"What's wrong with wanting something, Loki? What is it that you desire?" Sylvie's words echoed in his mind, causing a momentary pause as he gazed over at the blonde beside him at the bar. "I want to stop He Who Remains," Loki responded. Sylvie scoffed, her disbelief evident. "No. Try again." What did she mean by that? Loki wondered. "I want to save everything. I want to protect and preserve it all," he stated with a touch of bluntness. She shook her head once more, urging him to continue. Why did she keep pushing him to redefine his desires? It was starting to frustrate him. "I want to save the TVA! I want it back!" Loki's hand slapped down onto the wooden bar top, a display of his growing agitation. Sylvie shook her head again, her eyes fixed unwaveringly on him. "Why?" she questioned. The constant barrage of questions and the background noise began to grate on Loki's nerves. "I want my friends back!" he finally exclaimed, revealing a genuine truth. Sylvie pursed her lips, deep in thought. The bartender, sensing tension, interjected, "Everything alright, Syl? Is he bothering you?" He handed her a drink, but Sylvie didn't divert her gaze from Loki, not even for a moment. "No... no, Bill. I was just leaving." Sylvie abruptly stood up from the barstool, hastily grabbing her jacket before scurrying out. Loki hesitated for a moment before swiftly following after her, calling out, "Sylvie! Sylvie! Wait!" He trailed closely behind the goddess, his voice filled with urgency. "What was that all about? You interrogate me and then just leave? Running away is something you excel at, isn't it? Running away from everything and everyone!" Sylvie paused, reaching her truck, and then swiftly turned on her heel to face him. "What the hell did you just say?" His words struck a chord within her, tugging at her heartstrings. "How could you say that to me? You know that running is all I've ever known! It's been my life, and now you claim it's what I'm best at?" Her voice cracked slightly towards the end of her stepped forward, closing the distance between them until they were just inches apart. "You ran from the TVA, from your problems, and you ran from me," he declared. Sylvie scoffed dismissively, her frustration mounting. "That's it, isn't it? You're upset about that damn kiss at the citadel! That's what this is all about, Loki?" Her voice grew increasingly agitated.
"You broke my heart!" he shouted, the words escaping his lips before he could even process them. An awkward silence hung in the air, and Loki could feel his own heartstrings being tugged. "You shattered me. I fought for you. I tried to find a way back to you from the void. And what did you do? You pushed me away!" The hurt in his voice was palpable, and it struck a deep chord within the goddess, breaking her in return. "I broke you? You broke me! You betrayed me!" Sylvie's voice was filled with anger and hurt. "All you ever wanted was a damn throne in the end. Just admit it! You almost had me fooled, making me believe we could find freedom. Freedom on a timeline, in peace!" Her words stung, and Loki couldn't understand how she could think he wanted to betray her, especially after everything they had been through. "And all you had to do was stay, Sylvie. It was that simple. You were consumed by anger towards He Who Remains, trapped in your own thoughts." Tears welled up in her cerulean eyes, and for a moment, Sylvie struggled to find her voice. Her lips parted, but no words emerged. Finally, she managed to speak, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "He took me... He took me away from my family, from my life. What don't you understand about that? I was torn apart from everyone and everything I've ever loved." Out of frustration, Sylvie ran her fingers through her curled hair. "If I had it my way, Loki, yes, I wouldn't have stayed! I would have found a way to be on a timeline with you, to start over!" Her voice trembled with regret. "But I let my anger guide me instead of following my own heart. So don't you dare sit there and accuse me of having malicious intentions!" Her words were filled with a mix of frustration, regret, and a plea for understanding.
