*Author's Note: I apologize again for the time between chapters! My parents are in the process of moving, so I've been going over to help them pack and prep their house for sale. I cannot guarantee a set schedule, but I can guarantee more chapters when I have time to write them. I also realize it's probably annoying I'm loosely following the script for the first Thor movie right now, but it's actually a huge convenience for me since I'm so busy. Also, it allows me to explain the reasoning for some of Loki's actions later on. Thank you so much for continued support and patience! I promise to update when I can!

Loki took a deep breath, straightening out his black and green regalia as he stood outside the feasting hall. Smoothed back his ebony hair. His mother had taken his helmet back to his room. Since there was no battle, he no longer needed it. Although, he would have to be careful with his words unless he wanted to end up in a battle with Thor.

Thor had a reputation of his anger since they were children. Loki couldn't blame his brother for that aspect of his personality, as troublesome it could be. Their father had done nothing to curb the insatiable wrath of his oldest.

The youngest of the royal children entered the hall upon hearing Thor flip over the banquet table. It took him all his discipline not to roll his eyes at the childish display. Even as his brother stormed off to the far end of the hall. Again, he had to be careful with his demeanor and words.

There was too much at stake to not calm the thunder god. He needed to fulfill his promise to his father. Needed to succeed in every task the Allfather gave him. Even if it didn't amount to anything in the long run, he needed to try. For Aura's sake. He had to succeed so she could return home.

Clearing his throat, he approached where his older brother seated himself. Keeping his hands behind his back in a nonthreatening manner.

Thor glanced over his shoulder and shook his head. "It is unwise to stand so close to me, brother."

One corner of Loki's mouth slightly twitched into a grin. "Well. Whoever said I was wise?"

The almost-crowned prince gave one chuckle, but his expression didn't become humored. He threw a hand toward the upturned table. "This was supposed to be a victorious day for me. For Asgard."

Loki glanced at the Warrior's Three, who seemed preoccupied with the food spilled on the floor. Reminded himself to support his brother, calm him down. "It will come. In time. How can it not?"

Thor placed his chin in his hand with a sigh.

He sat down next to him. Careful not to disturb the surly emanation surrounding his brother. "But, if it's any consolation, I think you're right."

The god of thunder finally looked at his younger brother. "You do?"

"Of course. I think you're right about the frost giants, about Laufey, about everything. If but a few could find a weak spot in our defenses, then what's to stop them coming next time with an army?"

"Ha! This is exactly what I was thinking."

Loki adopted the look of reprimand perfected by their mother. "However, there is nothing we can do without defying father. And if you're to be king, you need to obey his wishes. Especially on your coronation day."

A sly grin crept across Thor's face.

He rose, eyes slightly widening. "No. Absolutely not. I know that look, and we are not doing what I know you're thinking. It's the exact opposite of what I'm telling you to do."

"Oh, come now, brother. It is the only way to ensure the safety of Asgard's borders. Should a king not protect his Realm?"

Loki glanced off to the side, irritated. This was not at all what he had in mind. He had simply wanted to boost his brother's ego back up to its normal, obnoxious level then remind Thor the Allfather still ruled. That his brother needed to be careful. "This is madness."

Volstagg looked up from trying to find an unbruised fruit on the floor. "Madness? What's madness? I'll tell you what madness is. The waste of this glorious feast."

The black haired prince offered a smile, hoping the soldier would mind his own business. "It's nothing. Thor was simply jesting, and I—"

Thor rose and trotted off the steps. "The safety of Asgard is no jest. My friends, we are going to invade Jotunheim."

"What," Fandral asked with curiously piqued interest.

Hogun, quiet as always, crossed his arms. Though his facial features expressed he wasn't pleased.

Loki rubbed the bridge of his nose. This was not what he wanted at all. However…. His gaze lifted to view the others. Eyes flitting back and forth between those who spoke. This could still work in his favor.

The Lady Sif stepped forward. "Thor, of all the laws in Asgard you've broken, this is one you must not. Not on the day of your coronation."

He subtly nodded. While he didn't like agreeing with Sif, she had a point. And she reinforced not doing anything on coronation day. This could work in his favor splendidly. So long as his father decided to punish the oldest child and not both of them.

Fandral frowned. "What you're proposing, Thor, isn't like when we go to Midgard. You can't just flash your weapon and expect them to treat you like a god. You're talking about Jotunheim."

It was Volstagg's turn to nod. "And you know, if the frost giants don't kill you, your father most certainly will."

Loki glanced at his brother. And now the Warrior's Three were pointing out how angry Odin would be if Thor disobeyed. Of course, he knew his brother wouldn't change his mind once it was made, but with the emphasis on the Allfather's disapproval, maybe Thor would see the error in his ways and keep them from both getting in trouble. He knew he would get blamed for everything, regardless. Odin always made sure of that.

Thor grinned from ear to ear. "But, my friends, my father once fought his way in, defeated their armies, and took the Casket. We would only be seeking answers to today's incident."

