Chapter 7
Mobius enters Ravonna's office, his curiosity piqued. He takes Ravonna's tempad and begins searching through the files of previous TVA agents and hunters. As he navigates through the data, he stumbles upon the file of the late C-20. With a mix of shock and intrigue, he watches the video confession, "The TVA is lying, we are all variants."
"C-20 is defective," The guard remarks on the revelation.
Ravonna's face reveals a deep concern as she abruptly closes the tempad files. "Cut the file, we are done here," Ravonna stops the video. The weight of the situation dawns on Mobius, and he realizes that Soren and Loki were right all along. Thoughts race through his mind as he processes this newfound information.
Driven by a mixture of shock and worry, Mobius directs his attention to Soren's file. His astonishment grows as he discovers that her file also marks her as deceased. With a heavy heart, he clicks on it, uncovering Ravonna's discussions about eliminating Sylvie and her unfinished task. The realization that Soren was hired to carry out the variant's execution hits him like a thunderbolt.
Digging deeper, Mobius learns that Soren's time device predates her arrest and that her intention to free the timeline was meant to restore its stability. Then, he witnesses the fateful confrontation, where Soren is overpowered and pruned by Ravonna herself.
Utter shock consumes Mobius as he grapples with the revelation that everything Soren and Loki had claimed was true. He feels a surge of grief and anger, knowing that Soren is no longer alive. "Loki is going to be furious when he finds out. I need to rescue him from the time loop," he resolves, feeling deeply betrayed by Ravonna's lies and the TVA's deceptive operations. The organization he once believed in is no longer what he thought it to be.
He discreetly conceals Ravonna's tempad in his pocket before she enters her office, seemingly surprised to see Mobius there. "What brings you here, Mobius?" she asks, making her way to the mini bar and pouring herself a glass of bourbon.
"I was waiting to discuss Loki and the variant cases with you. I must say, Soren did an excellent job apprehending the variant," Mobius fabricates, maintaining a composed demeanor.
Ravonna responds, "We've already resolved that case, so Loki is no longer necessary. I sent Soren home after she fulfilled her role. Pruning Loki is the most logical course of action to safeguard the timeline. Don't you agree?" She offers Mobius a glass of liquor, subtly exerting her influence.
"Ah, I wasn't aware of that," Mobius says, accepting the glass as a cover.
Ravonna inquires, "Haven't you disposed of Loki yet?"
"Not yet. I wanted to extract more information from him regarding the variant," Mobius replies, taking a sip from his glass.
"I'm still undecided on how to handle the variant. Considering her transgressions against the timeline, pruning her may be the most appropriate response. I'm even contemplating discussing the matter directly with the Timekeepers to ensure such accidents are prevented in the future," Ravonna states with a self-assured smile, savoring her drink.
Mobius ponders for a moment, strategizing his exit from Ravonna's office. "I think I'll take my leave and eliminate the nuisance after our conversation," he excuses himself, placing the empty glass on the mini bar.
"Just be wary of his manipulations, Mobius," Ravonna warns, her tone laced with caution.
"I'll be fine," Mobius assures her, as he pulls the door to exit her office, concealing his true intentions and thoughts.
After the exhausting encounter with Sif, Loki finally manages to break the cycle and finds a moment of respite on a nearby bench, next to a serene tree. He sits down, allowing himself to reflect on his past regrets and the choices he has made. Recognizing the pain he has caused to those around him, he can't help but wonder about his daughter, hoping she is safe and well. It then occurs to him that he still possesses the photo he took from Soren's work desk. Carefully, he reveals the photo and holds it in his hands, gazing at the captured memories.
As his eyes trace over the image, he is captivated by the sight of Soren and Alta with a woman possessing beautiful, long, and wavy blond hair. Her striking blue eyes, subtly tinged with hints of yellow, seem to hold an otherworldly allure, reminiscent of an angel or someone with light-elven features. He shifts his focus to the older woman with short silver hair, adorned with a warm smile. He reads the names inscribed beneath the images: Soren, Alta, Sigyn, Aunt Cynthia. A sense of familiarity stirs within him as he fixates on the name Sigyn. "Why does that name sound so familiar?" Loki wonders, his curiosity piqued. He continues to gaze at Sigyn's visage, utterly entranced. "She's stunning to look at. I managed to have a child with an angel. Absolutely gorgeous," he muses, contemplating what drew her to him. However, a haze of forgetfulness seems to cloud his recollection. "She looks so familiar like I've met her before. Why is it so hard to remember? It's as if a spell was cast over me," Loki ponders, his brow furrowing with frustration.
