Chapter 8
A few hours passed as Loki rested and engaged in conversations with the other variants, contemplating Soren's illness and the potential for a cure or a way to separate her from the power stone. He reclined on the couch, a glass of wine in hand, deep in thought. (Is there any solution out there that could heal Soren? Asgard in her dimension is destroyed, and the magical artifacts we once had may have held the answer. But for now, escaping the void should be our primary focus. Perhaps I can devote more attention to her condition once we find a way out.) Loki took another sip of wine, lost in his musings.
Old Loki noticed Loki's contemplative state and asked, "What thoughts occupy your mind?"
"Just thinking about Soren's condition, it's deeply concerning," Loki replied.
"I understand," Old Loki acknowledged.
Loki then inquired, "Is there truly no escape from the void?"
"Not with Alioth guarding this wasteland," Kid Loki interjected.
"Alioth?" Loki queried.
"That massive storm cloud that devours everything in its path, that's Alioth," Old Loki clarified.
"It ensures that everyone remains trapped here or becomes its dinner," Kid Loki added.
Loki contemplated for a moment before suggesting, "Then Soren's attempt to create a device to escape becomes our best option. Surely, there must be another way."
"One of the variants attempted that before, and, well, now there's nothing left of them," Old Loki revealed.
Loki inquired further, "Is there a way to perhaps kill Alioth?"
Kid Loki and Old Loki exchanged amused glances, bursting into laughter. Loki grew annoyed, rising from the couch. "What? We may be skilled at survival, but we are also adept at finding ways to escape. Maybe there's a vulnerable spot, a heart or brain, to bring down that monster," Loki proposed, but their laughter continued.
"Killing Alioth would be an act of suicide," Old Loki stated. "I believe our best chance of escaping lies with Soren's device," he added, and as if on cue, they heard banging sounds emanating from Soren's room.
"Hm, I gather from the sounds that it's not going well," Old Loki remarks.
"Should I go and check on her again?" Loki inquires.
"If you wish," Old Loki replies casually.
Loki walks over to the door and knocks gently. "Are you okay?" he asks. The door opens, revealing a slightly angry Soren. "No, not really," she responds. Loki steps inside, observing the scattered device on the floor and rods protruding from the wall. "What's happening?" he inquires.
"I need a particle, but there isn't a way to get that without a major power source, which, in this case, we don't have. I manage to get the quantum waves so maybe communication to Alta is possible. I thought I could put shit together and get out of here, but it really does look like I need outside help," Soren explains.
"What particle is it?" Loki asks.
"The quantum particle, the waves are different, I have to localize the particles to open portals like the tempad. Yes, my powers can charge it, but to actually get it isolated I need a more robust machine to be able to do that, and then put it in a tube to use. But, then, runs the issue that it needs to be stabilized. All of that machinery is back at home, to build it by scratch here, would take forever. I made a shell of a device that sends waves, I don't know why I thought that would work, it sparks, but that's it." Soren says.
Loki offers reassurance, saying, "I believe you may be too hard on yourself and perhaps made a minor miscalculation. It happens to the best of us. Besides, you've created something that has the potential to communicate with Alta. Isn't that an achievement in itself?"
"I didn't want them to be involved, I don't need TVA agents after my friends too," Soren says.
"I understand your concerns, but any form of assistance can be valuable. Once we escape, we can continue the fight against the TVA, while also focusing on your recovery," Loki expresses sympathetically.
"I don't want to fight, I'm tired. I've been fighting for most of my life, I have other things to worry about than the TVA, I just want to be home," Soren says.
Loki takes a moment to absorb Soren's words, understanding the weight they carry. He reaches out and gently places a hand on her shoulder, offering comfort and support. With sincerity in his voice, he responds to her heartfelt statement.
"I hear you, Soren. You've been through so much, and it's understandable that you're tired. You've fought tirelessly, and now it's time for you to prioritize your well-being and finding peace. Going back home is a valid and worthy goal. We'll do everything we can to make it happen, and along the way, we'll find a way to address your condition. You don't have to carry the burden of fighting alone anymore. We're here for you, and together, we'll navigate this journey," Loki reassures her, his voice filled with empathy and determination. "I also have somewhat a plan being pasted together," he adds.
