Chapter 25
Today's finally the day Asgard as been waiting for, though for some it is just another painful event to attend.
Loki had become the ever-quite shadow that everyone talks about, the one you follows Thor and whispers into his ear about things
. Loki hates the stares and the gossip.
He doesn't even want the thrown if he was given it.
Odin had said that both of his sons were destined to be kings, but how could he be king if Thor was eldest?
Loki had pondered this while they went through rehearsals.
Serene had stood at his side in order to keep the underlying chaos at bay.
Loki had had enough of the praises of Thor being the golden child.
None knew that he wasn't ready for the Throne.
He was arrogant and thought with his hammer, heading into battle with the thought of destroying the enemy.
Loki had endured enough of the Golden Prince's leadership to know Thor was not ready.
He needed a plan to stop the coronation.
He had been walking one day on the outskirts of Asgard when he was transported through a portal.
Loki took in a silent gasp when he saw he was on the frozen wastelands of Jotunheim.
Loki watched silently as Jotun warriors stood around the borders and then spotted him.
Loki knew to not put up a fight, he was outnumbered but he was more powerful then these stupid creatures.
Loki met with Laufey and Loki brought up that Thor was having a coronation.
Laufey was intrigued and had bargained with the prince that he would lend some soldiers to stop the coronation in exchange for the Casket of Winters.
Loki smirked at this; his soldiers wouldn't get past the Destroyer.
He made a pact, stopping Thor's crowning in exchange for the Casket.
Once things were planned out Loki returned to Asgard with a hidden smirk.
The day before the ceremony Serene had not seen her husband the entire day until his return to their room just before dinner.
"How was your day?" Serene asked as she stood to greet him.
"Hectic, it seems everyone is buzzing around like insects, worrying about the coronation," Loki said as he took his cloak off.
"Well, I can see that no mischief occurred today during preparations, are you feeling alright, God of Mischief?" Serene said teasingly as she placed the back of her hand to Loki's forehead.
Loki rolled his eyes before capturing her hand and laying a kiss on it.
"Well your temperature is normal, what is the matter my husband?" Serene said as she ensnared him in her arms.
Loki let out a sigh and buried his head under her chin.
"I do not think Thor is ready for the throne yet, he stills has so much to learn," Loki muttered quietly.
Serene gently ran her fingers through his hair.
She pressed her lips to his hair.
"I know, but if All-Father believes he is ready I cannot stop it," Serene said.
"I wish you could," Loki said in a soft voice.
"If I did Odin would send me away," Serene answered.
She gave him a loving squeeze and held him at arms length.
Loki looked deeply into Serene's golden eyes.
"I could just gaze into your eyes and seek out the answers to the universe," Loki said as he cupped her cheek.
"One cannot hold that much knowledge, insanity is the price anyone would have to pay to have my knowledge," Serene sighed out.
"I have wondered how you can know so much and still be my love, calm and serene," Loki joked. Serene playfully smacked him,
"Ugh not that stupid pun." Serene turned away and picked up a comb.
She then went over towards the vanity and held out the chair.
"Come, we must fix this wild mane of yours, I cannot understand how men grow it to the same length as ladies," Serene said as she also pulled out some scissors.
"You know some believe it is a symbol of masculinity, though if my wants me to look devilishly handsome, I can live with that," Loki said with a smirk.
"Hmm, maybe I should just cut it all off, get those silly maidens to understand you're mine," Serene said as she roughly pulled his hair so his neck was bared to her.
His throat was bared and his head was resting on the back of the chair.
Serene nipped his throat and growled. "You are mine and don't forget it," Serene said in a husky voice.
"How could I ever, with such a display I might just have to get my self in trouble," Loki joked, a smile tugging at his lips.
Serene gently nipped his Adam's apple before guiding his head back up and began to cut his hair.
Serene hummed a soft tune as she gently ran her fingers through the raven locks.
Loki sighed out as he relaxed into her touch.
Serene caught a whiff of snow and something else.
Her face screwed up in confusion, she knew this scent. "What were you doing in Jotunheim, Loki?" Serene asked quietly.
