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Post by Charles Xavier on Jun 21, 2012 17:37:18 GMT -7
Charles had long ago visited this place. It was a world of unreality, between the many planes of reality. This was the realm of mind and spirit, the Astral Plane. Here he had battled with the mind of the Shadow King decades ago. He had triumphed that day, but he had not rested easily since then. The evil of the Shadow King must not be allowed to escape, and so he made regular sojourns to the Astral Plane to renew the bonds holding down the man's astral body. Here, Charles Xavier had legs and here he was like a god. The Shadow King also held a great deal of power in this realm. But Charles had been the stronger all these years. Should his strength fail, the world would be doomed to the ravages of the Shadow King's vengeance. This was the price he had to pay for what he had chosen to do. He has to remain vigilant, lest his old enemy be unleashed upon the world once again.
Amahl Farouk looked at him defiantly. The ectoplasmic chains held his astral body suspended in the dream like void. Charles smiled, a warm greeting. He had read a very enlightening lesson about loving his enemies in his youth, and it had stuck with him through the years. He would die to save those who hated and feared him, after all. And he had called upon young mutants to follow his lead. They were the true heroes, he was just a man with a dream. A dream worth having.
"Come to gloat, Xavier?"
"No, Amahl," He said softly, " I have come to do what it is my responsibility to do."
" A responsibility you can free yourself from, Charles," The sinister man said with a wicked grin. " Let me out, and our past...disagreement..will be forgiven. What do you say, chap?"
"That you know that I am not a fool," Charles said, as he called upon the powerful energies within his mind. The chains grew tighter and stronger, constricted the astral body. A large ectoplasmic stone formed and weighed down the man who had previously occupied largely empty space. This was the problem. Without his vigilance, the psychic bindings would erode, and the villain would be free. He mused that someone with similar energy manipulation abilities could maintain or destroy the bonds, but he alone knew of this place in the Astral Plane, and the man imprisoned here was a secret lost in time and space. The world had long forgotten the Shadow King. And that was how Charles wanted it to be.
"I believe my work here is done," Charles said, " You will never return to the physical realm of man, Amahl Farouk. The Shadow King shall never trouble the world again..."
Xavier mused a moment and decided to make a small confession...
" I suppose I am gloating, after all."
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Loki Laufeyson
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Why did you choose to lean on a man you knew was falling?
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Post by Loki Laufeyson on Jun 22, 2012 10:14:40 GMT -7
Given the progress they had been making over time, Loki felt confident about taking Sigyn into the Astral Plane. Her abilities had grown considerably over the nearly countless years they had spent together, as he had been tutoring her in magic. She was not as strong as he, as he had much more experience and natural ability, but she had made impressive progress.
This would be something of a test for her. Accessing this plane took considerably strong magic and mental skills. She would have his help, of course. And, with any luck, this would be a short trip. But there was another purpose to what they would be doing. While Sigyn was present for practice and support, Loki had a specific plan in mind.
It was nothing serious, just a bit of exercise for him. Some time had passed since he had last caused any trouble. Though most had forgotten the fact, Loki knew that the Shadow King was imprisoned on this plane, and he had a mind to release him. Perhaps the man would prove a future ally.
The only matter was finding him, and that turned out to be easy enough. There was a considerable amount of energy being expended in one area, and this was where Loki decided to explore. With a mere glance and tilt of his head to Sigyn, he indicated where they should go. She would understand easily. They had grown so accustomed to each other that words could be redundant.
Appearances hardly mattered on this plane, but he had chosen to present himself in a more Midgardian fashion, in a black suit with a scarf hanging around his neck. There was no need for armor here; any battles waged would be won through mind power, not by brute strength. Those were the conditions Loki preferred.
As he had expected, they soon came upon the chained Shadow King and his captor. Assessing the situation, he quietly reasoned that the psychic creature's bonds could be undone by a simple but powerful unbinding spell. He smiled darkly. There was a reason he had gotten into the dark arts. They were so useful at times.
"Gloating is a dangerous habit," he commented idly, amusement in his voice, as he and Sigyn approached the men. He glanced at his wife and smiled. She knew of his plan; whether she agreed with it was another matter. He was never entirely sure whether she went along with his mischievous plots because she liked them or just for his sake. But she was always at his side, and that was what mattered.
He came to a stop just short of the men, eyed the Shadow King for a long moment before turning his attention back to Xavier, the same dark grin on his face. "One never knows when a stronger being will come along and demonstrate just how meager one's talents truly are."
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Sigyn Laufeyson
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If by my life or death I can protect you, I will.
