The last time Loki vanished from Asgard, he wasn't fleeing aimlessly. He had gone to Jotunheim, seeking an audience with the Frost Giant king — Laufey.
When Thor and his companions had stormed Jotunheim, Loki discovered the truth he had never suspected: he was not an Asgardian at all, but a Frost Giant by birth. The truth revealed itself when his skin brushed against that of his kin — his body shifting instantly to the same icy blue hue.
Later, when Odin pulled the warriors back from danger, Loki stole away to Asgard's vault. There, he laid hands upon the source of the Frost Giants' ancient power, and the evidence confirmed what he already feared.
Odin had no choice but to tell him the truth.
"You are the son of Laufey, King of the Frost Giants," the All-Father confessed.
He explained how, during the war between Asgard and Jotunheim, he had invaded the Frost Giants' temple and found an abandoned child. He had taken that child home, raising him as his own.
Why Laufey left his son to die, Odin never said. Nor did he explain how he had known whose child it was.
Loki raged. His bitterness boiled over, convinced that Thor had always been favored because he was Odin's trueborn son. That the throne was never meant for Loki — not because he lacked worth, but because he was adopted.
In the heat of their quarrel, Odin collapsed. His body, weary and weakened by age, surrendered at last to the Odinsleep.
Loki stood at his father's bedside when Frigga came. "We hid the truth because we wished to spare you pain," she told him gently. "You are our son, Loki. We love you as much as we love Thor."
But Loki, paranoid and wounded, could not hear it.
With Odin asleep and Thor banished, Asgard could not remain leaderless. Loki, by default, was crowned king.
Jealous and cunning, the Trickster God devised a plan. He first descended to Midgard, where Thor languished without power, and told him a lie to keep him from returning. Then he turned once more to Jotunheim.
It was Loki, during Thor's failed coronation, who had secretly allowed the Frost Giants to infiltrate Asgard's vault. Their prize, the Casket of Ancient Winters, could restore their people's strength. Thor's coronation had been halted, Thor himself disgraced and banished.
Now Loki sought Laufey again.
"You are king of Asgard," Laufey growled. "Why come to us?"
Loki sneered. "Odin has fallen into a sleep. Thor is exiled. My throne is secure… for now. But once Thor returns, it will be stripped away. Unless…"
"Unless I kill Thor for you?" Laufey chuckled darkly.
"No," Loki hissed. "Thor is mine to deal with. What I require is spectacle. You will lead an assault on Asgard. I will 'defeat' you publicly, drive you back, and in so doing, win the love of the people. My rule will be unquestioned."
Laufey's red eyes narrowed. "We would lose many in such a charade. What do we gain?"
"The Casket," Loki said smoothly. "The source of your power. Yours, once I move the Destroyer aside."
Laufey leaned forward, suspicion warring with greed. "You expect me to believe this?"
"You forget," Loki smirked. "I am king now. The Destroyer obeys me. I can command it to leave the vault unguarded."
It sounded plausible. Laufey's mind raced. A chance to reclaim Jotunheim's ancient treasure, and all it cost was aiding Odin's second son. To Laufey, it seemed almost too perfect.
But Loki was already plotting deeper treachery — schemes even Laufey could not imagine.
High above, Heimdall strained against the shadows. He tried to see Loki's dealings in Jotunheim, but the young king had found a way to blind the watchful guardian. Heimdall knew then who had concealed the Frost Giants during their earlier intrusion.
But with Loki now wearing the crown, Heimdall had no proof and no power to act.
Meanwhile, Thor's companions — Lady Sif, Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg — had grown restless. Distrustful of Loki's rule, they came secretly to Heimdall.
Without hesitation, the Gatekeeper opened the Bifrost and sent them to Midgard.
The moment the Rainbow Bridge flared, SHIELD picked up the energy spike. Coulson immediately called Lock.
"Mr. Lock, we've detected a wormhole signature," Coulson reported.
Lock thought for a moment, then nodded. "That will be Thor's friends. If it's four, do not interfere. They'll be searching for him. Just tell them where he is."
"And if it's not them?" Coulson asked carefully.
"If it's a metal giant," Lock replied, "get your people out. Leave that to me."
"Understood."
The sky split with color as the Bifrost roared to Earth. A burning rune seared itself into the desert sands, crystallizing the ground as the light faded. From within stepped four Asgardian warriors — Sif, Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg.
Coulson was already waiting.
"You're searching for someone," Coulson said calmly. "Fifty kilometers east, in a small town. You'll find him there."
Sif's eyes narrowed. "And how would you know that? Who told you?"
"A strong man," Coulson answered. "I only carry his message."
"Thor?" Fandral asked hopefully.
"No," Coulson shook his head. "Thor has lost his power. He isn't strong now."
Hogun bristled. "How dare you insult the prince of Asgard!"
"I meant no insult," Coulson said evenly. "Just fa the act."
"Enough," Sif interjected, silencing her companions. "We'll find Thor. That will answer everything."
The four followed the trail into the town. Their armor and weapons drew stares, but none dared approach. To mortals, they looked every bit like gods descended to Earth.
They soon found Thor in a bar.
"Thor!" Sif called.
Thor turned, his face lighting with joy. "Sif! Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg! My friends!" He embraced each of them in turn.
When the greetings faded, Sif grew serious. "We need you to return. Loki sits on the throne. We do not trust him."
Thor's smile dimmed. "Mother forbids it. I am unworthy."
Sif frowned. "Who told you that? Frigga longs for your return."
Realization dawned on them all. Loki had lied.
Thor's anger flared. He longed to storm home, to drag Loki from the throne with his own hands. Yet without Mjolnir, without his birthright power, he was helpless.
"Friends," Thor said heavily, "I cannot yet return."
"Then Loki will ruin Asgard unchecked," Fandral snapped.
Hogun's tone was grim. "When we departed, Heimdall warned us: Loki had gone to Jotunheim. That bodes ill."
They fell into uneasy silence. None could move openly against their king. Only Odin's true heir could claim the throne in earnest — and Thor was no longer the God of Thunder.
Thor forced a smile. "Enough of politics. My father lives, and for that I am glad. Come, drink with me."
He gestured to the quiet figure beside him. "And meet my friend — Lock."
At last, the four noticed the man seated at Thor's side. They nodded politely, though in their hearts they thought little of mortals.
Thor caught their dismissive looks. "Do not underestimate him. We sparred once. He left me with two blackened eyes."
The warriors blinked in shock. Could this human truly be so strong?
Then they remembered — Thor had been stripped of his power. Besting him now meant little.
Still, Hogun scowled. "You dared strike the prince of Asgard?"
---
A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
Support: patreon.com/Narrator_San