Take the Fall

Thor had found her place at the TVA. She was officially employed and given a cubicle to call her own. She worked alongside Casey and Mobius, though the latter seemed to be avoiding her recently, and reported to Ravonna whenever she discovered new information on the variant. This happened less than they all would have liked though. Work was slow, and Thor, unused to spending the better part of their day in a cubicle, often found herself taking out her frustrations and built-up anger on a punching bag. The TVA's gym, which was open to all employees, was going through punching bags at an alarming rate.
Mobius, however, was not avoiding her. He just had a bigger problem, this problems name was Loki. After somewhat convincing him to help them track down this variant, Mobuis deemed him ready for his first mission.
They stepped through the temporal door and found themselves in a medieval setting. Humans walked around in period garb play-acting and selling replica swords. Mobius lead Loki and his team towards an elaborate carnival tent. Inside hunters lay sprawled about, dead. Weapons lay discarded and Hunter C-20 was gone.
Mobius trailed Loki closely. He watched the variant exam the scene before him and inspect the bodies. He was impatient for this Loki to find something. If they failed in the field like Thor... Well Mobius' credibility was on the line. After a few minutes, the soldiers began to grow fidgety. Messing with their weapons eager to get the clean up done.
B-15 sighed and signalled for the clean up to begin they weren't going t find anything. Suddenly Loki spoke, "Wait..." He surveyed the tent "If you leave this tent, you'll end up like them."
Mobius froze in his tracks along with the rest of the minutemen "What do you see?" He asked watching Loki carefully.
"I see a scheme," He said "And in that scheme, I see myself. We have a saying in Asgard, "Where there are wolf's ears, wolf's teeth are near." Mobius frowned missing the point "It means to be aware of your surroundings. Which is absurd, because my people are, by nature, gullible fools. A trait that I, the God of Mischief, exploited time and time again simply by listening. My teeth were sharp, but my ears even sharper."
B-15 pushed forward "We're running out of time, Mobius." The branch was inching closer and closer to the red line.
Mobius waved it away "Just give him a chance." He said and B-15 scowled.
Loki wasn't done talking "You remind me of them. The Time Variance Authority and the gods of Asgard, one and the same." He remarked "Drunk with power, blinded to the truth. Those you underestimate will devour you." He held his hands to his chest "You underestimate me, just as you underestimate this lesser. This is why you walk into one wolf's mouth after another."
"Two units. He is wasting our time."
Mobius didn't take his eyes off Loki "Okay. Come on, Loki, make a long story short." If he didn't wrap up soon they're all be in trouble.
"We need to look for C-20," B-15 said unhelpfully.
Loki shook his head "That's exactly what the Variant wants you to do." B-15 didn't quite follow "It's a trap. He's waiting for you outside this tent."
The Hunter's still didn't quite believe him "Should I secure the reset charges?"
"No. He wants me." Loki explained, eager for them to listen "I'm the key to his plan. He knows that I'm stronger."
"Almost one unit." They interrupted.
"And he rightly believes that together we can overthrow and rule the TVA. But that's not what I want." Loki said, quick reassert his standing "I have a new purpose. I'm a servant of the Sacred Timeline. And knowing what I now know about his tactics, I can deliver you the Variant, but I need assurances." He said moving closer to Mobius.
Mobius held in a sigh, there was always a catch "Yeah?"
Loki continued meaningly "Assurances that I won't be completely disintegrated the moment the job has been done."
"Right..."
Fear flickered over Loki's eyes startling Mobius a little "We'll need to speak to the Time-Keepers at once. They're in graver danger than we realized." Loki stood perfectly still waiting for his words to land.
Mobius considered the God in front of him. There was no way this was all true, then again he would know the variant the best... "He's lying." Mobius concluded "Just playing games. There's no one out there. Reset the timeline." He turned away from the hunters and back to Loki "You had me for a second. My ears are sharp too." Loki tensed caught in a lie. Mobius patted him on the back and they left.

