A/N: While I do wish there were more, special thanks to Evilhumour, King Sombrony, Killabyte, Ketvirtas, New Spark, hs0003, gakuseiakira, drgnwolf, and The Grim Reaper. for your comments last chapter! Still kind of wish there would be more though... It is great comments like those that keep me writing! Thank you again, and I hope to continue hearing from you all!
Chapter title now brought to you by Disturbed's "The Animal"
Sorry for the wait and brevity. Blog has details.
I'd love to hear what you have to think afterwards in the comments, and remember, comments are !
The wandering of Loki, Stormrage, and their less talkative animal companions went on with as little speech as to be expected. Loki kept silent while keeping his ears tuned to the wailing of the screams around them. Illidan kept to himself as well, only speaking to guide Loki around threats seen in the ever present mists.
Loki would stop on occasion to tend to Trixie, whose body seemed to be falling to mortal concerns unlike Loki’s own. Her fur was growing unruly and thick with dirt, while her body slowly lost weight. Loki would feed her when possible, neglecting his own health all the while taking care of her.
He did not feel hungry. His wounds did not disappear. His pool of magical energy remained at a constant low. Loki could easily ignore these things completely by finding some false reason, but deep down the notion of what they could mean was terrifying him into pushing these thoughts away the moment he would delve into them.
There appeared to be no exact designation of day and night, and it did not take Loki long during his stay to lose track of his original internal chronometer. Had he stumbled for weeks or days with only the screams of his fellow prisoners to greet him? Loki knew not.
“Stop.”
He was so detached that even when he was roused from his monotony that he took a moment to respond to it. Loki walked straight into Illidan’s outstretched arm, his eyes flickering before he noticed why his ally had done this.
Before them both was the soft waves of a body of water. The mists around them prevented Loki from seeing much beyond the immediate edge of the water, but the Asgardian doubted that would prohibit his ally with his unique eyes.
“What is it?” Loki questioned, prompting Illidan to scan the surroundings with his magical eyes.
Illidan’s cheeks and eyebrows shifted, the cloth covering his blind eyes doing little to hide how he narrowed his eyes in an instinctual response to whatever was flowing through his mind, “These waters...they do not end within any swimming distance I would imagine. Just a look down reveals an abyss not common to a lake. I do not know how deep it delves, but I would not test it. We do not know who or what awaits us beneath the waters.”
Loki had no response for him to give as the Asgardian shifted Trixie on his shoulders as the mare began to slip. He had not thought of a more efficient way to carry her with his diminished magic, and his mind had been caught up with other things of varying importance.
Illidan groaned as he continued to use his special power to see their immediate surroundings, “This area though...there is an energy signature linked to the water and area—”
“Hiya!”
The voice was young and chipper, a big contrast to the tortured screams and wails elsewhere. Loki twisted around and nearly stumbled into the water, only not doing so because of Illidan’s still outstretched arm.
After turning to face the sudden voice, Loki found himself furrowing his brow. The being in front of him appeared to be dressed in some kind of golden, armored lingerie with a torn bow on the back of it. Her face held soft red eyes that were fearlessly staring into his own, while her face beamed a bright smile.
To Loki’s utter confusion, this odd girl was quite young. Her petite height made her appear as if she was just a child, and her young face did little to change that. He estimated her to be of early teenage years, and the radiating energy from her seemed to confirm his suspicion.
With their utterly ridiculous metal dancing girl outfit and goofy grin, Loki disregarded the girl as a threat despite her sudden appearance. After Loki let his tension go he gave a small sigh of relief towards her.
“Did your mother not teach you that sneaking up on others is dangerous, child?”
The silver haired girl brings one index finger to her chin and her face goes from quizzical to both distraught and confused. As Loki fears that he may have said something damaging, she pouts to him, “I don’t know. Should she have?”
Illidan cleared his throat and drew the attention of Loki once again. The satyr being shook his head from side to side slowly before giving a small nod to the water behind them.
He then looks scornfully at the girl, “Who are you who is bound to this place?”
Loki, piecing together that this girl is somehow related to the area, quiets himself to observe the girl.
Whatever she was, she was linked to the immediate area and water. How, Loki had no idea, but he was not about to let his guard down a moment longer.
Any signs of childish innocence vanished from her face at the question. Her eyes lost their previous glimmer, and her face fell into a blank expression.
“Who are we?”
Loki drew concern from the mention of “we”, though there was a possibility it was just a speaking quirk...a possibility Loki shoved aside with the dangerous possibilities that arose from her literally meaning “we”.
