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Chapter Text

INT. TVA - DAY
We pan through the TVA and see agents at work, checking timelines and watching training videos. We see various TVA posters warning about variants and "protecting the sacred timeline."

We then cut to RAVONNA RENSLAYER in her office. She is at her desk, sorting through files. Suddenly, an agent bursts in.

AGENT

Ma'am, we have a situation.

Ravonna follows the agent to a computer, where we see a timeline branching off from the main one.

AGENT

Is this the variant we've been searching for?

Ravonna glances at the computer and nods.

RAVONNA

About damn time...

EXT. CHICAGO BAR, 1986 - NIGHT
We see a woman with long, black hair and a green dress chatting with a man in a bar. The song "Devil Woman" by Cliff Richard is playing in the background.

MAN

Can I interest you in another drink, beautiful?

The woman lets out a flirty laugh and blushes.

WOMAN

Oh, you're too kind.

The man turns to the bartender.

MAN

Hey, can you get my girl here a...

(He turns to the woman.)

What can I get you, honey?

WOMAN

Surprise me.

The man turns back to the bartender.

MAN

You heard her.

The woman has a devilish smirk on her face as she watches them. The man turns back to her as the bartender starts mixing a drink.

MAN

You know, I feel selfish. I've been talking so much about myself, but I still don't know a thing about you.

WOMAN

Well... what do you want to know?

Suddenly, another man approaches them.

MAN #2

Hey, what do you think you're doing with my date?!

MAN

Your date? She's mine, asshole!

MAN #2

I caught her first!

(He turns to the woman.)

I'm sorry, honey, is this guy bothering you?

MAN

Bothering her?! You listen here, shithead-

He grabs the other man and they begin to wrestle with each other.

WOMAN

(Playfully)

Oh no, please don't fight over me...

As the men grow more violent, a bit of green magic shoots out of the woman's hand, causing the first man's wallet to fly into her grasp. She slips by the men, undetected as the bartender tries to break them up. Outside the bar, the woman walks off. With a smirk, she shifts into LOKI, now in his male form. He unveils the tesseract with magic and disappears.

INT. THE BENATAR - NIGHT
Loki reappears in the Guardians' ship, where Thor and the Guardians of the Galaxy are waiting for him. Loki smirks.

LOKI

Another successful venture.

THOR

Did they fight?

LOKI

Like bilgesnipe.

Thor bursts into laughter, and Loki hands Rocket the wallet.

LOKI

I also got the wallet, as requested. Although, I don't think Midgardian currency will have much value on the far side of the galaxy.

ROCKET

Who cares about the money? I just wanted the wallet.

(He dumps out the dollar bills and admires the wallet.)

This is nice leather...

LOKI

Anyone else have any travel requests?

QUILL

Oh, I got a whole bunch.

NEBULA

Quit acting like children. An infinity stone is not a toy to be played with.

LOKI

Oh, please. The tesseract and I go far back. If anyone can control it, I can.

ROCKET

You know, I'm starting to think you've just gotten sick of being around us, and now you're just looking for an excuse to get away.

LOKI

I will neither confirm nor deny that.

THOR

By that, he means "yes."

ROCKET

That's pretty rude of you, grease weasel.

Loki scowls at him.

DRAX

Can you travel to Kylos? I would greatly enjoy having some trego fruit again.

LOKI

Certainly.

The tesseract starts to glow in his hands.

INT. TVA - DAY
The agent and Ravonna are still at the computer.

AGENT

He's using the stone again. He's going to time-jump.

RAVONNA

Block it. Intercept him.

The agent presses a button.

EXT. MONGOLIA - DAY
Loki crash lands in the Gobi Desert and wakes up, looking utterly confused as a group of villagers approach him.

VILLAGER

(in Mongolian)

Who are you? Why have you come to our home?

Loki raises an eyebrow and opens his mouth to respond. Suddenly, a portal opens and several TVA agents enter. They lean down to examine the tesseract, and Loki abruptly rushes over to them.

LOKI

Don't touch that!

The agents ready their prune sticks. Suddenly, HUNTER B-15 opens a portal and enters.

HUNTER B-15

It appears to be a standard sequence violation.

(She checks her tem-pad)

Branch is growing at a stable rate and slope. Variant identified.

LOKI

I beg your pardon?

HUNTER B-15

On behalf of the Time Variance Authority, I hereby arrest you for crimes against the sacred timeline. Hands up.

The agents activate their prune sticks.

HUNTER B-15

You're coming with us.

LOKI

I'm sorry, who's "us"?

Hunter B-15 activates her own prune stick.

HUNTER B-15

Last chance, variant.

Loki chuckles.

LOKI

Look, I don't know who the hell you seem to think you are... But if you don't mind, this is actually your last chance.

(Beat)

Now get out of my way.

Before he can attack, Hunter B-15 strikes him with her stick.

INT. TVA COURTROOM - DAY
Ravonna pounds her gavel.

RAVONNA

Next case, please!

Hunter B-15 forces Loki onto the stand.

RAVONNA

"Laufeyson"... Variant L1130, aka "Loki Laufeyson"...

LOKI

I prefer "Odinson," thank you.

After a pause, Ravonna shrugs.

RAVONNA

Very well...

(She crosses out "Laufeyson" on his case file and writes in "Odinson.")

Loki Odinson, you are charged with sequence violation 7-20-89. How do you plead?

Loki chuckles.

LOKI

Madam, a god doesn't plead. Look, this has been a very enjoyable pantomime, but I'd like to go home now.

RAVONNA

Are you guilty or not guilty, sir?

Loki smirks.

LOKI

Guilty of being the god of mischief, yes. Guilty of finding all of this incredibly tedious, yes. Guilty of a... "crime"... against the "sacred timeline"? Absolutely not, you have the wrong person.

RAVONNA

Oh, really? And who should we have?

LOKI

Well, in my defense, the only reason I ever came in possession of the tesseract is because the Avengers traveled back in time.

Mobius enters the courtroom.

RAVONNA

We're not here to talk about the Avengers. What they did was supposed to happen; you reviving yourself with the tesseract and running around time, causing chaos was not.

Loki laughs.

LOKI

I'm sorry - not supposed to happen according to whom?

RAVONNA

The timekeepers.

INT. TIME THEATER - DAY
Mobius is showing Loki clips of his life and trying to dig deeper into his psyche.

MOBIUS

You know, trying to kill all the frost giants, invading Earth, I don't see anything very mischievous about this...

He plays a clip of the bifrost nearly destroying Jotunheim. A family of frost giants runs in fear as the land is destroyed. A little girl screams as her father is vaporized by the blast. Loki is visibly uncomfortable.

MOBIUS

Look at that. Did you enjoy doing that?

LOKI

Enough of your games. You've made your point.

Ignoring him, Mobius plays the clip of him telling Kurse where to go.

MOBIUS

And then, you tried tricking the dark elves into finding Thor, but instead, you sent them right to Frigga.

Loki tenses when he sees Frigga fighting Malekith.

LOKI

I don't want to watch this.

He winces, trying to keep himself together, as he watches Malekith stab Frigga.

MOBIUS

Well, you're going to watch it. Because that's your life, that's the consequences of your actions, and that is the proper flow of time! Now, why don't you tell me, do you enjoy hurting people?

LOKI

I don't have to play your games-

MOBIUS

Do you enjoy killing?

LOKI

I'll kill you.

MOBIUS

What, like you did your mother?

Enraged, Loki tosses a chair at him. Mobius dodges it, and it flies through the hologram of Frigga's dead body. Loki lunges at Mobius, but he uses the time twister to send him back on the ground. Loki growls in pain.

MOBIUS

Sorry, the time twister just loops you, not the furniture. You weren't born to be king, Loki. You were born to cause pain and suffering and death. That's how it is, that's how it was, and that's how it always will be. All so that others can achieve their best versions of themselves.

LOKI

(Voice cracking)

That's not true. You're lying.

MOBIUS

It is true. Your life ended after Thanos snapped your neck, because you fulfilled your purpose of assembling the Avengers to destroy you. Your purpose was never to become a hero. You're a villain, and that will never change as long as the sacred timeline runs its course.

INT. TIME THEATER - DAY
After Loki escapes and returns to the time theater on his own, he finds a folder of papers on the table. He opens it and reads the first file. It reads "LOKI ODINSON - MAIN OBJECTIVES: MURDER, LIE, MANIPULATE. LIFE PURPOSE: CATALYST FOR THE AVENGERS. OBJECTIVE FULFILLED. LIFE TERMINATED. END OF FILE.

Horrified, Loki stares at the file as tears run down his face. After a moment, he starts laughing as Hunter B-15 enters.

HUNTER B-15

Something funny?

After a pause, Loki shakes his head.

LOKI

Glorious purpose...

INT. TIME THEATER - DAY
Loki is talking with Mobius after being apprehended again.

LOKI

I will admit, the TVA is... formidable. Even an infinity stone is useless here.

(Beat)

You're not going to let me return to my own timeline, are you?

(Beat)

MOBIUS

Normally, no, we wouldn't. But... if you help us... maybe the timekeepers might be willing to make an exception. A rogue variant's been killing our minutemen.

LOKI

And you need the god of mischief to help you stop him?

MOBIUS

That's right.

LOKI

Why me?

MOBIUS

The variant we're hunting is... you.

Chapter Text

EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS - DAY

Doreen Green and her roommate, Nancy Whitehead, are walking down the street and chatting.

NANCY

Did Bucky like those walnut brownies you made him?

DOREEN

Oh, he loved them! I figured it was a decent consolation gift after the government gave the shield to that idiot John Walker guy.

NANCY

Ugh, that was so stupid. At least Sam got it back in the end.

DOREEN

Yeah... It just sucks that whole thing happened in the first place.

As they walk, an old couple suddenly stops their own conversation to stare at them, giving Doreen an odd, suspicious look. Doreen and Nancy glance at each other in confusion and, after a moment, start cracking up.

NANCY

What was that all about?

DOREEN

Do I have something on my face?

NANCY

No! That was so weird!

They enter their apartment building and start walking upstairs. On the stairway, they pass by a college boy and girl who stop their conversation when they see them and start quietly laughing.

COLLEGE BOY

Hey, Doreen!

As Doreen and Nancy turn to him, he snaps a photo of Doreen with his phone. He and the girl begin snickering.

NANCY

Okay, what did you just do that for?

The boy and girl continue to laugh.

NANCY

Okay, you need to delete that photo right now.

DOREEN

Nancy, it's fine.

NANCY

No, it's not fine! It's an invasion of privacy!

(She turns back to the boy and girl.)

What, are you gonna post that on social media or something?

COLLEGE GIRL

Have you, like, seen the news at all lately?

Doreen and Nancy freeze and glance at each other as Doreen's eyes widen in horror.

NANCY

Doreen, wait-

Before she can finish, Doreen rushes up the stairs.

COLLEGE BOY

(Snickering)

Hey, so, is your apartment, like, filled with squirrels or something?

NANCY

Shut the hell up.

She rushes after Doreen and enters their apartment. Nancy's cat, Mewnir, greets her at the door with a meow. Nancy leans down to give her a quick pet as she glances at the living room, where Doreen is watching TV. CHRISTINE EVERHART is talking with another newscaster as the headline "'SQUIRREL GIRL' VIGILANTE IDENTIFIED AS COLLEGE STUDENT DOREEN GREEN" blares onscreen.

