Seaside storage facility: upon arrival

Hanna follows behind a fast paced Loki barely able to keep up simply by walking. She occasionally has to briskly jog to get back to his side. She looks around at the rundown building with a lack of enthusiasm. “At least the water’s pretty”. She announced as her gaze found the ocean that couldn’t have been more than twenty feet from the building Loki guided her to. “Do you own this place? You should take better care of it”. Hanna commented as she followed him through the previously, heavily locked front door. It was locked with a chain and padlock. Loki didn’t reach for a key though, he simply grabbed the lock and pulled it off. Hanna gasped. “This is breaking and entering”. She proclaimed with very real distress in her voice.

“Why? Because I broke the lock? Maybe I forgot the key. You don’t know”. He stated coldly as he entered.

Hanna joined him inside the rundown building. It didn’t seem to have anything of value inside. She looked around before looking to Loki with a guilty look on her face. “I’m sorry for accusing you back there. So, you said there was something I should learn. What is it? I’ve been dying to know the whole way here”. She said as her tone changed from guilt to excitement in no time at all.

“It’s called the magical Arsenal. This special otherworldly space is accessed when an ascended pulls an item passed reality and into their spirit energy. When something is stored in the magical arsenal it appears as an image upon the skin of the wielder. The size of the image usually takes the relative size on the body that reflects the user’s capabilities. In other words. If a sword doesn’t take up the entire surface area of your back then you have standard capacities in terms of your Arsenal. Most ascended don’t bother to hone this like any other skill but, those of us who do can not only carry more items but more complex items like animals or weapons with moving parts. There is even a story of an individual who stored a human being for a short duration. I believe that this skill will be the most useful as we push towards reaching your ascension. Oh and you were right to be suspicious I don’t own this place. Shall we begin”? He said all of it confidently as he shrugged and held out his hands summoning a pair of daggers, one in each hand.

Hanna’s eyes were full of childlike wonder as he explained but, when he confessed she glared at him and crossed her arms. She held this pose even after he pulled out the daggers.

“Relax Grumpy. No one will care, the guy who owns this place lives on the other side of the world pretty much and is a criminal so….. don’t worry about it. With that in mind, let’s get started”. He said as the daggers vanished and he summoned the legendary spear. “I know you two previously got acquainted but, this is the Gungnir. It was my father’s weapon of choice. They spent a millennia together and were inseparable the entire time… literally” he paused as he looked it over before returning his gaze to Hanna. “Now normally to open one’s spirit takes years of focus and meditation. But, fortunately for us, I picked up a skill that lets me put things in others’ spirit energy. Normally small things like a fly or a coin. It might sting a little to put a whole ass spear in your spirit energy”… he stated calmly as he examined the spear.

Hanna’s expression shifted to one of shock as he spoke. “You’re gonna put that in my spirit?... that sounds like it might kill me let alone ‘sting’ a little”. She stated as she backed off from him a short distance.

Loki simply laughed. “No no no. A spirit is energy. You can’t wound it anymore than you can damage sun’s rays as they hit your skin. You’re spirit will be unfamiliar with the sensation which will cause you pain but, other than that it doesn’t usually hurt. Unless the object rejects you”… Loki paused as he lifted his shirt to reveal the image of the Dainslief on his left set of ribs. The area around the image is red and black veins are clearly visible around it. He then covered it back up with his shirt just as quickly. “Don’t worry. This won’t happen to you. The Gungnir only accepts me because it can’t wait to return to you. Unlike my father, the Gungnir lacks patience”. Loki said offering Hanna the spear.

Hanna eyed the spear as she reached for it. Before her fingers made contact; blue lightning bolts came from the weapon as it started to vanish. Hanna’s eyes widened and dilate as the sensation quickly took over. Tears streamed down her face and she made pain filled grunting noises as she tried not to scream. Once the weapon completely vanished, Hanna fell onto her back. She lay there smiling as tears continued down her face. “Hello old friend”. She whispered as she tried to get up. She found it more difficult than she remembered. It was as if she was magnetized to the ground. “What the hell?! Why can’t I get up?!” She screeched as she continued to struggle.

Loki laughed hysterically as she struggled. “That’s my bad. I forgot to tell you the weapon still holds weight even in spirit form”. He got out as his fit of giggles ceased.

“Well shit! How much does this thing weigh?! I was holding it earlier and it didn’t feel this heavy”. She complained as she got into a seated position and held herself there as she started breathing with intense focus.

“Combination of you’re using muscles you’ve never used before and it’s actual weight. While in your hand the weight came as no surprise to you. You’ve used your hand lots I assume but, never your spirit. Asgardian weapons are vastly heavier than human weapons though…” he said with a nervous giggle.

It took some visible effort from Hanna. She even started to sweat but, eventually she got onto her feet. In that time Loki had set up a table and even had a pot of tea ready. He was taking a sip out of an expensive looking cup with literal gold around the edges as Hanna cleared her throat loudly. “Sorry to interrupt tea time but, what next? How do I get it out of me”? She asked holding herself up firmly.