Mobius lounged once again in Ravonna's office. The office was a refreshing change from the same stuffy cubicle time and time again. "Is it just me," He commented "Or does this office keep getting better and better?" He looked around the oddly decorated room, he spied one of the displayed treasures "Where'd you get that one, the snow globe? I love those." He smiled slightly to himself and turned back around to Ravonna "I don't remember bringing back that case.
Ravonna smiled and shrugged lightly "You're not the only analyst working for me."
"But, would you say, maybe, I'm your favourite one?" When Ravonna didn't say anything he turned to look at the items around the room "And why do you get to keep all the trophies from my cases in here? You don't think I'd love having that roller skate there sprucing up my cubicle?"
"Because I approve the missions," Ravonna said matter of factly and picked up a glass decanter and poured two glasses. "Speaking of which, let's talk about the one you just botched." He handed Moius a glass "You might need this for our discussion."
"I hope it's a double," Mobius mumbled into his cup. He had been dreading this conversation. Again he found himself having to argue to keep his newfound variant.
"This Variant is... " Ravonna read from the file "Insubordinate, stubborn, unpredictable."
Mobius didn't quite meet her eyes "Sounds like someone else I know."
Ravonna sighed "I was just thinking it sounds like someone I know." She watched her analyst put his cup down "Mobius?"
He looked confused then glanced at the table "What? Those rings were already there."
"And they're all from you," Ravonna said exasperated.
Mobius picked up a coaster "Maybe it's from your other favourite analyst." He remarked, tongue in cheek. Once the cup was taken care of he met Ravonnas eyes, emploring "Listen, Ravonna, I'm sorry. I realize that my, you know, methods with varients are controversial, but..." He waved his hands trying to gather his words "Yeah, it didn't go exactly the way I wanted it to today, but here's what we did find out. The Variant likes to stall for time, and, eventually, we'll catch the other one doing the same thing. Because understanding this Loki helps me get closer to the one we're chasing. Right?" Mobius knew this information was poor, it was like he was defending Thor all over again. Except this Thor was a pain in the arse.
Ravonna shook her head "Look, I know you have a soft spot for broken things."
Mobius scoffed "I don't think so."
"Yes, you do." She said firmly "But Loki is an evil, lying scourge. That is the part he plays on the Sacred Timeline." Despite her naysaying Ravonna wanted this to work. Truly it would be a relief to not have to chase this variant time and time again. But Mobius was right, his methods were unconventional.
Mobius wasn't done arguing his point "Maybe he wants to mix it up. Sometimes you get tired of playing the same part." He looked to Ravonna, questioning "Is that possible? He can change?"
"Not unless the Time-Keepers decree it." Ravonna explained with a hint of sympathy "And then, it shall be so." There was no way around it.
The was the facts. As harsh and unyielding as they might be it was the case. Nothing happened by chance, if it was to be so the Time Keepers would decree it. The future isn't in your hands, was determined long before you were born.
Mobius took another drink "And how are the old Time-Keepers?"
"How do you think?" Ravonna chuckled and regarded the stone statues.
"I don't know." Mobius exclaimed "'Cause I've never met 'em. Thankfully." He didn't mean any disrespect that could get him erased from the timeline but they were an ominous bunch "Although, I shouldn't say that. That one looks..." His light-hearted remark was cut short.
"The Time-Keepers are monitoring every aspect of this case. I've never seen them so involved." Nerves flitted through Ravonnas voice "They want that Variant caught. So do I." She affirmed, "And this is the last chance you're gonna get with this Loki." She felt Deja Vu was over her. They'd been here before.
"Great," Mobius said clapping his hands together "That's all I'm gonna need." Mobius sighed as he stood wandering to the door "Thank you, R Slayer." An object caught his eye "I don't remember this." He said gesturing to the shelves "This must be from that analyst you keep on the side."
