Author's Note: And now for my finale.

There is a point of view change later in this chapter.

Thank you to all of those who have reviewed my story; you're all amazing, and I absolutely loved reading all you had to say. And thank you to those who pointed out some of my errors as well.

Anyone who has a suggestion or request for my next story please feel free to leave my your idea, and I'll see what I can do. After all, that is how this story came to be as well.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Avengers, nor do I wish to. I respect the brilliance that already exists there and give all credit of the characters and original story to the amazing writers who have officially worked on it.

Third Person Point of View

Loki steps in front of the tesseract where Bruce indicated. The child is smiling excitedly and can't hold still. He looks around the room, clearly anxious, staring at the powerful cube that had caused him so much trouble. It brought up the terrible memories and dreams which used to haunt him. He's been fortunate enough to retain a peace of mind since being brought back to Stark Tower, and if he avoided the tesseract, he could likely keep that peace for quite sometime. But he couldn't face his older brother either. Thor doesn't want him to do this, because he's scared of what could happen It's a risk Loki has to take though. Growing up, particularly in the teenage years, hadn't exactly been fun the first time around, and the boy saw no reason he should have to go through it again just to make Thor happy. He owes his brothers a lot, but that's asking a bit much of him. Besides, once he is finally back the way he should be and everything's okay, Thor will forgive him. But even with this in mind, Loki can't force himself to make eye contact with his overprotective older brother, whose eyes haven't left him for even a second.

Bruce and Tony busily work at their computers, and the tesseract starts glowing with a brighter blue hue. The machine holding it is making a loud humming noise now too. The light grows brighter and brighter while the noise grows louder and louder. Loki gets anxious as the tesseract's reactions become more intense. After what feels like an hour to Loki, Tony and Bruce move away from their computers and the cube to watch from a safe distance. The entire setup only having taken a couple of minutes.

By now, Loki is shaking. The child is scared, suddenly overwhelmed with doubts and fears of his own. He wants to run, to avoid the tesseract's power, but he knows he can't. It's too late to change his mind now. Finally, Loki meets his brother's eyes. He expects his older brother to look scared, but strangely Thor is calm.

Thor's never been able to stop Loki from doing what he wanted before, and it doesn't feel right to do so now. This is rightfully Loki's decision, and he trusts his little brother to make the right choice this time. Most importantly though, Thor believes in his little brother; he always has, and he always will. No matter how this turns out.

Thor smiles reassuringly at Loki. Seeing he had Thor's support now after all, Loki takes some comfort in his brother's smile. He returns a shaky smile.

And then the tesseract fires.

Tony and Bruce hadn't bothered to build anything to try to contain the burst of power this time, since they already knew what should be happening. However, they didn't think about what would happen to Loki once the energy hit him.

The child is hurled across the lab by the power of the tesseract. He screams as he flies through the air and then crashes into the back wall. The tesseract releases a concussive wave of energy as a backlash. The force knocks Bruce, Tony, and Thor to the ground, toppling chairs and stacks of paper with them. The machine holding the tesseract sputters and dies. The backlash short circuits every electronic in the room and leaves Tony's computer sparking dangerously, and even the overhead lights flicker out. A thick layer of smoke blankets the room, making it impossible to see.

Banner uses on e of the desks to slowly pull himself up form the floor. "Well, it seems about the same as last time. Maybe it worked." In the little the Avengers can see through the heavy smoke, the lab appears to be in much the same condition as it had been when Loki was made a child, only this time there were no red lights or loud noises from alarms. But there is a fire now.

As Tony clambers up form the floor, his computer makes a strange popping noise then proceeds to spew fire from its back. Surprised for only a minute, Tony frowns at the burning machine before simply ignoring it and stumbling away. The computer shouldn't be able to do much harm, at least not to anything but itself Just about everything in the room is supposed to be flame retardant. He'd never really thought about it that included the computers - but apparently it didn't. "Just perfect." Tony mumbles, somewhat annoyed.

Bruce stumbles to the door and pushes it open, so the smoke has somewhere else to go. The smoke pours out the door to fill the air in the hallway, greatly helping to clear out the lab. Now able to see well enough to move around without too much trouble, Bruce and Tony move to stand on either side of Thor, who's simply staring across the room. The smoke is still only just dispersing along the back wall of the lab where Loki is. The three of them walk cautiously towards the back of the room.

