vatheon | Fortress of Solitude

Entry tags:

Fortress of Solitude

Who: Loki and you
Where: The Fog of Silence (Loki's home in the forest)
When: Afternoon
Style: Any
Status: Open

It's been some two weeks since Loki arrived in this world, since he left Midgard. It was just one thing after the other. There was a cosmic intergalactic battle between the Chitauri and the Avengers, his transport back to Asgard, having his mana temporarily stripped as he arrived in Vatheon and meeting all manners of beings he was not prepared for. Frankly, it was just too much for Loki. He was just exhausted.

Things have gone way out of hand since he was intercepted by the coral. He had had spontaneous fights. He had had his identity compromised by some higher beings because of his carelessness. And he probably had made both friends and enemies he never planned on making, never had the desire of making.

Enough. He just wanted to back away and rest for a bit. There was too much excitement to be accounted for and Loki was just tired. He had been wandering the forest and he felt like he just wanted to stop. He chose a tree with a strong trunk and laid by it. He dropped his head and smiled before he drifted off to sleep.

"Look, Father. Look at how I follow in your footsteps. I am about to enter the 'Loki-sleep'."

Days passed and the forest around Loki began to grey. Fog seeped in from nowhere until it gave the area an image of ghostliness - devoid of color and sound. It was not cold. It was just eerie. But Loki found solace in his solitude, content enough to continue sleeping.

That is, of course, until someone chanced upon him. Someone was approaching, probably bewildered by what happened to this part of the woods.

"I know you're there," Loki said, eyes still closed. "Don't worry, I won't harm you." Not to the fullest extent, at least.

"Why don't you introduce yourself?"

(ooc warning: The Fog of Silence blocks all forms of magic/energy projection. You can't use any abilities as long as it involves exhibiting some form of energy from your body. Any enchantments cast while outside will deactivate while within the Fog. Only naturally augmented/ innate skills like super-strength or flight will be unaffected. The Fog does not have permanent/lasting effects. Once you leave it, your powers will be the same as before.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Serph was familiar with the vast majority of Vatheon and the island, so when he saw the strange fog -- though he'd only encountered such a thing once before -- he felt a need to investigate. Last time there had been fog, a nurse had been killed. Nevertheless, Vatheon was still a far more peaceful place than his home and it made him indulge in his curiosity more readily.

Peace made him just that little bit less cautious.

Serph wasn't surprised at the voice that called him out -- he hadn't exactly been quiet in his wandering -- though the voice wasn't one he recognised. The words were curious -- "I won't harm you," as if there's an expectation he would -- but Serph brushed it from his mind.

"My name is Serph." His voice was calm and even, and he tilted his head in a silent request for this stranger's.

[ooc: Does the Fog of Silence block things like transformations? Serph is part demon and can shift freely between a human and demon form. The demon is part of him, so it's not like a transformation spell. In Serph's canon, sealing magic doesn't seal his ability to transform. I thought it'd be safest to ask you whether Serph can/can't transform.

Also, just to double check, is this in the forest within the underwater city, or one of the forests on the island?]

Loki smiled.

"How trusting this world must be if a wanderer like you is comfortable enough to willingly give out his name."

Loki opened his eyes and stood tall. He gauged the stranger, eyeing him from head to toe. Loki was capable enough to defend himself even without magic, but with his recent encounters with the people of this world, it's still possible that he could be surprised.

Not that Loki is itching for a fight. He just wanted to be prepared for anything. And with Loki being the God of Mischief, that anything usually stands for trouble.

"I am Loki. I would ask pardon if what happened to this part of the woods alarms you, but it is as it is for I have claimed it as my home."

"Serph, was it? Was it just by chance that you happened upon me or do you come here with purpose?"

[ooc: Underwater city, and yes, since it's innate in you, you can keep the transformation skill. The only thing it blocks is if you start breathing fire or throwing out energy or something :) ]

Edited 2012-06-25 18:58 (UTC)

Serph had never encountered anyone who spoke in such a strange manner, but Loki was easy enough to understand. He had no reason to hide his name; too many knew him, both in his home world and in Vatheon for him to remain an unknown presence. After all, it's hard to forget someone who had an appearance like Serph's.

