Chapter 26
Serene is standing within the observatory with Heimdall when they hear the footfalls of the warriors approaching.
"Keep your weapons sheathed and your mouth closed.
This is going to take subtly and sincerity, not strength. Leave it to me," Loki whispers to the group as he approaches Heimdall.
"Good Heimdall-," Loki starts.
"You are not dressed warmly enough," Heimdall cuts in.
"I'm sorry?" Loki asks looking to Serene for an answer.
"Jotunheim's freezing cold can kill you, even Thor," Serene says as she takes off her fur cloak and wraps it around Loki.
It is a dire wolf pelt with a thick warm hood.
Fandral whistles out a catcall.
Serene looks sharply at the group, "Just because you lot lost my protection does not mean my Lover has to suffer," Serene says giving them a pointed look.
Loki cheeks take on a light blush before he scowls.
"So, I'm the maiden in this relationship," he bites out.
Serene glares at Loki, "No, I just want you to come back to me."
Serene was hurt by these words.
She just wants him to be safe.
Loki hears the pained intake of a breath and his eyes soften.
"I am sorry, that was rude," Loki quietly says before bringing her hand to his lips.
Serene takes a breath and turns to Heimdall.
"Let them pass, I will watch," Serene says as she goes to stand next to Heimdall.
Heimdall nods and takes his sword out.
"For ages I have guarded Asgard and kept her safe, in all my times never has an enemy slipped by my watch- until this day. I wish to know how this happened," Heimdall says in a stern voice.
"Don't tell anyone of our travels until our return," Thor says in return.
"Be warned, I will honor my sworn oath to protect this realm as its Gatekeeper, if your return dangers Asgard, the Bifrost will closed to you. You will die in the cold wastes of Jotunheim." Heimdall warns them.
" I have no plans of dying today," Thor says cockily.
"None do, but in any case we will be watching," Serene says as Heimdall inserts his sword back in and they are gone in a flash.
Serene watches as the beam transports them to the outskirts of the kingdom of Jotunheim.
"Heimdall you can go warn Odin, I will watch these idiots," Serene said in a cool voice.
"Of course my lady," Heimdall says with a bow.
Serene turns her gaze back to the group traveling.
She smiles when Loki suggests observing their enemies but frowns when Thor takes charge.
His hot head will get him in trouble my Love.Try to keep it in check.
Serene sends the message to Loki.
Loki sends an affirmative message before a Sentry guard approaches them.
"What business here, Asgardians?" the voice growls out.
Serene watches as Fandral tries to shake off the eerie voice.
Thor, the proud idiot, declares he only wants to talk to the king.
A voice draws the group's attention to figure sitting in a icy throne.
Serene catches a snippet of the King's speech.
"The house of Odin is full of Traitors." Serene gasps when she hears it.
She knew Loki had to do something with the Jotuns...no wonder why he smelled like Jotunheim.
Serene huffs out an angry breath but watches as Loki saves the group and they start to walk away.
"Run back home, little Princess," A jotun jeers.
"Damn," Loki curses as Mjölnir lowers and strikes the jotun.
A fight breaks out and Serene watches with darting eyes, Serene gasps as she watches the ice pierce Fandral through the chest.
She was getting antsy as she watches Loki help Fandral.
"Thor lets go!" Loki shouts with a shaky tone.
His mind was scattered at the new knowledge he had gained before helping Fandral.
Hundreds of Jotuns surrounded the group at the site of the Bifrost.
Serene feels a presence at her back, she turns and sees Sleipnir with Odin on his back.
"Lady Serene, it is time," Odin says in a stern tone.
Serene nods her head before transporting Odin to the Battlefield.
She watches as Odin silences Thor with a glare and tries to negotiate with Laufey to no avail.
Odin brings his spear down knocking back the army of Jotuns and that's when Serene opens the Bifrost.
In a flash the tired and injured group returns.
The Warriors Three and Sif escort Fandral to the healing chambers as Odin, Thor have a heated discussion.
Loki looks on with a forlorn and pained expression.