EVERHART

You know, I gotta say, Phil, I've seen a lot of gimmicks from these so-called "superheroes," but being half-squirrel has gotta be the most embarrassing superpower ever.

She and the other newscaster laugh.

NEWSCASTER

Oh, no arguments there, Christine. I mean, come on, this is just getting ridiculous! We're expected to just sit around and entrust our safety to, what, some freak who's gonna pelt us to death with acorns?

EVERHART

Oh, I know it. You know, these vigilantes need to be locked up as soon as possible...

With a grim look on her face, Nancy folds her arms and slowly walks further into the living room. We get a close-up of Doreen's face as she covers her mouth in horror.

INT. RAVONNA'S OFFICE - DAY

Ravonna and Mobius are discussing Loki and the case at hand.

RAVONNA

Trusting this Loki variant is not a good idea! He's an evil, lying scourge. That's the role he plays on the sacred timeline. I mean, just look at all this crap we found hidden in his pockets when we apprehended him!

She opens a drawer filled with daggers and knives. Mobius takes a quick glance at it and starts to look away, but freezes when he notices the locket Doreen gave to Loki among the confiscated items. It is flashing every few seconds.

RAVONNA

The timekeepers are monitoring every aspect of this case. We need to be vigilant...

As she continues to talk, she starts to pace around the room. Mobius quietly turns his back to the drawer and extends his hand to slip the locket into his pocket. They finish their conversation and Mobius starts to head out.

RAVONNA

Mobius.

Mobius pauses.

RAVONNA

You really believe in this Loki variant?

MOBIUS

Luckily, he believes in himself enough for the both of us. And hey, if it doesn't work, I'll delete him myself!

(He opens the door.)

He's really arrogant...

He heads out of the office and opens the locket, which projects of holographic image of Doreen's location: NEW YORK, 1975, with the message: I NEED HELP

Mobius sighs.

INT. TVA OFFICE - DAY

Loki is at his desk, mindlessly thumbing through files, when Mobius enters, holding the locket.

MOBIUS

(Under his breath)

I can't believe I'm doing this...

He drops the locket in front of Loki, who immediately picks it up and examines the holographic message.

MOBIUS

You get 2 hours max. You find her, see what she needs, come right back. You try anything, and I delete you on the spot. Are we clear?

(Beat)

LOKI

Crystal.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, 1975 - NIGHT

Loki walks around the city streets, wearing a long green coat and a black suit. He follows the holographic map on the locket until he comes across a movie theater with a giant banner for the movie "Jaws" plastered on it. Confused, Loki frowns.

INT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT

Loki walks into a theater where "Jaws" is playing. He makes his way to the front of the theater until he is standing in front of the screen, with bits of the movie flashing on his face as he scans the audience. He freezes when he sees Doreen sitting in the back of the theater. She rises when he meets her eyes. The light from the projector glows above her head, illuminating her in a white haze as they glance at each other. Suddenly, Loki is pelted with popcorn.

AUDIENCE MEMBER (O.S.)

Hey, pal, quit blocking the screen!

We cut to Loki sitting with Doreen at the back of the theater. They speak in low, hushed voices.

LOKI

I heard about what happened on Midga- um... Earth. Are you alright?

(Beat)

DOREEN

Not really. I kind of just needed to get away from... everything.

LOKI

Is that why you came here?

DOREEN

Well, my parents always told me stories about growing up in the 70s, so I figured I'd come see it for myself. Plus, I've always wanted to see this movie in a real theater.

Confused, Loki glances at the screen, then turns back to Doreen.

LOKI

Why-

DOREEN

Shh, shh, shh! This is the good part!

The scene where the shark first pops out of the water on Quint's boat plays, and the audience collectively jumps.

DOREEN

Ooh! That scene gives me chills every time!

LOKI

You mortals are frightened by the strangest things...

Doreen scowls at him.

DOREEN

Wh-Like you weren't scared!

LOKI

I wasn't.

DOREEN

Really?

LOKI

Yes. Norns, you're all so strange. I'm almost starting to feel glad I didn't take over this planet.

Doreen playfully whacks his arm.

DOREEN

(Laughing)

You are such a dick...

Loki grins.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS - NIGHT

Doreen and Loki are walking and chatting.

DOREEN

Wait, wait, wait, hold up! We risked our lives for those stones and you're telling me these assholes are just sitting around using them as paperweights?!

LOKI

(Sarcastically)

Well, you see, it wasn't the place of the timekeepers to interfere with the sacred timeline-

DOREEN

Oh, bullshit! I swear, when we get back to this... Time Variance... whatever, I'm gonna give them a piece of my mind!

Loki freezes.

LOKI

And what makes you think you're coming back to the TVA?

DOREEN

Why not? Somebody's gotta vouch for you in that place!

LOKI

I suppose... I'm hardly the most popular recruit there. Nearly all of my ideas are laughed at.

Doreen’s pet squirrel, Tippy-Toe jumps on his shoulder and squeaks at him. He conjures up an acorn and gives it to the squirrel, who happily munches on it.

DOREEN

Like they don't take you seriously. Trust me, I know how that feels...

Loki gives her a sad look.

(Beat)

LOKI

So, were you always planning on keeping your identity hidden?

DOREEN

No... I mean, I don't like having to hide who I am. It's only made my life so much harder. I mean, I've never even been swimming because a bathing suit wouldn't hide my tail! I just... If my identity was ever going to be revealed, I wanted it to be on my terms. When I was ready. Not... not like this.

After a pause, Loki's gaze grows cold.

LOKI

Do you know who did it? Who leaked your identity?

DOREEN

He's already dead, Loki.

LOKI

Well, I never said I was going to do anything...

DOREEN

Loki, I've fought you before. I know what your murder face looks like.

(Beat)

I mean, it doesn't matter anyways. What's done is done, so...

LOKI

Speaking of hiding your identity...

He shifts into LADY LOKI.

DOREEN

You know this is before the attack on New York, right? No one's going to recognize you.

Lady Loki shrugs.

LADY LOKI

Well, you can never be too sure of these things.

DOREEN

So, do you only become a woman when you're trying to disguise yourself?

Lady Loki hesitates.

LADY LOKI

Well... no, not necessarily. It's... complicated. I tried explaining it to Thor once, but he didn't understand. He thought it was merely a trick because I'm a shape-shifter, but it's more than that. I consider myself to be both genders simultaneously. Shape-shifting just helps me... express it better, I suppose.

After pausing for a moment, she shifts back into her male form.

LOKI

There are times when I feel more male than female...

He shifts back into Lady Loki.

LADY LOKI

Or more female than male...

She shifts back into her male form.

LOKI

And sometimes, I'm... not quite sure what I am.

(He pauses and gives a nervous laugh.)

I'm sure this must seem... strange to you.

Doreen shakes her head.

DOREEN

No, I get it. You don't feel like you fit into one box. Like labels don't apply to you.

(Beat)

LOKI

Precisely...

He takes out his tem-pad and opens up a portal to the TVA.

LOKI

You know, I don't think the agents at the TVA will be very thrilled to see you there.

DOREEN

Pssh, I can handle 'em.

They walk through the portal.

INT. TVA - DAY

When Loki and Doreen enter the TVA, they are immediately greeted by agents pointing prune sticks at them. Loki and Doreen exchange a look and put their hands up. Hunter B-15 glares at Loki.

HUNTER B-15

Where the hell have you been?

(She turns to Doreen)

And who are you? What do you think you're doing here?

DOREEN

Um, okay, hi, my name's Doreen-

Mobius rushes in.

MOBIUS

Stand down, this is on me. I let Loki leave for a little while.

HUNTER B-15

You what?

Mobius glares at Loki.

MOBIUS

I didn't say you could bring guests.

LOKI

There was a slight change of plans.

MOBIUS

You are treading on thin ice here, pal...

Ravonna enters.

RAVONNA

Mobius, this girl is from the main timeline. What is she doing here?

Hunter B-15 begins flipping through some files as they talk.

MOBIUS

She was in trouble, so I figured I'd just let him leave for a little while to help. Call me soft or whatever, but everything's fine.

RAVONNA

Everything's not fine! This totally violates protocol!

MOBIUS

I have the whole thing under control!

RAVONNA

Who is she?!

DOREEN

Um, ok, I'm-

HUNTER B-15

Her name's Doreen Green, alias "Squirrel Girl." It says here she's a mutant from Earth. She's an Avenger, and... this can't be right... Loki's... friend?
RAVONNA

He has friends?

Loki rolls his eyes.

LOKI

Oh. Thank you. Very nice.

Ravonna turns to Doreen.

RAVONNA

We're gonna have to take you in for questioning-

DOREEN

Um, yeah, actually, no. I have a couple gazillion questions for you. Like, who do you think you all are, up here all high and mighty sitting around with all your infinity stones while the rest of us were suffering for five freaking years???
RAVONNA

We are an organization that is beyond worldly matters, Ms. Green.

DOREEN

Oh, really? And what were you all doing that was so important while the rest of us were busy saving the universe?

RAVONNA

Monitoring and protecting the proper flow of time, without which the universe would collapse into utter chaos and render all living beings across all branches of life vulnerable to complete annihilation.

Doreen blinks for a moment.

DOREEN

Okay, fair, but...

(She jabs a finger at Mobius)

You have no right to make Loki stay here! Keeping yourself alive isn't a crime!

RAVONNA

It is if it goes against the decree of the timekeepers.

DOREEN

The "decree" of the what?

MOBIUS

If Loki helps us catch this variant, he can go home. Otherwise, we delete him from reality.

DOREEN

Uh, yeah, last time I checked, that was called blackmail. What kinda sick place is this? I'm not gonna let you get away with this!

MOBIUS

You're not a variant, Ms. Green. You don't belong here.

DOREEN

Yeah, well, neither does Loki! So either we both stay, or neither of us do.

RAVONNA

Spare me the false altruism, Ms. Green. I'm aware of your little predicament on Earth, but the TVA is not a place for people to hide from their problems.

DOREEN

I'm not hiding from anything! I just need time to-

RAVONNA

"Time" is not a commodity that is freely given.

DOREEN

Okay, well then, I'll earn it! You guys said you're hunting for a variant, right? I can help! I'm a good coder; I can take on any software jobs you might need! Just let me stay here so I can help Loki and I don't have to be a freak back on Earth for a little while.

MOBIUS

(to Ravonna)

We could use an extra hand...

Ravonna groans.

(Beat)

RAVONNA

Fine. But once we're done, she goes straight home.

LOKI

If you hurt her...

RAVONNA

Relax, Mr. Odinson, we have no intention of hurting your friend.

(She turns to Mobius.)

If anything goes wrong, it's on you.

She exits.

INT. TVA OFFICE - DAY

Loki finds Doreen typing at a computer.

DOREEN

You know, for an all-knowing, futuristic organization, these guys sure do use a lot of old-timey computers.

LOKI

So, have you caught up on the TVA's "grand" history?

DOREEN

Sorta... Can't say I'm comfortable with it, though. I mean, all these people just believe they were created by these three space gods that they've never even met, and they go around eliminating timelines without even questioning why? You know what that sounds like to me?

