Loki's life was very much a loop of sleeping, eating and distracting himself with books. Most of what he read was to catch him up on Earth's history and culture, with an emphasis on the East. Doctor Strange made short visits to inquire if he needed anything, but oftentimes it was his assistant Wong that brought up his meals. In the meantime, he had heard neither the hide nor hair of his brother or the mortals he had associated with at the tower.

Doctor Strange had presented him with a journal so that he may write down his thoughts. Loki, of course, not sure of his privacy, wrote everything in Ancient Norse. He had spoken little to anyone, preferring to put forth plans in his mind if his magic returned, or more likely, if it did not. The list for what a future held with his magic far outweighed the one without it. The Trickster could not help the pit in his stomach at that thought. What good would he be if he did not have his magic? Would years go by with him remaining an ordinary mortal? Would his powers be returned to him if he proved himself worthy, as Thor did all those years ago?

He would have to think about how to live day to day on this planet. At last, he finally got tired of the mystery. When Wong appeared with his mid-day meal, Loki decided to ask Strange directly.

The assistant settled the tray and began to pour tea. "Doctor Strange wants to talk to you down in the library." Wong began, "Your brother has brought your clothes. They are in the wardrobe." He pointed to a large oak bureau in the left corner. Loki's eyebrows knitted. He had arrived on Midgard with only his Asgardian battle wear. "Come downstairs when you are ready." He bowed and let himself out of the room.

It did not take long for Loki to finish his meal, his energy having seeped back into his bones. Setting it aside, he padded to the wardrobe and opened it to find several tunics, slacks, and even his own battle gear cleaned and mended as if it was brand new. It baffled him that he would be treated like an honored guest even with all that he had done.

You don't deserve anything…your mother is dead because of you. You lead those monsters right to her.

Loki's heart stuttered in his chest, he stumbled backwards and fell back onto the bed. "It's my fault…." he rasped, "It's my fault…." He gasped, trying to shake the thought from his head, trying to lose whatever sat in his stomach. He trembled, gripping the edge of the bed.

"No," he breathed shakily, "M-Mother died saving another. She died trying to save Thor's beloved, as he said."

The trickster closed his eyes and tried breathing deeply, as his mother had instructed to do when he felt overwhelmed. Mother, she would no longer be here to comfort him. You're at fault, you're at fault.

" Damn it! " He shouted, putting a fist into the headboard. He hissed, wincing at his smarting knuckles and wrist. Loki pressed his head to his knees, shuddering. Finally, he tiredly dressed, and stepped into the hallway. Wong was waiting at the edge of the stairs, then directed him to the library.

The library itself was cozy with high shelves filled to the brim with heavy tomes of what Loki could see from scanning the titles, many subjects. Two high backed chairs stood several feet apart close to a hearth that was blazing with a crackling fire.

"AH, Mr. Laufeyson, good morning," The doctor set aside one of these heavy tomes he had been reading. He gestured for Loki to sit in the unoccupied seat. " I suspect it is time that you found out why you are here and what your future may entail?"

Loki blinked, suddenly taken aback. He was not expecting for Strange to give up this information so bluntly, let alone after being so mysterious about the entire thing. "It doesn't matter." Loki replied hoarsely. "I am unworthy of any assistance. Better that you leave me out on the streets."

"I will tell you something honestly." Strange began, leaning forward slightly and steepling his hands together, "I was not so-compassionate a man in the past. I was-" he put a hand to his forehead, "The truth is, selfishness and ego were what drove me. I didn't give a damn about anybody else. Maybe that's why..."

He paused only to laugh bitterly as he waved his hand dismissively. The sight of them made him stop mid gesture to stare at him, and then Loki. "Then there was a car accident that robbed me of my hands, of my work. I could only see the darkness, the loss of my career, my independence. It was with magic I learned I could wield that helped me see that more possibilities were open to me if I just expanded my mind. Using magic to save lives and the world, I knew what I was capable of, do you follow?" Loki nodded and he continued, "However, I didn't even know of this magic. I studied with Wong and the Ancient One, just as you probably did for centuries with your own tutors."

Again Loki acknowledged this with a curt bob of his head, the rapid memories of being taught by Frigga coming to the forefront of his mind.

"That is why I will help you get back your magic, if you so wish it." Doctor Strange finished.

Loki could only gape at him. He rose rapidly, "Are you mad? No one can undo Odin All-Father's magic!"

Strange just smiled knowingly, "He hasn't met the Sorcerer Supreme."

Loki went off on another tangent, "And besides, I'd rather not die after nearly doing so, thank you. That is what fate awaits us should we defy the All-Father. Besides, you know what I am capable of! I am Loki Laufeyson, Loki Lie Smith. The God of Lies and Mischief. I have killed many!"

Doctor Strange raised his hand to stop him. "Yes about that. There are two conditions to getting your magic back, well perhaps three."

Loki raised an eyebrow, sitting back down, "And they are?"

He raised a finger, "First, you must have a session with Charles Xavier." he pulled a face to think of the term, "to sort out your...issues. You and Thor." Loki raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

Second, you will train with the Ancient One to regain your magic. It will not be easy by any means, but if you put forth a will to change, then it'll be worth it."

Loki's elegant eyebrow rose again, "And the third?"

There was a silence that indicated to Loki that Strange was gearing up for this last condition. "You will repent by protecting this planet, either alongside me or the Avengers."

Loki snorted at this, "The Avengers think me untrustworthy, as does my brother." He glanced towards Strange, "And what will befall me if I should...what is the mortal saying 'become a turncoat'?"

Strange's face became stony, "Then I hand you over to SHIELD or the Avengers to do with you what they like, including taking you back to Asgard."

Loki seemed to think on this a moment, hesitating only slightly. Going to the window, he stared absently at the sunlight streaming through a tree. He stared at his hand distantly.

"Loki," Frigga soothed, carding her hand through his hair as he lay on her lap when he was 10 years old. "I chose to share my magic with you because you're different. You fight in another way from Thor, and that's alright. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. I am proud of you, my son, and of the skill you have.

His magic was his gift, his mother's gift. The part of him that was inherently her.

Closing his eyes, Loki directed his words to Valhalla. Mother, watch over me. I will try to make you proud of the son you thought lost . And I will fight alongside Thor to become an honorable man again in your eyes.

Nodding, he stood and offered his hand. "It seems I have no choice. Very well, Doctor Strange." He shook with the sorcerer.

Internally, he hoped that Heimdall would not get wind of this arrangement, nor that Odin would smite them into oblivion for their obvious defiance.

TBC...