Chapter 6
Soren's senses slowly return to her, yet she remains disoriented and in pain. She struggles to comprehend her surroundings, uncertain if she's alive or back at the TVA. Her mind is still plagued by errors and critical conditions. Wincing, she rises from the plain-looking bed and gazes down at her bandaged arm. Attempting to reach out to Alta, she finds nothing but static in her mental connection. Concern creases her brow as she surveys her room—a confined space with force field walls emitting an orange glow, a prison to keep her restrained. The throbbing ache in her arm intensifies, causing her to hunch over and grip it tightly, prompting a fit of coughing.
Unexpectedly, Mobius enters the room, and the door swiftly closes behind him.
Mobius: "That was quite a wound you sustained. You should exercise more caution."
Soren turns to face Mobius, her demeanor standoffish and guarded.
Soren: "Are they all right? Did they make it out?"
Mobius: "They've all been apprehended, if that's what you're asking."
Soren takes a seat as gestured by Mobius, who positions himself across from her.
Mobius: "So, your task was to apprehend Sylvie, yet you and your father embarked on a reckless escapade instead."
Soren interrupts, her tone laced with frustration.
Soren: "That's far from the truth. My father was with me inside the TVA halls..."
Mobius interjects with a firm tone.
Mobius: "Yet, he not only evaded B-15 but also failed to cooperate as part of our team."
Soren aggressively rubs her face, exasperated.
Soren: "And how is any of this my fault? Hm? We were trapped on a fucking planet on the brink of destruction! The tempad kaput on us. What else was I supposed to do?" Her words seethe with anger as she confronts Mobius.
In frustration, Mobius grasps the bridge of his nose.
Mobius: "You may have secured the variant, but I know there's more to the story, Soren."
Soren's arm flares up in pain once again, causing her to tightly grip the affected area, pressing down to alleviate the discomfort.
Soren, anguished and confused, responds, "What do you mean?"
Mobius, attempting to extract information, fabricates a lie, "Sylvie already informed me that you had a plan to reach the Timekeepers."
Soren lets out a bitter laugh, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, really? Did she also mention that you're all variants too? Or that Ravonna hired me to kill her? Ha! How about the part where Ravonna attempted to blackmail me?" Soren's words carry a mix of frustration and defiance.
Mobius is taken aback by Soren's revelations, momentarily stunned. "How about I throw a bone for you? The timekeepers are just a ploy for the one man controlling the timeline. And I can enlighten you on why that system is falling apart," she proposes.
Overwhelmed by the weight of the information, Mobius rises from the table and makes his way toward the exit.
As Mobius leaves, Soren taunts him, "And next time, try honing your manipulation skills. Clearly, they're not your strong suit." With her arms planted firmly on the table, she rests her head in frustration. Thoughts race through her mind, questioning why they didn't escape when they had the chance.
Glancing at the forcefield wall and down at her wounded arm, she contemplates her options, realizing that perhaps resting and conserving her strength might allow her to break free. However, uncertainty looms, as she is unsure of how much strength remains within her weakened body.
Loki paces restlessly in the interrogation room, his hands clasped behind his head.
Mobius strides into the room. "Take a seat, Loki. We need to have a serious conversation."
Loki pulls out the chair and sits down, his eyes filled with worry. "Is Soren going to be alright?"
Mobius contemplates his strategy to extract more information from Loki. His expression shifts to one of sympathy. "I'm truly sorry for your loss."
Grief and disbelief wash over Loki, weighing heavily on his chest. Mobius takes note of his emotional state. "She was strong..." Mobius's words are cut off.
"Enough," Loki says, his tone laced with anger. "She can't be gone. I should be by her side."
"I recall you saying that you didn't want to be a father before your escape," Mobius remarks.
"Things change, Mobius!" Loki retorts, his restraint evident. Mobius leans back in his chair.
"Hmm," he says with a faint smile. "So, that's how the Nexus event occurred."
Loki glares at him, his eyes burning with anger. "What do you mean?"