Closing his eyes while clutching the photo, Loki enters a meditative state, hoping to delve into the depths of his memories. He senses a barrier, a white shield guarding his mind and concealing his past. Recognizing it as a spell, he understands its potency. "If I focus, I can break this spell. The challenge lies in its strength. Only my mother or my father would be capable of casting such a powerful enchantment to hide something," he contemplates. With a deliberate effort to relax his muscles and calm his mind, Loki acknowledges that he is within a time loop of his own home. "Perhaps I can harness the magic here to aid me," he contemplates, recognizing the unique opportunity. As he intensifies his mental exertions, he envisions the runic symbols, drawing the counter runes upon the white shield. Gradually, cracks begin to form, allowing fragments of memories to seep through.
Like scattered puzzle pieces, glimpses of his past assemble before his mind's eye. He sees the moment when he first encountered Sigyn in the Asgardian gardens, offering her a fiery, blue flower as he recollects her presence due to the Nyon and Asgardian alliance. They engage in conversation, with Loki sharing his knowledge of the garden, and she responds with a smile. The image then shifts to a grand ball where they dance together, Sigyn dressed in a resplendent yellow and blue gown. Moments of intimacy and shared joy come into focus, evoking a sense of warmth and fondness. However, the flow of memories abruptly halts, and Loki emerges from his meditative state, unable to delve further. Tenderly, he caresses the photo of Sigyn, overwhelmed by questions and a longing to uncover what happened between them. "What happened to us? Why is there a spell over you? How can I find my way back to you?" Loki ponders, his heart heavy with unresolved mystery. Loki smiles, "I knew a part of me was missing all these years," he thought with joy.
A portal opens up, and Loki quickly conceals the photo, his demeanor becoming more guarded. Mobius steps into the time loop, and Loki stands with a cautious posture.
"You planning another time loop? Another form of torture?" Loki's voice carries a stern tone.
Mobius shakes his head, attempting to reassure him. "No, I want to talk," he says.
Loki raises an eyebrow. "About what?" he questions.
"I think you and Soren were right about this place. Something happened to Soren here, and we need to find Sylvie and come up with a new plan," Mobius explains.
Loki lets out a small chuckle. "I'm not falling for that again."
"No, Loki, I'm serious. I saw the files on C-20 and Soren in Ravonna's tempad. The truth is, the whole TVA being variants is real," Mobius reveals.
Loki's expression turns concerned. "And what about Soren?" he asks.
"I'm truly sorry, Loki. Ravonna pruned Soren this time," Mobius's empathetic tone reflects his understanding of Loki's pain. "Soren fought back, but she was outnumbered and overpowered by the guards."
Disbelief fills Loki's heart, and he sinks back onto the bench. "So, what now?" he murmurs.
"Listen, Loki. You and Sylvie can still escape this plan and recuperate. I believe we might be able to bring Soren back," Mobius says earnestly.
"No, I want to end her myself," Loki's words carry a menacing tone.
"We will, but first we need to regroup and gather our strength. Can we agree on that?" Mobius asks, seeking Loki's cooperation.
Loki nods silently, and together they step into the portal, leaving the time loop behind.
They reenter the TVA interrogation room, where Ravonna stands alongside three guards, each wielding pruning sticks.
"I believe you have something that belongs to me," Ravonna confronts Mobius.
Loki's eyes burn with anger, but Mobius taps him, signaling him to stay calm. "Yeah, I realized I had it when I came in. Must have picked it up by accident," Mobius explains, handing the tempad back to Ravonna, who raises an eyebrow in response.
"What's happening here?" Mobius attempts to defuse the tension, recognizing that his diversion tactic is unlikely to work. He concedes, knowing he's been caught.
"Alright..." Mobius sighs. "You know where I'd go if I could go anywhere? Back to where I had a life before the TVA. That's what I want," he states.
Ravonna nods at the guards, signaling them to prune Mobius. As Mobius prepares himself, he disintegrates, leaving Loki behind.
