testing out yet another au

[ophis]

My, my, my.

What a quaint headspace you have, miss writer. A few too many ... familiar faces, I must admit. I cannot imagine getting along with a single one of them. They seem rather distressed.

You do see the mistake you are making here, yes? Stepping forward into something with a simple notion, and naught the faintest of ideas where to take it. I've sit here for quite some time now, waiting for a little attention, and here I am now with only a name and a tentative story behind me.

The others did say you were the type to rush into things. I suppose it's better of me not to be surprised about it, hm?

But I appreciate the effort. I even get to have a little fun, which is more than what I can say for the rest of them. Perhaps you like me best.

Comments

C-C-C-COMBO BREAKERRR!!

[ryoushi]

[ Well then, Thor, it's time to test your warrior skills because out of the shadows steps one of the very hunters Loki told you about, sharp steel drawn and ready. He also looks disconcertingly familiar.

He blocks their path, frowning and focused, addressing Loki directly. ]

We must stop meeting this way. Release him.

OH SHIT!

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Without hesitation, he puts himself between the newcomer and his new friend. Only once he's ready to fight does he realize who he's looking at. And his defense drops slightly. ]

Hogun?! I thought I would never see you again!

[ophis]

[ ... shit. Loki takes a step closer behind Thor, grasping the back of his shirt. But he pauses when the man seems to recognize the hunter. His heart would be panicking if it was beating. ]

You know him?

[ryoushi]

No. [ Hogun spares the blond man only a glance. He looks the type who might run in his line of business, but Hogun's never seen him before. Still, it's possible that he hunts this strange in-between world of the minds and has been trying to lure this particular beast into a false sense of security. Hogun had been following his prey all night, not wanting to let him slip away again after their last encounter. And yet the unknown maybe-hunter had made no move yet, so Hogun decided it was time to step in.

He addresses Loki again. ] I said, release him from whatever spell he's under.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Thor watches Hogun, perplexed. Was this one of the hunters Loki had spoke of? But Hogun and Loki were friends. Why would that not bet he same for other versions? Then again, Loki had said there was no version of himself in that reality. How much of a difference could that have made?

Trying to figure it out was making him dizzy. And the man with the face of a friend and a very lethal sword were far more important right now. ]

I am under no spell! What reason have you for threatening my br-- my friend?!

[ophis]

[ Watching the two exchange words - or rather, Thor make an attempt and the hunter pointedly ignoring him - only lead to one conclusion. Like Thor's brother, the hunter must resemble a loved one from the other man's own world. He wondered how many more there would be.

But there was little time to contemplate on it. Loki only takes a step further back, keeping Thor between him and the hunter. He doesn't speak to the man ready to drive a stake through him, he only speaks to Thor. ]

You said you would protect me ... you will, won't you?

[ryoushi]

[ Hogun doesn't believe the bit about the spell. The victims rarely notice that they're entranced, so he ignores the blond man's claim. He glares at the beast as it continues to play the part of a weak and innocent man. ]

You do not understand the true nature of this ...friend. You would do well to ignore his words and get away from him.

[coffeemugsmash]

Of course I will.

[ He said this over his shoulder, to Loki, without taking his eyes off the man who wore Hogun's face.

He was without armor and without weapons. But that wasn't going to stop him from defending himself, or his friend. He took up a defensive stance once more as he addressed the man before him. ]

You stand there with your sword drawn on two unarmed men! What reason have I to believe your word over his? You may bear resemblance to Hogun the Grim, but you do not share his honor!

[ophis]

[ Thor is much larger than him, a mighty shield to protect him from the approaching hunter. Still, he can't fight his instinct to flee, and he takes another step back.

His eyes are focused on the hunter, darkening in his gaze. Accursed hunters, always out to ruin his existence. ]

There is little room for honour among men so ruthless. They stop at nothing to achieve their goals, no matter how much blood must be shed to reach it.