She knew the walls had ears but they had dulled over time, but better safe then sorry. "I was at the palace my Love, I have not been to Jotunheim since the last negotiation," Loki said with a straight passive face.
Serene's eyes narrowed at him, "You may be the God of Lies, but you cannot lie to me, Liesmith." Serene said in a deadly tone.
Loki schooled his features before letting out an answer.
"I had merely found a passage linking Asgard to Jotunheim." Loki answered.
Serene relaxed now that he had told her the truth.
"My love, you need to trust I will never judge you no matter the deeds you commit or will commit. I am here for you, just don't ever lie to me, it breaks my heart that you would use your powers on me," Serene said as her voice broke softly as she continued snipping his hair.
Loki frowned and caught her hand in his.
She looked into the mirror and he caught her eyes.
"I shall not lie again my Galaxy, please forgive the weakness of a fool," Loki asked with pleading eyes.
She squeezed his hand and smiled. "I forgive, but don't think I will forget this, Loki Odinson," Serene said as she began to run her fingers through his hair to brush out any loose hair.
Loki gulped shallowly, a woman's scorn was nothing compared to Serene's wrath.
He nodded and got out of his chair.
Serene stood and watched as Loki dropped his shoulders in defeat.
He turned and took a step so he was a breath away.
"I would hate for us to be in a tiff for the coronation, "Loki said.
"Don't worry, my love your brooding forehead is showing," Serene said as she kissed him.
Loki felt the warmth of her before it was gone.
"I do not brood," Loki said with a sniff.
"Yes and I'm a bigelsnipe," Serene said in the same voice.
"Well you can be," Loki threw back as he ducked from a stinger spell.
"And a man should know when not to speak," Serene said as she continue to cast the spell at him. Loki just laughed as he left the room.
Once he had left Serene sat and silence took over.
She knew she had to be strong for tomorrow but first she must warn her daughter and son.
~With Astral and Bjorn~
Serene found her daughter talking with her brother in the courtyard.
Bjorn was explaining the technique of the throwing knife, judging by the gestures.
Serene approached them and they smiled. "Hello mother," Bjorn said as he kissed her cheek. Serene let the smile wash over her as she returned a kiss to his forehead.
"And how are my children today?" Serene asked as she took the open seat.
She spotted a few drops of crimson blood on the dark green dress.
"We were training with throwing knives," Astral answered.
"I see, and hopefully all was well and we learned?" Serene said with a pointed look.
Bjorn let out a laugh that resembled his uncle's.
"Of course mother, do you doubt us?" Bjorn said with a smile.
"By the Norns you need to spend some time from Thor, you are becoming him," Serene said. Bjorn playfully scowled at her.
"If I was my uncle I would have a glorious weapon and maidens lining up down to village center," Bjorn said.
"Ah, now you will have to wait for your name day and as for the maidens I would watch your mouth," Serene said wagging a finger at him.
"Of course mother," Bjorn answered.
"Now I need to tell you something you must heed well," Serene said seriously catching both of their eyes.
The two siblings looked at one another before nodding, knowing that this was something grave.
"Once the coronation begins tomorrow, I feel as though something will happen, if something were to happen I want you two to run to the Unknown Realm," She said.
"It will be a challenging time tomorrow but no matter what we will be there for each other," Serene said grabbing their hands.
Astral sat with a frown on her face.
"Why not tell All-Father?" Astral asked.
"Odin has become old and weary, he will be going into Odin sleep whether he wants to or not," Serene said.
"He has pushed himself too far and it cost him some power," Serene continued.
Bjorn stood silently, "Is something going to happen to Loki?" Bjorn asked.
He could not call Loki his father, for he was still weary around Bjorn.
"I will make sure it will be not so harsh but I can only alter so much," Serene sighed out.
The children looked at their mother and understood.
She had told constantly that if she altered something too much there would be dire consequences.
Serene wished them a good day before turning and going out to the Bifrost.
Her trek was a quiet one; she had decided against riding and needed the moments to collect her thoughts.
Her footsteps caused eruptions of light across the Rainbow Bridge.
Once she had made it to the Bifrost transporter did she stop and gaze out into herself.