"What is it?" Soren says as she moves away from Loki taking out the rods from the wall.
"Alioth is what's keeping us here, if there's another way, perhaps, getting rid of it can open another opportunity," Loki says.
"Alioth? The stormy cloud dragon?" Soren questions, "Do you plan on stabbing air?" She teased.
"Don't you start, I already was laughed at for proposing this idea," Loki says, "this thing is alive, right, there has to be something to rid the problem, a heart or a brain. Now, that's only a part of it, but maybe if we study it, we would have a better plan," he explains, "and maybe give your device a break," he added.
"I guess we can, and just make something that could maybe hurt it enough," Soren said.
"Let's go and see it for ourselves," Loki suggests.
They exit the room and join the other Loki variants. Old Loki gazes at them and takes a swig from his glass. "You're really going along with his plan?" Old Loki questions.
"I don't see why it wouldn't work," Soren replies confidently.
"You're both insane," Old Loki remarks. Loki rolls his eyes, and they proceed toward the bunker's door.
"Hold on a second," Old Loki interjects, tapping Kid Loki on the shoulder. "We'll show you, but we won't get too close to it. Perhaps then, you'll understand why we don't make it out of the void," Old Loki explains in a hushed tone.
"Really?" Kid Loki responds, his concern evident.
"Yes, grab that thing you have," Old Loki whispers.
He opens a vibrant green portal and steps through it, followed by Kid Loki. Loki and Soren then pass through the portal as well.
"So you've been capable of making portals all this time?" Soren inquires, curious.
"Not quite the type of portal you're looking for," Old Loki clarifies. "But we are far from the bunker. Ah, this spot will do nicely," Old Loki says while standing on a cliff overlooking the flat land. "Set up something there to give a demonstration," he instructs Kid Loki.
Soren tugs her poncho tightly around herself, feeling a chill in the air, while Loki watches intently as a battleship takes aim at the dark cloud. The ship begins firing its arsenal at the cloud, launching a relentless assault. Alioth responds with a menacing sound and engulfs the ship, devouring every crew member and reducing the vessel to nothingness. As it moves past, not a trace of the ship remains behind.
"Okay, perhaps we need to reconsider our approach," Loki admits, his voice tinged with defeat. Old Loki gazes at him, wearing an expression that silently says, 'I told you so.'
"Maybe the last of my power can be of use," Soren interjects, her determination shining through.
"Absolutely not, you're still too injured," Loki responds, his tone growing more serious.
"I'm not afraid if it's the only way," Soren asserts.
"There must be another way, we just have to think of it," Loki insists.
In the distance, the sound of a vehicle approaching reaches their ears. Soren's eyes briefly glow, as if she's instinctively preparing for a fight. "Is that a car?" Kid Loki asks, puzzled.
"Sylvie?" Loki wonders aloud as he walks towards the parked vehicle.
"Always on guard?" Old Loki comments, observing Soren closely.
"Always on edge," Soren replies, her voice filled with an air of vigilance, as she joins her father at the car.
"How did you manage to be here?" Loki asks, intrigued.
"I pruned myself at the TVA and coincidentally ran into Mobius," Sylvie explains.
"How are things going?" Mobius inquires.
"She's incredibly weakened, but still holding on," Loki responds.
"At least she's still here," Sylvie adds.
"I can hear you, and I'm not weak," Soren interjects with anger in her voice, taking offense at Loki's comment.
"You know I meant it in a physical sense, nothing more," Loki reassures Soren.
"At least you're still alive," Mobius chimes in.
"For now, we have a hungry cloud down there," Soren states.
"I have an idea for that," Sylvie declares confidently.
"Care to share?" Soren asks, curious.
"I can enchant it," Sylvie reveals, radiating assurance.
Loki lets out a chuckle at the notion, while Soren crosses her arms and remains silent.
