Thor's face was grim, his eyes fixed on Kurogai as if demanding an answer. His younger brother was bloodied and shaken, and though Loki was mischievous, he was still Thor's kin. Thor could not simply let this go.
"Explain yourself," Thor said firmly. "Loki is my brother. You've struck him down. I will have a reason for this."
Kurogai's expression remained calm, though his tone was edged with ice. "An explanation? I'd like one as well. I was quietly reading when an assassin appeared and tried to end my life. Tell me, Thor, was I supposed to sit still and let him drive a blade into my back? Am I to stand here as someone's prey? Do you take me for a fool?"
The sharpness of his words hit harder than his magic. For a moment, Thor faltered. He knew his brother too well. Loki's mischief was boundless, and while assassination was not his usual method, it wasn't impossible.
"This…" Thor hesitated, caught between loyalty to his brother and the truth of Kurogai's words.
"I wasn't trying to assassinate him!" Loki burst out, still weak from the fight. His outrage was so fierce he nearly coughed up more blood. "I only came to test him! He twisted everything! I never intended—"
"Enough, Loki!" Thor snapped, silencing him. "Your pranks go too far, and I will deal with you later."
Thor turned back toward Kurogai, his voice heavy with sincerity. He bowed his head slightly. "Kurogai, forgive me. My brother has long been spoiled. His tricks have caused trouble before, and it seems they've caused trouble again. I apologize that you were caught in this. Please, overlook his foolishness."
It was clear Thor trusted Kurogai's account more than Loki's. After all, Loki was infamous for his lies, while Kurogai had spoken plainly. To Thor, this was just another prank that had escalated too far.
Loki's face twisted in disbelief. "Thor! You don't believe me? Did you even look? Sif collapsed on the ground when I arrived! Is that not proof enough?"
At the mention of her name, Thor's eyes widened. "Sif? What has happened to her?"
He hurried toward her, alarm flashing across his features. He had asked Sif to escort Kurogai, and the sight of her unconscious weighed heavily on him.
"I would also like to know why she fell," Kurogai said evenly. "It was the moment Loki arrived that she fainted. I can only assume he knocked her out to avoid being discovered. He failed to assassinate me and was forced into the open."
Thor clenched his jaw, anger rising. "Loki! You've played the fool long enough, but this? Striking down Sif and raising a hand against a guest of Asgard? I will not forgive this. When Father learns of it, Odin himself will judge you."
Loki could hardly contain his fury. A thin line of blood traced his lips, not from Kurogai's blow this time, but from sheer frustration. "Thor, you—" His voice broke, swallowed by rage. His brother's blind faith in another over him was unbearable.
"Thor, one day you'll realize how wrong you are," Loki spat bitterly. "When Sif awakens, you'll understand. Until then, stay blind!"
Unable to stomach it any longer, Loki stormed away, muttering curses under his breath. The very sight of Thor's stubbornness made him want to strike his brother down with his own hands.
"I'm sorry," Thor said quietly, watching Loki vanish. He turned back to Kurogai, his voice heavy with shame. "My brother is… difficult. I hope you can forgive him, and me, for this disgrace."
Kurogai gave a faint smile, his tone neutral. "It's fine. Loki, the God of Mischief and Lies. His reputation precedes him."
In truth, Kurogai knew the matter was settled in his favor. Loki had attacked first, and Sif's state only reinforced his version of events. Still, Kurogai had prepared for this. When he had left Sif's dream, he had woven subtle protections into her mind, ensuring she would not recall his earlier manipulations. When the time came, she would remember only what he allowed.
Thor lifted Sif into his arms carefully. "I'll take her to the healers. Then, I will escort you to my father. Odin has agreed to meet with you and hear what you've come to discuss."
The mages of Asgard worked quickly, detecting traces of hypnotic magic on Sif. They began unraveling it at once. Out of sight, Kurogai subtly aided the process, using his Dream Eyes to guide her back to waking.
Sif stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. She blinked in confusion at the circle of concerned faces. "Thor? What… what happened to me?"
"You were under a spell," Thor said gently. "Do you remember what you saw before you fell?"
Her brow furrowed. For a moment her thoughts were foggy, then something clicked. She drew in a sharp breath.
"I… I saw Loki."
_____
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