"The bond with your daughter, something that neither of you had in her timeline, caused a branch in the timeline and led us straight to you. In a surprising turn of events, your love for your daughter played a crucial role in our successful capture of both you and the variant," Mobius explains. "It's an unexpected act of selflessness from a self-proclaimed narcissist like you. I had initially thought the branch was created by you and Sylvie, but clearly, I was wrong."
Loki gazes downward, a mix of wonder and hope in his eyes. "So, Soren is alright, then?"
"For now, she's incredibly weak, but she remains stubborn and highly resistant. She didn't yield to any of our questions," Mobius responds.
"So, your attempt to deceive me about my daughter's death was all part of your plan to get more information out of me?" Loki's annoyance grows more apparent in his firm tone.
"Technically, she isn't your daughter. She's the daughter of your future self," Mobius argues.
"We still originate from the same timeline, even if I wasn't able to live through it and be with my family," Loki counters.
"Was pleading to the Timekeepers your intention?"
Loki tries to deny his plan, frustration etched on his face. He shakes his head. "No, it wasn't like that..."
"What? Is it to rule over time or the TVA?" Mobius interjected.
Loki, growing increasingly frustrated with the questions, slams his hands on the table. "You're all variants! Every single one of you. From what I know, you were all kidnapped from your own timelines and forced to serve the Timekeepers. You're nothing more than slaves," Loki explains with exasperation.
Mobius is shocked to receive the same response from Loki that he had previously gotten from Soren. He remains in denial, skeptical that this could be part of their plan, a ruse to reach the Timekeepers.
Giving Loki a soft smile, Mobius remarks, "That was a good one. Did you two come up with this together?"
Loki shakes his head, frustrated that neither he nor Soren is being believed about what they know. Two more guards enter the room and seize Loki, pulling him away from the table. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Welp, looks like I'll have to close this case," Mobius says as he opens a gate to a time loop. Loki struggles to break free from the guards' grip, refusing to go through the portal. "Or, as you might say, our interests are no longer aligned."
As Loki is forcibly pushed closer to the portal, he pleads, "After everything we've been through, how can you not believe me, Soren, or even Sylvie?"
"After being betrayed by you? After all the lies you've told?" Mobius retorts. "I'm convinced that you and your daughter might as well be the same person. And as for Sylvie, well, she's just another version of you."
The guards forcefully hurl Loki through the time gate, and as he looks around, he finds himself back in Asgard, his home. Just then, Sif appears from around the corner, holding a clump of hair in her hands. "You conniving, craven, pathetic worm," she seethes, advancing toward him. Confusion fills Loki's voice as he utters, "Sif?"
"You deserve to be alone, and you always will be," Sif declares, delivering a fierce punch to his gut, followed by a punishing knee strike.
"Ow," Loki groans, crumpling to the ground, feeling the pain coursing through his body.
Soren reclines on the table within her confinement, gradually regaining her strength. With renewed vigor, she sits up in her chair, only to realize that her sickles have been confiscated. Contemplating her situation, she considers the scientific nature of her powers, connected to her cybernetics and natural abilities rather than relying solely on the power stone. This leads her to a hypothesis: if her powers are scientifically derived, she might still be able to utilize them within the TVA's constraints.
Curiosity sparked, Soren extends her hand and flicks her power, delighted to witness the emergence of blue sparks. A glimmer of hope shines within her. Recognizing the importance of keeping this ability hidden for now, she resolves to maintain it as her secret weapon. However, her joy is short-lived as another bout of coughing wracks her chest, causing her considerable pain. She quickly covers her mouth with her gloved hand, observing the presence of blood.
Examining the ominous sign, Soren leans back in her chair, weighing her options. She contemplates using her powers to escape the cage, contacting Alta, retrieving her father and Sylvie, but acknowledges the risk of further debilitating herself. She realizes she is not healing as effectively as before, and her current weakened state only amplifies her concern. Yet, the allure of freeing herself from the confines of the cage and acquiring a tempad entices her, presenting a potentially superior plan before involving the others.
Deep in thought, Soren rises from her chair and presses herself against the wall, positioning her hands with fingertips and palms touching the forcefield. A radiant blue hue emanates from her hands, and her eyes begin to glow as she pushes herself to the limit. Despite her weakening condition, she perseveres, gradually tearing open the wall.