LOKI

What?

DOREEN

A cult.

Loki chuckles.

LOKI

You've no idea how refreshing it is to hear someone speak with a little common sense.

DOREEN

I'm being serious, Loki. I mean, I'll help find this "other you" if it'll get you off the hook, but this is fishy. I don't like it.

LOKI

I know. I don't like it either. But hopefully, it won't be our problem for much longer. We're about to launch another task force team to catch the variant. They want us both at the briefing.

INT. TVA - DAY

Loki and Doreen walk to where other agents and Hunter B-15 have assembled. Mobius approaches them and shakes Doreen's hand.

MOBIUS

I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Agent Mobius M. Mobius.

Doreen grins.

DOREEN

Does the "M" also stand for Mobius? Ooh, hey, can I call you "Moby?"

Mobius gives her an irritated look.

MOBIUS

Aaaand I'm already starting to regret letting you stay.

He walks off to the other agents.

DOREEN

(whispering to Loki)

He didn't say "no"...

We cut to Mobius explaining the mission to the team.

MOBIUS

Okay, we've been after this guy for a while, but now we've got a lead. The criminal we're after is a variant of this guy.

He points to Loki. Doreen grins.

DOREEN

Huh. That really takes "being your own worst enemy" to a whole new level, doesn't it?

Everyone turns and gives her an irritated look. She responds with awkward finger guns.

HUNTER B-15

We've gathered enough temporal aura to know that it's our Loki variant. But what kind of Loki variant remains unknown.

LOKI

The lesser kind, to be clear.

Doreen playfully pats him on the back as she types on a tem-pad.

DOREEN

Yes, yes, we know...

MOBIUS

Here's the deal: When we get out on the branch, we're not just looking for a time criminal, we're looking for a Loki.

(He projects different images of Loki variants.)

The type we should all be very familiar with, because the TVA has pruned a lot of these guys. Almost more than any other variant. And no two are alike. Slight differences in appearances, or not so slight....

Doreen snickers when he projects the Hulk Loki variant. Loki scowls at her.

DOREEN

Sorry...

HUNTER B-15

Every time there's an attack, the variant steals a reset charge. He's planning something. We just don't know what. So keep an eye out for the missing charges. And if you see a Loki, prune it.

LOKI

The bad Loki, preferably.

The agents head out to Haven Hills, Alabama.

Chapter Text

INT. TVA - DAY

Loki is attacking Sylvie. Suddenly, Doreen enters and rushes up to them.

DOREEN

Loki, catch!

She tosses him a prune stick. Loki takes it and he starts fighting Sylvie with her. During the battle, Doreen manages to overpower Sylvie and tackle her to the ground. Doreen holds her knuckle spikes to Sylvie's throat, but Sylvie twists her arm and kicks Loki's prune stick away. Sylvie then kicks Doreen's face and grabs Loki. Doreen freezes when she sees Sylvie is holding a dagger to Loki's throat. Just then, Ravonna and several other agents enter.

SYLVIE

Come any closer, and I'll kill him.

RAVONNA

Go for it.

Doreen glares at her. Before she can attack, Loki whips out his tem-pad, causing himself and Sylvie to disappear.

We cut to later, when Mobius, Ravonna, and Doreen are standing where Loki and Sylvie vanished.

DOREEN

(to Ravonna)

Thanks for nothing.

RAVONNA

I called her bluff. I knew she wasn't going to do it.

DOREEN

Yeah. Sure.

MOBIUS

Where the hell did they go?

DOREEN

You don't know?

MOBIUS

Loki took the tem-pad with him. We can't find his location if we don't have it.

(He groans in frustration.)

That bastard! He directly disobeyed me! I knew I shouldn't have trusted him!

DOREEN

He probably just wanted to know what was going on! Look, I can find him with-

(She takes out her Loki locket, only to see that it is broken.)

Shit...

MOBIUS

What?

DOREEN

This thing must've gotten damaged in the fight.

MOBIUS

Can't you just fix it?

DOREEN

It's not that simple. Thor let me borrow parts of rare Asgardian technology to build this. They were some of the last parts they had, so I would have to go back in time to Asgard to get more. And... I have no idea where I would even begin to start looking there.

Mobius sighs.

MOBIUS

Alright, look, I'll search through our files on Asgard to see what I can find. In the meantime, just try to salvage what you can, and don't dilly-dally. Every moment those variants are on the loose, we're all in danger.

INT. TVA OFFICE - DAY

Doreen is trying to work on the locket to no avail. She slams it down and sighs. Just then, her squirrel Monkey Joe hops up on the table, carrying spare parts. He sets them down and squeaks at her.

DOREEN

No... Those won't work, Monkey Joe. We need gear that can navigate through both space and time.

Looking dejected, Monkey Joe lets out a few sad squeaks. Doreen pets him and gives him an almond as consolation.

DOREEN

I know, buddy, you tried your best...

Doreen's other squirrels, Tippy-Toe and Mr. Lieberman join Monkey Joe to eat pieces of the almond. Just then, CASEY turns around and peers at the squirrels in horror.

CASEY

What are those?

(Beat)

DOREEN

Um, almonds? Want some?

CASEY

No, the... things eating them...

Doreen raises an eyebrow.

DOREEN

They're squirrels.

CASEY

"Squirrels?"

DOREEN

What, you've never seen a squirrel before?

CASEY

No... I've spent my whole life here, so I've never seen any animals at all.

Doreen looks mortified.

DOREEN

That's the saddest thing I've ever heard in my life...

INT. TVA LIBRARY - DAY

Mobius is looking through various old books on shelves. He pauses when he flips through a book that has Asgardian writing and a map of Asgard.

INT. TVA OFFICE - DAY

Doreen is showing Casey pictures of different types of squirrels on her phone as Casey looks on in wonder.

DOREEN

So, this here is a red squirrel. I just love their little pointy ears! Ooh, and these ones are extra rare: The Japanese flying squirrel! Look at their beady little eyes! And their fluffy tail! You can only find these in one island on all of Earth!

CASEY

Wow... That's amazing!

Just then, Mobius walks in.

MOBIUS

Doreen!

Doreen quickly slams her phone down.

DOREEN

Uhhh, yes, sir, we are hard at work!

She does an awkward salute. Mobius frowns at her.

MOBIUS

I found this book in our library.

(He flips to a page that has a drawing of Odin's treasure room with a description written in Asgardian.)

This look familiar?

Doreen frowns as she peers at the book.

DOREEN

This is all in Asgardian. I can't read it.

MOBIUS

Forget the text; look at the picture.

He points to a section of the drawing where several golden parts are stored in the treasure room. Doreen's eyes widen.

DOREEN

Oh my God... I think that's it!

Mobius grins.

MOBIUS

Yeah? You think you could go get it if I sent you to Asgard, say, a couple decades in the past?

DOREEN

Sure, I mean... All I would have to do is find Odin's treasure room... wherever that is, somehow break in, get the parts, and then, by some miracle, get out undetected, and then we're home free!

MOBIUS

Easy!

DOREEN

Easy!

(She pats him on the back.)

Good job, Moby! I might need a change of clothes, though.

MOBIUS

What's wrong with your clothes?

DOREEN

I mean, I can't just walk into Asgard like this; I'd stick out like a sore thumb!

Mobius sighs.

MOBIUS

Alright, I'll see if we have any old stuff from the Asgardian variants we've taken in. But study that book and maybe try to come up with a halfway coherent plan for sneaking in. I'll set the portal to send you back to the same moment in time once you're done, so you can take however long you need to look for the parts. But don't use that as an excuse to sight-see!

He chuckles under his breath as he walks away.

MOBIUS

"Moby"...

INT. LAMENTIS-1 TRAIN - NIGHT

Loki and Sylvie are chatting on the train.

SYLVIE

How about you? You're a prince! Must've been... would-be princesses. Or, perhaps, another prince?

LOKI

A bit of both. I suspect, the same as you. But nothing ever...

SYLVIE

Real.

LOKI

Hmm.

(Beat)

SYLVIE

What about your mortal girl? What was her name? Doreen?

Loki raises an eyebrow.

SYLVIE

She seems nice.

LOKI

Oh, I'm sure she'd appreciate that, coming from the person who practically kicked her face in.

SYLVIE

Hey, when she's on the run, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.

LOKI

And, no, she's... just an acquaintance.

Sylvie raises an eyebrow and smirks.

INT. ASGARD PALACE, 1960 - NIGHT

Doreen enters the palace through a portal in a pretty, albeit slightly ill-fitting blue Asgardian dress, with her hair done up like all the other noble ladies. As she wanders around, she spots a crowd of noble ladies in ballgowns chatting and laughing while they walk. She tries to inconspicuously join the group, when a MAID calls out to her.

MAID

Um, pardon me, my lady?

Doreen freezes to see if the maid is talking to her.

MAID

Do you not have something to wear for tonight?

DOREEN

I... Um... Well, I was just going to wear this... very Asgardian dress...

MAID

Do you... have anything a little more formal? I trust you haven't forgotten that the ball is tonight?

DOREEN

Uh... Right... Yes... Of course... Um...

MAID

We have some spare dresses if you'd like to borrow one. I'm sure the queen wouldn't mind.

Doreen hesitates for a moment.

DOREEN

A-alright... Thank you.

She follows the maid into a corridor.

INT. CHANGING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Doreen sits in front of a mirror while the maid styles her hair. She has a layer of light, pretty makeup on her face.

MAID

Have you decided which dress you'd like, my lady?

DOREEN

Oh... I liked the green one.

The maid raises an eyebrow.

MAID

Are we... hoping for something?

DOREEN

Wh-what do you mean?

MAID

Well, if you're wearing the colors of Prince Loki, some might think you were... trying to get his attention.

(Beat)

DOREEN

W-will he be there?

MAID

He should. I must warn you that he detests these types of social events, though. At last winter's ball, he projected an illusion of himself in the ballroom to make it seem like he was present when he was really in his room reading books the whole night.

Doreen grins.

MAID

Shall I help you put on your dress?

DOREEN

(Lost in thought)

Yeah...

(Her head shoots up as she comes back to her senses.)

U-uh, I mean, no! No, no, no! I... I can do it myself...

INT. ASGARDIAN BALLROOM, 1960 - NIGHT

Loki is standing off to the side while Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three talk and drink. They are all dressed in their outfits from 2011 Thor. Thor downs a mug of ale.

THOR

Another!

He smashes his drink on the ground and Loki rolls his eyes. Thor approaches him and claps him on the back - a little too hard. Loki grunts and gives him an irritated look.

THOR

Come on, brother... You could at least try to have a little fun!

Loki scoffs.

LOKI

Watching every maiden in the palace fawn over you and Fandral is not my idea of fun.

Thor laughs.

THOR

Loki... Must you be so down? You can't spend all your time shut up in your room reading all those books and doing your little magic spells.

LOKI

Why not? I'd infinitely prefer it to this.

Before Thor can say another word, Loki walks off. A SERVANT approaches him, carrying a tray with a goblet of wine on it.

SERVANT

Some wine, your highness?

Loki eagerly takes the goblet and drinks it, nearly downing the entire thing in one swig. He freezes when he sees something in the distance.