The other guards grab hold of Loki, escorting him away. He feels a sense of defeat and anger, unsure of what to do, still wearing the collar.
While in the halls, Loki confronts Ravonna, his voice seething with anger. "You really pruned my daughter, didn't you?"
Ravonna glances at him, her expression unreadable. "You'll be reunited with her soon enough," she replies cryptically, pausing near the end of the hallway. "Meet me at the elevator. I'll be there shortly."
As they wait by the elevator, Sylvie is also escorted by two guards. She whispers to Loki, "Are you okay?" He silently shakes his head, indicating that he's not. They step into the elevator, the atmosphere heavy with silence. The descent is filled with tension. They enter the room where the three Time-Keepers reside.
Loki recalls Soren's words back at Lamentis-1: "If the Time-Keepers truly exist, they would undoubtedly be aware of who is in charge. Or the Time-Keepers are fake." Even now, facing them directly, he harbors doubts and suspicions about the judges' true nature.
"As promised, the variants," Ravonna introduces them to the Time-Keepers.
"After all your struggles, you finally stand before us," the first Time-Keeper remarks.
"What do you have to say for yourselves before we bring about your demise?" the second Time-Keeper questions.
"Is that why you brought us here? To kill us? Go ahead, do your worst," Loki boldly declares.
"Your bravado poses no threat to us, variant," the third Time-Keeper dismisses.
"No, I think you're afraid," Sylvie interjects, attempting to step forward, but Ravonna glitches her back into place.
"You mean nothing to us, mere cosmic disappointments," the third Time-Keeper scoffs.
"Proceed, delete them," the second Time-Keeper instructs the guards.
"Wait just a moment! I'm not finished with you!" Sylvie shouts with rage.
Ravonna tries to press the button on the pad to immobilize Sylvie but realizes it isn't working. Just then, B-15 emerges from the elevator, declaring, "For all time." She frees Loki and Sylvie from their collars and tosses Sylvie her sword.
The guards surround Loki and Sylvie, their backs pressed against each other. With tensions high, one of the guards thrusts their prune stick at Loki, but he swiftly dodges it and delivers a powerful kick to another guard, forcing them away. Seizing the opportunity, Loki grabs hold of the prune stick, engaging in a struggle with the guard.
Meanwhile, Sylvie acts swiftly, stabbing one guard and slashing at the other with her sword. She then turns her attention to Ravonna, circling her with determination. As Sylvie observes Loki's struggle, she calls out to him, tossing her sword in his direction. Ravonna attempts to strike Sylvie with her stick but narrowly misses.
"This time I'll get the job done," Ravonna remarks with determination. Sylvie quickly seizes a pruning stick from the fallen guard, engaging in a fierce clash of sticks with Ravonna. Despite Sylvie's efforts, Ravonna gains the upper hand, knocking Sylvie to the ground and pressing the edge of the stick close to her body.
Summoning her strength, Sylvie swings her leg up and brings Ravonna down to the ground, following it up with a series of punches that render Ravonna unconscious. Meanwhile, Loki manages to overpower the other guard, and the guard manages to scrap Loki's arm, and able to re-stabilize himself, he delivers a decisive blow. Both Loki and Sylvie are left breathing heavily, their bodies exhausted from the intense fight.
"You okay?" Sylvie asks, concern evident in her voice.
"Just a nick, I'll be fine," Loki assures her, his voice filled with determination.
They stand together, facing the Time-Keepers who draw closer. Loki still holds Sylvie's sword in his hand as they ascend up the stairs. Fire burns in his eyes as he demands, "You must know where my daughter is."
"She's as good as dead," the second Time-Keeper taunts.
"Better yet, she's out of time," the third Time-Keeper adds with a malicious grin.
The Time-Keepers laugh menacingly, their words stoking Loki's anger. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he strikes swiftly, decapitating the second Time-Keeper and stabbing the third Time-Keeper. With relentless determination, he continues his assault, delivering decisive blows to the first Time-Keeper.
"Loki, stop!" Sylvie's voice rings out, pulling him away from the carnage.
Loki releases the sword, letting it fall to the ground, and descends down the stairs. He places a trembling hand behind his head, struggling to contain his emotions. Tears well up in his eyes, but he fights to maintain a stoic facade. Meanwhile, Sylvie retrieves her sword from the ground and discreetly hides it behind her back.
