Greetings, Old Friend

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The warship was on high alert. The crew were forced to repair all the damage the Warrior had left behind before her demise by the hands of the Enchantress. While shattered glass was being brushed up, and metal being melded together, the Black Order were summoned to their father's throne room. Proxima lead her siblings into the dark room, lance pointed at the ground. She wouldn't want Thanos to believe she let Ana's death happen. After all, she had cast aside her deadly weapon to challenge the demigod to a hand to hand duel. They were told not to overestimate the Warrior. That she didn't have experience in fighting the galaxies most notorious soldiers. But now, Proxima thought, they wouldn't know what she was capable of.

The door automatically locked shut behind them. The gas in the pipes above them hissed, causing a bead of sweat to line Corvus' forehead. Black Dwarf glanced at his smaller brothers and sister in front of him, feeling quite shameful. He didn't appreciate Ana's dirty move she pulled to get out of his grip. He knew he would be punished for not finishing her off then and there. Corvus thought himself a fool to believe he had been chasing an illusion. He was particularly frustrated by the Enchantress, and her sorcery that ended all they worked for.

Ebony Maw, on the other hand, was composed. He had looked into Ana's mind, pulled back the curtain on some very vital information. He knew some of what she knew. He knew most of what she didn't. He was pleased with himself and his efforts.

"What do you have to say for yourselves?"

Thanos spun around in his seat, turning away from the starry view behind the large window in the wall. There was red and blue blood on his hands and face. The blood of the intruders trying to get to his prisoner. He had dealt with them slowly. Two of his Outriders emerged from the corners of the room, chittering at them, reflecting the same rage their master felt.

Corvus stepped forward, taking it upon himself to speak for the Order. He placed his spear on the ground, and kneeled. "During interrogation, she revealed her knowledge of the Stones. She stressed that she wouldn't talk unless all four of us were present. And once I left to collect my siblings, well... that was when it began." He explained, looking back to his wife, who nodded.

"We rallied against her." Proxima continued. "Unaware there was another on the ship. Amora, the Enchantress. She lead Maw and Glaive down to the surface while the Warrior drew Dwarf and I. She must've thought Amora was on her side before she was stabbed in the back."

"The Sentinel's daughter is dead?"

Proxima acted fast, and pulled Corvus to his feet, and behind her when Thanos stood. The Mad Titan represented his name as he launched a large axe at an Outrider, that squealed when it couldn't flee in time. His bellows shook the ship, and the Black Order stayed stoic, afraid if any movement would set his eyes in their direction.

"She was mine to destroy!" Thanos roared. "She was mine to shatter! After all the Sentinel took from me... how could you lose her?"

Proxima swallowed thickly, meeting his cold eyes,

"She was taken, father."

When Ana woke up, she wanted nothing more than to go back to the pleasant nothingness of unconsciousness. That way, she wouldn't have to experience the current prisoner life she was living. With the way things have played out, Ana came to a conclusion that fate was behind the entire ordeal. And when she said entire ordeal, it was no understatement. Everything from finding Thanos in the first place back at Kamar-Taj, to being stuck in an Asgardian cell. It was like the universe wanted her to keep her focus on what was going to happen. She thought it was crazy, but who was she to shy away from fate and destiny?

For some reason, she was the only one locked away in the dungeon hall. She expected to see a few others who have done crimes big enough to land themselves in the prison underneath the palace, but there were none.

There was no bed, or furniture for that matter, that Ana could sleep on. She got up with a kink in her neck and a glare on her face. Looking out the window of her cell, Ana saw Amora. The Enchantress was casually eating fruit, a recognisable flare for mischief in her eyes. Ana sat across from her, resting her chin on her closed fist.

"You know, Thor always used to say he would show me around his home. And that we would begin at the pubs for a few drinks." Ana began, eyeing the man in armour that walked up to Amora. Skurge had his lovey dovey eyes aimed at Amora, practically drooling over the way she managed to send him a nod of acknowledgement. She glanced back at Amora, who shrugged.

"Thor's not back yet, darling. But you shouldn't get used to your living arrangements. He'll have you out faster than you can say Muspelheim." Amora assured.