Serene turns to go to Loki but he holds up a hand to stop her.
"I was protecting my home!" Thor exclaims.
"You cannot protect your friends, how can you hope to protect a Kingdom?" Odin questions.
"There won't be a Kingdom to protect if you are afraid to act!" Thor throws back.
Serene continues to watch the volley of anger before she hears, "You are a greedy cruel boy!" Odin bites out.
"And you are an old man and a fool!" Thor argues back.
Odin looks down at his hands.
"A fool yes, I was a fool to think you were ready," Odin sighs out. Loki takes a step forward to interject,
"Father-"
Odin silences him with a growl.
Serene prickles with frustration at Odin, he can't hurt both sons now, while his body is weakening.
"Thor..Odinson you have disobeyed the express order of your King and through your arrogance and stupidity you have opened these peaceful lands and innocent lives to the horror of war. You are unworthy of this realm," Odin says as he strips a disc off of Thor.
"Unworthy of your Title," He rips off the red cloak.
"Unworthy of the loved ones you betrayed," Odin says as he points to Serene and Loki.
"I hereby take from you, your powers," Odin says as he takes Mjölnir from Thor's grasp.
"In the Name of My Father Borr and his father before… I cast you out!" Odin yells as he pushes Thor through an open portal.
Thor's armor shatters as he falls into the vortex and disappears.
Odin brings the hammer to his lips and whispers a spell and then hurls the hammer after Thor.
Serene watches with a face of surprise and shock, Loki looks on with a pained expression. Odin walks out and leaves the pair.
"Do you have something to tell me?" Serene demands in a whisper.
"I would rather hope my assumption is wrong before I tell you," Loki says as he walks towards the palace.
Loki glances at his arm every so often as he leads them to the vaults.
"Loki, you're worrying me, what are we doing down here?" Serene asked as Loki strides up to the casket.
Loki slowly picks it up. "Loki don't-," Serene tries to stop him but she could not.
Blue creeps up Loki's arm from the Casket revealing dark blue skin.
Loki turns to look at her and Serene barely holds back a gasp.
Loki's once green eyes are now a blood red. "I'm a monster," Loki breathes out in a hiss.
Serene takes a step forward with a raised hand.
"Don't touch me," Loki yells out, Serene frowns at him before capturing his cheek in her hand.
The ice-cold cheek is in her hand but does not affect her.
"Just because you have seen the deadly touch of a Jotun, does not mean it affects me," Serene says as she wipes away a tear that rolls down from his eyes.
"Stop!" Someone calls out. Odin walks down the stairs and sees the pair.
"Am I Cursed?" Loki asks looking to the All-Father.
"No…put the casket down," Odin says.
Loki gently places the relic down and Serene gazes at Loki as his skin returns to Aesir.
"What am I?" Loki whispers harshly.
"You are my son," Odin says.
"What more than that?" Loki asks.
Odin is silent and Loki notices the weary burden come to the surface.
"The casket wasn't the only thing you took from Jotunheim that day, was it?" Loki bites out.
Odin looks to him with his one eye, "No."
Odin told the tale of the after battle and how he found a baby on a frozen rock in a temple.
"Laufey's son," Odin explains.
"Lafeyson?" Loki struggles to say.
There is a strong air of tension and Serene watches as Odin starts to struggle.
"Why? You were knee-deep in Jotun blood. Why take me?" Loki asks in a harsh voice.
"You were an innocent child," Odin answers.
Loki turns and bites his lip. "You- you took me for a reason what was it?" Loki stutters out.
Odin doesn't answer the breaking voice.
"Tell Me!" Loki wails, tears appearing at the corner of his eyes.
Serene all but stepped up to his side and held his hand.
Loki loos at their joined hands and almost releases a whimper.
Odin takes in a sharp breath and answers, "I thought we could unite the kingdoms one day, bring about an alliance, a permanent one… through you. Those plans no longer matter," Odin says looking away from the distressed Loki.
"So..I am no more than a stolen relic, locked up here until you might have use of me," Loki cries out.
