of yourself?" Asked Tony.

"As long as it takes, I am ready to stay awake until Loki is fully healed." Said Thor determined as he catches everyone in the room by surprise and yet worry.

"What? That would take days!" Said Rocket in disbelief.

"The Soul is not going to attach for Loki to heal itself overnight." Said Gamora. "It needs time and you are going to need to give it that time, not expect everything to fall into place before it even has a chance to do so."

"They're right, Thor I know that you want to be close to Loki and worried about him, we all want him to be fine." Said Jane. "But you still need to take care of yourself to do so. You need to sleep, eat and make sure that you also are getting the same daily nourishment and rest that you need to."

"I can't leave him alone, he needs me to remain by his side and-" starts Thor.

"Thor, I understand and know how you feel. But I know that I am not going to help if I stay by Loki's side all day and night without even thinking about what I am going to have for breakfast tomorrow." Said Darcy. "I mean Loki probably would want us to at least take care of ourselves and not to be a total mess once he gets better. He wouldn't want us to hurt ourselves for him, especially after everything we have been through."

"I know but..." starts Thor, he doesn't even know what to say or find the words to say how much having Loki back means to him and how he doesn't want to ruin this opportunity or lose it.

"Whenever you need to step out, I can watch over him and I am sure Darcy would obviously do it in a heartbeat." Said Jane.

"You bet I would, I still would like to see him now." Said Darcy. "But still I am sure that the others or at least the ones that have gotten to know Loki would make sure that he's alright or at least come to visit."

"Try not to worry, it usually take these things to get people closer together or something like that." Said Drax. "Though the fear and worry will always seem to try to find a way to consume and you will want nothing more to stay by his side and to see this through to the end. But with the moderation to look after-"

"Drax, how is any of this helping?" Said Quill.

"I am simply saying that Thor should find the balance between looking after himself and being there for Loki." Said Drax. "No matter how it will eventually crush his heart to do so."

"Now that's encouraging." Said Gamora in a deadpan tone that allows her sarcasm to shine through.

"We are going to be there for you and we will help in anyway we can and I know Loki will be fine, but we have to let him rest and take care of ourselves to do it." Said Jane.

"Besides the last thing we need is three of us in need of some form of medical attention." Said Natasha.

"I know... I just need to make sure that he's going to be alright." Said Thor as he remembers everything that happened. "Especially after..."

"Is this about the whole Loki nearly dying for good thing or whatever happened in the Dream dimension?" Asked Darcy as Thor turn away from the group, remembering the entire ordeal and wishing he could simply forget it.

The others all looked at the Asgardian and see that he is hiding the pain he must have felt from the events of the entire event. No one knew what to say or if they have any idea of what might have went on. Wondering if whatever is in that dimension is worst than Thanos? That maybe Loki wasn't exaggerating? Even if it is then they all should be safe from it right? But still they are all relieved that the worst might be over and all they need to do is fix the damage that Thanos has done. Though from one look, Thor doesn't look ready to let that go and it is still bothering him. Jane goes over to be closer to place a hand on Thor's and look softly in his eyes. Wanting nothing more but to give her boyfriend comfort and be there for him.

"What happened back there?" Asked Jane.

"I don't want to talk about it, not yet." Said Thor as he is remembering Nightmare and the evil Loki from that reality. "All I want is to be there for my brother and make sure that he is fine."

"Thor, I understand what you are going through, but..." starts Steve before sighing as he realize that there won't be any any point in arguing. "Just try to get some sleep and maybe take a break and let someone else watch over Loki if you are really worried."

"I'll try, but I can't make any promises or will put in that much of an effort." Said Thor. "I should head back, I left him alone long enough and he might need something."

"Yeah and maybe I should come with, I still want to see Loki." Said Darcy. "Maybe he will be awake long enough for me to at least say hi."

"Of course, he would be more than happy to see you there or at least know that you came to see him." Said Thor.

Without even wasting a second, both Thor and Darcy heads into the room. To see if there is anything more they can do or if Loki might have already woken up and might need anything. But to much of Darcy's disappointment, Loki is still asleep and he doesn't seem to be waking up any time soon. She sees that Loki seems to be more at peace than the last time she saw him and at least she knows that he is doing better and he's going to heal from all of this. That he can have a life without the past getting in the way, one that he has earned in more ways than one.

Thor simply takes a seat right next to Loki's bed and not taking his eyes off his brother. Wanting to see if there is anything more he can do for his brother and to help in anyway he can. He would give anything for Loki to simply wake up and he would be healthy again. But he knows that the healing process will take time and that is what is making him more and more determined to be there for Loki and to be a better brother. He doesn't know what he is going to say or do if he goes back to Asgard and fails Loki yet again in someway. That is something that Thor never wants to happen again...

"So was he always this... tired?" Asked Darcy. "I haven't seen him awake since the ship and before... he passed out."

"His soul is trying to become whole with him once again, not to mention, he is still healing from his injuries and-" said Thor, before he can continue he notices that Loki is starting to sweat and he simply frowns at the touch.

"What's wrong?" Asked Darcy who can tell that this is not a good sign.

"His fever might be starting to rise a little bit, but I can't tell through the sweat and that is making him feel cool and yet warm. I wish that I have more of the potion, then maybe it would help heal him quicker." Said Thor. "Did Loki have any more bottles back in your home?"

"No, Loki told me that was all the last dose and he didn't have any more." Said Darcy. "I guess he didn't think that he would have used it all up."

"Why didn't I think of asking for more when father gave me the vial?" Asked Thor. "The only way I can obtain more is to go back..."

"That shouldn't be a problem right? All you have to do is go up there and tell your dad what happened and ask for more of magic potion. Well hopefully enough that guarantees that it won't put Loki or myself in jail." Said Darcy. "I mean your dad can't be that hard on you or Loki can he?"

"According to Loki, he said that if it weren't for our mother then he would have been executed." Said Thor.

"Wow talk about being a total Scrooge and holding a grudge. But maybe he didn't mean that and wanted Loki to see that he's not going to tolerate all of that." Said Darcy. "I mean deep down he has to love Loki too, maybe enough to see that his son has changed and can forgive him for everything and maybe even apologize."

"Our father apologize?" Said Thor in disbelief, not even sure if he can imagine seeing his father down on his knees apologizing to anyone, let alone apologize to Loki.

"He did keep the fact that Loki's adopted a secret and lied to him for most of his life." Said Darcy. "It did hurt Loki so much that he tried to take over Asgard twice and later on make a deal with Thanos to try to take over Earth for the Infinity stones. Wait, now that I think of it does that mean most of the the problems we had to face was partially your dad's fault?"

"Uh... other than that I am more worried about putting Loki in trouble and I really don't want to lie to my father." Said Thor as he reflects on his dilemma and trying to forget the point that Darcy made, which is a good one as much as he doesn't want to admit it. "At the same time, I have to if I want to protect my brother and I really want to think that he would pardon him. But I don't know for sure if he would do so, that if I won't make an error in my judgment and hurt Loki even more."

"I am sure that maybe if you try to figure out some way to know for sure that your dad is not going to bust him and might secretly be the forgiving type then maybe it would be alright." Said Darcy. "What did Loki say about all of this? Have you told him all of this?"

"I have and he told me that he is alright if I chose to tell father and will never hold it against me." Said Thor. "Even then I don't even know what to do and I don't want to leave my brother again. But I know I have to, in order to prevent any more conflict that may be occurring and if my father continues to use anymore resources for a war that has long ended."

"Thor, I will be more than happy to stay by Loki and be with him if you need to step out or leave for a while." Said Darcy. "I am definitely not going to ditch him, especially after everything we have been through. He is not going to be alone for a minute and if I am not here, then Jane and the others will be her if we need back up."

"I know but I am more worried about what comes after and if I place Loki in more trouble than I may be intending and hurt him through my efforts or cause more problems." Said Thor. "I don't want to lie, but in the end I might have to and I don't want to make Loki feel as though nothing has changed. I simply want to ensure that he is going to have a future free from the past and to live his life without any fears holding him back."

"I am sure things will work out, I mean it always finds a way to do so and we are not even trying to make it work." Said Darcy. "Besides at least you don't have to worry about Loki being mad at you if he says that he's ok with you telling your dad. If Loki of all people is alright with you telling the truth then maybe it's a good sign, that our luck might turn around."

"I hope you're right, but I still don't know what to say to him or if there is anything I could say to our father." Said Thor. "I only wish that I knew what to do or our mother is still around to either speak to our father or give me advice. She would know what to do to help and..."

"You guys must miss her a lot huh?" Said Darcy. "Loki missed her a lot and told me a lot about her at times whenever we at times hanged out. He even gave or lent or I don't even know what the word or the situation is, the dagger your mom gave him to me so that way I can have a way to defend myself against Thanos."

"Now that's a surprise, Loki always keeps it close to him and I always thought that he would keep it closer by his side after what happened to our mother." Said Thor. "The two of you must be really close and he cares about you so much if he let you have it."

"I guess, he even gave me a crash course on fighting techniques." Said Darcy. "But still he needs her, the worst part is we can't get the very person Loki would give anything to have near by without breaking the time space continuum. I guess we will have to do and plus I am going to be by his side no matter what happens."

"I really can't thank you enough for your help and I don't know how I can ever repay you." Said Thor.

"Thor, it was nothing and I am just happy that things are going to work out or at least hope that it will." Said Darcy. "The best part is that I got to meet Loki and he became one of the best friends I ever had. He has been there for me and gave me a one of kind adventure. I am always going to value the time that we had together and will never forget everything that we went through. It will always be the highlight of my life."

"I know that he will always value your friendship and everything you did for him. I just wish that there is a way to ensure that things will be alright." Said Thor.

"I guess that's why I decided to speak in the press conference tomorrow, so that way if Loki decides to stay on Earth, he won't have to worry about anyone except us know that he's here." Said Darcy. "He told me that he wanted to leave Earth after all of this is over and that was before you guys found out. I wish that there is a way to convince him that he can have a life here, if he really wants it."

"You want him to stay?" Asked Thor who can see clearly how much both of them mean to one another.

"Yeah of course I do, it would get really lonely in our apartment if Loki just leaves and never comes back." Said Darcy. "Besides I don't want all of this to be over and to lose Loki and we fall apart if he does leave. Doesn't he see how much our friendship means to me? How can you get used to losing someone you care about over and over again?"

"I was never used to it and I don't think I ever will, I vowed to be a better brother and to do everything I can to make sure that things are different this time." Said Thor. "I know what it is like to feel that sense of helplessness and lost, if one loses someone they care about. I think Loki must have felt that to throughout the past two years and this time I am never going to let him go again and will do everything to protect him from whatever may threaten him and the laws of Asgard. I simply wish that I know how..."

"Here's the thing about Loki, he is a fighter and one of the toughest people I know and he can get through anything that is thrown at him." Said Darcy. "But as much as I want him to stay and really don't want him to go, I will always support whatever decision he makes and will always be here if he ever needs a place to stay again."

"That is really thoughtful of you, are you sure you are that open on letting him go this soon?" said Thor who doesn't know what to think of the possibility of losing Loki again in any scenario.

"No, to be honest I don't think I want to ever go through the feeling of losing a friend forever again." Said Darcy. "But I want him to be happy in whatever he chooses and if going with the Guardians and having space adventures is it, then that's good enough for me. After all, what kind of friend would I be if I stop Loki's one true chance of being happy and possibly free and living out his best life?"

"He might wind up choosing to leave if I tell our father, if so I don't know if I can ever forgive myself-" said Thor. "But right now I need to be here and somehow keep both you and Loki out of trouble. I can't leave him without a plan in place and I know that he will be completely fine."

"I think he will be fine with us for a day or two and besides he might not like it if you start being overprotective of him." Said Darcy. "Loki is the type who values and wants his freedom, not being trapped in a cage. He also wants to be seen for his true self and be respected for it, not be overwhelming protective of him. I mean you can't keep an eye on him and check on him every five minutes."

"I know, but I am going to watch over him and make sure that he stays safe." Said Thor. "Even if it means I am sitting by his bedside all night."