Ana threw her a deadpanned expression. "Muspelheim." She repeated.

"Who is this, my love?" Skurge asked, walking closer to the cell to get a better look at Ana. She leaned back when he pressed his face up against the window, grimacing. He looked out of breath, and sweaty, as if he had been running around.

"Now, now, Skurge, you don't want to make her uncomfortable. She is known to threaten others with a simple punch." Amora eased the man under her spell away from the window, trailing her slim hands down his armoured chest.

Skurge scoffed. "She don't look like much of a hitter."

Ana raised her eyebrows while Amora laughed at him. She placed a hand on his cheek, and grinned wildly. "She is the daughter of the Sentinel."

Skurge instantly bent a knee, and dropped his head. "Forgive me for my ignorance." He rushed out.

"Relax. You're not the first guy who's underestimated me." Ana sighed. "And you certainly won't be the last."

The doors to the dungeons were thrown open by a certain blond god. He was followed inside by his lanky brother, who was fumbling for a right excuse to say for what he was about to see in one of the cells. Thor held his trusty hammer in his left hand. His right however had a fistful of Loki's collar in it, and he dragged his trickster of a brother along, unable to trust him to be out of his sight. Thor was tired of both Loki and travelling the galaxy. At first, he was trying to find the Infinity Stones, but instead, came across a path of death and destruction, which lead him to Muspelheim, Surtur's Realm. There, Thor stole Surtur's Skull, the source of his power, and fled, thinking he had stopped the horrific events of Ragnarök.

But Ragnarök was just starting.

When Thor had heard rumours of Ana's father, he was stunned. He had grown up with Marcus. He was as close with the Sentinel as he was with his own father. Naturally, Thor was thrown by the sudden news. He was also slightly disheartened, thinking Ana had known all along and hadn't told him of her true life. He was about to find out the truth.

Thor squinted at Amora, a familiar face he hadn't seen in over a century. The Enchantress wasn't in the mood to deal with the brothers, and exited through a portal, taking Skurge along with her. She had sent Ana a wink before she was consumed by her power. Ana gawked at the empty space in front of her. She wasn't aware of Thor approaching, and groaned when she saw Amora disappear. Ana thought she was her ticket out of the cell, again, and threw herself at the window, launching her fists at it. The window stung her every single time her skin landed on it, but Ana couldn't feel it. She kept attacking the impenetrable glass, wishing it would just break.

"I can't be here!" She practically begged the glass to give in.

"Get her out of there." Thor reprimanded Loki, shaking his head at him when they stopped in front of Ana's cell. He laughed to himself when he heard her curse at the barrier.

Loki pressed his palm on the side of the window, sulking. The barrier dissolved in an instant and Thor grinned, dropping his hammer to open his arms. Ana was readying for another attack on the glass, and let out a small yell as she broke into a run. She expected a pathetic sting to her limbs, but all she felt was air. Ana fell forward, now realising the barrier was gone, and waited to hit the ground.

She hit something harder than it.

"Thor!" Ana exclaimed, finding herself in his arms. It was like her heart grew double the size when she saw the big grin on his face. She let out a relived sigh and buried her head in his chest, letting a laugh bubble out from her lips. "Oh, thank god!"

"It been far too long, my friend!" Thor chuckled, pulling back to look her over for any injuries. Nothing too serious he assessed. "How do you fair?" He questioned quietly.

"Nothing I can't handle." Ana pointedly nudged her head in Loki's direction. Her face hurt from all the smiling, but she couldn't deny the happiness she felt at the sight of her favourite Norse God. There was so much she wanted to tell him, about Earth and the Civil War between the Avengers, her training as a Master of the Mystic Arts, and everything in-between. As she glanced at him, she realised there was something wrong.

Ana's smile vanished. "Thor... what's up?"

Thor's eyes flickered between Loki and Ana, before he latched an arm around her shoulders, sighing. "I've been worried for weeks. When I heard of the bounty, I knew I had to find you. It's hard to keep your own against all that is out there in the cosmos."