We pan up the staircase as we see Doreen descending down it, wearing an elegant green and gold dress. Her hair is done up in an intricate braid, with golden ornaments adorning it. She looks around the ballroom nervously, peering at different corridors in an attempt to find the treasure room. Never taking his eyes off her, Loki sets the goblet down on a table nearby and walks off-screen.

As Doreen makes her way across the ballroom, Tippy-Toe suddenly scurries off to a table where grapes and nuts are laid out.

DOREEN

Tippy!

(She rushes after her.)

We're supposed to be keeping a low profile!

Tippy-Toe gives her a pleading look and a few squeaks. Doreen sighs.

DOREEN

Alright, fine. But just one.

She hands Tippy-Toe a macadamia nut. As the squirrel eats her treat, we suddenly hear Loki's voice behind them. Startled, Doreen whirls around.

LOKI

As much as I'm sure your friend is pleasant company, the kitchen staff might not take kindly to seeing a rodent on the refreshment table.

Tippy-Toe cocks her head and gives him an inquisitive squeak. Loki smiles at her.

LOKI

No offense.

DOREEN

Ah... Y-You're right, um... Tippy, why don't you go eat that outside? I'll catch up with you later.

Tippy-Toe squeaks and runs off with her nut. Nervously wringing her hands, Doreen glances back at Loki, who smiles at her.

DOREEN

So, um... Are you... actually here this time, or is this just another one of your creepy illusions?

Loki smiles and extends his hand to her.

LOKI

Perhaps you should find out for yourself.

After hesitating for a moment, Doreen gingerly places her hand in his. Loki kisses the back of her hand, causing her to blush.

LOKI

I'm terribly sorry; I don't believe I caught your name?

DOREEN

U-um... Doreen.

LOKI

Well, Lady Doreen... Would you care for a dance?

DOREEN

Huh? O-oh, I, um... I-I don't... really know how...

LOKI

It's easy! I'll teach you! Here...

(He leads her into the center of the ballroom, where other couples are dancing.)

Just step forward like this... Then back... Right... Left...

Doreen glances nervously around the room as he leads her into a waltz.

LOKI

You don't have to watch what everyone else is doing; just follow my lead...

(Beat)

You're, um... You're stepping on my foot.

DOREEN

Oh, sorry!

They continue to chat as they dance.

LOKI

You know, I'm surprised a noble lady like yourself never learned to dance.

DOREEN

Oh, well, um... I don't... really like going to parties very much.

LOKI

Ah. I don't either, to be honest.

DOREEN

Then how'd you get to be so good at dancing? Are all the girls lining up to dance with the youngest prince of Asgard?

Loki laughs, embarrassed.

LOKI

Ah.... N-no, not exactly... That's... more Thor's forte. I... mostly learned from dancing with my mother.

Doreen grins.

DOREEN

Aww...

Loki laughs.

(Beat)

LOKI

You're stepping on my foot again.

DOREEN

Ack!

She takes her foot off of his.

LOKI

You know, I'm starting to think you're doing this on purpose.

DOREEN

I'm not!

After a pause, she grins devilishly and stomps on his foot, causing him to yelp in surprise.

DOREEN

Okay, maybe that was on purpose.

They both laugh. Doreen glances at his helmet.

DOREEN

That helmet looks... comfortable.

LOKI

Oh, it is.

DOREEN

Yeah, I don't believe you.

LOKI

Well, it only weighs about 30 pounds, give or take. It's like wearing a feather.

They both snicker.

DOREEN

Doesn't it ever throw you off balance?

LOKI

Not once you get used to it. You should try wearing it sometime. I'm sure you'd love it.

Doreen grins, laughing to herself.

DOREEN

Yeah, I'm sure...

LOKI

I, um... I must ask... Did you... wear green tonight deliberately? It is my favorite color, after all.

DOREEN

Oh, really? I never would've been able to tell!

They both laugh.

DOREEN

No, it, um... It's actually my favorite color, too, so...

LOKI

Ah.

DOREEN

Is that, like, something people actually do? I mean... wearing certain colors to get people to notice them?

LOKI

Well, sometimes, yes. I... admit, I... actually tried it once myself.

DOREEN

Oh yeah?

LOKI

A few years ago, there was a prince visiting from Vanaheim that I was... rather taken with. It was known that he loved silver, so I thought if I wore silver armor, I might... endear myself to him.

DOREEN

Did it work?

LOKI

(laughing)

No.

DOREEN

Well... I think you look better in green, anyway.

We cut to Thor standing with ODIN and FRIGGA on the far side of the ballroom, watching Loki and Doreen.

THOR

Mother, who is that Loki is dancing with?

FRIGGA

I'm not sure... I don't believe I've ever seen her around the palace before...

ODIN

Neither have I. I would wager she's merely the daughter of a poor social climber trying to pass himself off as a noble. Nothing to concern yourself with.

Thor grins as Odin walks off-screen.

THOR

Well, Loki seems to be finally enjoying himself...

They watch Loki twirl Doreen around as she giggles, her face flushed red. Frigga laughs.

FRIGGA

That's the first time I've seen him smile all day...

As they continue to dance, Doreen grows more nervous, suddenly unable to meet Loki's gaze, which never leaves her face. At one point, Loki places his hands around her waist and pulls her closer to him, causing her to tremble slightly. After hesitating, she gently places her hands on his shoulders. He smiles as the orchestra finishes playing.

DOREEN

How did I do?

LOKI

You're a fast learner. I'm impressed.

They smile at each other.

EXT. ASGARDIAN COURTYARD - NIGHT

Loki and Doreen chat as they walk through the garden in the palace courtyard, with Doreen drinking a cocktail in an elegant glass.

LOKI

I apologize if I come off as um... well, stiff... I have to admit this sort of thing is... well, it's rather new for me. I was never really very social growing up... Everyone always admired Thor for his physical strength, and, well... My own talents of magic and intellect are far less revered. The only friends I ever had, I met through Thor.

DOREEN

If it makes you feel any better, I didn't have any friends as a kid.

Loki raises an eyebrow.

LOKI

Not any?

Doreen shakes her head.

LOKI

Well, I... certainly wish we'd met sooner, then.

(Beat)

DOREEN

Yeah, me too.

LOKI

It's certainly never easy being an outcast... I've spent my whole life living in Thor's shadow... I know my father wishes I were more like him and his friends, but... All the brawn and muscle... It's just not who I am. I'm not like them.

DOREEN

Yeah, and, I mean, I'm sure being a frost giant and all must make you feel different, too...

Loki frowns.

LOKI

I beg your pardon?

Doreen's eyes widen, and she almost chokes on her drink.

DOREEN

U-Uh... I-I mean, um... Hypothetically speaking, if someone were... secretly a frost giant living in Asgard, that would... make them feel different, but, you know, that... wouldn't happen... ever...

She lets out a nervous laugh and sets her drink down on a nearby table as Loki blinks in confusion.

DOREEN

Anyways... What are you plans for the future if you're not first in line for the throne?

LOKI

I'm... not sure, to be honest. My parents thought I could gain some title of power by marrying me off to some other royal family, but I... don't think that's going to happen.

DOREEN

I guess it's too bad things didn't work out with that Vanaheim prince, then.

LOKI

Well, actually, I'm... rather glad they didn't now.

DOREEN

Why?

(Beat)

LOKI

Because now I've met you.

Doreen freezes and glances at him in surprise. He gives her a gentle smile in return. For a moment, she looks inexplicably happy, but once her senses return to her, her face falls and she backs away from him. Loki frowns.

LOKI

Is... something wrong?

DOREEN

I... I have to go...

LOKI

If... If I've said something wrong, I-

DOREEN

N-no! No, it's not... I... I'm sorry...

Before he can say another word, she runs away.

EXT. ASGARDIAN FOUNTAIN - MOMENTS LATER

Doreen splashes her face with water from a fountain on the other side of the courtyard, trying to pull herself together. Suddenly, Tippy-Toe runs up to her and squeaks at her.

DOREEN

Right... Parts...

INT. ODIN'S TREASURE ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Sneaking around corridors, Doreen finally finds the entrance to Odin's treasure room, which is protected by two guards.

DOREEN

(Whispering)

Okay, Tippy, you distract them while I sneak up on them from behind.

Tippy-Toe salutes, runs up to the guards, and starts playing with their armor while squeaking at them.

GUARD #1

What the-?! What is that?!

GUARD #2

It appears to be some type of squirrel...

Guard #1 tries flicking Tippy-Toe off his armor.

GUARD #1

Shoo! Begone, creature!

(He turns to the other guard.)

Do you think it's Ratatoskr?

GUARD #2

No, you fool! Ratatoskr has a horn!

Before they can say another word, Doreen strikes them both from behind. They try to attack her, but she expertly knocks them both out in one punch.

DOREEN

(to Tippy-Toe)

Let's go.

She and Tippy-Toe enter the treasure room, scanning the area for the parts. Doreen frowns in confusion when she sees Odin's fake infinity gauntlet, but is quickly distracted by the golden parts in a chest in the far end of the room.

DOREEN

Got it!

She tries picking up the parts, but as soon as she does, a shield of magic blocks the exit.

DOREEN

Oh, that's not good...

She hears footsteps and guards' voices rushing towards the treasure room. Moving quickly, she jumps up to the ceiling and kicks down the mechanism creating the shield.

DOREEN

Tippy, we gotta run!

Hiding in corridors, they slip past the guards and escape to the outside of the palace. Doreen grabs her tem-pad and opens a portal. Before she returns to the TVA, she catches a glimpse of Loki's silhouette in the distance walking around. For a moment, he seems to be looking for something, but he soon sits down on a bench, defeated, and looks at the other party guests in the distance. Squeezing her eyes shut, Doreen turns away and places a reset charge on the ground. As she and Tippy go through the portal, the reset charge disintegrates the area.

INT. TVA - DAY

Doreen and Tippy-Toe rush through the portal, causing Doreen to nearly run into Mobius, who raises an eyebrow.

DOREEN

I got the parts.

MOBIUS

I... can see that. Are you okay? What's with the getup?

DOREEN

I'm fine - There was a ball going on, so I just had to change to blend in...

(Beat)

I should... get started on fixing the locket.

Before Mobius can stop her, she rushes to another room.

INT. TVA OFFICE - DAY

Still in her ballgown, Doreen is busying inserting the parts into the locket. Mobius enters.

MOBIUS

I, uh... saw the footage of Asgard...

Doreen grits her teeth and says nothing.

MOBIUS

So... you... like Loki, huh? Gotta say, I wasn't expecting that...

DOREEN

I really don't want to talk about this.

MOBIUS

Does he know?

DOREEN

Uh, no, he doesn't, and I'd like to keep it that way.

MOBIUS

Well, I mean... I'd be lying if I said I thought you weren't an odd pair, but I guess I can see it...

Doreen clenches her jaw and ignores him.

MOBIUS

I just don't see why you're all upset over it...

Doreen slams the locket down.

DOREEN

Because! I'm gonna live, what? 80, 90 years max? Maybe a hundred if I'm lucky? That's a fraction of Loki's life! Why would he ever pay any attention to me?! If that Loki from the past knew I was just a human, he wouldn't have taken a second glance at me!

Realizing she is losing her composure, she tries to focus back on fixing the locket.