"What? That might be overdoing it, I know that you are worried about Loki and we all are." Said Darcy. "But you're not helping anyone if you are not taking care of yourself and if Loki's awake now, he might agree with me."

"I can't sleep even if I want to, not until I know that he is going to be ok." Said Thor.

"He will be fine, I am just sure of it and from the look of things he is doing better than he was on the ship." Said Darcy. "Look if you are going to keep a watch over Loki, at least take a nap. I don't think Loki or anyone else for that matter is going to be happy if you decide to put an all nighter and make unhealthy choices. Just a nap, alright?"

Thor simply gives her a nod, clearly seeing what Darcy is trying to say and her point of view on the entire situation. He knows that there is still a journey that he would have to face and one that he is not going to fail on. He is going to make sure that his brother is alright and to be by his side no matter what. He does everything to keep a vigil on Loki and to attend to whatever need may come up. Wanting his brother to be alright in the morning or maybe even wake up for a little bit, as selfish as it is for him to see his brother interrupt his rest to speak to him and Darcy.

He is grateful for everything Darcy has done and for her company right now. She tries to keep things engaging between the two and helps by adding some comfort to the situation. Providing some comfort and enjoying everything that she is talking about . Soon the night starts to arrive and the two of them stayed up for a couple of hours until midnight, that it seems like nothing is going to make Thor leave this room or let alone Darcy...

His focus is only broken for a moment when he hears a snore and turns to see Darcy made herself comfortable and fell asleep on the cot that Tony had set up for him. He remembers that she chose to stay there, so that way she wouldn't have to stand for the entirety of the night and must have fallen asleep while he wasn't paying that much attention to their conversation anymore. Not wanting to wake Darcy and remembering how stressful the entire day has been and how much Loki meant to her and believing that maybe Loki might be happy to see her there. He got up to grab an available blanket that would have been used on him if he decides to fall asleep and places it gently on Darcy. After he does so, he quickly got up his phone and texts Jane to let her aware where Darcy is and for the most part, she agrees to come in to check on her and that it would be best for her to spend the night there.

He is careful to remain quiet in order to not wake Loki or Darcy and disturb anyone outside the room. Thor knows that the journey have yet to be done and that is what the future hold is the only thing that he wonders and is more worried about. He wishes he can find a way to delay his talk with his father and that maybe there is a way to fulfill both of his desires and ensure that Loki is free. He knows that deep down, he would never do something that would hurt Loki or their father, but deep down he knows that whatever his choice may be then he might have to and the real question be who would his choice hurt and what would the consequences be in the end?

For now, he is simply going to enjoy this moment of peace and look after his brother and to simply look after Loki. Thor doesn't know what the future may have in store or if he's ready to face their father. But right now he is simply content in just being here for Loki and having all of his friends by his side. It is a fate that he has never thought that would happen or let alone even considered in happening, one that he has always wished for. Loki being back by his side, his girlfriend and friends on Earth being ok with him being on here and Loki choosing to be a hero and seeing the error of his ways and choosing to fix his mistakes. This is everything that he has always wished in happening and he is going to do everything to make sure that it works out. He is going to look after Loki and make sure that his brother is comfortable and has his needs met throughout the night and is planning to stay up all throughout the night to make sure that his brother is going to be alright. He doesn't even know if he could sleep after everything that has happened and the uncertainty of the future ahead. At least he has the entire night to figure out his answer as he watches over his brother as he heals...

---

Eight hours later

After a long night's sleep, Darcy slowly wakes up and feeling a sense of being fully rested. She quickly takes a look of her surroundings and realize that she was still in Loki's room and must have fallen asleep and spent the night. A further confirmation is the snore she heard coming from Thor, no one needs to be a deep thinker to see that he must have fallen asleep and lost the fight to stay awake.

She got up from the bed and picks up her phone to see that it is around 8:20 am. Darcy knew that it might be best to get going and see what the game plan might be for the press conference. She takes a quick look on Loki and notices that he is less pale than yesterday and seems to be more relaxed. Darcy also notices that Loki has stopped sweating and that he is even starting to look more like himself once again. Maybe this is a good sign and he is getting better, hopefully he is, Darcy really hates seeing Loki like this and can't wait to talk to him again. But she knows that he will be alright and for now she might as well get some breakfast and figure out what to say in the press conference. Both of Loki's and her own lives depends on it and plus the last thing she wants is to accidentally put the Avengers in a position where they would have to do damage control if she accidentally wreck their reputation or expose Loki.

Before she leaves, Darcy looks at Thor as he continues to snore from this brief time she got herself ready to leave the room. She decides that it might be best to leave Thor there, not only because of Loki but there is is also the fact that he probably didn't have that much sleep last night. She doesn't even know what time Thor must have fallen asleep and if so then she wouldn't be surprised if it was way beyond when she fell asleep. So she carefully got up tries to leave the room without even making a sound and slips out in a quick second.

Once she's out, Darcy closes the door right behind her and starts to make her way to the kitchen. She figures that might be the place where everyone might be and where she can get something to eat for breakfast. After finding her way down the stairs and going down the hall to finally make her way to the kitchen like dining room where she sees that everyone is already there. Well with the exception of Loki, Thor, Bruce, Wanda, Gamora and Nebula and from the look of things, they all are getting along well and there hasn't been a war that broke out that she should be worried about.

Darcy enters the room and takes a seat right next to Jane, normally she would be fangirling on the idea of her being in the same room, let alone have a meal with the Avengers or rather three of them at least. But there is a feeling of dread as she sees everything going on in the room and how Darcy is now feeling. Since possibly in an hour or two, she will be speaking out to everyone in the planet and cover for Loki and not accidentally reveal his identity to the entirety to the planet and lead to him paying the price. Not too mention, it's being on possibly live tv in front of thousands of people who would be watching her every move. Sure she and Loki probably got a lot of publicity whenever he's off being Mysto, but he was Mysto and he got the attention, she just the manager, Loki's girl in the chair who at times join up in his adventures not the one who speaks in front of cameras and even then Loki comes up with some clever way to get past these things. She doesn't even know what to make of the situation or if she is ready to do any of that.

Maybe after a good long breakfast then she might be able to relax and try to enjoy everyone's company. The three Guardians, Steve, Natasha and Jane are caught up in the conversation they are having that they barely notices Darcy arriving. While Tony is on his phone and with a calculator, placing the numbers that he is just heard and ends the call before going on his phone to google some things and to add more to the calculations. Thus resulting in Darcy turning away and doing everything to make sure that she doesn't watch Tony in doing the math and really doesn't want to know if he is calculating how much damage Groot caused to pay for repairs. Now that he knows that Loki was Mysto and was on the ship, she doesn't want to know how much he or rather she would have to possibly pay. She just hopes that Tony is not thinking of making them pay for all of that, since she doesn't have that kind of money. Darcy may love Loki, but she doesn't want to end up paying thousands of dollars of damages or think she can even do so. How can anyone pay for that?

"Hey Darcy, you came just in time for breakfast to start off." Said Jane. "We're just waiting for the food to arrive, since Tony figured that it might be best if we all just order out while we are here to help make things easier on the whole food situation."

"Even if it means I have to spend more money, but I'm cool with all of this." Said Tony. "But either way I am going to be spending a lot for the next couple of weeks. Especially when it comes to tower repairs."

"Yeah, sorry about that..." said Darcy rather awkwardly. "If you want we can still pay you back, that is when I eventually get all the money and if I can get it in my life time. Would you be alright if we do a payment plan? Since right now I will need time to get another job or somehow convince Loki in selling his helmet if he has that or anything from Asgard he has that would guarantee a fortune on EBay. Jane, do you think you might be able to give me a raise? Since there is no way I am going to get that kind of money in a week let alone a year."

"You guys don't have to worry about paying me back, really it's alright. I have it covered and even if the bill is not going to be the one that I am most looking forward to." Said Tony. "I would have to pay about 892,000 in all of the repairs and maybe even advancements, that is depending if Loki hasn't or is about to break something else. But since you guys went around the universe to get six magic space rocks and Loki decides to do a Zuko and later a Darth Vader move and change his ways and save the universe and almost died from it, I will just try to over look it."

"I don't know if I should be grateful or be totally freaking out." Said Darcy as she stares at Tony in complete shock.

"I'm guessing that must be a lot in whatever currency this planet used?" Said Rocket trying to get a clear picture.

"That is putting it really mildly." Said Natasha.

"It would be enough to buy two of the biggest ships if we trade it to units." Said Quill quickly doing the math in his head and providing a estimate.

"Talk about losing a ton of money." Said Rocket.

"But still it's completely fine, at least he didn't make me pay for the entire city's electricity bill for repairs this time." Said Tony. "Besides this is a time for new beginnings and after everything that has happened, I think it's time for all of us to start over especially if we are going to see more of you and Loki from now on."

"Ok then, thanks so much." said Darcy happy that she and Loki is not going to find themselves in a very serious financial situation.

"Talk about getting lucked out on owing a huge debt." said Quill.

"Yeah that would make college debt look like nothing in comparison." said Jane as she is happy that Tony is letting both Loki and Darcy off the hook.

"I know I am just so happy!" said Darcy giving a big sigh of relief on the news and Tony's generosity.

"So, what's the game plan on the entire press conference?" asked Jane. "How are we or rather you all planning to convince everyone what you guys are going to say is the truth?"

"Simple, we'll simply just tell them that Mysto saved everyone and stopped Thanos." Said Steve, "That there is no way Loki would ever do a deed like that and we simply found no evidence that Loki is Mysto, let alone alive."

"Doesn't that sound a little too suspicious?" Said Drax. "Shouldn't you all be a little more ominous about all of this and wouldn't they ask why Loki is not standing by your side?"

"I already thought of a good cover story for Loki, we will just say that he or rather Mysto is in an undisclosed location needing some time for himself and to recover from everything that happened." Said Darcy. "I mean no one will suspect a thing and we might at least cover it up for a while, that is unless they ask if we know who he is."

"If so, we will either just tell them that we don't know for the time being and we trust Mysto enough to respect his privacy." Said Steve.

"That is unless Loki ever decides to reveal himself to the planet that he has been playing superhero and saved us all from a crazy alien and his army." Said Tony.

"That or we use another identity, Loki and I kinda came up with one when we were trying to get the stones out of the objects." Said Jane.

"Now that's a story I want to hear." Said Darcy trying to imagine what it must have been like for Jane to get Loki to go for a human name as part of his secret identity.

"Why don't we just worry about getting past this conference and then we can talk about what to do next." Said Natasha. "The best way to make sure that we keep this secret safe is to give as little information as we can and then we can only build the lie from there. It's the only way to make sure that the secret can stay protected as long as we can by making people question it."

"But first you guys are going to need to figure out how to do it without looking suspicious." Said Rocket. "Though to be fair, this plan seems to be better than just awkwardly standing there and hoping that it would somehow work."

"At least with all of us going out there and doing damage control then it might-" starts Darcy before noticing that there are some missing in the room. "Wait, where's Wanda, Dr. Banner, Gamora and Nebula?"

"Gamora is still upstairs with Nebula while the doc is examining her." Said Rocket. "It's probably won't take long until they come join us and the other guy goes in to check on Loki."

"Yeah, but that still doesn't explain-" starts Darcy as she continues on. "She's still upset about Vision and Pietro isn't she?"

"Can one really blame her? She lost her brother and her friend in less than a week." Said Drax. "She is going to feel as though she lost everything and yet she still has a support group that will always stand by her side is she lets us."

"I tried to check on her, but she still refuses to come out for anything." Said Steve. "I don't even know what else we can do that might possibly help, but we are going to have to keep trying and that is what we need to do as her friends."

"That is if she let us in further than the front door." Said Rocket as he turns to see Groot trying to find something to eat and yet failing to find anything edible except the sugar cubes which Rocket tries to get him to stop eating.

"Right now we need to focus on trying to get past this conference and somehow get through to Wanda." Said Natasha. "We have a lot to lose on both counts and we need to somehow pull this off without risking the truth coming out and Wanda losing herself to the grief inside her."

"Great, I just got a text saying that the food is here, I hope you guys are in the mood for beagles." Said Tony as he got up. "Quick question, do you think Loki and Nebs are alright with eating these or would it wind up upsetting their stomachs or something."