Posts: 337
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Post by Sigyn Laufeyson on Jun 22, 2012 10:49:24 GMT -7
Sigyn did not approve of this. Not at all.
Firstly, she was not used to this plane, not used to executing her magic like this. Of course, she had become much stronger and skilled, after having been taught by her husband for centuries, millennia even. But she'd never be as powerful as him. This difference in power made her more careful.
Secondly, she had no quarrel with the Midgardian people. She knew, Loki didn't always do things in order to retaliate, but for fun. But this was unnecessary. But while she sometimes told him about her opinion, she'd always be with him. She had sworn an oath to support him, for better and for worse. And right now, was exactly a moment of fulfilling that oath. She had raised her brows and sighed as he had told her about his plan. After all however, this experience would broaden her horizon and that was never a bad thing.
"You look positively dashing, my love," she remarked his attire upon arriving. This was not the first time she had seen him in Midgardian clothes. He always looked dashing, but this was actually pretty - what did the Midgardian people say? - hot. His outfit resembled authority and while she had not given a rat's ass about his position when they had met, by now she cared about it - their positions - a bit more. Sigyn herself was not dressed in earthly fashion. It'd take more concentration, more strength to change that detail. She wasn't used to those clothes. She needed all of her strength and concentration to roam this plane to begin with and should anything happen, she wanted to make sure to be attentive on the spot. They made quite an odd couple looking like this, her in a beautiful Asgardian gown, Loki looking like a mean businessman from earth. Oh well,...
She followed his lead. After all, he was the one with the plan. And soon, Loki had found what he had been looking for. The Shadow King, in chains, in conversation with another man in a suit, bald and old. An easy target? She was not fooled by looks. In the end, the man was in this plane. He had power. As Loki smiled at her, she returned said smile. It was amazing to watch him in action, merely due to the incredible skill he showed off. And even if she disagreed, objecting now, in front of those people, would be disrespecting him in public. You did not disrespect a prince in public. And moreover, she would not disrespect her husband, while people were watching. "He looks truly uncomfortable, doesn't he?", Sigyn said, tilting her head to look at the chained up king. Her voice sounded soft, husky. Almost, like a mother. And that, she had been after all.
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Post by Charles Xavier on Jun 23, 2012 0:10:38 GMT -7
Amahl growled in anger as the psychic bonds tightened around him. He snorted as Xavier taunted him, and he seethed impotently. Charles almost regarded the man with a sense of pity, but he knew all too well that this man was evil in its purest form. His was the face of evil, and his life had been dedicated to spreading misery, pain and suffering. He exploited the weak, and did so shamelessly. It was unforgivable. His relationship with the Shadow King was nothing like his relationship with Erik Lensherr or his estranged step-brother Cain Marko. There was no love in Xavier's heart for the Shadow King. Xavier's work was done, and he was preparing to leave.
"Gloating is a dangerous habit,"
Charles turned his attention to the voice. He saw a tall rakish man, with a well made attire resembling something one would see on the streets of New York. He had a lady companion who was dressed rather exoticly in comparison. If their astral bodies were any indications of their true natures, then he had to conclude the man and woman were an odd couple indeed. But Charles Xavier was not one to trust strangers traveling upon the Astral Plane. He made a cursory probe of their minds, and the visions and memories he witnessed startled him. A world beyond his reality. They had traveled here, for a sinister purpose, if the mind of the rake was to be any indication.
"One never knows when a stronger being will come along and demonstrate just how meager one's talents truly are."
"Loki of Asgard, you would do well not to judge a man by his origins," Charles said, bluntly. This was a being from another world, a God. Charles had encountered an alien being, in the Himalayas once. That encounter had resulted in the loss of his ability to walk. Lucifer the Quist had been on a mission to invade the Earth, and for his role in stopping this plot, Xavier was brutally assaulted by the creature. Loki's designs were laid bare by Xavier's telepathic powers, and he would stop at nothing to prevent this tragedy from happening. "My talents are far from meager. But I have seen men of meek abilities rise to become titans. "
"You should know the true nature of what you seek," Xavier said with a nod, and looked at Amahl with a smile...
"I would be happy to oblige..."
The man writhed, and contorted, his form growing in size. The bonds responded in kind. Any semblance of human flesh melted away, revealing something vaguely reptilian. Grey-blue scales, and clawed hands. A row of dagger sharp teeth in a wide crocodile maw, and eyes that blazed with fiery hate. This was the Shadow King's true form on the Astral Plane. This was the face of evil.
