ASGARD

Nebula stared morosely into the river thinking about the last few days that had thrown a wrench into all her plans. A better part of her life was spent to impress Thanos ever since she was taken from her homeworld. She along with her sister Gamora who also had a similar story were raised and trained by Thanos to be Galaxy-class assassins. At one point she had envisioned that she had a family in the Sanctuary with Gamora as her sister and Thanos as her father. But that slowly changed as Thanos began to favour Gamora and frequently pitted her against her sister as a method to ridicule her. Every time Nebula lost, Thanos would upgrade her to try and make her Gamora's equal. Nebula grew to resent Gamora for never letting her win causing Thanos to torture her.

Her idea of a new family shattered like a mirror and she was left in the dark to suffer alone both mentally and physically. The only thing that had kept her going was the immeasurable hatred that festered in her heart against Thanos. After suffering all the atrocities that she could endure it was the promise of sweet revenge against Thanos that kept her sane and provided a reason for her to live. Now, even that was lost and she didn't know what to do next. What really infuriated her was how Gamora had a group of friends that she could call family. It really infuriated her to see that Gamora had everything that Nebula had ever dreamed of, a family, friends, home!

What did she ever do to deserve this cold loneliness? Even now when she was on a new planet that was so beautiful and majestic she couldn't really enjoy the beauty of it. She couldn't even feel the rich air that surrounded her or the smell of the forest that she was standing on. It felt as if she was dead to the world.

She quickly turned around as she heard a disturbance behind her and she found a small squirrel which had yellow colour with black stripes. Disregarding the strange colour the creature seemed otherwise normal and she picked it up from the ground. She was prepared for the creature to struggle and make a run for it but was pleasantly surprised to see the squirrel stay docile. She tickled the little squirrel on the underbelly and it let out a cute purr and began to thrash around in her palm enjoying the attention. She had never found an animal that was so comfortable with her presence in all her travels across the universe but yet here is one that was actually enjoying her company.

"It is not every day the Walkers befriend someone especially when said person is not from Asgard." A voice commented from her back and she jumped in surprise as she never sensed someone sneaks behind her. The squirrel squirmed in her palm and jumped over to her shoulder

"You! What do you want?" Nebula scowled as she looked at the man that stole her revenge. She later came to understand that the guy was a prince of Asgard

"What do I want? I want a lot of things and I don't think you would very much care." Loki smile benignly

"You are right, I don't!" Nebula snarled

"I thought so. The better and more relevant question is what do you want?" Loki asked

"Some peace and quiet would be very helpful right now." Nebula sarcastically replied as she adjusted the squirming squirrel on her shoulder

"Look I know you had it rough with that genocidal maniac as a father figure and I am sorry if I stole your chance for revenge but you have a chance to turn your life around. I can help you with that and you can start over." Loki offered to which Nebula scoffed

"You are a delusional moron who doesn't know anything about me. What makes you think that I want to start over and turn a new page in life?"

"You are right. I don't know everything about but I do know somethings. I know for a fact that you consider Gamora your sister. I know all about what happened between you two and she is partially responsible for the loss of your original body. I know for a fact that hot of you have been planning to stop Thanos and his mad plan to use the Infinity Stones. Do I need to go on?" Loki said which enraged Nebula who huffed and walked past him keeping close to the river banks. Loki quickly followed after her not intend on letting her get away that easily.

"Just leave me alone and stop bothering me. Just let me have access to one of your ships and I will out of this planet." Nebula screamed in frustration

"I will grant you a ship but first hear me out. I know what you are going through and I can help you." Loki said which made Nebula roll her eyes

"Really! You think you know what I am going through or how I feel?" she asked with a scoff

"I do actually because I was once in the same position. I am not exactly an Asgardian first as I was born a Frost Giant. King Odin and Queen Frigga took me in and raised me as their own son. I grew up believing that I am an Asgardian but one day my true nature was known to me. Do you know what I did?" Loki looked at Nebula who was somewhat interested in the tale inquiringly

"I assume you can fill me in one the secret." She snarked

"I changed myself using this." Loki activated the Reality stone and Nebula stepped back reflexively as her senses were assaulted by the energy of the Infinity stone