"I guess Nebula might be alright, she did just hit her head hard and possibly her spine if she can barely get up." Said Star Lord.

"But maybe she can heal herself right? Through the advancements and maybe more doses of the healing potion she drank." Said Darcy. "Plus her memory seems to be getting close on being fully maintained and yet she still has trouble on remembering details and some recent moments."

"Ok, Nebs is almost all good and Loki?" Asked Tony.

"I don't know, I haven't seen him awake since... But maybe..." said Darcy. "Jane, do you know?"

"I don't know, when we tried to give Loki something to eat last night. He wasn't that hungry and yet the most he ate was some bread and crackers and he drank some water and later on some tea." Said Jane. "Maybe today he's doing better and I guess he would be alright with a beagle. As long as it's wheat or something easy to chew and digest."

"Ok then, I'll be right back." Said Tony at the very moment the doorbell rings. "Let's just hope that there will be enough for all fifteen of us."

"Do you need a hand with carrying anything?" Asked Quill.

"Nope, I think I will manage, I did order out for three dozen boxes of bagels and some hot chocolate since we have a kid here now." Said Tony. "Besides if we are going to keep you six and Loki a secret, your outfit doesn't exactly scream Earth, heck E.T could pull off disguising himself better than you."

Without wasting a second, Quill quickly takes off his Ravenger jacket. So that way he would just be wearing a grey sweater and looks close enough to blend in. Tony just gives a sigh and makes a gesture for him to follow, which Quill happily accept and the two exit the room to get the food. The others tries to start off any conversations and tries to socialize with one another. Before even starting to have a fun conversation, to much of everyone's surprise Thor and Gamora soon appears. They entered the room and took their seat at the table, no one knew what to say or if they can say it, so Gamora decided to break the ice.

"I am guessing that the meal is no where close on being done?" Asked Gamora who notices the empty table.

"Tony went off to fetch the food." Said Steve. "I am going to safely assume that everything is going well."

"Nebula is still suffering through her injuries, but she is doing a lot better than yesterday." Said Gamora. "The only good thing that Thanos did to her when he was placing those parts were making the cybernetic enhancements heal her bones quickly by adding layers of improvements. I am happy to say that she is getting close on being able to walk again."

"That's great to hear." Said Darcy. "Uh... where is she now? I thought that she would have come down here with you?"

"Nebula still feels bad about everything that happened and maybe close to even feeling embarrassed by it and regrets everything she did to help Thanos." Said Gamora. "So she decided to stay with Loki while Bruce is examining him."

"So Nebula's doing better? Wait, examine him? Thor being here and cool with leaving Loki alone for more than five minutes?" Starts Darcy. "Does this mean Loki's awake right now and if so can I go see him?"

"Darcy, you know that you don't need to ask permission." Said Thor.

"I know but I just want to see him awake, not lying on a bed that looks like he's more asleep than awake." Said Darcy. "Is he ok now? Is he awake?"

"No, he's still asleep and resting when we left him." Said Thor. "I am just happy that his fever is starting to end."

"Ok, now that's awesome news and a great way to start the morning." Said Darcy.

"I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot who doesn't know what he's agreeing to, but is happy that everyone is happy.

"But he is still sleeping and yet I feel some guilt that I let him, maybe I should-" said Thor as he is about to get up before Gamora turns to face him.

"Thor, he will be fine, all he needs is to rest and he might do it easily if you are not going to watch over him and check in on him every five minutes." Said Gamora. "Just try to relax and have some breakfast before you hurt yourself. Aren't you going to appear in that public speaking later?"

"Yes, in order to help throw off any suspicions of Loki and Mysto being the same person." Said Thor as he gives a sigh. "I just wish I was there with him or he is here with us completely well."

"At least he is doing better and he will get well Thor. But we need to give it time and be patient and becoming overprotective of Loki is not going to help speed things up." Said Jane. "He knows that you will be there for him no matter what."

"What if he doesn't and-" starts Thor as he remembers the image of Loki too far gone was.

"Thor, if there is something bothering you then-" starts Jane.

"There is nothing bothering me, I just want to see Loki healthy again and to be there by my brother this time." Said Thor. "I just need to do a difficult task and-"

"Alright guys, who's hungry and- Wait are we interrupting something?" Asked Tony carrying two boxes as he sees the room with Quill right behind him helping to carry more.

"No, I am glad that everyone is here and I have already spoke to Bruce, Nebula and Gamora prior to us coming here. I will need to leave for Asgard soon, to get more of the potion and to talk to father, but I simply don't want to leave or can leave unless... Please tell me that you all won't leave him alone and he will be alright regardless on the history that you all share." Said Thor as he glances at everyone.

"Of course, he will be fine with us." Said Steve. "We all should try to move forward from the past and start a new beginning. I am willing to give him a chance and so far he has more than proven himself."

"That and he did save the universe by fighting off Thanos with the former cyborg sidekick who switched to our side." Said Natasha. "At least it's safe to say that he is not going to be causing trouble anytime soon."

"Thank you, now the hardest part will be when I have to leave, especially after everything that has happened." Said Thor.

"Why don't we just worry about getting through this and then you can start to figure out what to say to your dad." Said Jane. "If you want I can stay with Loki while you are out. I know that it wouldn't be the same as you, but at least he would have someone with him."

"Yes, I truly appreciate it and if it's not too much trouble." Said Thor.

"Really, it's no trouble at all." Said Jane. "He needs a support group right now and we have to be that group."

"Yeah, Loki didn't have anyone aside from you and your folks before we all came along but we can be there for him now." Said Darcy. "You don't have to do it all alone Thor, we are not going to let anything happen to him and besides he's safe now. Though I wish that I am being a better friend to him right now rather than being caught up with one thing or another and not being there."

"Just get through this and then you will have all of the time you want with him." Said Gamora. "The sooner you all straighten everything out, the sooner it will all be over."

"As much I'd like to hear all of this whatever this is, but are we going to eat already?" Said Rocket. "I think I can speak for everyone when I say I am hungry and we are not going to help anyone if we are going to spend all morning talking."

"I am Groot." Said Groot as he rubs his belly wanting anything to eat.

"Ok they have a point about the food." Said Darcy. "So when is this conference happening?"

"It will be in an hour or so, that is unless the reporters show up sooner and they start to prep their questions that will be harder to answer by the passing second." Said Tony and sees the glares he got from both Steve and Natasha. "That or the questions are going to be really easy and you might not be eaten alive. You definitely got this."

"Yeah, thanks for making me feel so encouraged that I am about to skip out there full of a joy." Said Darcy who doesn't even know if she should be panicking now.

"Let's eat and then worry about everything that is up ahead." Suggested Jane getting up. "I guess I should grab my beagle and bring up some for the others."

"You don't have to leave so soon, you can still eat with us." Said Thor hoping that she would stay.

"Yeah, but someone has to bring food to the others and maybe Loki's awake now." Said Jane. "Someone should go in and check if he and Nebula are doing alright, plus they all must be hungry anyway, so..."

"Jane, wait a sec, let me- Great, I can't even come with because of this whole press conference thing." Said Darcy. "Just tell Loki that I said hi at least and I will see him as soon as I can and get well soon."

"I will, don't worry I think he knows that you don't mean I'm not seeing him." Said Jane. "You guys do have a powerful bond and something that deep down he knows that you never mean or would ever abandon him."

"I just hope that this will be over soon, that we never have to deal with anything like addressing the public." Said Darcy. "Sure I am great at presentations, but speaking to everyone in the whole world and keeping up a secret then that's where it's going to be tricky and with the hope that they won't figure it out. Did any of you guys suspected that we might be hiding something and came up with your own theories close on being right thanks to me?"

"Uh... Well I am only speaking for myself when I say, I didn't put that much thought into it and thought that it was a little weird that you hang out with someone who wouldn't reveal their identity to us for some reason and now I know why." Said Tony. "Look why don't we all just eat now and then we can start whatever the heck we are planning to do."

With that, it seems that everyone in the room can agree with Tony's suggestion and they all start to get the table ready and start to eat. Jane quickly departed from the group to bring some plates food upstairs for the others. Then the room turn into a strange anthnosphere as no one knows what to say or do for the entirety of the meal. The Guardians tries to liven the conversation up by telling the plans they have to fix the ship and with Quill giving the occasional pop culture reference and only has to ask what happened in the years he has left from Earth when it came to movies or music. With Tony setting the facts straight or having to google some things that he doesn't even know what they are all even talking about.

While Steve and Natasha occasionally jumps in and give their own views and conversation topics, along with try to get Gamora, Thor and Darcy into the conversation. Gamora only participates in the discussion to simply try to get her mind off Nebula and Darcy just quickly eats hers and starts to stress eat, not even knowing why she is doing it, but she is doing it with the hope that things will work out and she won't accidentally blurt out Loki being Mysto on live tv. While Thor tries to eat his meal and get past all of this and somehow create a future that will ensure the freedom of his brother and that things will end up alright. He wishes that they were all down here and then maybe it can be a start of change, but for now he is going to do everything to make sure of that. He has to...

---

An hour later, before the press conference

Once everyone finishes their breakfast then Darcy and the Avengers (with the exception of Bruce and Wanda) goes over to the main conference room in the first floor of Avengers tower and everyone is about to face one of the biggest challenges that they are going to face, well in Darcy's case keeping a secret that would put Loki and herself in serious trouble and ruin the Avengers' reputation in one go. She knows that she can't mess this up or else it is going to be a disaster and it is going to take them forever to undo the damage. Darcy just wishes that the nightmare could be over and she can just relax. The idea of speaking in front of thousands of people is just nerve wrecking.

"Hey, are you alright?" Asked Steve as he notices Darcy looking away and trying to keep calm.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be? I am about to go out there and practically have to speak to the entire planet and make sure that no one finds out that Loki is Mysto or else I might accidentally ruin all of our lives, don't even get me started on how I could get Loki in trouble." Said Darcy as she tries to keep her cool because right now she wants to panic.

"Hey, it will be fine, we will all be here as back up in case you need us." Said Tony. "All you have to do is to think about what you are going to say and try to not let them eat you alive. These people wants to get a story and all you need to do is make sure you give them the right story."

"I only just came up with only a few ideas and details." Said Darcy. "I don't even know if I can do this or think I can even speak without accidentally saying the wrong word and they put two and two together."

"The rest of us will be doing most of the talking anyway." Said Natasha. "Here's a tip, give them a straight face and not stare at anyone so much that they feel as though they are being watched. Plus pay attention to every detail of your story, since if anyone notices any inconsistencies than they might see that there is something more going on."

"That's easy for you guys to say, you're the Avengers. You guys probably have to do stuff like this all of the time and have to keep secrets." Said Darcy. "Ok maybe things never gotten this far, but it's still a big secret and I don't want to mess this up."

"You won't, just let us do all of the talking and when the situation calls for it then just say something that can add up to the story." Said Steve. "We will try to keep them off on asking questions to you. At least I hope that we can somehow manage do it."

"Just try to not stare in the camera and think about what you say before you say it." Said Tony. "The only way that they are going to shower you with questions is if you give them the indication that something else is going on."

"Thanks for the tips, I know that I am going to try to not mess this up." Said Darcy. "Besides who knows maybe they are not going to be so rough on us. Hey, you doing ok, Thor?"

"Yes, I doing well. I only wish that I was upstairs with him." Said Thor as he thinks about all of the time that has been lost and how he only just got Loki back and now he's going to leave him again.

"Thor, he will be fine, he has Jane and the others looking after him." Said Darcy. "Besides between the two of us, you are the one who spent the most time with him. I still haven't even gotten a chance to see him awake, which I am so going to talk to him the moment that I do. Though I don't even what are we going to talk about or have anything planned, but we are so going to have fun. Especially now..."

"I know but..." starts Thor and then sighs as he feels a sense of relief that his brother is in a place where he is safe and he can no longer worry about Thanos ever again.

"Now let's go out there and speak to these people." Said Natasha. "The longer we stand here talking, the more likely they will think that we are hesitating and suspect something is going on."

"Yeah, the sooner that we head over and talk to them, the sooner this will be over and we got this over with." Said Darcy nervously.