"I trust her," Mobius asserts.
Loki turns to Soren, questioning, "Are you on board with this too?"
"After everything I've experienced, nothing surprises me entirely," Soren remarks.
Sylvie offers a sarcastic smile to Loki, "Fine, but we should strategize our approach to the creature," Loki suggests.
Over in the distance, Kid Loki utilizes his magical device to set up a makeshift shack with a fire pit as shelter. The group gathers there to brainstorm and devise a plan. However, Soren requests that Kid Loki sets up a separate shack for her away from the others. As Mobius, Sylvie, and Loki begin strategizing, Old Loki notices the change in Soren's demeanor and decides to approach the shack where she is resting.
Peeking through the slightly open door, Old Loki sees Soren sitting alone by the fire.
"Why aren't you with the others?" Old Loki asks.
"Because, apparently, I'm too weak to do anything. He's been overly protective since I revealed that I'm dying. Maybe I shouldn't have told him and kept it to myself," Soren expresses.
"I understand. Let me see if I can bring him over, and you two can have another conversation," Old Loki suggests.
He taps Loki on the shoulder, prompting his attention. "You really need to pay more attention to your child," Old Loki remarks. "This is how you lose the trust of your own family. Don't let it start now," he adds with a stern tone.
"What's going on?" Sylvie inquires.
"While all of you are busy making plans, you're neglecting your own in this discussion," Old Loki scolds.
"I didn't overlook her. I just want to keep her safe and..." Loki begins to explain but gets interrupted.
"And neglect her? Instead of excluding her, why not try to include her? She has value, you know," Old Loki asserts.
Loki starts to feel a twinge of guilt for his actions. "I don't want her to do anything reckless," he admits.
"Don't tell me that, tell her. Don't push her aside. She's not a child," Old Loki emphasizes. "Come on now, you're going to her," he leads them to the shack where Soren is staying. Opening the door, he allows them to enter while still giving her space. Soren stands up with her arms crossed.
"What?" Soren questions, her tone guarded.
Loki contemplates his words carefully, aiming to convey his concern without hurting her feelings. "I don't want you to further harm yourself," he says sincerely.
"I already told you, I'm not afraid," Soren retorts.
"I know, but I am. I don't want to lose my only child," Loki confesses, his voice filled with emotion.
Soren looks away and smiles in disbelief. "I'm going to die regardless of what I do. I'd rather go down fighting than be confined to a bed in pain," she asserts.
Mobius and Sylvie exchange concerned glances, while Old Loki nods in support of Soren's determination.
Loki sighs and lowers his arms to his sides. "Soren, there is a way. Once we get you back home, we can find a solution. I don't want this mission to cause you even more suffering," he says, his voice gaining a sense of authority, though his tears are held back.
"There is no cure! It's in every cell of my being. If there's one good thing I can do, then that's what I want to do!" Soren yells in frustration.
Mobius shakes his head and whispers to Sylvie, "This isn't going well," he says, and Sylvie nods in agreement.
"Soren! You need to stop being so self-sacrificing. If someone has to make the ultimate sacrifice, it should be me. I was supposed to die, not you," Loki fires back, his voice filled with anguish.
"Alright, both of you need to relax," Mobius intervenes, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Having more help in fighting this monster will give us a better chance of success. It's a win-win situation," Mobius suggests.
Sylvie understands Loki's perspective and supports his words. "I think it could also be beneficial for Soren to sit this one out. In case something does go wrong, at least you'll still be safe," Sylvie adds.
Soren, now visibly annoyed, tosses her hands up in frustration. "Unbelievable," she mutters.
"Now hold on, she may be wounded, but she is still your greatest asset. It's also very honorable of her to take this stand," Old Loki says. "You know that back home, bravery is highly valued," he adds.
"I understand that she is strong and capable. I know being courageous is deeply ingrained in our nature. But she is my child, and it's my responsibility as a parent to keep her safe," Loki says, his voice filled with concern.