Loki set down his tea slowly before speaking. “Call to it. Gungnir. Call her. She’ll show you”. He said waving her off with his fingers.

“Ok…” Hanna said as she inhaled sharply. “Gunganeer”! Hanna called loudly to find nothing happened.

“Gungnir”. Loki corrected.

“Gungnir”! Hanna tried again warranting no results.

“Again”. Loki stated as he sipped from his tea.

“Gungnir”! Hanna tried once more. This time a spark came from her right hand. Hanna looked excited as she stretched her hand out, reaching for something that wasn’t there. She tried over and over. The once brilliant sunlight fading as she tried well into the sun’s setting

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 using the Gungnir to hold herself up.

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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.

“WHAT!? What is-? What is she doing here!?” Hanna screeched as she struggled to catch her breath. She then aimed the legendary weapon at Shiva. She couldn’t hold this pose long though as she quickly returned to the weapon being a crutch to keep herself standing.

Shiva all the while just smiled a confident grin, almost like a teasing child. Loki put himself between the two girls. “First impressions aren’t always the greatest; I better than anyone understand that. But, we all want the same thing. The awakening of Odin’s soul”. Loki said looking between them.

“Actually, the priority should be awakening Lord Shiva’s soul. Shiva has the potential for true greatness”. Ravana chimed in crossing his arms and nodding slowly.

Loki started laughing before Hanna chimed in again. “She tried to kill me less than twenty-four hours ago”! She started before Shiva cleared her throat over her.

“I did not in fact try to kill you. If I wanted you dead I could’ve done so at the first shot. I did need to make it convincing enough to fool Odin’s soul”… The Hindu goddess let go in a lackluster tone as she rolled her eyes.

“See!? Nobody was in actual danger. Think of it as how gods say hello to other gods they haven’t seen in a really long time. Like a hug or when two girls just screech at each other”. Loki said confidently as he even added a nod.

“Do Gods have any other fucked up customs I should be aware of”? Hanna retorted sarcastically as she leered at Loki.

“Between ignoring their children and tormenting others for amusement I think most of them are covered”. Loki responded quickly in a equally snarky tone.

“I was….” Hanna hesitated. “Wait…. Are those real things”? She asked sounding sad.

“Of course not. That was just a bad joke. Right Ravana”? Shiva asked looking to the tattooed man expecting him to agree. He stood in silence in response though. “Ravana?”… Shiva tried again.

Ravana shook his head. “Loki is not entirely wrong. Zeus, Odin, Ra, there are many gods who have been notorious of such things… Even you Shiva. Need I remind you of Ganesha”? He paused while firmly holding his stance.

“Ganesha”? Hanna chimed in. She looked to the Hindu Gods who seemed to both gone quiet now. Her confusion well received by the present party. Loki placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Something to remember is these things happened. There is nothing anyone can do to change these events. They also don’t define who you are. The rebirth cycle is a symbol of change…” Loki stated calmly and even smiled as he deflected the inevitable question.

“Who is Ganesha? And what are you three talking about”? Hanna said starting to become aggressive in her stance.

“Ganesha is Shiva’s son. Before Ganesha was even born; Shiva left to travel the stars. He was gone for many years. Shiva was gone clear into Ganesha’s adulthood. When he returned Ganesha was a grown man and in Shiva’s home. Shiva severed Ganesha’s head from his shoulders. As it turns out Ascended can survive a duration without their heads. Not long but, enough time to hear the explanation of that being his son and healing him. Reincarnation cheated at the last moment. Now, Ganesha is one of the more unique Gods and more widely known and celebrated. Hard to forget the elephant man with four arms”. Loki commented with a smug raise of his shoulders.

Hanna looked to Shiva with fear and tears in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she tried not to cry. “He sounds awful… You? You want to become that”? The blonde choked out as the legendary weapon vanished.

“Nobody is perfect and the past doesn’t define us. I will be better than my previous incarnation. That should be your goal too”. Shiva responded coldly before summoning the jet black Trisula and aiming it at Hanna.

“Gung-“ Hanna began as sparks flew from her hand before exhibiting signs of fainting. Loki caught her and lowered her to the ground slowly.

“The dreamer will not wait Loki”. Ravana stated sternly as he looked at Hanna; his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed.

“I’m aware”… Loki paused as he too looked to Hanna.

“Her progress is abysmal. You waited too long Loki. You do intend to fix this don’t you? What will we do without Odin”? Ravana returned his eyes now focused on the trickster.

“I’m sorry I thought a normal childhood was what was best. I just-“ he began before Ravana chimed back in.

“Baba Yaga”… Ravana stated calmly.

Loki swallowed hard as his eyes widened out of fear. “Uhhhhh” he groaned as he shook his head ‘no’ quite rapidly.

“Who’s Baba Yaga”? Shiva asked helping herself to some of Loki’s tea.

“A witch…. A witch who’s name strikes fear into even the most powerful Gods. She is an ascended with seemingly limitless powers. She is the inspiration for all earthly witches. Most of them based on things she’s actually done. And Loki here is well acquainted with her from what I’ve heard”. Ravana said sternly as he leered at Loki with a raised brow.