"Relax, I am sure there will be only be a few reporters and they will just only ask for the details of what happened when we fought Thanos." Said Tony rather confidently, as he makes his ways to the room with the others following him. "So you have nothing to worry-"

Before Tony can even have a chance to finish that sentence, the first thing the five of them could see is a ton of reporters, camera crew and photographers waiting for them. Darcy stares in horror as the camera flashes goes off, while Natasha gives a silent glare to Tony for simply underplaying the amount of reporters and attention to Darcy and to some extent getting this amount of media attention in the first place. Steve just shook his head and simply head towards the reporters and to greet the crowd. While Thor gives a sigh as he joins Steve and wishes that they will be able to keep this a secret. The surprise moment is one that all of them don't even know what to say and that they have to clear things up right now.

"Only a few reporters huh?" Asked Natasha as she stares at the crowd while Tony gives her a nervous laugh as they all join the others. No one know what to say to the crowd or how to greet them. Well except for Tony...

"Alright thanks for coming everyone. I know you all have questions about what happened in the last week and the five of us are here to give you the answers to those questions." Said Tony. "But one thing that I am happy to report that the threat of Thanos is over. So any questions?"

"What exactly happened?" Asked one of the reporters. "How did you defeat Thanos?"

"Is he even defeated? Are you worried that he might strike again?" Asked a reporter.

"What do you make of the claims that Loki is Mysto?" Asked another reporter. "Do you believe Thanos? Is it possible that he might be telling the truth?"

"Do you know Mysto's identity? Who is he? Is he really Loki?" Asked a reporter holding up her phone on record. "Where is Mysto now?"

"Is Loki really dead as you claimed before in the past?" Asked a reporter full of suspicions in his voice. "Do you suspect that maybe there might be more going on? That maybe there might be something more sinister going on? Especially with the strange coincidence that an even dangerous threat asking for the same criminal that led the attack of New York?"

"All we can say is that Loki is dead and he passed when he chose to save me a few months ago." Said Thor. "There is no way that he can even be Mysto if he's no longer alive."

"Thor, the demands that Thanos made has only brought on more questions on the truth in that story. It only adds to the many questions regarding on who Mysto is and if anyone can trust him." Said a reporter. "Can we trust Mysto as a hero or in anything about him? Do any of you know his true identity?"

"No, we don't and even if we did, then I don't think any of us would tell unless Mysto tells us that it would be ok." Said Steve. "This is Mysto's secret and he has the right to give us permission to share it or reveal himself. We're a team and we look after each other. Mysto is one of us and even if he is Loki, which all of the details that Thor has given to us prove that there is no way that Loki could be Mysto."

"Yeah, especially since he saved the universe and I don't think that Loki would ever go that far." Said Darcy wanting to add her own input to help. "He risked his life to face Thanos on his own and nearly died from that entire fight. He was ready to sacrifice himself to stop Thanos and to save all of us..."

"Exactly who are you?" Asked another reporter. "Are you now working for the Avengers?"

"Uh no, I'm just a friend of Mysto's." Said Darcy. "The one who hangs out with him, helps him out and who happens to be really close to him."

"Do you know who Mysto is then?" Asked one of the tabloid reporters. "Are the two really friends or is there something else going between the two of you? That you could be-"

"What? No, we're just friends that's all and we are not like that in anyway!" Said Darcy in a panic mode, not wanting anything to get revealed on live tv. "I don't know any more than you guys, but I do know one thing is that I trust Mysto and he's one of my best friends, maybe even top tier when it comes to us being close. Look even if Mysto is Loki and he's not, you can't look into the past and make a judgment like that. People can change and Mysto is no different, he did everything to make sure that Thanos wouldn't do any more harm and he's the bravest, smartest and deep down really kind. Right now he's now really hurt and-"

At that moment all of the reporters attention to the entire story has now intensified as they wanted to hear all of the details of the battle and the fact that Mysto is now injured. They all want to hear his current condition and get more details of the story. Darcy stares at them with a sense of guilt as she sees what she just did and the trouble that is happening right before her and might continue if someone doesn't do damage control. She doesn't even know if there is anything she can say or do to try to calm down the crowd and make them accept anything she say without question. Especially after that big reveal and now everyone wants that big scoop and who knows if they will start to piece together the truth.

"Well, he did face a injury while he fought off Thanos, he is going to be fine and it's nothing so serious." said Tony trying to cover up the recent reveal and to smooth things over. "Right now, he's in a undisclosed location and everything regarding to Mysto is classified at the moment. The only thing we will tell you is that Thanos was the one who sent Loki to Earth and planned all of it. He was responsible for everything and if Loki didn't comply then Thanos would have killed him. We don't know the whole story, but from what we found out, Loki did what he to survive and felt that there is no other way out."

"We can't tell you anymore than that and that we won." Said Natasha. "Mysto saved us by defeating Thanos and we are still finding out more information as we get more details and conduct our own investigation."

"Even if my brother is still alive and if he was Mysto, then I would be open on giving him a chance especially after we find out. We can't continue to live in the past, life is all about growth and in order to do so then we need to be open to change and forgiveness." Said Thor. "Everyone deserves a second chance and we all have the capability of finding it inside ourselves to grow from our experiences and become a better version of ourselves. It's up to only to ourselves to find the strength to do so, if Loki really changed his ways, did all of those things to help save the universe and if he is alive... I would tell him that I am happy that he's alive, that he returned to the brother that I loved ever since I was a child and that I am proud of him."

The room is only silent for a few seconds, right before the silence ended and the reporters begin to bombard the Avengers and Darcy with even more questions. If it's not skeptics that want to know the whole story then it's people who have more follow up questions and trying to pry details from the five of them or people sharing out their theories no matter how ridiculous it may sound. The room suddenly became as loud as there is more and more of the reporters asking more questions. Neither one of them has ever seen a sight like the one being on display right now.

Tony and Steve tries to see if they regain some control of the conference by trying to get a hold of the conversation. Natasha rolled her eyes at the entire scene as she stares at the chaos. While Thor is tempted in yelling to everyone in the room to be quiet, but he is more worried that he would look too suspicious and is now starting to see Loki's point about keeping all of this a secret and how not many are open to keep things a secret. If this is how it looks like right now with Loki's secret not anywhere close on being revealed, then he can't imagine what it is going to be like on Asgard. Darcy doesn't even know what to do or if there's anything they can even say that might possibly help the situation or make everyone drop the subject. The mess of the entire situation is getting more and more crazy by the minute as she sees everything plays out, she really wishes that there is a way they can either sneak out or think of something to say, something that would be good enough for the reporters, they answer more questions regarding the battle and then they can end this without any doubt. Where's Loki when they need him?

---

Meanwhile back in Loki's room in the Penthouse

The room is mostly quiet as she looks at her phone, while keeping an eye on Loki. Wanting nothing more to simply sit there and wait to see if Loki is awake, that is one thing that she really hopes that happens. That it would be a sign that the worst is over and now Loki is there healing through his injuries and everything that has happened.

She is relieved that Loki is starting to look more relaxed and his face is starting to get some of the color that has been lost during the worst. Even more so that Loki's fever has been pretty much nonexistent after the past few times either she or Bruce checked his temperature. Maybe this is a sign that it has finally ended and Loki is getting better, now that she thinks of it, she did notice that Loki has been recovering a lot faster than how Thor and Gamora made out to be. She is just glad that Loki is now making a speedy recovery and that he didn't end up like Hiemdell.. If only he would wake up, that they know for sure what is going to happen and then maybe everything will be alright.

For now, Jane is trying to keep herself busy by reading whatever science articles she can find on her phone. The concepts that excites her and the ideas that are being developed. It adds more to her theories and develops new ones. She continues to read more and more of the articles as she keeps on reading and barely even noticing everything that is going on around her. That is until...

"I don't think I will ever understand how you humans are obsessed with those things. The idea of being obsessed over a screen for a long period of time is absurd." said Loki. "But then again, I always had a bad experience when it comes to using that piece of technology."

"Glad to see someone's awake." said Jane letting her phone down to talk to Loki. "Wait are you still not happy about the entire-"

"It is not just that, but I have always had bad luck with them and besides I honestly do not see the point, aside from communication, it seems like a waste, especially knowing that there are better forms of entertainment." said Loki. "Such as reading a book or doing anything that is more productive than staring at a screen for the majority of the day."

"Well I read a lot, so at least there's that and plus we do more than just stare at our phones all day." said Jane.

"I know, I lived with Darcy for two months and she often tries to keep herself busy by reading those comics and trying to get me to partake in her activities such as one of her bored games or this craft called Lago."

"Wait do you mean Lego?" said Jane as she is trying to see if she can make a connection.

"Of course that is what I meant and at least it provides some form of challenge if one doesn't look at the instructions." said Loki. "Even if it is a bit childish, at least it allows one to strengthen their mind and provides a challenge for any child and maybe even some adult depending if it provides a challenge. But at least it is better than looking at illustrations and reading simple dialogue."

"Ok, not a big fan of comics, at least I have someone to talk to about books now." said Jane catching Loki's interest.

"I am assuming that you like to read?" Asked Loki for once happy to get to have a conversation with Jane that isn't connected to Thanos, the Infinity Stones and the mess that they were in only a few days ago.

"Yes, of course I do, I always enjoyed reading something cool that is connected to science or maybe even a mystery novel to have my mind turning or simply a good story." Said Jane. "I just can't get enough of a good book, that I often reread them again."

"Well I don't know if they might be available on this planet but there are some books back in Asgard that I read that you might enjoy." Said Loki. "If you ever go to Asgard with Thor, then I can always give you some suggestions of the best Asgard has to offer when it comes to literature. If I could I might even let you borrow my own copies, if I could get a hold of them without someone suspecting something."

"Wait, you would really do that?" Asked Jane who is surprised by that.

"Normally I wouldn't let Thor touch my stuff because it might either get lost or broken. Not too mention, he never understood the pressures of sitting down and reading a good book." Said Loki. "But he at times, always tried to read the ones that I have read and tries to engage into a conversation with me, though it often end with him thinking more about the battle strategies and I always have to explain the deeper meaning. It was always an interesting talk to say the least."

"At least he was there for you and tried to meet your interests." Said Jane. "But still you are really willing to let me read any books or at least give me a list of recommendations?"

"Of course I would, it would be nice to talk to someone that actually took the time that actually read what I enjoy and find it engaging." Said Loki. "Besides we are friends and it would be nice to get to know you without the stones."

"Do you really mean that?" Said Jane who is surprised by all of this. "What you said just now and earlier back two days ago, when you agreed that we are friends and said all of those things?"

"Of course I do, I would never say something like that if I never meant it." Said Loki. "Jane, for the past two years, I have been more alone than I have ever been in my entire life. I have hurt and tried to push away everyone who has ever cared or loved me from my pain and later on the fear of Thanos. That's not who I am anymore and now I am almost free to live my life and I don't want to be alone anymore."

"Wow, I never really thought of you as the type who would feel that way." Said Jane feeling a sense of understanding.

"Well I am, I felt lost before all of this and thought that nothing would ever make up for my past deeds or see that if anyone especially Thor would ever forgive me for everything I have done." Said Loki. "I don't even know if what I did was enough or will ever be, but I do know is that I don't want to ever be alone like that again and besides after everything we have been through do you honestly think that we wouldn't be friends?"

"Well you are the type that likes to keep people guessing." Said Jane. "That sometimes it makes you hard to read. I don't know if I find that cool or anywhere close on possibly being frustrating In the future."

"Being blunt in everything I say, where's the fun in that?" Said Loki as he tries to sit up even more and fails in doing so, as he quickly dropped into his pillow. "I can hardly wait till I am well enough to walk again, I am tired of lying in bed for a long period of time."

"But you have to be getting better now right?" Asked Jane. "I mean you seem to look better than you were before, you stopped coughing and your fever is finally down."

"To be honest, I think it must have broken, I feel cool and the pain has started to subside." Said Loki. "I am starting to feel like myself again, that a piece of me is almost back and it is over, it is almost over."

"Did it hurt? Losing your Soul?" Asked Jane showing concern in her voice.