"I have been unjustly treated by this man," The Shadow King said, his voice booming throughout the plane, " He has arrogantly had the gall to hold me prisoner in my own Realm. I swear one day, I shall be free and have my revenge..." He looked at Charles and back to Loki. He also had an understanding of Loki's mind. His own telepathic powers had told him what he needed to know.
"You and I have the same thoughts on revenge, do we not?" The Shadow King asked, bemused at the prospect of freedom. He considered Sigyn, and her seeming concern for his plight.
" I am indeed most uncomfortable my lady," He said with a wicked laugh, " I am meant to rule here."
"But you do not," Charles said, "Nor will you anywhere else."
He looked at Loki and sighed, "Your mind is dark and twisted, but you are not him. You can still take a step back and correct your path. You can undo the follies I see growing in your mind. The seed of evil in you has not yet fully germinated. I can help you."
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Loki Laufeyson
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Why did you choose to lean on a man you knew was falling?
Posts: 357
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Post by Loki Laufeyson on Jun 23, 2012 12:44:09 GMT -7
They may have looked different, but Loki and Sigyn were one being, two halves of a whole. Nothing would divide them. Many had tried, none had succeeded. Their bond had been forged through trials of fire and ice, and built over years and years. Theirs was not the sort of relationship that could be broken apart by anything trifling. Or anything at all.
Loki grinned at Sigyn's compliment. He disliked almost everything about Midgard, and he did not always dress as their mortals would, but when he did, he chose simple suits, usually with a tie and a scarf accenting them. It was quite comfortable. For her part, Sigyn looked divine, in her more traditional attire. He understood the reason for her choice of dress, and appreciated it. "And you look stunning, my dear," he returned, taking her hand.
Shortly they came upon what Loki sought. The compassion Sigyn showed was outstanding; Loki could have kissed her for it. He would, later. She was truly his better half.
But then Xavier spoke. Loki clenched his jaw. First, the call-out was improper, as it lacked his full title. Second, Xavier instructed him, like a child. Xavier may have had the more aged appearance, but to a being as old as Loki, Xavier was the child. Loki smiled - but there was nothing cheerful or even charitable about his expression. There was only a sinister darkness.
The Shadow King took on his true form, an appearance that surprised Loki not at all. He had already gauged the power of this being, and knew how power and madness could contort. This was evil indeed, and it called to him.
He looked up at the creature as it spoke to him. Loki hated having his mind so exposed, but it could not be helped here on this plane. Nevertheless, the creature was right. They had something in common. Then the creature eyed Sigyn, and Loki studied it carefully, prepared to strike back if it made a move against her. But it only spoke casually, and addressed her with an odd, perhaps sarcastic, respect.
Loki had begun to consider his options when Xavier addressed him again. Fool mortal, to think he could speak to a prince of Asgard in such a careless manner! His eyes narrowed, and he squeezed Sigyn's hand before letting it go as he stepped forward. A silent warning for her to be prepared.
"You know who I am and what I am capable of, yet you choose to address me in such a derogatory manner? You will choose your words more wisely, mortal, or you will rue your own stupidity."
He clenched his fist, creating a psychic pull around Xavier's throat that would be powerful enough to force him to his knees. After watching the man struggle for a while, Loki opened his hand and swept it to one side, sending Xavier flying. With the mortal weakened and out of the way, Loki strode forward, stopping before the creature and giving it a level glare.
"Remember who did this for you," he said, before focusing his power on undoing the strengthened bonds with a stronger spell. With Sigyn's help, and that of the Shadow King, the creature would soon be free to rule his plane once more.
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Sigyn Laufeyson
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Goddess[M:0]
If by my life or death I can protect you, I will.
Posts: 337
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Post by Sigyn Laufeyson on Jun 24, 2012 5:36:47 GMT -7
At best, Sigyn felt uncomfortable. She was not used to this plane and Loki's plan was wicked. A little discomfort would not keep her from supporting her husband, nevertheless, she was weaker here than on solid ground. In fact, she was the weakest link between the four of them. Sigyn didn't realize this, because she did not know who the bald man was, what he was capable of. But Loki was the greater sorcerer, Xavier was more accustomed to his plane and once the shadow king was free, well.... She kept her face straight and proud, of course. She wanted to jump into the Professor's face as he adressed her husband that improperly. Yet Loki was perfectly able to take care of himself. Sigyn remained quiet for the time being.