Loki took another step forward, closing the gap between them. The scent of her floral perfume tickled his nose, momentarily distracting him. "And what did that kiss mean, Syl? Was it just a mere distraction? Or was there something more to it?" His voice softened, carrying a mix of vulnerability and pain. Her cerulean gaze locked with his, and her heart raced within her chest. All these emotions were finally pouring out, overwhelming and confusing her. "It... I... It wasn't just a distraction," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I felt it too... I really did. But I couldn't let you see me in that vulnerable state, in that terrible mindset." She choked on her words, tears welling up in her eyes once couldn't help but feel a mix of disbelief and hope. Could her words be true? Could she really be opening up to him? This was the same woman who had kept her emotions locked away, guarded by a wall. "Sylvie..." he whispered, his hands gently cupping her cold cheeks. With his thumb, he wiped away a tear rolling down her face. Sylvie tried to hold back her tears, but they continued to fall. "I can't bear any more pain, Loki. I can't handle any more heartache. I couldn't bear losing anyone else. I can't bear losing you." Her voice trembled with fear and vulnerability, baring her deepest fears and desires. "You won't lose me," he whispered, his voice filled with determination. His forehead gently pressed against hers, and they both closed their eyes, savoring the intimacy of the moment. Sylvie continued to choke back tears, her heart torn between hope and fear. Could she trust his promise? Was it even possible for him to keep it? She had already lost him once, and she couldn't deny that it was partly her own fault. The weight of her past mistakes lingered heavily in her 's plea was filled with desperation and vulnerability. "Don't leave me," she whispered, her voice heavy with sorrow and exhaustion. She had reached her breaking point, feeling utterly worn out mentally, physically, and emotionally. The weight of her experiences had taken its toll on her, and all she wanted was for Loki to stay by her side, to provide the comfort and support she so desperately longed for. Loki nodded, unable to find the right words to express his emotions. They stood in a comforting silence, wrapped in each other's arms. Sylvie rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. It brought her a sense of solace in that moment. Her voice trembled as she spoke, her words filled with longing. "I want it, Loki. I want to be on a timeline together... Can't we just forget it all and run away? Start anew?" Her voice choked with emotion, her desire for a fresh start and a life together with Loki overpowering everything else. Loki kept his hold on Sylvie, his gaze filled with conflict. "What about the TVA? What about Mobius? B-15?" he questioned gently, his voice tinged with concern. "We can't just abandon them, Sylvie." Sylvie shook her head, a resolute determination shining in her eyes. "They will survive," she insisted. "But don't you want to be free? To be truly free once more?" Her voice held a mix of longing and hope, urging Loki to consider the possibility of a life away from the burdens of the TVA. Loki's mind was filled with conflicting emotions as he held Sylvie tightly. Her words resonated deeply within him, tempting him with the idea of freedom and a fresh start. It felt right, almost too right. But the weight of guilt weighed heavily on him, the thought of abandoning his friends and the responsibility they all shared. "We can't," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of longing and regret. "We can't leave them. They have to be saved." The pull of their connection battled against his sense of duty, leaving him torn between his own desires and the greater good.
Sylvie's voice quivered with fear and uncertainty as she expressed her concern. "Loki, what if I lose you in your heroic attempts? The TVA is bound to fall eventually. They are all Variants, after all. Can't we just send them back to their own timelines?" Loki shook his head, his expression full of worry. "Sylvie, it's not that simple," he explained, his voice tinged with urgency. "The branches of time are already running amuck. The timeline is collapsing as it is. Saving them won't fix the underlying problem. We need to find a way to restore order, to save them and protect the timeline." Sylvie's fingers ran through her hair as she contemplated Loki's words. "Surely there's a way for everyone to find peace without all of this nonsense," she mused, her voice filled with a hint of hope. Loki paused, considering her words carefully. "What if...what if we went back? Back to that moment in the Citadel?" he suggested tentatively. Sylvie looked up at him, her eyes widening in disbelief. "No, Loki," she responded firmly, her voice filled with conviction. "He deserved what he got. He deserved to die. Surely you wouldn't reverse it." The memory of their confrontation with He Who Remains, the one who had guided the TVA, still haunted her. The pain and anger she had felt in that moment were not easily forgotten. Loki's voice was filled with desperation as he tried to make Sylvie understand his perspective. "Listen to me, Sylvie," he pleaded. "If we chose to walk away and find peace, none of this would happen. All would be well in the end. The TVA, everyone we care for, it would be restored. We could be free on a timeline of our choosing. Miss Minutes even said it! We could have what we've always wanted..." His voice trailed off, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Loki believed in the possibility of a better future, where they could have the happiness they had always longed for. But Sylvie couldn't shake off the anger and the desire for justice that still burned within her. The choice before them seemed impossible, torn between their personal desires and the responsibility they held. Sylvie's mind raced with thoughts and uncertainties as she considered Loki's proposition. She pondered the consequences of going back and the potential for her own transformation. "If... if we were to go back," she began, her voice filled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity, "what if I don't remember this moment? What if my thoughts are the same? The Sylvie back there was full of hate. What if my mind couldn't be changed?" The fear of reverting to her former self, consumed by anger and vengeance, gnawed at her. She feared losing the progress she had made, the growth she had experienced alongside Loki. Deep down, she wondered if she was truly capable of embracing a different path and finding peace.