"It was excruciating to say the least, I never felt anything like it and wouldn't wish that pain on anyone not even Thanos." Said Loki as he remembers the pain. "It felt as though as there was fire being throw at me with hints of lightning and magic, with the aim to cause me pain. Once it was gone, I felt like a bit of me was taken away and with my identity being stripped away as slowly as my soul fades and an injury I obtained prior and the pain I felt didn't help matters."

"Why didn't you say anything about you burning your chest?" Asked Jane. "You were really hurt and you could have taken the potion to heal yourself. Why didn't you?"

"I wanted to make sure that everyone would be alright before we confront Thanos." Said Loki. "It was my fault that Hiemdell and Vision are dead and I don't want to be responsible for anymore pain or worse if he tried to target you, Thor, Darcy, the Guardians and Wanda for anything that would guarantee he's closer to a victory."

"Loki, what happened to Hiemdell wasn't your fault. You weren't even there and I don't think there was anything that could have been done." Said Jane.

"Who was Thanos after?" Pointed out Loki. "Besides Vision wouldn't have been out there if I didn't order him out of the ship to try to find Darcy and... he sacrificed himself for me and I couldn't do anything to save him or even know if it's possible to bring him back..."

"Loki-" starts Jane as she is ready to comfort him.

"No, please do not say those words or anything that might make me feel better about this." Said Loki. "I don't want to hear how I failed him and how... he's dead because of me..."

"Loki, what I said earlier, I really meant every word." Said Jane as she tries to set some facts straight. "I don't want to see you blame yourself for something that is beyond our control and just try to heal from this. I mean sure we can try to figure out a way to bring him back, but that would take years, decades even. We can't live in the past forever or it might bring us down into a path that will keep hurting us, we need to look past it and live, I saw how just you faking your death made Thor upset and how he wasn't ready to let you go and I saw him continue to-"

"Please don't remind me and I know what you are trying to say, I have decided to try to move past this and try to make up it up to Wanda." said Loki. "Maybe try to be there for her and allow myself to be a friend to her, I needed one after everything that happened from finding out my adoption to my mother's death and even going after all of these stones especially with having Thanos coming after me, Darcy was there and I will always be grateful for her help and the friendship we built. I want to be there for her, since I know what it is like to feel like one lost everything and how they can fall from it and allow it to destroy them. I want to help in anyway to make things easier for her, to save her from going towards a path where one makes more mistakes than they can even count."

"Wow, that's very sweet and noble of you." Said Jane. "I never really thought that you would be the type that would... Wow, you really have changed a lot since I first met you when we were going to escape to the Dark World haven't you?"

"I went through a lot and I just don't want to see someone go through the same thing I went through." Said Loki. "I couldn't save him from Thanos or honored him when he was alive, but I will honor his memory and will try to help Wanda. I know those two have a close friendship and how much it must have hurt her to lose him and Pietro, it was a difficult week for her to say the least."

"Yeah, she still hasn't spoken to anyone. Maybe you're right and having a friend might help." Said Jane.

"Yes, though I only hope that I would be allowed to be a friend and I would have the freedom to continue to stay on Earth or pursue a new life somewhere else." Said Loki. "That maybe Thor would, that is, if he does succeed in..."

"He will find a way to make sure you get your freedom and to save you from being in the dungeons." Said Jane. "He is not going to do everything to make sure you are free especially after everything we did been through."

"I know he did literally went to another dimension to retrieve the Soul Stone in hopes that it would save me." Said Loki. "If that doesn't show he cares about me then I don't know what would. I just hope he finds a way because I don't think I can ever go back to that cell again and be forced to leave all of this."

"You really care about Darcy don't you?" Asked Jane, with Loki quickly starting to glare at her and before he has a chance to deny it. "You can deny it all you want, but come on Loki, it's really obvious that you two have something going on between you. I mean it's something everyone noticed and I think the only ones in this tower that still haven't realize that yet is you and Darcy."

"Look, I don't even know what in the world is making you and possibly the others say that but we are simply friends, nothing more." Said Loki. "Besides it would never work out between us, simply because... She deserves so much more and someone better than me and besides she has feelings for Ian and... All I know is that it would be a disaster and will definitely destroy our friendship. Plus whatever I may feel for her is nothing more than... fondness towards her and care about her happiness and as I said it would never work, not only because... she's not my type, but I can't exactly court her in a prison cell."

"Right, says the one who just denied that to me as though I said I was going to reveal your most embarrassing secret." Said Jane who can't help but laugh at the situation. "You know it's ok to be in-"

"Can we focus on the issue that I am still in jeopardy on losing my freedom and I might never see any of you again." Said Loki. "I highly doubt that there's any hope for me if Thor tells the truth and if he doesn't then he would have the burden of keeping my secret."

"Regardless of what he chooses, what are you planning to do next? Once you are free?" Asked Jane. "Are you planning to stay on Earth or are you going to leave the planet?"

"Well, I really don't know, but-" starts Loki, as he thinks about the answer that he doesn't even know himself and before he has a chance to continue.

"I am Groot!" Said Groot happily as he walks right into the room with the other four Guardians following him.

"Well, it's about time that we come see you alive and awake." Said Rocket happily. "I was starting to think that the Soul Stone placed under one of those sleeping curses or something that we saw in those screens that Quill told stories about to Groot."

"Rocket, that will never happen if the Soul returns and besides this is normal simply because that's how the healing process works." Said Gamora. "That only happens in the stories that Quill tells Groot at night before going to bed."

"Yeah, those are just Disney movies which happens to be based on fairy tales." Said Quill. "Those being nothing more than stories to entertain people til their hearts' content and stories that I think that might still be entertaining them for decades even if I missed out on whatever else Disney puts out."

"I'm sure that you might enjoy the newer ones, I only saw a few of that genre or rather three of them, only one seems rather new." Said Loki. "But the one with the girl with the golden extremely long hair was the one that I enjoyed the most."

"Wait you mean Tangled? So does that mean you and Darcy have movie nights now?" Asked Jane who is seeing the connection between her two friends more clearly.

"Uh, no we just decided to spend some time together prior to Darcy's disastrous date with Ian." Said Loki. "We simply wanted nothing more but to spend time together, simply because we enjoy each other's company. The type of enjoyment that only two friends can enjoy with only the feelings of comadrady and fondness towards one another, that's all, nothing more."

At that moment, Loki notices that everyone is looking at him, with all of them giving him a look. Jane, Gamora, Rocket, Drax and Quill gives him a 'seriously' glance. While Groot is looking at Loki, all cute and confused at the situation right in front of him. Loki stares back as he feels a little awkward about that explanation and is now wondering what they all may be thinking and is relieved that Groot is too young to understand all of this. He really wishes that he had his magic, so he can simply disappear and hide his feelings awkwardness and try to make an illusion to his his true feeling from his friends. But he simply gives a sigh as he tries to get their minds off this and maybe even try to change the subject, he has to or else things are going to get even more awkward and humiliating...

"So, I am assuming that the ship repairs are moving along swimmingly?" Asked Loki. "Please tell me that Stark wasn't too hard on you and Darcy about that... little crash."

"Little? More like humongous crash that absolutely wrecked the tower." Said Quill.

"You should have seen the look on Darcy's face when she heard how much he has to pay on repairs alone." Said Rocket, resulting in Loki turning to face Jane about to ask, but before he can do so-

"You don't want to know." Said Jane almost immediately. "It was pretty bad or rather is."

"Aside from all that, we have been making good progress. Well, as good as it can get when it comes to trying to repair an entire ship and somehow repair the parts that might possibly need replacing and we don't have access to them." Said Gamora. "But other than that, we are making progress, though it might take us longer than we might think for us to obtain the parts and to repair the ship. We are going to have to ask for the others and you all to help."

"How hard are these pieces to find? Maybe I can help locate them?" Asked Jane who doesn't even know if it's possible to find any of the parts, let alone fix the ship in a sort amount of time without having to possibly see if they can make these parts.

"From simply remembering my time here, before Yondu came and literally kidnapped me. I know that I didn't see any of this during my time on this planet, maybe after all of these years, this place had an upgrade." Said Quill.

"Well, they do have those spaceships now that is not that advanced, maybe it might have parts that could possibly work." Said Loki. "But I don't know if they might be the parts that you may be looking for."

"We might as well try them, maybe we might get some results." Said Drax who is agreeing with whatever plan that might work. "We have nothing more to lose or have a better idea."

"Aside from ship repairs, how is Nebula by the way?" Asked Loki wanting to see if everything alright for his friend. "I haven't seen or heard anything from her since we were in the medical area of the ship."

"Nebula is still healing and improving, but I don't know how long it might take for her to heal over it." Said Gamora. "Since usually whenever Nebula hits her head, she was fine and got back up on her feet and ready to fight back. But this time, it's different, she needs help to walk across a room and has trouble remembering details and seems to be more hurt."

"I assuming that when Thanos threw her against that cliff, it must have either hit a part where Thanos never modified or her body finally had enough." Said Loki. "That after all the abuse and modifications, maybe she is starting to need to heal longer than how she usually would before. She is slowly paying the price for the trauma and I remember reading that one can get weaker over time and in battle."

"Do you know a way how we can help her then?" Asked Gamora. "Since you came from a world where there's magic and maybe you know if there is a way if we can help her with her healing. That is if there is a way..."

"Well fortunately, Asgard is no stranger in dealing with concussions and we have methods. One of which is very simple and effective, but I won't be able to start until my magic returns." Said Loki. "It's a spell that will need time to manifest within Nebula, to allow her to gain a strength that will allow her to withstand anything, maintain her memories and yet allow her to gain a sense of peace away from the past. I would also need the potion, due to the gravity of the injuries and the timeframe that we have, then we would need to give Nebula a daily two doses of it. So that way she can not only heal the injuries that is preventing her to walk and remember, but to allow her to start a new life, fully healed."

"Do you really think that might work?" Asked Quill. "So exact what's going to happen with Nebula once all of this is over, I don't know about any of you guys, but I am not in the mood to have some crazy thing happen to us if she tries to backstab us or something."

"I highly doubt that would happen, if I trust Nebula then you know that she is definitely on our side." Said Loki as he rolls his eyes.

"Even then, we still have to fix the ship and somehow gather all of the parts and make it fly off the ground without some freak accident happening." Said Gamora to Quill before turning to Loki. "So how long would it take for this treatment to work and will Nebula be back to her old self by the end of this?"

"It would only take a month or so and I think that Nebula would be fine once we complete the treatment." Said Loki. "She will be able to remember all of her memories and be able to move around again. I can't promise that it will be able to undo all of the pain and trauma that she had to endure with Thanos or heal all of her scars and injuries, the best I could do is cast an illusion, though it would only be more painful for her, seeing the thing that she has lost and never gain back. But I know that this is the best way to help her and it might be the only way."

"Ok, then I'm guessing you are going to start this treatment once you are well enough to perform magic again?" asked Gamora. "That or do you need to get more of the potion in order to start?"

"Well, I can start with the spell and then once we obtain more of the potion then we can start the process and then maybe she will be alright." said Loki. "I really don't see what difference it would make if we start the spell first and then we gradually give her the potion, but it will be a gradual process where one will start to heal and she will be stronger and be back to herself by the time I am done."

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

"He says that he thinks it's great that you are going to help Nebula and can't wait to see more of your magic," said Rocket as he sees the confused glances of the many in the room. "he's also asking if you are thinking of coming with, when the- What? Groot, we can't ask him that right now?!"

"I am Groot. I am Groot?" Asked Groot really confused.

"It's because we have not only been there for the past couple of days. But there is also the fact that Loki literally just went through a life or death situation where-" starts Rocket ready to tell Groot off for that question, before...

"Rocket, it's alright. To answer Groot's question, I don't know or even thought about it." Said Loki. "Everything happened so fast and I didn't know if I was even going to make it out alive, let alone if I could make amends for everything I have done and if I would be forgiven by them. I still don't know if everyone will forgive me. But I do know that I just need time to think and to hear what Odin decides and if I am truly free which I doubt I will be when he does make his verdict."

