Lokiverse

The problem? Controlling his ego and admitting he's wrong has never been Tony's strong suit. Maybe less so for the fact it's already been bruised and battered from Ultron, his and Steve's most recent screw ups.. and the fact that even the guy Loki just met gets more earnest answers than Stark as a result of Tony's own issues. Even, when the blue eyed brunette is at a distance...

5. Called Out [Vestibule 1 Universe/Door4] (pt 1) - Stephen Strange ends up rescued from Ebony Maw along with Tony and Peter Parker by a surprise God of Mischief; and taken along on the fast paced race he's already running to beat Thanos down.

Loki, barely gives anyone they pull into his plans time to breathe; never mind find an argument that won't kill their chances.. so, who's making sure -he- does?

6. ESCAPE [Vestibule 2 : Universe/Door 3] (pt 1) - After Ultron, and two years after Greenwich and Loki's death; Tony Stark tries to get away from the -many- problems after Sokovia fell out of the sky.

His personal life a mess, one of his best friends missing; and the team remaining feeling too awkward a fit at the moment along with playing their part in it? Has him running from his own home and the paparazzi staked out in front of it: into an older-hat setting, and bar he hasn't visited in a couple years

That said? Loki's face is the last face he expected to find staring back at him from the other side of that bar. Wait ... no. He's dead. And not gingery-blond. Or, part of the United Kingdom's air forces.         ....Isn't he?

7. WitheR [Vestibule 1 Universe/Door 4] (pt 2) - The first wave has yet to drop out of the sky in Wakanda; an axe they can't see hanging over the Avengers' heads.

Rested, Loki is faced with Stephen and Tony's awkward claim on him proving not to be the result of sleep deprivation in the meantime. Stephen in the meantime, is just as equally coming to terms with that claim and where it came from: as well as trying to figure out how to deal with and rebuff the Trickster's fast retreat.

8. FARTHER [Vestibule 2 Universe/Door 3] (pt 2) - After their encounter in the airmen's bar led them to a hotel party --and argument-- in Tuscon, Tony ends up pursuing Loki's attempt to duck out and away; with even more questions than he started with; thanks to Loki's S.I.S. handler, Joshua Walsh.

Why the Irish agent is so confident in the idea he won't leave the planet immediately, and is protective of Loki; is among them, but.

What the hell, would a disenfranchised space prince turned fugitive want at an old Arizona airplane graveyard, anyway? And does it matter? That's.. not what's really driving him to catch up at all, after all; is it...

9. Steeped [Vestibule 1 Universe/Door 17] (pt 1) - Helmut Zemo returns to continue his work with The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (Sam and Bucky) after USA Agent's (John Walker) very public implosion results in an equally as public execution.

Sam and Bucky still distrust Zemo at best; but still can't really afford to turn down his help. Never mind let him out of their sights to escape his eventual return to prison. Less so, when he brings an interesting view of the fight after Momma Donia's memorial: proving without a shadow of doubt... that someone else, was there with them...

10. EXTENSION [Vestibule 2 Universe/Door 3] (pt 3) - Leaving everything at the hotel room door as a start, Tony and Loki's (Aaron) escape from the reality waiting outside of it after Ultron is inevitably coming to an end.

Dreamless in a way he hasn't been in years since Obadiah Stane; Stark ends up staring down another decision between reason, a surprising discovery of joy, and irrational need; even as it's been basically taken out of his hands by the same Trickster and face that he himself pursued in Tucson.

Is Tony really ready for the work and plunge ahead though..? Will Loki and what he makes Stark feel, allow him the option of denying it even if he isn't?

11. LISTEN [Vestibule 2 Universe/Door 3] (pt 4) - Leaving Nat, Clint and the Michigan Technical Institute Expo in Traverse City behind; Tony and Loki steal another day of freedom; but not without surveillance.And there are more than -a few- surprises let loose on their eavesdroppers.

This is what happens when super spies decide to listen in on the kind of pillow talk and personal conversations that occur between the modern world's first, armored super hero; and the God of Mischief he's decided to fool around with...

12. Catch (Up) [Vestibule 1 Universe/Door 4] (pt 3) - Just because the first waves of Thanos' forces have been all but wiped out; doesn't mean the fight is over for Earth's defenders.