"Stay focused." Ravonna chuckled "Eyes on the road." She hesitated for a moment "Mobius?"
Mobius sighed "I was almost gone." He said turning from the door.
Ravonna thought of the risks they were taking with these variants. She hadn't been sure about Thor, but ultimately they'd brought results. Even if they were few and far between. But this Loki? A God of Lies? "You really believe in this Variant?" That was all she decided to say.
"Mmm..." Mobius said shrugging slightly "Luckily, he believes in himself enough for the both of us. And, hey, if it doesn't work, I'll delete him myself." Mobius frowned and opened the door, before he left he remarked "He's really arrogant."
Mobius made it a few steps out the door before he was cornered by an energetic Loki. He remembered Thor's presence buzzing around like a fly and shook his head at the similarity.
"You're probably wondering what happened out on the mission." Loki said, trying to sound indifferent "That was your first lesson in catching a Loki." He rushed forward so Mobius would listen "Expect the expected. Half the fun of being a trickster is knowing everyone knows you're a trickster, and then, many of your tricks can come from exploiting the fact that you know that they know..." Mobius halted Loki's rantings.
Mobius threw his hands up and gestured for silence "Okay. Just shut up! Please." He groaned and met Loki's gaze "What happened to the guy I met on the elevator? Who didn't like to talk? Remember him?" Mobius grumbled, "Now I'm stuck with this guy who won't stop yacking away about what makes a Loki tick!"
Loki wasn't going to take these insults lying down "What? Isn't that precisely why I'm here?" He didn't understand why this agent was complaining. Sure he'd tried to manipulate him but Loki had moved on.
"No. I don't care what makes you tick." Mobius said honestly "You're here to help me catch the superior version of yourself. That's it!" Mobius pressed the button that called for the elevator and tried to massage his headache.
Loki frowned "Hang on." He said, a little offended "I'm not sure "superior" is actually quite the right word."
Mobius wanted to laugh See? There it is. Right there." Mobius couldn't believe that of all the Loki's he could find, he got the most self-obsessed "I believed, stupidly, that insecure need for validation would motivate you to find the killer." He admitted, "Not 'cause you care about the TVA mission or bein' a hero, but because you know this Variant is better than you and you can't take it."
It was Loki's turn to laugh "Very nice. I mean, it is adorable that you think you could possibly manipulate me." He gestured to himself and all his superiority "I'm ten steps ahead of you. I've been playing a game of my own all along." What Loki wanted to see was Mobius's moment of realisation, when he understood that Loki was in fact incredibly smart. Instead, he was scoffed at.
"What, charm your way in front of the Time-Keepers, hustle them, and seize control of the TVA?" Mobius said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. When Loki didn't immediately respond he continued "Am I getting warm? A double-cross by history's most reliable liar." Mobius was pleased with Loki's hesitation. Maybe he could get this variant to see that Mobius understood him in all his complexity. He didn't, for once, need to lie or cheat his way out.
"Okay." Loki said softly "Why are you in there sticking your neck out for me?" Loki looked up at Mobius with his searching Green eyes.
Mobius faced him "I'll give you two options, and you can believe whichever one you want. A, because I see a scared little boy, shivering in the cold. And you kinda feel bad for that ice runt. Or B, I just wanna catch this guy, and I'll tell you whatever I need to tell you." He felt bad for stating it so simply and reducing the god in front of him to a simple statement. But in a way it was true.
Loki turned to the elevator, shielding himself from Mobius "I don't need your sympathy."
Mobius rolled his eyes at the dramatics "Good, 'cause I'm runnin' out of it."
They stood in silence for the entire elevator ride. Loki shifted his weight from foot to foot. His eyes flittered around the small room as if looking for an exit. Mobius concluded they probably were. He tried not to concern himself with the unstable god next to him and instead focused on the task at hand. he was taking a risk with one variant, but two? Let's just hope he had the capacity and patience to handle them both.
