A/N: ...three years. holy shit. wow guys. So I've been gone for a looong time. And I have good news, and bad news. Good news-Another update! Finally! Woohooo y'all have been asking for this for so long and finally I got my fingers to do the deed and get it all done because I couldn't stand the guilt of leaving y'all hanging. Bad news. This is the last chapter, and I have no idea how long it might be until I write on. Thing is that this story is over, and has been for a while so to speak. Loki and Lizzie have very little left in terms of their big story, and even if they did have a lot, I've lost track of my old plans for a long time and I couldn't even begin to remember how they went. However, there's more good news. The next part of this stuff is now going to take form (if I actually get around to getting it done, which I plan to but I have a loooot of projects now). When I first wrote this story, lots of Loki and Thors story hadn't taken place. There was Thor, there was Avengers, that was it. Since I started there has been Dark World, and Ragnarok, etc etc etc etc ETCETERA. Like wow. its been seven years. But with that in mind theres a lot of story I could cover and adapt, with the world I've created melding in. And I plan to. Hopefully. The next step in this would actually be Dark World and Winter Soldier oriented due to Bella and Lizzie splitting their narratives down those roads. But the only problem is that I'm not sure I have the time. I want to, but I"m not only working, but i've got a two year old now, and another baby on the way, along with various other things so...who knows. Will I try? Yes. Certainly. Though there is a possibility that this is the end end. Its a bit unfinished, I'll admit, and if anyone wants to pick it up from here, feel free to contact me and I'll gladly let you. But yeah.

So thank you, for all of your love and support, and I'm sorry that it is a bit unfinished. I tried to tie up any loose ends with this chapter, but... yeah. Again, thank you.

and now, the chapter.

Phillip Dale walked to his office after the lunch break, munching on the scone he bought to eat with his coffee. Blueberry. Oh how he loved them, unfortunately for Phillip his wife watching calories, so eating such delights at home weren't plausible. Why? Well, he didn't want to torture her with things she loved but couldn't eat at present. Even though he didn't particularly care what weight she was -he liked her any weight she was, he insisted- he had to support her in this. What kind of husband would he be if he didn't?

He was proud to be so supportive... though sometimes he had to be a little indulgent to himself.

It was these thoughts which distracted him as he opened the door to his office, not noticing his secretary, Miss Hope, conspicuously absent. However, all thoughts of scones and his wife flew out the metaphoric window the moment he heard a crunch followed by the sound of water. Looking down he saw the culprit, his eyes widening in shock and horror.

His entire floor was covered in red plastic cups, each filled to the brim with water and set up in such a way that no one would be able to take a step without knocking them over. At the middle of this was Miss Hope, sat comfortably in his desk chair looking both bewildered and apologetic. From the looks of it she'd tried to step over a few near her and knocked them down, the puddles on the floor evident. Thank God he'd recently had the carpet taken out and replaced with linoleum.

"I don't know how it happened, Mr. Dale. One second I was putting some files on your desk- and the next second they popped out of nowhere!" Miss Hope explained, pushing her glasses up on her nose.

Phillip sighed. "How can they pop out of nowhere, Alice?" He asked.

Alice shook her head and shrugged in innocence. "I don't know." She said truthfully. "There's a note on the back of the door though."

He was quick to close the door, the paper note which was scrawled on the back giving him both insight and frustration. "'Water water everywhere - and every drop to drink. Might I suggest using that new coffee maker in the break room? Everyone would like a cup I'm sure—' Fuck!" Phillip exclaimed with a yell. "She's back!"

A click was heard from the system in the office. "Good afternoon, Mister Dale!" Lizzie's chipper voice came over the speaker system typically used for JARVIS, the noise in the rest of the office falling into a hush of quiet. "However did you know it was me?"

"Who else would it be, Donovan?" Phillip snapped to the speaker, putting the scone on Alice's desk and his briefcase leaning against it. "You seem to thrive on immature, chaotic, and unprofessional behavior."

