Flash Of Green

You walked the rest of the way in silence and when you reached the edge of the town you looked around for any evidence of electricity. As you stalked closer one of the bungalows opened and a grim looking woman holding some kind of blaster cannon appeared in the doorway. "You better not be scavengers," she barked and you instinctively took a step back to hide behind the bulk of Loki's back. You could tell that Sylvie was trying to get close to the woman in an effort to enchant her but as soon as she started moving the impressive weapon was shoved in her face.

"Not one step closer," the woman said and patted the cannon in her arms for emphasis. You took a deep breath and cleared your throat before asking in the friendliest voice you could muster "We are not scavengers. May I ask where everyone else has gone?" You glanced around the street and the row of empty houses nearby and then back at the woman who shrugged and then pointed at the horizon.

"They've all gone to the Ark," she responded and when she was met with three blank stares she huffed and added, "It's an evacuation vessel. But there are no tickets left for the train that takes you there." You gave Sylvie a stern look to stop her from trying to touch the woman and potentially get shot in the process before turning to Loki. "Let's see if we can't figure out a way to get on that train," he said with a thoughtful expression and you sighed with relief when Sylvie agreed without arguing. She pointed out that the Ark should have enough power to charge the TemPad and that it was likely your only chance to escape this planet.

You started walking in the direction the woman had pointed to and once you were close enough to see the train carts you and your companions hid behind a large rock to come up with a plan. "No further violence," you said with a sharp look at Sylvie who put her hands up and did her best impression of pure innocence. "Only because I like you," she said with a wink and you heard Loki let out an exasperated groan as you laughed in response.

You spent a few moments hashing out the details of your strategy and once you were certain what could work you put your plan in motion. Loki used magic to make himself look identical to the guards at the entrance to the train and you confidently made your way to the front of the queue of desperate people. Sylvie casually touched one of the guards as she explained that you had permission to enter the train and you saw the tell-tale flicker of her green magic before the man smiled and let you pass.

You entered one of the carts that seemed strangely empty considering so many people were left outside without any chance of getting on. You wanted to help them but you knew that you were already in danger of creating a Nexus Event by being here and you couldn't risk changing the Sacred Timeline. You sat down in one of the surprisingly comfortable booths and Sylvie regarded you with an expectant look. "Now that we have a moment, let's hear your story," she said and her piercing eyes were glued to yours as she waited for your reply.

You took a deep breath and launched into a detailed account of who you were and how you ended up with the TVA. You explained that you were the "original" Loki's last lover on the Sacred Timeline before he died and left you behind. You told her that a Timedoor mixup had led to you getting involved with the TVA, conveniently leaving out that it was actually Loki's fault. You glanced at him and he seemed surprised that you would lie to protect his reputation. You gave him a soft smile and when he returned it easily you could feel your heart flutter again.

You finished your story and a deep frown appeared on Sylvie's face as she looked between you with a confused expression on her face. "So the two of you are not…?" she asked in a sceptical tone and you instantly blushed at the insinuation that Loki and you were a couple. You awkwardly assured her that you were not in fact together but she didn't seem at all convinced. After a long moment of tense silence she broke out in a grin and responded coyly "Well, at least this means I still have a chance."

You blinked at her with your mouth open in shock and you could feel Loki tense up next to you. Sylvie broke out into a wide grin and you figured that she was just making a joke at your expense and gave her a noncommittal shrug. "Do you have anyone?" you asked and she averted her eyes to look out of the window with a wistful sigh. She was quiet for a long moment and you were worried you had upset her when she finally spoke, "Jumping between timelines doesn't really allow for romantic attachment."

You nodded in understanding and your heart clenched at the thought of her being alone and potentially lonely all this time. Sylvie stretched her arms up with a yawn and you chuckled when she unceremoniously dropped her head on your shoulder. You suggested she could lie down in your lap if she wanted to get some rest and after staring at you with a curious smile she spread out on the spacious bench. She rested her head on your thighs and you automatically let your hands drop next to her face.

You leaned back and smiled at Loki who had been watching your exchange with a frown on his face. His severe expression softened slightly and you closed your eyes to calm down your heart that had been racing non-stop since you landed on Lamentis. Without noticing what you were doing your hands started moving and you only realised you were absentmindedly stroking Sylvie's hair when she let out a content sigh. "Hmm…that's nice," she mumbled and you chuckled when she nuzzled into your hand to encourage you to keep going.

You didn't see any harm in indulging her and you figured that she deserved some peace and quiet after the time she'd been having. You looked up only to gasp at Loki who seemed to be glaring daggers at the two of you and you raised an eyebrow at him. "What's the matter?" you asked gently but he denied that anything was wrong and then abruptly got up to investigate the drinks situation on the train.