But his mind paused briefly over the use of the words 'woods'; he'd never heard the word before, but context helped him decipher the meaning. Woods was the same as forest, correct? Serph shook his head. "Sorry for the intrusion."

He didn't intend to encroach on someone else's territory, but since Loki didn't seem particularly bothered by his presence, Serph didn't excuse himself immediately. After all, Serph lived nearby and he liked getting to know his 'neighbours'.

His voice didn't change in tone from his earlier words when he spoke again. In fact, there's hardly any change in facial expression as he talked. "Last time there was fog in Vatheon, a local had been killed."

The reason for his investigation.

[ooc: Excellent, thanks!]

"Oh there's no need for apologies. After all, I was the one who altered this place. I hope I have not defiled anything of importance to you or anyone."

Loki was starting to like this Serph. He was curt and concise. No nonsense, whatsoever. Not wanting to cause some more unwarranted conflict, he dropped his studying gaze and smiled cordially.

["I have no need nor desire to antagonize him now. After all, it is best to keep possibilities of alliances... or subjugation open."]

"I am quite sorry to hear about said death. My condolences to those who weep for him."

Serph seemed like a man of duty. Was he here to investigate? It seemed likely. Hearing about the death didn't make Loki feel sorry at all. In fact, he was delighted to hear that at least some mischief underway in this otherwise small and quiet world. Perhaps detouring into Vatheon won't be such a drag after all.

"I believe my fog has raised your suspicions, yes? However, you will find no connection of it to me. I am but a new arrival and any death found in my vicinity is not yet of my responsibility."

Though Serph lived near the forest, it wasn't his territory. As long as Loki's territory wasn't encroaching on the territories staked by the others who lived within the forest, Serph saw no problem with Loki setting up shop here.

...Technically the local who died was a 'her', but Serph saw no need to correct Loki. Instead, Serph made note of the emphasis on the 'yet' in Loki's final statement, but made no outward indication of doing so, nodding in acceptance of Loki's explanations. Serph had no reason to take Loki's words at anything other than their face value, after all.

"How have you found your stay so far?" Serph was always curious about the feelings others had towards the underwater city, though there's little hint of that in his voice, which remained at its usual steady and calm tone.

Loki was imagining the machinations of Serph's mind. It was impressive of him to not take reckless action from an otherwise prodding statement. Cool and collective. A definite improvement from the loud and blundering children he had met earlier.

"Quaint. I've initially thought it boring to be in a world where everyone is either a total do-gooder or one with a permanent vacation mindset, but I've encountered an individual or two who should provide me some entertainment during my stay."

Loki began pacing as he told all this to Serph, his arms firmly folded and locked behind his back. One or two won't be enough though. Loki felt it necessary that the more people playing a game, the better.

"And who knows? Perhaps in the near future, you may find me joining in, adding my own brand of excitement to this world."

Serph tilted his head when Loki said 'total do-gooder' and 'vacation' -- they weren't terms he'd heard before -- but said nothing, allowing him to finish; Loki seemed to be the kind who liked to talk. Maybe he liked the sound of his voice? Nevertheless, Serph didn't mind indulging that kind of behaviour, listening. But aside from the tilting of his head at the unfamiliar words, he remained still, watching Loki as he paced. His own brand of excitement? Serph personally preferred the sedate life Vatheon offered, but he was aware that wasn't the case for all who lived in Vatheon.

However, a hint of curiosity was present in his voice when he asked, "What would 'your own brand of excitement' entail?"

Serph had a pistol holstered by his side, but in all this time talking to Loki, he hadn't made any move towards it.

"Ah yes, the curiosity does sink in."