Loki's touch on her cheeks brought a sense of comfort and reassurance to Sylvie. His words resonated deeply within her, and she felt a glimmer of hope stirring within her heart. "Just trust me. That's all I ask, Sylvie. Just trust me in this process," he pleaded earnestly. Sylvie took a moment, her mind and heart intertwined in a delicate dance of uncertainty and longing. But in that moment, she made a choice, a choice to believe in Loki and the possibility of a different future. Without hesitation, she leaned up and pressed her lips against his, feeling that familiar spark ignite between them once more. The intensity of their connection made it impossible for her to break away from their kiss. As they finally parted their lips, she remained close, her breath mingling with his. "Alright," she whispered, her voice filled with newfound determination. "Let's start over." And with those words, Sylvie embraced the idea of rewriting their story, together. Just as their intimate moment reached its peak, a sudden disruption tore Loki away from Sylvie. Time slipped and twisted, wrenching him away from their embrace and back to the moment where they first arrived at the Citadel. Confusion and frustration washed over Loki as he found himself standing once again at the entrance, his heart heavy with the knowledge that Sylvie wouldn't remember their conversation or the depth of their connection. It was as if their intimate moment had been erased, leaving him with a bittersweet ache in his chest. As he stood there, the weight of their unfulfilled potential pressing on his mind, he took a deep breath, knowing he had to face the reality of the situation. The memories of their shared moment, the trust they had started to build, all of it remained within him, but he had been pulled back to a moment where Sylvie's understanding was limited. Resolving to make the most of this opportunity, Loki steadied himself and turned towards Sylvie, who stood there, unaware of the emotional journey they had just undergone. An awkward silence filled the air, Sylvie's gaze shifting towards the imposing doors ahead. Loki glanced at her, a brow raised in curiosity. "Aren't you going to kick in the door?" he asked, his voice laced with anticipation. In response, Sylvie turned to face him, a hint of amusement in her expression. "Are you really going to ruin this moment for me?" she retorted, her voice tinged with playful sarcasm. Loki couldn't help but chuckle, appreciating her quick wit. He shook his head, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "Oh, Sylvie, my dear," he responded, his words dripping with playful delight. "Why settle for just kicking in the door when we can make a grand entrance together?" Sylvie's smile began to form, her defenses momentarily melting away. "Fine," she conceded, amusement coloring her voice. "But you better not steal all the glory." Loki extended his arm, a gesture of chivalry. "After you, my Lady," he offered, ready to embark on their next adventure side by side.