After a moment, Mobius sits down next to her.

MOBIUS

You know, I've studied Loki's entire life. I thought I understood everything there was to know about him. But you... you stumped me. If Loki knew he was going to die at the hands of Thanos, why did he trust you to be the one to bring him back to life? And then, it hit me... It's because he knows you're different. He knows that you know what it's like to be an outcast. He could sense it, just from meeting you, that you would be the first stranger he ever met that wouldn't see him as an enemy.

After a pause, Doreen shakes her head.

DOREEN

Even if I could believe that... it wouldn't matter. I'm never going to live long enough to be a part of his life.

(Beat)

MOBIUS

You know, when you've worked at the TVA for as long as I have, you tend to get a bit of a perspective on these types of things. Doreen... It's not about how much time we have... It's what we do with our time while we have it that matters. And you may not believe me, but I know you've made a difference in his life. You never doubted him, even when you had every right to. And that's always going to stick with him, even long after you're gone.

Doreen looks down and says nothing. After a moment, Mobius stands up.

MOBIUS

Well... make of it what you will. I'm gonna go ask the other agents if they've found any leads-

Suddenly, the locket clicks open.

DOREEN

It's fixed!

(She hands it to Mobius.)

Here, let that charge at a good power source for a little bit. Once it's at 100%, you should be able to see where Loki is.

MOBIUS

Okay, great. We'll get a task force ready to go get him.

DOREEN

Can I come?

MOBIUS

Ravonna would rather you stay here. She doesn't want a non-variant being put at an unnecessary risk.

Doreen's face falls, but she nods. Mobius exits. Doreen sits back at a computer and starts to look through files. She comes across a tab that reads "AGENT PROFILES", but when she tries to access it, she gets a message that reads "ERROR: RESTRICTED". Glancing over her shoulder, she checks to make sure no one else is in the room and begins typing.

INT. RAVONNA'S OFFICE - DAY

As Ravonna sits at her desk, she receives a holographic message that reads "WARNING: DATA BREACH DETECTED". She clenches her jaw.

INT. TVA OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER

Doreen is reading files on her computer. As she continues to read, her eyes widen, with her expression growing more and more horrified. Suddenly, she turns back to the door.

DOREEN

Mobius?!

When there is no response, she tries to exit the room and follow after Mobius, but a gate of lasers suddenly blocks her path. As she glances at it, confused, Ravonna opens a portal into the room and strikes her from behind, knocking her out.

Chapter Text

INT. TVA - DAY

Mobius and Ravonna are talking.

RAVONNA

Every moment those variants are out there, we're all in danger.

MOBIUS

I'm working on it; Doreen's locket is charging... It should be ready any second now-

Just then, an AGENT enters, holding the locket.

AGENT

Sir, we got a location.

MOBIUS

Well, there you go.

AGENT

He's on Lamentis-1, 2077. I can only assume she's there with him.

MOBIUS

That's not good... We need to get them, fast.

INT. TIME THEATER - DAY

After Loki and Sylvie are apprehended and Loki is stuck in the time loop, Mobius interrogates him in the time theater.

LOKI

You betrayed me!

MOBIUS

No, you betrayed me! You followed that variant when I explicitly told you not to, and now you're working with her?!

LOKI

How did you find us?

MOBIUS

Oh, well, you can thank your friend Doreen for that. You know, she went through all the trouble of fixing it when it was broken just to find you.

Loki's eyes widen.

MOBIUS

You know, I have no idea why she bothers putting up with you. At first, I thought, "well, maybe, she's smart. Maybe she sees something in you that I don't." But now, I think maybe she's just being naïve and she's wasting her time and trust on someone who doesn't deserve it.

Loki grits his teeth.

MOBIUS

How long have you been working for the variant?

LOKI

Me? Working for her? Please.

MOBIUS

Okay, so, if you're not working for the variant, what is it? You're partners?

LOKI

Absolutely not. She's... difficult and... irritating, and... she tries to hit me all the time!

Mobius raises an eyebrow.

LOKI

No. Not partners, no.

MOBIUS

Yeah, I guess you don't do partners. Unless, of course, it benefits you and you intend to betray them at some point, like you'll probably do with Doreen.

LOKI

It was a means to an end, Mobius. Welcome to the real world. Down there, we're awful to one another to get what we want.

MOBIUS

And now I gotta have a prince tell me how the real world works? Look, if you're not gonna cooperate here, I'm just gonna have to send you back for another round in the time loop...

LOKI

Wh-No, wait! Wait, wait, wait.

He pauses for a moment, and Mobius sits back down.

LOKI

Of course it was me pulling the strings all along.

(Beat)

She came to me on Asgard a long time ago... and then, she took me to one of her apocalypses... and that's where we hatched our plan together.

Mobius raises an eyebrow.

MOBIUS

Which is...?

LOKI

Coming along very nicely, thank you.

MOBIUS

And the variant?

LOKI

Doesn't matter. She's a pawn.

(Beat)

Something very, very big is going to happen, and when it does, I'll dispose of her.

MOBIUS

Well, we saved you the trouble there. She's already been pruned.

Loki's face falls.

MOBIUS

So, assume I do set you free. Does that-

LOKI

H-hang on, wait, what did you say?

(Beat)

MOBIUS

Assume I do set you free...

LOKI

The variant. She's gone?

MOBIUS

Yeah. Not before she took out two of ours. Yeah, she was going to her time cell, broke free, Hunter B-15 stepped in, popped her... So you might wanna fire off a thank-you note to Hunter B-15, because it looks like you're the... superior Loki. I would've bet on her, but... that's what makes a horse race.

Loki tries to look unaffected and shrugs.

LOKI

Good riddance.

After a pause, Mobius starts laughing, which irritates Loki.

LOKI

What? What's so funny?

MOBIUS

You know, for the god of mischief and lies, you really are a terrible liar.

LOKI

Is she alive?!

MOBIUS

Yes, she's alive. And I know that little story you told me was a lie too. So why don't we try this again, and you tell me the truth this time?

Loki clenches his jaw.

INT. TVA HOLDING CELL - DAY

Doreen slowly regains consciousness, blinking a few times before taking in her surroundings. She notices she is still in her ballgown and bound to a chair with handcuffs. She tries to use her strength to break the handcuffs off, but Ravonna enters.

RAVONNA

Save your energy. If you break those handcuffs off, they'll just put themselves right back together.

Doreen glares at her. Ignoring her warning, she uses her strength to snap the handcuffs off, but, like Ravonna said, they put themselves back together on Doreen's hands.

RAVONNA

Told you.

DOREEN

What do you want?

RAVONNA

I want to know what you saw in those restricted files you accessed. And I also want to know why you're working with Loki. He's a murderer and a liar.

Doreen scoffs.

DOREEN

Yeah, that's rich, coming from you. You're lying to all these people about who they are, and they don't even know it.

RAVONNA

That's different. It's a necessary lie.

DOREEN

There are no "necessary lies," only ones that benefit you at the expense of others. These people had families! Real homes! And you took that from them!

RAVONNA

We are preventing the universe from falling into chaos.

DOREEN

And at what cost?

RAVONNA

(losing her temper)

Whatever cost is necessary!

(She pauses.)

You know, despite what you may think, I am trying to help you.

DOREEN

I don't need your "help."

RAVONNA

Really? So you would rather side with the man that nearly enslaved your entire planet?

DOREEN

That was the past. He's changed.

RAVONNA

You know, I would think that someone as smart as you would be able to tell when they're being taken advantage of.

DOREEN

You don't know Loki.

RAVONNA

On the contrary, Ms. Green, I know everything about Loki. Every variant of him - they're all the same. Destined to be a selfish, lying murderer from the day they're born to the day they die.

DOREEN

That's not your choice to make! The only ones who get to decide who we are, are ourselves.

RAVONNA

Not as long as the timekeepers are around. Free will is a poison that leads to chaos. Having a set path to keep everything in its place is the only way to keep life in the universe safe.

(Beat)

Look... You can still do the right thing here. All I'm asking you to do is help me stop these Loki variants. With your help, we can save all living beings from their reign of chaos. We aren't your enemies, Doreen! The universe needs us to protect it... for all time.

After a moment, a scornful smirk grows on Doreen's face.

DOREEN

Yeah, you keep telling yourself that.

Ravonna glares at her. After a moment, she steps closer to Doreen.

RAVONNA

You wanna know what happens to you on the timeline?

Doreen's face falls.

RAVONNA

You'll spend the rest of your life hiding from people who either want to lock you in a prison or a lab cage. Did you really think running around stopping bank robberies was going to change how people see you? You're a mutant. A freak to the rest of the world. You will always be an outcast.

Doreen clenches her jaw, blinking away tears as Ravonna leaves.

INT. RAVONNA'S OFFICE - DAY

Mobius is talking with Ravonna, growing more and more suspicious of her.

RAVONNA

Case closed.

(She and Mobius clink glasses of whiskey.)

Cheers.

MOBIUS

Cheers.

RAVONNA

To putting all of this behind us. Now we just need to take care of sending the mutant girl home.

MOBIUS

Oh, hey, where is she, by the way?

RAVONNA

Holding cell 15.

Mobius frowns.

MOBIUS

You put her in a holding cell? Why?

RAVONNA

She's an associate of the variant. She could be working with him.

MOBIUS

Yeah, but we don't know that! She helped us find him! I don't see why she should be punished for a crime she hasn't even committed yet.

RAVONNA

I'm not taking any risks on this one, Mobius.

Mobius gives her a suspicious glance.

INT. TVA HOLDING CELL - DAY

After Mobius is pruned and Loki is reunited with Sylvie, Ravonna forces them into Doreen's holding cell. Loki's eyes widen when he sees Doreen is being held by two agents with a time displacement collar around her neck.

LOKI

Doreen...

In a last-ditch attempt, Doreen tries once more to break her handcuffs off. One of the agents shocks her with an electric staff, and she screams in pain. Loki glares at Ravonna.

LOKI

You said you wouldn't hurt her!

RAVONNA

Consider this a taste of your own medicine. Your break your promise, I break mine.

The agents release Doreen, who collapses to the ground, now sobbing. Loki rushes over to her and helps her up.

DOREEN

(Crying)

Loki... M-Mobius... It's my f-fault he's dead... I couldn't stop them... He was... I c-couldn't...I should've...

LOKI

No, Doreen, look at me. It's not your fault.

DOREEN

I sh-should've stopped them... I-I...

Exhausted, she passes out.

RAVONNA

(to Loki and Sylvie)

Once the timekeepers are ready, they'll deal with you.

(She gives a passing glance to Doreen.)

And once she's had her memories of the TVA wiped, we'll send her back to the main timeline where she belongs.

Loki glares at her as she and the agents leave them and lock the cell.

We cut to later, where Loki and Sylvie are looking after Doreen, who is lying unconscious on a bench in the cell.

LOKI

It's been at least an hour... Do you think we should try waking her up?

SYLVIE

She just had 50,000 volts of power forced through her body; I think we can let her rest a little longer.

Loki looks down at Doreen, still concerned.

SYLVIE

If she's not a variant, why did she come here? Who is she?

(Beat)

LOKI

She's... a mortal. One of the kindest I've ever known.