"Well if your dad is still holding a grudge, anyone who isn't your brother or your friends still hate your guts and you think it's impossible to spend another day without a problem." Said Quill. "Just remember that the offer still stands if you want to leave and start a new life away from all of this and if you feel as though you can't stay here for another day, then you are still welcome to come with."

"I never had the chance to thank you all." Said Loki.

"For letting you join the Guardians or-" starts Rocket who doesn't even know what Loki might even be referring to.

"For helping me, when I lost all hope, for your help in our escape from Thanos and helping me even when I didn't want you all to." Said Loki. "You all are a great team and loyal companions, even if your methods are questionable at times."

"It is what we do, protect the Galaxy and help lost ones who have no where else to turn to." Said Drax. "Plus it gave me an opportunity to confront Thanos and that within itself was a bonus."

"Yeah, I have to agree that is also a plus, especially if we remember what he did and what he was planning to do." Said Loki who can't help but to smile on the statement that Drax just made. "I am just happy that it's finally over and we fid everything that we set out to do and, in all honesty I don't even know what I will chose to do and... the future looks even more uncleared than how it was when I first entered the tower and the fear of losing to Thanos was on my mind. I really wish I knew and the fact that you all have a ship to repair, what Odin might say and-"

"Hey, whatever happens, you are not going to be alone and I know that at least nine of us will not let anything happen to you." Said Jane placing a hand on Loki's arm. "Maybe even more if the Avengers are at least alright if you decide to stay on Earth and maybe if you talk to them, then they will see that you are not that person and-"

"I doubt that, I have already done so much damage as it is and..." starts Loki. "I believe the only one who might be alright with me aside from Thor and Wanda is Banner. They would never, but anyway I am not going to base my decision in whatever they may think of me and will try to focus on somehow making everything work out."

"It will, only if you put in the effort and in time things will fall into place." Said Gamora. "It eventually did for me and I still am learning about many things. Not too mention, I will have to face challenges when it comes to helping and repairing my bond with Nebula, but I am not going to let my fear over take me and we can't be afraid of the future, otherwise we will never be ready to face it."

"I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot." Said Groot as he climbs up from the floor and sits right next to Loki, wanting nothing more but to be there for him and try to be nice.

"He says that-" starts Rocket.

"You don't have to translate, I can tell that he is trying to tell me that I am not alone." Said Loki. "I know I am extremely fortunate that I have friends like you all, no matter what happens then I know that I am going to face it. But for now, I want nothing more but to enjoy this moment of peace and to simply enjoy it and be with the friends, I have made on this journey. To make the most of this time and just... try to make happy memories before I have to return to that cell."

"You are not going to return to a prison cell." Assured Gamora. "We are going to make sure that-"

"Gamora, please the laws of Asgard and Odin's methods does not give me hope that I would leave Asgard again." Said Loki. "I don't want to spend, what could possibly be the last few days of freedom I have left thinking about this, I do want to spend it time with all of you, Nebula, Darcy and Thor. Being with the only friends that I ever had for these next few days, though I wish Thor didn't have to go and Darcy would be here. Regardless I want to make the most of this and spend time with the friends that have helped me along the way and to just be here without a care in the world."

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

"Great, with all of that settled, let's have a conversation about anything that may cross our minds before the next catastrophe happens." Said Loki.

At that moment, the conversation has taken a different turn as the Guardians and Loki dominate the entire conversation and the room taken a different anthnosphere. The six of them are a group that instantly clicked and it didn't take long for them to start enjoying each other's company, whether it's talking about their exspirences or sharing ideas on ship repairs and in Loki's case learning about their structure. It is almost as if the six of them have been friends forever and Loki for once is enjoying himself in the new found company and the friends he have made in the time he was in space. That they were able to build a friendship and sense of respect in such a short amount of time and this is one of the few cases where a group can build an immediate friendship from circumstance and one that is rare and powerful as it reaches towards the potential of being a life long friendship.

Jane simply is happy from the sight that she is seeing, that Loki is enjoying himself in the company of the Guardians and they seemed to be liking Loki as well. Even if she is kinda like the seventh wheel right now and is standing in the background with making the occasional comments. She is glad that Loki managed to find his own group of friends like how Thor did with the Avengers and from one glance, she can see how much they care about one another and the bond that they all built ever since they first met. That he has found a group of friends beyond Darcy, Thor and now herself, that he even if he leaves Earth, at least she knows that he will be alright and he won't be alone.

Though she does hope that Loki will stay if things work out for Thor and Darcy, maybe even for herself since she now values her friendship with the Asgardian and would like to spend some more time with him. But at the end of the day, she hopes that whatever Loki chooses that he will be happy and from one look at least he would be alright and has friends to rely on and that he would be fine, as he has found his group and they will have to wait and see what he will choose and for now let Loki enjoy himself, rest and wait and see with only the hope that things would somehow work out

---

Four hours later, in the living room

After what felt like an twenty hour press conference and the reporters who never seemed to stop asking questions that were becoming more and more difficult questions by the minute. The questions that were getting impossible to answer, that it felt as though it would never end or if they would be able to pull off any of the answers that would be believable and yet doesn't open the door for anyone to figure out the truth. The four Avengers and Darcy arrives into the room, catching Nebula and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy's attention and surprise as they see the five of them walk in completely exhausted and with Natasha, Darcy and Tony allowing themselves to drop on the couch, while Steve and Thor are giving a huge sigh of relief that the worst is over.

"That bad huh?" asked Rocket as he sees the five of them completely exhausted and it doesn't look like that they are thrilled by having to deal with all of that.

"Worse, it is almost like if they were planning to tackle us with every single hard to answer questions that guarantee in someone slipping something out." said Natasha. "I have never seen them this hungry for information, not even the whole S.H.I.E.L.D is H.Y.D.R.A incident."

"I know one thing, I never want to go through something like that again." said Darcy. "I have never been so freaked out in my entire life, I am just surprised that I didn't just spill out everything."

"I am only sorry that I didn't create a limit to just only a few sources or just set up a live tv broadcast with no one in the room except us." said Tony. "I thought revealing that I was Iron man they were bad, but I didn't think that they would be this worse if we were trying to keep someone's identity a secret."

"Look guys, I know it was tough and it was much more... intense than any of us may have anticipated to say the least." said Steve. "But we dealt with the public for now and maybe even long enough before they start to ask more questions or if Loki chooses to reveal himself."

"If that ever happens then the world would lose their minds." Said Darcy. "At least Earth would, with Asgard slowly following from behind."

"If I tell our father what happened, but I am not sure and I simply want to see what he has to say first before I tell him anything." Said Thor. "I only wish that he would be open in accepting Loki back and he would be as happy as I am when it comes to all of this."

"Hey, just remember that the offer still stands if Loki wants to stay on Earth." Said Steve. "Just know that it will be safe for him to live here permanently if he chooses to."

"Well, we did just lie to the entire planet and created a cover story for Mysto." Said Natasha. "All we have to do is make sure that no one see any hints that might lead to them in thinking that Loki is Mysto and figuring it out themselves."

"That or he could always go to space with us, that is if he wants to." Said Quill. "There is always room for the Guardians of the Galaxy for one more."

"But at the end of the day, this is Loki's choice and he is going to be the one that will tell us what he is going to do." Said Nebula.

"I don't even know what I am going to do if he does decide to leave, I mean I don't even know how I was going to live with the idea that my pushing him to live my superhero fantasies nearly killed him and I nearly lost my best friend." Said Darcy. "But now, I really wish he would stay and yet, I want him to be happy no matter what he chooses. Yet, is it bad that I don't want things to change or to go on to face the future without even knowing what is going to happen next. I might still lose him and I still haven't seen him since he woke up."

"Darcy, you encouraged him to become a better person and showed him a new way." Said Thor. "Regardless of what he may choose or how much things might change, just know that Loki has always valued the people that he bonded and I see that you mean a lot to him."

"But still, he almost died and I still haven't seen him." Said Darcy. "What kind of person doesn't go and see their best friend after they went through all of that? Now with everything that has happened, what's next? Where do we go from here and if I am failing in being a good friend and now all of this is almost over then does that mean we are going to fall apart and..."

"Darcy, I know from personal experience that no matter what may happen between the two of you and if you two find it within yourselves to find some common ground and the strength to make amends." Said Thor. "It took everything that happened in the Dark World to give the strength to finally confront my brother and later on we were able to find each other again. Finding out that Loki wanted to make amends and when he came to find me and when we talked, it was one the happiest moments of my life. I will always be grateful for your help and I ram sure that you and Loki will remain friends no matter what may happen."

"Plus, we can always fly over here anytime Loki wants to visit or set up a communication tab to our ship." Said Quill. "Hey Rocket, do you think we can have a link of communication to Earth?"

"I think it might be possible, Earth has the same frequency as most of the planets in the Galaxy." Said Rocket. "So I think it's possible for us to create a base of communication between here and the ship, add that to the list of ship repairs."

"Darcy, if you are really worried about all of this and if you feel guilty about not seeing him, then you should go talk to him." Said Gamora. "You both can work something out and talk about that and any other thing that you two might need to talk about."

"Yeah, I guess..." said Darcy as she removers her feelings and how she almost lost Loki for good.

"Just try to be there for him and wait and see what the future might have in store for you." Said Gamora. "Things will be alright and you won't have to worry, just give it time and it will work out. Just give it some time and you two will find a way to make things work and you will find a way to keep things right with Loki, give it some more time and see him the first chance you get."

"Yeah you're right, maybe I should go in and see him right now." said Darcy. "I mean no time like the present and besides he has to be awake right now if Jane and-"

"Great news, after from finishing checking on Loki and after the progress that he has made from what both Jane and Loki has told me." said Bruce walking right in the room. "It is safe to say that his fever is gone and he is on a quicker road to recovery than we thought. I have to ask do all Asgardians recover this quickly from any health scares?"

"Not usually, it would take us as long as a human depending on the injury that we obtain if we don't have the healing potion." said Thor. "But when we do, then we heal almost instaniously depending on the injury. Though it's surprising that he is recovering this quickly, from the injury on his chest and losing his soul, for most Asgardians it would have taken weeks for them to fully recover from all of that. Especially with the amount of the potion Loki has received and it probably wouldn't have healed him in the same time frame."

"Maybe from his heritage, it gives him a healing advantage that no one knows about." said Darcy. "Like Katara from Avatar, all she needed is use water and then heal everyone in less than a minuete or Rapunzel from Tangled, well the movie at least. I mean it would be cool if he has something like that, though they could heal others not just themselves with their powers and... I am making things more complicated then how it sounds am I?"

"I don't even know what you might be referring to, but I think I understand what you might be referring to." said Thor. "Loki has always received and respond any injuries the same as any other Asgardian would, I don't even know how he would recover this quickly or..."

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

"Groot says that since the magic sword gave him a power upgrade, maybe it allowed him to gain more than stronger magic." said Rocket earning a nod from the sappling. "He also says that maybe he has gained the ability to heal himself in a quicker rate and it might have helped him heal as fast even without the healing potion. Wait, did you just come up with this theory all by yourself?"

"I am Groot." said Groot with a nod.

"To be honest, that seems like the only good theory that would explain all of this." said Quill. "Didn't Loki say that the magic sword would advance his powers and abilities? So it would make sense if it gave his immune system an upgrade."

"Great, just what I need an extra super powered Loki in my tower with the capability of destroying it with one swing of his sword." said Tony as he stares at them in complete horror. "After our little chat, I need to call the insurance company, to upgrade my plan before anything happens and I have an even bigger bill to worry about."

"You own a pretty sweet tower, have a robot suit that you can fly around and stop bad guys and enough tech to build a ship." pointed out Quill. "I think you would be fine, even if the bill is anything but awesome."

"Yeah, but the financial security is not making me feel any better." said Tony as he tries hard not to imagine what the bill might be.

"Aside from all that, I am happy to hear that Loki is doing alright and will be alright." said Thor. "I need to go see him, before I face one of the most daunting tasks that may be on my mind. I want to be with my brother before having to face one of the most daunting tasks in my life, I just hope that I don't cause more trouble."

