Chapter One

Loki grinned at the guards, who were too shocked to speak. This was by far the biggest trick he had played on them by a long shot - faking his death, somehow tricking Thor and replacing Odin? Impossible!

"Did you miss me?" Loki answered them with another of his darkly humorous comments. They positioned themselves to attack, but that was pointless, as the god of mischief waved his hand and sent their weapons spiraling through the air. Loki smiled. Now he was on the throne, nothing could stop him; he could feel the new lease of magic pulsing through his veins. People would finally accept him, either by force or of their own accord. He was the King-to-be, and not even Odin could change that. Thor had given up his seat on the throne, to be a 'good man', whatever that meant... Anyway, the point was no-one was here presently to stop Loki from giving rightful orders.

"Kneel." The guards instantly obeyed, using the time as a chance to plan a way out from this troublesome situation. He began to cackle wildly, partly with madness, partly with joy. "No-one can stop me now." He thought, watching the uncomfortable guards shift beneath his glare. Odin was fighting some meaningless battle in some trivial opponent's home, and as long as he was there, there would be no authority there to 'guide' Loki. Additionally, the All-father could be killed at war - no-one would be able to point fingers at the God of Mischief. After all, what is more a nobler death than to die for Asgard?

Ah. There was something to dwell on. Why would a man who was known to cast away the unwanted gladly and enlighten people about the ghastly truths in a damaging way deserve an honorable death? Already there was work to do for the newly crowned prince. He sighed. Oh, well. He would just have to find a way to kill Odin in a way which would be a contemptible way to die, but using a method so nobody would be able to directly point fingers at Loki.

His eyes brightened. He had an idea. One that would perhaps involve a disguised assassin, and a very unfair challenge.

A guard coughed, and Loki snapped back to the present with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Do as I say: release the prisoners and bring them to me here. Tell them there are rewards to be earned if they do my bidding."

An hour or so later...

"Welcome to the beginning of a new era, where the true heroes of our worlds will unite, and corporal punishment is a recognized form of justice." Loki spread his arms wide, as though about to hug the hundreds of villains facing him.

"But first, I need your help. In order to rid the worlds of Odin, I will need a trained assassin. If you feel you are up to the job, please let me know, and I will inform the chosen one of my plan. As for the rest of you; prepare for battle. I know my brother will not let me reign without a fight." Most of the audience were dazed from the shocking burst of freedom, though many of them grinned gleefully at their potential new king. If this was what he was going to in the first five minutes, they could not wait to see what his future plans were.

The guards led some of them away to reluctantly help train for battle, while a select few stayed behind for Loki to consider as his assassin.

"Hmm... You would be good as a speciality card for an attack surge, you would do well with helping me conclude our tactics, and you... What did you say your talent was?" The God of mischief was enjoying his power over the people, busy deciding who would be best for his almighty plan. The figure he had requested a name from was shrouded in a black cloak, a large hood masking his or her facial identity. Judging how slender the body was compared with the other two bulky men, he guessed the person was a woman. Loki had immediately favored her, as she was the only one who even bothered with hiding who she really was, and that proved to be an excellent strong point in assassinations. The other two stood to the side.

"Many things." The woman's voice was a chord of numerous pitches, making Loki wonder if she was being possessed by some vile creature. He inwardly shrugged. Oh, well. A possessed assassin is as good as any killer.

Little did he know, she was nothing at all like what he thought she was.

"Okay, you're on team Loki. Kill Odin, and I'll make you the richest and second-most powerful person in the universe. Kill Thor, and I'll make you my Queen." He cast these words as if they were meaningless, forcing doubt onto the hearer. There was no way in which she could trust him, period. Yet she dared to believe...

"You choose potential over presence?" The woman asked, coughing as her voice returned to maintain only one voice. Loki looked at her intensely.

"I would rather hope for a dream than to live a nightmare." One second a thoughtless godly teenager, the next a deep and powerful leader.

"Meaningful words, for one who has spent numerous years in a cell."

"You will not address me in such a way! You should think yourself lucky I haven't turned you into a ravaging monster by now! Not that that would make a difference." He spoke the last part with a small taunting smile tugging at the edges. The assassin ground her teeth, but forced herself to seem loyal - lack of trust was what broke apart all good teams, in the end.

"Very well, sir. I.. apologize if I questioned your greatness."

"Good. Now, about this plan of mine-" Loki said, gesturing towards the strategy room through a tall opening. She obediently followed, her dark cloak flowing behind her. Upon entry, she noticed a stone table and two chairs, though neither of them sat, with torches lining the walls. In the flickering glow, Loki looked devilish, as if he was about to go up in a puff of smoke any minute. The assassin swallowed, slightly nervous for the first time in years.

"Uncomfortable, are we?" Loki teased, sensing her mood. She frowned.

"No. The plan?"

"Ah, yes. Well..."