"Why do you twist my words?" Odin demands.
" You could have told me from the beginning, You could have told me," Loki says looking dejectedly at Serene.
"Loki there is a reason why I could not have and you know that, Odin, however has no excuse from telling you" Serene answers looking angrily up at Odin.
"He is my son, You may not be of my blood Loki but you are my son, I only wanted to protect you from the truth," Odin deadpans.
"Why…Because I am the mossster parents tell their children about at night?" Loki voice breaks at monster.
"Don't…" Odin starts.
"It all makes sense now. Why you favored Thor all these years," Loki bites out harshly.
"Listen-," Odin begins.
"Because no matter how you claim to love me, you could never see a Frost Giant on the throne of Asgard!" Loki yells.
Odin's body begins to collapse with shakes.
"Listen To Me!" Loki yells trying to get his attention.
"Loki," Odin whispers out.
Serene could see the OdinSleep approaching and shakes Loki.
"Loki, he's going into Odinsleep," Serene whispers.
Loki catches Odin in time before he falls though.
"Guards!" Loki shouts. Guards enter the vaults and carry Odin's limp body out.
"Loki, let's go tell Frigga," Serene calls softly pulling on his sleeve.
~Time Skip~
Loki is in a daze but he slowly stands and follows her with a lost look on his face.
Serene silently leads them to their rooms and guides Loki so he is sitting on the bed.
"Why?" He asks in a pain filled whisper.
Serene kneels in front of him and takes his tear-streaked face in her hands.
Her eyes try to connect with his and Serene sees the shattered soul gazing at her.
"There are some things that people believe, that by keeping them from the truth that they can save their loved one from pain. But in reality it only hurts more. My darling you need to understand that I threatened Odin plenty of times to tell you when we were growing up, but that old goat would not see reason, I still love you even when you hate yourself," Serene said pulling Loki into an embrace.
He flinches at the contact and tries to push her away.
"How can you love a monster, the being parents tell their children to scare them, the race Thor wanted to destroy?" Loki asked looking away.
Serene shook her head, "Darling you forget who you are talking to, not all beings are bad, their actions make them the monster. Your actions have not turned you into a blood thirsty beast," Serene said wiping a thumb to catch a tear.
"Yet," Loki mumbled. Serene smiled, "I will be there when you do and knock some sense into, turning you back into the one I love and need."
Serene leans forward and captured his lips.
Loki sighs into the kiss even with his mind screaming at him to hide her from the monster raging in his mind.
"I want to try something, you must bear with me though and at any time tell me to stop," Serene said guiding them to a standing position.
Loki hesitantly nods before watching Serene.
She takes a deep breath before changing her form.
Her arms are the first to change and then the dark blue creeps up her arms.
Next she feels the cold seep into her bones and watches as Loki follows in the change.
Small intricate ridges appear on his body and finally his eyes change to blood red.
"You look so beautiful," Loki whispers cupping her cheek.
"You my darling, need to see yourself, your family marks are stunning," Serene says lifting one hand to trace the swirls over his forehead.
"I don't know if I can," Loki answers looking to the ground.
Serene lifts his chin so their eyes meet.
"My Darkness, you are so brave to be facing me in your form and I am so grateful, let me show you what I see," Serene whispers and slowly walks them towards her mirror.
She stands them in front of the mirror and points to their reflection.
"What do you see?" Serene asks. Loki looks at the image before catching her eyes.
"I see… my Love and a monster," Loki says.
Serene clicks her tongue, "Look deeper," she commands.
Loki huffs out a frustrated breath and looks at himself
"I see a Frost Giant in Asgardian clothing."
Serene shakes her head, "I see, My Loki, free of constricting magic that was forced upon him. I see my darling, with heartbreak in his eyes. But deep down I see hope even if it is a tiny star in the universe of darkness," Serene says.
There is a tense air around them before Serene changes them back.
Loki quietly looks down at his hand forming a fist.
Without a word he goes to the couch in the living space and sits.