A snort escaped Sylvie's lips at Loki's remark. "How princely of you," she sarcastically commented, her voice filled with a mix of amusement and teasing. Without waiting for a response, she brushed past him, her determination evident in her actions. Using both hands, she exerted her strength to push open the towering wooden doors. As the doors creaked open, revealing the eerie sight of the partially ruined Citadel, a shiver ran down their spines. The air held a palpable tension, and the remnants of the once grand structure seemed to whisper ancient secrets. With every step they took, Loki and Sylvie moved cautiously, their senses heightened, ready to face the unknown that awaited them within those walls. The silence that enveloped the Citadel was abruptly shattered by a familiar southern accent that echoed through the air. "Hey y'all!" came the voice of Miss Minutes, the infamous animated clock, as she materialized before Loki and Sylvie. In an instant, their instincts kicked in, causing both variants to swiftly withdraw their blades, pointing them directly at the unexpected visitor. Tension filled the air as Loki and Sylvie locked eyes with Miss Minutes, their expressions hardened and wary. Their minds raced with questions, unsure of what game was being played or what new threat lay before them. The blades they held were a clear symbol of their readiness to defend themselves against any potential danger. Miss Minutes, seemingly unfazed by the weapons pointed her way, raised her hands in a placating gesture. "Now, now," she said with a disarming smile. "No need for all that hostility. I come bearing information, and maybe even a way to help you both." Loki and Sylvie exchanged a skeptical glance, their blades still at the ready. The tension remained thick, as they cautiously waited for Miss Minutes to prove herself. Sylvie's grip on her blade remained firm, her knuckles turning white with the intensity of her hold, her wariness undiminished. Loki, on the other hand, sensing a slight shift in the situation, lowered his blade ever so slightly. His curiosity, however, was tinged with a hint of skepticism. "And what information would that be?" Loki questioned, his voice laced with bluntness. He made no effort to hide his skepticism, his eyes narrowing as he observed Miss Minutes closely. Miss Minutes maintained her composed demeanor, seemingly unruffled by their defensive stances. She let out a small chuckle, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Oh, I have quite a few tidbits of information that might interest you," she replied coyly, her smile widening. "But first, let's put those blades down, shall we? We're all on the same side here." Sylvie's grip loosened ever so slightly, her skepticism still evident in her eyes. Loki, sensing a potential opportunity, nodded at Sylvie, silently urging her to consider the proposition. Reluctantly, Sylvie slowly lowered her blade, but her guard remained high. "Alright, Minutes," Loki said, his voice filled with caution. "Speak, but know that we won't hesitate to defend ourselves if you're leading us astray." Sylvie's gaze remained fixed on the glowing clock, her eyes filled with a mix of suspicion and irritation. The sight of Miss Minutes' perpetually cheerful smile sent shivers down her spine, fueling her growing impatience. She had little tolerance for games or hidden agendas, and she made it clear with her sharp words. "You heard him, speak!" Sylvie demanded, her voice laced with a no-nonsense tone. Her impatience was palpable, as she awaited Miss Minutes' response. The tension in the air thickened, as Loki and Sylvie stood their ground, ready to act if the clock's words proved to be anything less than genuine. Miss Minutes adjusted her animated smile, sensing Sylvie's skepticism and determination. She knew she had to choose her words carefully to convince the formidable variant of her intentions. "Well, Sylvie, I understand your doubts and reservations," Miss Minutes began, her tone soothing and sincere. "But hear me out. As the Time Variance Authority, our ultimate goal is to maintain order and prevent the unraveling of the sacred timeline. However, I can see that there is something deeper at play here." She paused, allowing her words to sink in. Sylvie's gaze remained fixed, her guarded expression unwavering. "You and Loki, you share a connection, a bond that goes beyond the timeline. Perhaps, instead of fighting against each other, you could find a way to work together, to find peace amidst the chaos," Miss Minutes continued, her voice gentle yet persuasive. "Imagine a timeline where you both can exist side by side, where you can understand each other, and perhaps even find common ground." Sylvie's eyes softened slightly, a flicker of curiosity and longing appearing in her gaze. She couldn't deny the truth in Miss Minutes' words, the possibility of finding a different kind of resolution with Loki. "There is a timeline out there, Sylvie, where you can coexist peacefully with Loki," Miss Minutes said, her voice filled with reassurance. "But to reach it, you must let go of your anger and embrace the chance to forge a different path. Trusting Loki may be a risk, but it could also lead to something extraordinary. "Sylvie's grip on her blade relaxed, her features softening as she considered Miss Minutes' proposition. The glowing clock had sparked a glimmer of hope within her, planting the seeds of a different future. Sylvie's emotions waged war within her, torn between her desire for freedom and her skepticism about Miss Minutes' promises. Doubt crept into her mind, causing her to question whether this was just another manipulation, another ploy to control her destiny.