The smoke slowly drifts away to partially reveal a shadowy figure crouched on the ground. It is difficult to see in the dark, but it is obvious there's something there. The shadow is completely still as the Avengers approach. Bruce and Tony stop moving closer, but Thor goes on. When the Thunder God is only a couple feet from the figure kneeling on the ground in front of him, it suddenly looks up at Thor, stopping him in his tracks. Bright green eyes stare up at Thor from a face that looks completely confused by his surroundings. It had worked; the tesseract had done its job. Loki is back to his old self again - no longer a mere child. But Thor's heart sinks as he sees nothing but confusion from the man before him.

Loki stares up at Thor in a daze. The thunderer doesn't look happy. The laboratory around him is a complete mess. This scene is horribly familiar, but lacks a certain over-imaginative edge to it. Then the trickster realizes where he is, and realization floods his mind. Thor is holding his hand out to help Loki up. Loki smiles and grabs Thor's hand, allowing his brother to pull him to his feet.

Seeing Loki's smile gives Thor some hope of his brother remembering all that had occurred, so he risks asking. "Do you remember what happened?"

"Of course I do. I told you I wouldn't forget so easily. Why do you assume I was lying?" The trickster laughs and brushes some of the dust from his clothes. Thor claps his brother on the back, overjoyed that all has not been forgotten.

"It is good to have you back, brother."

The silvertongue casts his words aside and allows his actions to speak for him. Loki hugs his brother. For an instant, Thor only stands there awkwardly, surprised by his little brother. Then he returns his brother's embrace. Maybe now things could be as they should have always been all along.

Loki stays in the room he was given in his time as an innocent child. They don't make him return to his old cell. A message came from Fury stating that Loki's punishment was sufficient to pay for his crimes, and he was officially pardoned. As far as SHIELD is concerned, Loki is as free as any of the other people presently staying in Stark Tower. Some of the Avengers trust him, and some don't. He is okay with that. He knows he still doesn't deserve their trust, but Loki is confident he will win them over in time.

However, Loki's status with Asgard is not so good. There's been no word from Asgard since Thor showed up to fight Loki before the Battle of New York. Until now that is.

Tony got a call from Fury saying he would be having a friend dropped off at the Tower some time that day. So, here he stands on the roof of Stark Tower along with Bruce, Natasha, and (against his better judgment) Loki. The four of them sit up there for almost an hour before the helicopter flies into sight.

As it lands, Tony and Bruce stand to greet whoever this new 'friend' is. Natasha stays off to the side, ready to spring into action should their guest prove unfriendly. Loki stays in the shadows near the entrance to the building, preferring the slight cool of the shade over the blazing sun of this too hot day. The helicopter lands, and their 'friend' jumps out. Wasting no time, the pilot lifts the aircraft into the sky again and is gone, leaving the new arrival in the care of the Avengers.

The woman walks up to Tony and Bruce, without a trace of fear or nervousness in her. Her long black hair whips around her in the wind from the departing helicopter. The look in her eyes is full of spirit with a touch of impatience. She wears clothes that certainly wouldn't blend in anywhere around here, although there is a strange familiarity about them.

"Welcome to Stark Tower. I am Tony Stark." The billionaire smiles proudly and holds his hand out to the woman. "And you are?"

She takes his hand in a brief awkward handshake. "I am the Lady Sif of Asgard. I have been sent by Odin to find and if necessary aid Thor. I was told I could find him here. Is that so?"

"Err... yeah. Old Point Break should be around here somewhere." Tony looks back at the door to go inside and then back at Sif, quickly recovering from her less than friendly straightforward attitude towards him. "Doctor Banner," Tony smiles and holds his hands out to present Bruce to the impatient Asgardian woman. "Why don't you help the lady find our less troublesome Asgardian friend?" Sif looks at him quizzically, slightly confused by who this other friend could be. Banner looks at Tony with irritation, but a smile quickly spreads across his face when he faces Sif so that he still appears friendly to her at least.

"If you'll follow me-" But Sif's not even paying attention to him or Tony any more. Something else has clearly caught her eye.

Sif stares past Bruce, and her expression turns from simple impatience to a striking look of hatred. Stark and Banner slowly turn around to see what could have possible inspired such a look, although the answer already rings clear in their minds.

"Loki..."

"Well, don't you look happy to see me? Loki laughs and smiles at her but stays leaning against the wall where he is.

"Traitor, I'll make you pay for all you've done."