The girl laughs hollowly and disappears at a speed faster than any of the other beings Loki had encountered in the land, only to reappear a dozen feet away. The mist around them shifted to allow them to be seen, and Loki took note of the change in the surroundings. After all, a being who could manipulate the mists could be useful.
Illidan took to a fighting stance the moment he could react to her movement, though she made no violent assault or attack in return. She just stood there in silence before a sigh of her own left her lips.
“Yes, that is a good question…”
Loki, with Trixie on his back and Ikol on his shoulder, could not react the same way as Illidan. Instead he just waited to see what would happen, as he felt a sudden surge of power come from her that did not only seem to be centered where she stood but also all around them in the very air.
A straight up fight would not likely be to their advantage, or at least to Loki’s. And Loki was concerned about his own well being after all, even after everything.
The girl’s skin begins to turn a light blue and she tilts her head back as her body forms into something else. With the exception of half her face still belonging to the original girl, the being’s new form was entirely different.
Instead of marble skin with silver hair, they were a sky blue shade of skin tone with a darker but still light blue for their hair. The revealing outfit was too replaced, now with an aquamarine cloth garb that went from neck to ankle. Around that neck rested a necklace, and atop the changed half of the head rested half of an intricate crown. While not old, this newer body appears more womanly than the teenager looking one previously displayed.
The two sides of the face smile happily through a quick twitch, though the sight disturbs the two travelers more than it does comfort them, “You can call us the pieces left over.”
This woman creature could see the curiosity in both the eyes of Loki and Illidan. She continued to smile to them both while bringing her legs up into the air and crossing them beneath her, her body simply floating as if it were sitting on the ground.
Now seemingly comfortable, the flight capable woman let out a morose sigh, “Every soul here loses a part of it while it lingers…” her right palm runs over her unchanged half of her face while her left falls to her clothed stomach, “Sometimes pieces that drift off can congregate and join with other things that are similar enough to them.”
Similar souls drawn together?
Both Illidan and Loki turned to one another. Similar souls certainly described the two of them, though neither knew exactly if her words were as literal as her own body or if it was more metaphorical.
After exchanging glances with Illidan long enough for the silence to grow pregnant, Loki cleared his throat and turned back to the being across them.
“I feel that we should introduce ourselves. I am Loki, prince of Asgard,” Loki brings a hand to his chest while gripping Trixie with one arm before using his now free arm to point at Illidan, “and this is my companion Illidan Stormrage. We are searching for a method of leaving this realm, and any assistance you lend would be most appreciated.”
Their introduction was promptly ignored as the woman floated up to Loki, ignoring Illidan as her eyes hovered by Loki’s chest. Loki looked down with confusion as she hovered so close and by him. Her closeness made him feel a strong gust of wind push against him, and suddenly her floating became less mystical to him.
“That is an interesting necklace you have…” she breathes in an interested tone. Loki’s head tilts down to observe his own necklace that he had had made for him with Luna’s symbol on it. The normally colored stone rested as a grey, seemingly unable to contact with its other half as Loki would have wished it to.
The woman smiles up at him, her half silver and half blue hair swaying softly behind her head from the wind her body was sending off, “A gift?”
Uncomfortable by her closeness, Loki readjusted his grip on Trixie while trying to edge slightly away from the odd being, “Yes. From someone back home.”
Not as uncomfortable but a whole lot more hostile was Illidan, who had been observing the woman more closely after she floated over to them. His eyes were blind in the common sense, but they could see the dark energy radiating off this chimera-esque abomination.
“Tell me, Loki, do you see a rotund demon before you?” Illidan grunted with obvious displeasure, still prepared to attack if that was to be needed. He had no trust for this being of darkness, even if they did appear carefree. Sometimes the most deadly traps came from the most cheerful of faces after all.
Loki dared not react with a jump backwards, as the water was supposedly both deep and connected to this being. Her aqua themed coloration helped sell the idea that she was somehow in control of the water, and Loki was not about to put himself in this witch’s element.
Defying their expectations though, the woman only stood up straight to let out a hearty laugh that sounded like it came from a noblewoman. After laughing briefly to the confusion of both males, she took in enough breath to speak again.
“My my, you can see through this body’s disguise. Not many can do that. Let me try another.”
The body once again shifted in a rapid display, now revealing a blue armored warrior with the same colored hair. Her appearance was much similar to the first being’s, though blue scales on the face prevented them from being anything more than a slight familial relation if anything at all. Wings were sprouted from her back, though they appeared more of a part of the armor itself than her own body.
This time no visible traces remained of the last form, though Loki assumed that the armor was encasing something left over given the way she put a hand to her covered stomach the last time when speaking about changes.
With the transformation complete, the woman spoke in a voice quite similar to the original’s in that it was both perky and had the sound of a young adult rather than a grown woman, “Is this form preferable to you?”