"This is the reality stone and I used it to change my very being. You can do the same if you wish for it and there will be a place for you here if you so choose." Loki offered and Nebula became silent while occasionally stealing glances at the Reality stone. Seeing the indecisive look on Nebula's face Loki decided to change the subject

"We Asgardians call the Squirrel on your shoulder as the Walker. Do you know why? Whenever these squirrels walk into our life we make a major decision that defies what the Norns have in store for us. They are only docile in the presence of those who are capable of defying the fates and I think you are capable but the choice is entirely yours. Do you want to carry on living as the daughter of Thanos or do you want to live the rest of your life as just Nebula? I will be waiting for your answer whenever you are ready." With that said Loki walked away from the forest leaving Nebula and the squirrel alone.

Nebula continued to prowl around the river banks with her new friend she picked up from the forest. The fact that she counted a squirrel as a friend was a sign of good omen and she decided for the better or worse she was going to make a decision before the sun goes out. Gamora had her own set of family and friends and Nebula decided it was time that she found one herself.

XXXXX

Natasha stayed still as the Asgardian healer did whatever it is she was doing. The only reason that she agreed to do this check-up was Queen Frigga insisted on it and to stop Loki from nagging her again. Right now she was lying prone on something called a Soul Forge and the Asgardian healers were inspecting her physical condition as well as the baby growing in her womb.

"From what I understand Miss Natasha's body is very different than Miss Jane's. It is as if there is something inside her that is strengthening her muscles and internal energy expanding it to ten times bigger than a normal human being." The healer said to Queen Frigga who was watching the proceedings with a keen interest

"Please explain further Antra." Frigga requested and the healer whose name was Antra adjusted a few mechanisms of the forge and an image of Natasha's body was projected

"See those purple lines that concentrate on different parts of her body. That's where this external energy is enhancing miss Natasha to superhuman levels. Unlike the Aether, this energy seems to enhance miss Natasha rather than harm her. Whatever it is it is really fascinating." Antra said even as she and her acolytes fussed around the findings

"What about the child Antra? Will there be any problems?" Frigga inquired

"There is nothing to worry about. Asgardian genome seems to be dominant and with miss Natasha's physical enhancement there will be no complications. Still, I would like to know exactly how she became physically enhanced to this level." Antra said looking at the Queen

Natasha who was listening in to the conversation decided to interject here.

"Loki gave me a herb after we departed Asgard and that's how I am enhanced."

"A herb you say! Do you know how he came into possession of this herb?" Frigga asked curiously

"Loki grows them in his island on Earth. I don't know whether he does something to them to make them have the power to enhance a human but I suspect it has something to do with the Vibranium." Natasha said which made more questions in Frigga's mind

"Vibranium?"

"Yes. It is the strongest metal on earth and Loki's island has it in abundance. I don't know whether he mines from there but almost everything on that island is made of Vibranium. Even this suit is made of Vibranium." Natasha pointed at her own suit.

Frigga was about to take a closer look at the metal and that was when Loki stepped into the room moving towards Natasha's side.

"How's she doing?" Loki asked the healer

"There are no complications and she is perfectly healthy, Prince Loki. I do of course recommend that she stay in Asgard until she delivers the child." Antra recommend and before anyone else could object she further explained, "Exposing a pregnant woman to multiple atmospheric compositions and enforce is not good for health especially considering she is a human." Antra cast a disapproving look at Frigga but otherwise remained silent

"I will have to return to earth as soon as possible. There are some things that I have to see through personally." Natasha said as she sat up and jumped down from the Soul Forge

"We will need a month's time to sort some things on Earth." Loki said to Frigga before she could object

"Will that be possible?" Frigga asked the healer

"She can stay on Midgard for 24 days but she must return after that and she must not go to any other planet." Antra conceded reluctantly to which both Loki and Natasha agreed.

Frigga who was strangely silent immediately stopped Loki and Natasha from leaving the room.