"Ah, but haven't you heard?" Loki pushes himself off of the wall, smiling brightly at the vengeful goddess. He spreads his hands in front of him in a gesture of innocence. "I've been pardoned. My debts have all been payed."

"What trickery is this?" Sif draws her sword and takes a threatening step towards Loki. Bruce steps out of her way to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

"No tricks. No lies. No swords, please." Tony interrupts before things can escalate further. "As much as I would love to watch you turn him into a pin cushion with that sword of yours, really I would, let's avoid breaking things, namely my things. I'd rather not have to make repairs a third time because of you." Tony looks at Loki, who hasn't moved from his place near the wall.

The god of mischief only shrugs in response. He hasn't made the slightest move which could imply violence on his part. The aggression is all on Sif. "You would do well to stay out of my way." The Asgardian warrior runs forward past Tony with her sword raised, ready to strike at Loki.

"Here we go again." Tony throws his hands in the air in exasperation.

Natasha pulls out a gun and fires at the ground at Sif's feet to try to make hers top, but the angry Asgardian rushes on, undaunted. She yells for her to stop, but when Sif ignores her still, Natasha aims to wound Sif more seriously. The woman avoids the bullets with ease and doesn't even slow in her charge across the rooftop.

Once Sif has closed half the distance between them without being stopped, Loki decides it's time for him to run. Fighting her would be most unwise given the circumstances so his only option is to rely on the others to stop her while he tries to get away. The trickster takes off running through the doorway and down the stairs leading into Stark Tower. He takes the steps three at a time, trying to put as much distance between him and Sif as possible. Loki can still hear Sif close behind him, too close!

Loki jumps over the rail of the stairs and drops to the landing below just as the stairwell echoes with the deafening sound of metal striking metal. He looks up to see Sif's sword sunk into the railing right where he would have been had he not vaulted over the rail just when he had.

Sif swings herself over the railing as well to continue her chase after the man she believes to be nothing more than an evil, murderous traitor. Loki tries to reason with her, but hurried words called back to her as he races down a series of hallways prove quite ineffective. If any of the Avengers were following, then they had fallen far behind. Loki and Sif seem to be all alone as they run down the hallway. But Sif is faster than Loki, and it's not much longer before she catches up to him.

The trickster hasn't looked back at her for a while, so he has no way of knowing how much ground Sif has gained on him. Taking advantage of this, she swings her sword at him, aiming for his shoulder. But Loki looks over his shoulder as she is in mid-swing. His eyes open wide with fear, and Loki dives to the floor to avoid the deadly blade. Instead of cutting into the trickster's shoulder, Sif's sword only grazes his arm. A small trail of blood is left behind as he rolls on the floor. Not giving her a chance to hit him again, Loki quickly pushes himself back to his feet. As he runs, he uses his other hand to cover the cut on his injured arm. The blood seeps from between his fingers.

Loki stumbles through a door on his left, tripping as he does so. He struggles to keep his balance as he hurries into the living room, and to his great relief, he sees he's not alone in here. Or rather he's not alone with Sif in here. Steve and Thor are standing in the middle of the room talking , or they were talking until Loki came running in with blood running down his arm and an angry woman with a sword behind him.

"Thor!" Loki shouts, running to his brother. "Call her off!" He slips behind Thor, so his brother is between him and the warrior trying to hill him. "She'll listen to you!"

"Sif? What are you doing here?" Thor is shocked to see the goddess here on Earth again, and not to mention attempting to kill his little brother, but that part really isn't too much of a surprise... "Stop this! What is going on?"

"Thor, what madness is this that you would defend him so?" Sif looks from Thor to Loki and back again, not daring to take her eyes off her prey for too long.

"There is no madness in this, Sif. Much has changed since I left Asgard. Has Heimdall not been telling what he has surely seen happening here?"

"He has only spoken to Odin as of late. The rest of us have had no news of what goes on here for nearly a year now."

Thor glances back at Loki, who still looks somewhat nervous. He turns back to Sif and her murderous gaze. "I have much to tell you. So, please, put your sword away and let me explain." The warrior woman frowns but lowers her sword. "Brother, perhaps it would be best if you were to go elsewhere while we speak."

"Don't have to tell me that twice." Loki hurries past Sif, still wary of the sword in her hand. And he vanishes out the door, leaving Thor to tell Sif of all that had occurred after the Battle of New York.