"Tell me something I don't know." Elizabeth drawled back, the eye roll evident despite the fact that he couldn't see her face. "Oh! By the way, there are also donuts in the break room, thought you might want one- though I see you have a scone, so maybe not. Either way, happy drinking!" The system kicked off.

Alice was trying not to laugh, Phillip could see it on her face, her lip bitten to keep her lips from stretching widely. He stared, causing her to clear her throat and grow more serious. "Right, okay, we gotta figure out how to get you out of there..."

"Alright..." The system kicked back on and Phillip waited, the sigh over the speakers following. "Just this once, Dale, I'll be nice. Give me a second."

It seemed like only a second passed, but suddenly all the cups were gone, replaced by a smirking Lizzie standing in front of him and a shocked looking Alice behind her. Philip blinked...then blinked some more, not fully believing his eyes as he tried to wrap his head around just what had happened. His eyes dropped to the floor—not a single cup remained on the floor, though next to Lizzie was a bucket full of the water.

"Never say I never did anything nice for ya." She teased, reaching down to pick up the bucket before passing Philip out of the office, with a wink.

The shock on Alice's face was mirrored by everyone out in the main office, shocked expressions at Lizzie's very presence clear on everyone's faces.

"What the hell is she... Flash?" Came some disbelieving voice after a few moments as the elevator doors closed behind her.

Phillip just groaned, slamming the door behind him. Flopping into his chair, he frowned for a moment before laughing softly and biting into his scone as he got to work.

Jotunheim. It seemed a lifetime since Loki had traversed the barren cold of the realm, the memory of Thor's former coronation which he'd ruined playing over in his thoughts. The freezing wind was felt even through his cloak, and the instinct to switch forms grew. But before he truly gave into it, they were inside the palace, the enormous halls making Loki feel even smaller than he was already feeling beside the flanking of enormous Jotun guards.

There were few words to truly and wholly describe his discomfort.

"It must be odd being here." Helblindi's voice cut through his thoughts like the chill through his coat. "Though I hope you'll be comfortable. We thought you would enjoy being in the royal quarters during your stay—it's better guarded, and you won't have to be as inconvenienced by any threats made to your person."

"Very kind of you." Loki muttered, his head craning upward to look at his biological brother. "I'm sure whatever comfort that is lacking I'll be sure to try and amend with little difficulty. Am I to have an armed escort wherever I go?" His inquiry held a tinge of sarcasm in it, but being who Helblindi was, such was ignored.

Instead, Helblindi seemed to consider the thought for the first time, stopping in his tracks and turning as best he could to Loki. "I did not think it would be necessary, save for in the presence of others. I'm sure you understand that as a prisoner of Asgard, we must at least appear to give you the same guarding that they might should you... try to escape."

Loki held back a sigh of annoyance at that. Escape was the farthest from his mind at present, save for perhaps to see Elizabeth, the chance of full release being too touchy for him to risk it on stupid things like breaking away. "I understand." he replied.

"I'm glad you do." Helblindi stated with a hint of a smile. "I do not wish to make you feel too constricted—Thor told me that that would only make you likely to break the rules." The smile widened, and Loki rolled his eyes. Thor would. "Therefore, after tonight where you're introduced to my court, you'll be allowed to roam about to a degree. I've assigned one of the youngsters to show you around, just until you get comfortable."

Resisting the urge to tell Helblindi that he was perfectly capable of showing himself around—and would prefer it, to be honest—Loki gave a nod, a small mutter of 'thank you' out of pure politeness following. In any case, it would be easier to do as expected first... then perhaps shake off the guide at a later moment.

Soon enough Helblindi and Loki's paths diverged, the former heading to his throne room, while the latter was led to his temporary quarters. For a palace made in an icy wilderness, there was a certain homeyness to the place, the attempt to make things as much like Asgard so he might be comfortable not passing his attention. Before his arrival, Odin had finally given back some of his abilities, meaning that it was only a few minutes before his quarters resembled those which he was used to. It relaxed him just to see it.