"It is your responsibility, however, I believe she is more capable than you realize. If your powers and Sylvie's powers combine, just imagine what Soren could accomplish. Together, you might even be able to subdue or defeat the monster," Old Loki suggests.
"I don't want my daughter to risk her life out of pride. It's clear that my own pride led to my demise, and I left my loved ones behind. I..." Loki trails off, trying to gather his thoughts. He looks at Soren with a pained expression. "You are far too young to shoulder this burden. If anything, I brought us into this mess, and you got dragged into it. It's my fault, and I am deeply sorry," Loki says, his voice cracking with emotion.
Soren folds her arms, appearing defeated and unable to sway Loki's decision. "Fine, so if something goes wrong, I'm just stuck here too," Soren says, her voice tinged with frustration.
Loki takes a step closer to her, a determined expression on his face. "You won't be," he reassures her firmly. "I won't let anything happen to you. We'll find a way to keep you safe."
As they engage in this exchange, Mobius interjects with a suggestion. "Wait, I think we can compromise," he intervenes. "Soren should join in. After all, she possesses the power stone. Who's to say she can't make an impact? If the enchantment plan goes awry, she can serve as a backup, providing enough distraction to make it happen."
Soren looks at Mobius, considering his words. A glimmer of hope appears in her eyes as she realizes there might be a middle ground.
"And if you reach the actual timekeeper, don't you think you might require additional backup?" Mobius interjects.
"He's got a point. You don't know how much more assistance you might need," Old Loki adds.
Loki reconsiders his decision for a moment before responding, "Fine, but you have to stay well behind. I don't want any unnecessary risks," he says, emphasizing his concern for her safety.
They all gather on the cliff to get an overview of Aloith, with Loki and Sylvie taking the lead as the others trail behind. "Are you sure you want Soren in on this? Don't you see what state she's in?" Sylvie questions.
"I know, but it's her choice, and as long as part of the plan works, she won't have to jump in," Loki answers back.
"So, what's the plan here?" Mobius asks.
"We need to be close enough to enchant it, but we definitely need a distraction when I try to get a hold of one of its trails," Sylvie says.
"I can distract it away from you," Loki offers.
"And what? Wave your arms around like the wacky inflatable arm man? I'd be a better distraction," Soren says, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"No, you're not just going to jump in; you're the last resort if Sylvie misses her chance to enchant it," Loki says firmly.
"Well, you might need this then," Kid Loki hands Loki his sword, "Not like I can find another one around here," he adds.
"You guys aren't going to join in?" Loki asks.
"No, technically this isn't our mission. We've survived this long to not die from a cloud," Old Loki says.
"How about you, Mobius?" Loki asks.
"Going to burn down the TVA," Mobius says.
Loki smiles, "Alright then, I think we all know what we are doing now."
"Good luck down there. I hope you all find what you're looking for," Old Loki says.
"So long, friend," Mobius says, holding out his hand. Instead, Loki hugs Mobius, "So long, friend," Loki says back. Mobius opens up a portal leading back to the TVA and leaves.
Old Loki and Kid Loki nod in farewell and walk away from the rest of the group, leaving Loki, Soren, and Sylvie behind.
"Guess it's finally time," Loki says.
"Are you ready?" Sylvie asks.
"I am," Loki answers.
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Loki, Soren, and Sylvie make their way down to Alioth, braving the storm's fury and the heavy thunder that looms over the field. Loki pulls Soren to the side behind a giant boulder on the field.
"Stay here. If you see that Sylvie misses her chance, then you can join in," Loki instructs, concern etched on his face. "I beg you, please be safe," he adds.
Soren sighs, understanding her father's words. "I will," she assures him.
"Just in case the plan falls apart," Loki pulls his daughter in for a hug, his emotions evident in his eyes. "I am proud of how far you have come. We can do this, I know we can," he says as he pulls away, and Soren nods in response. Soren settles herself at the back of the rock, feeling palpitations in her chest. She takes a moment to calm herself and touches her nose, noticing it's bleeding. Swiftly, she retrieves a medicine injection from a compartment on her leg, plugging it into her chest without hesitation. After disposing of the empty pen, she feels a little weak but pushes herself to watch the unfolding scene.