"Well, Loki, it seems you've had quite an eventful year." Sif found Thor's story hard to believe, but coming from him, she had no choice but to believe it. But beyond that she didn't know if she felt disturbed by the take, felt pity for Loki, or just wanted to laugh at the impossibility of it all.

"You think so?" Loki gives her a half smile, not really interested in what she thought of what had happened to him. He looks back down at his arm and finishes the spell he's using to heal the cut from Sif's attack earlier.

"We're going back to Asgard." Thor had decided that after talking to Sif; he didn't expect Loki to like the idea.

"Really?" Loki looks surprised, but not as concerned as Thor expected, not yet anyway. "Well, you enjoy yourselves. It's been great seeing you again." He stands up and tries to walk out of the room. "I think I'll just-"

Thor catches his newly healed arm and stops him from going any father. "You're coming with us, brother. We have to return sometime. Why wait any longer?"

"Is this really necessary?"

"Yes." Before Loki can argue any more, Thor releases his arm to let him go. "We'll be leaving in an hour. Say your goodbyes if you wish." Loki's heart sank. There isn't really anything he can do but go along with this, no matter how much he doesn't like it.

The stars rush by in a familiar way. The only difference in this and traveling over the Bifrost is that the tesseract lacks the vivid rainbow colors. It mostly consists of shades of blue and white.

And then it's gone.

Loki, Thor, and Sif stumble as they suddenly find themselves standing on a random street in Asgard.

Asgard. It feels like it's been an eternity since Loki last set foot in the shining city. His departure wasn't exactly a happy memory, and his return wouldn't likely be much better. It's enough of a miracle that he's not in chains already. Sif insists that while Earth may have forgiven Loki, Asgard had not. She wanted him bound before they even left Stark Tower, but Thor wouldn't hear of it. Even though Sif knows the truth now, she still doesn't know how she should feel about the god of mischief. But she knows she doesn't trust him. And neither will any other Asgardian. They don't know of anything that has happened since Loki attacked Earth and Thor had gone to stop him. They all still view Loki as their enemy.

"Welcome home, brother." Thor pushes Loki playfully, glad to be home. Loki even manages to crack a smile as the three of them walk along the empty street. For the moment at least, it isn't so bad being back in Asgard.

Loki stands before Odin, his face an emotionless mask. He's afraid, but he'd sooner die than let anyone here know that. He takes some comfort in having his brother next to him as he faces the Allfather. At least he doesn't have to be alone. He's imagined this moment many times, but he always thought he would be alone. Loki doesn't know what to expect of this now, but it already seems better than anything he has dared hope for thus far.

The room is crowded with gods and goddesses eager to see a traitor brought to justice. They all know there is something strange about all of this, starting with the way Loki is allowed to walk freely. There are rumors of a greater enemy behind all of this; one who had been controlling the younger prince of Asgard from the start. But did they dare believe that the god of mischief wasn't responsible for his own mischief? Or does his position among the gods just make him an easy target for such manipulation? Such are the hundreds of whispers circulating throughout the room, many reaching Loki's ears as well. Some of it is true, some is lies, much is exaggeration. Let them think what they want. In the end, they will think whatever Odin wants them to think.

Odin himself is also expressionless. He looks down at his sons from where he sits on his throne, his one eye never leaving Loki's calm face. Even Odin cannot see past the carefully placed mask hiding Loki's thoughts.

"Loki, my son, what have you to say for yourself?" Odin's voice is void of all emotion.

"What would you have me say, father?" Loki spits the last word out like poison on his tongue. He still holds no love for the Allfather. For a moment, the trickster's mask slips to reveal an anger burning within him. Thor hits his brother's shoulder, reminding him that he should be more cautious with his words. Loki makes an irritated sound and shrugs off Thor's blow along with his anger. His mask once again hiding everything. Loki holds his hands out in front of him, and a smile found its way onto the trickster's face. "We all know what I've done. No amount of clever words will change that. Some of you know why I really did it, and some of you can only imagine. The only real question here is: what do you intend to do about it?"

"Loki, much has happened that has only recently been brought to my attention. In light of this new, I am forced to reconsider the guilt previously dubbed upon you. Heimdall has kept a close watch on you this past year. The appearance of this Thanos, the true leader of the Chitauri and the one behind your attack on Midgard, has persuaded me to agree with the Midgardians. You have payed sufficient penance for the part you played there. However, your crimes here in Asgard are another matter." Odin pauses here, and the room is blanketed in a deafening silence.

