Among the people of Asgard, only one being was truly a master of illusion, Loki. Yet the magic coating the figure on the throne was unmistakably Loki's handiwork.
Soren saw through the disguise instantly. But the question tightened in his chest.
If Loki is here… then where is the real Odin?
The play on stage reached its finale.
The actor playing Loki dramatically sacrificed himself to save the realms, and the crowd burst into applause. 'Odin' rose to his feet, smiling broadly, clapping with visible pride as though celebrating his wayward son's redemption.
Many in the crowd wiped at their eyes. Loki's carefully curated 'heroism' had evidently moved them.
As the final scene of the play concluded, "Odin" rose from his golden throne, clapping with a grand, booming laugh. The hall erupted in applause.
Repentance? Heroism?
Just then, "Odin's" expression stiffened and his went posture rigid for a moment.
He finally noticed Soren.
The surrounding Asgardians followed his gaze and immediately straightened, voices rising respectfully.
"Healer Soren!" They greeted him and stepping aside as he approached.
Soren maintained a polite smile.
"Everyone," he said calmly, "I need a private word with King Odin."
At his request, the crowd dispersed almost instantly, they hurried out of the hall. In moments, the vast palace chamber stood empty.
Only Soren and the false Odin remained.
"King Odin," He said warmly, "It's been a long time."
The illusion-cloaked Loki composed himself.
"Soren," He answered with forced geniality, "To what do we owe the pleasure? If you're here for Freyja, she has not yet returned."
"A disturbance erupted in the realm she guards… she may be delayed for some time."
Soren maintained a pleasant expression, though his eyes remained fixed on every flicker of 'Odin's' face. When he arrived earlier, he had seen something hidden deep in those eyes... jealousy, panic.
Now all of that was buried beneath a carefully maintained façade.
If not for Soren's mastery over the illusion Loki used, even he might have been fooled.
But Freyja's unexplained absence confirmed his suspicion. She should have returned long ago. There was only one explanation, the false Odin didn't want her back.
He was deliberately obstructing her and keeping her occupied so she could not return to Asgard.
"King Odin, do you remember what we discussed during my last visit? About the Infinity Gems?"
The false Odin's body tensed.
Then he forced a chuckle. "My memory… ah, it fails me these days. Perhaps you could remind me?"
Of course, Soren thought dryly. Odin forgets nothing. But Loki forgets everything he didn't witness himself.
Out loud he said, "Naturally. Last time, I asked for information regarding the location of the Mind Stone."
He let the words hang in the air.
The Mind Stone, once embedded in Loki's own scepter. After the New York incident, Loki had been injured, and the scepter had fallen into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s hands. Loki would never forget that loss.
Soren added casually, "I thought that perhaps this time, King Odin might have an answer."
"The Mind Gem?" The figure on the throne repeated thoughtfully, stroking his beard with an exaggerated air. "Let me think… Soren, the Mind Gem hasn't surfaced in many years."
"Tracking it down may prove difficult. However, I can invoke the power of the Realm and attempt to locate it for you."
The false warmth in his voice made Soren grimace. "You must truly be senile."
"The Mind Gem is the Loki Scepter. And the Loki Scepter is the Mind Gem. Don't tell me you… Odin don't know that."
A flicker of panic crossed the old man's face before it twisted sharply.
Loki, long aware of Soren's frightening strength, had still not expected to be exposed so quickly. Soren's stare made it clear he had seen through the disguise the moment he walked in.
Now revealed, Loki dropped the pretense entirely. His illusion rippled away like smoke, leaving him standing there in his own form.
"So," Loki hissed, "You know, fine. But this is a matter of Asgardian succession, my family's affairs. Stay out of it, Healer."
"Family affairs?" Soren's voice was ice. "Where is Odin? Imprisoned? Dead? What did you do?"
Loki's face contorted with a mixture of pride and fury. Ever since claiming the scepter, the amplified desire and arrogance had been swelling within him.
"Healer." Loki puffing up with contrived authority, "Watch your tone. The ruler of Asgard stands before you. You will address me with the respect due a king."
Soren only snorted in contempt. He hadn't come here for Loki's theatrics and now, all he felt was irritation. Enough talking. If Loki wouldn't speak, he'd drag the truth out of him instead.
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
A pulse of rainbow light cracked open the air. Bifrost activated.
A streak of light solidified into a human shape, the magic peeling away to reveal Thor, standing tall with his hammer in hand.
Behind him dragged the chained head of some massive beast, and goo burst out everywhere.
"Heimdall?" Thor muttered. "Where is Heimdall?"
Instead of the familiar golden-eyed guardian, an armored soldier stood by the controls, puffed up with false authority.
"Heimdall betrayed Asgard," The man declared smugly. "As you can see, I command Bifrost now. State your name. Entry into the Realm requires proper identification."
Thor simply lifted his hammer.
A crack split the air as he shot past the hapless guard, launching himself straight toward Asgard without a single word.
Behind him, the new gatekeeper stood slack jawed.