This Poisonous Dream

The light faded around Loki and Thor until it was no longer blinding.

The Tesseract had dropped them upon the ruin of the Rainbow Bridge far from the gates. Loki turned and lifted his face to the familiar galaxies and stars swirling above the spires of Asgard. Unwillingly, his eyes misted.

He was home at last.

Loki stumbled a step to the side of the bridge near the jagged edge and peered over the side.

It was strange to be back where it all began. It felt like a lifetime ago. And in a sense it was. That Loki who was dangling over the edge, staring up into the faces of the people he loved, the people he failed, was gone. He was dead before he even let go.

That Loki hadn't been strong enough to handle the trails that were thrown at him. The Loki he was now was born of lies and pain and darkness. He was its master and he lied and killed to get what he wanted. There was fear where there once was love and Loki thought, I like that better.

Thor came up beside him and looked upon Loki's face. Before Thor could say anything, a far too familiar voice addressed them.

"I see you were successful." They both turned to see Heimdall still standing sentinel at the end of the bridge where the Bifrost used to be. Loki felt hatred stir in his gut. Heimdall had no love for him. He had betrayed him, just like everyone else.

Thor tied Mjonir to his belt and lifted the Tesseract in the other. "The Tesseract is here-"

"And you have brought the traitor here to be tried for his crimes." Heimdall finished for him. Thor clenched his jaw, but nodded once.

Loki sifted his eyes, silently glaring at both of them, unable to say anything.

Thor suddenly took him by the back of his arm. "I will make for the gates at once."

"I can send for horses-"

"Thank you, Heimdall." Thor said, dismissing him before turning to go, guiding Loki beside him. Loki glanced over his shoulder one last time to see Heimdall staring after them, his face like stone but his golden eyes narrowed distrustfully. Their eyes met and Loki smiled beneath his muzzle before looking forward.

It gave him much pleasure to see Heimdall dismissed like that. That fool's head had gotten too big for his helm.

It felt strange to have the shimmering colors of the bridge beneath his feet once more. There was nothing else like it in all the nine realms and beyond. He would be able to revel in it for a while longer before they reached the gates and his fate was decided.

"You never had to do any of this Loki," Thor said quietly, surprising him. Loki peered at him out of the corner of his eye as they continued walking. He began to wonder if Thor had spoken at all because he wasn't even looking at him. What did Thor want him to say anyway? He couldn't speak, not with this wrenched muzzle covering his mouth.

"I don't know why you persist in wanting to destroy everything that I love…including yourself."

Loki stopped short, his eyes glued to Thor. Thor stopped a step ahead of him and turned. He gazed into the confusion of Loki's gaze directed at him. A silent communication.

"Just because we do not share the same blood does not make us brothers any less. You do not have to hate yourself because you are of Jotunheim." Loki stood completely still, shaken by Thor's words. He had said the like of it on Midgard, and for a moment he had wanted to believe it. This sentiment, however, would not change anything. How could it? He had come too far to give in now. How could he? Not after everything that has happened.

Loki looked away.

No, you give up this poisonous dream, Thor… I can never be your brother.

Thor reached from him. "Loki I-" Before Thor could say or do anything else, the sound of hooves upon the bridge drew their attention.

A small army of Einherjar were riding for them and were soon upon them. They must have seen them coming from the walls. Thor stood next to Loki as if he were trying to hide him from their sight. Old habits of trying to protect him, Loki supposed. Though the gesture touched him, he couldn't help but think that if Thor continued to act this way towards him, it would get him killed.

Idiot, why can't you just leave me!

"We come to escort you though the city and to your father's hall. He is expecting you." The foremost Einherjar informed Thor. Another brought forth a mount while the other spoke. It was intended for Thor.

Thor looked at it and shook his head. "I will walk with him," he said grabbing Loki's arm once more. Angry, Loki ripped his arm out of his grasp. Thor turned his head and scowled at him. Loki returned the angry look and gestured with his chained hands towards the mount.

The Prince of Asgard should be seen riding triumphantly though the city upon that fine horse, his prisoner in tow, not walking alongside him. Thor reached for Loki again, but he evaded his hand. Loki's stubbornness won out, and not wanting to look a fool in front of his father's soldiers, Thor mounted the horse after handing over the Tesseract to another.

They tied Loki's hands with a thick leather rope on top of his chains and handed the end off to Thor to secure around his pommel. Thor took the rope, the look on his face unhappy. But Loki didn't care. This was the way things had to be. Thor had to get used to the fact that there was nothing left for him to save.

Nothing at all.

With their entourage gathered, they made for the gates and on to Odin's hall.