With determination and a hint of frustration, Soren urges herself onward, recalling similar feats she has accomplished in the past.
Ravonna enters the scene accompanied by her guards, interrupting Soren's attempt to break free from the wall. Soren halts her actions and gazes at Ravonna, who struggles to conceal her astonishment upon witnessing Soren's continued use of her powers.
With a mischievous grin, Soren taunts Ravonna, mocking the presence of the guards. "What's up with the goons? Are you scared of little ol' me?" Soren jeers. Ravonna attempts to regain her composure, masking her underlying unease at Soren's capabilities.
Ravonna, irritated by Soren's taunts, nods her head in annoyance. "Do you really believe you're in a position to make jokes?"
"Are you always so serious?" Soren retorts, further provoking Ravonna's frustration.
Ravonna, seeking cooperation, fails to conceal her mounting impatience. "Why hasn't Sylvie been eliminated?"
"I just haven't gotten around to it," Soren casually responds.
"You've had ample time to accomplish the task," Ravonna asserts. "How long have you been working with the variant?"
Soren scoffs at the notion. "Really? Do you think we would become best buds over hating the TVA??"
"No, this operation was designed to make you atone for your crimes against the timeline," Ravonna reiterates.
"Do you realize how long ago I created the time device? Why wasn't I arrested then?" Soren's anger intensifies. "Hell, even Wade for stealing my damn device? More recently, I was with Stephen when he botched the spell for Peter Parker. Why wasn't he arrested? And what about Tony Stark? When he traveled back in time?"
"Those incidents were meant to occur; they were part of the plan," Ravonna raises her voice, emphasizing her point. "The timeline is meant to follow its predetermined course."
"I highly doubt Wade was part of the plan,"
"We are getting to that," Ravonna reiterates.
"So, struggling? In other words," Soren remarks.
Ravonna rubs the top of her forehead in frustration, "The timeline is meant to follow its predetermined course."
"Says who? Some guy who believes this is the only correct path? Doesn't that completely undermine the concept of choice and different destinies if everything is predetermined?" Soren challenges.
"I don't make the choices; I simply follow the orders of the timekeepers," Ravonna responds.
Disappointed, Soren nods her head. "That's literally the issue. No wonder there are countless of cracks in the timeline."
"Are you implying that you and the variant planned to unleash chaos?" Ravonna asks.
"The timeline has been crumbling. I've studied it and even ran simulations ever since I witnessed it with Pete. The timeline is meant to expand into the void, creating new parallels and filling it with infinite universes and choices like a web, not a stream. Keeping it trapped like this will only worsen the situation," Soren explains.
"No, it will bring about chaos and destruction, the very things we are trying to prevent," Ravonna counters.
"Exactly, trying to prevent something often causes it to happen. And you know what's truly tragic about Sylvie's case? A little girl who didn't even know why she was a variant, was taken from her home and put on trial. Does that sound right to you? How many other kids were also scared and confused not knowing they were also variants?"
"I believe our conversation is over, Soren. Your services are no longer required. Guards," Ravonna commands.
Soren's eyes glow with a vibrant blue as she unleashes her powers, disintegrating one of the guards. However, another guard manages to grab hold of Soren's wounded arm, causing her to scream in pain as the shock reverberates through her body. The remaining guard pins her down, and Ravonna retrieves a pruning stick from her pocket.
"I declare you a threat to lives and to the sacred timeline. We will ensure that order is maintained," Ravonna proclaims.
Ravonna proceeds to prune Soren into the void. After the deed is done and Soren has vanished, Ravonna exhales softly and exits the room.
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Soren awakens in a desolate, shattered landscape surrounded by clouds and debris. The ground is littered with remnants of buildings, broken cars, and crumbling highways, casting a sense of hopelessness and darkness over the scene. (Why haven't they just killed me? This place feels like a living nightmare, a torturous existence.) Soren's thoughts echo with despair as she takes in her surroundings.