"Loki, where do you get this herb that changed the physical constitution of Natasha?" Frigga asked curiously and Loki stopped dead on his tracks

"It's an indigenous plant that grows in Wakanda but I do have a few in my island home. Why are you asking mother?" Loki asked curiously now turning his full attention to his mother but mindfully stepped back as the healers moved out of the room leaving the three alone

"I was hoping that the herb would be useful in helping your father. I can feel the energy radiating off from Natasha's body and I believe it will improve your father's condition if the herb is used." Frigga said and she saw Loki's eyes widen fractionally

"I hadn't thought about that!" Loki shook his head disappointed in himself as that idea never even crossed his mind with everything that was going on

"Of course I will bring as many as I can from Midgard mother. I have stored several herbs in advance just in case and the small farm that I have right now only has few but that will suffice. If we need more I can try to grow the herb here in Asgard." Loki immediately began to make plans to increase the availability of the herb. He had certain plans, ambitious plans, about his future and it was on a large scale but the looming war had made him postpone those plans. But perhaps he could pursue those plans, only this time it will have to be on a small scale that would suit the immediate needs. Keeping Odin alive was a priority right now especially with the war coming. There was no way Asgard could afford to fight Hela when a war was being fought with two other realms.

The next day Loki and Natasha were ready to depart Asgard. The Asgardian court has been informed of Natasha's pregnancy and there was a lot of grumbling about a human marrying into the royal family even if Loki was adopted. Thankfully with the war in the corner, everyone was not that much interested in Loki's relationship with a human. It also helped that he was adopted and Thor's relationship with Jane Foster had broken up. As far as Asgard was concerned they were happy to leave Loki alone so long as he was not sitting on the throne of Asgard which suited Loki as well. Frankly, Loki and Natasha were happy to leave their relationship where it was but it was on Odin's insistence that they decided to marry each other. There was even a small engagement party last night that officially declared the date of the marriage ceremony. Asgardians loved partying and it had the added benefit of loosening up Bruce and Nebula. So it came as no surprise to Loki when they departed via the Bifrost there were four passengers.

"I am glad you decided to come with us Nebula and if you are ready I can start the process right away when we reach the island." Loki said as Nat, Bruce, Nebula and himself stood before the Bifrost. Heimdall

"I know you are not doing this out of the goodness in your heart. What is it going to cost me?" Nebula asked in a no-nonsense tone

"I would like to borrow your piloting skills and train the Asgardian army for the coming war. If you really want it you can even command a squadron of your own. I will require your services for the duration of the war and of course, you will be paid in whichever currency you prefer. Do we have a deal?" Loki proposed

"You pay me in credits and you don't bother me with how I run my squadron other than deciding the mission objectives." Nebula countered

"Deal." Loki and Nebula shook hands sealing the deal

"Don't take this the wrong way but can't we take the ship to Earth?" Bruce asked as he shuffled around nervously worried about whether the space travel through Bifrost would trigger a transformation

"I thought you would be excited to learn and feel the light-speed travel, Bruce." Natasha teased him lightly

"Oh, I am excited alright but I would rather not turn green." Bruce said worriedly

"Don't worry Bruce. Even if you transform I can help you regain your bearings quickly. Now, let's not waste any more time." Saying that Loki nodded to Heimdall. The gatekeeper of Asgard pushed his sword into a lock and activated the Bifrost. The four of them were consumed by rainbow-coloured lights and they disappeared from Asgard altogether.

After travelling through the vast space filled with stars and colourful space dust they arrived on Earth. The green lawn before Loki's home singed from residual Bifrost energy and Loki saw Bruce wobble on his knees. Loki quickly steadied Bruce before he could fall over.

"Are you going to be alright?" Loki asked

"Yeah, just give me some time." Bruce took a few deep breaths to calm his racing heart

"Don't be so dramatic Bruce. I know you enjoyed it." Loki patted the man on his back and welcomed them into his home

A few minutes later they were huddled around a projected feed of an international news media that was covering the newly founded Sokovia accords. Apparently, it was an initiative by UN spearheaded by African nations especially Wakanda who lost many relief workers in the terrorist attack in Nigeria. On the surface, this initiative may be seen as a reaction to the loss of lives incurred from repeated battles of the Avengers but in truth, they knew that it was politically motivated move. The world governments were losing their power and control over the masses and they are striking early to secure all enhanced individuals. If looked closely one could see the negative PR campaign being launched in the media are all from right-wing groups and government-supported media outlets.