Loki continues his pacing, seemingly enthralled and maddened by his own words, pushing himself to continue. Everything to him is a show. There must be a stage, drama, a plot, a twist, a game. Loki couldn't being idle. Everything must always be dramatic and poetic and just. That is why he can't stand some of the people who chose to live this alternate life in Vatheon as a retreat from their previous lives. To him, this was the chance for a redux, a chance to improve on past performances. To Loki, he must put on a better show here in Vatheon.

Even now, as he continues in his speech, he acts. He acts like he is absorbed in his words and ideals, but they were words practiced in time. His attention was focused on gauging Serph from the corner of his eye.

["How can I derive fun from this particular man?"]

He was sleek and serious. Quiet. Level-headed. And he had a gun. Loki assumes he is a soldier of some sort. And of course, with people of duty, they are often defenders of some body of idea or people. And what do defenders do best?

["Defend"]

Loki touched the tips of the knives bound by a belt by his back as he kept his arms folded behind him, his smile unchanged from before.

"Would you care for a sample of my talents, Serph?"

Serph just calmly watched Loki's actions, waiting patiently for him to get to the point. Loki's assessment was quite correct; Serph was a soldier. And it's very true he would defend his people, the people of Vatheon, and kill in the process of doing so. But it's more accurate to say he'd prefer to peacefully lead them.

Serph had never encountered hidden weapons on those with a human appearance -- demons often had blades hidden within their bodies -- so Loki's posture was nothing unusual or suspect to him. But those words... those were words that were itching for a fight, regardless of the answer he'd give. Nevertheless, Serph still didn't make any move towards his gun; a gun was not to be used unless he intended to kill.

While his expression didn't change, there was a hint of resigned amusement in his voice. "My answer doesn't matter, does it?"

i.e. Bring it, pretty boy. It's your move.

Fai had been out exploring, something he did on a fairly regular basis, when the forest starts to change around him. He enjoyed taking walks in the woods because it was peaceful and this area was particularly pretty. However, it seemed some of the forest's normal brilliance was lacking.

He stopped as he entered the fog and looked around, "That's strange..I wonder where this came from?" He continued in further, wondering if some outside source was causing it because it hardly seemed natural for the bubble.

When that voice reached his ears, he tensed and that one golden eye looked around for its source. He spotted the man under the tree and relaxed a bit as he walked up with his normal smile in place.

"Good afternoon! I'm Fai. I don't think we've met."

[I'm going to guess that Fai would still have his vampire abilities? He has to activate them but its still a natural ability.]

"I just love how people in this world are so accommodating to strangers."

Whether it was sarcasm or not, Loki marveled at how many introductions he had encountered these past few weeks. Was everyone in this world really that trusting?

He opened his eyes but remained leaning against the grey trunk. He sensed something strange about this Fai, but then again, almost everyone else he has met in this world had something special a quality to them.

"Fai, huh? My name is Loki. I hope you don't mind what I did to the place. I somehow always manage to bring a piece of home with me wherever I go."

[Yup, all physical augmentations remain intact. As long as you don't try throwing fireballs, we're good]

Something like surprise flickered across his face at the mention of the name Loki. He suddenly tensed but tried to keep that smile on his face. That was a name he was particularly familiar with thanks to a friend of his whom had encountered someone by that name. Fai decided he had better proceed with caution.

Normally he would get much closer when in a conversation, but for now he stayed a few feet away, suddenly trusting this fog a whole lot less then he was originally.

"Nice to meet you, Loki. So you made the fog? Thats a pretty interesting trick! Is your home a really foggy place? I was surprised when I walked into the woods. I had never seen it like this before! Do you like the fog?"

The talkative vampire decided that this was his chance to find out as much as he could about the other man. Not that, that was unusual for him. He almost always questioned people about their worlds upon first meeting them.

It was fleeting, but it was there. Though that smile never left Fai's face, there was something in his eye that twitched in hesitance at the mention of his name. Loki shouldn't be too surprised. His reputation often preceded him. After all, how is it even possible to hide that one is a God of Mischief?

