"Prince Thor," the messenger said. "The Allfather wishes to speak with you. He is waiting in the throne room."
Thor thanked the young boy and started spinning mjolnir around. Seconds after he took off and flew to the palace.
"My son," the Allfather said. He was placed on the throne with Gungnir on his right side and Frigga on his left. "Thor."
Frigga looked sad. Or maybe it was actually regret in her eyes? Thor wasn't sure but whatever his father had to say, it couldn't be good news.
"You are probably unable to remember. You were too young." Odin started. "But you had a brother once. The two of you used to run around, play, fight, make trouble constantly. We later told you that he was just your friend, not your brother, and that he had been forced to move to Vanaheim. That was not the truth. We also had to... hide... some of your memories to cover up."
Thor tuned out for a second. He had a brother. One he couldn't even remember. He could remember a friend, yes, someone he'd played with, someone he'd trusted. But he could not recall a single detail from the boy. Not his voice. Nor his eyes, his hair, his clothes.
He had a brother - a brother he had known but now knew nothing about.
"What happened to my brother?" Thor asked when he finally found his voice.
"That is the problem, my son," Odin said. "King Laufey of Jotunheim and I made peace, as you know. The frost giants gave up their dearest weapon as a sign of assurance. We had nothing to give them. They did not wield Mjolnir, they did not want Gungnir. So they asked for a prince."
At this, Frigga let out a quiet sob and Thor's jaw dropped.
"Laufey has now announced that he would like to return our son-"
Wait," Thor interrupted. "Why would he return a prince of the enemy?"
Odin took a deep breath: "Laufey said, and I quote: 'I have had my fun now. The only thing, you can give me is your reaction when you get Loki back'. So I am asking you to collect the warriors three and Lady Sif and march to Jotunheim. To get your brother back."