Loki paced in front of the throne, contemplating his next move. Some things bothered him, and he wasn't sure why or what to do with them.

His mother had made a point to say Thor would find a way home. Which he most likely would. As much trouble as the dim-witted god could get himself into, he always returned home. Even with all odds stacked against him.

This posed a problem.

If Thor returned before the temporary king could restore Aura, then all of the efforts leading up to this will have been in vain. He couldn't waste this opportunity. He needed to act upon it. But how? What could he do to make the most out of this fortunate situation?

A soldier approached the base of the throne and knelt. "Is something bothering you, your highness?"

Loki came to an abrupt halt. He closed his eyes and inhaled a deep breath. His first instinct was to tell the guard off. Send him away with a scathing reproach. No, he couldn't do that, could he? He was acting king. He needed to remain calm and civilized. "I'm simply assessing the situation at hand."

"Is there any way I can be of assistance to you?"

His fingers twitched, but he offered a smile. "No, I'm afraid not. However, I do perform my best thinking alone."

"All due respect, sire, with the frost giant invasion, I think you should have an escort with you at all times."

One of Loki's brows slightly rose. This man kneeling before him truly sought his safety. This was an interesting turn of events. He expected the whole Realm to have revolted by now. Especially since Sif knew he sat on Asgard's head seat. This aroused his curiosity.

He fully turned to face the soldier in front of him. "If I ask you a question, would you answer honestly? There would be no rebuke for it, as I've requested it from you."

The guard hesitated, but he lifted his gaze. "So long as you wish to know the truth, I will do my best to fulfill your questions."

"What is the people's opinion of me?"

More pausing. "From what I have heard, the majority support you."

"But?"

"However, there are a few who think you'll lead Asgard onto a path of destruction with this new threat from Jotunheim. They don't think you're capable of handling the responsibility."

The god of mischief spoke more to himself than the soldier. "Is that so?"

The sentry bowed his head again. "I can assure you, you have my support. Anyone of your royal family would be fit to rule this Realm."

Loki allowed another small smile. "Then I would say you have a reasonable head on your shoulders. But I do think my best when I'm alone. Would you and the other guards be so kind as to stand outside the doors? Just so I may have peace?"

"Of course, my lord." With a swift movement, he rose and motioned for the other handful of guards to leave the throne room.

His smile faded into a frown after the doors closed. So there were those who didn't deem him fit enough to lead Asgard through this decisive time? Most likely because they assumed his brother would be more suited for the job.

Now, he loved Thor as much, if not more, than everybody else. However, he couldn't allow the blonde buffoon to interfere with his plans. Not this time. His stakes were too high. The reward was too valuable.

But what to do?

He pivoted and planted himself on the throne. Subconsciously grabbed the spear. Rolling his neck as a wave of magic coursed down his arm and through his body. The magic wanted to be used. Wanted to be liberated.

It wanted to play with the chaos.

Quickly setting the spear down, he rubbed trembling hands over his face.

This was not good.

He closed his eyes to regain his control. Exhaled a short breath with his hands clasped vertically against the center of his head. How was he supposed to rule Asgard with a steady approach when he couldn't align his powers to match that of Gungnir's? How was he supposed to stay on the good side of the line when the untapped potential of the king's chosen weapon wanted nothing but to unleash his own potential?

Was this Odin's way of protecting his most prized possession? It would be easy to keep it out of the hands of ill-doers if the spear drove the wielder insane. No one could use it for evil if they couldn't even pass the test of holding it for prolonged periods of time.

Loki looked at the weapon through a side long glance. Was Odin so paranoid he might one day assume the throne, he fashioned it so it wouldn't meld with his magic? That only made him sound paranoid. But it would make sense. Although, no one knew the true signature of his magic.

Not even himself.

The most obvious answer to this conundrum was the source of his power: the chaos.