Serene can see his mind processing every word and every event that had happened today.
With a small smile she joins him on the couch and sits sideways so she is leaning on him with her head resting on his arm.
Loki sits in silence for a while before he opens his mouth and speaks.
"This explains why poor Hel looks the ways she does, it is all Odin's fault.
The cloaking spell disrupted her and caused only half of myself to show," Loki says in a bitter tone.
Serene lifts his arm so it wraps around her and settles into his chest while linking their fingers together.
"I will fix this problem the next time I visit her, for now just organize your thoughts, I have a feeling you are going to gain a burden from Odin's stupidity." Serene says as she closes her eyes.
A slight twinge of pain is felt near her heart and she winces.
Loki sees the grimace and asks, "Is that why you cannot tell me the future? It hurts you?"
"Every time no matter how little I talk about it," Serene softly whispers.
~Time Skips~
Frigga sits beside Odin a day later watching over him.
Loki and Serene enter as Frigga stares at her husband.
Odin's lifeless body is ensnared by a shield created by Serene in order to keep him in a frozen time. Loki sits across from Loki when she speaks softly.
"I asked him to be honest with you from the start, there should be no secrets in this family, excluding the future," Frigga says.
"Why did he lie?" Loki asks.
"He did not want you to feel any different, you are in every way our son, Loki, you must know that," Frigga responds taking his hand.
Serene shakes her head softly.
"While you thought he was the same, he was a shadow to Thor," Serene says harshly.
Frigga blinks at Serene in a horrified look.
"You don't think I know that?" Frigga replies in a pained voice.
Loki ignores this and asks, "How long will it last?" Frigga turns back to Loki and answers, "I don't know, we were unprepared this time, he put it off for so long I fear… I fear that he won't come-," Frigga stops with a silent cry.
Loki squeezes her hand, Frigga is grateful and finishes, "You're a good son, and we mustn't lose hope that he will come back to us and your brother."
"What hope is there for Thor?' Loki asks in a disgusted tone.
"There is always a purpose for why you father does things. Thor may yet find a way home," Frigga sys in a hopeful tone.
Loki looks at Serene with a troubled revelation.
Guards walk in and block Loki's way when he goes to stand.
Loki can feel his heart freeze and watches as Serene snaps up in a defensive stance preparing for the worst.
"With Thor banished, the throne falls to you, Loki," Frigga speaks breaking the tension.
"Until Odin wakes or Thor returns to us, Asgard is yours, Loki." The guards kneel before Loki as Frigga passes on Gungnir to Loki's arms.
"Make your Father proud," Frigga says with a watery smile.
Loki tentatively reaches out and grasps the legendary weapon and holding it.
Serene smiles at him and bows her head slightly, "A weapon fit for a King."
~Time Skip~
"All-Father we must speak with you urgently," Sif speaks for the group as they kneel, bowing their head and placing a fist over their hearts.
There is a slight pause, waiting for an answer and the warriors raise their heads.
What they see surprises them, sitting upon the throne is a figure clad in gold and green clutching the spear in his hand.
Two gleaming horns decorate the helm and a woman in black armor stands next to him.
"What is this?" Volstagg asks looking at the pair puzzled with shock evident in his voice.
"My..Friends you haven't heard? I am now the ruler of Asgard," Loki speaks out.
"Where is Odin?" Fandral asks.
"Odin has fallen into Odin sleep, Frigga suspects he will never awaken again," Serene says stepping closer to the group.
"We should speak with her," Sif says looking to the other warriors.
"Mother has refused to leave All-Father's side. You can bring your urgent matters to me, your King," Loki says as he places a hand on himself directing the attention to him.
"We would ask you to end Thor's banishment," Sif says quickly.
"My first command cannot be to undo the All-Father's last. We are on the brink of war with Jotunheim. Our people must have a sense of continuity in order to feel safe in this dangerous time," Loki answers.
Sif looks at the Warriors with a barley disguised look of disbelief.
