Despite All Odds
Chapter Summary: Thor returns from Earth to deliver Loki to their father. When he hears about what was in store for his brother, Thor starts to think that he had made a big mistake and that maybe he was the only one who truly understood his brother.
Note: The lovely image for this fic was taken from Tumblr. The artist, I believe, is westishere. So kudos to him/her.
A/N: Another multi-chapter that is going towards our eventual collaboration. I suggest you Author Alert us and read our other Avengers' stories so you'll be in the loop. The stories happen almost simultaneously. As usual, if you enjoy this, do take the time to write a review or share your love by faving or putting it on Story Alert.
The moment that they had returned to Asgard the first thing Thor had noticed was the guards coming towards them to collect his brother from his grasp. He had looked at Loki, looking for any sign of fear or apprehension but found none.
His brother merely stared calmly at the guards and his expression didn't change at all as he was taken away.
Thor suddenly grew disturbed; something was wrong. It was as if Loki had just given up after trying so hard which was highly alarming given the struggle and the fight Loki had just a few hours ago. Then again his brother could have just been hungry since they didn't feed him anything while they feasted on the Earth food called "Shawarma".
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he walked straight towards the stables to take a horse and proceed to the throne room where he knew the Allfather was waiting for him.
Once there he smiled at the familiarity. It was good to be home again.
"Father," he called out before walking up to the golden throne and knelt in front of Odin just at the base of the throne. "I have returned."
"You have done well, my son," Odin said with a stiff nod of his head.
Thor nodded back and smiled wider before looking around. He frowned at the lack of people in the throne. It was really strange; shouldn't there be people or at least the warriors three to receive him?
"Father, where are—"
"The guards along with your warriors are making sure that Loki reaches his cell."
"Cell? You're putting him in a cell?" Thor asked in surprise.
"It is only just that he pays for his crimes. He will be punished accordingly by midday of tomorrow."
"And what will his punishment be?"
Odin didn't answer. His grip on his spear tightened as he kept his gaze at his son. Thor grew more worried and he felt dread running through his system. His hands were turning cold.
"Father?" he pressed, his voice sounding strong and angry.
"His lips will be sewn shut by sorcerers; he will never speak another word."
Thor's eyes widened and he immediately got to his feet. "That is madness! Despite what he did that is too much of a—"
"You know how he is! He is a clever wordsmith and I will not put it past him to sway someone with seducing words. I will not risk it!"
"Is he not my brother? Is he not your son!"
"He was your brother!" Odin fired back, standing up as well. His voice boomed throughout the empty hall. "He was my son."
Thor wrapped his hand around the handle of Mjolnir in anger. This was not what he wanted for his brother. "He is still your son. Inside him beats the same heart that loves you and seeks only praise and recognition," he told the man; his body nearly trembling in anger. "That was all he wanted!"
"He has poisoned your mind with lies," Odin hissed.
"Is it really my mind that is covered in poison, father?" Thor spat back. They stared at each other in silence for a few moments before Thor turned his heel and walked towards the main gates of the throne.
"THOR!" Odin called out, hitting the base of his staff on the marble floor. He wanted his son to see reason. He knew that Thor was acting out of love but he had to know where to draw the line especially with crimes as large as what Loki had committed. "Thor! I demand that you turn around at once!"
Thor paused and looked over his shoulder. The anger in his eyes answered for him. He turned around again, his back facing Odin. He continued to walk and never looked back.