Sif sighed. "It is still forbidden. Are you just deciding to ignore one of Asgard's most important laws? This won't bode well for you."

Loki's brows rose. Clearly, Sif wanted Thor on the throne. Like most others. But wouldn't it be convenient for her to sit at Thor's side as queen of Asgard. He honestly didn't know which would be worse. Thor as king or Sif as queen. Yes, it would be Sif. She blamed him for everything, too. Without giving him any time to prove his innocence in most cases. She would have him beheaded just for speaking.

The vigor in Thor's voice returned. "Have you all forgotten the great accomplishes we have had together? Fandral, who brought you into the sweet embraces of the most exotic women in the branches of Yggdrasil?"

The blonde Warrior smirked and shrugged a shoulder. "You did."

Thor stood in between Hogun and Volstagg, placing hands on each of their shoulders. "And who led you, Hogun, into the most glorious of battles? And you, Volstagg, to delicacies so succulent, you once thought you had died and gone to Valhalla?"

"You did," came the unison reply.

The thunder god turned his attention to Sif, who wasn't impressed with this speech so far. "And who proved to all skeptics that a maiden could be one of the fiercest warriors in all Nine Realms?"

Sif shifted her weight to her other foot. "I did."

"Yes. Well…I did support you. What I am saying is you all can trust me. Trust me now. This is something we must do."

The others exchanged glances.

Thor returned to his brother. "Come now. You are not going to let my brother and I have all the glory, are you?"

Loki glanced up, aware his brother talked about him. Though he didn't know what had been said. He tuned everything out when Thor first addressed Fandral. For once, he was glad to be left out of the conversation. He didn't need his brother parading him around. "What?"

"You are coming with me, yes?"

He blinked. Did he go with Thor on this fool's errand, or did he stay here like a dutiful son? Although, his father did want him to calm Thor down. Perhaps he could talk him out of this whole misadventure on the way there? But what would one peek into Jotunheim hurt?

"Loki?"

The mischief god grinned at Thor's expectant face. "Why would I let my brother march into Jotunheim alone? You'll have me at your side as always."

The Warrior's Three sounded off their acceptance into joining the pair.

Sif shook her head. "I'm sure we'll live to regret this, but you can count on me, as well."

Thor called in a servant. "Have some others prepare our armor and horses. We will ride on this day."

Loki inhaled a deep breath as he followed the other five through the palace. This could go one of two ways: either Odin found out the hard way and chose not to punish his sons, or Odin found out the hard way and sent his sons to Hel. His expression blanked. The question was: how would his father punish them? Would they simply get slapped on the wrist?

Then again, Thor would start the Jotun-Asgard War again with how stupid he could be when stepping around the many cracks of politics. Which, walking into Jotunheim alone was an act of war, technically speaking. So how severe would Odin's punishment be?

Perhaps his perception on this situation was skewed. Instead of acquiring the throne, maybe he just needed to be banished, too. His father already showed great distrust in him in just the possibility of taking over Asgard. All he needed to do was screw up so badly, the Allfather would have to throw him out of Asgard for good. Then he could search for Aura without any sort of ramification.

A horse's nicker pulled him from his thoughts.

Loki looked around. Had they reached the stables already? But he turned his attention to the beast calling for his observance.

Sleipnir pawed in his stall. The largest and at the front of the stables. The eight-legged beast was right where he wanted to be, the center of attention.

The god of mischief smiled and held out a hand for Sleipnir to put his nose into. Even though the horse belonged to his father, he was the one who created him. Back when Sleipnir was a colt, he was still learning the ins and outs of his transformative magic. And Odin desired a new steed, as his previous one grew old.

What did he do? Took the fastest colt he could find and gave him an extra set of legs. Which he then presented as a present for his father. As much as Odin loved his horse, the Allfather never once acknowledged that his youngest son had given it to him.

Loki released an audible sigh, stroking the velvety hair along Sleipnir's face. His mother had been more than impressed, but, of course, his father didn't care. He always felt like Odin hated him for some unknown reason. However, he could never figure out why. At least the eight-legged battle steed still cared for him.

"Loki," Thor called. "It is time for us to go."

"I'm coming, Thor." The youngest prince patted Sleipnir one last time before walking out of the stables. Although, he paused at the entrance. Glanced at one of the guards standing on either side of the ornate building.

Thor and the others were in the process of mounting their steeds.

He made sure they weren't paying attention to him and approached one of the guards nearest him. Kept his voice low. "Thor has taken it upon himself to march into Jotunheim. Should we persuade Heimdall to allow this, alert my father once the Bifrost has finished transporting us."

The guard put a fist over his chest without hesitation. "Yes, your highness."

"And please at least try to be discreet."

"Aye."

Loki rose a brow then gave a nod. Joined with the others and mounted his horse. This was going to be interesting. Especially since their next hurtle was Heimdall. With a soft cluck, he spurred his horse onward, evaluating the others.