[ryoushi]

[ Something about that comment triggers something in Hogun, making him grip his sword tighter and step forward, leaning to glare at the offending creature. ]

Blood shed? Blood shed?! You have no right to speak about what blood is shed. Yes, stranger, I stand here weapon drawn, but it is not drawn on you, and the other in our company is no man, nor is he unarmed.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Thor felt torn. Both of these men wore faces he knew and trusted, yet he knew them both very little. One only an hour more than the other. He wanted to trust them both, but they spoke at such odds it was obvious he needed to choose a side. The more the man before him spoke, the less he resembled the Hogun he knew. Which made the decision somewhat easier. ]

First you threaten us, now this? You have refused his attempts to make amends for his wrong doings! You have no right to peruse him further!

[ophis]

[ Oh dear. The hunter was dangerously close to revealing the truth. Loki takes two more steps back, apprehensive as he is fearful. He wonders what Thor would think if he knew what he was, but also knows he can't afford to waste thought on it now. If Thor can't stop the hunter, he needs a quick escape. ]

If I recall correctly, you and your fellow hunters care little for the more innocent ones who get in your way.

[ryoushi]

Enough!

[ Hogun has a hard enough time reconciling his lifestyle with his own conscience, he has no desire to defend himself to this monster or any other. He hunts to protect humanity at large, and sometimes that comes at a cost, such is the balance of things. He knows that, his target knows that, and if the blond stranger knew, surely he would see that Hogun is in the right. He does not relish killing, but it needs to be done. ]

I do not wish to fight you, but if you will not stand aside, you will get hurt. If not by me, then by him.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ If he needed any other proof that this was not really Hogun, that was it. And it made him so very angry. Not that he was being threatened--that he could deal with--but that his new found friend was. He took a step toward the hunger, hands curling into tight fists. He was without his hammer, without his power. But he would still fight. ]

I grow tired of your words! Let us pass, or it is you who will be hurt!

[ophis]

[ Loki knows he hit a soft spot with the way the hunter snaps, weapon at the ready and trained for his head. He doesn't know how well Thor can protect him, but with those arms, he should be able to fend a skilled hunter off long enough for an escape.

He has no other choice. It won't be long before the sun rises, and the hunter is too close. ]

Best of luck to you, my friend. Watch for hidden knives. [ And with that, Loki turns on his heel and flees. He keeps to the alleys and shadows, to remain hidden. Hopefully Thor can hold his own. ]

[ryoushi]

[ A frustrated growl issues from Hogun's throat as he watches the lithe man disappear into the night. He considers giving chase, but between his target's inhuman speed and the big blond obstacle standing in his way, there's really no point. Angry, Hogun resheathes his blade and looks up, judging the time by the position of the stars. ]

Not long 'til dawn. He will have gone to ground. [ He spares one last look at the stranger before turning to leave. ] I hope you know what you have done.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Thor turns, intending to urge Loki to stay. But he is gone. Enraged by this sudden departure, he whips back around to Hogun. Even though the hunter has put away his sword, Thor advances on him. Looking ready to fight. ]

What I have done? You hunt a man who flees before your blade! Your lack of honor is an insult to the face you wear!

[ophis]

[ Loki feels bad that he had to leave Thor behind, hoping dearly that he'll be able to avoid the worst of the hunter's wrath, but he had no choice. He didn't have much time before sunrise.

He glances behind him once, in unspoken apology, before disappearing into the night. He'll find Thor again. And hopefully, next time, they won't run into that hunter again. ]

how far do you want to take this?

[ryoushi]

What I hunt is no man. You should be more careful in your choice of company.

[ Hogun makes no move towards him, face impassive and posture calm. With his prey gone, his fight is over. He will defend himself if necessary, but he won't hurt an innocent man if he can avoid it.

As far as you'd like!

[coffeemugsmash]

[ The restraint it takes Thor to hold himself back from putting a fist through Hogun's face is obvious. ]

He a man as much as I or any citizen of Asgard!