Settling himself upon the bed, he decided to get some rest for now. Mental preparation would be needed for the interaction he would have to make soon with those he once tried to destroy.

Bella awoke to the sound of the doorbell ringing. After Alex' defeat and Lizzie returning, it seemed pointless for her to stay in the tower along with everyone else. More than once she'd heard Stark mentioning how crowded the tower was becoming... it seemed logical for her to go home. Kathleen had been thrilled, complaining that she'd been out of her house for too long for comfort. Needless to say, the months had left the place a little dusty, but it was nothing that they couldn't handle.

It was quieter without Lizzie, to be sure, but after so much had happened, quiet humdrum of her life before all this ruckus was wanted.

If she was honest, there was much about her new life that Bella wished did not occur. It was nicer to be one of the many crowd, than to lie teetering on the edge of the world of the superhuman. Bella believed with all her heart it was a dangerous world, and something about it made her tense.

The doorbell rang again, and she groaned, rolling out of bed. Her fingers pressed against her temples, a small headache that she'd had before she'd slept still lingering. That was another thing, she didn't like the fact that all this new information was leaving her sleep deprived and overactive. She liked her sleep.

Another bell.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" she shouted at it, sighing heavily as she reached the door. "Relax won't you?" She looked out of the window. No one was there. "What?"

Instinct warned of danger, and she backed up, very awake and aware of her surroundings all of the sudden. The hairs on her neck stood up, and she warily walked into the kitchen. Kathleen wouldn't be there this morning, she said, she'd be too busy running late errands and meeting with an old friend. Bella looked at the clock. Nine. Relief came in knowing she would still be doing that, and far away from whatever might occur.

Someone was there. She could feel it. Power cracked at the tips of her fingers, ready and waiting. It wouldn't be beyond those who were above Alex—as she was fairly certain he was taking orders—to seek the family out. Lizzie was safe, her mother was safe, but she was not... not in their minds anyway. Tapping into her abilities, she reached out, 'seeing' every room of the house as if she was in them. It stretched her energy, but she didn't care, it was better to know than to know nothing.

The back door was open, and taking a breath she crossed into the room, still unused to the rush that came from moving herself from one place to another. No one was there... at least... not anymore. She could feel their presence, and looking out into the yard she thought she saw a flash of metal reflecting the sun. She rushed out, scanning the yard and the surrounding area as quickly as possible. But it was of no use. Whatever it was, whoever it was, they were gone.

Unsettled, and now very concerned, Bella slipped back into the house, wondering just what was about to hit next.

Heimdall stood at the edge of Asgard, his eyes seeing far and wide. There was so much silence now, so much that seemed as if it was just waiting to strike. He probed, seeking for the source, but his vision failed. It was not new, and somehow that disturbed him.

"Perhaps it is merely a momentary setback..." The voice of Frigga met his ears, and she stepped beside him. He smiled gently, looking to his queen. "For a moment, we might have a breath before we are thrown into chaos."

"Perhaps." Heimdall replied, seeming to look beyond her. "Have you come for news of Loki?"
Frigga nodded.

"He is settling in. He'll adjust soon enough." He answered her. "But we're going to have bigger problems soon. There unrest on Vanaheim, and they will not be the only realm uneasy. It will benefit us to have Jotunheim on our side fully... though I am sure you know more than I of what the future holds."

"Yes, and no." Frigga said. "There is much which hinders my gaze these days. So many paths which will have to be chosen, and others which may yet reveal themselves. We must simply wait, and see where each will find their way."

Heimdall nodded. "The Convergence will happen soon. That could create trouble depending on where Thanos is at the moment."