With the remaining main force, Sanctuary II, and Thanos himself still on their way; the last phase of Loki's plan is at a critical stage and tensions are high: and Fate decides to throw her the first pushes of real pressure against their unity as the other world and galactic powers are pushed to join up, or stay out of their way. Loki having given in to giving staying on Earth a try after being pushed a second night to accept Tony and Stephen's want to keep him around, helps release one ball of tension; only to make way for another sort neither of them seem to know what to do with.

But again, and with so many good, salvageable days; Fate decides to open the fickle middle finger on her hand to flip them a bad one: just to up the difficulty. Well.. I mean, it's not like too much can happen in twenty four hours; right?         .........right?

13. Keep Away [Vestibule 1 Universe/Door 19] (pt 1) - To say Steve Rogers is angry with the other half of his on-again off-again but always uncertain 'partnership in crime' --Loki-- after he purposely leaves Bucky Barnes behind and out of the fast series of portals behind enemy lines to the Moon via Strange's remaining Mystic Order still on the planet? Is an understatement. That he seemed to have found another phrase to activate his best friend's HYDRA programming to do so? Definitely doesn't help.

And neither does the sensation that their rocky personal history is playing a large part.

Is he leaving Bucky behind because of Steve? Revenge, for pushing Loki out and away; abandoning him, in favor of pulling the Avengers and especially Barnes closer..?

14. Truth [Vestibule 1 Universe/Door 4] (pt 4) - As Earth's Defenders are finding out? Long days do come to an end sometimes. But not always before turning into longer nights. Wakanda's King unintentionally uncovers a small corner of why Loki refuses to retake leadership of the remaining Asgardian refugees after Valkyrie's disgrace was made public knowledge; and it isn't entirely what Tony --or the few others present-- expects to hear, while the Guardians make their final approach with another underestimated issue in hand that signals the first of arrivals of yet another mirror of a different and briefly unsettling flavor..

15. Stealing Reason [Vestibule 1 Universe/Door 3] (pt 2) - Still in Asgard, Bruce ends up spacing out through half of the day and missing something: though the fact that is noticed spurs the Trickster he's been digging around into taking a page out of his mother's book and chase after the curiosity (among other things) of what had held his focus for so long in the notes it had.

The result, with witnesses and more stripped away; only serves to escalate the already raw, mostly unspoken and only teased at personal dynamic of their sometimes awkward relationship, once faced with it..

16. LETTERS OF TWO - (pt One GROUNDED OT) [Vestibule 1 Universe/Door 8] (pt 1-ish) -  Separated out of necessity between Loki's recovery after the safe-buster bomb was thrown at his back, and Odin taking another health dive into Odinsleep post-Svartalfheim invasion; Tony and Loki exchange letters through Stark's assigned 'mail man'; Ormr.

17. SPEED RUN - [Vestibule 1, Universe/Door 4] (pt 5) - With defection papers signed, sent and accepted; Joshua covers Loki and Tony's exit via the nearby doorways the likes of which Loki is most known for using outside of Earth. Or, tries to.Fury and Natasha intend to honor Walsh's requests; but when one member of theirs suddenly goes missing from their observation team stationed five miles away, their plans end up changing. What is Clint Barton thinking trying to infiltrate Loki's Traverse area home before they leave, with a ten man team of were-folk led by a vampire guarding the property; as well as the Trickster and his billionaire lover's exit? Is it really a good idea to run straight into the wild woods surrounding, when there's an entire pack of modern military-trained were-people literally on aggressive mode defending their territory from the kind of early entry they've already been warned against? Will Clint end up a snack for the feathers and fuzz, or find out what happens when you piss off a hangry, century old Irish-Catholic space vampire who hasn't had his breakfast after noon?             Oh boy..

18. Simmer [Vestibule 1: Universe/Door 17] (pt 2) - After things with the Flag Smashers and John Walker are settled; Sam and Bucky end up spending half their time at the dock party celebrating the boat's repair and upcoming launch trying not to look for the people missing.

Memories are funny, and powerful things though..

And, now knowing Loki - the Dragon - Ormr - is still alive and out there and watching; as well as planning to knock Helmut Zemo loose again; doesn't help much.