Meanwhile, Loki moves away to join Sylvie. "I just need a strand of Alioth, but we're going to have to do it together," she states determinedly.
They move in unison, Loki brandishing his sword and rushing in to grab Alioth's attention. Sylvie positions herself in front of the monstrous dragon, trying to grab hold of its strands. However, her power only flickers with green sparks, struggling to enchant the massive creature. Alioth senses the disturbance and turns its attention away from Loki, heading for Sylvie instead. Frozen with fear, Sylvie watches as the ravenous monster races towards her.
From a great distance, a green light illusion pops out conjuring Asgard from the ground. Old Loki summons as much as he can to get Alioth's attention. "Go!" Old Loki projects his voice louder for the rest to hear. "How is he doing that?" Sylvie questions.
"I think we are stronger than we realize," Loki answers back. Sylvie takes his hand, "We are going to enchant it, together," she says.
"I don't know how," Loki answers back.
"You do, 'cause we're the same," Sylvie encourages. She grabs hold of the dark strands with green flickering on her fingertips. On the other hand, Loki struggles to let his power enchant Alioth.
Old Loki struggles to keep up the massive projection of Asgard, Alioth completely surrounds the illusions. Exhausted from the effort, Old Loki collapses, and Alioth repositions itself, targeting Old Loki. However, he stands once more, laughing defiantly at the face of Alioth, "Glorious Purpose!" and bravely allows himself to be consumed by the murderous dragon.
Soren shakes her head, mustering all her strength as she removes herself from the boulder. She witnesses Alioth heading towards Loki and Sylvie, knowing she needs to act. With determination in her eyes, Soren unleashes a powerful beam of energy, striking Alioth. The force of the blast causes her to grab her arm in pain, but she keeps her focus.
As Alioth charges at her, Soren readies herself again, summoning all the power she can. She directs another beam straight at the creature's head, attempting to fend it off. However, Alioth's darkness and storms surround her as it passes by, making it challenging for Soren to maintain her assault. She tries for another strike, but her powers seem to diminish, reducing to mere sparks.
Her arm throbs with increasing pain, causing her to stagger and fall to the ground. Breathing heavily, Soren faces Alioth's menacing stare as it roars, preparing to charge again. Despite her exhaustion, Soren musters her remaining strength for one last desperate attempt. She stuns the creature with a burst of power from the power stone, causing it to back away momentarily.
Loki finally passed the power and enchanted Alioth, putting it in a calm state. it separates itself revealing a citadel.
Loki in panic runs toward Soren, seeing her nose bleeding and her wound drenched in blood, he shakes her gently. "We are not going through this again," Loki says. Holding back tears, he feels for a pulse on her neck. Getting nothing, he puts his ear on her chest to hear for a heartbeat.
"Anything?" Sylvie questions with a worried look, she kneels on the ground.
"It's faint," Loki says, he caresses Soren's cheek and wipes the blood away with his shirt.
"Loki..." Sylvie says softly and touches his arm.
"That citadel, maybe if we get her in there, we can get her home before she..." Loki trails off. He picks up his daughter and heads over to the citadel.
"Let's hope that there is a way," Sylvie says and walks with him.
They enter through the portal, floating rocks everywhere, it's dark on the ground with hues of blue and purple casting through. The timeline circles the citadel, they approach the massive door. Sylvie kicks it in seeing the place in cobwebs and dust, like it wasn't touched in centuries.
"Well, isn't it the two misfits and a dying disappointment," The hooded figure says menacingly from the top of the floor.
Loki's eyes squint in anger holding back his tongue, "Perhaps a bargain," he says.
The figure flashes down in front of them taking Soren, "This weak witch, you weren't supposed to come here yet. But the fact you made it all the way here, is concerning." he says with fear and anger in his tone.
They both took out their swords, "Unhand my daughter," Loki said in a firm tone.