Then, the Shadow King took his true shape. Still, her face did not change a bit. She still managed to keep her actual feelings undisclosed, within herself. But the king looked like a nightmare made flesh....well, not literally, given the realm they were currently in. The essence of hatred was shining in his eyes, the immense power that shook his bindings did not cause respect, but caution in its purest form, if not....fear. Were their children still alive, Sigyn would have urged Loki to abandon his wicked plan, regardless of the two people that would witness this conversation. Actually, had Narvi and Vali lived, she would have urged Loki not to do it earlier, back home in Asgard. The kind of connection her and her husband had, their bond and love, could not be put in words. But the bond she had with her children had been the purest form of love there was. A mother's love.
However, those times had long gone, it was only her and Loki. And Loki happened to think this was a good idea. He does not need any help. Least of all, your assistance, Sigyn thought as Xavier suggested that Loki was in a bad place and could be helped. However, still, she remained rather quiet. She did not shy away from holding that horrible gaze, that lay in front of her, in chains, as she was adressed. Loki took care of Xavier. Really, the mortal had it coming. He looked older than Loki, but he was not. Both Loki and Sigyn were gods. Both of them, royalty. If you lived in a position like this for long enough, you could not avoid asking for a particular kind of respect. Respect Xavier was not paying them and now, he had to face the consequences of being exposed to Loki's magic. And then, she felt that tug of magic Loki put out, urging her to support him. Sigyn's blue eyes changed into a radiant gold color, flickering with the power that was in her as their magic united. She still did not feel quite comfortable doing this, but that was not the point. She could only hope this would end well for them.
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Post by Charles Xavier on Jun 24, 2012 20:00:34 GMT -7
Charles had known the Asgardians were powerful, but he had judged them to be more rational beings. He had soon learned that lesson, as Loki's magic tossed him aside. Xavier was no ordinary man, especially not in this place. Here, his power was supreme. The only one here who had greater power here was the Shadow King himself. Charles had managed to defeat in this realm before, but that was decades ago. The Shadow King had gained the benefit of time on the Astral Plane, probing its secrets with his powerful mind. The Shadow King was now more dangerous than ever.
Charles, struggled to his feet and stood up, confident in his strength. The spell had begun already, and Loki was loosening the chains upon the Shadow King.
"Remember who did this for you,"
"As I remember who did this to me," the Shadow King boomed, triumph in his voice.
Charles could not allow this farce to continue. Loki was a mad god, and the Shadow King was pure darkness and death. Every fiber of his being had to be used as a weapon. There was one hope. He put his hands to his head and focused his mental energies out in a wave of psionic power. On the material plane, such an attack would kill mortal men. But they were on the Astral Plane, and he was targeting beings that were not by any means mortal men. This was at most likely to stun his victims.
The Shadow King recoiled momentarily, and seethed, " A brave effort Charles, but I am destined to be free. You saw it in your nightmares. I know it to be true, this was fated. You should have taken my offer when you had the chance...for now, I am free. By my own will. I am the Shadow King!"
As he spoke, Farouk had unleashed his own energies, which had been freed thanks to Loki's spell, and he willed the psychic bonds out of existence. He smiled at Loki and the female companion, and nodded in gratitude, before turning his attention to Charles.
"I shall never be chained again!"
"Then I shall destroy you, as I should have done long ago!" Xavier exclaimed, as his arms became engulfed in ectoplasm. He was creating a psychic construct, two blade like extensions of his arms. He was going to cut the beast using the only weapon that could. Astral weapons to destroy an astral body. It was Xavier's great advantage here. He charged the shadow King, and slashed madly at the monstrosity.
"Good," The Shadow King roared, "This day brings me freedom...and revenge!"
His claws extended into long dagger-like blades, and he met Xavier's assault with deft parries. The two had joined battle, as they had so many years ago. But this time the Shadow King was not alone.
"Prince of Asgard, surely you do not shy away from battle?" The Shadow King taunted.
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Loki Laufeyson
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Why did you choose to lean on a man you knew was falling?
Posts: 357
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Post by Loki Laufeyson on Jun 26, 2012 10:56:42 GMT -7
Sensing Sigyn's discomfort, Loki instinctively hung back as the Shadow King and Xavier engaged each other in combat. He would have been perfectly content with watching the Shadow King dispatch Xavier himself, but the old man had bounced back quickly, and was giving the monstrous creature quite a fight. Loki had to admit to himself that he was impressed by the old man's tenacity. Xavier fought valiantly, with every ounce of strength he had. A shame his hard work would be wasted.
What the others failed to take into account was that both Loki and Sigyn were present. Alone, Sigyn might have struggled against Xavier, and Loki might have found the mortal a challenge. Together, though, their magical abilities amplified each other, sufficient to give Xavier and the Shadow King a thing or two to think about.