His nostrils flared with his thoughts. He had never fully tested his abilities. Many times, he wanted to cross that bridge, but common sense kept him on safe ground. If he crossed to the other side, he didn't know if he could come back. Didn't know if even Aura had the ability to redeem him to the side of good.

It wasn't something he really wanted to test. Except for when he held Gungnir.

He closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. It was imperative he remained focused. Stay on the tasks at hand. He wouldn't be reigning king for long, so he needn't stress so much about the spear. All he had to do was make it until Odin awakened from his sleep.

Perhaps that was something he should begin doing. Taking a nap when it convenienced him. He shook his head. Here came the cynicism. But he couldn't help it. Not every day did one find out their true father was the king of Jotunheim, their whole life had been a lie, and they didn't know who they were anymore.

No, he knew who he was. The man who loved Aura.

His gaze hardened. First thing he needed to do was make sure Thor didn't return to Asgard. For some time, at least. He only required enough time bring back his love. Then he could deal with the Jotunheim problem.

He gingerly picked up the spear. With its capabilities, he could channel his magic more effectively. Hopefully making it easier to find his brother somewhere amongst the Nine Realms. Thor's signature was unique, but he wasn't incredibly confident in his abilities since he couldn't use them to locate Aura.

What if he killed Odin and remained as Asgard's new and total ruler?

Loki paused, searching the air in front of him. Where did that come from? As much as Odin made him miserable, he didn't want to kill the old man. Regardless, it wouldn't reflect well on him if the people found out he was behind it.

Then get someone else to perform the deed.

No! He would not. His purpose for wanting the throne was to prove everyone he would handle it well. Murdering the Allfather only proved he was the villain. He was not the villain. Just because most assumed he was didn't make him one.

He gripped the spear in sudden desperation. He was not the villain. Not…the villain. He wasn't going to murder Odin.

Because you're weak.

Clenching his jaw, he rose. Staring at the smooth tile beneath his feet. "Get out of my head!"

The soldier who spoke to him before rushed into the throne room. "Sire? I heard an exclamation."

Loki pointed Gungnir at him. "Out."

"Yes, my lord." He bowed and ducked out.

His chest rose and fell with hard breaths. This was not about Odin. Currently, this was about Thor. He must find Thor before Thor found his way home. Releasing a long exhale, he returned to his seat.

He closed his eyes for concentration. Using his magic to feel for his brother's energy. He found it in an instant. A desert place on Midgard. More specifically, a makeshift facility surrounding Mjolnir in a desert place on Midgard.

One of his brows rose. The humans had found both his brother and the hammer. Interesting. Was Thor really this powerless? Maybe he didn't need to speak with him after all. It could be some time before Thor found a way to return home. No. That wasn't his brother's style.

With almost no effort, he cast a perfect projection of himself into the room where the god of thunder was tied. Keeping his decoy invisible as a Midgardian currently spoke to his brother.

The real Loki shook his head and inwardly sighed. Such a shame the mighty Thor could be stripped to such a helpless state. Ironic this happened at the same time Odin fell victim to his sleep. Had Thor's banishment and the untimely frost giant reveal truly been too much for the old man? Then the bigger disgrace belonged to the Allfather, who couldn't even handle dealing with his children.

The man who was clearly in charge of this human operation finally exited.

He allowed his projection to become visible and audible to his brother. "I didn't think he would ever leave."

Thor lifted his head, eyes widening. "Brother? What are you doing here?"

His expression remained solemn. Although, he was amused Thor studied his projection's simple black suit and patterned scarf. Of course he knew what to wear in Midgard. This wasn't his first time on the Realm. "I had to see you."

"Tell me. What has happened? Is it Jotunheim? Please allow me to explain to father—"

"Father is dead." His words startled him. Why was this his first response? Because one of his many voices told him to slay the Allfather not that long ago? Would he end up killing Odin? Surely not.

Thor's bottom jaw slid open as he struggled comprehending the words spoken to him. "At least…tell me what happened."