"All of us must stand together, for the good of Asgard," Loki says as he thumps the spear to the floor dismissing the group of confused warriors.
The doors close behind the warriors when they leave and Loki turns to Serene.
"Why do I have the feeling they are going to break their Oath to Asgard and go to that Oaf?" Loki asks as he pinches the bridge of his nose.
Serene smiles and answers, "People, no matter what put loves ones above all else, even if it means going behind their ruler's back."
Loki shakes his head and stands.
"I am going to visit Thor and tell him what has occurred during his banishment," Loki says kissing her briefly.
"Please be careful," Serene calls.
"I will try, please watch over Asgard in my brief absence, she is in very capable hands," Loki says with a smirk before teleporting.
Serene waits patiently upon the throne when she feels a presence behind her.
"Does this make me a Princess now Mother? With Da being the King and all," Astral asks as she walks up the back stairs.
"I would believe so, but do not let that title get to your head long lady. Don't want to be arrogant as your uncle." Serene answers giving her daughter a pointed look.
"When is Uncle Thor returning? I miss our training session," Bjorn says as he enters the throne room.
"Once Thor earns back his powers by performing an unselfish act of bravery," Serene says looking to her son.
"So most likely a decade," Astral says in a hot tone.
"Astral, watch your tongue," Serene hisses out.
Astral holds her chin up high, "It's true though, Da told me," Astral answered.
"Your Father is going through a struggle right now and we need to be strong for him, you understand me?" Serene says looking between her children.
"Of course mother," Bjorn says placing a fist over his heart.
Serene smiles and stands to place a kiss on his forehead.
Astral mumbles out in agreement.
"Now, I believe our King approaches and something is telling me a storm is brewing," Serene says bracing herself for the onslaught of ranting.
Loki storms through the doors with a bang and stops.
"You were right, our friends ignored my orders and have preformed treason against Asgard," Loki seethes continuing his way up to the steps.
"What are your plans for punishment?" Astral asks.
"I believe the Destroyer is getting a little rusty from disuse," Loki says clanging Gungnir, and Serene feels a wave of magic and she knows he had teleported the Destroyer to Midguard.
"I warn you now Loki, no human lives are taken when you punish the Warriors," Serene says as she stands.
"Of course, their lives are miniscule as is," Loki says.
Loki goes rigid as he connects with the Destroyer.
Serene waves at her children to leave, "You need to prepare for dinner, wash up."
Bjorn nods as he leaves. Astral hesitates and Serene sends her a glare, "Now."
Astral huffs and leaves following her brother. Serene knows she is being harsh with her daughter, but it is the teenage year where they rebel against orders.
Serene can hear the conversation going on between the Warriors and Thor, devising a plan to defeat the Destroyer.
Serene hears a pained groan and she knows is Volstagg's.
She then hears Thor speaking to Loki.
"Brother… for whatever reason I have wronged you, whatever I have done to lead you to do this, I am sorry. But these people have done nothing to you, they are innocent." Serene gasps and looks pointedly at Loki.
"You promised no one else would be harmed," Serene hissed out.
Loki could not respond, as his link to the Destroyer was still intact.
"While you sit upon your throne, planning your schemes I will be with your mother," Serene says as she leaves. Loki frowns and listens to Thor's pleading.
"Take my life and know I will never return to Asgard," Thor says.
~With Serene~
Odin is motionless as he was the first day.
Serene arrived in the chamber and sees Frigga sewing next to Odin.
"What burdens you?" Frigga asks Serene, when she takes a seat on the other side of Odin.
"The throne as clouded Loki's judgment and I wish not to be in his presence," Serene answers.
Frigga frowns when she hears the door bang open.
Three burly Frost Giants enter the room and a fight ensues.
Serene whips out her sword from her sheath and blocks a frozen arm.
She pushes back against the warrior and manages to unbalance him.
Taking the flat side of her sword she swiftly knocks him out to go after the third one as Frigga struggles to defend herself.
The third one, Serene realizes, is King Laufey.
He bats an arm at her, flinging her across the room.