19. Furrows [Vestibule 1, Universe/Door 14] (pt 6) - Cuyler (Clint Barton D14) and his family continue on through the last leg of their journey through Yggdrasil, accompanied by the family of Hart and Trickster God who have seen them safely through three of the nine realms on foot and horseback.Finally in Asgard with Jotunheim and Vanaheim now behind them; there is only a few hours of travel through Asgard’s outer rim wood and farmland is left between them and the ship that will take them to Mare Nectaris; and eventually: home, to rebuild. Not everything is as expected when they arrive in the Parcels though; and a new brand of tension is added to the lot when it reaches their ears.Looking around him again, a month later; Clint can’t help but ask. Is Earth, really home any more..?And.. what about Loki? Will he keep up his end of the bargain if they decide that answer is no; or send them on their way?

20. Another! [Vestibule 1, UNiverse/Door 4 (pt 5)] - Thanos is on his way, and there's a Celestial Calamity barely contained in T'Challa's 'back yard'.

A day, maybe two left to the final fight; with all that and the socio-political tensions at their peak and Vision being prepped for his division from the Mind Stone: the sense that something is about to break needs to be dealt with. The upside to all the bad? Stark and Strange are finally figuring themselves out; though the growing pains that help them get there and fill in the gaps are far from comfortable. Especially for Loki.

Leave to the combination of Irish, Asgardian and Wakandan stirred together in their mixing pot, to find an answer to attempt and keep that potential breakage in their alliance from happening: in loud, and liquid forms. And, allow them to breathe long enough to truly buckle into the places they've chosen in each others lives.

21. Changing Face [Vestibule 2, Universe/Door 14 (pt 6)] - On Asgard after agreeing to take Clint Barton along, Loki and Tony set themselves to the task of retrieving Loki's things from his sealed hall; while setting up for Odin's return.

Among them: maybe the Tesseract?

Lo and the boys have to juggle their tasks while fooling the entirety of court and still somehow; figure out a way to yank an entire --if small by Loki standards-- shipyard out of a rural cliffside: -without- getting spotted by Heimdall, first and the same.

In the meantime, back on Earth? Nat is doing a little juggling of her own as Walsh and Fury get on prepping things for the boys return... and picks up half of Fen-Theta's roster as guard detail and enforcement, should she need it..

22. Treasure Hunt [Vestibule 1, Universe/Door 13 (pt 3)] - Clint wakes to find Loki has disappeared with the Infinity Stones still embedded in his knuckles; sending most of the awake Avengers in the Compound into a tizzy and, some of the ones who aren't even present. Isn't group chat grand?

Finding his note after Strange's heads up that he might not even be on the property any more; Barton ends up taking charge of a weird treasure hunt through the mirror dimension, in Kamar Taj.

23. Sunny Side [Vestibule 1, Universe/Door 15] - Leadsprite (Tony D15) reassesses the current state of his life as it stands as a part of his and Loge's (Loki D2) portion of the multiverse the morning after landing in bed with him for the second time in the last five years...

24. Nobody There [Vestibule 2, Universe/Door 1(pt 1)] - Tony is gone. And after picking up Vision's remains, combined with Mysterio; Tyler Hayward of SWORD wants as much more of his legacy as they can get their hands on. Something about Hayward makes Peppers' skin crawl, however; a feeling that refuses to go away as other people associated with Tony's work start to go missing, or die outright. A creeping presence that inadvertently helps Pepper refocus: noticing things far closer to, and even inside her own home over the months since Tony's death, that she had been trying really hard to put off facing along with the grief.. (pt 1)

25. Lost and Found [Vestibule 1, Universe/Door 13 (pt 4)] - On one of many a post-Endgame Earths in our multiverse (Lokiverse) where Loki took part in putting Thanos down and Tony never snapped to die; things are already going very differently. (previous parts linked in notes.)

After following Loki's notes from the Compound rebuilt via infinity stones, to Greenwich Village and back; empty handed: Barton returns to the Compound wondering whether Loki himself, actually will return. And if he does... will he stay, or will Loki bail like they had talked about; alone?

Tired of the arguments and debates and unable to sleep; Barton heads out to the Lake and Kiirvixxis' work cleaning up the aftermath of their last battle with Thanos: only to find another question he hadn't been allowing himself to ask waiting for him there. The answer, comes at a price and with a surprise. Just maybe not the kind Clint had thought to be a possibility..