"Oh, God no! This motherfucker became the Secretary of Defense! How the hell did that happen?" Bruce said exasperated at the fact that Thaddeus Ross just became the Secretary of Defense despite all the things that the old General was up to in the army. No sane person would put such a man at the helm of any democratic government and the fact the US gov did show just how looney they were

"Don't you worry Bruce. You can stay here permanently if you want to and this island is untraceable to anyone." Loki consoled the man who was quite distraught with what was happening

"We have to contact the team and discuss this Sokovia Accords." Natasha said not too much surprised at the turn of events that was happening

"Guys if you don't mind I would like to stay here. With that guy in the government, I don't think it is a good idea for me to meet the avengers." Bruce said as he rubbed his forehead tiredly

"I think that is a splendid idea as well. Perhaps you can help with preparing the rebirth chamber for Nebula. All the specs of the chamber are available to you as of now." Loki said as he quickly programmed the security codes to give access to the lab to Bruce and Nebula

"I don't know what you are talking about." Bruce stood up totally bewildered by the turn of events

"Don't worry Bruce. Kira will guide you through everything. I just want you to look over the process and security protocols. By that time we will be finishing our talk with the team and you can be free. So, bye-bye…"

Loki created a portal right away and stepped into it followed by Natasha leaving Bruce and Nebula alone. Bruce lightly turned to Nebula with a silly smile and waved his hand "Hi."

Nebula rolled her eyes and walked away from Bruce. He could hear silent grumbling from the cyborg woman which suspiciously sounded along the lines of 'moron, hack, etc' but he quickly followed her to the lab.

AVENGER'S HQ

Steve was watching the fallout from their latest mission in Nigeria on the TV. If he had dealt Rumlow with a death blow from the start Wanda wouldn't have to use her powers against the guy and a lot of lives would not be lost. Now, the politicians were getting involved and by the looks of it, the UN was pushing for an oversight committee and regulating the Avengers and all enhanced people. A concrete form of the accords have yet to be finalized but from the little snippets that have made it to the media tracking bracelets along with registration was involved. Some of the provisions suggested for the final form of the accords didn't sit well with him. It gave him the distant feeling he got when he learned about what the Nazis did to the Jews in Germany. The Nazis also started first with identification of Jews and then their basic rights were removed. That was the start and then from there onwards, all racial policies went out of control.

The same thing was happening now and he had the feeling that if one group is discriminated it is going to spread like cancer and oppression of other groups will also start sooner rather than later. But the most horrible thing was he felt the same helplessness when he first heard about what happened in Germany all those years ago. Even with all his powers, he realised that he couldn't do anything when people themselves were inherently fascists and racist pigs.

On one hand, he was supposed to follow whatever decision the US government takes as he is a US citizen. But the fact that HYDRA has infiltrated the world governments and has been actively controlling some government policies has made him doubt the government and their oversight on Avengers. His concerns were further validated when a considerable amount of public and political figures on both sides of the aisle we're blaming the Avengers for the invasion of New York, collapse of SHIELD, Sokovia and now the bombing in Lagos.

He couldn't help to scoff at the New York mayor who blamed the Avengers for fighting the invading aliens. What were they supposed to do, hide in a closet like that spineless coward did and watch the world burn down? Then Capitol Hill tried to spin the whole incident of HYDRA infiltration on the Avengers again especially when it was the government that took in Nazis and worked with them. What were the politicians thinking when they endorsed enemies joining the highest positions of military and government structures. In Sokovia he admits that the avengers were partially at fault but even then everything that happened was a direct consequence of HYDRA. Even if the Avengers were responsible for the incident they did the best they could and Loki had even restored the entire city back to the people. The same was true in Lagos as again it was HYDRA that started the mess while the Avengers were there to clean up the mess.

The fallout from the incident in Sokovia was the turning point of increasing the public hostilities against the Avengers. The only positive PR that the team received was from the Scandinavian nations that are turning out be huge fans of Thor and Loki. Even in social policies, they were the epitome of civil liberties and truly promoted equality before the law, unlike other democracies who are turning out to be more fascist in nature.

It was a sad age that he was living in to see the nation which he dedicated his life for to be turning out to be a pack of thugs with big sticks, he thought resignedly

"Is that a cloud of depression on your head cap?" a voice from his back said which made Steve whirl around quickly

"Loki, Natasha! You two are back." Steve said happily as he stood up from the couch

"In the flesh." Loki said and nodded at the TV "I see things gave gotten out of control."