(He gently tucks a strand of stray hair behind Doreen's ear.)

Ever since we met, she's made a point of looking after me.

(He lets out a light laugh.)

I can't, for the life of me, understand why. I assumed it was just out of the goodness of her heart... Or, perhaps, just pity...

He looks up and sees Sylvie studying him with a curious expression. Before he can ask why, Doreen begins to stir.

DOREEN

Loki...?

He gently places a hand on her back as she starts to sit up. She glances at Sylvie, still regaining consciousness.

DOREEN

Oh, hey... Sorry I almost stabbed you in the face...

SYLVIE

Well, to be fair, I did kick you in the face, so I suppose we're even... Are you alright? Where'd you get the dress?

DOREEN

Oh... I had to go to Asgard to fix the locket. My clothes didn't exactly fit in, though, so I had to change.

LOKI

Well, that's why you should always rely on a genderfluid demigod to design your costumes. I know what works.

Doreen smirks.

DOREEN

Yeah, well, you weren't there, because I was too busy trying to save your ass!

(After a pause, her smile fades.)

Loki, everyone here... They're all variants too.

LOKI

I know. I told Mobius. That's why they...

(His voice trails off.)

DOREEN

I hacked into their database to get information on the agents... But Ravonna came after me before I could tell anyone. I'm so stupid! I never should've let my guard down!

SYLVIE

There'll be time for taking blame later. Did you find anything out about the timekeepers?

DOREEN

No... I'm sorry... I didn't get that good of a look... Oh! But good news for us, I did figure out why magic doesn't work in the TVA! I guess they have these things called "runes" set up around the whole area? So as long as those are active, your powers are useless.

Loki frowns.

LOKI

Well, how is that "good news" for us?

DOREEN

Because... Ravonna didn't count on me teaching Tippy-Toe how to hack into their systems and disable the runes, and also the time displacement collars, your welcome, which she should be doing right about...

The time displacement collars and handcuffs suddenly deactivate and fall to the ground.

DOREEN

Now!

As she stands up to move to the other side of the cell, Loki and Sylvie test their magic and see their hands are now glowing green.

SYLVIE

Oh, I like her.

They join Doreen at the other side of the cell.

DOREEN

Now, we just need to figure out a way to get out of here...

(Beat)

LOKI

You have the strength and speed of a squirrel, right?

DOREEN

Proportional strength and speed, yes.

LOKI

And squirrels have a jaw strength of around 7,000 pounds per square inch, right?

DOREEN

Right...

LOKI

Which means that, converted to your size, you should be able to chew through any metal wall, correct?

Doreen gives him a sour face.

DOREEN

I really don't like where you're going with this...

LOKI

Do you have any other plans for breaking out of an impenetrable steel cell?

Doreen sighs.

We cut to Doreen chewing through the wall and creating a tunnel to a corridor in the TVA. She spits out a piece of the metal and gags.

DOREEN

Uuuuggghhh, that was so gross!

(She climbs out of the tunnel.)

Okay, guys, you should be good to-

Before she can say another word, Loki and Sylvie use their magic to create another hole in the wall, and simply walk out of the cell.

DOREEN

Wh-?

(She turns to look at the hole they made.)

You could've just done that the whole time?!

LOKI

You did give us our magic back.

(Beat)

DOREEN

Then what did you just make me chew through the wall for, then?!

LOKI

Because it was amusing, of course.

SYLVIE

It was quite funny.

Doreen scowls at them.

DOREEN

You know, it was annoying enough having to deal with one Loki; now I have to put up with two of you?!

Loki and Sylvie laugh as she flips them both off. They each take a hand to help her to her feet.

DOREEN

Alright, I'll go gather some weapons and maybe get some more intel. You guys go take care of the timekeepers. I'll catch up with you later.

INT. TVA - MOMENTS LATER

Loki and Sylvie are running through a corridor, while Doreen goes the opposite way.

SYLVIE

Was it really a good idea to leave the mortal girl to take on all those agents by herself? Shouldn't we be helping her?

They stop running to see Doreen being ambushed by a group of agents. They try to prune her, but she uses the cape on her dress to temporarily blind them and kick the prune sticks out of their hands. She then jumps on top of the group as they all run in her direction and slams their heads together, knocking them all out simultaneously.

(Beat)

LOKI

She'll be fine.

SYLVIE

Yeah.

They continue running.

We cut to them running towards the timekeepers' chambers, when they run into Ravonna and several other agents, with their prune sticks ready.

RAVONNA

Right on time. The timekeepers are waiting for you.

Loki and Sylvie glare at her.

INT. TIMEKEEPERS' CHAMBERS - DAY

After discovering the timekeepers are fake, Loki turns to Sylvie.

LOKI

Sylvie... Trust me, we will figure this out.

SYLVIE

Not another pep talk, please...

LOKI

No, listen to me... We've come this far... We're not turning back now. We just need-

Before he can say another word, Ravonna prunes him.

Chapter Text

INT. TVA COURTROOM - DAY

Sylvie is threatening Ravonna.

SYLVIE

This is it, isn't it? This is where you dragged me after you stole my life. A fitting place, then, to take yours.

Suddenly, Doreen rushes in, carrying several prune sticks.

DOREEN

Here! We're gonna need these.

(She tosses one to Sylvie, then freezes when she sees Loki isn't there.)

Where's Loki?

(At Sylvie's silence, her eyes widen in horror, and she drops the other prune sticks.)

No...

(She rushes over and grabs Ravonna.)

What did you do to him?!

RAVONNA

What if I said the other Loki wasn't dead? Not yet, anyway.

SYLVIE

I'd say you were lying.

RAVONNA

Maybe. Or maybe we want the same thing.

DOREEN

How could he still be alive? You... pruned him!

SYLVIE

More importantly, how will saving him get us closer to who's really behind the TVA?

RAVONNA

It's complicated.

DOREEN

Then un-complicate it.

INT. TVA COURTROOM - DAY

Sylvie and Ravonna are discussing the end of time while Doreen keeps a prune stick trained on Ravonna.

SYLVIE

So how do we get past the void?

RAVONNA

It's impossible. There's nothing for the tem-pad to lock onto. No destination.

SYLVIE

Then we go through it.

Ravonna scoffs.

RAVONNA

That's suicide.

SYLVIE

Then I guess my need for you has passed.

She gets her own prune stick ready as Ravonna's eyes widen in horror.

MISS MINUTES

W-Wait! What about the void spacecraft?

RAVONNA

Y-Yes! The prototype!

MISS MINUTES

Right... I'll get the file...

DOREEN

What's the "void spacecraft"?

RAVONNA

I-It's a spaceship designed to withstand the temporal void. It could conceivably take us to the end of time.

SYLVIE

Find Loki.

RAVONNA

Find the man behind the curtain.

SYLVIE

And kill him.

RAVONNA

Together.

They shake hands. Ravonna tries to pull hers away, but Sylvie keeps her grip firm.

SYLVIE

Miss Minutes, where are the files on this "time craft"?

MISS MINUTES

Uh... Still lookin' hun...

Sylvie raises an eyebrow.

SYLVIE

Nothing?

MISS MINUTES

Th-They're... pretty deep...

RAVONNA

I-It's highly restricted; I might not even have clearance...

SYLVIE

Oh no, I think you would. If it's real.

Ravonna nervously glances at Miss Minutes.

RAVONNA

How long?

MISS MINUTES

Any second now...

Just then, we hear agents bursting in through the door. Doreen grabs Sylvie and they jump behind a desk.

AGENT

(to Ravonna)

Are you hurt?

RAVONNA

I'm fine. But she took my tem-pad.

(She turns to the desk.)

Sylvie? You're not thinking of going on the run, are you? We know where you hide... Sooner or later, we'll catch you.

DOREEN

(whispering to Sylvie)

What do we do?

RAVONNA

It must be so exhausting...

SYLVIE

I'll admit, you had me fooled there for a minute... Or did you get a little real? Did Judge Renslayer really feel betrayed by her beloved TVA?

RAVONNA

Why don't you come back out and we can... talk about it?

SYLVIE

Sure! Just tell everyone else to piss off and we can settle this between us.

Doreen raises an eyebrow at Sylvie.

RAVONNA

Works for me...

The agents close in on the desk.

SYLVIE

What happened to finding the man behind the curtain?

RAVONNA

Tell you what, you come out with your hands up, and I'll put you in a time loop. Something not so bad. You can live out your days in a good memory.

(Beat)

Do you have any good memories?

After a pause, Sylvie grabs Doreen and stands them both up, causing Doreen to gasp in surprise. Sylvie points the prune stick at the agents, then suddenly prunes Doreen and herself.

INT. VOID HIDEOUT - DAY

Loki is speaking with the other Loki variants in their hideout.

LOKI

No. I'm the same. I'm the same as all of you.

(Beat)

Have any of you met a variant that primarily uses her female form?

CLASSIC LOKI

There are plenty of those. You'll have to be more specific.

LOKI

Um... Short hair... Blonde... Goes by "Sylvie"?

CLASSIC LOKI

Oh, yes, her. She's terrifying.

LOKI

She is! But that's what's great about her! She needs us! All of us!

EXT. VOID - DAY

Sylvie is lying unconscious on the ground. Doreen shakes her.

DOREEN

Sylvie! Sylvie, wake up! Sylvie, can you hear me?

Sylvie's eyes widen and she sits up.

SYLVIE

Where are we?

DOREEN

Uh... At the end of time, I guess. It's... kind of a shithole.

Sylvie stands up.

SYLVIE

Let's go. We need to find Loki.

They begin walking. Doreen takes out her Loki locket and tries to turn it on, but the hologram is blank.

DOREEN

Huh... I guess this won't work in a void where time and space is meaningless.

SYLVIE

What is that thing, anyway?

DOREEN

I made it for Loki. We each have one. I gave it to him so I could see where he was if he was ever in trouble, but... I kind of ended up being the one calling him for help...

(Beat)

SYLVIE

You really care about Loki, don't you?

Doreen blushes.

DOREEN

U-Um... I mean... Yeah, I guess. He's... a good friend.

SYLVIE

Oh, don't try to hide it. Loki may be oblivious to it, but I'm not. It's plain as day on your face.

Doreen looks away, embarrassed.

SYLVIE

It's a shame your life is so fleeting, then. You would be quite the catch, I'll admit. You're a clever girl.

Doreen's face flushes red.

SYLVIE

But you know that whatever you have with him can't last, right? You're a mortal. Trying to pursue a relationship with him... it wouldn't be fair to do that to him.

Doreen looks down sadly.

DOREEN

I know. I just... can't help it, I guess.

SYLVIE

Hmm. Well, I suppose he'll get over it eventually once you're gone. We never stick to one thing - always moving on to the next. That's the best way to adapt and survive.

(Off Doreen's sadness.)

Oh, don't take it personally, dear. That's just how we are. You could say it's... in our nature.

Suddenly, they see ALIOTH spreading behind them.

DOREEN

That... doesn't look good.

Alioth starts to creep closer, demolishing everything in its path.

SYLVIE

Run!
They both start to run, with Doreen nearly tripping over her dress.

DOREEN

Okay, running in this dress is getting really annoying! Do you think you could magic my normal clothes back onto me?!