Loki's Point of View

And here's what I've been waiting for. The great Allfather will pass his judgement on me, and I will be punished. Asgard will have it's so called justice. So... What will Odin decide to have done to me as my punishment for trying to prove I am worthy of being his son? I certainly can't wait to hear this.

"For your crimes against Asgard and Jotunheim... I take full responsibility." Odin's voice holds a tinge of regret, and he actually looks sad as he says this. The room is suddenly filled with shocked, and some outraged, voices.

...What?

I already had the perfect outburst in mind that would haunt them all for years to come. When Odin pronounced my guilt, I would reveal all the carefully hidden secrets about how I came to be his 'son' and how the truth had been kept from me for all these years as well. What would Asgard think of their perfect Allfather kidnapping a defenseless Jotun child? And only to have him treated like an outcast later? Would they all still have it in their hearts to bear such hatred for me? ...Of course they would They'd see it all as lies, me putting my craft to work in an attempt to save myself, but they would have remembered it nonetheless. I'd be sure of that, Loki Laufeyson would not be so easily forgotten.

But this? For this I have no words... I never thought I would hear those words pass from Odin's lips. Can he be serious?

"W-what?"

"The blame is mine. I should not have taken you from Jotunheim as a child. Maybe you would have been better off had I left you there. I suppose we'll never know. And furthermore, I should have told you, when you were old enough to understand. I have wronged you, and for that I am sorry."

He's sorry? He's sorry?! After all I've gone through, he's saying he's sorry?! All I can do is stare up at Odin dumbly. I never saw this coming, and I have no idea how to react to it...I feel...Angry? Pleased? Disappointed? All of the above?

Could Odin really feel bad for all the trouble that has befallen me because of him? Bad enough to actually take the blame for what I've done? How ironic he blames himself just as I blame him. But could that possibly mean...he really cares? Does he truly feel responsible for me? As his son?

"However, while your actions just after you learned the truth are my own fault, if such actions are to be repeated, I can not protect you again or allow you to freely cause trouble in Asgard, or Midgard, as you please."

Oh, so I'm to be locked away after all? And just when I dared to hope...Ha!

"So, Loki, can you accept my apology? Can you look beyond my errors and go on with your life? If you can answer me honestly that you can see past your hatred and mean no further harm, then I welcome you home, my son. If you are unable to bury your grudge, then I'm afraid you leave me with no choice, but to-"

"Don't threaten me. It makes no difference. After all I've been through, there is no threat you can make that would persuade me to take your offer." Everyone in the room is deathly silent as I speak. I have their complete attention. At my words, Odin seems saddened and looks down for a moment. Thor is looking at me as if I've just struck him. Is this really so surprising to them? "So it's a good thing I don't need persuading." I smile, pleased with the reactions I get. Everyone is whispering amongst themselves. Odin looks completely caught off guard. He probably never expected me to agree in the first place. Thor looks happy. He's certainly smiling big enough; he must be happy. Some people in the room appear happy too, but many look concerned. I can't say I blame them. But I'll show them I can be trusted.

Thor grabs my shoulders, and I stumble towards him as he pulls me into a hug. I gasp as he crushes the air out of me. But I recover quickly and laugh as I return the hug. After all these years of drifting apart and fighting, and after all of the awful things that have happened, it seems things are finally the way they should be. Thor and I are back to the way we were as children, when we didn't care about all the things that would complicate our lives; we were inseparable. It's nice to have that back.

I don't think I'll ever think of Odin as my father again. But that's probably for the better. Knowing the truth and having come to terms with it by now has taken away the unbearable need I felt to prove myself to him. I expect I'll be able to get along with him well enough to not cause any major trouble though. This could work.

No one trusts me, but that's alright. I expected it. Some are openly violent towards me, not wanting me to be back in Asgard. But I expected that too. What surprises me is that some of them actually fully accept my return. A few have welcomed me home as if nothing ever happened.

But something still just doesn't feel right about my being here.

After being in Asgard nearly a month, I've settled into life here again. Much of the open hostility towards me has dissipated, although I'm still not very well liked or trusted. But things are getting better, slowly but surely.

So why do I still fee like I shouldn't be here?