That smile. Whether it was to assure himself or to hide his intentions, Loki was impressed with just that smile.

Whether Fai turns out to be an ally or enemy, Loki will be sure to indulge in the encounter. It's refreshing to happen upon someone who watches his step after having battled countless idiots who just bluster through everything like a thunderstorm.

["This man is learned. I should be careful. We both have our masks on. Who knows what the other hides beneath their own?"]

"My fog does have certain unique qualities to it. It keeps me in check in more ways than one."

["How scholarly of him to show curiosity. Perhaps it is not such a bad idea to entertain the guest. There might be something else about him that maybe of interest to me."]

"Keeps you in check?" Fai tilted his head a little with a rather quizzical look on his face. "What do you mean by that? Is the fog special?" Fai could sense something a bit off about the air around him now that he was really concentrating on it. Even though he no longer had any magical abilities, he was still able to sense magic or powers. He had a feeling that Loki was capable of many very dangerous things.

Fai has been through enough battles himself to know when to be careful and when to move forward. He wasn't the best of fighters, but his abilities had improved over the past year thanks to his new set of vampire skills. He had been forced to get used to them quickly thanks to the world they had landed on. He hoped he wasn't going to need to use them on this day.

It shouldn't be a secret. Loki doesn't even know how the Fog of Silence came to follow him into this world. All he knows that it is that that same nullifying force from Asgard's Isle is now also seeping through the trees of Vatheon. It would be funny (for Loki) to watch a passerby to just happen upon it and fret over the alien effects of the mist, but there's no probably no harm in telling at least one other person what it is.

"It is a limiter. It blocks out all forms of energy projection including magic. Back in my world, this fog was used to imprison the most volatile of sorcerers. But I find solace in it. It's a comforting assurance to know that I will not be capable of wanton destruction nor darkness in one place. That is how I am assured of sanctuary."

"My apologies,though. Is it affecting you somehow?"

"I see...if it brings you such comfort, does that mean you are a dangerous person?" A playful smile came to Fai's lips as he looked towards Loki. Joking and playing around were often his ways to avoid uncomfortable situations. "Should I be worried that I am in trouble? I don't really feel any affects of the fog but then again, I don't have any magic in my body anymore."

"I was right about you then."

Loki tightens how his arms are folded behind him. He had magic in him. Was Fai dangerous as well that fate has taken his magic away or was he just unlucky to have lost it? He seems capable enough to be well practiced in the art.

"I am only dangerous to my enemies. You need not fear if you don't plan on becoming one."

Loki looks away from Fai and wonders what would happen if his magic was taken from him too. It already happened once when he first entered the Fog, but Loki learned to adapt, to live with it, to defy it and keep his magic. He could not imagine himself without magic. It was the one thing that made him powerful, that made him worthwhile.

"Tell me, Fai. Do you miss it? Your magic?"

Fai is going to do whatever it takes to prevent himself from becoming Loki's enemy. He dislikes fighting and he has a feeling he wouldn't stand a chance in an actual fight with this man.

He holds up his hands as he shrugs, "I gave up the rest of it by choice. It would be useful to have once in awhile, but sometimes magic does nothing but bring misfortune. I'm more content not having that kind of burden."

And it had definitely been a burden..so much trouble had been caused because of his powers. Being one of the strongest mages almost any world has known has its consequences.

It hadn't been more than a day since his arrival, and Aya had made it his mission to explore this place as much as he could. There may be a way out of this place, despite being so far below the sea, or at the least he could meet his captors. From his experience, he would more than likely encounter the latter.

The farther he traveled, he less noise he could hear from the lively city. It was only logical, and didn't phase him. What was odd was a thick fog in the near distance. It wasn't anywhere else he explored so far. He stopped a few feet away, going over the pros and cons of entering. He could always just wait for Ken to venture with him, but Aya was impatient. A trait he thought he dropped a while ago.

With a grip on his sword, he ventures forth, and found complete silence within. It was off putting and slightly disorienting, until he heard a voice. Turning toward where it came from, Aya found a man resting at a tree. Even if his posture seemed relaxed, Aya still kept his guard up.

