Beneath the grand halls of Asgard, there were places no ordinary soul could ever reach.
These areas were protected by high-level security systems and watched over day and night by elite Asgardian warriors.
Some, like the treasure vaults housing priceless relics, were fortified like fortresses.
Others, like the Asgardian dungeons, were reserved for the realm's most dangerous criminals.
And that's exactly where Kagura Hitomi was heading today, into the depths of Asgard's prison.
To visit a very special someone.
Yes, someone who had been granted the VIP suite of the dungeon, no less!
Loki, the God of Mischief, second prince of Asgard.
After orchestrating the Chitauri invasion on Earth, Loki had been thoroughly smacked around by the Avengers before curling up in a corner, giving up the fight entirely.
In the end, he had quietly followed Thor back to Asgard.
Kagura didn't know whether Loki had ever truly reflected on his crimes on Earth, but she doubted his hatred toward Odin had faded. Not so easily.
Loki's path had been shaped by one thing: Odin's decision to pass the throne of Asgard to Thor, never once recognizing Loki's ability or his right to rule.
Could she really do anything to mend the rift between Thor and Loki?
She didn't know. Kagura wasn't sure how much influence she had over the trickster prince.
Still, if she could help guide him back onto the right path, whether for Thor's sake or for Loki's own sake, it might ease the burden weighing on both their hearts.
One thing Kagura believed without doubt:
Loki wasn't truly evil. He was the God of Mischief, not the God of Malice.
Led by Thor, Kagura entered the dungeons of Asgard.
Before her stretched a corridor lined with cube-shaped prison cells that extended as far as the eye could see.
Each cell was roughly twenty to thirty square meters, it was spacious by a normal prison standards.
They were shielded by golden, semi-transparent energy barriers, looking more like protective membranes than prison bars.
Unlike traditional metal bars or laser grids, these shields were airtight yet breathable, and most importantly, highly effective at containing prisoners of any form.
Yes, even slime-shaped ones.
Credit where it's due, Asgard truly lived up to its status as the most advanced civilization in the Nine Realms.
Even the dungeons were luxurious.
Some prisoners might actually be living better here than in their home worlds.
Free meals, no rent, peaceful environment, hygienic conditions, no mosquitoes or bugs in sight.
It was practically serene.
No wonder Loki was able to lie on his bed, reading books and sipping tea, living his best life without a care in the world.
Of course, his cell had been specially upgraded by Queen Frigga herself. It was more of a luxury suite than a jail cell.
"Loki," Thor called as they arrived at his cell, "You've got a visitor."
Kagura stepped forward, peering inside Loki's room and unable to help but sigh inwardly.
As expected of a prince of Asgard.
Even behind bars, the treatment was nothing like the others'.
His room was furnished with elegant tables and chairs, neatly made bedding, a premium tea set with fresh tea, and even some literature to keep him entertained.
This wasn't prison.
This was a vacation resort!
"Oh? Now this is a surprise,"
Loki put down his book and rose from the bed, flashing his signature sly smile.
"Kagura Hitomi. What brings you to Asgard? If you're here to give me another beating, you seem to be missing a hammer."
He gave a mock bow. "Ah, forgive me. Should I now address you as Princess of Asgard? Or would it be more fitting to call you… little sister?"
"Hah, then should I call you dear brother?" Kagura shot back with a shrug, completely unfazed by his sarcasm.
"Come on, I don't visit Asgard often. You're the first person I thought to see. Aren't you at least a little moved?"
"Oh, I'm honored," Loki replied with exaggerated grace, bowing like a true nobleman.
"As you can see, aside from being Odin's prized prisoner, I'm doing just fine, my dear princess."
"Loki, do you remember what I told you once?" Kagura paused, then decided it was worth trying to have a real conversation, even with someone like Loki.
"Ah, of course I remember, what a beautiful lie it was," Loki said with a smirk, head tilted arrogantly. "But tell me, do you still believe in me? Even after I nearly destroyed your planet and tried to beat you senseless?"
"Absolutely," Kagura nodded firmly. "I haven't changed my stance. I'm glad you remember what I said. Then you should also remember: the only person who never believed in you... was you."
"That's enough! I've heard enough sweet talk to last a lifetime!"
Loki's tone sharpened as he cut her off. "You just came here to gloat, didn't you? To mock me, the fallen prince locked in a cage. Save your pity, I don't need it!"
"Loki—no, brother..." Kagura sighed, "Do you really think I came here to mock you? I came because I truly wanted to talk. To see if I could help you change your mind, to maybe—"
"To what? Go back to serving that old fool Odin?" Loki barked, interrupting again. "Don't make me laugh. Look at me! This is what Odin gave me!"
"Watch your mouth, Loki!" Thor snapped. "Odin is our father!"
"Odin is your father," Loki corrected coldly. "Dear brother, let's not pretend you've forgotten, I'm not Odin's son."
"Loki…" Kagura stepped forward, her voice calm. "I understand your anger. Your bitterness, your resentment, they're justified. You're not wrong to feel the way you do."
She brushed back a strand of silver hair and paused. "But have you ever thought of him… as a father who simply doesn't know how to express himself?"
"With all your rebellion and chaos, in the end… who's left hurt? Who's left disappointed?"
"You're saying Odin would be hurt… by me?"
Loki chuckled bitterly. "Ha! That's rich. The Allfather mourning a prisoner? I should feel honored!"
Kagura shook her head, exasperated. "Is your relationship with your father truly beyond repair?"
She stepped closer. "But Loki… think about it. If your whole life has been a chase for the throne… is it really worth it?"
She looked him straight in the eyes. No trickery. No masks. Just a question that pierced straight to the soul.
"If you did get the throne you dreamed of, but at the cost of your father, your mother, your brother… everyone you've ever known would it really be worth it?"
"The thing most important… in my life?" Loki murmured, suddenly quiet, as if lost in thought.
'BOOM—!'
A sudden explosion rocked the dungeon.
Shouts and cries for help echoed from the far side of the prison.
"Oh?" Loki raised a brow, his smirk returning. "Looks like you're not the only guest in Asgard today, Kagura."
He chuckled, retreating lazily to his bed. "What a shame, our little chat ends here. I'll be staying right here, out of the way. Enjoy your visit."
———————————————————————
Some time earlier, in the depths of space…
The Dark Elf King, Malekith, handed a crimson gem to his last remaining general.
"This is the final Cursed Warrior crystal. Once used, it will transform you into an unstoppable force until the last drop of life leaves your body."
"Go. You are our last hope. Disguise yourself as a prisoner and infiltrate the Asgardian dungeon. Work from within, tear down their realm, and reclaim the Aether!"
"Yes, my King!"
"Good. We shall reclaim the universe that was once ours… and plunge it all back into darkness!"