"What happened to Soren?" Sylvie asks, her voice filled with genuine concern.
"I didn't want to believe it, but Soren... Soren was pruned by Ravonna," Loki answers, his voice heavy with grief.
Sylvie shares in Loki's sadness, understanding the weight of his loss. "She must have been weakened after her attempt to charge the tempad," she remarks softly.
"I should have done something, anything," Loki's voice rises with anger, directed at himself.
"Loki, there was nothing you could have done," Sylvie reassures him, moving closer to provide comfort. As she approaches, her foot accidentally brushes against one of the decapitated Time-Keepers' heads.
Sylvie points down at it, breaking the heavy atmosphere. "Soren was right about one thing, they were fake all along."
"It makes her death feel senseless, for the sake of mere puppets," Loki laments.
"Not senseless, it means there's one person controlling the entire timeline. If we can reach him, maybe we can reclaim our lives and, hopefully, bring Soren back," Sylvie offers, instilling a renewed sense of hope in Loki.
As Loki gazes at her, a sudden disintegration begins to consume him right before Sylvie's eyes.
"Sorry for cutting your talk short. Where were we?" Ravonna's voice echoes, interrupting the moment.
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"Am I dead?" Loki asks aloud.
"No, but you will be if you don't keep moving," Old Loki replies.
Loki rises from the ground and surveys his surroundings. The place is in ruins, with fragments of buildings and vehicles scattered about, resembling an apocalyptic wasteland. The atmosphere is somber, with clouds looming overhead and debris strewn across the landscape.
"What is this place?" Loki inquires.
"The void," Old Loki responds.
"The dumping ground of the TVA," Kid Loki chimes in.
"And who are you all?" Loki questions.
"We are all variants of Loki," Kid Loki explains, gesturing towards himself and the others. As he speaks, a dark cloud begins to swirl, signaling the approach of a looming storm. In the distance, a monstrous creature hungrily devours the remnants of buildings.
"We don't have time to stand in awe. We must keep moving, or we'll end up as its next meal," Old Loki urges, his sense of urgency palpable.
They hasten away from the rubble, and Loki struggles to keep pace with them.
"Could we perhaps slow down a bit? I have several hundred questions to ask," Loki requests.
"Nope, we must keep going to avoid meeting our demise," Old Loki replies.
"I've gathered that," Loki remarks.
(Wait, if I'm alive and here, that means Soren could be here too. The challenge is finding her. Perhaps they have some information.) Loki ponders the whereabouts of Soren.
"While we're on the move, have any of you seen a girl with long black hair wearing an army suit and a black scarf?" Loki inquires.
"Ah, so you must be Soren's father. As a matter of fact, this bag here is for her. We found it while scavenging," Old Loki answers. "She's quite adept with technology, that one," he adds.
"She's alive. That's a relief," Loki says, grateful for the news.
"Well, she's not doing too well. That wound of hers is quite serious. I have some leftover medicine that might help, but I'm not certain," Old Loki admits.
"You've been looking after her?" Loki asks, a tinge of jealousy surfacing at the thought of someone else caring for his child.
"No one else was stepping up. If I didn't, she would likely be suffering elsewhere," Old Loki explains.
"Thank you," Loki says, acknowledging that his decision to trust Old Loki was justified.
They arrive at the bunker, and Old Loki begins turning the wheel to open the door. The interior appears noticeably tidier than before, with minimal litter or clutter.
"I've made an effort to clean up the place since Soren arrived. She's in that corner room there, but I'd suggest giving her some time to rest before going in," Old Loki suggests, gesturing towards the room. "You can take a seat on that couch there. Would you like some wine?" he offers.
"Sure, I'd love some," Loki replies, settling onto the couch.
"You must be proud that she's quite powerful too. I actually witnessed her vanquish one of the other variants here. Many of us are intimidated by her," Kid Loki remarks.
"What do you mean?" Loki inquires, accepting the glass of wine from Old Loki.
"Your daughter vaporized another Loki variant. It took a toll on her, though. She collapsed after the act. The good news is that the lesser Loki variants are afraid to come near this place now," Old Loki explains, taking a sip from his own glass.
"Was it in self-defense?" Loki probes further.