"Usually most that say they mean no harm actually mean the opposite." Aya won't easily give his name just upon a suggestion he do so.

Loki was amused.

"How smart of you, child. I was actually getting frustrated that everyone in this world is so trusting and confident- too accommodating to strangers- that they drop their guards completely. It's boring."

Though the stranger is equipped with a sword, Loki made no move to impose or defend. He remained lazing about, comfortable by his tree.

"But don't worry. I'm not actually bored enough to cause some excitement myself, as you imply. Not in my home at least."

As Loki lay, he let his fingers find their way to a hidden pocket in his coat. He stroked the knives underneath, but to anyone else looking, it looked like he was just scratching his stomach through his clothes. There was no need to fight the young man... yet. But, there was no harm in being prepared for a little bit of fun.

"I figure you must be new here, then."

Child? He hadn't been called that in a long while.

"Not everyone should let their guard down in unfamiliar territory." If what this person was saying were true, then there are careless idiots about. For the moment, there wasn't a need to defend himself, but his grip on his weapon didn't falter.

"I've been here long enough to know this place isn't ordinary." Divulging whether or not he was freshly admitted to this city wouldn't be the smartest move. "This area isn't like the others, though."

Loki stood up and stretched, dusting off the dust and leaves that clung to his clothes. He was expecting some form of entertainment from the stranger but he was being too practical and sensible for Loki's tastes. It became apparent to him that he was going to instigate things himself if he wants some action tonight.

["So much for wanting to rest."]

"Yes, there is something special about this fog. It was made to resemble the one I had back home."

"There's just something particularly comforting about the fog. With your vision obscured, being barely able to see more than a few feet, you don't have to look so much further ahead. All you have to focus on is what you have directly in front of you. And the chill of it against your skin, ah, how it soothes the burning agitations. This fog is haven for those who tire of life. Why continue to struggle in chaos when you can just... submit to the quiet?"

"This is my home, child. This is my domain. I welcome you into its embraces."

This guy was majorly creepy, almost in the sense of Schwatrz or Eszett. Which was saying something. This thick fog, the quietness, and the monologue. It all didn't sit well with Aya, and that was enough and all the alarm he needed.

"Your hospitality is appreciated, but I don't plan to overstay my welcome."

"Oh, but I insist, child. What kind of a host would I be if I didn't indulge you properly in my home?"

In one swift fluid motion, Loki reached behind him and flung something in the stranger's direction. He did not aim to hit and he would have just noticed a quick and sharp breeze graze against his cheek.

Loki smiled and admired the still rocking knives that stuck to the tree several feet behind the child.

Reading the other's movement ahead of time proved crucial. It was only a split second when their muscles contracted to toss something at him. Aya rolled to the side and was on his feet in a crouched position, hands at the ready to withdraw his sword. His eyes were narrowed and every fiber in his body was on high alert.

"You have a twisted sense of hospitality."

Tatsumi, ever keeping himself busy, has noticed that a fog has appeared in an area of the forest. This is a suspicious event, so after making sure Tsuzuki is safely taking a nap at home, he goes off to the forest to explore the source of this mist.

He finds a stranger there, sitting calmly under a tree. Unfortunately, the other man has realized his there, and called for him to reveal himself. He has no choice than to step forward and introduce himself.

"Good evening sir. I didn't realize there was someone here."

"My, how polite of you. It's rare to find a well-mannered gentleman these days."

Loki sat up and studied the stranger. He displayed no hostility nor any other outward emotion. But Loki thought it best to keep his guard up. With everyone he's met so far in this world, there's no telling what this man is capable of.

"It may not be clear yet but I would like people to know that the fog signifies that I have claimed this part of the forest as my own. I would offer you a seat since you're a guest but, as you can see, I have not yet installed any furniture."

He must be used to dealing with polite people on his world then. "I don't see any reason to be rude. I trust you are enjoying your evening."