The doors opened and Mobius continued down the hall. Loki close behind "Where are we going?" He asked.
"To put two puzzle pieces together."

Thor's days were never very productive, but even she had to admit that this might have been the least productive day ever. Every day someone had to go around offering tea and biscuits to the workers. That role was usually divided fairly between the workers themselves. Thor had only once held this role but her name was withdrawn after she polluted everyone's drinks with at least five spoons of sugar. Today it was Casey's turn and as he had gotten to Thor's desk he had tripped over the trolly and sent the hot coffee, tea and milk splattering all over herself and the desk.
Thor helped Casey clean up the spilled beverages and was now printing all of her files and documents again out of the painfully slow printer. It was times like these she desperately missed her time on Asgard.
Thor was collecting fallen filed from the floor when a pair of lace-up shoes wandered into her field of vision "Mobius!" She said looking up "Where have you been? I thought you might be avoiding me." Even though she only joked, she half meant it.
Mobius knelt down and helped her sweep up the fallen files "Why would I do that?" He said.
Thor thanked him and said with a wink "I'm incredibly charming," Mobius looked at her coffee-stained outfit and frowned.
"I've been busy trying to track down our variant -" Mobius explained "Speaking of which have you got anything?"
Thor felt a flush creeping up her neck "This morning has not yielded much fruit I am afraid." She scratched at her shirt collar, suddenly itchy "Casey overturned the coffee cart on me and - well all over my desk." She gestured to the destroyed documents.
Mobius grimaced. He observed Thor's rolled-up sleeves and the red marks and bruises on her forearms "Ouch, do you need to get that looked at?"
Thor looked down at her arms as if she hadn't before noticed "No, I'm made of sterner stuff, on that you may rely on."
Suddenly Mobius remembered that he hadn't come here alone. He turned around and saw Loki off in the corner of the cubicles talking to Casey in a hushed tone. He was clearly trying to bargain for something. Mobius rolled his eyes thinking of the time stones and called out "Hey, I didn't bring you down here to pester Casey - get over here" Loki's head snapped up and he scowled.
Soon Loki was stood beside him looking confused. Mobius opened his mouth to make introductions between the two varients but Thor had already seen Loki. She gasped slightly and wrapped her arms around Loki right "Brother!" She exclaimed and hugged him tighter.
"Wait--" Mobius tried to stop Thor but decided against it.
Loki froze. He made to call out but his senses were instantly overwhelmed by the smell of coffee. He wanted to call for his daggers or summon his magic in any way that could help fend off this leech. He tried to wriggle free but the strength of the person gripping him stronger than any human.
"Who is this?" Loki snarled but his 'attacker' didn't let go. He didn't recognise them straight away, why would he? But the braided blonde hair, the strong stance and the imidate reaction to hug anything that moved were unmistakable "Thor?" he choked out and a wealth of emotion washed over him. He remembered the last time he'd seen his brother and the carnage he'd left behind. He pushed the building memories down and sighed "Great are you hiding any more family members down here?" Though 'family' wasn't quite right was it.
"I'm so sorry Loki." The Thor muttered into Loki's jacket collar. Loki looked over at Mobius, unsure how to continue.
Finally, the analyst stepped in "Thor, if you'll let him go." He put a hand on her shoulder and guided her away "This is Loki Laufeyson, another variant."
Now Thor was stood back they both had an opportunity to look the other up and down. For Loki, there were obvious differences but for Thor, they were far more subtle. This variant was almost the spitting image "So not quite my brother." She concluded.
"No," Mobius affirmed.
THor shook her head still not quite believing her eyes "But you look just like him..." She looked him up and down again and noticed the lines that carved his features "Though maybe a little older."
Loki sneered at the 'Thor'. He was here to track down another variant. Not for a trip down memory lane "Why are we here?" He demanded.
"Because, Loki, before we found you, we found her," Mobius said and Thor smiled sincerely.