Serene falls into a crumbled heap and watches horrified as Laufey forms an ice dagger in his hand.
"It's said that you can still see and hear what transpires around you. I hope it's true, so you know that your death came at the hand of…Laufey," The king says in a coarse voice raising the dagger to strike.
A blast knocks him off of Odin and onto the ground.
"And your death came by the son of Odin," Loki says blasting Laufey out of existence.
Serene scrambles to get up with the help of Loki, "Did you lead them into Asgard?"
Serene asks in a horrified tone.
Loki nods his head and turns to his mother when she calls to him.
Frigga did not catch the conversation but sees the look of disbelief on Serene's face.
"I swear to you mother they will pay for what they've done today. I will end the Jotun threat now and forever. I will make you proud," Loki says glancing to the motionless Odin before he turns to Serene.
"You can't destroy them, I wont allow it," Serene says holding up her sword.
Thunderous footsteps are heard and they turn to see Thor.
Loki glances to Thor's hand and sees the trusty hammer. Frigga exclaims a 'Thor' before hugging him.
"Found its way back to you, did it?" Loki asks.
"No thanks to you," Thor says angrily. Frigga senses the heated tension and looks between them.
"Why don't you tell them? How you sent the Destroyer to kill our Friends? To Kill Me?" Thor asks pointing the head of his weapon at Loki.
"Well Serene was in the room with me, I must have been enforcing Father's last command," Loki answers back.
"Which one?" Serene asks.
Loki throws a dangerous look at her.
"You're a talented liar brother, always have been," Thor starts.
"It's good to have you back. But if you excuse me, I have to go destroy Jotunheim," Loki says with a smirk and blasts Thor.
Loki teleports to the observatory with a furious Serene on his tail.
Thor stands up and twirls Mjölnir as he flies towards the activated Bifrost.
"I can't let you do this Loki," Serene says holding up her spear.
"Why don't you just go save a breeding pair in time before they are all destroyed," Loki says as he circles her.
"If I can prevent a extinction, I will with all my power," Serene answers mimicking the circling.
"Even if you have to stop me?" Loki asks with a wicked grin.
"You are not my Loki," Serene answers.
"No, I guess I'm not, this is the true Loki, the one that has embraced the monster," Loki smirks before blasting her with the spear.
Serene is knocked back by the blast and struggles to stand.
"Be a good dear and stay down," A copy says as he lays a boot on her back.
The original Loki is placing his spear into the Bifrost and unleashing the full power onto Jotunheim.
"Don't make me do this Loki," Serene says in a struggled tone.
"I don't think you have any room to speak Serene," Loki taunts.
Serene feels the change of her form change into her Galaxian.
She bats at the copy, which dissipates. She watches Thor land and nods to him.
Serene teleports to Jotunheim to stop the oncoming destruction, she arrives at the beam that is decimating the lands.
"Get everyone out of here," Serene orders to the scrambling giants.
Serene stands underneath the beam and tries to absorb all the oncoming energy.
She lets out blood curdling screams, as energy from the power of the Bifrost washes over her.
Before she blacks out she feels the levels of energy decrease in strength.
Once the beam had dulled enough she struggles to teleport back to Asgard.
What she sees will be forever engrained into her mind.
Odin is standing on the bridge holding onto Thor's foot.
Thor is over the edge of the broken Bifrost and is holding Loki's spear.
Loki is barely holding onto the end spear as he dangles above the Black Hole that has been created.
Serene tries to rush over to the bridge but falls, her energy are depleted.
"I could've done it Father…for you…for all of us," Loki calls out.
What Serene here's next shatters her heart.
"No Loki," Odin whispers. Serene just makes it to the edge and watches as Loki's fingers slip.
"Loki…Nooo!" Thor yells out.
Serene struggles to get words out, "Loki!" She screams as she attempts to follow in after him, but the black hole closes before she can grasp him.
Serene is sent into a free fall and she feels darkness wash over her.
"Goodbye Serene." Loki whispers before she passes out.
One more chapter and then a sequel.