Tatsumi also studies the stranger. He doesn't exactly look threatening, but there's something about him that makes Tatsumi be wary. One can never be too careful. Especially since he doubts someone here could help him if something happened.

"You claimed this part of the forest, sir? Would you not rather live in the city? I'm sure you would find more comfortable, and furnished accomodations."

"That is true. However, I find some comfort in the gloom and quiet of this place. After all, it reminds me of a place I used to frequent as a young lad. Call me a romantic, but I prefer nostalgia and familiarity over luxury any day."

Loki laughed. He didn't mean to sound sentimental, especially to a stranger. Well, what's an intellectual to do in the face of an actual conversation after months of endless and mindless battles?

Loki stood and brushed the dirt off of him. He paced himself towards the stranger and stopped a good three feet from him. Now, they can see each other clearly even with the fog.

"My name is Loki of Asgard. If it pleases you, would you care to walk and move our conversation elsewhere?"

It was polite and innocent enough an invitation, but Loki knew that there was something off about this man. No one as prim and proper as the stranger would be wandering around willingly into an alien fog and still act as cool and composed as him. Loki needed to be ready for anything and the Fog of Silence may not be the best place for confrontation.

Tatsumi is not pleased by his answer. Not many people would call themselves 'romantic' in this way. He could always be just an eccentric aristocrat. But everything about him feels just wrong. So it's no surprise to him when the man presents himself as Loki of Asgard. The Trickster God. And the person he had been warned against by Fai.

"Loki-sama, then? You must be a god if you resided in Asgard... However, I don't see why we should move this conversation elsewhere." He's no fool to go anywhere with Loki. Tatsumi is in the god's domain, and clearly at disadvantage in case a confrontation occurs.

"Ah, but you see, I am afraid I am not receiving you as a guest properly. You must be in some discomfort to be in a suddenly discolored and quieted part of the woods. The chill, I'm sure, isn't helping either. How disgraceful a deity am I if I cannot even be gracious to mortal beholders. Surely you would enjoy continuing our little chat under... better circumstances."

Loki is both glad and a bit infuriated at Tatsumi's familiarity with the Norse pantheon. He is happy that he has a reputation that precedes him; infuriated that that reputation does not strike visible fear or alarm in the stranger, which could mean that he was prepared for this encounter. Loki silently curses that currently he has no access to his magic of telepathy as he is curious to know what is going on this man's mind, so maybe he should deal with this with just his silver-tongue. And if push comes to shove, his silver knives.

Well, Loki had the luck to meet a non-human resident of Vatheon. "Do not worry about that, Loki-sama. I don't really mind the discomfort. It is fine as it is. But if you must insist..." Frankly, he doesn't want to go deeper in his domain. Not during this first encounter anyway.

He doesn't trust this deity. Loki is well known to be a liar and a trickster. He must be wary and try not to go too far in this game. Not yet... First he needs to know if they have a reason to fear him, or he came in peace to this world.

The fog had caught his attention.

Link couldn't help but feel faintly wary at it - it reminded him, a bit too much, of the room in the Water Temple where he had first fought Sola. But Sola wouldn't do anything like this, would he? Not now, at any rate.

When he came across the man sleeping against the tree, he stopped, caught unawares at the hail. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," he said with a sheepish smile, "I'm Link."

"Do not worry. I have not known sleep in a long time. I do not mind being kept awake."

Loki sat up and looked at the stranger. His face never flinched, but he was surprised by the appearance of this Link. His golden hair. And those ears. Was he an elf? Loki, as a scholar, a sorcerer and an Asgardian by name, was always fascinated by the Light Elves as they are extremely magical in nature. How funny it is that he must find one (or at least someone that greatly resemble one) in the very fog that defies their nature.

"Link, was it? Are you an elf from Álfheimr?"

Edited 2012-06-26 17:33 (UTC)

"Álfheimr?" Link pronounced it slowly, forming the unfamiliar word carefully. "No - I'm a Hylian from Hyrule. People keep asking if I'm an elf," he added with a sheepish little smile, one hand on the back of his head. "I guess we look a lot like them."