"Hey, I know that you have Loki's best interest at heart and will make the right choice in the end." said Darcy. "Now let's go and see him and-"

"I am really sorry Darcy, but I need to go speak to him alone." said Thor. "I know that you want to see him and still haven't yet, but I need to speak to him alone and I just want to make sure that he's alright. Are you all sure you're ok with him being here while-"

"Thor, it will be fine and besides Loki is on our side now and the most we will have to worry about is Tony complaining about the bill for damages." said Natasha and that started a grand amount of laughter from the entire room, even Tony is having a hard time to hide a grin from that statement.

"Alright, I will be back shortly to say farewell and I only wish that I don't have to go." said Thor. "Maybe if Loki wish for me to stay then I will postpone my journey a little longer."

With that Thor leaves the room, feeling the dread of what might be up ahead and wishing that there is another way to get around with talking to his father and end all of the trouble that he still has to face. That he really wish that things would work in their favor and it would somehow lead to his brother being free from the prison cell that he is desperate to escape from. The life that Loki has started to live on this planet, the bonds he has created and simply because he has a new chance to start again, Thor just hopes that he would somehow save his brother or better yet Odin would want to make amends and allow Loki to stay on Earth. He reaches the door, unsure what to say and just wishes that he doesn't have to do the task that is up ahead.

---

Meanwhile in the other room

When Thor arrives he is surprised and yet to see both Loki and Jane are right there and talking to one another. He is happy to see that both his brother and girlfriend getting along. Ever since he fell in love with Jane and after being separated from her for a year. He has always wanted his family to accept her, though he believed that his father would need time to get used to the idea, but even then he doubts that he would fully accept Jane because of the weight of the throne. But his mother welcomed her in open arms and did everything to protect her from the Dark Elves, though that did resulted in her death unfortunately. He never thought that Loki would understand and would simply look down on them, especially after everything that has happened and Loki views of power, he lost all hope that Loki would accept her. But here they are, being on good terms and forming a friendship between the two of them.

Thor slowly approaches the two of them, unsure of what to say and yet he doesn't want to interrupt the conversation between the two of them. Yet, he only wants to spend some time with the two of them and never have to return to Asgard for the inevitable visit and one where he would always be dreading and would give anything for it to be over. He just only hopes that it would go well and that he would be returning to this room and he would still be on good terms with Loki. That there wouldn't be Asgardian guards waiting for Loki to heal and then escort him back to Asgard to a prison cell where he would never escape again, with even tighter security. Even if he doesn't tell Odin what happened, then he has to figure what to say or do something to see if Odin would really accept Loki and see if everything would be alright. For now he is going to enjoy what could be the final moments that he has with the two of them, with only the hope that things would somehow work out.

"One of these days, you both have to tell me the story on how you two somehow became friends." said Thor. "Especially now that we have all of the time in the universe to talk and to spend it together without ever worrying about Thanos or anything ever again."

"Well, until the next catastrophe happens and it is always guaranteed to happen." said Loki turning his attention to Thor. "Ever since I have been on this planet, I have already seen how it always seem to find itself in trouble even before Thanos and I wouldn't be surprise if it finds itself in trouble once again. I mean honestly how come Earth is always the target of attacks or anyone that tries to take over the planet? Especially with the track record of the number of victories that it has so far and with the Avengers as it's main line of defense, one would think that many would have learned by now."

"Now that's a really good point and one that I would agree with." said Jane as she remembers all of the times that Earth had to be saved by superheroes before Thanos.

"But at least for now it is safe to say that we don't have to worry about any of that for right now." said Thor. "Well that is I hope that we would be fine for right now and we won't have to worry about the next threat for a long time."

"Well for most of us at least, I still have to worry about Odin and what he might be planning to do to me if and when he finds out the truth." said Loki, as Thor sees that Loki is not going to drop the subject and is going to continue to bring up the subject until they talk about it.

"Um Jane... Would it be alright if I talk to Loki alone for a minute?" asked Thor. "It will only take a few minutes and-"

"It's alright, I will be in the other room and-" starts Jane."Hey, isn't this how all of this started, you two have your little little brotherly moment and I was asked to leave the room after a bit of our conversation."

"Though I would rather be facing off an army of Dark Elves rather than our father." said Thor.

"I am guessing that he might be that bad if he does find out?" asked Jane trying to get the idea of what might be the potential consequences.

"Define bad." said Loki as he gives a sigh. "The best that could happen is me being returned to my cell and be placed under tighter security and even then it seems really unlikely in my case."

"It will work out, don't give up on hope." said Jane reassuring Loki, before turning to both brothers. "I'll see you guys soon, just deal with any of the issues that we still have to face and then we can relax."

Jane leaves the room to give the brothers some space and to give them time to speak to one another. There is a silence between them and neither brother knows what to say or how to start the conversation off. Loki knows that Thor is hesitant about going back to Asgard and seeing Odin again. That it has been plaguing his mind ever since they got back and Loki just hopes that Thor will start to see that it's absolutely necessary to do so. Even if he is just as nervous and if not more so, he just wishes that Thor could stay longer, but he can't and if they want to ensure that the best outcome occurs then they are going to need to face this problem right now before it's too late. He just hopes that he would get through to him and that it won't lead to any trouble or worse an argument. But first he has to get past the many questions going on in his mind.

"How did it go?" Asked Loki simply.

"What?" Said Thor completely off guard.

"The meeting that you, Darcy and your friends had about what happened?" Asked Loki. "How did they react to everything that happened? Did they respond too harshly when they find out that I was here and that I am Mysto?"

"We didn't tell them that you were here or Mysto's true identity." Said Thor. "We tried to keep the most information hidden and didn't mention you unless we tried to dispute the facts. The only thing we told them is that you stopped Thanos single-handedly, that none of us know who Mysto is and that right now you are too injured to make a public appearance at the moment."

"What? I thought that... Why would your friends agree to do that?" Said Loki. "After everything I have done and all of the trouble I have caused... They shouldn't be that ready to forgive me, I thought that they all hated me and that they all would never... What I did in the past was unforgivable and they shouldn't have forgiven me, it was all my fault that most of this happened in the first place."

"You did cause a lot of trouble in the past, but most of it wasn't your fault and we all know now that it was Thanos who sent you to take over Earth and he was the one that made you do those crimes. You may have agreed to help him, but at the end of the day it was him who did everything and true, what happened on Asgard back when I was banished was your fault." said Thor with Loki turning away, not looking at Thor full of guilt. "But you were hurting and you have changed so much since then and no longer care for the throne. As for anything Thanos related, you had no other choice, if you didn't agree to Thanos then he would have killed you on the spot and he was the one who threatened Earth and was ready to do more to ensure gathering the Infinity Stones. He would have still done the same to gather the Stones, perhaps even more and besides if you didn't know then maybe it would have been harder for all of us to stop Thanos."

"That still doesn't change what I have done and explain why they are so willing to forgive me for everything I have done." said Loki. "If it were up to everyone then they would think that I don't deserve to be forgiven and I deserve indefinite punishment."

"The Avengers are not the ones to hold a grudge and they, well we are willing to give the worst a chance if they are willing to change for the better. No one deserves to be punished indefinitely, well except maybe Thanos." said Thor, earning a chuckle from Loki. "You may have done so many things in the past, but you tried to make amends and you made up for them by trying to save the universe and defeating Thanos. We can't change the past, but we can move past it and start a new beginning, one where we can start anew."

"Well you all did a good job in keeping my whereabouts a secret and twisting the truth." said Loki giving a sigh. "But still did you all have to tell them about my injury, it definitely makes me weaker than anyone would expect the hero who saved the universe from a mad titan to be."

"They would have demanded you to be there and then later make them think that their suspicions are correct." said Thor. "Even then it would help cover up the fact that Mysto is you, they would never think that you would be the type who would sacrifice yourself, let alone get this injured."

"Point taken, I see what you mean and maybe you all did me a favor right there." said Loki. "You are going to have to thank them for me, the next time you see them. Tell them that I appreciate their help and will always be grateful."

"You know you could always them that yourself, they might like to hear it from you better." said Thor. "I'm sure you can work things out with them if you really try and they are doing every in their power to make sure that you are free, as a thank you for what you did."

"That or as a favor for you, you are their friend and they know that we have a bond that is stronger than anything Thanos could throw at us." said Loki. "They would be willing to help you do anything if you asked. All I did was send the Destroyer to destroy a town, tried to take over a planet and nearly demolish a city in the process, use the Mind Stone two of your friends and most recently hide on this planet and inadvertently led an alien to target this planet. There is nothing to forgive and I wouldn't be surprised if they believe that."

"Loki, I wouldn't put it past that and would simply talk to them and straighten things out. They will not only see who you truly are but they are also used to helping people who lost their way and Natasha and Bruce have been through similar situations." Said Thor. "They will understand and if only you just give them a chance. You will be fine being on Earth with them knowing."

"I hope you're right, maybe they will be as welcoming as they were with Wanda and Pietro." Said Loki as he gives a sigh as he stops to think about what to say.

Thor simply stares at Loki, feeling a sense of relief as he sees his brother looking more healthier than he was the previous day. That the worst is over and that Loki's soul is on the road to remerge and soon he is going to be fine and then he will be free from his sentence. Though he will worry about their father when the time calls for it, but he simply wants to be there for his brother and really wishes that he can delay the meeting if not avoid it all together. He just wants to be there for his brother, especially after all of the waiting and finally finding this rare moment of peace and when they can finally be together. But before Thor can even have a chance to say something or start a new conversation, he sees Loki turning his head and staring him right at the eye, he knows that look and it always mean that Loki is going to say something that he doesn't want to hear. He just hopes that it doesn't have anything to do with Asgard or the talk that he is going to have with his father, he doesn't want to leave just yet...

"Thor, we need to talk about you going back to talk to fa- I mean Odin." said Loki. "When will you be leaving? That is unless you are having second thoughts and trying to do everything you can to avoid it as much as possible."

"I don't know, I can't go or even know what I am going to say to him once I am there." said Thor. "I really want to see the best in father and wish that I know for sure that he would forgive and accept you back the same way as I have, I don't know... But I do know that I don't want to cause you any trouble if and when I come back, I want to see you free and happy not be hurt and later paying the consequences from whatever I have said to him."

"If you think you are so worried, you are not going to end up in some prison cell once all of this is over if the worst scenario happens." said Loki. "Thor, we can't avoid this forever and we have already talked about this."

"I know, but I really do not want to leave you and want to..." starts Thor as he find the words to say what he needs to say.

"Make sure that I am alright?" asked Loki as he earns a nod from Thor. "I will be, but we need to ensure that everything will be alright and you can't do that by staying here and worrying the worst. A word of advice, in life it is better to face things rather than push it aside or hide because of fear, the problem can get worst than here."

"That is surprisingly good advice." said Thor.

"I had to learn that lesson the hard way, so it might be better if you simply go and face him rather than just hide in this tower until some problems escalate." said Loki.

"I will leave by the end of the day and that happens to be soon..." said Thor as he quickly looks out into the window to see the sun and turns to Loki. "Are you sure you are going to be alright for a day or two? Are you sure that you are ok with me going to speak with Father?"

"I will be fine, I have Darcy, Jane, Nebula and the Guardians here if I need anything and won't try to start any conflicts with your friends. It won't be full out war by the time you get back." said Loki seeing Thor's face at the horror of the idea and then starts to reassure Thor yet again. "Come on Thor, it will be fine, we will all manage without you and it will work out, somehow. Just remember whatever you choose to tell him, remember I won't hold anything against you if you choose to tell him the truth."

"I hope you're right and..." starts Thor as he gives a sigh. "What if they don't and I unintentionally make things worse?"

"No matter what happens, we will always be brothers and stand together." said Loki as he keeps his voice to sound comforting.

"I will do everything to make sure that you are not to end up in that cell or land you into any trouble." said Thor. "I just wish I know how without..."

"Why don't we just talk, be there for one another before everything changes and we have to face the consequences up ahead?" suggest Loki.