"But Thor, something's changed." Ana protested, looking up at him. "I'm different. Stronger. I feel so... powerful in the galaxies." Her fists tightened as she confided to her friend, brows creasing from the confusion she felt. She hoped he knew what she was trying to say. He was older and carried knowledge, and she silently prayed he would give her answers to her many questions.

"That's easy to explain." Loki stepped forward, joining the two. Ana shot him a look to keep his distance. She didn't trust him. "Your father's strength came from the cosmos. The closer he was to it, the stronger he became."

"That's true." Thor chimed, a smile overcoming his worried expression. "Once, Mark and I went to Midgard centuries ago when I was summoned for lightning. He fell ill within minutes, and Heimdall had to take him back. Remember, brother?" He punched Loki hard in the shoulder, making him grunt, raising a hand to soothe the sore spot.

"And the moment he stepped into the observatory, he felt on top of the world again." Loki added.

"It's the cosmic radiation, I'm sure of it. It's the reason why your father was the strongest of all. The cosmos was his home. And soon enough, I know it will be yours too." Thor beamed, crossing his arms over his chest as he hopped on his feet. He was excited from the findings. He saw this as there being two gods in the Avengers, instead of the lonely little number of one.

"But I got a life on Earth." Ana mumbled out, raising a hand to hug her elbow. "Friends. People I care deeply about... I don't think I could leave just like that. I've got history there."

Thor and Loki shared a knowing look. They heard this all before. They also knew what to tell her with the thought of Marcus in mind. Thor understood Ana's words, and sympathised with them. She wouldn't take a job up in space if it meant leaving all she cared about behind.

"Time you make history here as well." Thor clamped his hands down on her small shoulders, shaking her slightly. "Just as your father did. Continue on in his name. Bring the galaxy hope again." He made his hand into a fist and brought it up, pursing his lips.

Ana looked up for a few seconds. "You sound like something out of Star Wars." She told him.

Thor scrunched his face up in puzzlement, and straightened up. "What is that? What is Star Wars?"

Ana patted his bicep. "I'll show it to you when we get back home." She then turned to Loki, "Which reminds me, you're not coming back!"

Loki glared at her. "Jests on you, I don't want to go back."

"Good." Ana nodded.

"Great." Loki retorted.

Thor rubbed his eyes, "Uh, no not good or great. Loki exiled Odin to Earth, and now we need to get him back." He informed Ana, who frowned.

"But it's my duty as a Master of the Mystic Arts to make sure people like Loki don't step foot on Earth." Ana stated strongly, keeping her weary eyes on the trickster. His lips quivered and she gritted her teeth when he burst out laughing in her face.

"Ha! Master of the Mystic Arts. Are you serious?" Loki scoffed, giving her a scrutinised glance. "That doesn't mean you rise to the ranks of me."

Ana cracked her neck, and lifted her hands.

Thor stepped back, startled when gold energy in the form of circles appeared on her palms. They spun, and at the same time, Loki was lifted from the ground. She switched one hand to possess the power of the Eldritch Whip, and latched the other end of it around Loki's ankle. He was wide eyed, and shut his eyes when he was flung across the hallway and into the doors on the other side.

Thor gasped quietly as he watched his brother soar through the air. "Ana."

"You look pretty low on the ladder." Ana called after Loki. She grinned when he sat up against the doors in a daze. "That's for everything you've done since I saw you."

"You impulsive little..." Loki grunted and dusted himself off. He outstretched both hands and two daggers appeared. He stalked forward, shoulders hunched and eyes narrow. Ana squared up and wrung her fists, more than willing to fight against him. In fact, she anticipated it.

Thor waved his hands around, and gestured for them to back away from each other. It was like trying to seperate two predators. He stepped in-between them and pushed their shoulders back. "As much as I would thoroughly enjoy this well overdue battle, I'm afraid we all have to take a rain check on this one." He said, looking back and forth at their faces.

"Fine. It wouldn't be a fair fight anyway." Ana mused, putting away her fists.

Loki chuckled. "Why's that?"