The decoy kept his hands clasped in front of him. "Your banishment, the imposing threat of Jotunheim. It was honestly too much for him to bear."

The fallen god slightly turned away.

Loki made his image step closer. He knew what scrolled through his brother's mind. "You mustn't blame yourself. I've always known you loved him. I tried telling him so, but he refused to listen to me. It was cruel of him. Putting the hammer within your reach and knowing you could never lift it."

Thor's eyes glazed over, losing himself in thought.

"The burden of the throne has fallen to me now."

The god of thunder lifted his gaze. "Can I return home?"

Loki's nostrils flared, but his projection remained still. The sorrow in his brother's eyes and voice were almost too much for him to tolerate. But rescuing Aura meant he had to do what was required to be done. Thor could return when all was finished. "The truce established with Jotunheim is conditional upon your exile. Surely, you must understand this."

"But could we not find another—"

"No." He was this far into the story, he might as well keep going. "Even mother has forbidden your return in order to keep our Realm safe."

Thor's head lowered again, and he nodded.

"I'm afraid this is goodbye, brother. I'm so incredibly sorry."

"No. I am the one who is sorry. This is my own doing. Loki," he blinked several times, "thank you for coming here to tell me."

Loki's chest tightened. "Nothing could've stopped me." He rendered his decoy invisible once again but allowed Thor to still hear his voice. "Farewell, my brother."

Thor's voice was barely above a whisper. "Goodbye."

He set his jaw and teleported the projection of the room. His heart ached, but this was the price he had to pay. Because his heart suffered an even greater pain. One he urgently needed to fix after too many years of failure.

His interest piqued, however, when his decoy emerged next to the famed hammer of his brother's. It jutted out of pillar of dirt. Clearly unable to be moved.

Perhaps he could lift it? He wasn't sure what the requirements of the "power of Thor" were, but Thor had always been true to himself. Since he had found about his inherited nature, it would make since to say he was now true to himself, yes? Would that qualify him for lifting the hammer?

It would be easy to find out.

Two weapons fit for the one, true king.

Loki transferred his physical being into the projection while remaining unseen by the Midgardians. Took a deep breath as he wrapped his hands around Mjolnir's handle. Pulled.

No result, save for the knot glowing then fading away.

His expression blanked. So this was how it was going to be? He eyed the hammer. It made sense Odin made sure Mjolnir would be tied to Thor alone. Even if Thor was momentarily cut off from its power.

With a glare to the inanimate object, he disappeared from Midgard in a swirl of emerald and gold light and returned to the throne room. Thankfully, the persistent soldier wasn't loitering around the throne.

So. Thor was taken care of for the time being. What was the next step?

Finalizing the issue with Jotunheim.

That would be simple. All he had to do was venture to the land of the frost giants and speak with Laufey.

His father.

Loki paused, no longer afraid. He had the confidence of his magic returned to him. The confidence of his supposedly silver tongue increased. If anything, he knew how to talk his way out of a situation. It had almost worked with Laufey before. It shouldn't be too hard to repeat.

He stored Gungnir in his pocket dimension reserved for items placed on hold until further use was required of them. There was no need for a common vagabond to get ahold of it. He was the one in charge of keeping it safe, after all.

Confident strides carried him out the throne room doors.

The soldier obsessed with being his protector stopped him, dropping to one leg again. "Your highness, where are you going?"

The mischief maker tilted his head. He had never once asked anyone to kneel to him, but he was growing rather fond of the gesture. "I'm leaving to strike an accord with Jotunheim."

"Should not one of us go with you?"

"No, I think I can handle myself on this one. I would prefer to have all of Asgard's forces present here. To guard my father and this Realm itself, should any more frost giants try sneaking in behind my back. If soldiers remain here, Jotunheim might feel safer to settle in peace."

The guard nodded and returned to his post. "As you wish, sire."

Loki gave a nod in turn. Making his way to the Bifrost. Heimdall would be an interesting obstacle to deal with.