"From what we could gather, yes, but there was also a great deal of anger behind it. If she hadn't been so weakened, she could have caused even more destruction," Old Loki responds, savoring his wine.
"So, what is she doing in there?" Loki inquires.
"You certainly have many questions about your child," Old Loki remarks.
"Based on my assumption, she's likely trying to find a way to reunite with that boy," Kid Loki teases.
"Boy? What boy?" Loki questions, intrigued.
"You really don't know much about her, it seems. We overheard her conversation with some acquaintances. There's this Peter fellow who appears to hold great significance to her. But above all, she's attempting to find a way out of the void. If nothing else, she longs to return home," Old Loki explains, shedding light on Soren's motivations.
Loki's face reveals a mixture of sadness and longing as he realizes the extent of Soren's pain and the lack of insight into her life. A hint of jealousy surfaces as Old Loki's knowledge about her surpasses his own. Sensing Loki's emotions, Old Loki offers reassurance, understanding the dynamics of parent-child relationships.
"I understand that she is your child. I only know what I overheard in her conversations, but as a fellow parent, I recognized the signs of secrets and lies. It's quite peculiar to see oneself reflected in their children—the secrets, the lies, even certain mannerisms. I pushed her to reveal more, knowing that her current vulnerability made it easier for her to open up. Otherwise, she might not have shared anything. I think her reasons are rooted in your presence at the TVA, perhaps even the fear of not seeing you again. But I can't say for certain," Old Loki tries to reassure Loki, offering a plausible explanation for Soren's behavior. Loki's feelings of jealousy begin to subside, replaced by a sense of understanding that it might be her own fear driving her actions.
"You had children once. How was it?" Loki inquires, curious to learn about Old Loki's experience.
"Looking back now, it was truly wonderful. I wish I had set aside my own ambitions when my sons were born. I was somewhat neglectful, I must admit, but my wife understood my nature. She taught the boys about herbs and medicine, while I focused on teaching them magic and combat. However, everything fell apart when Sigyn fell ill. It was my own fault for not paying enough attention to her. Once she passed away, I was left with my boys. And a few years later, Ragnarok happened, and Thanos took the lives of my sons," Old Loki's voice carries a tinge of sorrow. "If you can be better than I was, I would advise you to return to them and do everything in your power. In the long run, you will find greater happiness," Old Loki concludes, emptying his wine glass.
(Sigyn was his wife too, perhaps a soulmate?) Loki's thoughts wander as he uncovers the photo he carries. "I'm sorry to hear about your losses," Loki expresses his condolences. "By any chance, did Sigyn look like this?" he asks, showing the photo to Old Loki. The sight of the image brings tears to Old Loki's eyes. "She was beautiful, wasn't she? Much like her, an angel. Although mine had red hair and freckles, the face and eyes are the same. If she is the one, then it seems we were truly meant to be together," Old Loki remarks, reminiscing about his beloved Sigyn.
"What was she like?" Loki asks, longing to understand more about the woman who shared a connection with both him and Old Loki.
Old Loki clears his throat, attempting to retrieve memories of Sigyn. "Very observant, loyal, understanding..." he recollects, his voice laced with nostalgia. "She had many adorable moments, especially with the blue flame flower from Asgard. It was her favorite. Family was incredibly important to her. She would always try to keep me apart from Thor, but she stood by my side even when I was in the wrong. If I was embarking on a foolish path, she would find a way to steer me away from it or encourage me to make amends. Unfortunately, I strayed down a misguided path, and it brought her great pain. If I could turn back time, I would do anything to have her back," Old Loki shares, his gaze fixed on Loki, knowing that his words are resonating.
"I understand that we have a tendency to sabotage those around us, fueled by a lack of trust. But deep down, I believe we yearn for someone who trusts us and whom we can trust in return. Sigyn was one of those individuals whom I hold dear. I could confide in her about anything, and she would never betray my trust. If you can set aside your desires for power or the throne and embrace the opportunity to live a normal, fulfilled life with her, it would be the most rewarding chapter of your existence. Just ensure you don't neglect them, as I regrettably did. It's the only remorse I carry," Old Loki concludes, his voice filled with sincerity.
"How can I avoid hurting them?" Loki inquires, seeking guidance.