Ana pointed at the material on his back. It was the first thing she would do, grab the cape and fling him around like a rag doll. "I know what Hulk did to you. Tony had his cameras up at the time and we all saw what happened. We all saw you cry, Puny God." She taunted.

Loki inhaled sharply. He then launched himself at her, but Thor intercepted and grabbed him before his hands could reach her. He mumbled under his breath, and flailed around in his brother's arms.

"Brother please, you're embarrassing yourself." Thor said in a hushed tone.

"She started it." Loki barked. Ana lifted her chin and sent him a challenging look.

"And you can bet your ass I'm gonna finish it."

"You sure you're father is here?"

The sign to a nursing home, Shady Acres, was knocked away by a crane, revealing a demolition site behind it. Thor, Loki and Ana all stood on the side walk in casual clothes. Thor had altered Mjolnir's image into that of an umbrella, and he carried it in his hands that were crossed over his chest. Ana sighed, annoyed by all the looks they were getting because of Loki's black suit. It made him look like a wannabe magician. She was also surprised Stephen hadn't sensed her arrival yet, knowing fully well he would have an extra eye peeled for her presence. Right before they traveled through the Bifrost, they were greeted by Amora who promised to keep the kingdom safe. She sent Ana off with a kiss to her cheek, an action that shocked everyone in the observatory. Even now, Ana still couldn't get rid of the red lipstick stain she left behind.

Loki sighed beside Ana. "I swear, I left him right here."

Thor turned his head to look at Loki. "Right here on the sidewalk? Or right there, where the building that's being demolished? Great planning." He hissed.

"How was I supposed to know? Can't see into the future. I'm not a witch." Loki grumbled.

"No? Then why do you dress like one?" Thor shot back.

Ana smiled. "Who you tryna be? David Copperfield?"

"Hey." Loki said quietly, lowering his eyes. He felt ganged up on.

"I can't believe you're alive. I saw you die. I mourned you, I cried for you." Thor shook his head, catching himself before he could get to far when Ana placed a supportive hand on his back.

"I'm honored." Loki said.

"He had a lock of your hair in his hair and everything." Ana shook her head. They were brothers, and Ana had a hard time wrapping her head around why Loki treated him the way he did.

"Sentiment." Loki muttered under his breath, looking away. Ana let out a grunt, concluding that it was just in his nature to be inconsiderate. As easy as breathing.

While Thor busied himself with a few college girls and taking photos, Ana brought Loki's attention to the world behind them. The vibrant hub of New York, the very place he tried to destroy with an army of the Chitauri. She turned him around, noticing how stiff he was, as if he didn't want to see. She recognised nothing in his blue eyes, and pursed her lips, almost second guessing him.

"Looking great, huh?" She nodded her head at the old Avengers Tower. "Your plan to ruin my home ended faster than you can say Earth's Mightiest Heroes. You killed a lot of people. Destroyed homes and lives. Even tarnished the innocence of children, because now they know what's out there. You've made a lot of people dependant on the Avengers. They're scared. And they will continue to feel that way until the day they won't feel much of anything."

"What are you trying to say?" Loki peered down at her.

"Thor loves you, and he still thinks you can change your ways." Ana began, glancing over her shoulder at Thor. "As his friend, I gotta back him up on that. I gotta believe you can change. It's gonna take one hell of a leap, but it's worth it if it makes your brother happy. I mean, you had the idea to save me from the Black Order. You put the bounty on me in the first place, yeah, but you still helped me out on that one. As much as I hate to admit... I just did."

Loki was silent. He was seeing more and more of Marcus in her every second they spent together. He took a look for himself, and observed the lives of the New Yorkers across from him, even at the building he used as the core of the portal when he brought the Chitauri in. He didn't want to humour her. He didn't want her help just as he didn't want any of Marcus' help all those years ago. He didn't want to feel helpless and weak.

"Monologues are a good look on you. I suggest you save it for someone who wants to hear them." Loki replied, no emotion in his tone.

Ana scoffed. "Fine, be that way. It's only a matter of time before Thor realises you can't turn over a new leaf. Let alone a whole friggin' tree."