Chapter Text
It happened several months ago, yet the memory still burns in his mind, reopening wounds before they can even begin to heal.
“I could have done it, Father! I could have done it! For you… for all of us.”
As he listened to the strain in Loki’s voice, Thor realized how truly young his brother was. The desperate look his brother wore reminding him of when they were children, completing quests and adventures hoping to receive Father’s approval- something perhaps they never stopped searching for. All Thor could do was hold onto Güngnir and watch as Loki searched their father’s expression for any grain of understanding.
“No, Loki.” The Allfather’s only response. His only sentiment, if one could call it that. This meager utterance implied so much more than Thor could understand; yet he could see his brother’s mind turning, sifting through nuance to uncover its meaning.
Loki’s pleading eyes went cold, the rest of his features turning to stone. Thor was ever familiar with this facade and therefore knew, through centuries of experience, that he must be observant of any movement which might reveal his brother’s true intention. That’s when he noticed the slightest quiver in Loki’s grip. Without thought, Thor reached his left hand toward his brother and tightly grasped his wrist just as Loki’s exhausted fingers had slipped off Güngnir.
Where he expected a wave of relief to wash over his brother, there was nothing but panic in its stead. Loki’s eyes grew wide and darted like a trapped animal’s. Thor was able to catch the subtle movements of Loki’s lips; it was almost as if his younger brother was pleading with the Norns. Tears once again began to well in Loki’s wild eyes. He was truly frightened of how close he had come to entering the realm of the dead.
At least that’s what Thor chooses to believe.
In the moments following, the two sons of Odin were pulled onto what remained of the Bifrost by the Allfather and several einherjar. Disoriented, the brothers stumbled to their feet. Before Loki could fully hold steady, Thor brought him into a strong embrace, clutching the back of his younger brother’s neck. He could feel the rapid heart beat in Loki’s chest, even through his armor.
“It is alright now, brother,” Thor hushed as he held Loki ever tightly. “We are safe now. You are safe now.” With this, Loki tensed, steadying his previously trembling legs.
Loki pulled away from the embrace, swiping away at Thor’s hand. His expression once again shifting, now to one of disdain.
“You,” Loki spat, “are not my brother.” He pushed past Thor’s mighty frame and walked away, toward the mainland. That is, until he was stoped by the All-Father.
“What have you done?” Odin said grimly, a familiar air of disappointment in his voice.
Loki did not answer, only stared back at the man he called father. In response, Odin snarled in frustration, striking his hand across his adopted son's cheek. Loki lifted his head and glared back at the All-Father; face cold despite the grin he wore.
“Guards,” Odin ordered without leaving Loki’s gaze, “escort Loki to the palace dungeons. Do not lose sight of him, nor listen to his serpent tongue. Thor and I will follow close behind.”
Thor watched as his brother was cuffed and led across the Bifrost, detained like the most dangerous of traitors.
That is because your brother is a traitor and so much worse. He is a murderer. A threat to Asgard and the Nine Realms. The Loki of your childhood no longer exists- if you can say he existed at all. You are nothing but a fool to believe otherwise. He tried to kill you. He-
Thor was pulled out of thought by the sound of his father’s voice.
“Come, my son,” Odin said as he placed a hand on Thor’s shoulder, “there is much with to be dealt.”
Even though Thor heard his father’s voice and nodded accordingly, his attention was elsewhere. He could only stare ahead as his once reserved, but always articulate brother screamed incoherently while struggling against the restraining grasps of the einherjar holding him.
In the subsequent days, from the hushed rumors of witnesses, news spread of a young prince driven to madness.
Though it was quite late in the night, the coastal edge of the city was stirring with worry over what could be happening on the Rainbow Bridge. The commotion halted, however, when a blinding flash of light illuminated their surroundings, eliminating all shadows. Then, before they could begin processing what had happened, a deafening blast of energy reverberated through the ground. While some collapsed from fear or instinct, others froze, eyes agape, as they witnessed shards of glimmering crystal and gold hurdle toward their homes.
To call the following moments a tragedy would be a great injustice. Several buildings and homes were damaged, some reduced to rubble; crops were set ablaze by the heat of the falling shards; and worst of all, innocent lives were lost. Of those who were struck, most were able to be healed; however, an unfortunate few were speared, dying on impact or shortly after. The sight of such was horrendous, but nothing compared to the torture faced by those denied the instant release of death. Looking back, many would argue it was a miracle that Asgard had not been injured more severely, that such few lives were taken that fateful night. These sentiments, of course, could never reverse the damage that had been done.
The immediate days succeeding were hectic, to say the least. The palace halls were flooded with the sounds of rushed footsteps and concerned voices of Asgardian nobility. In addition to visiting and consoling with the affected coastal villages, the All-Father had called a meeting with seven of the Nine Realms to ensure them that Asgard remained a loyal ally despite the young prince’s actions. As per usual, the exclusion of Midgard was decided upon due to its primitive nature and lack of understanding of affairs outside its own realm. Even though a small region was affected by the Destroyer, Odin decided it would be best for Midgard to remain blind; there was no purpose in concerning the humans over an attack they didn’t even know took place. As for Jotunheim, the Allfather decided it would be prudent to discuss future relations separately.
Thor accompanied his father to all of the council meetings, civilian addresses, and the meeting with the seven leaders; Odin insisted that as future king, Thor must understand how the worst of circumstances are to be handled. Despite the gravity of the situation and the intensity of the conversations, Thor’s mind wandered. He could only think of his brother. Loki was always the one who excelled with public relations, accompanying Father to any meeting he was allowed to attend. His silver tongue served him well in negations and debates. Norns, Thor wished his brother was here by his side.
“You are not my brother” (I hate you and have always hated you)
Loki’s words still rang in his mind, and would for quite some time.