"She is a quite storm brewing, there seems to be clouds gathering and creatures are hiding, what are you anticipating my Lady?" Heimdall asked as he looked out into the tendrils of the universe.
"A great trouble is coming and I cannot stop it, the trouble will cause much heartache and chaos. I wish to stop it but I risk the life of me and my race if I were to intervene," Serene spoke.
She knew that her next child would be Galaxian.
After Loki's fall, a new child will come about to help her with Ragnarök.
But first it must wait for Loki's rise and fall.
His suffering will send everything into a spiral only her race could save by forming the dying Phoenix spell.
"My Lady, I know I cannot fathom what your powers and knowledge are, Asgard will be strong with whatever aid you can provide during the events and after," Heimdall said with his deep voice.
Serene nodded before stepping forward so she was just barely standing within the room.
Her toes were over the edge and she looked below.
The water rushed off of the shore into oblivion.
"My chaos will fall into this abyss soon and I cannot save him, how cruel are the fates to me." Serene whispered as a tear slipped down her face. She jumped over the ledge before Heimdall could catch her.
Serene wanted to feel what is to become of her husband.
Darkness soon came around her as she grew a pair of wings to slow her descent.
She saw the golden dome of the observatory.
The Rainbow Bridge twinkled and she could feel the spray from the water.
Soon she unfurled her wings and stopped her descent and began to beat her wings.
The darkness tried to dig its claws into her to hold onto her.
Serene blasted light at the tendrils and she heard the shrieks.
Serene was soon flying back up to where she jumped and saw Heimdall staring down into the darkness.
"My Lady please warn me next time, my heart cannot take so much loss," Heimdall said with a worried voice.
"I'm sorry Heimdall, I needed to feel the sensation of what the fall is going to be," Serene said as she flew away back to her sanctuary in order to face the morrow.
~Coronation day~
Serene can feel last nights love session sticking in between her legs and feel Loki's naked body pressed to her back.
The arm around her wait tightened when she went to get up.
"If you get up that means we have to acknowledge the day," Loki said groggily.
"Well I will acknowledge that you left a mess," Serene said as she slipped out of his grasp.
Loki gave a lazy grin as he stared at her with no shame.
"Ah but what a glorious night though," Loki said as he sprawled out across the bed.
"Come on Loki, I'm bathing I expect you to do the same," Serene said as she threw him a look before entering the bathing chamber.
Once the pair had cleaned each other, Loki was very thorough; they stood and were dressed by handmaidens.
Loki was being dressed into his formal wear, helm included.
Serene had let the handmaidens put on the underneath clothing before waving them away as she snapped her fingers.
Her armor appeared on her body but contained flashier metals, instead of the pure black, silver highlights were seen within the dark metal.
Her helm was tucked under her arm.
"Why do the servants listen to you about dressing and I am ignored," Loki said quietly as he took the helm and placed it on her head.
"I seem to recall numerous pranks on handmaidens," Serene said with a large smirk as she placed Loki's helm on his head.
Loki tutted as he held out his arm, "Ah but it was all worth it in the end."
Serene playfully rolled her eyes and took his arm.
The pair walked regally to where Thor was pacing in the waiting area.
He was drinking from a goblet and smashed it down with "Another!" Serene shook her head when she noticed just how much the Thunderer drank.
"Nervous Brother?" Loki asked as he saw a nervous servant bring forth another cup to fill.
"Have you ever known me to be nervous?" Thor said with a booming voice.
"Well there was the one time in Nornheim…" Loki trailed.
"Ah that was not nervousness brother that was the rage of battle coursing through my veins from battle," Thor said waving his hands.
"I battled hundreds of soldiers off," Thor continued.
"I remember saving us with my magic,' Loki said as he twisted his hand as the cupbearer held out the goblet.
Three black and blue snakes slithered out of the cup and scared the poor servant who dropped the platter and the chalice.
The snakes were now on the floor.
"That was a waste of good wine," Thor said with a sour tone.
"Sorry brother, just some fun," Loki said as he vanished the snakes.
Serene watched the scene with caution.
She knew that something was bound to happen soon.
"Nice feathers," Loki said with a grin when a servant walked out with Thor's helm.