"Well, I guess our next meet won't be so interrupted, I'll send her back, but you need to put those swords away, it's not a way for the guests to act," The man says.
Hesitant, Loki puts the sword back in its sleeve and so does Sylvie. The man lays Soren at the altar surrounded with books, conjures a portal back to her home, and summons her away. The portal shines brightly from his power.
"Hopefully, she'll still have time to live, I would hate not being able to fight her again," The man says.
"What do you mean?" Loki questions.
"I know you're an intelligent man, you'll figure that out soon," the man dodges the question, "Come we can discuss more upstairs, been waiting for you two." he gestures up to his chamber.
Loki and Sylvie exchanged puzzled glances before following the man up the stairs. They found themselves in a study that exuded an air of cosmic significance. Circular windows adorned the walls, and bookshelves towered high, laden with dusty tomes. A telescope aimed at the distant white beacon outside added to the room's ambiance.
Loki's tone grew firm as he questioned, "Where did you send my daughter?"
"She's back home. I know her dimension, and my agents have makers for volunteers. So it wouldn't be a guessing game." the man replied.
Gesturing for them to take a seat at his desk, the man himself settled down. Though hesitant, Loki and Sylvie followed suit, their eyes fixed on the man facing them. With deliberate motions, he unveiled himself, casting off his cloak.
"I've arranged this meeting space for a conversation, but I have to say, your daughter is quite ingenious. She didn't tell you that she infiltrated the TVA and accessed a treasure trove of files. Rather clever, I must admit," the man stated.
"She informed us," Loki replied.
A wry smile danced across the man's lips as he slapped his thigh, "Ah, two versions of the same god, sitting right in front of me, occupying the same temporal and spatial coordinates."
Growing annoyed, Loki's voice took on an edge, "What is it that you want?"
"I'll get straight to it. This timeline is spiraling into chaos, and I've been here for what feels like an eternity. I'm offering you the chance to assume my position within this citadel. Alternatively, if you're set on ending my existence," he pointed at himself, his tone rising, "I won't stand in your way. But be warned, if I cease to be, I can't predict the malevolent versions of me that could emerge," he cautioned before retaking his seat.
"Why relinquish your throne?" Sylvie inquired.
"Simply put, I'm tired, and the power encompassing everything can't remain unattended," he explained.
"Soren believes the best course is to set it free," Loki interjected.
"Ah, I can see her perspective," the man mused.
Sylvie's voice resonated with resolve as she asserted, "You're evading the issue. Countless lives could have thrived without your overbearing control over a single timeline."
Growing agitated, the man rubbed his face and let out a rueful smile before shaking his head and pointing, "This girl... If I weren't overseeing it, chaos would reign even more."
"Liar. You've claimed that your demise would merely spawn more versions of you, whether it's true or not. What about free will? What about the choices we make? Why should everything hinge on a single individual?" Sylvie's words dripped with anger.
"How about all the lives you took? Huh, Sylvie? What about them? Did you have the right to end them? Did I force you to do that? No, I didn't, I'm trying to keep something bigger out of these timelines," The man says.
Sylvie's fury ignited, prompting her to rise swiftly and draw her sword. However, Loki acted swiftly, catching her arm to restrain her. Her wrath turned on Loki.
"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded.
"Wait a moment, let's approach this with caution," Loki implored.
The man interjected, "If it provides any assurance, I'm committed to my words," producing a device from his possession. "From this point forward, even I am uncertain of the unfolding future."
"Bullshit!" Sylvie's voice rang out with a mix of anger and disbelief, all while Loki exerted his effort to keep her at bay.
"You're taking his side? After everything he's subjected us to? After what he's done to Soren?" Sylvie's questioning eyes bore into Loki's.
"It's not that. Trust me, I'm just as furious as you are. But consider the remote possibility that he might have a point," Loki stated.
Sylvie took a step back, a disbelieving smile curling her lips. "This is about the throne," she retorted, her tone edged with sarcasm.