In a flash of green, Doreen's dress shifts into her old outfit.

DOREEN

Thank you!

They suddenly see a pizza delivery car racing towards them.

DOREEN

Is that Mobius?!

They jump in the car, and Mobius speeds away.

DOREEN

Moby! You're alive!

MOBIUS

Can you shut the door? We still got a little bit of a situation here...

Sylvie slams the door shut. As they drive, a cloud of black magic smoke approaches them.

SYLVIE

Watch out!

MOBIUS

I see it! I see it!

SYLVIE

Really?! Because you're driving right towards it!

MOBIUS

God, you really are one of you... Hang on!

EXT. VOID - DAY

Mobius continues to drive, with Sylvie and Doreen in the back.

MOBIUS

All that time, I really believed we were the good guys...

SYLVIE

Annihilating entire realities, orphaning little girls... Classic hero stuff.

MOBIUS

Well, I guess when you think the ends justify the means, there's nothing you won't do. By the way, you did some annihilating, too.

SYLVIE

I did what I had to do.

MOBIUS

Yeah. So did I.

SYLVIE

You hunted me like a dog.

DOREEN

Um, okay, we've all made mistakes, can we maybe save this conversation for when we're not all about to die?

SYLVIE

I thought we could find Loki down here... But that storm... that thing's likely already got him.

MOBIUS

You really believe that?

SYLVIE

It doesn't matter. The only thing that matters now is getting out of here and finding out who's behind all of this.

MOBIUS

Great. How do we do that?

SYLVIE

We turn around.

DOREEN

Uhh... Sorry, what?

MOBIUS

You wanna go back to the angry cloud?

SYLVIE

Yeah. I think it might be the answer. We're going back to it.

EXT. VOID - DAY

Mobius drives up to the Loki variants. Loki's eyes widen when he sees them.

LOKI

Sylvie?!

He rushes over to them.

SYLVIE

You're alive...

Mobius and Doreen step out of the car. Doreen rushes up to Loki and hugs him.

LOKI

Doreen! Mobius!

DOREEN

I was so worried... Are you okay?

LOKI

I'm fine. How did you...?

SYLVIE

We thought you could do with some backup.

Loki smiles. The other Lokis approach them, putting the others on edge.

LOKI

No, no, no, wait, wait, wait! These are my... friends. Ah... Well, they're um... how best to put this? Uh... Us as a child, us in the future, and us as a... uh... an alligator.

Sylvie raises an eyebrow.

LOKI

It's... best not to question it.

Doreen gasps.

DOREEN

There's a Baby Loki???

KID LOKI

Don't call me that.

DOREEN

Okay, Baby Loki!

Kid Loki scowls at her.

EXT. VOID - DAY

Mobius is chatting with Doreen as Loki and Sylvie talk.

DOREEN

So... I guess we're... going after the giant cloud thingy. No idea how we're supposed to do that, but okay.

MOBIUS

I don't know, don't you usually command a giant army of squirrels?

DOREEN

Yeah, normally, but I only brought these three along with me.

(She points to Tippy-Toe, Monkey Joe, and Mr. Lieberman.)

Taking down a giant magical monster might require a little more than that...

Mobius glances at a chipmunk bounding past them.

MOBIUS

There's a squirrel.

Doreen raises an eyebrow.

DOREEN

That's not a squirrel; that's a chipmunk.

Mobius shrugs.

MOBIUS

They're the same thing.

DOREEN

Excuse me?! They are not the same thing! They're completely different!

We cut to Loki sitting with Sylvie.

SYLVIE

Mobius isn't so bad. And Doreen is... well, Doreen. I can see why you keep her around.

Loki raises an eyebrow.

LOKI

Don't tell me you've just been flirting with her this whole time?

SYLVIE

I'm sorry, I thought you said she was just an acquaintance?

LOKI

Oh, shut up.

Sylvie smirks. After a pause, her smile fades.

SYLVIE

It must be nice... to have friends.

They glance over at Doreen and Mobius, who are still arguing over the difference between a squirrel and a chipmunk. Loki laughs.

SYLVIE

I don't have any...

(Beat)

I don't have... anyone.

Loki smiles.

LOKI

Well, you and I are the same. My friends are your friends now.

Sylvie smiles.

EXT. VOID - DAY

Mobius is saying goodbye.

MOBIUS

Sylvie... I need to apologize... for everything the TVA's done to you. And Loki... I'm sorry, too. It wasn't fair of us to put you through what we did. And it wasn't fair of me to judge you for your past. Not when you're trying to be a better person now.

He extends his hand to Loki. Instead of shaking it, Loki hugs him.

LOKI

Goodbye, my friend.

MOBIUS

(whispering to Sylvie)

You're my favorite.

Sylvie grins. Doreen hugs him as well.

DOREEN

You go get that jet ski, you hear?

MOBIUS

Sure will. Well, see you later!

He heads out the portal and leaves.

Chapter Text

INT. CITADEL - DAY

Loki, Sylvie, and Doreen tentatively step into the palace. Out of nowhere, Miss Minutes suddenly pops up.

MISS MINUTES

HEY, Y'ALL!

DOREEN

Oh, Jesus!

She jumps as Loki and Sylvie pull out their weapons.

SYLVIE

You again...

MISS MINUTES

Welcome to the citadel at the end of time! Congratulations! Y'all had an awfully long journey to get here. He's impressed.

SYLVIE

Who's impressed?

MISS MINUTES

He Who Remains!

(Beat)

LOKI

And who is he?

MISS MINUTES

He created all. And he controls all. At the end, it is only... He Who Remains. And he wants to offer you a deal. He's been making a few... creative adjustments. And he's worked out a way to insert you back in your timelines in a way that won't disrupt things.

Doreen looks creeped out by Miss Minutes as they talk.

SYLVIE

Won't "disrupt things"?

MISS MINUTES

Mmm-hmm! The TVA can keep doing it's vital work, and y'all can live the lives you've always wanted!

(She turns to Loki)

How would you like... to kill Thanos?

Loki and Doreen exchange a look.

MISS MINUTES

You could stop the snap from ever happening... and get the throne you've always wanted.

Doreen's eyes widen.

MISS MINUTES

You want the infinity gauntlet? Yours. Throne of Asgard? No problem.

Loki tenses.

MISS MINUTES

(to Sylvie)

What about you, missy? All those years on the run... Desperate... Alone... How would you like to wake up tomorrow with just a lifetime of happy memories? Everything... exactly the way you've always wanted.

She purposefully ignores Doreen. Sylvie shakes her head.

SYLVIE

It's fiction.

LOKI

We write our own destiny now.

MISS MINUTES

Sure you do... Good luck with that.

She disappears.

DOREEN

So, we're all in agreement that this is a trap, right?

(Beat)

LOKI

Let's keep moving.

INT. KANG'S CHAMBERS - DAY

After meeting Kang, he invites the three into his chambers.

KANG

Please. Take a seat.

(He picks up a tray of tea and sets the cups down in front of some chairs.)

Uh... Loki... Loki... and...

(He smiles at Doreen.)

Ah, Miss Green. What an honor to meet you. A class five mutant... the TVA doesn't see many of your type around very often.

(Beat)

You know what I find fascinating about you? Out of all your little... Avenger friends... you... are the most powerful. You just don't know it yet.

Doreen looks utterly baffled. Kang laughs.

KANG

You! Not the... god from space, or the... part-time Kree... but a little girl who runs around spending time with squirrels.

He continues to laugh as the other exchange a confused glance.

KANG

You know, life may not be fair, but it certainly does have a sense of humor.

SYLVIE

Who are you?

KANG

Oh, I've been dubbed many names by many people... A ruler... A conqueror... He Who Remains... A jerk... But most people just call me... Kang.

The three exchange a glance.

INT. KANG'S CHAMBERS - DAY

After Kang explains who he is, he gives Loki and Sylvie a choice.

KANG

So now, you can either... rule the TVA together, as two Lokis... or... kill me... and let the universe burn. And if you think I'm... evil... Just wait until you meet my variants.

(Beat)

I believe you've met my wife, Ravonna? She can verify all of this, if you want.

DOREEN

You're full of shit. You don't care about protecting anyone; you just want power. You just want to have control over everything. Well, you don't get to make our lives for us.

LOKI

She's right.

(He unleashes his blade.)

And we've come to put an end to your reign once and for all.

He starts to attack Kang, but before he can, Sylvie uses her magic to block him.

LOKI

Sylvie, what are you doing?

(Beat)

SYLVIE

Do you really think I'm going to let you destroy my only chance at claiming what belongs to me?

LOKI

What?

SYLVIE

The TVA took everything from me. Now, I'm going to return the favor. By taking over, I can control all of those agents. Everyone that ever laid a finger on me... I can send their lives to burn.

LOKI

You said you weren't interested in ruling the TVA...

Sylvie laughs.

SYLVIE

Don't you know yourself at all?

(She smirks.)

I lied.

Doreen's eyes widen.

SYLVIE

I've waited my whole life for this moment. And no one is going to take it from me. Least of all, you.

She starts to attack Loki, but Doreen lunges at her, knuckles spikes unleashed. Using her magic, Sylvie enchants Doreen's hand and raises her knuckle spikes up so she is a second away from slitting her own throat. The blade chokes Doreen as she struggles. Loki uses his own magic to keep Doreen in place as he stares down Kang and Sylvie. Kang laughs.

KANG

Well, all this drama is making me thirsty!

(He takes a sip of tea.)

Who's it gonna be? Who's gonna get the throne?

Sylvie scoffs at Loki.

SYLVIE

Oh, I see. You just want the TVA throne for yourself, don't you?

LOKI

Is that really what you think of me?

(His gaze saddens.)

You never trusted me. You were always going to betray me.

Sylvie laughs.

SYLVIE

That's what we do, Loki. We can't trust. And we can't be trusted.

DOREEN

(Struggling)

Don't... listen to her... Loki...

Kang jabs a finger at Doreen.

KANG

I wouldn't interfere with our proceedings if I were you, young lady.

Doreen glares at him as he stalks toward her.

KANG

I'll admit, you've been a bit of a thorn in my side... You were never supposed to be here, but you just had to show up and help your little friend... and make my job harder. You're a problem, Ms. Green. A problem that needs to be... eliminated.

(Beat)

LOKI

I agree.

He suddenly conjures up a dagger and stabs Doreen through the stomach. She screams as he opens up a portal with the tem-pad and shoves her through it.

INT. DOREEN'S APARTMENT - DAY

Doreen falls through a portal into her apartment. Gasping in pain, she reaches for the dagger sticking in her stomach, only to have it disappear in a green shimmer. After a moment, she lets out a weak laugh.

INT. KANG'S CHAMBERS - MOMENTS LATER

As the tem-pad portal closes, Kang bursts out laughing and starts applauding.

KANG

Wonderful job, Loki! Wonderful! You know, if I weren't an all-knowing, all-seeing... god, of sorts, I might've actually bought that!

Loki's eyes widen.

KANG

Well, no matter. She'll be taken care of once we're finished here.

(He smiles.)

You know, there's something almost... poetic about it. Loki... the god of mischief... the man who believed he was destined to rule over all of Midgard... is in love with a mortal.

Loki grits his teeth and looks down as Sylvie sneers at him.