With determination, she navigates through the ruins of what was once New York City, the Avengers Tower now decayed and crumbling. Faint voices and silhouettes of people can be heard in the distance, and Soren's eyes ignite with a readiness to fight. Suddenly, President Loki emerges, accompanied by his gang of followers.
"Looks like we have a newbie," President Loki says.
"It's a woman!" one of them exclaims.
Soren locks eyes with President Loki, a defiant smirk forming on her face. "Looks like Mad Max vomited all over you guys," she taunts, unyielding in her demeanor.
President Loki responds, "Ah, a jokester. Perhaps we should teach you a lesson."
Anger courses through Soren's veins. "I'm done playing games," she declares, mustering her power and unleashing a forceful blast that sends some of the men hurtling through the air.
Nose bleeding from the exertion, Soren approaches President Loki, her power emanating with palpable intensity. "Consider this a message. Don't ever cross me," she asserts, using her abilities to lift him off the ground. With fear in his eyes, President Loki is torn apart and reduced to dust, leaving the onlookers horrified and scattering in all directions.
"LET THAT BE A FUCKING WARNING, YOU ASSHOLES!" Soren's voice reverberates through the desolation, a fierce proclamation. Exhausted and drained, she collapses to the ground, her body trembling from pushing herself to the limit. In a vulnerable moment, she clutches her poncho tightly, seeking solace and a semblance of stability amid the chaos.
Soren emerges from the city outskirts and finds herself in a serene, grassy field perched upon a cliff. She seeks solace on a massive boulder, allowing her wounded body to rest. As a gentle breeze sweeps through the air, the tranquility envelops her, but her thoughts persist, plunging her into a profound sense of melancholy. Tears well up in her eyes and cascade down her cheeks, as she confronts the regrets and self-blame that haunt her. (I should have never met Wade, all the other fucked up shit that led me down. But, it was my dumbass who followed and now I'm here dying. I should have listened to my Mother. I should have stayed on Earth, instead, I thought I could make it big in Macrodemia. Earth, was the only place where I had genuine friendships that kept me grounded, especially Peter. He always saw the goodness in me, even when I fucked up. I feel as though I have disappointed my family, Alta, and everyone who ever believed in me.) Overwhelmed by despair, Soren hunches over, her tears flowing freely, and a profound sense of hopelessness consuming her being.
Soren's heart leaps as a call comes through from Alta. With a smile, she hurriedly answers it.
"Hello?" Soren says, her voice filled with relief.
"I've been so worried, Soren. I've been trying to reach you for a while, fearing the worst," Alta expresses a mix of concern and joy at hearing Soren's voice. "I know time is limited before the signal cuts off again."
"I messed up big time. I feel like the biggest failure in existence and..." Soren trails off, her voice heavy with regret.
"Is something wrong?" Alta asks, her concern deepening.
"Yeah, I don't know where I am, I already killed someone, it was somewhat in self-defense, but I could've done it differently, and yet I just disintegrated him." Soren's cry becomes more evident, she composes herself before speaking, "I got into an argument with Ravonna, about the timeline and it when to hell from there. I don know if my Father is okay or anyone, I woke up in a cage, I tried to break out of it, and now I don't know where I am," Soren confesses.
"You're going to be okay," Alta reassures, "I have someone here with me, they can hear and see everything," Alta referring to another friend of Soren. "I've told him everything. I thought you could use another friend. I'll still be listening."
Soren's tears mix with a smile as she sees her friends. "I'll let you two talk while I monitor your condition," Alta passes the call over.
"Hey, Soren, it's been a long time," Peter says.
"Peter..." Soren's voice trembles with a mix of joy and sadness. "I'm so sorry for leaving the way I did. I had a dark past before our mission," Soren takes a deep breath. "Once I learned about the severity of my illness, I wanted to make amends and set things right, especially with my mom. I thought bringing my father back would make her happy before I die." Soren confesses.
"I know," Peter responds with sympathy. "I thought you needed some more time to figure things out. I understand wanting to make a loved one happy. I would have done the same for my Aunt. I just wish you had told me."