26. Place Your Bets [Vestibule1, Universe/Door 1 (pt 3)] -  The Intermission for Loki and Tony Stark's ongoing animosity train is officially over, cut short after Barnes' unexpected visit to the Tower was noticed: managing to lure Rogers down their way, along with Eir.. and Thor.

Much to the surprise of everyone except Barnes --who only a week and a half ago Tony had attempted to kill-- Tony's aggression and bite isn't aimed at Loki's back after his quick retreat: but instead at Thor, and Asgard especially, in turns.

It probably doesn't help that Tony is not a fan of the committee the argument turned into, holding him up from looking for his bailed caretaker; and from asking Barnes about where he might maybe find his apparent girlfriend down in the village. Or that, the more they ask; the more Thor tries to give them exactly what Loki had said he would, in the attempt to confirm any of what the Trickster had bitten out at Stark before he'd simply stepped out of the same window space Loki had thrown him out of four years ago..

27. Trust [Vestibule 2, Universe/Door 1 (pt2)] - Starting to feel cornered by Tyler Hayward, Pepper follows the advice of her daughter's invisible and previously thought imaginary friend: arranging an in-person meeting with Bucky Barnes and having every intention of doing exactly as 'Oz' recommends to enlist the former Winter Soldier's help in protecting her daughter, and her late husband's legacy.

With no clear word whether she should share the fact that Oz is real; Pepper decides to feel out both Barnes and the situation a little better all at once. Not that Bucky's Winter Soldier senses are likely to allow either her, or Oz, much time to manage that.

Between what Barnes and Oz both bring to her attention? Said situation may very well be a LOT worse than Pepper had initially thought... and maybe, about to get even MORE dangerous.

28. No Martyrs [Vestibule 1 : Door/Universe 15] - With just a little under an hour left after getting the real rundown of what their situation is a week after Loki's botched 'Invasion' plan was cut short by the Trickster himself: Tony (Leadsprite) is given information that for him, is practically nightmare fuel.

Not even the presence of tech he hasn't learned can quite keep his attention as a timer he didn't know was there --Thanos and his current ETA-- seems to be able to distract him from what he's hearing.

Or the distinct, clear feeling that not a word of what's been dropped in his ears is either a joke, or deception...

29. Overdraft [Vestibule 2 : Universe/Door 1 (pt3)] - With the shock of current events finally dissipating fully after an explosion and fire claimed most of if not all of Helen Cho's household, Pepper is enabled to recognize Oz's presence in her recent memories far more clearly; while Bucky Barnes moves in after Oz(Loki) requested him in particular for immediate protection from SWORD's Tyler Hayward.

Oz's motivations and interest likewise are becoming that much more clear; though some of the things he says and way he says them raise questions Pepper and Barnes both want and want to put aside; but. As these things slowly register at a pace Morgan's invisible best friend is probably setting with purpose?

Well. The basic trust is there, but neither one are quite sure how to fully breach the subject without stumbling over a landmine he has, after all; very much warned them is waiting there among their mostly curiosity and concern-fueled questions.

30. Repeat [Vestibule 1 : Universe/Door 19 (pt 2)] - 2018. Loki survived to show up at and contribute to the battle in Wakanda; a battle this universe still lost due to Thor's grandstanding ego: but not with the same result.

Forced to fall back and evacuate what of Earth's heroes remain out of Thanos' reach before he can fully recover from an overpowered reactive dual use to make a second go of it with what he still has? Loki's last and much more risky bet --on Bucky Barnes-- has paid out big: the former super soldier removing the Power, Time and Space stones from his hand along with the fingers and thumb attached.

Dropping the Power stone before it's destructive force could eat more than half his vibranium arm; Barnes manages to use the Space stone to return to Loki as planned. And Loki's former room mate, Steve Rogers; having been left out of the loop? Is not particularly pleased about all of this.

In fact.. Steve isn't entirely sure what to feel or think; with all that history known and not, coming back into view.

31. Accomplices [Vestibule 1:Universe/Door 11 (pt3)] - Cambridge, Massachusetts : 1990.

About to finish his second degree at M.I.T.; Tony's social life takes a turn he doesn't expect in finally meeting his declared Brit-imported rival --Loke Falconwrath-- face to face: at what to Stark is the worst possible time and party.