"Can you not see him?"
Heimdall shook his head. "He cloaks himself well from my gaze. He knows he is being watched. But he has not his full power over us yet... he will... and soon. Even now he searches the Stones he does not yet possess. The loss of the Tesseract does not please him, and soon he will come here for it."

Frigga sighed. "Then we will prepare for then." She said, turning on her heel. "Is there anything else?"

The water looked toward Midgard, his sight seeing into the lives of those of importance to them all. He watched Elizabeth greet family she hadn't seen in some time, her sister seem disturbed as a similar man to Steve Rogers tried to speak to her; at the same time, Tony Stark was getting into a jet with Pepper Potts, headed away from New York; the Captain said goodbye to the young woman who

Heimdall had often seen him in the company of, he watched as she got into a car with a little boy and drove away; And Thor... Thor enjoyed the company of Jane Foster, explaining over a book the secrets that he knew that were far beyond her knowledge. The Avengers went their separate ways for now, enjoying this little time of peace that they could, knowing that it would not be long before they all were called together once again.

Heimdall smiled, shaking his head. "No, my queen."

If Frigga thought beyond that moment, she didn't say a word, nodding and heading back down the rainbow bridge.

"I feel like... a chapter has closed." Jodis said softly, looking over the weaved fate in her hands. Jora hummed, chuckling softly to herself as she put something amusing in the fate of Loki. "What are you up to?"

"Nothing." Jora said quickly, though the smile remained, bringing a dubious look from the other. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad. Just the outcome of this little meeting between Loki and the Jotuns is going to be hilarious." She said more to herself than to Jodis, giggling for a moment before she looked at her sister. "In any case, I'm surprised you're not more adamant about the fact that they're separated right now."

Jodis shrugged, another stitch going in. "They'll come together soon enough. The worst is over."

Jora looked to her sister with a frown. "You really think so?"

"Just let me have this moment, will you?"

"I'm just saying the worst might not be over, what with Thanos-"
"Jora, stop."

"-and Malekith-"

"Thats not our problem."

"It will be." Jora sung, giving her sister a look of knowing. "Just... don't get too comfortable."

Jodis stared at her—no, glared at her, more silent than Jora was used to. A moment passed. Then two. "Just shut up."

"Alright, alright." Jora replied, softly adding. "I mean, you're being dense..."

Another glare from her sister, and she returned to her stitching, amused as she finished up another thread.

She couldn't deny, however, that she agreed just a little with Jodis. A breather would be nice to have.

She simply doubted in how likely it was.

In the far reaches of the universe, on the planet of Vormir, Thanos stood before a wraith stuck in time by powers beyond. He knew the price he had to pay, the Soul Stone held within the Keepers grasp making it oh so clear.

"A sacrifice." The Keeper said. "A life... for the power over life. To ensure whoever commands the stone truly understands the price of its power—a soul, for a soul. One you love."

"There is none I love." Thanos replied, deep and cold.

The Keeper shrugged. "Then you cannot have it. From experience I can tell you this—one who cannot love, cannot obtain the stone."

Thanos hummed, the magical block mildly frustrating. Then, the Keeper watched him smile, a light in his eyes showing that somewhere in his twisted mind an idea had occurred. "Thank you then, for your assistance. We will not meet again."

The Keeper watched as the Mad Titan walked away, recognizing the glint in his eyes, and knowing it would only be a matter of time before he was sought again. Most likely by a different face.

A face which would not be so unmoved by the concept of sacrifice.

Until then, he would wait.

As he had done for decades.

Until then.

In Jotunheim, Loki woke as he felt a chill pass through his being, a warning. He looked down to his hand, expecting the ring to be alight, but finding it fine. He relaxed. A dream perhaps, nothing more. It was only a dream...

FINI

A/N: And that's where we end for now. I'll work on the next part, but this is where I'm cutting it now. I do apologize for anyone that hoped for more-I will try, but it will be slow going. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed, and again sorry for the delay.

Have a lovely year!