"That's the understatement of the year. I think I made a mistake when I forced Fury to disband SHIELD. I was too hasty to see HYDRA wiped off and the ramifications of that decision have come to haunt me." Steve pointed at the news that was covering the Sokovia accords

"Don't be too hard on yourself Steve. Even if SHIELD existed this chaos couldn't be avoided. This is what happens when the world is held at the sword point of a single nation. Any changes in American politics creates a flux in the world's political spectrum. The dark veil has been removed and the US is quickly scrambling to tie up all the losses ends so to speak." Natasha consoled the distraught captain.

"Politics is like a fashion sense cap. If a celebrity who is world-renowned for his fame wears a teared up jeans to a function then that becomes the latest fashion in the world. Similarly when the US who is the global superpower and hegemon of the world decided that all enhanced humans are a threat and have to be dealt in public then the world is going to follow the same route within a year or two. Under such conditions, there is only one way to suppress the world's hostility." Loki paused to make sure that the Captain was listening and cast a glance to Natasha

"We dilute the power of the US by making other nations equally powerful so that they can break free of the yoke of influence that the US has on their domestic and foreign policies." Natasha finished but Steve looked confused by between the two

"What are you saying? How are we going to do that?" Steve asked

"You can't do that but I can. I represent Asgard and I have been given certain leeway to negotiate trade agreements from the nations of Earth. The UN Security Council has not yet ratified these accords and when it comes to the floor this accord will be dismissed. On that I guarantee." Loki stood up from the couch

"Are you sure about this?" Steve asked a little spooked by what Loki was planning to do

"Failure means the whole world going Nazi Steve. Outside of killing off all the politicians of Earth I don't know a better solution other than this one." Loki shrugged helplessly

"Don't you worry Cap this will work out. Now, enough with all this bad stuff as we have some good news to break to you. We are getting married!! Isn't that great!" Natasha broke the news casually and that distracted Steve from all the morbid stuff that was going on. It would certainly distract the rest of the team for sure as well.

XXXXX

Laufey the king of Jotunheim lounged on his throne at ease as he watched two of his warriors fight themselves to death. The two fighting giants had come to him to settle a dispute between them. It was about a giantess that the two giants want for themselves and he in his capacity as King of all Jotuns had ordered them to fight to the death and to the victor goes the spoils.

Speaking of the giantess she was a fair one to his eyes. Laufey had not taken a giantess as his queen as he saw no need for one but perhaps it was prudent of him to take one to his bed to continue his progeny. Already, there was one heir that carried his blood and he had abandoned the child thinking that the child was weak. Time has proven him wrong and his son has become famous for his power and ferocity throughout the nine realms. On hindsight, he realized that it was not one of his best decisions at that time to abandon his newborn son for a cold death. Where he saw only weakness Odin found a strong warrior and defender for Asgard. But the fact remains that his progeny was strong and that means any future heirs must also be similarly strong.

His attention was diverted from his internal musings when the court cheered as finally a victor merged from the fight. The young warrior knelt before him in reverence to pass the judgement.

"By right of conquest, the giantess is yours to do as you wish young warrior. You may leave." Laufey proclaimed and the young frost giant eagerly left the court with a giantess who was quite distraught at the turn of events.

Perhaps he ought to make his people remember that sentiment is sentiment for the weak and it has no place in Jotunheim where only cold winter reigns supreme. Before he could do anything a fiery flame flickered into existence at the middle of his throne room.

"King Laufey, I hope that I am not disturbing your court." Surtur spoke as the flame developed into a projection of the king of fire demons

"You are disturbing my court but do go on. It seems I must suffer your presence a little while longer." Laufey said while coldly glaring at the Fire Demon.

"Oh, come now Laufey. We are allies now aren't we? You could greet your ally with a little more respect." Surtur smirked as he could see that he was making the Frost Giant angry.