"I'm sorry... but I messed up big time, Pete. The TVA is something sinister and twisted. This entire timeline is a whole different beast. I even suggested freeing the timeline would be better, and I got pruned. Now, I don't know where I am. I'm heavily wounded, the weakest I've ever been, and I just don't know what to do."
"Maybe if we use the blueprint you made for the time device, I might be able to get you back home," Peter suggests.
"NO!" Soren pleads, desperation in her voice. "If the TVA finds out, they will come after you. Please, just stay where you are."
Peter, feeling distraught and stressed about Soren's situation, watches as Soren gazes at the massive black cloud looming over the ruined city. "Don't worry about me, Pete," Soren says.
"Don't worry? Are you serious? Soren, I've been stressed since the day you left, and even more so since finding out about your deadly illness. You have no idea how much I miss you. Of course, I want to help you. We've been through too much to just give up. I know you've always tried to be a good person, and you are. You're incredibly smart. We're going to figure this out, and you're going to come home soon," Peter reassures Soren with hope in his voice. "Just stop trying to do everything by yourself," he adds.
Soren nods determination in her eyes. "Maybe there's something here that I can build, and when I do, I'm going to find a way back home. I don't want to keep fighting forever. I'm tired. But if I can make it back to you and my family, then it'll all be worth it."
"I'll be here when you come back. Stay safe. I know you can figure it out," Peter says with confidence.
Soren smiles. "I'll see you soon."
The call ends with static. Soren stands up from the boulder and wipes away her tears. She watches the storm intensify, studying the glowing red eyes and mouth of the approaching monster. Fearful, she steps back from the cliff. Rustling sounds come from the bushes, and Soren's eyes begin to glow as her powers gather.
"You can come out!" Soren yells. Slowly, an older man in a green and yellow jester suit emerges, followed by a young kid.
"We mean you no harm," the man says.
"Were you spying on me?" Soren questions.
"I wanted to know if you were one of us. You have a similar aura," the man explains.
"One of who?"
"One of the Loki variants. I'm Old Loki, and this is Kid Loki."
"I mean, I'm related to one of you, but I also killed the Loki who had a 'Vote for Me' button," Soren says, her powers subsiding and her eyes returning to their normal state. Blood begins to come down her nose, and she quickly wipes it away.
"Don't worry about that. We have a shelter where you can settle in before that dragon finds all of us," Old Loki reassures her as he hands her a handkerchief.
"That angry cloud is a dragon?" Soren asks with a hint of concern in her voice.
"Yes, but if we don't move, we'll be dinner," Kid Loki warns.
The dragon begins to wreak havoc, obliterating parts of the rubble and letting out deafening roars in the distance. The city is enveloped in dark clouds.
"Fine, let's go," Soren agrees reluctantly, realizing the urgency of the situation.
They make their way to the bunker, hidden deep underground like a nuclear hideout.
"Welcome to our humble abode," Old Loki greets, showcasing the messy interior with littered floors.
"Humble? This place looks like it has given up," Soren teases, surveying the surroundings.
"Yeah, well, there's not much you can do when you're stuck in the void," Kid Loki remarks, settling into his tall chair and playing games on a retro-looking Gameboy.
"The void?" Soren questions, seeking clarification.
"Ah, yes. This is called the void, a place so detached from the timeline that it has been forgotten," Old Loki explains, pouring himself a glass of wine.
"It's where the TVA dumps its trash," Kid Loki adds.
"Care for a glass?" Old Loki offers.
"No, thank you. I've had enough before ending up here," Soren declines.
"Well, feel free to take a seat or rest. It's evident that you're not doing well," Old Loki observes, gesturing to her bloodied bandage. "That looks like quite the wound. And from your call, I gathered that you're running out of time?"
"So, you did spy on me," Soren remarks, taking a seat on the couch closer to Old Loki.
"Well, I thought you were another Loki variant trapped here," Old Loki defends himself.
Soren sighs, her thoughts trailing off. "I managed to charge a tempad using my cybernetic power veins. I thought... I thought my father and the other variant were going to escape. But I guess that didn't happen. I don't know what transpired after that," Soren explains, a mix of frustration and confusion evident in her voice.