Old Loki nods understandingly. "You're overthinking it. If you want them to trust you, you need to open up to them and be there for them. They won't abandon you like the others have. I promise you that. Just listen to their concerns and strive to be the best version of yourself," Old Loki advises, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection and attentive support.
(Maybe he's right. My relentless pursuit of power has only brought destruction and death. But deep down, I know I truly desire to be with them, to have a family. Will they accept me, though? I am different from the Loki who found Sigyn before, but if Old Loki's words hold truth and Sigyn would stand by my side, then perhaps she would embrace this improved version of myself. I have no intention of hurting them; in fact, I want to protect and cherish them. Maybe, just maybe, it's worth taking the leap, leaving behind my old ways, and striving for a new life filled with love and connection.) Loki pondered these thoughts, feeling a glimmer of hope and determination building within him.
Old Loki observed Loki's contemplation and then stood up, slapping his knees. He walked over to the bag and retrieved fresh bandages, medicine cream, and painkillers. With the supplies in hand, he motioned for Loki to follow him to Soren's room in the corner. Just as Loki was about to open the door, Old Loki halted him.
"Before you go in there, you'll need these," Old Loki said, extending the bandage, medical cream, and painkillers to Loki. "One of the steps to being a good father is to offer support in times of need. If you apply these to her wounds, she'll be more open to trusting you. But be prepared, she's not in the best condition. So brace yourself for any surprising revelations you might hear," Old Loki advised, his tone filled with wisdom. "Approach her with gentleness and understanding, and avoid scolding her for everything," he added, emphasizing the importance of patience and empathy.
Loki enters the room and takes in the sight of wires strewn across bins and a whiteboard covered in intricate calculations. He notices Soren hunched over, asleep at the work desk. A warm smile forms on his face as he gazes at her. (She must have been working tirelessly. It's quite endearing.) He walks over to her and gently places his hand on her shoulder, gently shaking her to wake her up.
"Hey kiddo," Loki says softly, his voice filled with a mix of affection and concern.
Startled, Soren jumps up, her eyes wide with surprise. But as soon as she recognizes her father, a sense of relief washes over her. She rubs the tiredness from her eyes, trying to fully wake up. "I see they got you too, huh," Soren remarks, her voice still laced with sleepiness. It's clear that her attempt at humor is a way to alleviate the tension.
Loki pulls a chair and settles down next to her, placing the aid on the table within reach. "They sure did. However, you did manage to give me quite the scare back in Lamentis," Loki admits, his tone a mix of lightheartedness and genuine concern.
"I didn't mean to, It was a complete shot in the dark, and I had no idea if it was going to work. I just hoped that you and Sylvie would make it out," Soren explains, her voice tinged with regret.
Loki's expression softens as he reaches out to gently touch her arm. "I wouldn't have left you behind, Soren. That would be absurd. Besides, think about how your mother would feel if you didn't come back," he says, concern lacing his words.
Soren looks down, her sadness evident. "I know," she admits quietly, "but the truth is, I haven't spoken to her in a while."
Confusion crosses Loki's face as he tries to comprehend the situation. "Why is that? I'm sure she understands you," he asks, genuinely curious.
Soren takes a deep breath before answering, her voice filled with a mix of guilt and vulnerability. "Looking back on it, I realized I was wrong. I just felt too ashamed to face her again," she confesses.
Loki's brow furrows, his concern deepening. "Wrong about what?" he prods gently, wanting to understand his daughter's perspective.
Soren lets out a weary sigh before opening up about her strained relationship with her mother. "She wasn't too happy when I left the Young Avengers. It took some time for her to understand my reasons, especially when I explained that I didn't want to be held accountable for someone else's actions. We both agreed on that aspect so that part is mostly patched up," Soren says, her voice tinged with a hint of relief.
"But my mom had her own struggles, especially when it came to coping with losing you. Our fights escalated, particularly regarding her pill use, and things just spiraled out of control from there," Soren continues, her tone heavy with sadness. "Then I got involved in weapon and bounty dealings, and along the way, I met Wade. Unfortunately, it didn't really help the situation. Our last major disagreement was about going back to Macrodemia. She was strongly against it, and that's when everything started falling apart. I messed up my systems and ended up with this power stone issue."
Soren's voice cracks with emotion as she reflects on her past choices. "I thought that by returning to Earth, I could fix my family and friend relationships. I was so angry and overwhelmed that I didn't listen, and I just needed an outlet to vent my frustrations."