"We are allies out of necessity you fiery demon. Say what you want to say and leave. You have overstayed your welcome in my court." Laufey said as he asserted his cold presence more and the flame flickered lightly in warning

"Very well then. I just wanted to congratulate you." Surtur said as his fiery eyes zeroed in on Laufey

"Congratulate me! For what exactly?" Laufey asked confused as his non-existent eyebrows creased together

"Haven't you heard? Your son Loki has killed the last of the Titans." Surtur said enjoying the shock of the king of Frost Giants

"That's right! Your son has killed the Mad Titan. You should be very proud." Surtur smirked mockingly knowing that Laufey would be simmering with rage. With that bout of entertainment done Surtur cut off the communications from his side

Laufey watched that old fire demon smirked at him mockingly. He knew the fire demon was just playing his old games to make him enraged at Odin. But Laufey was not some lowly fire creature that acted on his rage and go into a whirlwind of destruction. The time will be coming quite soon for Odin to incur his wrath and Laufey has already planned everything out. Just like all times, he was going to launch his armies into Midgard and from there it will be easy to invade Asgard. The preparations are almost complete and when they do Odin will suffer for humiliating him.

XXXXXX

Peter Quill and his crew were sailing through the vast space with no particular destination in mind. The guardians of galaxy were back in action after dealing with Ego and once again saving the galaxy which is what they do. Unfortunately, because of Rocket they couldn't enter the Shi'ar space and that means they have a shortage of clients. That was why they were going to Xandar and look for a job. There was bound to be one especially considering there were rumours that the Kree were disrupting shipping in and out of Xandar.

"Alright guys, just let me do all the talking here ok. They obviously have a soft spot for me because I saved their planet and we need to use that to secure a well-paying job." Peter advised but all he got was silence and some incredulous looks

"What?"

"Peter, you do know that all of us contributed to saving Xandar, right?" Gamora asked with a sigh

"You guys did save Xandar but I saved the galaxy. It has to count for something. Besides the last time I was there, I could feel this connection you know. It's hard to explain but I am sure they will be happy to see me back." Peter said with a happy smile while Gamora rolled her eyes at his foolishness

"I am Groot!"

"I am sure they will be happy to see you as well, Groot." Peter agreed

"I don't care if the little princess here gets a warm welcome but I sure hope we can have a well-paying job. Perhaps it will be better if the captain negotiates with the Nova prime." Rocket proposed

"That's what I said." Peter pointed out

"You are not getting it, Quill. I meant the real captain as in me." Rocket pointed at himself

"No, you are not!" Peter argued

"Yes, I am!" Rocket insisted

Drax let out a loud yawn waking up from all the ruckus that was going on.

"Hey, Mantis…" Drax called to the newest addition to their crew who was sitting close to his seat and watching the ongoing debate between Rocket and Quill.

"Yes, Drax.."

"Can you make me go back to sleep?" Drax asked politely

"Sure." Mantis happily obliged and Drax went back to his sleep with a simple touch to his forehead

"Peter look. Something happened to Xandar?" Gamora pointed to the planet as their ship came around the moon of the planet and, sure enough, large parts of the planet were on fire and they could see the destruction even from space

As their ship descended into the atmosphere of the planet Gamora could see several Chitauri ships amongst the wreckage on the planet.

"Thanos attacked Xandar. He must have taken the Power Stone." Gamora said in a whispered as her hands shook in fear for a moment as she thought of the ramifications

"Maybe not." Rocket said as he established a connection with the local news outlets and passed the datapad to Gamora which claimed that Thanos has been killed by an Asgardian prince which was Loki who they had met when the Kree invaded Xandar

"Then who attacked Xandar?" Gamora asked confused even as she couldn't believe that Thanos was dead and she didn't know how to feel about that provided that it was true

Rocket swiped the datapad and the ship's screen projected an image of a large, grey-coloured shrivelled up fish.

"That's Ebony Maw. He is one of Thanos's generals and he is also a member of the Black Order. We have to speak with Nova Prime immediately. If Thanos is really dead then Maw will take over the Sanctuary and that can be really bad." Gamora said and Peter rushed the engines towards Xandar forgetting all about hunting for a job at the moment

AN:

So things are getting a little heated up and Maw survived! Infinity war is not over yet and Loki still has to face some unpleasant characters before he can kick back and relax.

I am thinking about writing a HYDRA agent SI or someone who agrees with HYDRA philosophy. What do you guys think? Obviously, I am not going to start it right away as I have too many stories that are waiting to be completed. But in the distant future, I may write such a story if I develop the plot. I have not yet thought about a plot but the idea just randomly popped up when I was writing this chapter.

Anyway, stay safe.