"Ah, my apologies. Of course you can't be of Álfheimr. Not when you're in this fog."

Loki was a little disappointed. But he should've known better than to expect someone else from the same realm as he to wind up in this world - in the fog of the Isle of Silence, no less.

"What is this fog?" he asked carefully, glancing around. "Is it magic? I've seen fog that was magic before, but I think that was different."

No shadow clones about to go on the rampage, right? Right.

[Ryu was curious, disturbed a bit at the fog. His Dragon's Eye had activated, which meant there was an Endless around somewhere, so he entered into the fog, one eye with a cat-like pupil displayed.]

[The voice startled him, and he put a hand on his sword. He wanted to trust people, but this was odd. Still...]

I'm Ryu. Who are you?

Edited (WHATEVAH WHATEVAH I USE THE STYLE I WANT) 2012-06-26 17:09 (UTC)

"Oh there's no need to be battle-ready, child. I have stated that I am in no mood to harm people."

Loki sat up, eyeing Ryu from a distance, judging and studying him. Even with the magic nullifier activated within Loki's fog, there was something the God of Mischief senses within that boy.

["How funny this world is. I bring in a part of my world here and this world just throws everything that contests it right back at me."]

He chuckled. Loki wonders how he should toy with the stranger, but first, he figures he should first learn how short a fuse Ryu's anger had.

"My name is Loki, God of Mischief. And you are, I believe, standing in my realm. How do you do?"

Edited 2012-06-26 17:54 (UTC)

What? Gods of things like mischief, and not grass and rocks and wind? Huh. He tilted his head. That would explain why his Dragon's Eye activated.

"I think that makes us cousins, sort of, if you're an Endless like me. I'm okay. I was just wondering what the fog was, and what was wrong with the trees."

He relaxed slightly, smiling a bit.

["Oh good god, not another one."]

Loki can't take people who trust too much, people who are easily content or satisfied. He felt it a waste of intellect. He also didn't like people who can easily claim relationships with him. If he wasn't family enough for the people who raised him, why should a total stranger fare better?

Of course, Loki was just making excuses, finding ways to get into fights so that he can let off some pent-up anger, but in this world,he was free of Odin, of Thanos, of Thor. There was no need to keep himself in check as he was virtually cut off from everything in his past life. Here, he can do anything he wants.

"They're like that because I willed them that way."

Without hesitating, Loki reached into his hidden pocket and flung two knives at Ryu.

"As for the fog, perhaps you would like to see for yourself what it does. If you're like me as you claim, then you can take a hit."

The smile he has on now practically tore his face in two. Guess he didn't really want to rest at all. What we wanted to do now was to do what he has always been good at - mischief.

"Let's have some fun, shall we?"

"But why would y -"

Ryu's question was cut off as one of the knives hit him in the shoulder and one in the stomach. His expression turned serious as he pulled the knives out and tossed them to the ground, impaling them on a piece of fallen bark.

He had been trying to be nice, but if that was the way this one wanted to play, he could do that too. He didn't like it - and he suspected a lot of his instincts on this came from Fou-Lu - but he could do it.

"Don't do that."

"I'm not particularly an apologetic person so I hope you don't mind if I continue with what I was doing."

Loki grabbed another knife and played a small game of catch with it.

"And you shouldn't blame yourself either. You were really just unlucky to have encountered me. What can I say? I have a lot of feelings right now. And I'm not really the type to sing songs about it."

Loki began pacing, catching and throwing that knife with one hand without even looking at it for his eyes were trained on Ryu.

"I would have let you go if I had known that you were some mere mortal weakling. But you just had to announce that you're something special. Well, let's put that to the test, shall we?"

Loki hurled the knife towards Ryu. He didn't even bother to check if it hit to kill as he was busy plucking another knife from his pocket.