SYLVIE

You're pathetic. I honestly don't know how you even survived this long.

LOKI

Sylvie, listen to me... Please don't go down this path. If you do this... all of our variants will be stuck here at the end of time forever.

SYLVIE

And why is that my concern?

LOKI

Because they're us! They're all us! Can't you see that your anger is turning you into the very thing you hate?!

(He places hands on her shoulders.)

Please, Sylvie... I don't want a throne... I don't want to hurt you... I know how you feel. I've been where you are. But hurting the people that caused you pain won't change what happened. It took me so long, but I see that now! And I know a part of you must, too.

(Beat)

SYLVIE

Well, I'm not you.

She attacks him, and they start to fight.

LOKI

Sylvie, no!

SYLVIE

I won't let you stand in my way!

Eventually, Loki and Sylvie's blades are locked.

LOKI

(Voice cracking)

Don't make me do this... Please...

SYLVIE

I'll kill you...

Loki suddenly stabs Sylvie through the chest. She grunts in pain and collapses to the floor as Loki looks on in horror. Sylvie dies as he takes his blade out. Kang begins to laugh coldly as Loki collapses to his knees and sobs.

KANG

Bravo, Loki, bravo! Looks like you're the last Loki standing.

Loki lunges at him with his magic, but Kang uses his own powers to restrain him.

KANG

I'm hurt, Loki. I am giving you the chance of a lifetime! Power! Control! Wasn't it you who one said... what was it? "Freedom is life's great lie"? Didn't you want to free people from the burden of freedom? Well, now you can! All you have to do is say "yes"... And you can finally have it... The throne... The key to the universe... All to yourself. Away from everyone who pushed you around your whole life. Your father... your brother... your so-called "friends"... They're of no consequence anymore. You'll have everything you've always wanted... All... alone...

Suddenly, all the other Lokis, even Alligator Loki enter. President Loki now has a hook for a hand.

KID LOKI

He's not alone.

Loki looks at them tearfully, and a hint of a smile grows on his face. Kang laughs.

KANG

Oh? So that's how it is? You want to be the hero now? You and I both know that's not who you are.

After a moment, Loki slowly rises to his feet.

LOKI

No...

(Beat)

I'm not a hero... And I'm not a villain...

He begins to unleash his power, with a green glow emanating from his hands. He suddenly projects multiple versions of himself around the room, some male, some female. They all talk in unison.

LOKI

I'm me... First... Last...

(His eyes start to glow green.)

Always...

As his power begins to grow, his TVA outfit shifts into elegant green armor with a cape and white fur around the collar. His crown of horns appears on his head, and his power begins to levitate him off the ground. Suddenly, the room begins to glow green, with the army of Lokis joining in with their magic. We see bits of green magic expanding the timeline off into different branches.

INT. TVA - MOMENTS LATER

Back in the TVA, Mobius, Hunter B-15, and all the agents rise as the building begins to glow in a green haze. Mobius watches the monitor in awe as he sees the timeline beginning to expand.

MOBIUS

Wow...

Suddenly, everyone's eyes begin to glow green.

INT. KANG'S CHAMBERS - MOMENTS LATER

Loki stretches his arms out as his magic continues to free the timeline. Kang's eyes widen as a burst of green power extends from Loki's hands and hits him. With the other Lokis joining in, ray after ray of magic hits Kang, until he finally vanishes. Suddenly, portal after portal opens around the room. His magic weakening, Loki finally collapses to the ground. The other Lokis rush to his side.

KID LOKI

Are you alright?

Loki slowly sits up.

BOASTFUL LOKI

You've done it. You've freed us.

(He looks around at all the portals.)

All the timelines have been restored. We can go home.

Loki looks around at all the other Lokis.

LOKI

Go on. You belong back home, with your families... Even if they're... complicated, at times...

(Beat)

We can live our own lives now.

The Lokis all start to go through their portals. Loki takes one last look at Sylvie's dead body before entering a portal back to the TVA.

INT. TVA - MOMENTS LATER

The TVA agents are all regaining their memories.

MOBIUS

Oh my god... Vanessa... Katie...

HUNTER B-15

I... I had a name... A real name once... Zoe...

CASEY

I... I remember now! I was a marine biologist! Back in San Francisco... Oh man, those sea lions are gonna be so mad at me when I get back...

Suddenly, Loki enters.

MOBIUS

Loki!

He hugs Loki.

MOBIUS

Where's Sylvie?

His face falls at Loki's silence.

MOBIUS

Oh... Oh, I'm sorry...

Loki bites his lip.

LOKI

Do you... remember now?

MOBIUS

Yes... I... I had a wife... and a daughter...

(He smiles.)

Thank you.

Loki nods towards the portal.

LOKI

They're waiting for you.

Mobius starts to head towards the portal. Before he walks through, he stops and gives Loki one last look.

MOBIUS

Whatever the future holds for you... I hope it's what you've always wanted. What you really want.

Loki smiles.

LOKI

Thank you.

MOBIUS

Oh, and...

(He tosses the tesseract to Loki.)

You might need this.

He exits through the portal.

INT. THE BENATAR - NIGHT

Loki appears in the Guardians' ship, holding the tesseract. Everyone turns to him.

DRAX

Empty-handed... And just when I thought I would have a decent snack around here for once.

LOKI

What? Wait, how long was I gone?

Thor shrugs.

THOR

Only around an hour. Why? What were you doing on Kylos, anyways?

Loki looks around at the Guardians.

LOKI

I... I'm going to Earth.

Before they can stop him, he vanishes with the tesseract.

INT. DOREEN'S APARTMENT - DAY

Loki and Doreen are sitting at a table in her apartment by the window. Loki pours himself a cup of tea, and Tippy-Toe brings him a sugar cube.

LOKI

Thank you, Tippy-Toe.

As he stirs the cube in his tea, Tippy-Toe extends her paw.

LOKI

Ah, yes, of course.

He conjures up another acorn and gives it to her.

DOREEN

Is that acorn number 78 or 79?

LOKI

79, I believe.

DOREEN

Huh. 12 more, and you'll have paid off your debt to her.

(She turns to Tippy-Toe.)

Will you like him then, Tippy?

Tippy-Toe squeaks in response.

DOREEN

Oh, "you'll consider it." Don't give me that!

Loki chuckles.

LOKI

Is Nancy home?

DOREEN

She's in class. My professors are letting me do my coursework online while... all of this gets sorted out. I mean, everything I do is on computers, anyways, so...

LOKI

I see.

Doreen glances at him as he stares blankly at his tea.

DOREEN

I'm sorry about Sylvie...

(Beat)

LOKI

Well, I guess it just goes to show that I... can't be trusted. Not even by myself.

DOREEN

No, Loki... What happened wasn't your fault. You tried your best to get through to her. But you can't control the actions of your variants; only your own. Just because Sylvie betrayed you... that doesn't make you a bad person. You deserve trust.

LOKI

Do you trust me?

DOREEN

Yeah. I do.

Loki lets out a bitter laugh.

LOKI

You know, a lot of people would call you naïve.

Doreen shrugs.

DOREEN

Doesn't mean that they're right.

Loki looks at her in surprise. He fixes his gaze out the window as Doreen sips her own tea.

DOREEN

There's something else, isn't there?

(Beat)

LOKI

I'm... I'm worried, Doreen. What if... What if I got this wrong?

DOREEN

What do you mean?

LOKI

What if it was a mistake to kill Kang?

DOREEN

Loki... You've freed trillions of people. You gave them back control over their own lives. That's not a mistake.

LOKI

I know; I just... What if Kang was telling the truth? About the multiversal war? What if... by freeing the timeline... I've unleashed something worse?

DOREEN

Loki... If it ever comes to that... We'll deal with it.

LOKI

How?

DOREEN

We'll figure it out.

(She extends her hand to him.)

And I trust you, so you trust me, too. Deal?

After a moment, Loki smiles and shakes her hand.

LOKI

Deal.

Doreen smiles.

DOREEN

Alright, enough of this doom and gloom. Here, give me your other hand.

Loki raises an eyebrow.

LOKI

Dare I ask why?

DOREEN

I'm gonna paint your nails! Duh!

(She takes out a bottle of black nail polish.)

Trust me, I have been wanting to do this for a while. Have you ever gotten your nails done?

LOKI

I... can't say that I have...

DOREEN

Ooh, well, you're gonna love it. I was debating what color to try on you, but then I figured I'd go for black. You have this very natural emo vibe to you.

Loki raises an eyebrow.

DOREEN

It means, like, dark and edgy and all that...

(She starts painting his nails.)

Wait, so there was actually a President Loki?

Loki chuckles.

LOKI

Yes, if you can believe it. You know, maybe I should run for president.

DOREEN

You can't! You have to have been born in the U.S.!

LOKI

Well, to be fair, I did die, and then I was reborn back into life at the Avengers compound, which is on American soil, so, technically, you could make the argument that I was born in the U.S.

Doreen snickers.

DOREEN

That is not how that works...

Her phone suddenly buzzes, and she picks it up.

DOREEN

Ooh! Look what Moby sent me!

She shows him a picture on her phone of Mobius riding on a jet ski with his daughter.

DOREEN

Look at my man out there living his best life! I'm so proud of him...

Loki chuckles, and she finishes painting his nails.

DOREEN

Okay, just let that dry for a bit. And that means no petting Mew, no matter how much she begs.

(She turns to Mewnir.)

I got my eye on you...

Loki smiles as she takes another sip of her tea.

LOKI

What will you do now?

(Beat)

DOREEN

I don't know...

(Beat)

You know, Ravonna told me that I was destined to spend the rest of my life in hiding.

LOKI

Well... the TVA is gone now. You're free to make your own life.

DOREEN

I know. I just... don't see how it could change. Right now, everyone either thinks I'm a criminal or some circus freak that needs to be locked up.

(Beat)

LOKI

That doesn't mean that they're right.

Doreen looks at him in surprise. A hint of a smile starts to grow on her face. After a moment, Loki clear his throat awkwardly.

LOKI

You know, you could... always come with me. I-I mean... me and my brother... and his friends. You wouldn't be an outcast there. We're... we're all... outcasts... in a way, I suppose...

(Beat)

DOREEN

I can't abandon the people here. There's still so much chaos going on after people returned from the snap... I have to help fix it.

Loki smiles at her.

LOKI

You're a good person, Doreen. They don't deserve you... But if you truly want to stay... then, I wish you all the best.

DOREEN

Thank you...

Doreen gives him a sad smile as he rises from his chair.

LOKI

Well, I suppose I can't put off returning to my brother and those buffoons any longer... By the way, do you think Kang really meant what he said? About you being the strongest Avenger?

Doreen scoffs.

DOREEN

Nah... He was just pulling my leg...

Loki chuckles.

LOKI

Goodbye, Doreen.

Loki and the tesseract vanish in a blue haze.

(Post-Credits Scene)

INT. HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE - DAY

Ravonna is stepping through the office where she used to work.

RAVONNA

When I worked here... I thought this was all my life could be... I never thought that I would be destined for something greater... But now, you've given my life purpose... A destiny that I can be proud of...

She turns and the camera pans to who she is talking to. One of Kang's variants is sitting in a seat.

KANG

Yes, dear... It's time for us to begin our... corrections...