Escaping the clutches of the dreaded Maize Fashion Fangirl Pack becomes a combined effort. One that unfortunately would also leave Tony out in the middle of a semi-rural multi-million dollar neighborhood with a half forgotten surprise in his pocket, if not for the annoyingly charming efforts and ride offered from his usually unlikely partner in said escape.. Maybe.

Wait. ....Is that the cops?

32. Reflections [Vestibule 1: Universe/Door 19 (pt 3)] - 

On the Run from Thanos in their Universe after Bucky Barnes recovered two more Infinity Stones with half of Wakanda and a chunk of the moon in tow; Steve Rogers gets a harder and less expected thump to his conscience, right alongside Stephen Strange. Enough that, Steven can’t hold his part in any more: and doesn’t seem to care who besides Bucky figures out their previous relationship any more, or what their reaction might be. 33. Working Contradictions [Vestibule 1 : Universe/Door 3 (pt 3)] -

As soon as Thor is gone dropping them home from a weird and scary but cool visit to Asgard; Tony helps facilitate the rest of the team present listening in on Bruce and Loki's intended private conversation.

Mostly, after finally coming to the point Stark is unable to completely ignore everything Bruce has dug up over the two week visitation? Tony thinks he knows what he's going to see and hear. He's just hoping for a little confirmation.

Needless to say.. he, and the rest of the team get more than expected.

And, not just from the brunettes on screen. The house red head has quite a lot to put into perspective, in an even more personal tone as they hash it out...

34. Inheritors and Intentions [Vestibule 2 : Universe/Door 2 (pt 4)]-

They knew it was probably coming; but none of them could have guessed SWORD would come after what was left of Tony's legacy --and family-- so fast: or with such horrible timing.

Living in the wooded eco compound has as many disadvantages as it does advantages though. As does getting caught unprepared and exposed while in the middle of launching mini satellites along with fireworks Oz and Bucky Barnes both end up cursing for the cover it gives Hayward's squads to open fire, with Morgan and Pepper both potentially in range.

Taking cover in the garage and trying to get to what armor Potts has access to while their aggressors attempt to push through Oz (Loki) and the property defenses, is probably their best bet at keeping Morgan safe... for now...?

35. Seeds of Time [Vestibule 0.616a : Universe/Door 0] -

In a universe where Loki allied with the Guardians early, and survived the beginning of the Infinity War; things have turned out very different.

And now that the conflicts ending on Earth in Wakanda, are over? The things sped through and set aside to accomplish that are still being caught up with by Stephen Strange, a set of fractured but mending Avengers team; and the rest of the worlds involved. Especially, Earth; and what remains of Asgard.

Two weeks into that aftermath, Stephen is still reeling and uncertain between the things he's seen, heard, and experienced while reluctantly standing shoulder to shoulder with, if not steps behind the mostly Asgardian-taught sorcerer: adding the revelation he was known by and ally to the previous Sorceress Supreme, the Ancient One? And that Loki has taken up the position of Master of the London Sanctum out of respect for the centuries-old Celt's recorded posthumous requests especially?

Isn't helping Strange, come to terms.. much.

36. Omissions [Vestibule 2 : Universe/Door 8] -

2018. In another AU/AR where others along with Loki survived to change the outcome of the events of Infinity War to end it in Wakanda; Earth is still processing the aftermath of the last few days.

Steve Rogers is no exception; though things he hasn't confronted since 2012 --especially where Loki and Bucky are concerned-- being among the things to sort through on his own personal list: Rogers ends up debating whether he should confront those things now, or just let them lie.

Or at least, not while the Guardians are looking to have Loki make good on the agreed offer of a much speedier set of repairs and retrieval from Loki in particular where the Benatar, Milano, and the pod Rocket left behind on Nidavellir are concerned to keep the former and still prince in their space, even if it's only temporarily.