It just doesn't feel right. I'm not ready to be back yet. Everyone needs more time to let things fade into the past it seems. Maybe I'll fit in better once the old wounds have more thoroughly scabbed over, but for now the memories of what happened are too fresh in everyone's minds. I actually felt more at home on Midgard. On Midgard, I had come to know the Avengers as my friends. But back here, Thor has friends, and I have Thor. Just as when we were children, his friends tolerate my presence, but they hardly speak to me if I am not with my brother. I suppose things are as good as I could have ever hoped for, but I can't honestly say I'm happy here.

Thor has talked of going back to Earth, but it is hard to tell if he shall ever actually do so. Without the Bifrost, it's not so simple as just deciding he wants to go. But he wants to find that woman he met during his banishment. He was never allowed to contact her when we were there before, but now things are quite different. With each passing day, his desire to go grows, and I have to wonder if he will in fact get his way with this. Thor will return to Midgard to find Jane Foster.

Thor finally spoke to Odin of his intention to leave Asgard again. The Allfather wasn't pleased with it, but Thor was persistent and eventually won him over. Thor would leave for Earth tomorrow.

And I would be left in Asgard without a single person I could call 'friend.' If my brother leaves me, I'll be alone here.

The morning of Thor's final day in Asgard, I don't bother to leave my room. It's no use trying to say goodbye; he'll be too swarmed with other people for that. I won't even have a chance at getting anywhere near him. I'm still a bit irritated with him for going anyway. And besides, I may as well get used to this now; I'll probably be spending a lot of my time alone like this from here on out.

I'm sitting in the window, reading a book I found in my room, when someone knocks on my door. I don't answer. I don't want anyone's company right now, and I can't imagine who could possibly be seeking mine.

The person at the door knocks again. Strange. Usually they just give up if I don't answer the first time. Then, despite my lack of response, the door is pushed open. No one's been this bold before, and I liked it better that way. What could this unwelcome visitor possibly want?

I don't even look up as my visitor walks into the room and closes the door behind him. I say nothing as he enters my peripheral vision, and I see that my brother has come to see me before he leaves. Why is he here? Surely there are better people for him to be spending his last day home with than his sulking little brother. Yet here he is, standing right next to me. I'd swear he's reading over my shoulder, but I know better than that. He's just trying to be patient with me. As soon as I turn the page, he decides I've had enough time to appreciate the peaceful silence.

"Why do you hide away in here so?"

"I'm not hiding. This is my room, and I happen to like it in here." I still haven't looked away from my book. I keep reading while I wait for him to get to his point.

But why do you stay here? Why do you not go out or see friends?"

"I have no friends I wish to see and no places I wish to go. I have everything i need right here."

"What has you in such a foul mood today, brother? Would my leaving wouldn't happen to have anything to do with it, would it?"

I roll my eyes and snap my book closed. "Don't be foolish." I stand up and push past Thor.

"Why don't you come with me, Loki? A little lighthearted adventure could do you some good."

I sigh and drop down on my bed. I stare blankly up at the ceiling. "I just got back. Why would I want to leave on another adventure?"

"Yes, but are you happy being back, brother?"

I don't answer.

"I have not seen you smile once since the day we returned. Is coming home not as satisfying as you imagined it would be?"

I still don't answer.

"Is-"

"No. It's not satisfying at all being back here. Not now. This doesn't feel like the home I left."

"Did you really expect it to?"

"Yes."

"Loki..."

"I know, Thor. Things will never go back to the way they were. I know that. But I had hoped. Guess I'll never really have my home back."

"You seemed rather at home on Earth, in Stark Tower."

I sigh and close my eyes. Why does he have to bring this up now? The last conversation I'll have with my brother for who knows how long, and all he wants to do is lecture me about how unhappy I am. He really thinks that is going to help? "At home? I was a prisoner."

"Yes, they locked you in a cell for a time, but you do the same to yourself here. Loki, you are your own prisoner now."

"Say what you will. I have no desire to follow you on a search for some woman." Without bothering to sit up, I open my book and hold it up above my face, returning to my reading and no longer listening to anything my brother may have to say.

Thor sighs and walks to the door. "Suit yourself." He opens the door and steps out into the hallway. He hesitates before pulling the door closed behind him. "Goodbye, brother." And he's gone. I'm alone.

I tip my book down so it rests on my face, and I stare up at the dark too close words. What am I doing? Is there really any reason for me to stay here? Nobody wants me here. I'm not even sure I want me here any more. But I finally have the right to be here again. I'm finally allowed home; how can I just give that up so easily? I wanted this for so long... I can't leave now.

