Chapter Text
Loki paced around his chambers. This was all wrong. That look on Thor’s face, there was a malevolence in his eyes that Loki was sure had never been in his brother before. Thor hated Frost Giants, many on Asgard did, but this was something more, this was personal.
While Loki didn’t like it, he could understand why his father had to act the way he did. The evidence may be sketchy at best, but in Asgard that was enough to condemn someone. If he survived this, Loki decided it would one of the things that needed to be reformed.
The door to his room opened and Frigga entered. Forgetting everything that had happened in the last few hours, Loki went into her arms and hugged her. She was still his mother, no matter what. She held him close, but she needed answers.
“Loki, look at me.” Loki raised his head and met his mothers’ eyes. “Tell me; is there any truth to your brother claims?”
Loki held Frigga's gaze. “Other than my knowledge of the Hidden Pathways, no there is no truth to them. I am loyal to Asgard and to Father.”
Frigga smiled and nodded, her truth senses telling her he was tell the truth. She had had to ask and now she was content in her son’s innocence. The problem was, Thor was just as convinced that Loki was guilty. This was a mess that could not be resolved easily.
“Loki, you know as Prince, Thor suspicions are enough to have you imprisoned. Your Father has decided instead to banish you. He does not believe you are guilty but he is bound by the law and his duty as King. He will send you to Midgard, but your magic will remain locked.”
Loki dropped his head again to his Mother’s shoulder. He knew this was his best option. Especially as the only other was imprisonment. At least on Midgard, he would have his freedom and his previous experience would give him the advantage.
Loki pulled away and turned to the window. “Mother, why is Thor doing this? What can I have done to deserve his hatred? It cannot just be that I am Jotun, can it?
“I have no answers for you, my son. When he came to me after your return from Jotunheim, he was concerned for you. This I cannot explain. He has hardened his heart and is no longer open to me as he once was. Even your friends do not understand, the Warriors 3 have all argued with him and your Father on your behalf.”
Loki had known Fandral would support him. That Volstagg and Hogun had followed suit was a pleasant surprise, but this did not help him now. He turned back to look at Frigga “How long before I leave?” he asked.
The queen grimaced before replying. “The guards are outside. I was granted a few minutes to make my farewells in private.”
Loki gathered his mother into his arms again and held her close. This could be the last time he would see her, possibly for years. There were more tears flowing now. Loki withdrew and quickly changes into his simplest clothes. Without his magic, he could not disguise himself and would have to rely on his wits to stay hidden.
The guards escorted Loki to the Bifrost. They were all there. Odin and Frigga standing on pedestal ready to pass sentence, Thor and Sif standing to one side. The Warriors 3 normally would have flanked Thor, but were now standing on the other side.
“Loki Odinson, before sentence is carried out do you have anything say?”
Loki smiled inwardly as Odin was still claiming him as his own. He pulled himself to his full height. “I am innocent and I hope to stand again one day at the side of my King.”
Loki heard Thor scoff but Frigga smiled at her youngest son. They may not be mended but the bridges between Loki and Odin would have stronger foundations at the end of this. Loki walked around to the front of the Bifrost and the others retreated outside. Odin slid Gungnir into the Bifrost and Loki was gone.
The Bifrost set Loki down in a wide desert. He turned just in time to be blinded by bright lights then slammed in the side by something moving. The impact sent him flying and he hit his head on a large stone buried under the sand. This last thing he saw was the face a women asking his name. He was able to whisper “Loki” before he passed out.