Neither Loki nor Illidan had a response, each racing through their internal thoughts to try and make sense of this being. What did it want and what were its capabilities? Why did it come up to them out of all of the souls in the disturbed world?
Not seeming to care about their reservations about her presence, the girl continued to observe Loki’s necklace with fervor while flapping her giant wings to stay in the air.
“Tell me more of this person back home.”
Loki remained careful to not mention that they were truly a pony, as it might complicate matters, but then again he supposed that Luna was spending about an equal time as an Asgardian and as a pony these days.
“I will tell you whatever you like, so long as you reciprocate and lend us the information we are seeking.”
Even submitting to the powerful witch, Loki would be persistent in his goal.
Once again, the transforming being ignored what she seemingly had no interest in, “A friend?” she paused dramatically before asking in a more playful voice, “Family?”
Why did this being desire to know this? Why was this possession of his and the bond it symbolized so captivating to the woman-child-thing? Just as Loki opened his mouth to actually respond to her, she continued on in a more soft and secretive tone.
“A lover?”
Loki nodded, though thinking about Luna made him realize that she would throttle this woman for being this close to him if she were present, “Yes, and one who might come to this place just to end your existance should you draw any closer. Please do not.”
“What? Would they feel threatened by a woman drawing closer to you?” her face becomes devilish as she slowly brings her hand towards his bare chest, “Jealous?”
Unable to take a step back, Loki forced himself to endure her touch as the armored hand ran over his pectorals and the necklace. Seeing his obvious discontentment only amused the woman, who scoffed in the most playful of ways, “Envious?”
Being the largest there and quite powerful afforded Illidan the opportunity to reach out and try to push her back, “He said that is close enough, woman.”
Without her even moving, the wind around both Loki and Illidan riled up and lashed out. Both were knocked away from one another, their bodies being tossed laterally with the body of water...
Well...ok then. Now I want to know who this is
Huh, I wonder who tis new person is and you are most welcome.
Yay good chapter!!!!!
This story has been luna approved!
I can smell the sexual tension between Loki and this mystery woman. I want to know who she is.
My reaction to the ending: "well fuck."
There was once a time where I had more feelings, and when I could feel something about everything. That was fun. Now I'm quite numb, and it's making me quite uncomfortable. This is a good chapter, but my heart has seemed to have stopped working. So bye for now.
Hmmm... Let's see, a chimera of things left behind, a link to water and shapeshifting capabilities, as well as usually appearing quite young and happy, though demonic and willing to push them into the water gladly. I'd guess some interpretation of a water nymph of some kind, but the wind doesn't quite align with that, even allowing for creative interpretations of water nymph essence draining.
Not much to say. Enigmatic chimera is enigmatic, though the face description where she lifted her head and had another face reminded me of Zaphod Beeblebrox. I'd guess that next chapter won't be as simple as treading water, but it will not go to the opposite of drowning.
Interesting that Loki's already lost track of time. Circadian rhythms are pretty good at keeping time, what with stuff going on. I forget exactly how it works, but even in my room where very little daylight finds its way in, my circadian rhythms are generally accurate enough I don't have to set an alarm clock. Generally. Then again, could just be the starvation.
A new challenger appears!
...
Should I know who this is?
Mysterious shapeshifter connected to water?
Why was this chapter short?
Why am I asking so many questions?
Who is this being, what do they want?
Interest piqued
An interesting encounter, with a a rather interesting being. A collection of the leftovers from the tortured souls. Luna would have definitely beaten her up for getting too close to her property. A rather interesting scene that hopefully will come true. Great chapter.
Hmm, no idea who this new person is. Though I didn't see Ilidian coming either. I'm still trying to figure out what he purpose of sending him here was. Good chapter. I look forwardb to the next!
I hope nothing bad happens to Trixie during this.
4596502 Did you say Zaphod Beeblebrox?Yay
4596133 You wanna know?
You really wanna know?
Well here you go. It doesn't actually matter, and it won't be said in the chapter since they are unable to remember almost anything.
Form 1 (Meru)
fc06.deviantart.net/fs42/i/2009/168/2/b/Meru_by_ArcanaEnigma.jpg
Form 2 (Oceanus)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120501215219/dragonball/images/5/5a/Dbgtepisode51_169.jpg
Form 3 (Damia)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111130234218/legendofdragoon/images/b/bb/Damiadrawing.jpg
Form 3 Again
4596140
4596283
4597845
4596133 You wanna know?
You really wanna know?
Well here you go. It doesn't actually matter, and it won't be said in the chapter since they are unable to remember almost anything.