"It's not impossible that we could've been friends. But, you see, I was sleeping and you woke me up. Surely you can understand cranky wakers. Let's try again some other time but, for now, maybe you'd like another knife."

This was getting ridiculous. Ryu growled as another knife stuck in his shoulder and he pulled it out. He clenched his fist and was suddenly surrounded by a blue glow. He rose into the air and with a burst of light transformed, his hair shortening and changing color, his feet turning into claws, long spikes protruding from his back, and scales starting to cover his legs and arms.

He landed, and rushed towards him, going to try to punch Loki in the jaw.

Loki just stood there, finally getting the action he wanted. He was even surprised that Ryu had some latent ability the Fog was not suppressing at all.

All these bottled emotions - he just needed one big outlet to relieve himself. Then he can go back to a less destructive lifestyle. He had his arms neatly folded behind his back and stared Ryu down as he approached.

["I should probably let this hit. A good knock on the head will probably satisfy me.]

...

Or maybe not. It's not often Loki gets to relieve stress in fights.

["This must be the thrill barbarians feel. Such raw passion. Such mindless energy. Yes, this euphoria must be why Thor loved to fight so much."]

Loki sidestepped on the last possible moment, letting the punch graze his cheek. Loki had his face cut, but not after tripping Ryu as he charged past him.

"Maybe we should let this last a little bit longer."

Ryu rolled, springing up from falling, and turned. His expression darkened - he wanted to end this quickly but he didn't want to resort to using that. He wasn't sure if he could bring himself back from it without Nina here. But this... other... seemed like the kind of person to egg people on to get them to fight - and he'd seen enough of those.

He did note that his spells were sealed, but that wouldn't stop him. Instead he raced towards Loki again, leaning forward like he was going to punch but then backflipping to try to slice him with the claws on his feet.

Trunks hadn't intended to go so far into the forest, but when the fog started curling around his ankles and his energy, normally such a pervasive presence for him, shied away--he had to go farther. The sensation of the coral draining him was disturbing enough, but for all of his energy to be out of his reach, or his control, or whatever...whatever caused it...that was really cause for worry.

He was cautious in his approach, but not particularly silent...just on guard. He wouldn't be able to fly here, that technique relied on his ki, but he could still run, and he was still strong. Whatever power was behind this, it didn't change the fact that he was a Saiyan.

Half-Saiyan.

When he saw the man resting against the tree, heard his voice, the teenager stopped short.

"...why don't you introduce yourself first?"

"Now, now. You traipse into my sanctuary and wake me from my sleep yet you demand I introduce myself first?"

Loki didn't want to get up. He was already too comfortable on his back. Besides, seeing how unsettled the stranger is, Loki knew that the lad had been affected by the fog somehow. Loki can use that disorientation to toy with the lad even without his magic.

He also knows he shouldn't underestimate people, especially in this world where everyone had an otherworldly trick up their sleeves. But this was his domain. Any mouse that wanders in is fair game.

He sat up and stroked the hidden pocket in his tunic that contained several throwing knives. To anyone else, it would look like he's merely massaging his side, but people should know better. Loki will make certain that they do.

"But since I am such a gracious host, I will tell you my name. I am Loki of Asgard, God of Mischief."

Trunks' eyebrow raised. "Gracious indeed." Pardon his lack of social pleasantries, inbetween getting kicked through buildings and recovering from grievous bodily injuries sustained therein, Trunks' social skills came up a bit lacking.

"And I'm Trunks. Can't say I have many titles to back that up." Well, technically speaking he was a prince, he supposed, but somehow being a prince of a nearly dead species didn't seem very impressive next to someone claiming to be a god.

"Ordinarily, I would have just flown away when I saw someone sleeping, but that seems to be impossible at the moment. Sorry."

He wasn't exactly adept at tricking the trickster, but admitting that there was something going on here, messing with him, might get something out of the guy, if only a 'yeah I don't know what's up with that.'

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Fortress of Solitude

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now that I have finally seen The Avengers my body is ready for all the spoilers :|

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