Earth: Un-named Park

A young man in his mid teens at best is rummaging and exploring the wooded part of the park. He doesn’t look suited to the woods, stereotypical sagging jeans and ill fitting band t-shirt make him look a little bigger than he actually was but, overall his scrawny physique was apparent. These clothes sometimes snagged on branches and other plant life as he moved through the woods. He stumbled and tripped through a gap between two trees. The next sight his eyes landed was truly one to behold. The body of a black stallion but, it was odd. Tentacles in place of a tail and lining where it’s mane should have been. Regardless of the creature’s appearance the boy didn’t seem scared of it. He smiled and got out his phone from his pocket and began recording… himself… “Crikey dudes and dudettes look at this beauty…” the boy said to his camera as made sure to get the creature in the shot while doing a painfully obvious fake accent. “Holy shit I can’t wait till everybody gets a load of this. Chupacabra, Bigfoot, Nessi make way for a brand new star. What is this thing? It seems harmless enough… let’s touch it”. He narrated as he slowly got closer to the creature. The beast seemed to ignore him up until he went to touch it. The beast turned toward him looking at his hand those glowing red eyes shaking uncomfortably while making low moaning noises. “Woah! Uglier than I thought.” The boy hesitated a moment but, continued until his hand made contact with the creature’s snout. “Not scared of me huh? Are there others like you”? The boy asked petting it softly. The beast made a guttural horse-like noise before the tentacles on it’s mane wrapped around the boy’s arm. The sound of braking bones rang into the forest and so did the boy’s screams of pain. He dropped his phone now trying to pull away from the creature. “Fuck off! Let go of me”! In sheer agony he struggled but, his struggling was futile. The creature then went one step further as that strange maw took the wounded limb inside and relieved the boy of the arm clean at the break. Blood splattered profusely as the boy continued to scream. The animal responded by trampling him and running off into the forest. A much older man came onto the scene to find the boy on the ground. He went to the boy’s side with tears in his eyes.

“Leo!? Leo! What happened to you!? Leo answer me please”! The father begged as he searched for signs of life desperately. “Shit”! The older man called out as he got out his phone. Before he could even start dialing the beast returned in full gallop and trampled the older gentleman without warning. With the adult the beast turned and stomped on the man repeatedly and mercilessly. His screams slowly faded as the creature assaulted him until he fell silent. As the beast retreated it used its tail to grab the father by the ankle and dragged him behind itself.

Not far, a woman with short brown hair is talking to a park ranger while her young child plays on the playground behind her. Mom jeans and a pink blouse clad this woman, judging from her physique she is no stranger of the gym. The uniformed man seems to be writing things down as she spoke. “Please they went into the woods hours ago. My husband said he’d be right back. And I can’t get him or my eldest to answer their damn phones. I wouldn’t even bother you but, we’re gonna be late if they waste too much more time.” She said clearly unaware of the fate of her son and husband.

“Don’t worry ma’am. These woods aren’t very big and I know them like the back of my hand. I’ll bring them back. He assured as he too headed off into the woods. It didn’t take long to make contact with the creature. He saw it but, didn’t know what to make of it. It was a blur as it charged him. Out of instinct he dropped to the ground and out of the way of the creature but, out of the corner of his eyes he swore he saw a body being dragged behind it. “Was that”? He whispered as he followed the creature.

It emerged from the forest where the widow and her young son were waiting. The woman took a second to gather what had just come out of the tree line but, once she did she screamed out of fear then, out of panic as she noticed her husband being dragged behind it. “Micheal!?” She screamed at her husband as if expecting a response.

The young boy looked at the creature shaking out of fear. “Mommy? What is that thing”? He whimpered like an injured puppy.

“I don’t know honey but, stay away from it. Just back away from it”… she said trying not to panic.

“Why does it have daddy like that”? The boy asked still whimpering.

A combination of reason and instinct took hold of her as tears welled up in her eyes. “Hey!” She called to the creature as she started waving her arms to get its attention. “Don’t run sweetheart! Just turn and walk away! Mommies gonna get daddy back”! She lied as she kept flailing her limbs trying to keep the creature’s attention on herself. And it seemed to be working. The monster’s eyes locked onto her as she slowly began moving away from her son. “The boy…. she’s afraid” a voice whispered yet it was clearly heard over the madness. “No! Me! Focus on me”! The woman screamed frantically. The monster then, threw the husband’s body at her. It made contact knocking her to the ground. Then, as the voice instructed it took off towards the boy. The boy screamed but, the sound quickly broke as the beast took the boy into its mouth and swallowed him whole. The ranger came out of the tree line with his weapon drawn and immediately fired everything in his clip at the beast. This didn’t even cause it to flinch.

“What?”…. the ranger stared baffled as the creature only looked at him after it fully swallowed the boy. “What are you”? He stated clearly shaken by fear. Already loosing his grip on what’s real. The widow had pushed her husband’s corpse off herself and attempted to get up to run for her own life. The world seemed to loose its vibrancy for the ranger and all other sounds muted aside from the beating of his own heart. He watched completely powerless as the creature chased down and trampled the mother as well. “The dark… when all else is gone all that remains is the dark”. That daunting whisper chimed through the silence. The world returned to normal and when it did the creature was in the park ranger’s face.