With his usual stoic nature, the Gatekeeper stared down the newly-instated king striding down the Rainbow Bridge. "Why are you coming to me when Asgard needs a leader?"

"Because I need to restore the peace that once existed between this Realm and Jotunheim." One of Loki's brows cocked. "Surely you of all people should know this."

"Then you should know Laufey does plan on attacking quite soon."

"Which is why I'm going to deal with this matter now. In person."

Heimdall's golden eyes swirled. "You are not in full regalia."

Loki glanced down at his attire. "How astute of an observation. But no, I'm not. Asgard needs a logical king, not a warrior one. With any skill, I should be able to convince Laufey it's best for him and his people to leave us alone."

"Will you tell him?"

His cheekbones became more pronounced with his setting jaw. "Whether I do or not is none of your concern. May I pass to Jotunheim to broker a new truce or not?"

Asgard's guardian remained silent for several minutes. His stare unnerving. "Very well. I will grant you passage but only for a short time. You are not the only one who can pinpoint locations."

Loki's eyes flashed. He hadn't thought about concealing himself when he visited Thor. Undoubtedly, Heimdall heard his lie about Odin being dead. But certainly the Gatekeeper knew his underlying motivation for all of this. Thor would be easy to fix once he rescued his beloved. Unfortunately, he had to tend to more pressing matters than his brother's hurt feelings.

He threw a sidelong glance to the Guardian as he approached the Bifrost's door. "Does Aura still wish for you to not tell me where she is?"

Heimdall's gaze flickered. "She has not spoken to me during her present day. However, she remains safe." He inserted to sword into the controlling mechanism and activated the Rainbow Bridge. Watched the portal come to life. "Loki?"

"Yes?"

"Be careful what you hide from me."

The god of mischief looked over his shoulder. Not caring to respond to that statement, he stepped into the Bifrost, shooting into Jotunheim.

Frigid air greeted him, as before, but this time, he allowed it to electrify his senses. Allowed it to seep into his skin and, ironically, warm his heart. Since the others weren't with him this time, he was allowed to facially express how calm and pleased he felt here.

Technically speaking, he was home.

Although, it didn't feel entirely like home, as content as it made him. This was still a wasteland. And its inhabitants would undoubtedly still be hostile toward him. He didn't blame them; he appeared as an Asgardian, after all.

He flexed his fingers and enshrouded himself from Heimdall's Sight. It did not go unnoticed by him that the Gatekeeper referred to him by his first name, not an official title. There was a funny observation about the man. While he was extremely devoted to the throne, he was known to commit righteous treason.

This could potentially pose another problem. Heimdall could be unpredictable, albeit reasonable. However, Asgard's Guardian would have to wait until his journey to Jotunheim was completed.

What should he say to Laufey? To his father? He wasn't entirely sure. Perhaps he would confess who he was, perhaps not. Eh, he'd just go along with the feeling he received from the Jotuns. Not that he had much time to prepare on his walk.

Loki reached the temple and stepped among the ruins without the apprehension of his first visit. His gaze remained on Laufey, even as other frost giants surrounded him.

The Jotun king walked out from his soldiers. A familiar smirk on his face. "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you."

The god of mischief smirked in turn. "Because I've come alone and unarmed."

Laufey looked him up and down. "If you can call magic unarmed. But to what end?"

"To offer another proposition."

A wave of realization passed over the frost giant's face, and he chuckled. "So you're the one who let us into Asgard."

Loki smiled. "You're welcome."

"My men are dead, and I do not have the casket. You're nothing but a deceiver." Laufey reached out and grabbed the raven-haired prince by the throat.

If this was any other situation, he would've already stabbed the aggressor. However, he figured this was the best way for the Jotuns to find out his heritage. He glanced down at his true father's hand then lifted his eyes. "I never once promised the safety of your men, nor did I promise a complete success."

