Chapter Text
He was so easy to get to.
Thor had always been naïve and gullible, and Loki had no more difficulty fooling him this time around. It was disappointing, really.
All it took was a slight lowering of Loki's guard, a little flash of empathy, and one deft, deceiving movement… And Thor had become his.
"It's too late… too late to stop it," Loki breathed, his voice weary from fighting and feeling. He was weary—that wasn't an act, but his words were deceptive as ever.
He looked past Thor's shoulder, out over New York City from the balcony of Stark Tower, and saw the streets slowly filling with chaos. More Chitauri spilled down from the portal, being defeated more slowly as Thor was currently occupied. Loki's heart swelled at the beauty of the sight. His mind reeled with all the possibilities for the future of his reign, if only he could win it. He'd wanted this for so long, and now he just needed to push a bit more. The blackest thoughts spiraled through his head and tumbled out of his teary eyes as he glanced back at his brother.
Thor looked so vulnerable.
Loki didn't really know how he moved fast enough. He wondered if it was Thor's hesitation or his own, that finally turned the tide.
His scepter had been knocked from his hands previously and lay several feet away, and he stood prone, seemingly defenseless. Thor was too busy watching his eyes to notice the dagger held at Loki's hip. The moment he stabbed Thor and the god stumbled backward in shock, Loki switched places with a projection behind Thor, and picked up his scepter.
Thor didn't recognize the illusion until the real Loki grabbed him in a choke hold from behind, and brought the curved blade of his scepter up against Thor's chest.
Loki felt the scepter's power channel up through his arms, and for a moment he could feel Thor's heartbeat as the power seemed to connect their bodies. The God of Mischief gasped in happy surprise as Thor began to struggle, then stilled in his hold. Loki released him and stepped around to watch his would-be-brother's eyes in the final moments of the change. Loki saw his own disbelief mirrored in those eyes, along with a sweet wash of pain. It was a fitting betrayal.
"Sentiment… Again, it has cost you." Loki whispered, his smile broadening as he watched Thor's eyes widen in realization and fear, the last of him slipping away... Then the influence overtook him and his stormy gaze shifted to a sinister, icy blue.
Mjolnir fell from Thor's fist with a loud clunk, and the God of Thunder's face and posture assumed a blank, open manner. He stood up straight and his arms hung loosely at his sides, his new eyes staring straight ahead.
Thor's face was the most serene Loki had ever seen it. He still looked regal, but now his brow was relaxed, his expression was soft and empty… As if he could stand ready forever, like a statue atop a gravestone.
Loki lowered the scepter slowly and stood still for a few moments, barely hiding his shock.
That was much too easy... Maybe it wouldn't last? The power felt like it had taken a strong hold, but had he really turned the God of Thunder to his side? He stood a few paces in front of Thor, and stared at his serene face for several long seconds, waiting for a change, waiting for Thor to snap out of it… but he never did.
"…Thor?" Loki questioned softly, still keeping his distance, scepter at the ready.
Thor's new eyes slid to his, his head turning slightly. "Loki."
Loki blinked. "Not 'brother'?"
Thor's brow furrowed the slightest bit. "Would you prefer 'brother'?"
Loki suppressed a shiver as he realized what he had just done. Even Thor's voice had taken on a calm, cool tone. He'd never heard his 'brother' sound like that. Between them it had always been only worrying, arguing, pleading, or blaming.
But now… Loki realized that this was more than just his ticket to winning the war. This was the beginning of a new era.
"I would prefer 'Master'," he answered, and indulged in a grin, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"As you wish, Master."