And when Xavier sent out the mental pulse, Loki fell back, taken by surprised and, indeed, stunned for a bit. Once that passed, however, he was just annoyed. Thrice-accursed telepaths.
He glanced at Sigyn to make sure she was all right. Glancing over her, he found no injuries. It was not her body he was worried about, though. Not here. It was the mind that posed the danger and was susceptible to injury. But here the body was also a representation of the mind, and a sign of damage would have worried him.
His head whipped around as the Shadow King called to him. Normally, such a taunt would have resulted in him attacking both Xavier and the creature out of spite. A three-front battle would indeed have been most interesting. However, Loki had a purpose here, and he would accomplish it. Gathering his energies, he sent a concussive blast at Xavier, with enough force behind it that it would at least knock the mortal off-balance. But that was not all that was needed.
Reaching for Sigyn's hand, he combined his magic with hers. "Concentrate on the creature," he said in a low voice, "but do not open your mind to it." If she allowed him to, he would channel their magic into a spell that would boost the Shadow King's powers temporarily, giving him the dexterity and accuracy he needed to defeat the mortal. It would be quite an entertaining show for Loki, who would then be one step closer to achieving his goal.
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Sigyn Laufeyson
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If by my life or death I can protect you, I will.
Posts: 337
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Post by Sigyn Laufeyson on Jun 26, 2012 11:13:55 GMT -7
Sigyn watched the Shadow King unleash with growing unease. She was not scared in the literal meaning of the word, but she realized that this was a being worth being handled with caution. However, her wicked husband was enjoying himself, so it seemed. And they were here anyway, weren't they?
The mortal, old man put up quite an impressive fight. He was brave, Sigyn had to give him that. Incredible, how much strength determination created. In all honesty, if someone came and ruined her life's work, she'd be fighting, too. And boy, Sigyn would be quite irritated. Angry, even.
A rush of magic went through her astral shape and instantly, she was not wearing a gown anymore, but some kind of armor, a metal corset covering and protecting her body. This might not even matter in the realm they were in, but she felt more comfortable in an attire like this, when in a fight. Over the years, Sigyn had never ceased to stop practicing physical combat and magic. Back then, when Loki and her had met, she had just started practicing with a double-ended spear. By now, her skills were flawless. And she loved a good fight, whether it was sparing or an actual, sincere situation. Maybe, this was one of the reasons ehy supporting Loki in all his glorious madness came so easy to her: It gave her lots of opportunities to practice.
However, it was not exactly about physical combat on this plane, it was about magic. And magic, she had. The Shadow King adressed Loki, but Sigyn knew this included her. Her eyes turned from pale blue into the warmest gold, even here, as she closed her hand around Loki's, nodded. She understood. It would be exhausting, but necessary. After all, most importantly, she wanted to kiss her husband goodnight later on. So she needed to make sure he'd be safe.
Sigyn concentrated. Of course, she allowed Loki to draw from her. She trusted him.
However, she had not reckoned with what would happen. Maybe it was the astral plane that she wasn't accustomed to, maybe the Shadow King's magic. But only a moment after they had united their hands, Sigyn felt like the life was sucked right out of her. Her image started to flicker and her eyes grew wide, her grip on Loki's hand was fading. She opened her mouth in order to call out to her husband, but nothing ever came out. Possibly, Sigyn had overestimated herself.
ooc: I don't know whether that's ok with you two, if not let me know and I'll alter!
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Post by Charles Xavier on Jun 29, 2012 22:39:41 GMT -7
"Concentrate on the creature,"
The Shadow King was slightly offended at being referred to thusly, and in his own realm. He was not a creature. He was the true God on this plane, and the Asgardian was foolish enough to lose sight of that fact. His energy was raw, confident anger and hatred. Not directed at the Shadow King, nor at Xavier. He could read the mind projecting the violent energy, and it was all focused on beings named Odin and Thor. Not that the Shadow King gave a damn about thing such as familial disputes. He had negative energy filling him up and making him strong. The girl, she was emanating something even sweeter. Fear. Fear of the Shadow King, fear of the plane, and fear of the mutant telepath. Fear of the unknown. Loki had not adequately prepared her for all this, that was clear. He nearly laughed at the notion, but his attention remained on his battle with Charles. He was strengthened beyond what Charles could withstand. The Shadow King shattered the ectoplasmic blades with his claws, and struck out for the heart. Xavier was no weakling here, though. He deflected the strike with an energy barrier erected at the last moment.
