The Chase: Chapter 8

Feelings of Deceit

"People trust their eyes above all else - but most people see what they wish to see, or what they believe they should see; not what is really there." ~Zoë Marriott, Shadows on the Moon

...

A knock at the cell's entrance interrupted the brother's intimate moment. Brow furrowed in confusion, Thor gave Loki one last hesitant glance, before he stepped out of the cramped cell. "I will return, Brother, and we will find the cause of this madness. I promise," he told the trickster. Loki only looked at him solemnly, fear and confusion still ever present in his features. The massive door of Loki's prison closed forcefully, and a slight whisper of energy could be felt when one touched the metal, as the magic runes began to take effect once more.

One of the Palace servants stood before Thor. He was a bit lanky in appearance, with short auburn locks and deep brown eyes, but stood with purpose, despite his somewhat lowly position, making him appear tall. He gave Thor a formal bow of respect, and stated, "My prince, Heimdall has requested your presence at the Bifrost. He said it was of grave importance, and to make haste."

Thor gave a firm nod in response and quickly left to meet his old friend, for when Heimdall said something was of grave importance, he believed him; he had never given him reason to think otherwise. It only took a few minutes to reach the rainbow bridge.

Almost immediately after the events with Loki on Asgard those sum odd 5 years ago, Odin had set on the task of rebuilding the Bifrost and it was only mere days ago that it had been completed. However, few had been given the privilege to travel amongst the other realms as of late. Its gate-keeper stood proud in front of the great golden globe, glad to see it standing proud and magnificent as it once was. Without moving his all-seeing golden orbs he said, "'Tis good to see you, my Prince; it has been some time since your last visit." A warm smile tugged at the gate-keeper's lips.

Thor gave one back in return, although his did not fully reach his eyes, as he was still clouded with thoughts of his brother. "I was told you had news for me, friend."

Heimdall's smile wavered slightly. "Yes. I have received a message from Midgard; from the band of warriors you named the 'Avengers'. They beseech your aid immediately." He made a slight grimace. "This 'Man of Iron', as you call him, is most insistent that you come as quickly as possible."

It took Thor a moment to remember that not only could Heimdall see all across the realms, but he could also hear all, and to remember how much of a…talker, Tony could be. Confusion and concern clouded the Thunderer's face. "What has happened?" he inquired.

"From what I can gather, it seems that one of your comrades has been plagued by some sort of illness, and they believe that Asgardian magic could be the answer, or possibly the cause. Although I am unsure as to what could have has caused this sort of illness. The other Midgardians have been unable to comprehend what ails him, and were hoping that you could be of assistance."

Thor furrowed his brow. "I am not as skilled in the mystic arts as my brother; I am not sure that I will be of much use to them." He paused for a moment, deep in thought; his hand ran across his blonde stubble. "Perhaps I could convince the Allfather to allow Loki a short reprieve from his prison in order to help my comrades," he mused aloud.

Heimdall looked at Thor, his golden orbs twinkling with what the Thunderer could only describe as a mixture of amusement and unease, before he told him, "I wish you the best of luck, my Prince. Approaching the King with such a brazen request…well, better you than I."

Thor returned his friend's gaze and grinned. He chuckled softly and clapped his open palm on the gatekeeper's shoulder. "Thank you, my friend; I shall need all the luck I can get!" His smile faltered a bit. "Please inform me of any other messages from Midgard."

"Of course, my prince," the gatekeeper smiled back. He gave a slight bow to the eldest prince of Asgard. Thor gave one last smile to his friend, before making his way to the golden, Aesir palace.

...

Thor kneeled before his father's throne and gazed above him. It was magnificently crafted and glinted brightly, despite the lack of sunlight in the closed space. Odin himself sat upon it, towering over his son. The Allfather had quickly grown weary of his son's constant insistence to speak with him.

Odin gripped his golden staff tightly in his hand, frustration already beginning to bloom in his chest. "Thor, how many times must I answer your questions? I have not changed my decision regarding your brother's imprisonment."

The Thunderer stood from his bow, and spoke, "Yes Father, I understand. But the news I bear is of vital importance."

The King straightened, and gave a nod indicating that Thor may proceed.

"Father, I do not believe that Loki committed his crimes on Midgard under his own free will; I believe he might have been under the Chitauri's control." He looked solemnly at his father. "He remembers nothing of his time on Midgard."

Insecurity in his decision now clouded Odin's mind. "Nothing? How can this be? Surely the tesseract could not have controlled a mind such as his; a mind so strong…" He looked down at Thor, speaking with more power and confidence. "No, this is just more of his trickery! You know of Loki's lies, of his deception; you know what he does! This is just another of his futile attempts at escape!"

"I do not believe this to be so." Thor spoke with as much calm as he could muster, not wanting to set off either of their notorious tempers. "Although I have just discovered his lack of memory, I do not believe this to be another of his tricks. I have looked into his eyes; he is truly as afraid of what is happening to him, as am I," he admitted.

"We could allow one of the palace mages to examine him; prove that what he speaks is the truth!" he offered, seeing the distrust in his father's eyes. "Then you could release him."

The Allfather pondered his son's offer, white brows stitched together in thought. Finally he spoke. "I will have someone…observe, Loki. If they find something to suggest that what you say it true, then I will rethink my decision," he promised.

Thor beamed. "Thank you, father, I will send a servant to gather the necessary-"

"No, Thor," he interrupted. "Not now. I want to make sure that this is not part of one of Loki's schemes. I will not give into to Loki's demands so easily; he will have to wait."

"Father, my comrades on Midgard, the other Avengers, are in urgent need Loki's assistance. He is the finest mage in all of the Nine Realms; surely, he can be allowed freedom from his prison, after careful examination, for merely a day or two in order to bring them aid, before retuning back home," Thor reasoned.

"Absolutely not! Do you think me a fool, Thor?! This is exactly what he wants! He manipulated those around him; just look at what he almost did to those of the precious Midgard you hold so dear! No. We will wait until I give the order."

"Please, Father, I beg you, reconsider—," Thor pleaded.

"No! While it is true that you are my son, you do not have the right to speak any further of my decision. My mind has been made." Odin said this with such absolution that it took all Thor had not to crumble right there in front of his father's throne. Much softer this time, Odin muttered, "Leave me now, my son. I do not wish for this conversation to continue."

Thor obliged, no longer wishing to be Odin's presence. He gave one last respectful bow to the Allfather, before he turned and walked through the massive golden doors of the throne room.