“That was a long time ago”. Loki protested as he scowled at the tattooed ascended having to get up on his toes to reach eye level with him.

“But, you remember how to get into her realm, yes? You can take us there”? Ravana asked sounding less and less like questions the longer he spoke. His tone firm and gravel-filled as he tried to intimidate the trickster.

Loki was not intimidated by Ravana. In fact the only thing he seemed to fear was the idea of seeing Baba Yaga again. “Even if I can, that doesn’t mean I’m going to. Baba doesn’t do anything for free. Even her kindness comes at a price. A price that is more often than not; not worth paying”! Loki came back as he looked to unconscious Hanna.

“Does the end of the cosmos sound like a price worth paying? When Shiva and Odin died they failed to protect the seal. Only three more remain. If we don’t wake up every ascended and win this war; then there is no point. Take me to Baba Yaga. I will make her understand”. Ravana insisted as he stepped up to Loki an even seized his collar.

Those green eyes shifted between Ravana and Hanna rapidly as he thought about what Ravana was saying. “Fine…. I’ll get you an audience with Baba. You will fail. But I’ll let you try to persuade her”. Loki growled out as he swatted Ravana’s hand away.

“So, it’s settled then? We go to see this Baba Yaga first thing in the morning”? Shiva asked as she crossed her legs and sipped from the teacup that Loki had previously.

Loki had a brow raised as he glared over to her. “Hanna has just been introduced to the ascended world; I feel it would be better if-“ he began before Ravana practically roared over him.

“Don’t you weasel your way out of this you snake! You will take us to Baba Yaga. First thing. As lord Shiva has suggested”. Ravana said loudly but, not quite yelling as he gestured to the Hindu Goddess.

“Riiiight. It will take traveling. We can get there. But, it will take time. We’ll need passports and to book a flight. Unless you have access to a bifrost”? Loki asked grinning solely out of the corner of his mouth.

Ravana grumbled as he failed to find a counter to Loki’s argument.

Just outside the window nearest the group sat a Raven with purple eyes. It watched the group intently until Loki’s prod at the bifrost. The bird then, took to the skies and flew to a hooded woman who’s matching hues looked to the bird. She held out her arm and the bird landed on her bare wrist. Her eyes glow and so do the raven’s. She holds eye contact with it for a short duration before it flew off again.

“Marvelous. Our plan seems to be underway. Now the others must be gathered. Go now Hound. If they are to all be there at the second seal then fate must be provoked”. She stated in a mesmerizing tone before she too became a raven and flew away.

The hooded man lowered his head to her. “As you wish”. The familiar voice of Cu Chulainn echoed into the empty streets. As he says this the rain starts up. “If you’re here for her lad then, you’re a wee bit late”. He turned to face a hooded figure wearing a solid white tragedy mask in contrast to his all black, tattered robes. The figure drew a sword from a hilt on his hip and stood at the ready to fight. Cu Chulainn simply shook his head. “Put that away before you hurt yourself lad”. He remarked sarcastically as he shrugged his shoulders and started walking away from the stranger. Instantly the stranger appeared at Cu Chulainn’s back and delivered a quick thrust of the blade towards his spine. Before the blade made contact he dodged the stranger’s thrust, turning his body in a swift kick to the stranger’s masked face. The mask flew off and slid upon the rain coated pavement for a fair distance. The stranger didn’t move far. Tentacles took the place of were a mouth should have been and glowing red eyes peered back into Cu Chulainn’s that were currently glowing like an animal’s would in the dark. Cu Chulainn smiled as his canine teeth started to grow. “Best not to get me all excited for nothing. I simply can not stand to be teased. Put up or shut up as it were”. He growled out before he delivered a flurry of blows that the creature was just barely too slow to avoid. The creature tried to fight back but, Cu Chulainn simply batted away the attempts with such ease it didn’t even seem to slow his attacks. The creature eventually went down and even had the sense to attempt to escape. Cu Chulainn stomped the back of the creature’s head causing it to explode into a black paint like material. “Pitty. I knew you couldn’t handle the pressure”. He chuckled as he turned to see three more almost identical to the one he killed aside from the large, leathery, tattered wings protruding from their backs. All wearing tragedy masks.

“All this tragedy… where’s the comedy? It seems incomplete without it. Don’t it”? He asked as the middle figure grumbled before speaking.

“Endless night, a frightful bite. All will succumb”. The voice grumbled out before he took to the skies. “It makes no difference what happens here. The dreamer will wake”. He followed up with as the other two charged Cu Chulainn.

“Gae Bolga”! Cu Chulainn called out summoning an odd looking spear. It’s serrated but, not in the way to more easily cut flesh. No. It seemed like the blade had a barbed wire effect to its edges as well as where the main blade ends and the weapons handle began. At the opposite end of the blade is a much smaller blade with the same barbs until the staff just like the other side. “I hope you lads put up more of a fight than your friend. Maybe you wanna call back up just in case? Your gonna need it”… he stated through an animalistic growl growing in his voice.