With that Thor gives a nod and the two of them spend the rest of the time, talking to one another and yet enjoying each other's company. Though the fear of the future is plaguing both of the brothers minds and yet they try hard not to let the other know their fears of it. Thor with his unsurity and Loki having the lack of fate that it would somehow work in everyone's favor. But they are determined to make it work and for now just be brothers and enjoy the rare moment of peace between the two of them, with only sharing the hope that they would have more moments like this. The first few minutes of their talk turns over into an hour and the two of them are simply enjoying each other's company and look beyond every single one of the problems they still have yet to face. Happy to have found one another again and wanting to forget the inevitable that is still on the horizon.

Eventually it was time for Thor to go and there is no. other way around it, Loki eventually fell asleep during the conversation they were having. After spending most of the day awake and still being weakened by his soul remerging into Loki, it made him more tired than he would have any more normal day. From what Thor remembers, he thinks that this is the moment where the soul will finally allow itself to become one again. Maybe he should ask Gamora later and try to learn more about the Soul Stone when he is in Asgard and read one of the books about the Infinity Stones, so that way he can learn from it and maybe help Loki if he is still suffering from any of the effects of the soul Stone. If not, at least help with the research that is still on the horizon, he doesn't want to leave and the only things that are holding him back is his friends, Jane and Loki.

He doesn't want to leave and yet he has to, Thor takes a good look at Loki before he tries to make himself leave room and wants to stay more than anything. Thor simply brushed away the black hair that strayed on to Loki's face and wanting nothing more but to stay. As much as he doesn't want to leave, but Thor knows that Loki is right, the sooner they get past the daunting task the better it would be for both of them. Thor looks right at his brother and knows that it's time...

"I will be back soon, try to get well while I'm gone." said Thor as he places a hand on Loki's neck like he have done so many times in the past. "Goodbye..."

---

Back in the living Room

Thor slowly got out of the room, wanting some miracle to happen for things work out and everything will be alright. He sees that the rest of the Avengers (with the exception of Wanda), The Guardians, Nebula, Jane and Darcy. He really wishes that none of them asks any questions or if they do then it will be brief and he can focus on getting to the roof of Avengers Tower. He sees that they are turning their attention to him and Thor just walked right towards them, before he can even stops, he sees that Darcy just smiled at him and starts to get up, he already knows where this is headed.

"Well, it's been nice to hang out with you guys and so cool to actually say that to the Avengers, but right now I have to go in and-" said Darcy and before she can even make a step.

"Darcy, I'm really sorry but Loki's asleep right now." said Thor as he faces her rather guiltily.

"What? Oh come on!" said Darcy catching everyone except Thor, Gamora and Nebula by surprise.

"You do realize that-" started Rocket.

"Loki's a heavy sleeper who happens to be a really diligent night owl surprisingly." said Darcy earning some stares. "What? I lived with him for two months and at this point I should know his sleep habits, especially since he told me that he uses his magic to block out any sounds, I guess that's must be why and how he became a heavy sleeper and that alone is what cmight be the cause of it."

"Maybe, but then again Loki has started doing that the moment he first learned how to create illusions, something about me being too loud in the morning." said Thor who's remembering all of the times that he spoke to the Guards or spend time with his friends right near Loki's room rather loudly. "He always was so crossed at us and after that he always created an illusion in his room to block outside noise to the point that one has to enter his room to wake him up."

"That would explain some of his issues." said Tony.

"Can you blame him if he was woken up all of the time that early?" said Natasha. "I can relate to that one, since I'm not exactly a morning person myself."

"Other than that, I will be back soon, I have to return to Asgard to settle some things." said Thor. "It won't take long I hope, just make sure that he's not alone and that he will be fine..."

"Of course, we'll look after him and try our best to make him feel welcome." said Steve.

"I will check on him later on and see if he needs anything when he wakes up." said Bruce. "He will be fine with us for a couple of days, just go and do what you need to do to help him."

"Yeah, I will see him as soon as I can, that is if I can go and see him without something in my way or Loki taking a nap." said Darcy as she turns to face the room, wanting to be there for her friend and yet wishes that she was in there.

"Thank you all for your help, I will return back soon." said Thor as he makes his way to the roof.

Jane can see in Thor's eyes that there is something troubling him and without even a second thought, she starts to follow him out of the room and wants to speak to Thor before he leaves for Asgard. She knows that there there is something bothering him and wonders what is going on and how she can help? She hopes that he would open up and allow her to help him and be a source of comfort. Whatever happened in the other dimension must have really effected Thor in a way that she has never seen before, she has to know what happened, so that way she can help and be there for him.

They eventually made their way to the roof, Thor was about to lift his hammer and that's when he sees Jane, standing right there and wanting nothing more than to speak with him. Thor would give anything to stay and remembering the broken bond between him and Loki that has now been fully repaired, thinking back on all the times he was there with his friends and yet now seeing Jane there. It makes that desire grow even more and he wishes that there is another way, but he knows that there isn't and he has to do this, no matter how much he really would wish to stay...

"Hey, I thought I might come up to see you off." said Jane. "How are you holding up?"

"I am doing well..." said Thor as he turns away from Jane and full of deep thoughts.

"Thor, what's wrong? No one needs to be a deep thinker to know that there is something bugging you." said Jane as she places a hand right on Thor's shoulder. "Did something happen back in the other dimension?"

"I don't know what to do, I don't want to lie to father and yet I don't want to make a choice that would hurt Loki in the long run." said Thor. "I can't figure what the best way to do so and want to do what is best for him, I don't want to end up causing him more pain or worse make the worst nightmare come true and he goes down a darker path because of the pain I might inflict on him."

"Wait, what?" said Jane surprised. "What on Earth makes you think that?"

"When I was in the Dream- it really should be called the Dark Dimension, I met someone who has the power to show one their worst nightmares." said Thor. "He can create realities and make them feel so real, he made me fight in exchange for the Soul Stone and he made me fight... Loki. A version of him at his worst, successfully taking over all of the Nine Realms and the worst part is that he was too far gone. That I couldn't save him, he was beyond saving..."

"It was just a illusion, this person has this ability, a power to mess with your mind." Said Jane placing a hand on Thor's shoulders. "Loki would never dream of turning his back on you now and if anything he would be completely horrified by the idea of him going that far."

"He did see it, he saw all of this but he doesn't remember it." Said Thor. "That person used Loki's Soul to form his own twisted version Loki and used that Loki to attack me. Loki saw it through a nightmare and believed that I was the one who was attacking him."

"What? This guy can go into our nightmares and create realities?" Asked Jane. "Has he been trapped there for all of this time? How did Loki forget or is there something else that might-"

"It was the fever, the high temperature and his near death experience is what caused Loki to forget and for that I am grateful, since he couldn't hear what I was saying and I don't want this nightmare to plague his mind." Said Thor. "He has been trapped in that dimension for centuries, if he was ever let out then it would lead to an even bigger disaster than Thanos.

"At least it's now over and have you told Loki any of this?" Asked Jane.

"No, I don't even know if I should." Said Thor. "It's bad enough that he is worried about what is going to happen to him and if Odin finds out. But to have that horrible vision on his mind, I can't do that, especially not even knowing if I can make the right choice and-"

"Loki would want to know now, he should know about this if this actually happened." Said Jane. "As for your talk with your dad, it is ok to feel conflicted and confused. But you know that you need to do this and I think the best way to do this is think about everything that has happened and see all of the possibilities and make the best choice by following your heart."

"Maybe you're right and all I need is to think and choose the best solution from what would benefit Loki and everyone else." Said Thor. "But I can't tell Loki, not yet. Especially when he finally found some happiness and is about to begin a new life."

"Thor, I really think-" starts Jane not even wanting to waste another second in trying to give her own input before...

"Thank you for your encouraging words, but right now I need to go on and embark on this difficult quest." Said Thor. "In case I don't make it back, I want you to remember that I love you and will always love."

"Thor-" said Jane before giving a sigh, she can't stay annoyed for too long and they can talk about all this later. "I love you too."

"Just look after Loki and know that I will try to come back." Said Thor.

"I will." Said Jane. "You don't have to try because I know and believe that you will be back."

"I hope you're right..." said Thor

Without even wasting another second, the two of them shared a passionate kiss. That gives the two of them, the much needed joy and comfort that they have been needing for the past few days. It felt as though it can last forever and both Thor and Jane only wish that it would. That the love they share is strong enough for them to gather the strength to face their problems and succeed in any goals they may face.

Soon after a few more seconds, Thor slowly breaks away from the kiss. Looking at Jane affectionately as he backs away from her. Wanting to make a good distance before he calls for the Bifrost, bidding their goodbyes and simply just looking towards Jane's eyes. Thor created a blast of lightning to the ground, giving the guard a signal that he is now done.

The Bifrost consumes Thor, giving him passageway to Asgard and taking away from the brother, friends and love that he holds dear. Thor knows that there will be many challenges up ahead and he doesn't even know if he will find a solution that would guarantee that Loki would be free and his father would be alright in knowing. But he has to try to find a way to keep his promise to Loki somehow and will fight to make sure that his brother is free. No matter what he takes and as gets closer to Asgard, all Thor is hoping for right now that he will succeed for his brother.

---

It's finally here, the fifty second chapter of Redemption is here and we are getting close to the finale! :)

I can't believe that we are almost there and while we on the topic, I have a few important announcements to make regarding the future of Redemption.

One of which is that the story is going to have fifty four chapters. Since while writing this chapter, I realize that it would be too much if I fit the original plan in one chapter and that the second half is really it's own chapter. So there will be another chapter of Redemption before the finale and it is it's own chapter and the biggest when it comes to the plot and allow me to write a ending that will not only be satisfactory but it will give me an idea on how the fifty fourth chapter will look like.

On the topic of the fifty fourth chapter, I will be conducting a series of polls by the end of this and the next chapter for your hopes and wishes for how you want the ending to be and help me make some final decisions on what the ending might be. You can either vote or leave your answer in the reviews, in case if it still hasn't appear in the profile, the question is What do you want to see Loki choose in the end? Should he stay on Earth to be with Thor, Darcy and Jane or leave with the Guardians? The poll will close by the end of June, which between then and mid July will be the timeframe on the earliest that the next chapter will come out.

Though I can't promise that it will be in that time frame because I am going to try to get the next round of rewrites out prior, which they will be five to eight in one go. Since I will be developing on those and the fifty third chapter which will be the most important in the three part lead up before the finale which started on the fifty first chapter. There is also the fact that I am going to be taking some time off in the coming weeks because I will be going off on vacation and when I return I will be starting a new job. So I have to prepare to not only learn the ropes but to figure out how to make time for Redemption. But I am going to finish the story no matter what changes will come to my life, for now as I prepare for not only current events in my personal life but I will be focusing on the rewrites and start the fifty third chapter as soon as I can.

While you guys wait, there is still the rewrites that have come out for you guys to read in the meantime. 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. The prolouge and the first twelve chapters have been uploaded and the thirteenth chapter rewrite is coming soon. So be sure to check that one and the rest of this round when they do. :)

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

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

If you guys want to share a favorite moment or have any questions, you guys are so welcome to leave a review or pm me. I'd be happy to answer any questions and be happy to hear from you when it comes to anything you all may have to say. :)

Lastly, I want to say is that I am dedicating the Redemption fanfic to a good friend that has been there for me for the last couple of years. One that I will always appreciate that our friendship happend for the rest of my life. I am dedicating this story to Brigitta Pekelharing, a friend that helped me out of the darkness that I often take for granted. But I want to thank her for everything and helping me during the darkest time of my life, her friendship has made me grow into a better person and writer. I am always going to be grateful for the friendship that we shared and the impact that it made on me. In a way if it weren't for our friendship then there might not even be a Redemption because she got me into Marvel movies and helped me at the beginning of writting the fanfic. Thanks Brigitta for everything :)

So will things work out for Thor? Will he find a way to keep Loki from the dungeons if Odin finds out or will he have to keep all of this a secret from Odin? Will Darcy finally have a chance to see Loki (after all of her failed attempts)? Will they finally talk about the words that have been left unspoken? Will things work out for Loki on Earth, let alone his stay on the planet and being in the same tower with the Avengers with Thor gone? 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.) Are things going to work out in the end or will there be more trouble waiting for them? Will Loki be free from his past or will it stand in the way of a happy ending?

Find out in the next chapter of Redemption to see what happens next and the last chapter before the finale, See ya in the next chapter. :)