Loki still couldn't quite look this new Thor in the eyes "What a Thor that meddles with timelines?" He couldn't imagine the Thor he knew doing anything like that.
Thor answered, "I fell through the cracks when the Bifrost was destroyed." She said and her eyes flickered with the memory.
Loki snapped to attention "What?"
Mobius stepped between them "Yeah, your words are similar but also..." He looked at Thor "Different. Thankfully they are similar enough that Thor can call you out on your bullshit before I do." He smiled broadly at Loki and Thor chuckled.
"Do you not remember when I said that they are 'by nature gullible fools'?"
Thor scowled "That is not true..." She lifted her head and looked between them "is it?"
Loki openly laughed and Mobius massaged his temples for what felt like the millionth time today "Well let's hope not. Come on, we've got work to do." He gestured for the Gods to follow.
"Work?" Loki questioned.

Mobius lead Thor and Loki to the Library. He didn't know how he felt about mixing the two variants. Who knows what they'd do! All the same, he had come to trust Thor and had to believe that she would stop Loki before he killed anyone. Still, that didn't stop the anxiety from lingering in his heart.
Thor walked up to the Libraries front desk confidently. She dinged the bell without hesitation and they watched as the bespeckled woman lifted her head. She looked at the trio one by one before landing back on Thor "Where are my files?" she asked without formality.
Thor smiled easily "I will return them soon I promise." She tried not to think about the files in question, which were now a sodden mess of paper back on her desk.
The woman eyed her suspiciously before looking back at her computer "See that you do."
Mobius patted the two variants on the back and they turned in unison "Well, Thor I'll leave you with Loki here and find myself a snack - don't come to find me until you have read all the files pertaining to the Variant Loki." He gave them both a stern look only leaving until they'd both promised to read them all in their entirety.
Thor ushered Loki to a far shelf. With both hands, she scooped a large pile of files off the shelves "Hold these." She said and dumped them in Loki's arms. She grabbed another stack for herself and together they found a desk.
Thor promptly opened a file and kept her head down. Loki picked a random file off the stack and flicked it open. He looked up at the god opiset. He supposed she did look a little like Thor, though it was not immediately obvious. He was bubbling with questions "How you did get here?" he decided to start with.
Thor didn't look up "I fell." She answered.
"Yes but how?" Loki pressed "In my timeline I... I was the one to take the fall." He said gently and this got her attention.
She closed the file "Ah, you see when I destroyed the Bifrost and we..." She caught herself before continuing "My brother and I fell I tried to pull us to safety but slipped." Her eyes glazed slightly as she remembered. Loki wondered how long ago that had been for her. Time moved differently in the TVA.
Something didn't quite feel right with her story, quickly it came to him "Where was Odin?"
"Odin?" Thor questioned, then shook her head "I believe he's still asleep." The faraway look lifted from her eyes and she cleared her throat. She picked up a few files from the stack and handed them to Loki "Here, these are all the files you need to catch up to speed." She picked up her own file "I'll be here." She said and went back to work.
Loki read file, after file each detailing a different attack. They all ended the same way. Minutemen were sent to clean up and they were attacked, minutemen responded to a possible timeline branch and were attacked and last but not least minutemen responded to a call and all died.
Loki put down the last report and stretched like a cat. Back in Asgard, it was not unusual to find Loki working away on an ancient text but this repetitive jargon was killing him. He looked to Thor who was still working away at a file in front of her "What are you doing?" He asked.
Thor cast her gaze up "Filling out this form." She said, then frowned "What?"
Loki shrugged slightly, a small smile tugging on his lips "The Thor I knew would never be caught dead in a library." He paused for a moment "I'm surprised you even know how to read."
Thor scoffed "I can read!" She declared with no small amount of volume.
"Sh!" An angry voice called from behind them.
Thor and Loki made eye contact but taken by surprise at the angered tone. Together they turned and responded in kind "Sshh!"