Illusions | Loki & Jane

11. Brothers

It was hard for Odin to watch his son suffer. As the King of Asgard and protector of the Nine Realms, he understood the necessity of sacrifice. He was forced to make decisions for the greater good, even if it meant enduring pain himself or causing anguish to those he loved. It was a heavy burden to bear. Exhaling slowly, he sank into his throne, weariness tugging at him. Why did it have to be her? Of all the people in all the worlds, why her? Rubbing his tired eyes, he felt a growing anxiety for Loki and how he would cope with this loss. Yet, after nine months, the Demigod seemed to have returned to his old self.

What the Allfather didn't realize was that Loki was far from the person he once was. He had locked himself away in his chambers for weeks, until Thor had finally forced him back into the fray, believing his brother was simply bored. Once back in battle, Loki found distraction in the chaos, relishing the chance to wield his powers again. Little by little, he began to mock those around him with his magic, taking twisted pleasure in watching his fellow Asgardians scratch their heads in confusion, spin around bewildered, or even freeze in fear.

For over three years, he had refrained from creating illusions, but now, in the aftermath of love and loss, he had reverted to this behavior, using it as a means to cope with his pain. It was a strategy that embarrassed innocents and provided him a fleeting sense of control, but Odin saw it as nothing more than Loki's old mischief. He hoped that the visions of the clairvoyant had been wrong and that Thor was indeed ready to be crowned. The Allfather wanted to believe he could avoid implementing the plan he had forged nine months ago, a plan that would inevitably hurt both of his sons and Frigga even more. Perhaps he didn't need to intervene after all; he wanted to have faith that both his sons would find their way—Thor would be ready, and Loki would provide the counsel he needed, just as Frigga always believed.

Standing on the balcony, Loki looked down at the people passing by the palace, annoyance simmering beneath his calm facade. All of them wander around, oblivious to the complexities of life. He sighed, frustrated by their innocence. They pretend to be virtuous, but they are merely naive and manipulative. I could easily overrun them all.

Though he appeared normal, laughing and enjoying himself with Thor and his brother's friends, he concealed a deep-seated frustration behind his bright eyes and mocking demeanor. He had never forgotten his love for Jane; in fact, the passage of time only bred more anger within him. It was Thor's easy life that infuriated him. The God of Thunder lived without worry, served hand and foot, treating everyone around him like mere slaves, never faced with the burden of difficult choices. How could someone like that become a great king?

No, something had to change. Thor needed to experience the reality of life—the pain, the heartache—before he could truly understand what it meant to lead. Unfortunately, nothing would happen by chance; it was up to Loki to orchestrate the necessary events.
----------

"Another!" Thor bellowed, tossing his empty mug into the firebowl. He stood proudly before the flames, reveling in the moment. Loki had been waiting behind the curtains of the throne room, dressed in his armor and helmet adorned with enormous horns. His green cape billowed behind him as he stepped out from the shadows, a smirk playing on his lips as he approached his brother, who was boasting in his traditional red cape and wielding his mighty hammer, Mjolnir.

Thor strode confidently to the entrance leading to the throne and his coronation. Loki sidled up next to him, both of them facing the same direction. With a grin, he glanced sideways at Thor. "Nervous, brother?"

Thor erupted in laughter. "Have you ever known me to be nervous?"

"Oh, well, there was that time in Nornheim," Loki chuckled.

"That wasn't nerves, brother; it was the rage of battle!"

"Ah, I see," Loki replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.