"You really don't want to start this again, Cow," Thor said with a smile.
"Watch it Thor, making fun of Helms brings forth bad luck," Serene said with a smile.
"Yes, I know but with a helm like yours I am terrified, Dragoness," Thor said with a cheeky grin.
Serene rolled her eyes and locked her fingers with Loki's.
"I was being sincere," Loki said.
"You are incapable of sincerity brother," Thor commented.
"Really?" Loki asked.
"Yes," Thor said with a laugh.
Loki smiled, "I have been looking forward to this day brother, sometimes I am envious but never doubt that I do love you," Loki said clasping Thor's shoulder.
"Thank you, Loki," Thor said mimicking the action.
"Now give us a kiss," Loki teased.
"Stop it,' Thor said smacking Loki in the side playfully.
"Had I known Loki, I would have just left you with Thor," Serene said teasingly.
"Oh Serene, my love for you is unlike any other, don't doubt that," Loki said leaning forward and capturing her lips in a sweet kiss.
"Alright enough, I do not wish to see another niece or nephew be made in my presence," Thor said.
"Oh, you were there the first time? I knew I felt someone's eyes on me," Loki joked.
Thor shook his head in disbelief.
There was a brief silence before Loki announced that it was time.
"Go on," Thor said.
Loki's face flashed with disappointment so fast only those looking at him caught it, like Serene. "I'll be right behind you," Thor said.
Loki nodded before taking Serene's hand and leading them to the ceremony.
Serene stood next to Loki as they were announced at the entrance.
They smiled and waved as they ascended the stairs.
Colorful Banners of the Nine Realms adorn the room, crowded with Aesir and representatives from across Yggdrasil, all buzzing with excitement.
Thor's comrades had strided to their place of honor at the front of the hall before Serene and Loki.
Sitting atop his throne, clad in full ceremonial armor, Odin holds his spear GUNGNIR before him.
Any trace of weakness in him is gone now.
He exudes all the power and majesty of Asgard.
Frigga joins him at his side. He looks around the hall, casts a glance over to the Warriors.
Thor is nowhere to be seen.
Odin looks to Loki. Loki shrugs.
Odin isn't pleased.
A murmur spreads through the crowd.
"Where is he?" Serene asked Loki.
"He wants an entrance," Loki said coolly.
Roars admit throughout the hall as the doors clang open.
Thor strides in holding up his hands, one clutching his trusty hammer the other waving the crowd to become louder.
Frigga shakes her head in shame.
Thor finishes with his crowd raising and approaches the steps.
He kneels on one knee and he winks at his mother.
Frigga couldn't fight back a small smile at his cockiness.
Odin silences the crowd with a clank from his spear.
The crowd falls silent as they wait for Odin.
"Gungnir. Its aim is true, its power strong.
With it I have defended Asgard and the lives of the innocent across the Nine Realms since the time of the Great Beginning.
And though the day has come for a new King to wield his own weapon - that duty remains the same.
Thor Odinson, my heir, my first-born, so long entrusted with this mighty hammer, Mjölnir.
Forged in the heart of a dying star, from the sacred metal of Uru.
Only one may lift it.
Only one is worthy.
Who wields this hammer commands the lightning and the storm.
Its power has no equal - as a weapon, to destroy, or as a tool, to build.
It is a fit companion for a King.
Today I entrust you with the greatest honor in all the Nine realms except for the title of Galaxian, the sacred throne of Asgard.
I have sacrificed mush to achieve this peace, so too, must a new generation do the same for peace. Responsibility, duty and honor, these are not merely virtues to which we aspire they are essential to every solider and to every king.
Thor Odinson do you swear to guard the nine realms?" Odin asked.
Odin looks to Serene and then back to Odin.
"I swear." Thor spoke clearly.
"Do you swear to reserve the peace?" Odin asked.
"I swear," Thor answered.
"Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambitions and pledge yourself only to the good of the realms?" Odin asked.
"I swear," Thor said raising his hammer.
"Then on this day, I Odin All-Father proclaim you-," Odin hesitates and then does Serene fell the prickling of ice in the back of her mind.
"Frost Giants," Odin says as he walks out swiftly.