Cindy walked with her phone to her ear onto the scene. “Yes yes I know. I know. Yes it’s a big decision. I already told you that I was on my way. Look I’ve already told you for the millionth time that I was on my way. I’m at that park across from the gym. I’ll be there soon and… we can talk about this….. in person…” Cindy said as her attention was grabbed by the site of the park ranger now missing his head and his body falling to the ground. She dropped her phone out of shock almost in perfect timing of the dropping body.

Blood… so much blood. It litters the once peaceful soil of what used to be a playground. The cause, this beast. It only resembled a horse in shape. It’s bigger than your average horse and has an odd cone-like snout that does not close and appears to not have a single tooth and yet has the power to sever limbs and swallow children whole. The beast has a tentacle in place of a tail as well as a mane composed of tentacles. The sounds it made were guttural and unnerving, overall unpleasant to be in earshot of. Imprinted in its midnight dark hide are hints of twisted human faces, moving as if trying to come out of the monster. It’s glowing red eyes are focused on something as it makes odd jerking movements. It then stomped the ground a few times aggressively as it locked onto its next victim. Cindy…

Cindy’s heterochromial eyes look upon the beast with obvious fear reflecting in them . She is shaking uncontrollably and even though the sun is out and there are no signs of cold her breath could be seen. “The fuck is that thing?” She asked out loud. Her muscles refused to move as she simply stared at the creature. The monster then reared onto its hind legs like a horse would before charging at Cindy. She screamed loudly as her voice echoed into the battle torn park. Before it made contact she dropped and rolled out of the creature’s path. “It’s like a fucking nightmare”! She announced as she went back onto her feet flawlessly and continued looking at the creature. Three Lokis appeared in front of Cindy suddenly.

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“I got it from here. You can go”. The Loki in the middle stated confidently as he waved her off. She smiled and responded as she tried running away. All three Loki make the ‘bring it on’ hand gesture towards the monster. The hellish nightmare charged. It seemed to ignore Loki entirely and continued its path towards Cindy. All three Loki’s look confused. “Uhhh he seems to like you”! All three Loki call to her. Cindy rolls out of the way of the beast once again.

“Thought you said you got it”! She shouted back in a irritated tone.

“Sorry! He’s not buying what I’m selling”! The Lokis call back as they run towards the creature. Even surrounding it to make it feel cornered. Even this doesn’t seem to work. It locks right back onto Cindy and attempts it’s attack again. Over and over this pattern continued and over and over Cindy kept dodging it.

“Fuck! Why me”? She complained as she noticed the creature stopping sooner and sooner after she dodged. “We’d better think of something soon! It’s gonna adjust and get me one of these times”! She called just before it began another charge. This time as soon as she rolled it stopped, reared and stomped the ground where Cindy recovered to. “Jesus!” She screeched as it barely missed her. It was too close to her now. In that moment Hanna appeared and punched the horse demon in its jaw. Cindy darted into the tree line.

Loki then appeared next to Hanna. “Welcome to the party”. He stated happily. Hanna trembled as she stared at her fist. She wasn’t afraid like the others. She was excited and it showed on every movement and that big grin on her face. The creature was stunned by the punch for only a moment or two. Before long though it reared up preparing to stomp on Hanna. “Oopsie”. Loki got out as his illusion vanished. The beast came down and Hanna grabbed it by the ankles.

Hanna laughs out of surprise. “Holy shit! I’m doing it! Ha ha! This feels amazing”. She said as she threw the beast onto it’s back. It struggled but, eventually got back onto its feet.

“Gungnir!” Loki shouted as Odin’s golden spear appeared in his hand. He then ran to Hanna’s side and offered her the spear while the beast seemed to throw a short tantrum. Before locking back onto the pair of them.

Hanna took the spear from Loki and her eyes turned that milky white as in her head played Odin using the spear to slay creatures similar to the one they fought now. Her eyes returned to normal as she held the Gungnir at the ready. “It’s called a horror. They are a manifestation of pure fear. It’s killable”… she blurted out while watching the horror that started charging at her.

“Helpful”… Loki responded sarcastically as Hanna and he separated and dived out of the way of the charging beast. “Dainslief!” Loki called out bringing a twisted looking sword out magically. The weapon only about a foot long from end to end and sported a black handle with a green glowing gem on the end of it.

The creature looked at both Loki and Hanna as if thinking. The beast then turned around quickly that tentacle tail took hold of Hanna’s wrist and the horror took off running. Hanna was now being drug behind the beast screaming. The monster’s path was cut short by Loki. Literally the beast didn’t go far before Loki caught up with it and severed its tail, Hanna fell from it and the horror slowed and even stumbled as if it were drunk. Loki walked in front of it and cut at it’s throat with that odd blade of his. The horror dropped dead a few seconds after.

“Impressive… it took two cuts from Dainslief…” Loki said aloud as his weapon vanished.