Loki listens attentively, his heart aching for the struggles his daughter has faced. He reaches out to gently hold her hand, offering comfort and understanding in his touch.
Loki nods in understanding as Soren shares her own struggles and offers forgiveness. "I made similar mistakes when I started the war in New York. I know what it's like to be driven by anger and the desire for approval. I never considered the consequences and how my actions could affect you and our future," Loki admits, his voice filled with remorse. He gently caresses Soren's hand, seeking to convey his sincerity. "I never imagined that I would be missed so much by your mother. I'm sorry for causing pain, even in my own death, and for leaving you all behind."
Soren shakes her head, her eyes filled with compassion. "Don't blame yourself. Your death wasn't your fault. I don't hold any resentment. Yes, my mom had her struggles, but I shouldn't have been so relentless towards her. She was kind and always tried to do good, even in the toughest situations. I know she misses you deeply, and seeing you again would make her the happiest person. That's what I want," Soren says, her voice reflecting a deep longing.
Loki's gaze shifts to the aid, realizing it's time to tend to Soren's wound. "I think it's time to redo your bandage. From here, I can see it's still quite bloody," he says, concern evident in his eyes.
Soren extends her arm hesitantly, cautioning Loki about its sensitivity. "Just be careful, it's quite sensitive," she warns.
Loki takes her arm gently in his hands, beginning to unwrap the bandage. His surprise is concealed as he sees that the wound hasn't healed significantly. "I don't understand why it hasn't healed properly. With your mother's and my blood, you should be able to heal faster than a human, at the very least," Loki remarks, his brows furrowing with concern as he examines the wound.
Soren's thoughts race as Loki tends to her wound, realizing that she can't hide the truth any longer. (Shit... I might as well tell him. Old Loki was right, I can't hide it forever,) she thinks, bracing herself for the difficult conversation ahead. As Loki carefully applies the cream to her stitched wound, Soren tries her best not to flinch from the stinging sensation. Once the cream is applied, he reaches for the bandage and starts wrapping it around her arm.
Loki's concern is evident as he works on her wound. "What is truly going on, Soren? Even I can see that your healing is greatly affected," he asks, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Soren fights back tears, her voice trembling as she struggles to speak. "It's not going to heal. I'm... I'm dying from the power stone. My cells are replicating damaged cells, and my systems can't handle the power stone's influence. My own powers have become entwined with it, and separating them would only accelerate my decline," Soren confesses, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and acceptance. Loki's heart breaks upon hearing this revelation, and he looks down, trying to process the weight of her condition. "How long have you been like this?" he asks, his voice filled with a hint of suppressed anguish.
"Ever since I returned from Macrodemia. I was involved in some dangerous heists, and when I wanted to change and clear my name, I took on a mission. It was to prevent one of our AI data Planets from becoming sentient. Mine was Alpha, and she nearly killed me. That's how I... unlocked the power stone's abilities and it spread like wildfire throughout my systems," Soren explains, her voice filled with a mixture of regret and reflection. She looks at Loki, understanding the weight of this revelation on him. "Hey, please don't worry about me. I've accepted this, and I'm not scared anymore. I took this mission because I wanted to meet you, one of the reasons behind it. And I wanted everyone else to be happy before I go," Soren reassures Loki, her voice filled with love and determination.
Loki takes her hand once again, refusing to give in to despair. "Giving up is not an option. We will figure it out. How much time do you have?" he asks with a glimmer of hopefulness in his voice.
"About five years left," Soren answers, her voice steady yet tinged with sadness.
Loki nods, determination shining in his eyes. "Okay, we still have time. If my home could separate magical powers, then surely there must be something similar for you. We'll find a way," he says, his voice filled with hope and determination, wanting to be a source of strength for Soren in the face of their daunting challenge.
"I don't know, man. Alta has been trying to slow it down and monitor my condition, but it hasn't been the most successful," Soren admits with a hesitant tone.
Loki sighs, a mix of concern and determination in his voice. "There's just something missing, but it's not the end just yet. We'll keep searching for answers, Soren. Just stay hopeful," he reassures her.
"I know," Soren replies, a small smile forming on her lips. They share a moment of understanding, finding solace in each other's presence and the hope they hold onto.