"Give in to me," The Shadow King urged, lashing out again, and he broke the barrier down, tossing Charles' astral form accross the plane. Charles took a stance, reeling from the hard hit. This battle was not easy. His foe had been strengthened. He looked on in horror, as Sigyn dissipated.
"What have you done, Shadow King!?" Xavier said, still appalled at the demon's betrayal of those who had come to his aid. He had known the Shadow King to be evil, but he had hoped there was a shred of honor in the twisted mind that was once Amahl Farouk...
"I borrowed her fear, and turned it into power..."
The Shadow King said with acidic malice dripping from every word. "She is safe in her home plane, though. Her mind is very..adaptive. She fled from the terror of the Shadow King. You fools would do well to do the same..."
He unleashed the new energy he had gained, and in moments, a large spike grew from the astral mists, and attempted to impale Xavier. He got hit with a glancing blow, and the Professor was once more off his feet. The Shadow King moved in for the kill...
"Embrace Oblivion, Charles..."
"Not today!" He dissipated, his mind returning to his body.
"Nooooooooooooo!" The Shadow King howled in rage, his vengeance having been lost this day. He looked to Loki, and was seething in rage. If he could not destroy Charles, he would destroy the Asgardian. He wanted to destroy something today, that was just the kind of mood he was in...
"Die, Asgardian!" At his command, a horde of nightmare creatures emerged from the mists, beings made in the Shadow King's own image. They had hidden from fear of Charles , Loki, and Sigyn. But now it was just the lone intruder, and their master. And their master had called them...
"After my shadow fiends subdue you," The Shadow King bellowed, " I will tear your mind to pieces, and then...I believe you have a nice body waiting for me in Asgard, no?"
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Loki Laufeyson
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God[M:0]
Why did you choose to lean on a man you knew was falling?
Posts: 357
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Post by Loki Laufeyson on Jul 2, 2012 13:02:42 GMT -7
With Sigyn's magic joined to his, Loki was able to make a noticeable difference in how the battle between the Shadow King and Xavier was going. It was only a matter of time before the mortal gave up. Yet something was wrong; Loki had made a miscalculation. For even as the mortal and the creature traded blows, he could feel Sigyn's presence beginning to wane.
He did not need to hear her voice to know what was happening. Her grip on his hand loosened, and he felt her begin to disappear. The mortal voiced exactly Loki's concerns, even down to his concern over the apparent betrayal. Annoyed, Loki scowled at the creature's reasoning. Good help was indeed difficult to find.
What could he do to help Sigyn? The creature was right, she was safe at home, and Loki had a mind to remove her from the plane fully, to protect her. But he still needed her. This plan was not going as he had expected. As the mortal fell again, Loki felt pleased that the battle was coming to an end, accompanied with a sinking feeling that he was not going to get out as cleanly as he had thought.
The air seemed to quiver with the Shadow King's rage at his lost opportunity for vengeance. The creature turned on Loki and the fading Sigyn then, and suddenly, they were no longer alone. Shadowed minions approached on all sides, ready to rip Loki apart. His physical body was at risk as well, if the creature's threat was to be believed.
"Destroy me? Inhabit my body? I do not think so, you foul creature."
Thinking quickly, Loki created an energy blast and directed it downward, causing a brief wave with enough strength to knock the minions off their feet. That gave him enough time to focus on the creature for a moment. Knowing he could not draw from Sigyn again, he reversed the spell that had given the creature the power to defeat Xavier, then cast another, using almost all the power he had left.
The second spell forced the Shadow King into the mortal realm and located a human vessel close enough to his entrance to bind the creature to. The Shadow King would be trapped in this body until Loki undid the spell or until he found a way to kill the vessel himself. In any case, the creature would be no threat to Loki's body in Asgard. And it meant Loki had accomplished what he had set out to do here: loose the Shadow King among the mortals.
Exhausted now, Loki's only option was retreat. "Let's go," he said to Sigyn, not knowing whether she could hear him, as he took both himself and her off the plane before the minions could renew their attack. His body shooting forward, he came to with a start, and quickly turned to the side to ensure Sigyn was there and awake.
They were locked in Loki's chambers in Asgard, having left orders not to be disturbed. "Sigyn," he said, urgency in his voice, as he looked over her. He should not have brought her with him. He should not have made her fight alongside him. He had many regrets over what had just happened. But, for now, he had to make sure she was safe and sound.
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Sigyn Laufeyson
Neutral
Goddess[M:0]
If by my life or death I can protect you, I will.