Somehow, the others keep chasing Loki into Steve's path in particular in the process of pestering the not-so-dead former King. (pt 1)

37. Mending Bridges [Vestibule 0.616/Door 0] -  Heading towards a rebuilding Asgard in the aftermath of their very different Infinity War; MacBeth (Stephen Strange) and Hvedrungr (Loki) have time along the gateways to make another attempt at reconciling their relationship as mentor and apprentice as a last post-humous request of the Ancient One: and Stephen manages to pin down the worst of his issues as a result.Not all of those, or the answers he gets; are what Stephen expects: or things he's even allowed himself to see in the wake of Celt's death and especially how that happened.Not until the God of Mischief points them out to him, unfortunately.

38. Admissions [Vestibule 2 : Universe/Door 8 (pt 2)] -

Back in the States after Thanos' early defeat in their universe, and faced with Bucky's 70 year plus running insistent dislike of Loki: Steve see-saws between the options of putting his foot down with Barnes; or the path of least resistance there in simply letting the Trickster leave with the Guardians.

Either way means fessing up as to how very personal that relationship was and might be; and how far back it goes to the rest of the group as well as Barnes, though; something Rogers isn't exactly comfortable with to say the least.

39. Coin Toss [Vestibule 2 : Universe/Door 9 (pt 1)] -

In another Universe where Natasha switched places with Clint in twenty ten/eleven; the change in roster, also changes some of the outcomes.

Going head to head with Thor in his weakened but deranged state didn't end without it's bruises: but it did end with more than a few extra questions, after her --and their-- fight with the big blond intruder was cut just short of may be Nat needing a gurney and maybe a trip to the hospital rather than just a little disinfectant and some salve.

Which, would be fine mostly; if anybody but Masters remembered the agent who stepped in out of nowhere to manage putting the big guy face down in the mud...

40. Homework [Vestibule 2 : universe/Door 11 (pt 1)] -

2012 is the almost the same as you remember it. Almost.

With the homework SHIELD and Pepper gave him well and under Tony's belt, and Loki too easily picked up from Stuttgart: Stark finds himself distracted by the picking 'hows' behind Loki's thus far very contained 'invasion'... and even more so after what little his apparent adopted brother does and doesn't have to say, once aboard the carrier.

Maybe it's because he was one of the only members to actually do all that homework rather than skim it: but Tony and eventually Bruce, can't help the itching feeling there is a lot more going on, and Asgard itself might be a lot more involved if not responsible for their current situation, than Thor seems to want anyone to question... why is that?

They have to work more time to ask those questions, first though.. SHIELD is close on their butts; and Thor isn't likely to be far behind.

41. Summer’s End [Vestibule 1, Universe 12]

More than a year after New York; the evolved yet ancient festival Day of Samhain has Lisan (Loki) anxious for other reasons, and trying to quietly prepare for the ghosts he is trying to leave behind with the name Frigga and Odin gave him.

Halloween --as it's called now-- brings a few challenges to the Bartons in Missouri; not the least of which is the fact that Natasha comes to visit with an unexpected tag-along.. Nick Fury.

Which wouldn't be a problem, except that; Clint has been hiding more than his wife and kids on the farm for almost a year: and avoiding introducing the newer addition to their family to Nat for almost as long. And Nick's early arrival, feels like it might put Clint's own plan in danger... (pt 1)

42. Autumn’s Bounty [Vestibule 1, Universe 12]

Nick Fury manages to somewhat surprise Loki by returning to the Barton farm just days after the former Asgardian prince briefly --and admittedly sloppily-- erased the Director's memory in response to being followed while taking the kids trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Only somewhat; because he had immediately told Laura about the impromptu confrontation and call, and later Natasha.. who is with Fury when he rolls up the drive.

May be, Lisan is still a little more angry about that whole thing than he's been allowing himself to admit out loud.. though: Laura, definitely seems to share that sentiment a little more than even Lili or Clint had initially gauged...(pt 2)

43. Sorting Box [Vestibule 1: Universe 1]

Announcing his intentions and laying down ultimatums with the team back in New York may have managed a quickly more stable relationship with Bucky Barnes almost two weeks after Loki's intervention in Zemo's plans for them all in Siberia just as a start; but doing so out of Loki's sight and hearing --regardless of his declarations on arrival in Illinois-- doesn't seem to have done Tony the favors he thought it might.

Especially, having borrowed that clearly closer-at-current relationship between the metal armed man and the alien also known as a trickster god in human history, in order to invite himself into one of Loki's safe spaces to do it.