Oh No

Dani had been very closed up since that day. To say she wasn't sleeping well would be an understatement. Her nightmares had started getting better but all progress was lost.

They were usually of her past, causing her to think about things she didn't want to remember: when her dad would scream how worthless she was anytime even the smallest thing went wrong, her brother using her to go out with his friends because his mom wouldn't let him go by himself, her last boyfriend lying to her about their entire relationship because he just needed a place to hide sometimes.

The other night, she dreamed about the night her dad ripped her from her sleep about 3 am, asking where her brother had gone, if she knew anything. She told him she saw her brother laying in bed in his clothes, but that was not unusual for him; however, to her father, this was damning evidence that she could have said something to prevent her brother from running away. Her father never did apologize, not even on his deathbed.

Last night though, she dreamt Loki laughing at her. "You really thought that I, a god, could have feelings for a stupid, silly mortal like you? Especially one who is so completely gullible and hideous? Don't be so naive."

She started seriously thinking about leaving the tower, starting somewhere else. When Tony saved her, she was in no shape to be alone. She had also just lost her job, and the tower had spare room. It worked out because he eventually hired her on. She only agreed to stay one night. She could tell by his eyes that he was arrogant but kind. It was Nat who got her to stay for longer. They were best friends from the start.

She'd have to talk to Nat, get her opinion on it. Even being in the same building as Loki was hard right now.

**********

Loki arrived at Banner's lab to find Doctor Strange with him. "Took you long enough."

"Unlike you, I have responsibilities. If you want my help, then cut the snark."

Banner remained on the sidelines briefly.

Rolling his eyes, Loki complied. "I don't know what happened. My magic has been gone for more than a week."

"And what exactly happened right before you lost your magic?"

Rather than let Loki stick his foot in his mouth, Banner stepped in. "Apparently the scepter we attempted to retrieve was a fake set on top of a weight triggered explosive trap. Loki managed to transport himself in there and get Tony out just before it set off."

"There's one for Stark. Too excited over that scepter to do a full sweep of the room." Strange turned from Banner back to Loki. "I have an idea, but I'll need to see where this occurred to be sure."

He then opened a portal to just outside the room where the incident happened, Loki following him. Banner stayed behind. Using a spell or two, Strange was able to detect a magical trap. "I suspect this particular trap was meant for you. "

"What do you mean? It's not hard to tell that the scepter is fake."

"Where in the room was the fake scepter?"

Loki started to walk into the room to show him, but Strange held him back.

"Just tell me. No need to show me. "

Loki gestured to the far side of the room.

"Why are we not going in there?" Loki was getting easily frustrated.

"The spell trap is weaker but still active. I presume you would have to be within a few feet to ensure it was really fake, am I correct?"

"Well, yes. Sometimes magical items can present as false if you don't…."

"Are there any other symptoms you've not shared?" Strange didn't care to hear Loki’s extended explanation.

"No."

Stephen raised an eyebrow at Loki. "Are you sure about that?"

Huffing, he finally admitted his reduced strength which he had managed to hide from everyone until this point as well as being unconscious for an hour or so afterwards which was abnormal for him.

"It seems it was planted here for you. It's not lethal, but it does seem that it would eventually go away on its own. How long, I don't know. I can tell you that this magic has an asgardian touch to it. I can't break the spell completely, but I can reduce the time and maybe, just maybe, get you at least some of your magic back "

"Any idea how long it will take for the rest of the spell to wear off after?" He was not especially happy with the current events, but at least he was finally getting answers.

"I can't say for sure, but considering the current rate the spell is decaying on its own, it would be a few weeks before your magic started returning, maybe three months total, before you'd be back at full strength."

Strange has already started on the counter spell but was no longer interrupted by Loki. He was relieved that it was not permanent, and anything shorter than three months would be much better.

Once Stephen finished, Loki could already tell a difference. It wasn't a big change, but it was still there. "Thank you, Strange. I do appreciate your help. "

"I'll still be keeping an eye on you, but you've proven so far that we can trust you. Don't do anything to make me regret this."

Strange then portaled Loki back to the compound before he went on his way to the Sanctum.

As per Stephen's style, Loki fell onto the floor from about 6 feet up in the air, likely as a reminder that Strange could do far worse should Loki prove untrustworthy. Collecting himself, he went back to his quarters.