Can I?

I sigh and lift my book up from my face. Better to just go back to reading and put this nonsense out of my mind. After all, it is just nonsense...right?

Just in case there's another accident with the tesseract, not very many people are allowed to actually be present when Thor is sent back to Earth. Obviously Thor is here; this may prove a bit difficult without him. Odin is operating the tesseract, and unlike the humans back on Midgard, he needs no machinery to help him. The Allfather simply holds the cube in his hands while he waits for Thor to be ready to go. Frigga is here to bid her son farewell with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. She hates to see him go, but if it's what he wants she'll be as supportive as she can be. She's always been that way with Thor, and there was a time when she gave me the same treatment. Sif, Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg are here to see their friend off as well. And then there's me. I stand off to the side by myself, staying out of everyone's way. I'm here more out of obligation than a wish to say another goodbye to my brother. I don't want another conversation like when Thor came to say goodbye to me earlier.

But I also felt strangely compelled to be here. I can't understand why. I suppose a part of me really does want to leave with Thor, but I've already made up my mind to remain here in Asgard. But as I watch Thor walk out into the middle of the room so Odin can send him to Earth, I feel drawn to his side so that I too may return.

I'm being foolish. I should be in Asgard. This is my home. I don't belong in Midgard.

But do I truly belong in Asgard either?

If not...then where do I belong?

Is there anywhere for me now?

I shake my head to clear such thoughts from my mind. That line of thinking would lead nowhere pleasant. Besides, I've already made up my mind to stay here. Why do I have to keep reminding myself that?

Thor waves at me since I'm the only one in the room he didn't actually speak to. So, he knew that was a bad idea too? I'm surprised. I nod to acknowledge his goodbye.

The room is filled with an eerie blue light as the tesseract gathers power. Then a burst of pure white shoots from the tessersct to consume Thor. Mere seconds later, the room returns to being rather dimly lit, and the seven of us are left staring at an empty space in the center of the room. There is no sign that Thor was over there only a moment before.

No one speaks as they begin to file out of the room. I stay rooted where I stand though. I simply stare at the place where Thor had been, and where part of me says I should have been too. Should I have gone with him? Should I have gone back to Midgard?

It's too late now either way. Thor's already gone, and I've missed my only chance to return.

I should leave. I'm fairly certain everyone else already has. I'm alone. I should go back to my room, maybe find another book. Just resign myself to the long solitude that lies ahead for me. Thor was right...I really am my own prisoner here.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts when someone puts their hand on my shoulder. I look over to see Odin standing next to me, looking mildly concerned. "Loki, no one is forcing you to stay here. If it is your wish to leave, you are free to do so." I have nothing to say to him. I still have my mind made up to stay. And Odin, of all people, is not going to change that... Is he? "I know things haven't been easy for you since you returned home, and I wouldn't blame you for wanting to go. Maybe this just isn't the time for you to be here. I hope some day things will be different."

I look down at the tesseract in Odin's hand. He's really giving me a chance to go... My resolve to stay in Asgard all but shattered with Thor's departure. But when I thought it was too late to go, that didn't really mean much. Now that I have another chance to go though? What do I do?

...Should I go?

"Loki?"

I nod slowly. What do I have to lose? I'm miserable here. Midgard can't possibly be worse... And at least on Earth I'll be with my brother, maybe even the Avengers. I admit, I was happier with then before I came here. For once, I'd had friends of my own. It's time I get out of here. Asgard may have been my home at one time, but not anymore. I don't know that I'll find my home on Earth either, but it's worth a shot.

I walk out to the middle of the room. Blue light once again fills the room as Odin lifts the tesseract to aim it at me. I can't believe I'm doing this... And to think Odin's the one who finally convinced me... "Thank you."

"Be safe, my son."

The white beam bursts from the tesseract, and I can see nothing but the bright light. I feel like I'm falling. Swirls of varying shades of blue surround me. And then everything goes dark.

I hit the ground with enough force to knock me off my feet. I roll down the side of a grassy hill. When I finally stop at the bottom of the hill, I'm lying on my back in the dirt, staring up at an endless expanse of stars. That was a bit of a rough landing... I wonder if it was this bad for Thor too.

And speaking of my brother... Where is he? I know I don't have a very good vantage point like this, but as far as I can tell I'm alone out here.