He knew the blue began its path across his skin. "You have no idea what I am." From the astonished expressions on the surrounding faces, his hidden color must be visible enough. His smile broadened as he kept eye contact with the king. "Hello, father."

Laufey snarled, releasing him. But intrigue flashed in his crimson eyes. Scrutinizing the visitor, he circled. "Ah, so you're the unwanted son. I presumed Odin had killed you; it's what I should've done. Alas, he's as weak as you are."

Loki released an amused exhale. If he revealed even a fraction of his true power, his biological father would have a different tone. However, this was not the time nor the place for such a display. Tactful words were required for this venture.

A strategy began forming in the back of his mind, and he trusted it. Allowed his words to flow freely. "How am I weak? I now rule Asgard until Odin awakens from a sleep he may never recover. Perhaps you should not have abandoned me so carelessly."

The frost giant king slightly tilted his head with further inspection. "Or perhaps it was the wisest decision I have ever made. I will hear your proposition."

His hands clasped behind his back. "I will conceal you and a handful of your chosen warriors. I'll lead you directly into Odin's chambers where you can slay him where he lies. I remain ruler of Asgard, and you will finally have your precious Casket."

"Why would you do this?"

"When all is done, we will have a permanent peace between our two Realms. Then I, the unwanted son, will have accomplished what Odin could not."

Laufey looked back his warriors lining the temple walls. "Then this is a great day for Jotunheim. Asgard is ours."

"Uh, no." Loki chuckled at the shocked look he received. "Asgard will remain mine. As far as the other Realms go, I don't honestly care. So long as you do what you're told. Asgard remains the strongest Realm, don't forget."

A slight pause. "I accept."

"Very well. Allow me to return to Asgard, and I'll make the arrangements." Turning on his heel, he left the ruined temple to the Jotuns. Another smirk caressing his features. That was all rather easy.

However, internal panic set in the closer he came to the Bifrost sight. He had just made Laufey a deal that involved the murder of Odin. His grin faded. Hadn't he just argued with himself that wasn't a good idea? Why was he all of a sudden listening to the voice awakened by the spear?

He knew better than to listen to that voice. That voice was nothing but trouble. And everyone knew what happened when he got himself into trouble. Nothing good.

His nerves became jittery, and he rolled his neck. Ran his tongue alone the inside of his lips. How was he going to get himself out of this one? This was why it was important to plan out everything in advance. Right now, he flew by the seat of his pants, and it wasn't going to end well if he wasn't careful.

After he stood on the burned runic circle on the ice, the Bifrost came down and whisked him away to Asgard.

Loki strode out of the portal. Masking his sudden uneasiness. However, he could feel the steely gaze as he walked toward the Rainbow Bridge. He stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "Does something trouble you, Gatekeeper?"

"I turned my Sight upon you in Jotunheim, but I could neither see nor hear you. You were shrouded from me much as the frost giants who invaded this Realm. Did you not heed my warning?"

"Perhaps your senses have weakened after many years of appreciated service."

"Or someone has finally found a way to hide from me what he doesn't wish me to see. Is there anything you wish to discuss while you have the chance?"

Loki momentarily closed his eyes to settle himself. The Guardian didn't scare him, but he couldn't help but be intensely paranoid in his presence. He turned around. His voice remaining even despite the anxiety running rampant in his mind. "You have great power, Heimdall. Tell me. Did Odin ever fear you?"

"No."

"And why is that?"

"Because he is my king, and I am sworn to obey him."

"Exactly." The acting king leaned forward, hoping his emphasis would allow Heimdall to understand what he wanted from him. "Just as you are sworn to obey me now. Yes?"

There was a beat of a pause. "Yes."

Loki's heartrate increased slightly because he wasn't sure what to make of the answer. "Good. Open the Bifrost to no one until I have undone what my brother has started. I will return to you with further instruction." Pivoting, he marched down the Rainbow Bridge. Feeling Heimdall's stare down his back.