"What? No, I mean to say that the risks could be substantial. What if it results in unending wars or something far greater than we can fathom?" Loki's words were earnest, an attempt to break through to Sylvie's indignation.
"If Soren was here, she would have said the opposite. If the timeline is to be freed from this tranny. Why stop and question it?" Sylvie tries to persuade Loki.
"If Soren was here, she would think about the other consequences. I don't think she has everything planned, I think she has parts of a puzzle piece. Even she wouldn't want to start more wars," Loki says.
"You don't even know her that well, you missed her life because he decided it was best for you to be dead. All of these problems are because of this one man," Sylvie says.
"I know, but even I am thinking what is best for my family, I don't need them to fight a war we caused. So, if we kill him and let out a chance that can lead to more disasters, is that what other people need?" Loki questions.
"Fine," Sylvie takes her sword into Loki's hand and presses it against her neck, "Go ahead then, kill me, take your throne," she says.
"No..." Loki's words trail off.
She kicked him away, striding purposefully toward the man seated at the desk. In response, Loki summoned his magic, using it to pull her back even as he drew his sword. Sylvie, consumed by anger, swung her sword forcefully, clashing against his weapon. Loki skillfully deflected the blow. "Perhaps he's lying, or perhaps he's not. But the risk is too great," Loki attempted to reason with her again.
Ignoring his words, she unleashed a blast of magic, causing Loki to temporarily vanish from view. Seizing the opportunity, Sylvie charged at the man. However, just as she was about to strike, Loki reappeared her sword now at his throat. "Stop!" Loki's voice cracked through the tension, his sword falling to the ground as he panted heavily. "Please, just listen," he pleaded desperately.
They both turned, with Sylvie's back to the desk. Subtly, the man pushed the tempad in Sylvie's direction, she managed to grab the tempad. "What is it?" Sylvie inquired, her voice tinged with skepticism.
"We don't need to escalate the chaos. What if we take his place and repair everything? We could create a new realm right here, one where we can have everything we desire. I don't want the throne, but I also can't bear to see my family suffer more than they already have," Loki proposed.
Taking a long, contemplative breath, Sylvie gradually lowered her sword. She gazed up at Loki, her hand finding his shoulder in a gesture of connection. Unbeknownst to him, she stealthily activated the tempad's portal, pushing him through it before swiftly closing it. Loki found himself abruptly back at the TVA, while Sylvie remained in the enigmatic study.
She turns menacingly to the mysterious man, walking faster with purpose. She grabs the chair facing her and thrusts her sword into the man twisting it. Feeling she had accomplished something, in his last breath he says, "See you soon," and passes on.
She steps back looking at what she did and faces the window, seeing the timeline outside branching off.
Loki's sense of betrayal churned within him as he detected an unsettling shift in the atmosphere. Reacting swiftly, he hastened down to the labyrinthine of the file library within the TVA. There, amidst the records and echoes of time, he spotted Mobius engaged in conversation with B-15. Relief surged through Loki, and he approached Mobius with a sense of urgency. "Mobius, we need to ready this place for conflict, or perhaps even a full-blown war across the timelines. There's a single man with countless variants converging upon us. But first, I have to locate Soren and ensure her safety before this impending storm engulfs us. I need a tempad; the scope of this situation has grown far beyond our initial understanding," Loki cautioned, his tone weighted with concern.
"I'm sorry, Who are you? What sector do you belong to?" Mobius inquired, casting a perplexed gaze upon Loki.
"What? Mobius it's me," Loki says confusedly.
Perplexed and taken aback, Loki's brow furrowed in confusion. He glanced toward the window, once adorned with the false timekeepers, now revealing the singular figure of the future's conqueror. It was a sight that brought forth a sense of defeat, as the realization dawned that even his dear friend no longer recognized him.
With a heavy exhalation, Loki's shoulders slumped under the weight of his thoughts. His mind swirled with concern for his daughter, his family, and the impending catastrophe. His gaze remained fixed on the statue, a visual embodiment of the future he was determined to alter. As the seconds ticked by, he found himself lost in contemplation, grappling with the imminent course of events.