"Over there! I told you I saw something else!" A woman is calling out to someone back at the top of the hill I just fell down. I look in that direction as I pick myself up off the ground and begin brushing the dirt from my clothes. There are now three figures standing at the top of the hill, looking down at me. Even in the dark, I can recognize one of them as my brother.

"Loki!" Thor shouts and runs down to me. "You decided to come after all!"

I laugh as he gets near, and I see he's just as dirt covered as I am. Guess he didn't have the best of landings either. "I couldn't let you have all the fun, now could I?"

The other two shadows make their way down the hill to join us. "Loki, I'd like you to meet Jane Foster." He puts his arm around one of the two women who are now standing with us and smiles. So, this is the woman who changed Thor so much during his banishment.

"It's nice to finally meet you." But I'm confused by how she is already with Thor. I didn't leave that much later than he did... "Your search seems to have been quite short."

"Jane is a scientist. She's found a way to detect when such a connection between the realms is made. She found me this time, just like she did before."

Before I even have a chance to respond, the other woman interrupts. "Hold on a second." This woman is the one who had been shouting from the top of the hill earlier. "Am I missing something here? When you left, it was to go fight your evil brother Loki. Which now you're telling us, is him?!" She points at me, and I can't tell if she's angry or just confused.

Thor looks over at her, struggling to hide away smile. Apparently I'm not the only one who finds her reaction amusing. "Much has happened since then. I shall tell you both all about it later, but know now that my brother is not evil. You can trust him." Thor looks back at me and smiles. Smile after smile, he is clearly glad to be back here. "Loki, this is Darcy. She is a friend and studies science like Jane."

"Political science." Darcy seems a tad defensive now. "There's a difference."

"I'm sure there is." She looks up at me, and I can tell she is trying to figure out my thoughts as I speak to her. "How is it you ended up with this work then?"

"It's... a long story."

"You'll have to tell it to me some time."

She seems surprised at first, but then her face brightens, and she looks somewhat excited. "Alright." I smile at her, and she looks away as if I've embarrassed her or perhaps made her nervous. Jane is laughing now, but when I give her a questioning look she only turns away and starts walking back up the hill.

"We should be getting back to town. It's late." As soon as she speaks, Thor follows after her. Darcy hurries after them, still avoiding looking at me. I follow the three of them up the hill towards Jane's car.

Darcy randomly giggles as we walk through the grass. "Jane! This isn't right! You haven't hit Thor with a car yet!" Jane and Thor laugh, and I can't help but to wonder what I'm missing. "And I haven't gotten to taser anybody yet!" Darcy's hand goes to her pocket, and she looks back at me. I stop walking, unsure of what she's talking about, but pretty sure I don't like the sound of it.

Jane calls back at us between her own fits of laughter. "Leave him alone, Darcy! I don't want to have to make a trip to the hospital this time."

Darcy gives Jane a look of mock disappointment before turning back to face me. She points at me, laughing again now. "You're lucky."

"Don't mind her! She's harmless, mostly." Jane climbs into the driver's seat of her car, and Thor claims the passenger seat, leaving me and Darcy to share the backseat.

As we drive to the nearby town, the three of them talk and laugh the entire way. I stay quiet, lost in my own thoughts. These two women believed me to be evil until Thor told them differently only minutes ago. And then they instantly welcomed me. As far as I can tell, they hold no suspicion or distrust towards me. Their faith in Thor must be remarkable, but that does not concern me. I'm the much more interested in the way they automatically completely accepted me. Why? They don't know me, yet they treat me as of I'm their friend. As strange as this is to me, I can't help but to like it. I've been on Midgard for less than ten minutes, and it already seems that things are better for me than they were in Asgard.

I'm glad I followed Thor. And I don't expect I'll regret this decision. Here, I'm not going to have to wait and hope for life to start getting better eventually. Here, it is better already. As Thor will no doubt point out to me later, I've smiled more in five minutes on Earth, than I did during my entire stay in Asgard.

Apparently while I wasn't paying attention during the drive to where we would be staying tonight, it was decided that we would be heading up to New York to visit the Avengers. A trip that I actually look forward to. Of course, Jane and Darcy will be coming with us, which is great. I especially look forward to spending some time with Darcy. She seems to be an... interesting girl.

Now I have my brother, some old friends, and a couple of new friends. Everything is falling into place. Maybe I've found somewhere I can call home after all. As long as I'm with these people, these friends, I believe I've quite possibly found where I belong.

Finis