The God of Mischief on Midgard

Ten

Someone who reads this on Wattpad requested that I make Loki go insane and add more angst. I asked people to leave requests for things they'd like to see in this fic, so I took it.

I despise this chapter with everything in me. I struggled so much, and finally said "fuck it," and left it shitty. I wanted to get this chapter out earlier in the month so I didn't have to worry about it, so enjoy this clusterfuck while I try to figure out where the fuck the plot is going after this chapter.

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It isn't easy sneaking Tony, Peter, and Steve into Asgard, but Thor never backs down from a challenge. He leads his friends through the back streets because their suits are too conspicuous for them to walk through the main square.

They could probably slip past the palace guards and enter through the main doors, but Thor chooses a side entrance for servants as a precaution. The night is creeping in, so most people have gone home, but there is still a small chance of someone discovering them. The last Thor wants is for Odin to find out he disobeyed.

The servant entrance is closer to the dungeon stairwell than Odin's private quarters or the throne room. If Odin does find out the Avengers are in the palace, they'll have time to visit Loki and escape before Odin catches up to them. Everything should go perfectly.

The entrance to the dungeon stairwell is never guarded because two guards are stationed outside each cell. It's not likely a prisoner would escape their cell and get far enough to need someone at the top.

Peter fumbles for Tony's hand in the dark as they follow Thor down the winding stone staircase. He needs the reassurance. Their footsteps echo around them, getting louder as they approach the bottom. A dim glow from flickering torches emanates from the end of the stairs.

The light bounces off Thor's hard-set frown. He gestures for the others to wait hidden on the last few steps as he confidently strides into the dungeons. He needs to know what he's walking into before involving the Avengers. He's never been in the dungeons, but his presence isn't odd. He's a prince, he can do whatever he wants.

"Guards, take me to Loki's cell-" he trails off.

Odin stands in the middle of the corridor. The guards are nowhere in sight. "Thor," he greets. "I am not surprised to see you, but I am disappointed."

Dread runs down Thor's spine. Odin's calm anger is terrifying. "I was just-"

"Silence. I knew you would come for him. Your friends can come into the open. I know they are here."

Steve and Tony share a questioning look. Should they listen? Steve nods. They don't have much of a choice. They exit the stairwell and take up defensive positions behind Thor. Thor isn't their favorite person at the moment, but he's the only thing standing behind them and Odin.

"Where's Loki?" Peter demands. Odin doesn't scare him. He's never been intimidated by villains. Sarcasm and a healthy defiance for authority are what Peter survives on. An old man with one eye isn't going to stop Peter from checking on his friend.

Odin doesn't react. He looks at Thor. "Why are you here?"

Thor meets his father's eyes, hoping Odin understands that he's not doing this out of defiance. "My friends have become close to Loki. I agreed to let them see Loki in his cell to settle their minds. I plan to take them directly to Loki's cell and then back home."

Odin's face doesn't twitch or betray his thoughts as possibilities whir through his mind. He expected Thor and some of the others to attempt such a feat but he never thought the Avengers would bring the child. Who knew Midgardians have the same views on child warriors that Asgard does?