Thor rose his voice above the galloping hooves to address his party. "We must find a way to get past Heimdall."

Volstagg snorted. "Ha! That will not be an easy task. It's rumored he can see a dew drop on a blade of grass from a thousand worlds away."

Fandral laughed. "And hear a cricket passing gas."

"You shouldn't jest so. He does hear all."

He laughed some more. "It should be simple enough. Since he allows frost giants to invade under his nose."

Hogun shook his head in a disapproving manner at the banter over Asgard's Gatekeeper.

Volstagg looked all around him expectantly. "Forgive him, Heimdall. He means no disrespect."

They all quieted when they reached the Rainbow Bridge.

Loki's nostrils flared as he moved with his horse. There had been many times he had crossed this bridge. But one occurrence stood out the most. One that still caused his heart physical pain.

He had stolen Sleipnir from the stables when his mother told him what was happening. Ran the beast as hard as Sleipnir dared to go. Still, he had been too late. He could still hear her cries. Her pleading as his father personally dragged her to Heimdall.

The Allfather wanted her banishment to hurt his youngest, and it did.

Loki set his jaw. Tried blinking away the memories, but they were still as fresh as ever. He had to watch her flail against his father's grasp of her hair, attempting to set herself free as he remained helpless on the back of the black war horse.

She normally accepted her fates of punishment with her usual, quiet disposition. However, she didn't that day because she was terrified beyond anything she had experienced before. The fear he could see in her eyes, hear in her voice, even from a distance, was what grieved him most.

His magic didn't work, though he tried. Oh, did he try. But Odin's spear kept up a barrier his then-knowledge didn't know how to break. That's what drove him to become the master of magic he was now and what would continue to drive himself further. He could already trick Heimdall. His father was the next step.

He used to love looking at the Bifrost, with its myriad of colors and its crystal appearance. Now, he could barely stand the sight of it. So he kept his vision forward. On his brother at the front of their mounted band.

Thor pulled everyone up to a halt right outside Heimdall's Observatory. Glanced over his shoulder.

At the back of the pack, Loki stopped his horse last. Heimdall drilled him. He shifted his shoulders, the weight of the Nine Realms on him. However, he knew what he needed to do. "Allow me, Thor." He dismounted, walking between the others. "This needs to be handled with tact, not strength."

The god of thunder gave a nod. "Agreed."

The god of mischief stepped up to Heimdall, who stood in front of the Bifrost's entrance. He held out his arms and slightly bowed. Uncomfortably keeping the Gatekeeper's discerning gaze. "Good Heimdall—"

"None of you are dressed warmly enough." Asgard's Guardian stood motionless with his two-handed sword in front of him.

Loki looked back at the others behind him.

Thor shrugged as Sif shook her head.

The Warrior's Three exchanged glances.

He turned back to the one who watched the Realms. "Beg your pardon?"

Heimdall took a deep breath. "The cold of Jotunheim will kill you all, in time. Do you really think you can deceive me? I, who can see all? Or hear a cricket passing gas from a thousand worlds away?"

Fandral pulled at his collar. "Twas but a jest…"

Loki offered a smile to the Gatekeeper. "I think you must be mistaken. We're not—"

"Enough of this wasting time," Thor stated as he dismounted and approached. "Heimdall, may we pass?"

Heimdall turned his swirling orbs to the blonde prince. "For all of time, I have guarded Asgard and kept watch against her foes. Never has an enemy slipped my gaze until this day." His eyes shifted back to Loki. "I wish to know how that happened."

Thor crossed his arms. "Tell no one of this encounter, and I will retrieve your answers for you." Without any kind of approval, he marched past the Gatekeeper.

Loki exhaled a hard breath. How had his lug of a brother talked Heimdall into letting them pass? Not that he had been given a chance to do any better. His emerald eyes snapped to his left. Of course Heimdall stared at him still.

Volstagg heartily laughed as he playfully shouldered the youngest prince. "What's the matter? Silver tongue turned to lead?"

His eyes narrowed. "Its weight would still be lighter than your girth. I'm surprised the Rainbow Bridge hasn't collapsed under you."

Fandral pointed at his voracious friend and laughed.

Heimdall climbed the stairs leading to his controls. Thrust his sword into it. "Be warned. I will honor my oath to protect this Realm. Should your return threaten the safety of Asgard, I will keep the Bifrost closed to you, leaving you all to die in Jotunheim."

Thor scoffed. "I have no plans to die today."

The Gatekeeper's voice deepened in register. "None ever do." He turned the sword, and the Observatory swung into full motion, pointing toward the desired location. Pushed his weapon down further.

The Bifrost's energy shot into space and opened its door to the part of six.

Loki took a deep breath. As much as he didn't agree with Thor's plan, this needed to be done. He had to go through with this. For her. Everything he did was to bring her back. Hopefully, Heimdall could understand that. With a final glance to Asgard's Guardian, he allowed the Rainbow Bridge to whisk him after the others.