Hanna got up from the ground using the gungnir to stand and even to peel the tentacle partially wrapped around her wrists. “Okay. I think my decision is made. I’ve never felt more alive in my entire life. She said proudly as she admired the golden spear. “I want to be Odin. I want to understand these visions. I want to wake up. So, what’s first?” She asked looking to Loki with a big confident grin on her face.

Loki watched as the horror’s body slowly bubbled and faded like it was being eaten by acid until it was completely gone. His gaze then made its way to Hanna. He smiled as he walked towards her. “I think the first step should be teaching you about the Magical Arsenal”. He said with lingering questions about the beast Hanna identified as a horror.

“I’m guessing that’s that place where you put that kick ass sword you used to slay the horror? Can I see that thing? What did you call it”? She asked approaching Loki while brushing herself off of the dirt the horror dragged her through.

“Dainslief. It’s a magical blade that can only be unsheathed with the intention to kill behind it. It also, can’t be put away or even cast aside without first taking a life. Convenient speaking it kills just about anything with a single scratch”. He explained as he touched his left rib like he was in pain.

“But? That’s an exaggeration right? Cause, if not, you cut that horror twice”. She stated now sharing Loki’s concern.

“Yep… so, the magical-“ Loki got out before Hanna gasped.

“Loki!? What about these people? Can we help them”? She gasped again looking around. “Where’s Cindy”!? She asked looking around frantically.

Loki sighed. “Right… the people. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do for them. It’s best if we let the human authorities tend to this.” He said starting to walk away.

“Wait! But, if we flee we look guilty”! She pointed out.

“They won’t believe you. A mutant horse did this? We killed it? Where’s the body? Remember, magic isn’t real to them. It’s better if it stays that way. There is evidence that points to an animal being what murdered these people. There is no reason to make it more complicated.” He said solemnly as he resumed walking, Hanna close behind him.

“It just seems wrong…” she stated with hesitation in her step as she followed him.

The pair of them fled the scene in the park and Hanna follows Loki to the new location of Hanna’s first lesson.

Valley of Heroes

Thor returned to his allies who were sitting on the steps leading to the Norse temple. Bellona shook her head at a clearly wounded Hercules. He has a large smile on his face though as he looked to Thor.

“Was it everything you’d hoped for?” Thor asked giving the musclebound hero a smile that said he knew the answer.

“Not since I was mortal have I faced an opponent quite so challenging. He’s more methodical than my father yet, just as strong. I’m excited to get stronger and challenge him again”. Hercules said humbly before relinquishing another toothy grin.

“He got two hits in…” Bellona put bluntly as she teased the currently wounded hero.

“I got three. You would have had your apology Thor”. Hercules responded over Bellona not quite at a yell.

“He gave you that first hit”. Bellona retorted bluntly.

“A decision he regretted”! Hercules boomed triumphantly as he looked to Thor. “But enough about my success. You look like you have news”. Hercules added with a head gesture towards Thor.

“Indeed”… Thor began. “Our enemy’s name is Cthulhu. After hearing a little about him from Ganesha I decided to visit Thoth’s library. According to the texts there are four seals that help bind him in a inter-dimensional prison. One of these seals has already been broken. So, we have a choice to make. Do we ready up and go to the next seal to defend it? Or do we use what time we have to research a backup plan for if Cthulhu escapes?” The thunder god asked looking to each of them.

“Back up plan? Like we loose?” Hercules asked with genuine confusion in his voice.

“Where is this seal?” Bellona asked her face more determined than concerned.

“Asgard….” Thor said tears welling up in his eyes.

Hercules and Bellona look to each other before looking back to Thor. Hercules smiled to his friend and got to his feet offering his hand. “I promised you the day we met that one day we would go to your home and reclaim it in the name of your father. For hundreds of years my father and I have been gathering other deities’ support in this campaign. If nothing else we can use this as a scouting mission. The first step in taking back your home. I say we go. And who knows, maybe we can reclaim it just the three of us?” The bigger man winked as he pushed his hand closer to Thor.

Thor looked at the hand a moment before taking it firmly in his own. “Thank you my friend. Then, we shall head to Asgard. If either of you have any last minute preparations to make now will be the time. For Asgard”. He finished proudly.

Seaside Storage Facility

Hanna breathes heavily staring at an empty hand. “Gungnir!” She called as some sparks emitted from her palm but, the weapon was not produced.

“You’re close. I can feel it. Again”. Loki said not even looking at her and read from the screen of a cell phone.

Hanna nodded as she rose her right hand out as if reaching for something just barely beyond her fingertips. “Gungnir”! She called again. This time the sparks of lightning were bigger until the legendary weapon appeared in her hand. She dropped to her knees but used the Gungnir to hold herself up.

The sound of two sets of hands applauding echoed through the building loudly. Loki put down his tea smiling to the intruders. “Glad you could join us… Ravana, and the lovely Lord Shiva” Loki stated calmly

The sound of applause grew louder as Shiva and Ravana got into the line of site of Hanna and Loki. The pair of them still clapping their hands slowly. “That was what, her second? Third try”? Shiva asked maliciously.