Serene and Loki follow Thor towards the vaults.
Serene nods to her children that it was ok.
Bodies of the guards were encased in ice as the entered the vault.
The Destroyer is holding the Casket when they enter the back of the room.
The Frost giants are nowhere to be seen.
"I've never been in the vault before," Fandral whispers.
"I heard the Tesseract was here," Sif responds.
"I thought that was a myth along with the Destroyer," Fandral asked with confusion.
"Aye, she was held here before she disappeared to Midguard," Odin said taking the casket and setting it back onto the pedestal.
"All is well," Odin says as he turns around.
"All is well? The jotun broke into the vault and broke your truce and all you say is all is well?" Thor says angrily.
Odin waves off the warriors and so it was just Serene, Loki, an angry Thor and Odin. "But they didn't," Odin replies coolly.
"And if they had taken it? They would have destroyed the Nine realms,' Thor says making frustrated hand movements.
"No they would have not," Serene says in Odin's place.
Thor glowers at her and Serene raises her chin.
"Remember your place, Asgardian Prince!" Serene hisses out as he is about to raise a hand.
"What would you suggest Thor?" Odin asks.
"March into Jotunheim like you did, break them so they will never dare to try again," Thor answers. Serene growls at this thought.
Loki barely holds her back when Odin responds.
"You are thinking like a warrior!" Odin shouts.
"It was an act of war!" Thor shouts back.
"It was an act of a few doomed to fail," Odin says turning his back.
"They got this far," Thor points out.
"We will find the breach and it will be sealed,' Odin says dismissively.
"As King of Asgard I would-," Thor starts.
"You are not King, Not yet." Odin says as he turns around.
Thor sputters before storming out. Odin looks weakly to the pair and nods.
Serene nods her head as Loki guides them to Thor and his destruction.
Tables were overturned and food was strewn across the floor in the dining area.
"It is unwise to be in my company Brother," Thor growls out as Loki approaches the fuming figure.
"Who said I was wise, except for my wife," Loki points out.
"This was to be my day of triumph," Thor says as he trails off.
"It'll come, in time," Loki says taking a seat.
Serene is standing with her arms crossed.
"If it's any consolation I think you are right.
About the frost giants, they must pay for what they did, about Laufey and everything.
If a few could breach Asgard once who's to say an army won't come marching through the doors when we sleep?" Loki says in a quiet tone.
Serene glares at Loki and scoffs at his idea.
"Yes exactly," Thor exclaims.
"We can't do anything without defying father," Loki says in a low tone.
Thor grins as he thinks up an idea.
"No, I know that look, stop there," Loki says looking to Thor.
"It will ensure the safety of the Asgard and the borders," Thor says as he stands excitedly.
"It madness!" Loki said in a hiss.
"Madness what sort of madness? "Volstagg asks.
"Merely a jest, right Thor?" Loki says in warning tone.
"The safety of the realm is no jest. We are going to Jotunheim!" Thor declares.
"Well I will not be joining you with this treasonous trip, to slaughter innocent lives for the price of a few idiots,' Serene says in a huff.
"We do not need you," Thor says in answer.
A silence falls over the group as the words left Thor's mouth.
"Serene I—I did not mean it," Thor stutters out.
Serene looks on with fire in her eyes, "If you didn't mean it, that lie wouldn't have let your mouth," Serene says venomously.
She snaps her fingers and all protection she placed upon Thor and the group, excluding Loki, disappears.
"See how long you will last," Serene says as she walks off, her boots thudding in the direction to the Bifrost.
"Nice job, we are now in the Norns hands now," Volstagg said grimly.
" My friends we have fought more without her help, the exotic maidens Fandral?
The succulent foods that you thought you had gone to Valhalla Volstagg?
My friends trust me now, we must do this," Thor says.
Loki looks on with a torn heart.
If he goes with Thor he is in a tight squeeze with Serene but if he stays Thor and the Warriors stand no chance with the Frost giants.
"I'm sorry my dear," Loki whispers a prayer.
"To Jotunheim!" Thor shouts out.
Maybe 2 to 3 more chapter before the end and the Sequel
"The Fight for the Darkness."