"Freedom, huh?" Sylvie muttered, her voice laced with a hint of doubt. "Forging a different path sounds too good to be true. How can I trust that you won't just use us as pawns in your game?" Miss Minutes' smile faltered for a moment, her animated demeanor flickering, revealing a glimpse of uncertainty. However, she quickly regained her composure, attempting to quell Sylvie's doubts.
"I understand your apprehension, Sylvie," Miss Minutes replied, her voice tinged with a touch of defensiveness. "But the TVA's mission is to ensure the proper flow of time, not to manipulate or control individuals. We genuinely want to offer you a chance at a different future." Before Sylvie could respond, Loki stepped forward, his eyes locked with hers. He could sense her wavering, her vulnerability, and knew he had to seize this moment to convince her. "Sylvie, I know it's hard to trust, especially after everything we've been through," Loki began, his voice sincere and earnest. "But think about it. We've both felt the weight of our actions and the consequences of our choices. Isn't finding a way to coexist, to find peace, worth the risk?" He reached out a hand, a gesture of solidarity and understanding. Sylvie's gaze wavered, her heart pounding in her chest as she contemplated Loki's words. The once bitter enemies stood at a crossroads, their fates entwined, and the possibility of a different kind of connection beckoning them forward. Slowly, Sylvie extended her hand, her skepticism giving way to a glimmer of hope. She was willing, albeit cautiously, to entertain the notion that Miss Minutes' proposition could lead to something remarkable, something beyond their wildest expectations. A flicker of excitement danced across Miss Minutes' digital face, barely noticeable to the untrained eye. Her plan was working. The seeds of doubt had been planted in Sylvie's mind, and now it was just a matter of nurturing them, of guiding her towards the possibility of a different future. She knew that if Sylvie could overcome her fears, their alliance could be a formidable force.
Meanwhile, Sylvie's hand remained trembling in the air, hesitant to fully grasp Loki's outstretched hand. Her mind raced, her doubts multiplying like a swarm of relentless thoughts. She turned to Loki, her voice filled with nervousness and vulnerability. "What if this is all a trick?" Sylvie whispered, her words barely audible. "What if freedom is just an illusion, something I've been chasing all this time, only to find it slipping away from me again?" Loki's gaze softened as he looked into Sylvie's uncertain eyes. He understood her apprehension, the fear of being deceived once more. He gently squeezed her hand, offering her a small measure of comfort. "Sylvie, I've been down that road before. I know what it feels like to have your hopes shattered, to question every choice you've made," Loki murmured, his voice filled with empathy. "But sometimes, we have to take a leap of faith, even when the outcome is uncertain. We've come this far, and together, we can navigate whatever comes our way." Sylvie's grip tightened around Loki's hand, seeking solace in his presence. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "I want to believe, Loki. I want to believe that there's a chance for us, for a different kind of life," Sylvie admitted, her voice a mix of hope and trepidation. "But it's hard to let go of the fear, the doubt that's been ingrained in me for so long." Loki's gaze never wavered, his eyes filled with determination. He knew that winning Sylvie's trust would take time, patience, and understanding. But he was willing to walk this uncertain path with her, to face whatever obstacles lay ahead. "We'll face those fears together, Sylvie," Loki assured her, his voice steady. "And if this is a trick, well, then we'll find a way to make our own freedom. We've defied destiny before, and we can do it again." Sylvie nodded, a newfound resolve settling within her. Sylvie's hesitant agreement hung in the air, her heart torn between hope and caution. She took a deep breath, her voice laced with vulnerability as she finally spoke.