Posts: 337
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Post by Sigyn Laufeyson on Jul 2, 2012 13:38:43 GMT -7
She could not hear, see, perceive well what was happening. Sigyn's whole focus was on her astral shape, on keeping it on the plane in order to protect and support Loki. To her, it wasn't primarily about the Shadow King or the mortal fighting him. But as the requirements of her presence grew, Sigyn's powers started to fade. The voices talking on the astral plane were ringing in her ears like echoes, there, yet she could not understand.
What'd happen if she faded now? Would it be the end of Loki? Would he manage without her? Would he be defeated? Sigyn had an inkling the Shadow King was not loyal to his rescuer. And then, she heard him threaten Loki. Her face turned into a frown and she yelled out to her husband, yet she had faded too much to make it sound.
She didn't perceive any of the beasts. She was flickering. The only thing Sigyn saw were blurred lines, shapes, nothing in particular. She felt magic, energy increasing, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She just had a really bad feeling about it.
Then, she passed out. Whether it was her astral shape or her body or both, she couldn't say. Everything went black.
Sigyn woke with a jolt, her body shooting upright. She was gasping. A line of thick, dark red blood was running from her nose, over her lip, dripping onto the sheets of her bed. Their bed. Home. Asgard. "Lo,-", she started, but he was sitting right there, looking at her, talking to her. She blinked, until his shape was defined, less blurry. Only then did she lift her hand and felt the blood on her face. She felt a bit dizzy, light-headed and as if she hadn't slept in weeks. "Are you well, my love?", was the first thing on her mind. She'd be fine. She knew how she felt. But she had missed on something and that made her quite uneasy. "What happened?"
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Post by Charles Xavier on Jul 2, 2012 21:30:05 GMT -7
"Destroy me? Inhabit my body? I do not think so, you foul creature."
The Shadow King cackled madly at the god's bold words. He was powerful, but the Shadow King ruled here. He would make short work of the strange being from Asgard. This was his realm, and he alone ruled it. Charles had potential to rule the Earth by his side, and he had thrown it away. This Loki chap was all about using the Shadow King for his own ends. No one used the Shadow King. The Shadow King was the one manipulating pawns in this game. He would have to eliminate his rival, no doubt.
But Loki was not one to accept such a fate. He gave as good as he got, and the Shadow King's minions were rebuked by his power. And soon, the Shadow King found himself being thrown from his own realm. This was not possible, he had been the only one with that power. He controlled the Astral Plane. No one else, not a single entity. The Shadow King ruled here...
"This is not possible!" He shouted as he faded into some unknown oblivion.
He awoke to a world of physical things, and fleshy humanity. He could feel the wind on his skin, and the sweat on his brow. He could see the sky, and green plants. This was the material plane, he was back in the land of physical reality. He smiled. He was wearing a black suit, and surrounded by frightened people looking to him for answers. One man dressed as he was dressed approached, and smiled at him, with a questioning look in his eyes. The Shadow King could read the fears and uncertainties in the minds of the onlookers. This was a day unlike any other...
" Captain Riesz," the young man asked, addressing him with a degree of professional familiarity, " These people say a young girl threw a shoe, and it exploded. You know what that means, right?"
"Mutants..." He said with a wicked grin.
"Are you okay sir?"
"Never been better." The Shadow King was a man once more. What a day this was. Oh the evils he would bring to the world now! Vengeance on all of these pathetic creatures. It could not get any better. Perhaps he owed Loki a favor or two. Well, time would tell.
Meanwhile, Charles Xavier opened his eyes, and picked up his phone. He had to gather some old friends. The world would have need of them, and very soon. His X-Men would fight evil once again. Once more, to defend a world that does not know them. Worse, this time it would be a world that did know them. A world that would hate and fear them. Such was the will of the Shadow King. Such was the will of Loki. Did the Asgardian truly know what he had unleashed upon the world of humanity? Charles was afraid, for the first time in longer than he could remember. The peace was falling away from him, and a storm was coming...
"So it begins." He said to no one.
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Loki Laufeyson
Villain Staff
God[M:0]
Why did you choose to lean on a man you knew was falling?
Posts: 357
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Post by Loki Laufeyson on Jul 3, 2012 15:14:36 GMT -7
Coming to, Loki felt a mild irritation, due to the events that had just transpired. He had not expected the Shadow King to be undyingly grateful for his help, but he certainly had not expected the creature to turn around and attack him. That they had escaped mostly unscathed was a considerable feat. The Shadow King was no weakling, and might have been considered by Loki to be a worthy ally-turned-foe had it not been for the creature's utter lack of honor. It had been freed thanks to Loki and Sigyn, then had turned against them. What kind of battle was that?