Form 1 (Meru)
fc06.deviantart.net/fs42/i/2009/168/2/b/Meru_by_ArcanaEnigma.jpg
Form 2 (Oceanus)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120501215219/dragonball/images/5/5a/Dbgtepisode51_169.jpg
Form 3 (Damia)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111130234218/legendofdragoon/images/b/bb/Damiadrawing.jpg
Form 3 Again
4596502 Water nymph is a good guess on your part, as that is the central theme between the different forms at least on my end. Gonna be even more noticeable when I add a 4th form, which is pretty much 100% water nymph.
Enigmatic is indeed enigmatic Too bad they have forgotten too much to help themselves on that front
You are very correct about circadian rhythms, but that does not change the reason why he is all messed up.
For the nymph, here are the images of their appearance for you. If you can accurately guess what other forms may be involved I will be impressed
Form 1 (Meru)
fc06.deviantart.net/fs42/i/2009/168/2/b/Meru_by_ArcanaEnigma.jpg
Form 2 (Oceanus)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120501215219/dragonball/images/5/5a/Dbgtepisode51_169.jpg
Form 3 (Damia)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111130234218/legendofdragoon/images/b/bb/Damiadrawing.jpg
Form 3 Again
4597446 Why is it short? Because I needed to go to bed but had a bit I could give you all. New chapter in a couple days.
And you wanna know?
You really wanna know?
Well here you go. It doesn't actually matter, and it won't be said in the chapter since they are unable to remember almost anything.
Form 1 (Meru)
fc06.deviantart.net/fs42/i/2009/168/2/b/Meru_by_ArcanaEnigma.jpg
Form 2 (Oceanus)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120501215219/dragonball/images/5/5a/Dbgtepisode51_169.jpg
Form 3 (Damia)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111130234218/legendofdragoon/images/b/bb/Damiadrawing.jpg
Form 3 Again
4599295 About what exactly?
4599947 Luckily we have more of the encounter to cover
And Luna would love to beat up anybody/pony who gets too close to Loki, but she's worlds away at the moment
Thanks again
4600025 You wanna know who the new person is?
You really wanna know?
Well here you go. It doesn't actually matter, and it won't be said in the chapter since they are unable to remember almost anything.
Form 1 (Meru)
fc06.deviantart.net/fs42/i/2009/168/2/b/Meru_by_ArcanaEnigma.jpg
Form 2 (Oceanus)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120501215219/dragonball/images/5/5a/Dbgtepisode51_169.jpg
Form 3 (Damia)
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111130234218/legendofdragoon/images/b/bb/Damiadrawing.jpg
Form 3 Again
4601665 So do I, so do I
4596166 It has been?
4596389 ...okay?
You okat?
4602359
Oh I feel better now, I don't know any of those characters
I thought my brain was failing me yet again.
Tiredness is no excuse! 'Sides, it's not like you had to give us a chapter when you did
4602349 cool and thanks
4602360 Well you were losing me for minute there, but this brought me back
And noqvi wait despratlly for the next chapter...
I have a problem. I accidently down voted this
stupid mouse pad.
4603729 Then undo that and press like instead before other people think that doing so is a good idea
Glad then
4602431 Tiredness is best excuse when you only have about 4-5 hours to sleep every night of the week except the weekend where that is bumped up to 6-7 hours.
Basically water related people who are not human, but humanoid and who have suffered from a lack of friends and/or true relationships.
Meru: water dragon spirit resonates with her, is from a race that is discriminated against (to the point of extermination) and is an outcast amongst even them
Oceanus: a dragon created by an embarassing wish who after being made uses her powers to not appear as an ugly being but rather as a beautiful goddess to a town she helps by tricking them into believing she is just a benevolent being assisting them and not truly an "evil" dragon.
Damia: half-human, half-mermaid who was the one the water dragon spirit resonated with before her own untimely death. Due to her mixed parentage, she suffered from not having any friends and would suffer for over ten thousand years in the place between the living and dead because of her fear of what would happen to her then, and of being alone.
So, buncha poor water girls who have their own identity and friendship problems
4603192 Glad then
4602359 Yay
4604104
Okay fine, you can use the tiredness excuse
I must ask, what is it with you and choosing tortured characters to be in your stories? Are you just drawn to those with pain and problems?
4605946 That Loki is sorry?
4612329 Well, you've already seen what happens next
4612351 Yes, yes she did. It took her awhile and it was hard earned, but Trixie did indeed triumph against an Ursa Major.
Now, will she survive the aftermath?
4612418 Why thank you. Whatcha like?
43 suffers from tense problems. It keeps switching back and forth from present to past. It's quite irritating.