"Okay, Loki. Let's... let's give this a chance," Sylvie said, her words filled with a fragile conviction. "But I can't shake off this feeling of hesitation. We need to be careful." Loki nodded, his gaze filled with understanding. He knew that Sylvie's trust was hard-won, and he would do whatever it took to honor that trust. Together, they agreed to step back and let the TVA do their work, to trust in the possibility of a future where they could finally find their own paths.
As they stood there, contemplating the uncertain road ahead, Miss Minutes chimed in, her voice dripping with an almost unnerving cheerfulness. "Well, isn't this just delightful! I've got the perfect time and place for you," Miss Minutes chimed, her holographic image flickering. "But where, oh where could it be? You'll just have to find out!" With a mischievous smile, Miss Minutes summoned a time portal, its swirling energy shrouded in mystery. Sylvie and Loki exchanged a nervous glance, their hearts pounding in anticipation as they stepped towards the portal, unaware of their destination. The suspense hung heavy in the air, as if the very fabric of time itself held its breath. As they crossed the threshold, reality twisted and warped around them, pulling them into the unknown. The portal closed behind them, leaving them standing in an unfamiliar place, their surroundings cloaked in shadows. They exchanged bewildered looks, a mix of curiosity and apprehension etched upon their faces. Sylvie's pulse quickened, uncertainty gnawing at her. "Where are we, Loki?" she whispered, her voice filled with a tinge of worry. Loki glanced around, his eyes narrowing as he attempted to make sense of their surroundings. "I'm not sure, Sylvie," he replied, his own voice laced with a hint of unease. "But something tells me we're not where we expected to be." The suspense thickened, the unknown stretching out before them like an endless abyss. Sylvie and Loki steeled themselves, their determination unwavering as they prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Trusting in their instincts, they resolved to uncover the truth and forge their own path, even in this mysterious and uncertain landscape. As Sylvie and Loki emerged in Stark Tower, Loki's eyes widened with recognition. He quickly realized they had been transported to the Battle of New York, a pivotal moment in his past. The after matching his destruction. Sylvie, on the other hand, looked around with uncertainty, unsure of their exact location. Before Loki could explain anything to her, a group of SHIELD officers, accompanied by the Avengers, including Thor, swiftly approached him with determination in their eyes. Thor's voice carried a mix of worry and urgency as he spoke to Loki.
"Loki, where did you go? What are you doing here?" Thor demanded, his concern evident in his tone. "And where is the Tesseract?"As the officers closed in on Loki, Sylvie's worry intensified. She pleaded with them, her voice trembling with fear. "Wait! Where are you taking him? What's happening?" Ignoring Sylvie, the officers continued to restrain Loki and moved to arrest him, their grip unyielding. Loki's gaze met Sylvie's, filled with a mixture of reassurance and determination. "Sylvie, everything will be fine. Just stay here and trust me," Loki whispered, his voice filled with a quiet confidence. Sylvie's heart raced, fear gripping her as she watched Loki being taken away. She desperately called out to him, her voice filled with worry and desperation, but her pleas fell on deaf ears as the officers carried on, leaving her standing alone in the chaos of Stark Tower. As Loki was being led away, Sylvie's gaze remained fixed upon him, her worry unwavering. Thor, standing nearby, looked at Sylvie with a puzzled expression.
"Wait... who are you?" he asked cluelessly, his confusion evident.
Sylvie barely glanced up at Thor, her focus resolute, before turning her attention back to Loki. With a blunt tone, she responded, "I'm Sylvie."
Thor blinked, still trying to process the situation. Realizing the urgency, he stood silently by Sylvie's side as they watched Loki being taken away. The weight of their connection and the uncertainty of what lay ahead hung in the air, leaving them both with a sense of determination and concern.