"And what about your illness?" Old Loki inquires, prying into Soren's personal struggle.
Soren takes a deep breath, collecting her thoughts. "I have powers from the Power Stone that are slowly killing me. I possess my natural abilities, but I've messed everything up."
"Let me guess, your father is unaware," Old Loki remarks.
"How do you know?" Soren questions, surprised by his insight.
"I've had children of my own. They always tried to keep secrets from me, but I could always sense what they were up to. So, I'm guessing your mother is Sigyn, right?" Old Loki answers knowingly.
"Yeah, my mother is Sigyn..." Soren trails off, her voice tinged with emotions.
"How has she been?" Old Loki asks, taking a sip from his glass.
"Heartbroken, but overall she's been doing well on Earth," Soren responds, sharing a glimpse of her mother's situation.
"That's good to hear," Old Loki glances at Soren, his expression filled with understanding.
"So, neither of your parents know?" Old Loki seeks confirmation.
"I can't say for sure about my mother, but my father definitely doesn't. I just didn't want them to..." Soren trails off in thought, "Not be a burden or have them worry about you," Old Loki finishes her sentence, empathizing with her concerns.
"Yeah, how did you..." Soren's voice trails off, curious about how Old Loki understands her feelings.
"Back when I was home, many years ago, Sigyn fell gravely ill. She chose not to say anything, wanting her children to be happy and me to be free of worry. I understand the intention of easing the pain for others, but it doesn't truly help. I would have preferred her to tell me, rather than keeping it hidden. By the time I found out, it was already too late. I was left to raise two boys on my own. But that was short-lived as well, thanks to Thanos," Old Loki shares his own painful experience.
Soren lowers her head in genuine sympathy, her voice softening. "I'm sorry that you had to go through that."
"Just know, kid, your secret is safe with us. But I want you to consider this: given some time, maybe you'll find the courage to tell your father the true extent of your condition," Old Loki assures Soren, his voice carrying a sense of understanding.
"That's only if I can find a way out of the void. There must be something," Soren replies, rising from the couch.
"Escaping from here would be nearly impossible," Kid Loki interjects, a touch of smugness in his voice.
"I've accomplished the impossible before. If you guys are the only ones here, I'm sure you've hoarded a ton of stuff somewhere," Soren asserts, her determination shining through.
"Is it to reunite with that boy?" Kid Loki teases, a mischievous grin on his face.
Soren shoots him a death stare, her frustration is evident. "I'm this close to smacking him."
"Actually, we do have a room filled with various technologies. I can definitely show you," Old Loki offers, rising from his seat. Kid Loki playfully sticks out his tongue at Soren, and she playfully teases him back.
They make their way to the back of the room, where wires hang from bins and a workstation is cluttered with dusty blueprints. Plastic drawers hold pieces of scrap metal and backup fuel for the generator tucked in the corner.
Soren scans the room and spots something intriguing on the workstation.
"It can't be..." Soren utters, taken aback by what she sees.
"What is it?" Old Loki inquires.
Soren's face lights up with a smile as she picks it up. "It's a web-slinger," she exclaims, examining it closely. Beneath the web-slinger, she notices a picture. She reaches out, taking the photo in her hands. It captures a moment of her with Peter, playfully placing bunny ears behind his head and a moody Alta in the frame.
"How is this here?" Soren wonders aloud.
"The void is a peculiar place, isn't it? Objects that were once deemed debris or caught in a vortex might find their way here. This could have been from one of the worlds before its destruction. Perhaps it belonged to him, his bunker," Old Loki speculates, glancing at the picture Soren holds. "But if you don't mind me asking, what exactly is a web-slinger?"
Soren looks at him and replies, "It's like a device that shoots spider webs, letting you swing from building to building. I've used it before, and it was a lot of fun."
Old Loki raises an eyebrow. "You truly care about this boy?"
"We have a complicated relationship. Right now, I just want to go home," Soren confesses.
Old Loki gently taps her arm. "You will make it back. But for now, I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, just let me know."
Soren nods gratefully. "Thank you."