The strain on Sigyn's mind had been great, and when Loki looked her over, he very quickly noticed the stream of blood running from her nose. He hastened to wipe it away, using the sheet that covered their bed. The sheets could be changed easily, and in any case, the same blood had already dripped onto it.
"I'm fine," he said, a little hurriedly, only because he was still trying to ascertain whether she was. Mental damage would be the hardest to detect. He spent a good several seconds staring into her eyes, trying to make sure she was all there. This had been a dangerous trip. He had put too much on her. They had not been prepared. He wanted to take it all back, yet he knew that if he had it to do again, he would do it the same way. He had needed her there.
"I sent the creature to Midgard,and trapped it in a mortal body." He was proud of his accomplishment, not only because it had been what he had wanted after a fashion, but because pulling it off had seemed an impossible task. Yet he had managed it. He, with help from Sigyn and the unwitting mortal, had managed to defeat - however temporarily - the Shadow King in its own territory. It was a bittersweet victory for those who cared about Midgard and the safety - and sanity - of its inhabitants. But Loki cared not at all; his concern was reserved for the safety of himself, his wife, and Asgard. Perhaps he would craft another spell to bar the Shadow King from entering Asgard once he was better rested.
"I'm sorry, my love. Things did not turn out according to plan. Far… far from it." He would never admit a failure in a plan to anyone but her. Only she would understand and not mock him. She would not be pleased about the new threat to Midgard, he felt, but he had done what needed to be done. And what he had wanted to do.
He would have to pay more attention to Midgard in the coming days, to ensure the Shadow King was behaving as expected. The time would eventually come when he would have need of the creature again. But next time, he would play things much more smoothly.
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Sigyn Laufeyson
Neutral
Goddess[M:0]
If by my life or death I can protect you, I will.
Posts: 337
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Post by Sigyn Laufeyson on Jul 3, 2012 15:37:08 GMT -7
Apart from the bleeding, the exhaution and feeling slightly light-headed, she felt fine. Of course, the action on the astral plane had been too much for her magical abilities, but they had gotten out nonetheless. This surely had not been Loki's worst idea, even if it had not been his best, either. When they had married, she had known about his occasionally twisted mind. And she had gladly taken it anyway.
So, was she mad he had put her in this situation? No, she wasn't. Nothing of what had happened had been planned to happen like this. Plans did not always work out. After all, she had agreed to join him. She'd always join him. Sigyn blinked and came to life as he wiped the blood from her face, leaving a faint smudge underneath her nose. She felt disgusting anyway, so next thing on her agenda would be taking a bath. So, Loki had put the Shadow King into a mortal body. In Midgard. There were countless feelings about this rushing through her mind. First of all, Sigyn liked Midgard. It was different, interesting. Surely, Asgard would always be her home, Muspelheim would always be fiery and dark, Jotunheim ice cold and so on, but traveling to Midgard was always fun. Sigyn could not imagine waltzing into Muspelheim in order to take a stroll. In Midgard, this was possible. Also, having defeated that creature had been a great accomplishment itself. But trapping it into a body, throwing it off its natural habitat was just amazing. Loki was incredibly skilled. Sigyn's mixed feelings showed on her face. Yet again she touched her face. There was no more blood, luckily. "You did well. Defeating this horrible thing seemed like an impossible mission. Trapping it is....just amazing, Loki. But....," she sighed, sounding mildly amused in quite a cute, affectionate way, "Midgard? If I didn't know any better, I would suggest you want to tease me. Where is he exactly? You'll be monitoring him, I take it?" Of course, choosing Midgard for his action was no offence against Sigyn, she knew that. Above everything, he'd make sure she was safe and that was important. Sigyn wanted to know what his further plans were. She might have a part in them, but moreover, she did want to know what her husband was up to. Wasn't that normal?
Loki apologized. Sigyn knew, if they went back two days in time with today's knowledge, he'd do it again. But that didn't mean he could not be sorry for what had happened to her. "Shh, Loki. Don't be ridiculous, you'd do it again anyway,", she hushed him. It was quite a contradiction, was it not? Her husband wanted her alive and safe, yet he'd put her into a dangerous situation if he needed her. But they worked differently to regular morals like this. Sigyn knew, had things turned out differently and he would have had to decide between her and the Shadow King, he would have chosen her.
Sigyn lay back, moaned as exhaution hit her again. She closed her eyes and exhaled, patting for him, for whatever part of him she'd reach. "Don't fret, my love. You adjusted to the unforeseeable. That's what makes you so cunning and sublime. As for your wife, I am positive you'll find a decent and appropriate way to make it up to her. She's easily enchanted by your charming self."
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